The Lady was the first to recover herself.
'It is no dream!' She cried; 'It is really Ambrosio, who stands
before me! It is the Man whom Madrid esteems a Saint, that I
find at this late hour near the Couch of my unhappy Child!
Monster of Hypocrisy! I already suspected your designs, but
forbore your accusation in pity to human frailty. Silence would
now be criminal: The whole City shall be informed of your
incontinence. I will unmask you, Villain, and convince the
Church what a Viper She cherishes in her bosom.'
Pale and confused the baffled Culprit stood trembling before her.
He would fain have extenuated his offence, but could find no
apology for his conduct: He could produce nothing but broken
sentences, and excuses which contradicted each other. Elvira was
too justly incensed to grant the pardon which He requested. She
protested that She would raise the neighbourhood, and make him an
example to all future Hypocrites. Then hastening to the Bed, She
called to Antonia to wake; and finding that her voice had no
effect, She took her arm, and raised her forcibly from the
pillow. The charm operated too powerfully. Antonia remained
insensible, and on being released by her Mother, sank back upon
the pillow.
'This slumber cannot be natural!' cried the amazed Elvira, whose
indignation increased with every moment. 'Some mystery is
concealed in it; But tremble, Hypocrite; all your villainy shall
soon be unravelled! Help! Help!' She exclaimed aloud; 'Within
there! Flora! Flora!'
'Hear me for one moment, Lady!' cried the Monk, restored to
himself by the urgency of the danger; 'By all that is sacred and
holy, I swear that your Daughter's honour is still unviolated.
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