volume02-第13章
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ssassin； it was necessary for me to examine the Man in private。 Don Gaston's delicacy would not permit his urging the point any longer； and in consequence the Bravo was conveyed to my Hotel。
The next Morning I took leave of my Host； who was to return to the Duke on the same day。 My wounds had been so trifling that； except being obliged to wear my arm in a sling for a short time； I felt no inconvenience from the night's adventure。 The Surgeon who examined the Bravo's wound declared it to be mortal： He had just time to confess that He had been instigated to murder me by the revengeful Donna Rodolpha； and expired in a few minutes after。
All my thoughts were now bent upon getting to the speech of my lovely Nun。 Theodore set himself to work； and for this time with better success。 He attacked the Gardener of St。 Clare so forcibly with bribes and promises that the Old Man was entirely gained over to my interests； and it was settled that I should be introduced into the Convent in the character of his Assistant。 The plan was put into execution without delay。 Disguised in a common habit； and a black patch covering one of my eyes； I was presented to the Lady Prioress； who condescended to approve of the Gardener's choice。 I immediately entered upon my employment。 Botany having been a favourite study with me； I was by no means at a loss in my new station。 For some days I continued to work in the Convent Garden without meeting the Object of my disguise： On the fourth Morning I was more successful。 I heard the voice of Agnes； and was speeding towards the sound； when the sight of the Domina stopped me。 I drew back with caution； and concealed myself behind a thick clump of Trees。
The Prioress advanced and seated herself with Agnes on a Bench at no great distance。 I heard her in an angry tone blame her Companion's continual melancholy： She told her that to weep the loss of any Lover in her situation was a crime； But that to weep the loss of a faithless one was folly and absurdity in the extreme。 Agnes replied in so low a voice that I could not distinguish her words； but I perceived that She used terms of gentleness and submission。 The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a young Pensioner who informed the Domina that She was waited for in the Parlour。 The old Lady rose； kissed the cheek of Agnes； and retired。 The newcomer remained。 Agnes spoke much to her in praise of somebody whom I could not make out； but her Auditor seemed highly delighted； and interested by the conversation。 The Nun showed her several letters； the Other perused them with evident pleasure； obtained permission to copy them； and withdrew for that purpose to my great satisfaction。
No sooner was She out of sight； than I quitted my concealment。 Fearing to alarm my lovely Mistress； I drew near her gently； intending to discover myself by degrees。 But who for a moment can deceive the eyes of love？ She raised her head at my approach； and recognised me in spite of my disguise at a single glance。 She rose hastily from her seat with an exclamation of surprize； and attempted to retire； But I followed her； detained her； and entreated to be heard。 Persuaded of my falsehood She refused to listen to me； and ordered me positively to quit the Garden。 It was now my turn to refuse。 I protested that however dangerous might be the consequences； I would not leave her till She had heard my justification。 I assured her that She had been deceived by the artifices of her Relations； that I could convince her beyond the power of doubt that my passion had been pure and disinterested； and I asked her what should induce me to seek her in the Convent； were I influenced by the selfish motives which my Enemies had ascribed to me。
My prayers； my arguments； and vows not to quit her； till She had promised to listen to me； united to her fears lest the Nuns should see me with her； to her natural curiosity； and to the effection which She still felt for me in spite of my supposed desertion； at length prevailed。 She told me that to grant my request at that moment was impossible； But She engaged to be in the same spot at eleven that night； and to converse with me for the last time。 Having obtained this promise I released her hand； and She fled back with rapidity towards the Convent。
I communicated my success to my Ally； the old Gardener： He pointed out an hiding place where I might shelter myself till night without fear of a discovery。 Thither I betook myself at the hour when I ought to have retired with my supposed Master； and waited impatiently for the appointed time。 The chillness of the night was in my favour； since it kept the other Nuns confined to their Cells。 Agnes alone was insensible of the inclemency of the Air； and before eleven joined me at the spot which had witnessed our former interview。 Secure from interruption； I related to her the true cause of my disappearing on the fatal fifth of May。 She was evidently much affected by my narrative： When it was concluded； She confessed the injustice of her suspicions； and blamed herself for having taken the veil through despair at my ingratitude。
'But now it is too late to repine！' She added； 'The die is thrown： I have pronounced my vows； and dedicated myself to the service of heaven。 I am sensible； how ill I am calculated for a Convent。 My disgust at a monastic life increases daily： Ennui and discontent are my constant Companions； and I will not conceal from you that the passion which I formerly felt for one so near being my Husband is not yet extinguished in my bosom。 But we must part！ Insuperable Barriers divide us from each other； and on this side the Grave we must never meet again！'
I now exerted myself to prove that our union was not so impossible as She seemed to think it。 I vaunted to her the Cardinal…Duke of Lerma's influence at the Court of Rome： I assured her that I should easily obtain a dispensation from her vows； and I doubted not but Don Gaston would coincide with my views； when informed of my real name and long attachment。 Agnes replied that since I encouraged such an hope； I could know but little of her Father。 Liberal and kind in every other respect； Superstition formed the only stain upon his character。 Upon this head He was inflexible； He sacrificed his dearest interests to his scruples； and would consider it an insult to suppose him capable of authorising his daughter to break her vows to heaven。
'But suppose；' said I interrupting her； 'Suppose that He should disapprove of our union； Let him remain ignorant of my proceedings； till I have rescued you from the prison in which you are now confined。 Once my Wife； you are free from his authority： I need from him no pecuniary assistance； and when He sees his resentment to be unavailing； He will doubtless restore you to his favour。 But let the worst happen； Should Don Gaston be irreconcileable； my Relations will vie with each other in making you forget his loss： and you will find in my Father a substitute for the Parent of whom I shall deprive you。'
'Don Raymond；' replied Agnes in a firm and resolute voice； 'I love my Father： He has treated me harshly in this one instance； but I have received from him in every other so many proofs of love that his affection is become necessary to my existence。 Were I to quit the Convent； He never would forgive me； nor can I think that on his deathbed He would leave me his curse； without shuddering at the very idea。 Besides； I am conscious myself； that my vows are binding： Wilfully did I contract my engagement with heaven； I cannot break it without a crime。 Then banish from your mind the idea of our being ever united。 I am devoted to religion； and however I may grieve at our separation； I would oppose obstacles myself； to what I feel would render me guilty。'
I strove to overrule these ill…grounded scruples： We were still disputing upon the subject； when the Convent Bell summoned the Nuns to Matins。 Agnes was obliged to attend them； But She left me not till I had compelled her to promise that on the following night She would be at the same place at the same hour。 These meetings continued for several Weeks uninterrupted； and 'tis now； Lorenzo； that I must implore your indulgenc
