is art can do nothing. He says that
He suspects the Youth to be poisoned.'

'Poisoned? Oh! The Unfortunate! It is then as I suspected! But let
me not lose a moment; Perhaps it may yet be time to save her!'

He said, and flew towards the Cell of the Novice. Several Monks were
already in the chamber. Father Pablos was one of them, and held a
medicine in his hand which He was endeavouring to persuade Rosario to
swallow. The Others were employed in admiring the Patient's divine
countenance, which They now saw for the first time. She looked
lovelier than ever. She was no longer pale or languid; A bright glow
had spread itself over her cheeks; her eyes sparkled with a serene
delight, and her countenance was expressive of confidence and
resignation.

'Oh! torment me no more!' was She saying to Pablos, when the terrified
Abbot rushed hastily into the Cell; 'My disease is far beyond the reach
of your skill, and I wish not to be cured of it'--Then perceiving
Ambrosio,-- 'Ah! 'tis He!' She cried; 'I see him once again, before we
part for ever! Leave me, my Brethren; Much have I to tell this holy
Man in private.'

The Monks retired immediately, and Matilda and the Abbot remained
together.

'What have you done, imprudent Woman!' exclaimed the Latter, as soon as
they were left alone; 'Tell me; Are my suspicions just? Am I indeed to
lose you? Has your own hand been the instrument of your destruction?'

She smiled, and grasped his hand.

'In what have I been imprudent, Father? I have sacrificed a pebble,
and saved a diamond: My death preserves a life valuable to the world,
and more dear to me than my own. Yes, Father; I am poisoned; But know
that the poison once circulated in your veins.'

'Matilda!'

'What I tell you I resolved never to discover to you but on the bed of
death: That moment is now arrived. You cannot have forgotten the day
already, when your life was endangered by the bite of a Cientipedoro.
The Physician gave you over, declaring himself ignorant how to extract
the venom: I knew but of one means, and hesitated not a moment to
employ it. I was left alone with you: You slept; I loosened the
bandage from your hand; I kissed the wound, and drew out the poison
with my lips. The effect has been more sudden than I expected. I feel
death at my heart; Yet an hour, and I shall be in a better world.'

'Almighty God!' exclaimed the Abbot, and sank almost lifeless upon the
Bed.

After a few minutes