t, and had brought
Donna Antonia to herself, who told me that She had cried out upon
seeing her Mother's Ghost, (And well might She cry, poor Soul! Had I
been in her place, I should have cried ten times louder) it directly
came into my head, that if any one had power to quiet this Spectre, it
must be your Reverence. So hither I came in all diligence, to beg that
you will sprinkle my House with holy water, and lay the Apparition in
the Red Sea.'

Ambrosio stared at this strange story, which He could not credit.

'Did Donna Antonia also see the Ghost?' said He.

'As plain as I see you, Reverend Father!'

Ambrosio paused for a moment. Here was an opportunity offered him of
gaining access to Antonia, but He hesitated to employ it. The
reputation which He enjoyed in Madrid was still dear to him; and since
He had lost the reality of virtue, it appeared as if its semblance was
become more valuable. He was conscious that publicly to break through
the rule never to quit the Abbey precincts, would derogate much from
his supposed austerity. In visiting Elvira, He had always taken care to
keep his features concealed from the Domestics. Except by the Lady,
her Daughter, and the faithful Flora, He was known in the Family by no
other name than that of Father Jerome. Should He comply with
Jacintha's request, and accompany her to her House, He knew that the
violation of his rule could not be kept a secret. However, his
eagerness to see Antonia obtained the victory: He even hoped, that the
singularity of this adventure would justify him in the eyes of Madrid:
But whatever might be the consequences, He resolved to profit by the
opportunity which chance had presented to him. An expressive look from
Matilda confirmed him in this resolution.

'Good Woman,' said He to Jacintha, 'what you tell me is so
extraordinary that I can scarcely credit your assertions. However, I
will comply with your request. Tomorrow after Matins you may expect me
at your House: I will then examine into what I can do for you, and if
it is in my power, will free you from this unwelcome Visitor. Now then
go home, and peace be with you!'

'Home?' exclaimed Jacintha; 'I go home? Not I by my troth! except
under your protection, I set no foot of mine within the threshold. God
help me, the Ghost may meet me upon the Stairs, and whisk me away with
her to the devil! Oh! That I had accepted young Melchior Basco's
offer! Then I should have had somebody to