hich She had been
seated, and attempted to escape by flight. Her Companions at the same
moment uttered a terrified scream, while Lorenzo arrested the Fugitive
by the arm. Frightened and desperate She sank upon her knees before
him.

'Spare me!' She exclaimed; 'For Christ's sake, spare me! I am
innocent, indeed, I am!'

While She spoke, her voice was almost choaked with fear. The beams of
the Lamp darting full upon her face which was unveiled, Lorenzo
recognized the beautiful Virginia de Villa-Franca. He hastened to
raise her from the ground, and besought her to take courage. He
promised to protect her from the Rioters, assured her that her retreat
was still a secret, and that She might depend upon his readiness to
defend her to the last drop of his blood. During this conversation,
the Nuns had thrown themselves into various attitudes: One knelt, and
addressed herself to heaven; Another hid her face in the lap of her
Neighbour; Some listened motionless with fear to the discourse of the
supposed Assassin; while Others embraced the Statue of St. Clare, and
implored her protection with frantic cries. On perceiving their
mistake, they crowded round Lorenzo and heaped benedictions on him by
dozens. He found that, on hearing the threats of the Mob, and
terrified by the cruelties which from the Convent Towers they had seen
inflicted on the Superior, many of the Pensioners and Nuns had taken
refuge in the Sepulchre. Among the former was to be reckoned the
lovely Virginia. Nearly related to the Prioress, She had more reason
than the rest to dread the Rioters, and now besought Lorenzo earnestly
not to abandon her to their rage. Her Companions, most of whom were
Women of noble family, made the same request, which He readily granted.
He promised not to quit them, till He had seen each of them safe in the
arms of her Relations: But He advised their deferring to quit the
Sepulchre for some time longer, when the popular fury should be
somewhat calmed, and the arrival of military force have dispersed the
multitude.

'Would to God!' cried Virginia, 'That I were already safe in my
Mother's embraces! How say you, Segnor; Will it be long, ere we may
leave this place? Every moment that I pass here, I pass in torture!'

'I hope, not long,' said He; 'But till you can proceed with security,
this Sepulchre will prove an impenetrable asylum. Here you run no
risque of a discovery, and I would advise your remaining quiet for t