d the
Rioters to be advancing in pursuit of them. Hastily quitting the
Prisoner who remained insensible, they crowded round Lorenzo, and
claimed his promise to protect them. Virginia alone forgot her own
danger by striving to relieve the sorrows of Another. She supported
the Sufferer's head upon her knees, bathing her temples with
rose-water, chafing her cold hands, and sprinkling her face with tears
which were drawn from her by compassion. The Strangers approaching
nearer, Lorenzo was enabled to dispel the fears of the Suppliants. His
name, pronounced by a number of voices among which He distinguished the
Duke's, pealed along the Vaults, and convinced him that He was the
object of their search. He communicated this intelligence to the Nuns,
who received it with rapture. A few moments after confirmed his idea.
Don Ramirez, as well as the Duke, appeared, followed by Attendants with
Torches. They had been seeking him through the Vaults, in order to let
him know that the Mob was dispersed, and the riot entirely over.
Lorenzo recounted briefly his adventure in the Cavern, and explained
how much the Unknown was in want of medical assistance. He besought
the Duke to take charge of her, as well as of the Nuns and Pensioners.

'As for me,' said He, 'Other cares demand my attention. While you with
one half of the Archers convey these Ladies to their respective homes,
I wish the other half to be left with me. I will examine the Cavern
below, and pervade the most secret recesses of the Sepulchre. I cannot
rest till convinced that yonder wretched Victim was the only one
confined by Superstition in these vaults.'

The Duke applauded his intention. Don Ramirez offered to assist him in
his enquiry, and his proposal was accepted with gratitude.

The Nuns having made their acknowledgments to Lorenzo, committed
themselves to the care of his Uncle, and were conducted from the
Sepulchre. Virginia requested that the Unknown might be given to her
in charge, and promised to let Lorenzo know whenever She was
sufficiently recovered to accept his visits. In truth, She made this
promise more from consideration for herself than for either Lorenzo or
the Captive. She had witnessed his politeness, gentleness, and
intrepidity with sensible emotion. She wished earnestly to preserve
his acquaintance; and in addition to the sentiments of pity which the
Prisoner excited, She hoped that her attention to this Unfortunate
would raise her