ble gloom, and thy darkened soul turns from the tortured past
to the dim, uncertain future, no loved one is nigh to dash away the
gathering mists, and point to that celestial home "of which it hath
not entered into the heart of man to conceive."

Oh, Inez! thy short life has been dark and tempestuous; it is hard
that a calm and peaceful end is denied to thee, thou suffering
one, longing for rest, oblivion of the past, utter unconsciousness!
Struggle on, proud maiden! but a few moments, and thy tones will
vibrate no longer, thy firm step cease forever, and thy memory pass
away like the shadows of night!

Senora Berara re-entered the silent chamber, accompanied by a priest,
clad in the vestments of his order. They approached the bed, and the
aged dame, bending over Inez, whispered audibly:

"I could not find my own Padre, but I bring one who will confess and
absolve thee? Make haste to prepare for heaven."

"I want neither confession nor absolution! Begone! and let me die in
peace," she answered, without unclosing the lids, which lay so heavily
upon the sunken eyes.

"Leave us together! I will call thee when thou art wanted," whispered
he of the Order of Jesus. The matron immediately withdrew, repeating
an Ave Maria; and they were left alone.

"Inez!"

A shudder crept through the wasted form, and, with a start, she looked
upon the face of the intruder. Even in death, hatred was strong; the
dim eye flashed, and the cold, damp lips wreathed into a smile of
utter scorn:

"Well, Padre! you have tracked me at last. It is a pity, though, you
had not set out one day later; you would have altogether missed your
prey! But I am content, for I am far beyond your reach!" She gasped
for breath, yet ghastly was the mocking smile which lit up the face.

"Not so, Inez! you escaped me once; I have you now! You have defied me
in health; but in death I conquer. You cannot die in peace without my
blessing. Remember, remember, one sin unconfessed will sink you into
everlasting perdition! Think you I will absolve you! Never! Never!"

"What brings you here? Think you the approach of death will terrify
me?--that I shall claim your intercession and absolution? Have you
come hoping to make a bargain, and receive my order for a hundred
sheep, or as many cattle, on condition that you pray me out of
purgatory? I tell you now, if there be such a place, you will surely
follow me ere long. We shall not be separated long, my godly Padre!"