onvent?

_Mar._ Right, right, Benvolio; twas his advice, twas his alone.

_Hor._ I do not deny it; but I appeal to yourself, marquis, whether he
gave not good reasons for that advice? the dangers of the voyage-- the
inclement season-- ah! had Josepha lived, perhaps the example of that
holy sisterhood might have weaned her heart from worldly follies, and
inspired----

_Mar._ (_surprised_) How, Hortensia! I hope that in placing your
daughter in that convent, no views concealed from me-- (Hortensia _looks
confused_)

The servant ushers in the _prior_, and retires.

_Pri._ Humbly I bend in salutation to this illustrious company! will the
lady marchioness deign to confirm my hopes, that at length she begins to
bear her afflictions with some serenity?

_Hor._ Thanks to your pious exhortations, father, I am at least
resigned; more shall I never answer-- for my heart is broken.

_Pri._ Little as I dare flatter myself, that a poor monk's
congratulations can be acceptable to your excellency, I cannot refrain
from expressing my joy at your newly acquired dignity. But it is not the
count Benvolio, whom I congratulate on being appointed governor of
Sicily; tis Sicily, on being governed by the count Benvolio.

_Vic._ I am perfectly aware, reverend sir, that the high-flown elegance
of that compliment can only be equalled by its sincerity; believe me no
less sincere, when I assure you on my honour, that my gratitude for your
approbation bears an exact proportion to the pleasure experienced by
yourself at my appointment.

_Pri._ (_bowing_) More can I not desire. Yet must I excuse myself for
intruding into your presence at a moment when fraternal attachment must
needs make you wish to be undisturbed: but the claims of compassion
admit of no delay, and my heart is ever too weak to resist the
entreaties of a sufferer. My noble lord and lady, I bring to you the
request of an unfortunate youth-- of Venoni.

_All._ (_eagerly_) Venoni?

_Pri._ His noviciate is nearly expired; tomorrow he will pronounce his
vows.

_Mar._ Unhappy youth!

_Vic._ Tomorrow?

_Pri._ But ere he renounces the world for ever, he intreats permission
to take leave of those dear and illustrious persons, who once did not
disdain to look upon him as their son.

_Hor._ (_greatly agitated_) No, no! I cannot-- I dare not----

_Vic._ (_seriously_) Sister-- Venoni must not be refused.

_Pri._ Reflect, dear lady; the ear of true piety is never closed aga