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Rh —a wish vain indeed; for Beatrice saw clearly that the victim was more closely watched than ever. She herself, too, was observed with something of suspicion. A note she sent to Pachetti was opened before her; and during an interview with him, an elder nun remained the whole time within ear-shot of the grating. Moreover, she had her own sources of anxiety. Nothing had been heard of her father; and though most ample time had elapsed for Lorraine's return to Naples, she had neither seen nor heard of him. The principal events in life are generally unexpected. One afternoon, when Emily's being very unwell had been admitted as sufficient excuse for her absence from the service, the friends had gone together to the convent garden, which garden, it is necessary to observe, lay on the side of the hill: a flight of stone steps led into it, and it was separated from the convent by a wall and a paved court. Emily was too ill for any employment; but Beatrice had brought her embroidery. Seated beneath the shadowy cedar, the hour flew rapidly, when they were startled by loud and uncommon noises. A heavy trampling of steps—clashing as if of swords—several rounds of musketry—screams