Page:The Monk, A Romance - Lewis (1796, 1st ed., Volume 1).djvu/82

 "My son, I conjure you! I entreat you"

"For pity's sake, enquire no further! I must not—I dare not—Hark! the bell rings for vespers! Father, your benediction, and I leave you."

As he said this, he threw himself upon his knees, and received the blessing which he demanded. Then pressing the abbot's hand to his lips, he started from the ground, and hastily quitted the apartment. Soon after Ambrosio descended to vespers (which were celebrated in a small chapel belonging to the abbey), filled with surprise at the singularity of the youth's behaviour.

Vespers being over, the monks retired to their respective cells. The abbot alone remained in the chapel to receive the nuns of St. Clare. He had not been long seated in the confessional chair, before the prioress made her appearance. Each of the nuns was heard in her turn, while the others waited with the domina in the adjoining vestry. Ambrosio listened to the confes-