Page:The Monk, A Romance - Lewis (1796, 1st ed., Volume 3).djvu/77

 successful. Such was their employment when a lay-brother entered the abbot's cell, and informed him that a woman calling herself Jacintha Zuniga requested audience for a few minutes.

Ambrosio was by no means disposed to grant the petition of his visitor. He refused it positively, and bade the lay-brother tell the stranger to return the next day. Matilda interrupted him

"See this woman," said she in a low voice; "I have my reasons."

The abbot obeyed her, and signified that he would go to the parlour immediately. With this answer the lay-brother withdrew. As soon as they were alone, Ambrosio enquired why Matilda wished him to see this Jacintha.

"She is Antonia's hostess," replied Matilda; "she may possibly be of use to you but let us examine her, and learn what brings her hither."

They proceeded together to the parlour, where Jacintha was already waiting for the