"The very thing I seek," answered Lorenza; "in the abode of God alone can I find a life of rest."
"But not of vengeance. If you want reprisal on your foes, apply to the magistrates."
"They can do nothing against the man whom I dread."
"Who can he be?" asked the lady superior, with secret and involuntary fright.
"Who?" said the Italian, approaching the princess-abbess under the sway of mysterious exaltation. "I am certain that he is one of those devils who war against mankind, endowed by their Prince Satan with superhuman power."
"What are you telling me?" said the other, regarding the woman to make sure that she was not mad.
"What a wretch am I to have fallen across the path of this demon," groaned Lorenza, writhing her lovely arms, seemingly reft from a flawless ancient statue. "I am possessed of a fiend," she gasped, going up to the lady and speaking in a low voice, as if afraid to hear her own tones.
"Possessed! Speak out, if you are in your senses."
"I am not mad, though I may become so, if you drive me away."