"'Alas, poor Laura!' she muttered, hoarsely."
"'Will you, who have done so much for her up to the present, abandon her at this supreme moment, when your assistance and support will become more than ever necessary to her? Are you not her foster sister? her dearest friend? What prevents? You! an orphan from your earliest youth, all your affections are concentrated on Laura. Answer me, Doña Luisa, I conjure you!'"
"The maiden gave a start of surprise, almost of terror."
"'You know me!' she said."
"'Have I not already said that I knew all? Come, my child, if not for your own sake, then for hers, accompany her. Do not compel me to leave you here in the hands of terrible enemies, who will inflict frightful tortures on you.'"
"'You wish it?' she stammered sadly."
"'She begs you by my lips.'"
"'Well, be it so; the sacrifice shall be complete. I will follow you, though I know not whether, in doing so, I am acting rightly or wrongly; but, although I do not know you, although a mask conceals your features, I have faith in your words. You seem to have a noble heart, and may heaven grant that I am not committing an error.'"
"'It is the God of goodness and mercy who inspires you with this resolution, poor child.'"
"Doña Luisa let her head sink on her breast as she breathed a sigh that resembled a sob."