"But beside?"
"No matter."
"Wonderful woman! Thy unholy arts could alone have given thee this secret. Thou art indeed to be feared."
"Obey me, then, and secret it shall ever be."
"Speak; what would you?"
"Swear never to harbour revenge against this maiden, or any one of the house of Bellamont; of myself I speak not, for I do not fear thee! Dost thou swear?"
"By the sacred cross, I do."
"Thou art safe, then, so long as thou shalt keep thine oath. Go!"
The priest slowly left the chamber, and, as he closed the door behind him, the sorceress darted from the window upon the balcony, and disappeared in the darkness as suddenly as she had appeared, leaving the maiden overwhelmed with shame, anger, and wonder at the scenes and events in which she had borne so singular a part.