"Matilda!"
"I loosened the bandage from your arm; I drew out the poison with my lips. I feel death at my heart."
"And you have sacrificed yourself for me! Is there, indeed, no hope?"
"There is but one means of life in my power--a dangerous and dreadful means; life would be purchased at too dear a rate--unless it were permitted me to live for you."
"Then live for me," cried the infatuated monk, clasping her in his arms. "Live for me!"
"Then," she cried joyfully, "no dangers shall appall me. Swear that you will never inquire by what means I shall preserve myself, and procure for me the key of the burying-ground common to us and the sisterhood of St. Clare."
When Ambrosio had obtained the key, Matilda left him. She returned radiant with joy.
"I have succeeded!" she cried. "I shall live, Ambrosio--shall live for you!"
III.--Unavailing Remorse
Raymond and Lorenzo had gone to the rendezvous appointed in the letter, and had waited to be joined by Agnes and to enable her to escape from the convent.