"Command yourself, then; Mr. Stewart is not only alive, but well; he loves you yet most ardently, but without hope; he is now on board of the Gentile, he and Pedro—not three miles from you."
While thus by piecemeal I doled out my information, I watched the effect on my auditor. There was no more fainting. Her lips parted, and displayed her white teeth firmly set against each other, and her little hands grasped the bars of the grate convulsively.
Quickly and concisely I stated my plan for her escape; but still she maintained the same attitude; she did not even seem to hear me.
"Clara, do you consent?" I cried, in despair, for I heard the steps of the Superior and Mr. Stowe.
Suddenly she extended her hand through the grate and grasped mine. "I do," she said, "if I'm damned for it."
"Right, then; you shall be warned in time. Go now, for your features are any thing but calm."
The nun vanished as the Superior entered.
"I have been taking advantage of your confidence, señora," said I; "I have been trying to persuade my cousin that she is discontented and unhappy, but without success."
"Ah! no fear of that, señor," cried the lady, with a smile, while Mr. Stowe stood aghast; "girls who have been disappointed in love make good nuns."
"Then you will dare to trust me to see her again. I promised that I would call once more before I sail, with your permission."