"Not too late, thank God! Hold her not away from me. Say now that you die William's subject, and all your own shall be hers."
The closing eyes opened, the old strength came back to them, and a sweet smile illumed his face, as the words came,
"Maria, mater gratis, mater misericordiae, tu me ab hoste protege, et in hora mortis suscipe!" And with a long low sigh the spirit passed away to God.
With a sob that rent her heart in twain, Beatrice threw herself beside her father.
"My darling, come with me; the last obstacle has passed away, and God has given you as my legacy."
She made no answer. The solemn monotone of the priest alone was heard, "Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei."
But to all this the man was deaf; he only saw the prostrate girl, and listened to her sobs of agony.
"My waif has drifted to her haven, and I will guard her with my life."
His strong arms were around her, and the voice that thrilled her soul was sounding in her ears. How could she send him from her? "Ah! God help me!" she cried.
"Et ne nos inducas in tentationem," came in deep, sonorous tones from the priest.