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A desire to oblige the superior, the complacency experienced in

protecting, the thought of the good opinions which would be the

result of a protection thus piously extended, a certain

inclination towards Lucy, and also a degree of self-satisfaction

in doing good to an innocent creature, in succouring and

consoling the oppressed, had really disposed the signora to take

to heart the fate of our poor fugitives. The mother and daughter

congratulated themselves on their safe and honourable asylum.

They would have wished to remain unknown to all; but this, in a

convent, was impossible; and one there was, besides, too far

interested in obtaining an account of one of the two, stimulated

as his passion had been by the opposition he had encountered. We

will leave them for the present in their safe retreat, and return

to the palace of Don Roderick, at the hour in which he was

anxiously expecting the result of his wicked and villanous

enterprise.

CHAPTER XI.