Pagina 587 de 1118

"Go to the convent of the capuchins; ask for the superior, tell

him to come here immediately, but to let no one suspect that he

comes at my request."

"But what shall I say to the portress, who has never seen me go

out, and will ask me where I am going?"

"Endeavour to pass without being seen; and if you cannot, say you

are going to some church to perform your orisons."

A new difficulty for Lucy! to tell a falsehood! but the signora

was so offended at her refusal, and so ridiculed her for

preferring a vain scruple to her gratitude, that the unhappy

girl, alarmed rather than convinced, replied, "Well, I will go;

may God be my guide and protector."

Gertrude, from her grated window, followed her with anxious

looks, and when she saw her about to cross the threshold,

overcome by irresistible emotion, she cried, "Stop, Lucy."