पृष्ठ 307 / 1118

For some time it did not appear that the suspicions of any one of

them were excited; but one day the signora had been speaking with

one of the sisters, her attendant, and reviling her beyond

measure for some trifling matter: the sister suffered a while,

and gnawed the bit in silence; but finally, becoming impatient,

declared that she was mistress of a secret, and could advise the

signora in her turn. From this time forward her peace was lost.

Not many days after, however, this very sister was missing from

her accustomed offices; they sought her in her cell, and did not

find her; they called, and she answered not; they searched

diligently in every place, but without success. And who knows

what conjectures might have arisen, if there had not been found a

great opening in the wall of the orchard, through which she had

probably made her escape. They sent messengers in various

directions to pursue, and restore her, but they never heard of

her more!