Pagina 155 van 1118

At such a proposal, the indignation of the friar, which had

hitherto been restrained with difficulty, loudly burst forth. All

his prudence and patience forsook him: "Your protection!"

exclaimed he, stepping back, and stretching forth both his hands

towards Don Roderick, while he sternly fixed his eyes upon him,

"your protection! You have filled the measure of your guilt by

this wicked proposal, and I fear you no longer."

"Dare you speak thus to me?"

"I dare; I fear you no longer; God has abandoned you, and you are

no longer an object of fear! Your protection! this innocent child

is under the protection of God; you have, by your infamous offer,

increased my assurance of her safety. Lucy, I say; see with what

boldness I pronounce her name before you; Lucy--"

"How! in this house--"