74 THE MONK. 



her before she was polluted, and so save her and mine own honour. 

 I immediately sent a challenge to the villain that wuold have 

 so vitally injured me, which he accepted. Next morning the meet- 

 ing took place, when my antagonist fell. I fled to a friend's house, 

 where I remained until the rumoured murder of Laura had sub- 

 sided. * I then procured a disguise, with which I contrived to leave 

 Paris unobserved. Having arrived in this country, I procured 

 through the interest of my friend a recommendatory letter to a con- 

 vent of Franciscans, where I have spent about ten years in prayer 

 and penitence. 



''It is but recently that I have obtained the privilege of seeing 

 my daughter, who was sent by the count her grandfather to the con- 

 vent of Franciscans to receive her education. Had I not received 

 information from my friend (whose acquaintance with the count had 

 given him an opportunity to suggest this convent for her education) 

 of the approach of my daughter, her likeness to her frail but lovely 

 mother would at once have declared our affinity. And now, sir, she is 

 about to be removed from me for ever, which will be another pang 

 to my lacerated heart." 



Here the unfortunate monk ended his melancholy narrative, when 

 a short silence ensued, during which he wept bitterly. After he had 

 recovered himself from his excitement, he arose, gave me his benedic- 

 tion, and took his leave. 



M. 



