The general silence convinced her that She had nothing to hope but from innocence, and She besought Don Ramirez in a faultering voice, to inform her of what crime She was accused.
'That you shall know in time,' replied He; 'But first I must secure the Mother St.Ursula.' 'The Mother St.Ursula ?' repeated the Domina faintly.
At this moment casting her eyes round, She saw near her Lorenzo and the Duke, who had followed Don Ramirez.
'Ah! great God!' She cried, clasping her hands together with a frantic air; 'I am betrayed!' 'Betrayed ?' replied St.Ursula, who now arrived conducted by some of the Archers, and followed by the Nun her Companion in the procession: 'Not betrayed, but discovered.

In me recognise your Accuser: You know not how well I am instructed in your guilt!--Segnor!' She continued, turning to Don Ramirez; 'I commit myself to your custody.

I charge the Prioress of St.Clare with murder, and stake my life for the justice of my accusation.' A general cry of surprize was uttered by the whole Audience, and an explanation was demanded loudly.

The trembling Nuns, terrified at the noise and universal confusion, had dispersed, and fled different ways.
Some regained the Convent; Others sought refuge in the dwellings of their Relations; and Many, only sensible of their present danger, and anxious to escape from the tumult, ran through the Streets, and wandered, they knew not whither.

The lovely Virginia was one of the first to fly: And in order that She might be better seen and heard, the People desired that St.Ursula should harangue them from the vacant Throne.