The Prioress guessed her design.

She seized her forcibly by the arm, and pushed her back upon her pillow.

At the same time drawing a dagger, and placing it at the breast of the unfortunate Agnes, She protested that if She uttered a single cry, or hesitated a single moment to drink the poison, She would pierce her heart that instant.

Already half-dead with fear, She could make no further resistance.

The Nun approached with the fatal Goblet.