Frightened and desperate She sank upon her knees before him.
'Spare me!' She exclaimed; 'For Christ's sake, spare me! I am innocent, indeed, I am!' While She spoke, her voice was almost choaked with fear.

The beams of the Lamp darting full upon her face which was unveiled, Lorenzo recognized the beautiful Virginia de Villa-Franca.

He hastened to raise her from the ground, and besought her to take courage.

He promised to protect her from the Rioters, assured her that her retreat was still a secret, and that She might depend upon his readiness to defend her to the last drop of his blood.

During this conversation, the Nuns had thrown themselves into various attitudes: One knelt, and addressed herself to heaven; Another hid her face in the lap of her Neighbour; Some listened motionless with fear to the discourse of the supposed Assassin; while Others embraced the Statue of St.Clare, and implored her protection with frantic cries.