To these objects I at first paid no attention: A Door, the only outlet from the Vault, had attracted my eyes.

I hastened towards it, having wrapped my winding-sheet closely round me.
I pushed against the door, and to my inexpressible terror found that it was fastened on the outside.
I guessed immediately that the Prioress, mistaking the nature of the liquor which She had compelled me to drink, instead of poison had administered a strong Opiate.

From this I concluded that being to all appearance dead I had received the rites of burial; and that deprived of the power of making my existence known, it would be my fate to expire of hunger.

This idea penetrated me with horror, not merely for my own sake, but that of the innocent Creature, who still lived within my bosom.

I again endeavoured to open the door, but it resisted all my efforts.