She opened the wicket and sought for the door leading to the subterraneous Vaults, where reposed the mouldering Bodies of the Votaries of St.Clare.

The night was perfectly dark; Neither Moon or Stars were visible.

Luckily there was not a breath of Wind, and the Friar bore his Lamp in full security: By the assistance of its beams, the door of the Sepulchre was soon discovered.

It was sunk within the hollow of a wall, and almost concealed by thick festoons of ivy hanging over it.

Three steps of rough-hewn Stone conducted to it, and Matilda was on the point of descending them when She suddenly started back.
'There are People in the Vaults!' She whispered to the Monk; 'Conceal yourself till they are past.
She took refuge behind a lofty and magnificent Tomb, erected in honour of the Convent's Foundress.