Ambrosio's visit had been rejected that morning, though Antonia was ignorant of it.

He saw that to obtain a sight of his Mistress by open means was out of the question; and both Himself and Matilda had consumed the night, in endeavouring to invent some plan, whose event might be more successful.
Such was their employment, when a Lay-Brother entered the Abbot's Cell, and informed him that a Woman calling herself Jacintha Zuniga requested audience for a few minutes.
Ambrosio was by no means disposed to grant the petition of his Visitor.
He refused it positively, and bad the Lay-Brother tell the Stranger to return the next day.

Matilda interrupted him.
'See this Woman,' said She in a low voice; 'I have my reasons.' The Abbot obeyed her, and signified that He would go to the Parlour immediately.

With this answer the Lay-Brother withdrew.

As soon as they were alone Ambrosio enquired why Matilda wished him to see this Jacintha.
'She is Antonia's Hostess,' replied Matilda; 'She may possibly be of use to you: but let us examine her, and learn what brings her hither.' They proceeded together to the Parlour, where Jacintha was already waiting for the Abbot.