How--how did you escape ?" "I flew upstairs on hearing the voices," replied Oldcorne.

"But what has happened to the steward ?" "He is a prisoner," replied Viviana.
"All then is lost, unless you are acquainted with the secret panel he spoke of in the oratory," rejoined Oldcorne.
"Alas! father, I am wholly ignorant of it," she answered.

"But, come with me into my chamber; they will not dare to invade it." "I know not that," returned the priest, despairingly.

"These sacrilegious villains would not respect the sanctity of the altar itself." "They come!" cried Viviana, as lights were seen at the foot of the stairs.

"Take my hand--this way, father." They had scarcely gained the room, and fastened the door, when the pursuivant and his attendants appeared in the corridor.