your sex, as one bold deed has exalted me above mine!'

'And what prevents you, Matilda?' interrupted the Friar; 'Why is
your business in the Cavern made a secret? Do you think me
undeserving of your confidence? Matilda, I must doubt the truth
of your affection, while you have joys in which I am forbidden to
share.'

'You reproach me with injustice. I grieve sincerely that I am
obliged to conceal from you my happiness. But I am not to blame:
The fault lies not in me, but in yourself, my Ambrosio! You are
still too much the Monk. Your mind is enslaved by the prejudices
of Education; And Superstition might make you shudder at the idea
of that which experience has taught me to prize and value. At
present you are unfit to be trusted with a secret of such
importance: But the strength of your judgment; and the curiosity
which I rejoice to see sparkling in your eyes, makes me hope
that you will one day deserve my confidence. Till that period
arrives, restrain your impatience. Remember that you have given
me your solemn oath never to enquire into this night's
adventures. I insist upon your keeping this oath: For though'
She added smiling, while She sealed his lips with a wanton kiss;
'Though I forgive your breaking your vows to heaven, I expect you
to keep your vows to me.'

The Friar returned the embrace which had set his blood on fire.
The luxurious and unbounded excesses of the former night were
renewed, and they separated not till the Bell rang for Matins.

The same pleasures were frequently repeated. The Monks rejoiced