Matilda referred to her last escape from the convent, which had
occasioned the events of the preceding evening, replied -

"Martelli brought word to the convent that your mother was dead."

"Oh!" said Matilda, interrupting her, "Bianca has explained that
mistake to me: on seeing me faint, she cried out, 'The Princess is
dead!' and Martelli, who had come for the usual dole to the castle-
-"

"And what made you faint?" said Isabella, indifferent to the rest.
Matilda blushed and stammered -

"My father--he was sitting in judgment on a criminal--"

"What criminal?" said Isabella eagerly.

"A young man," said Matilda; "I believe--"

"I think it was that young man that--"

"What, Theodore?" said Isabella.

"Yes," answered she; "I never saw him before; I do not know how he
had offended my father, but as he has been of service to you, I am
glad my Lord has pardoned him."

"Served me!" replied Isabella; "do you term it serving me, to wound
my father, and almost occasion his death? Though it is but since
yesterday that I am blessed with knowing a parent, I hope Matilda