chamber.



CHAPTER II.



Matilda, who by Hippolita's order had retired to her apartment, was
ill-disposed to take any rest. The shocking fate of her brother
had deeply affected her. She was surprised at not seeing Isabella;
but the strange words which had fallen from her father, and his
obscure menace to the Princess his wife, accompanied by the most
furious behaviour, had filled her gentle mind with terror and
alarm. She waited anxiously for the return of Bianca, a young
damsel that attended her, whom she had sent to learn what was
become of Isabella. Bianca soon appeared, and informed her
mistress of what she had gathered from the servants, that Isabella
was nowhere to be found. She related the adventure of the young
peasant who had been discovered in the vault, though with many
simple additions from the incoherent accounts of the domestics; and
she dwelt principally on the gigantic leg and foot which had been
seen in the gallery-chamber. This last circumstance had terrified
Bianca so much, that she was rejoiced when Matilda told her that
she would not go to rest, but would watch till the Princess should
rise.

The young Princess wearied herself in conjectures on the flight of
Isabella, and on the threats of Manfred to her mother. "But what
business could he have so urgent with the chaplain?" said Matilda,