The Herald made three obeisances and retired.

During this interview Jerome's mind was agitated by a thousand
contrary passions. He trembled for the life of his son, and his
first thought was to persuade Isabella to return to the castle.
Yet he was scarce less alarmed at the thought of her union with
Manfred. He dreaded Hippolita's unbounded submission to the will
of her Lord; and though he did not doubt but he could alarm her
piety not to consent to a divorce, if he could get access to her;
yet should Manfred discover that the obstruction came from him, it
might be equally fatal to Theodore. He was impatient to know
whence came the Herald, who with so little management had
questioned the title of Manfred: yet he did not dare absent
himself from the convent, lest Isabella should leave it, and her
flight be imputed to him. He returned disconsolately to the
monastery, uncertain on what conduct to resolve. A Monk, who met
him in the porch and observed his melancholy air, said -

"Alas! brother, is it then true that we have lost our excellent
Princess Hippolita?"

The holy man started, and cried, "What meanest thou, brother? I
come this instant from the castle, and left her in perfect health."

"Martelli," replied the other Friar, "passed by the convent but a
quarter of an hour ago on his way from the castle, and reported
that her Highness was dead. All our brethren are gone to the
chapel to pray for her happy transit to a better life, and willed
me to wait thy arrival. They know thy holy attachment to that good
Lady, and are anxious for the affliction it will cause in thee--