"Thou art surely one of those angels!" said the enraptured
Theodore: "none but a blessed saint could speak, could act--could
look--like thee. May I not know the name of my divine protectress?
Methought thou namedst thy father. Is it possible? Can Manfred's
blood feel holy pity! Lovely Lady, thou answerest not. But how
art thou here thyself? Why dost thou neglect thy own safety, and
waste a thought on a wretch like Theodore? Let us fly together:
the life thou bestowest shall be dedicated to thy defence."

"Alas! thou mistakest," said Matilda, signing: "I am Manfred's
daughter, but no dangers await me."

"Amazement!" said Theodore; "but last night I blessed myself for
yielding thee the service thy gracious compassion so charitably
returns me now."

"Still thou art in an error," said the Princess; "but this is no
time for explanation. Fly, virtuous youth, while it is in my power
to save thee: should my father return, thou and I both should
indeed have cause to tremble."

"How!" said Theodore; "thinkest thou, charming maid, that I will
accept of life at the hazard of aught calamitous to thee? Better I
endured a thousand deaths."

"I run no risk," said Matilda, "but by thy delay. Depart; it
cannot be known that I have assisted thy flight."

"Swear by the saints above," said Theodore, "that thou canst not be
suspected; else here I vow to await whatever can befall me."