"I go, Lady," said Theodore, "because it is thy will, and because I
would not bring the grey hairs of my father with sorrow to the
grave. Say but, adored Lady, that I have thy gentle pity."

"Stay," said Matilda; "I will conduct thee to the subterraneous
vault by which Isabella escaped; it will lead thee to the church of
St. Nicholas, where thou mayst take sanctuary."

"What!" said Theodore, "was it another, and not thy lovely self
that I assisted to find the subterraneous passage?"

"It was," said Matilda; "but ask no more; I tremble to see thee
still abide here; fly to the sanctuary."

"To sanctuary," said Theodore; "no, Princess; sanctuaries are for
helpless damsels, or for criminals. Theodore's soul is free from
guilt, nor will wear the appearance of it. Give me a sword, Lady,
and thy father shall learn that Theodore scorns an ignominious
flight."

"Rash youth!" said Matilda; "thou wouldst not dare to lift thy
presumptuous arm against the Prince of Otranto?"

"Not against thy father; indeed, I dare not," said Theodore.
"Excuse me, Lady; I had forgotten. But could I gaze on thee, and
remember thou art sprung from the tyrant Manfred! But he is thy
father, and from this moment my injuries are buried in oblivion."

A deep and hollow groan, which seemed to come from above, startled