thou art not a mortal, but my guardian angel. On my knees, let me
thank--"

"Hold! gentle Princess," said Theodore, "nor demean thyself before
a poor and friendless young man. If heaven has selected me for thy
deliverer, it will accomplish its work, and strengthen my arm in
thy cause. But come, Lady, we are too near the mouth of the
cavern; let us seek its inmost recesses. I can have no
tranquillity till I have placed thee beyond the reach of danger."

"Alas! what mean you, sir?" said she. "Though all your actions are
noble, though your sentiments speak the purity of your soul, is it
fitting that I should accompany you alone into these perplexed
retreats? Should we be found together, what would a censorious
world think of my conduct?"

"I respect your virtuous delicacy," said Theodore; "nor do you
harbour a suspicion that wounds my honour. I meant to conduct you
into the most private cavity of these rocks, and then at the hazard
of my life to guard their entrance against every living thing.
Besides, Lady," continued he, drawing a deep sigh, "beauteous and
all perfect as your form is, and though my wishes are not guiltless
of aspiring, know, my soul is dedicated to another; and although--"
A sudden noise prevented Theodore from proceeding. They soon
distinguished these sounds -

"Isabella! what, ho! Isabella!" The trembling Princess relapsed
into her former agony of fear. Theodore endeavoured to encourage
her, but in vain. He assured her he would die rather than suffer
her to return under Manfred's power; and begging her to remain