'
They conversed on this encouraging theme until Aurelia's ear caught
the sound of a footfall in the gallery. She stepped forth and
encountered a female slave, who told her that there wanted two hours
to dawn; it was time, then, to set forth and a few minutes saw them
ready. In the garden they were met by the watchman, who carried a
lantern. He, having merely been ordered to stand in readiness at
this hour and being ignorant of his mistress's intention, showed
astonishment when he saw Aurelia and her companion bent on going
out. He took it for granted that he was to accompany them. But at
this moment there appeared in the rays of the lantern a black
figure, which had entered by the breach in the wall. Aurelia
whispered a few words to her watchman, whose religion was the same
as hers, and at once he dropped to his knees.
'Peace be with you, good brother,' said the monk, in his feeble
voice, as he drew a lantern from beneath his cloak. You may not
accompany us; but have no fear. The way is short.'
Forthwith he turned, and Aurelia, holding Veranilda's hand, followed
where he lighted the way.
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