After the service was concluded he left the chapel, and by the light of the moon examined the lofty walls that inclosed the extensive pile of building. No where, however, could he perceive the least likelihood of succeeding in any attempt to scale them; and he repaired to the village despairing of being able to effect his purpose.

"The next morning he renewed his endeavours, but still he was unsuccessful; and not wishing to be seen by any of the inhabitants of the monastery, he concealed himself in the shade of an extensive forest, which was on the south side of the building.

Here

Here as he wandered his attention was caught by some ruins which appeared to have been formerly a small chapel; it was of great antiquity, covered with ivy, and part of the roof which had fallen was almost hid by the long waving grass. Solitary and deserted was the spot; "the thistle shook there its lonely head, the moss whistled to the wind."

As he was examining the place he found a flight of rough steps which appeared to lead to some place beneath, probably to a cemetery. He cautiously descended them, and found himself when arrived at the bottom in a vaulted chamber.

It, however, had not been

appro

appropriated to the purpose of a burial place, and the cavalier was on the point of quitting it, when he discovered a door in the wall.

As the only light which entered was from the aperture above, the cavalier did not think proper to attempt to open that door without having a lamp with him; and as he felt curious to know what place it concealed, he determined to return there in the afternoon with implements for procuring a light. Leaving the place he then proceeded to the village, and as he passed by the walls of the convent cast many an anxious look at them, for within their lofty boundaries was the beautiful Agatha.

Toward

Toward the evening he again repaired to the ruins of the chapel in the forest, and when he was in the vaulted chamber he lit a lamp, and advanced to the door, which was strengthened by plates of iron, and appeared to be strongly fastened on the other side, Time, however, had for a series of years been busily employed on the massy bolts and hinges; and when the cavalier endeavoured to burst it open, the door gave way to his efforts, and fell into a narrow passage.

Taking up his lamp, the cavalier passed over the fallen door, and proceeded along the passage some time, often stopping to trim his lamp, which burnt dim

ly

ly surrounded by the foul air which had probably for more than a century been pent up in that subterraneous place.

The passage often varied in its width and length; in some places it seemed formed by Nature, and in others was evidently made by Art; the great length of it fatigued the cavalier who sat down on some of the fragments of the side wall which had given way, in order to rest himself. The cold damp chill, however, warned him to keep in motion, and he arose and proceeded forward, till at length he came to a flight of steps, which having ascended, he plainly heard to his great delight the voices

of