—“Yes, noble ladies, from you!” answered one of the monks, whose name was Hilderic; “a sign from our discreet Abbot gave us to understand, what steps he wished to be taken. He is certain, that the intercession of the Damsel of Mayenfield, one tear falling from her dove-like eyes, one word spoken in her touching voice, would be sufficient to preserve us all! Oh! dear lady, be not deaf to our entreaties! A mule stands ready at the Castle-gate to bear you to the camp, and we will accompany you thither, and protect you back in safety.”— —“Oh! for the love of Heaven,” exclaimed my husband eagerly, “go, Minna, go! Soften my son’s heart towards his wretched father, and I will bless you with my latest breath.”— Minna shuddered, while she listened to Hilderic’s proposal and Ethelbert’s entreaties: nor did I hear this singular request without making many objections. Yet Hilderic’s powers of persuasion, and the humble supplications of his companion, the unsuspicious Mark, began to make us relax in our opposition, when the Abbot himself made his appearance, and decided our conduct at once. —“If it is your intention to preserve us,” said he, addressing himself to Minna, “hasten to the camp, ere it is yet too late! Under our safe-guard you cannot have any danger to apprehend, and in the few minutes, which I passed with him, I took care to make your situation so well known to Count Donat, that you need not fear, lest the power of your charms should produce an effect on his heart prejudicial to the rights of your destined husband.”— These assurances Guiderius failed not to strengthen with a variety of others; Hilderic also exerted all his eloquence in support of his superior; and their joint efforts were so successful, that Minna was obliged to give a promise to follow them to the camp.