The lady, finding that her serving-woman did not return, was astonished
that she should remain so long with the friar, and said to the other--

"Go and see why your fellow-servant does not come back."

The woman went, and as soon as the good father saw her, he drew her
aside into a corner and did to her as he had done to her companion.
Then, finding himself alone in the house, he came to the lady, and told
her that he had long been in love with her, and that the hour was now
come when she must yield him obedience.

The lady, who had never suspected aught of this, replied--

"I am sure, father, that were I so evilly inclined, you would be the
first to cast a stone at me."

"Come out into the courtyard," returned the monk, "and you will see what
I have done."

When she beheld the two women and the man lying dead, she was so
terrified that she stood like a statue, without uttering a word. The
villain, who did not seek merely an hour's delight, would not take her
by force, but forthwith said to her--

"Mistress, be not afraid; you are in the hands of him who, of all living
men, loves you the most."

So saying, he took off his long robe, beneath which he wore a shorter
one, which he gave to the lady, telling her that if she did not take it,