of his vest; and, ere Philip could avail himself of his weapon, swung him
aside with such violence that he lost his balance and (his foot slipping
on the polished floor) fell to the ground. Calderon then opened the
door, lifted Beatriz in both his arms, and fled precipitately down the
stairs. He could no longer trust to chance and delay against the dangers
of that abode.




CHAPTER XI.

HOWSOEVER THE RIVERS WIND, THE OCEAN RECEIVES THEM ALL.

Meanwhile Fonseca had reached the convent; had found the porter gone;
and, with a mind convulsed with apprehension and doubt, had flown on the
wings of love and fear to the house indicated by Calderon. The grim and
solitary mansion came just in sight--the moon streaming sadly over its
gray and antique walls--when he heard his name pronounced; and the
convent porter emerged from the shadow of a wall beside which he had
ensconced himself.

"Don Martin! it is thou indeed; blessed be the saints! I began to
fear--nay, I fear now, that we were deceived."

"Speak, man, but stop me not! Speak! what horrors hast thou to utter?"

"I knew the cavalier whom thou didst send in thy place! Who knows not
Roderigo Calderon? I trembled when I saw him lift the novice into the
carriage; but I thought I should, as agreed, be companion in the flight.