Chapter 27

Was ever tale
With such a gallant modesty rehearsed?

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Purposes of convenience, as well as others that were naturally connected
with the religious opinions, not to say the superstitions, of most of the
prisoners, had induced the monks to select the chapel of the convent for
the judgment-hall. This consecrated part of the edifice was of sufficient
size to contain all who were accustomed to assemble within its walls. It
was decorated in the manner that is usual to churches of the Romish
persuasion, having its master-altar, and two of smaller size that were
dedicated to esteemed saints. A large lamp illuminated the place, though
the great altar lay in doubtful light, leaving play for the imagination to
people and adorn that part of the chapel. Within the railing of the choir
there stood a table: it held some object that was concealed from view by a
sweeping pall. Immediately beneath the lamp was placed another, which
served the purposes of the clavier, who acted as a clerk on this occasion.
They who were to fill the offices of judges took their stations near. A
knot of females were clustered within the shadows of one of the
side-altars, hovering around each other in the way that their sensitive
sex is known to interpose between the exhibition of its peculiar
weaknesses and the rude observations of the world. Stifled sobs and
convulsive movements occasionally escaped this little group of acutely
feeling and warm-hearted beings, betraying the strength of the emotions
they would fain conceal. The canons and novices were ranged on one side,
the guides and muleteers formed a back-ground to the whole, while the fine
form of Sigismund stood, stern and motionless as a statue, on the steps of
the altar which was opposite to the females. He watched the minutest
proceeding of the investigation with a steadiness that was the result of
severe practice in self-command, and a jealous determination to suffer no
new wrong to be accumulated on the head of his father.

When the little confusion produced by the entrance of the party from the
refectory had subsided, the Prior made a signal to one of the officers of
justice. The man disappeared, and shortly returned with one of the
prisoners, the investigation being intended to embrace the cases of all
who had been detained by the prudence of the monks. Balthazar (for it was
he) approached the table in his usual meek manner. His limbs were unbound,
and his exterior calm, though the quick unquiet movements of his eye, and
the workings of his pale features, whenever a suppressed sob from among
the females reached his ear, betrayed the inward struggle he had to
maintain, in order to preserve appearances. When he was confronted with
his examiners, Father Michael bowed to