22
KONRAD WALLENROD
they stopped,—they heard a voice,—whence came it? from The Tower. Attentively they listened to the sounds,—it was the voice of The Recluse.
Many years had gone by since first this unknown woman came from afar to Mary's city; and, whether inspired by Heaven, or wishing, by the balm of penitence, to heal the wounds of a reproachful conscience, she sought an abode in this tower, and found therein a living tomb.
For a long time the priests opposed her wishes; but yielding at last to
