The lady, whose resolution had given way to terror the moment shehad quitted Manfred, continued her flight to the bottom of theprincipal staircase. There she stopped, not knowing whither todirect her steps, nor how to escape from the impetuosity of thePrince. The gates of the castle, she knew, were locked, and guardsplaced in the court. Should she, as her heart prompted her, go andprepare Hippolita for the cruel destiny that awaited her, she didnot doubt but Manfred would seek her there, and that his violencewould incite him to double the injury he meditated, without leavingroom for them to avoid the impetuosity of his passions. Delaymight give him time to reflect on the horrid measures he hadconceived, or produce some circumstance in her favour, if shecould--for that night, at least--avoid his odious purpose. Yetwhere conceal herself? How avoid the pursuit he would infalliblymake throughout the castle?