 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Red Abrass. The Mysteries of Udalfo by Ann Radcliffe. Volume 4, Chapter 6 Ye gods of quiet and of sleep profound whose soft dominion over this castle's space and all the widely silent places round. Forgive me if my trembling pen displays what never yet was sung in mortal lace. Thompson. The Count gave orders for the north apartments to be opened and prepared for the reception of Ludovico. But Dorothe, remembering what she had lately witnessed there, feared to obey and not one of the other servants daring to venture didder, and the rooms remained shut up till the time when Ludovico was to retire didder for the night, an hour for which the whole household waited with impatience. After supper, Ludovico, by the order of the Count, attended him in his closet, where they remained alone for near half an hour, and on leaving which his lord delivered to him a sword. It has seen service and mortal quarrels, said the Count, jokosly. You will use it honorably, no doubt, in a spiritual one. Tomorrow let me hear that there is not one ghost remaining in the Chateau. Ludovico received it with a respectful bow. You shall be obeyed, my lord, said he. I will engage that no specter shall disturb the peace of the Chateau after this night. They now returned to the supper room, where the Count's guests awaited to accompany him and Ludovico to the door of the North Apartments, and Dorothe, being summoned for the keys, delivered them to Ludovico, who then led the way, followed by most of the inhabitants of the Chateau. Having reached the back staircase, several of the servants shrunk back and refused to go further, but the rest followed him to the top of the staircase, where a broad landing place allowed them to flock round him, while he applied the key to the door, during which they watched him with as much eager curiosity as if he had been performing some magical rite. Ludovico, unaccustomed to the lock, could not turn it, and Dorothe, who had lingered far behind, was called forward, under whose hand the door opened slowly, and her eye glancing within the dusky chamber, she uttered a sudden shriek and retreated. At this signal of alarm, the greater part of the crowd hurried down the stairs, and the Count, Henry and Ludovico were left alone to pursue the inquiry, who instantly rushed into the apartment. Ludovico with a drawn sword, which he had just time to draw from the scabbard, the Count with the lamp in his hand, and Henry carrying a basket containing provisions for the courageous adventurer. Having looked hastily round the first room, where nothing appeared to justify alarm, they passed on to the second, and here too, all being quiet, they proceeded to a third with a more tempered step. The Count had now leisure to smile at the discomposer, into which he had been surprised, and to ask Ludovico in which room he designed to pass the night. There are several chambers beyond these, Your Excellency, said Ludovico, pointing to a door, and in one of them is a bed, they say. I will pass the night there, and when I am wary of watching, I can lie down. Good! said the Count. Let us go on. You see, these rooms shew nothing, but damp walls and decaying furniture. I have been so much engaged since I came to the Chateau, that I have not looked into them till now. Remember, Ludovico, to tell the housekeeper tomorrow to throw open these windows. The damask hangings are dropping to pieces. I will have them taken down, and this antique furniture removed. Dear sir, said Henry, here is an armchair so massy with gilding that it resembles one of the state chairs at the Louvre, more than anything else. Yes, said the Count, stopping a moment to survey it. There is a history belonging to that chair, but I have not time to tell it. Let us pass on. This suit runs to a greater extent than I had imagined. It is many years since I was in them. But where is the bedroom you speak of, Ludovico? These are only anti-chambers to the great drawing-room. I remember them in their splendour. The bed, my lord, replied Ludovico. They told me it was in a room that opens beyond the saloon and terminates the suite. Oh, here is the saloon, said the Count, as they entered the spacious apartment in which Emily and Dorothy had rested. He here stood for a moment, surveying the relics of faded grandeur which it exhibited. The sumptuous tapestry, the long and low sofas of velvet, with frames heavily carved and gilded, the floor inlaid with small squares of fine marble and covered in the centre with a piece of very rich tapestry work, the casements of painted glass and the large Venetian mirrors of a size and quality such as at that period France could not make, which reflected on every side the spacious apartment. These had formerly also reflected a gay and brilliant scene, for this had been the stateroom of the Chateau. Before the Marchioness had held the assemblies that made part of the festivities of her nuptials. If the wand of a magician could have recalled the vanished groups, many of them vanished even from the earth, that once had passed over these polished mirrors, what a varied and contrasted picture would they have exhibited with the present. Now, instead of a blaze of lights and a splendid and busy crowd, they reflected only the rays of the one glimmering lamp, which the count held up and which scarcely served to shoe the three forlorn figures that stood surveying the room and the spacious and dusky walls around them. Ah! said the count to Henry, awaking from his deep reverie. How the scene has changed since last I saw it. I was a young man then. And the Marchioness was alive and in her bloom. The other persons were here too. Who are now no more? There stood the orchestra. Here we tripped in many a sprightly maze, the walls echoing to the dance. Now there is sound only one feeble voice, and even that will here long be heard no more. My son, remember that I was once as young as yourself and that you must pass away like those who have preceded you like those who as they sung and danced in this once gay apartment forgot that ears are made up of moments and that every step they took carried them nearer to their graves. But such reflections are useless. I had almost said criminal unless they teach us to prepare for eternity since otherwise they cloud our present happiness without guiding us to a future one. But enough of this. Let us go on. Ludovico now opened the door of the bedroom and the count as he entered was struck with the funeral appearance which the dark arras gave to it. He approached the bed with an emotion of solemnity and perceiving it to be covered with the pall of black velvet paused. What can this mean? said he as he gazed upon it. I have heard my lord, said Ludovico as he stood at the feet looking within the canopied curtains that the lady Marchionis de Villeroi died in this chamber and remained here till she was removed to be buried and this perhaps in your may account for the pall. The count made no reply but stood for a moments engaged in thought and evidently much affected. Then turning to Ludovico he asked him with a serious air whether he thought his courage would support him through the night. If you doubt this added the count do not be ashamed to own it. I will release you from your engagement without exposing you to the triumphs of your fellow servants. Ludovico paused. Pride and something very like fear seemed struggling in his breast. Pride however was victorious. He blushed and his hesitation seized. No my lord, said he, I will go through with what I have begun and I am grateful for your consideration. On that earth I will make a fire and with the good cheer in this basket I doubt not I shall do well. Be it so said the count. But how will you beguile the tediousness of the night if you do not sleep? When I am weary my lord replied Ludovico I shall not fear to sleep in the meanwhile. I have a book that will entertain me. Well said the count, I hope nothing will disturb you. But if you should be seriously alarmed in the night come to my apartment. I have too much confidence in your good sense and courage to believe you will be alarmed on slight grounds or suffer the gloom of this chamber or its remote situation to overcome you with ideal terrors. Tomorrow I shall have to thank you for an important service. These rooms shall then be thrown open and my people will be convinced of their error. Good night Ludovico. Let me see you early in the morning and remember what I lately said to you. I will my lord. Good night to your excellency. Let me attend you with the light. He lighted the count and Henry through the chambers to the outer door. On the landing place stood a lamp which one of the affrightened servants had left and Henry as he took it up again bade Ludovico good night who having respectfully returned the wish closed the door upon them and fastened it. Then as he retired to the bed chamber he examined the rooms through which he passed with more minuteness than he had done before for he apprehended that some person might have concealed himself in them for the purpose of frightening him. No one however but himself was in these chambers and leaving open the doors through which he passed he came again to the great drawing room whose spaciousness and silent gloom somewhat awed him. For a moment he stood looking back through the long suite of rooms he had quitted and as he returned perceiving a light and his own figure reflected in one of the large mirrors he started. Other objects too were seen obscurely on its dark surface but he paused not to examine them and returned he still into the bedroom. As he surveyed which he observed the door of the oreal and opened it all within was still. On looking round his eye was arrested by the portrait of the deceased Marcianus upon which he gazed for a considerable time with great attention and some surprise and then having examined the closet he returned into the bedroom where he kindled a wood fire the bright place of which revived his spirits which had begun to yield to the gloom and silence of the place for gusts of wind alone broke at intervals this silence. He now drew a small table and a chair near the fire took a bottle of wine and some cold provisions out of his basket and regaled himself. When he had finished his repast he led his sword upon the table and not feeling disposed to sleep drew from his pocket the book he had spoken of. It was a volume of old provencal tales having stirred the fire upon the earth he began to read and his attention was soon wholly occupied by the scenes which the page disclosed. The Count meanwhile had returned to the supper room with those of the party who had attended him to the north apartment had retreated upon hearing Dorothea's scream and who were now earnest in their enquiries concerning those chambers. The Count rallied his guests on their precipitated retreat and on the superstitious inclination which had occasioned it and this led to the question whether the spirit after it has quitted the body is ever permitted to revisit the earth and if it is whether it was possible for spirits to become visible to the sense. The Baron was of opinion that the first was probable and the last was possible and he endeavored to justify this opinion by respectable authorities both ancient and modern which he quoted. The Count however was decidedly against him and a long conversation ensued in which the usual arguments on these subjects were on both sides brought forward with skill and discussed with candor but without converting either party to the opinion of his opponent. The effect of their conversation on their auditors was various. Though the Count had much the superiority of the Baron in point of argument he had considerably fewer adherence for that love so natural to the human mind of whatever is able to distend its faculties with wonder and astonishment attached the majority of the company to the side of the Baron and though many of the Count's propositions were unanswerable his opponents were inclined to believe this the consequence of their own want of knowledge on so abstracted a subject rather than that arguments did not exist which were forcible enough to conquer his. Blanche was pale with attention till the ridicule in her father's glance called a blush upon her countenance and she then endeavored to forget the superstitious tales she had been told in her convent. Meanwhile Emily had been listening with deep attention to the discussion of what was to her a very interesting question and remembering the appearance she had witnessed in the apartment of the late Marcianus she was frequently chilled with awe several times she was on the point of mentioning what she had seen but the fear of giving pain to the Count and the dread of his ridicule restrained her and awaiting an anxious expectation the event of Ludovico's intrepidity she determined that her future silence should depend upon it when the party had separated for the night and the Count retired to his dressing room the remembrance of the desolate scenes he had lately witnessed in his own mansion deeply affected him but at length he was aroused from his reverie and his silence what music is that I hear said he suddenly to his valet who plays it at this late hour the man made no reply and the Count continued to listen and then added that is no common musician he touches the instrument with a delicate hand who is it pure my lord said the man hesitatingly who plays that instrument repeated the Count does not your lordship know then said the valet what mean you said the Count somewhat sternly nothing my lord it is nothing rejoined man submissively only that music goes about the house at midnight often and I thought your lordship might have heard it before music goes about the house at midnight poor fellow does nobody dance to the music too it is not in the chateau I believe my lord the sounds come from the woods they say though they seem so near but then a spirit can do anything ah poor fellow said the Count I perceive you are as silly as the rest of them tomorrow you will be convinced of your ridiculous error but hark what voice is that oh my lord that is the voice we often hear with the music often said the Count how often pray its a very fine one why my lord I myself have not heard it more than two or three times but there are those who have lived here longer they have heard it often enough what a swell was that exclaimed the Count as he still listened and now what a dying cadence this is surely something more than mortal that is what they say my lord said the valet there is nothing mortal that utters it and if I might say it my thoughts peace said the Count and he listened till the strain died away this is strange said he as he turned from the window close the casements pure pure obeyed and the Count soon after dismissed him but did not so soon lose the remembrance of the music which long vibrated in his fancy in tones of melting sweetness while surprise and perplexity engaged his thoughts Ludovico meanwhile in his remote chamber heard now and then the faint echo of a closing door as the family retired to rest and then the hall clock at a great distance strike 12 it is midnight said he and he looked suspiciously round the spacious chamber the fire on the earth was now expiring for his attention having been engaged by the book before him he had forgotten everything besides but he soon added fresh wood not because he was cold though the night was stormy but because he was cheerless and having again trimmed his lamp he poured out a glass of wine drew his chair nearer to the crackling blaze tried to be deaf to the wind that howled mournfully at the casements endeavored to abstract his mind from the melancholy that was stealing upon him and again took up his book it had been lent to him by Dorothe who had formally picked it up in an obscure corner of the Marquis Library and who having opened it and perceived some of the marvels it related had carefully preserved it for her own entertainment its condition giving her some excuse for detaining it from its proper station the damp corner into which it had fallen had caused the cover to be disfigured and mouldy and the leaves to be so discoloured with spots that it was not without difficulty the letters could be traced the fictions of the Provencal writers where they drawn from the Arabian legions brought by the Saracens into Spain or recounting the chivalric exploits performed by the Crusaders whom the Traubaders accompanied to the east were generally splendid and always both incinerary and incident and it was not wonderful that Dorothe and Ludovico should be fascinated by inventions which had captivated the careless imagination in every rank of society in a former age some of the tales however in the book now before Ludovico were of simple structure and exhibited nothing of the magnificent machinery and heroic manners which usually characterised the fables of the 12th century and of this description was the one he now happened to open which in its original style was of great length but which may be thus shortly related the reader will perceive that it is strongly tinctured with the superstition of the times the Provencal tale they are left in the province of Beretagne a noble baron famous for his magnificence and courtly hospitalities his castle was graced with ladies of exquisite beauty and thronged with illustrious knights for the honour he paid to feats of Chevalier invited the brave of distant countries to enter his lids and his court was more splendid than those of many princes eight minstrels were retained in his service who used to sing to their harps romantic fictions taken from the Arabians or adventures of Chevalier that befell knights during the crusades or the marshal deeds of the baron their lord while he surrounded by his knights and ladies banqueted in the great hall of his castle where the costly tapestry that adorned the walls with picture exploits of his ancestors the casements of painted glass enriched with armorial bearings the gorgeous banners that waved along the roof the sumptuous canopies the profusion of gold and silver that littered on the sideboards that covered the tables the number and gay liveries of the attendants with the Chevalric and splendid attire of the guests united to form a scene of magnificence such as we may not hope to see in these degenerate days of the baron the following adventure is related one night having retired late from the banquet to his chamber and dismissed his attendants he was surprised by the appearance of a stranger of a noble heir but of a sorrowful and dejected countenance believing that this person had been secreted in the apartment since it appeared impossible he could have lately passed the anti-room unobserved by the pages in waiting who would have prevented this intrusion on their lord the baron calling loudly for his people drew his sword which he had not yet taken from his side and stood upon his defense slowly advancing told him that there was nothing to fear that he came with no hostile design but to communicate to him a terrible secret which it was necessary for him to know the baron appeased by the courteous manners of the stranger after surveying him for some time in silence returned his sword into the scabbard and desired him to explain the means by which he had obtained access to the chamber and the purpose of this extraordinary visit without answering either of these inquiries the stranger said that he could not then explain himself but that if the baron would follow him to the edge of the forest at a short distance from the castle walls he would there convince him that he had something of importance to disclose this proposal again alarmed the baron who could scarcely believe that the stranger meant to draw him to so solitary a spot at this hour of the night without harboring a design against his life and he refused to go observing at the same time that if the stranger's purpose was an honourable one he would not persist in refusing to reveal the occasion of his visit in the apartment where they were while he spoke this he viewed the stranger still more attentively than before but observed no change in his countenance or any symptom that might intimate a consciousness of evil design he was habited like a knight and was of a tall and majestic stature and of dignified and courteous manners still however he refused to communicate the subject of his errand in any place but that he had mentioned and at the same time gave hints concerning the secret he would disclose that awakened a degree of solemn curiosity in the baron which at length induced him to consent to follow the stranger on certain conditions Sir Knight said he I will attend you to the forest and will take with me only four of my people who shall witness our conference to this however the knight objected what I would disclose said he with solemnity is to you alone there are only three living persons to whom the circumstance is known it is of more consequence to you and your house than I shall now explain in future years you will look back to this night with affection or repentance accordingly as you now determine as you would hear after prosper follow me I pledge you the honour of a knight that no evil shall befall you if you are contented to dare futurity remain in your chamber and I will depart as I came Sir Knight replied the baron how is it possible that my future peace can depend upon my present determination that is not now to be told said the stranger I have explained myself to the utmost it is late if you follow me it must be quickly you will do well to consider the alternative the baron mused and as he looked upon the knight he perceived his countenance assume a singular solemnity here Ludovico thought he heard a noise and he threw a glance round the chamber and then held up the lamp to assist his observation but not perceiving anything to confirm his alarm he read the book again and pursued the story the baron paced his apartment for some time in silence impressed by the last words of the stranger whose extraordinary request he feared to grant and feared also to refuse at length he said Sir Knight you are utterly unknown to me tell me yourself is it reasonable that I should trust myself alone with the stranger at this hour in a solitary forest tell me at least who you are and who assisted to secrete you in this chamber the knight frowned at these latter words and was a moment silent then with a countenance somewhat stern he said I am an English knight I am called Sir Bevys of Lancaster and my deeds are not unknown to the holy city whence I was returning to my native land when I was benighted in the neighbouring forest your name is not unknown to fame said the baron the knight looked hotly but why since my castle is known to entertain all true knights did not your herald announce you why did you not appear at the banquet where your presence would have been welcomed instead of hiding yourself in my castle and stealing to my chamber at midnight the stranger frowned and turned away in silence but the baron repeated the questions I come not said the knight to answer inquiries but to reveal facts I would no more follow me and again I pledge the honour of a knight that you shall return in safety be quick in your determination I must be gone after some further hesitation the baron determined to follow the stranger and to see the result of his extraordinary request he therefore again drew forth his sword and taking up a lamp bade the knight lead on the latter obeyed and opening the door of the chamber the passed into the anti-doom surprised to find all his pages asleep stopped and with hasty valance was going to reprimand them for their carelessness when the knight waved his hand and looked so expressively upon the baron that the latter restrained his resentment and passed on the knight having descended a staircase opened a secret door which the baron had believed was known only to himself and proceeding through several narrow and winding passages came at length a small gate that opened beyond the walls of the castle meanwhile the baron followed in silence and amazement on perceiving that these secret passages were so well known to a stranger and felt inclined to return from an adventure that appeared to partake of treachery as well as danger then considering that he was armed and observing the courteous and noble air of his conductor his courage returned he blushed that it had failed him for a moment and resolved to trace the mystery to its source he now found himself on the heathy platform before the great gates of his castle where on looking up he perceived lights glimmering in the different casements of the guests who were retiring to sleep and while he shivered in the blast and looked on the dark and desolate scene around him he thought of the comforts of his warm chamber rendered cheerfully by the blaze of wood and felt for a moment the full contrast present situation here Ludovico paused a moment and looking at his own fire gave it a brightening stir the wind was strong and the baron watched his lamp with anxiety expecting every moment to see it extinguished but though the flame wavered it did not expire and he still followed the stranger who often sighed as he went but it did not speak when they reached the borders of the forest the night turned and raised his head as if he meant to address the baron but then closing his lips in silence he walked on as they entered beneath the dark and spreading bores the baron affected by the solemnity of the scene hesitated whether to proceed and demanded how much further they were to go the night replied only by a gesture and the baron with hesitating steps and a suspicious eye followed through an obscure and intricate path he proceeded a considerable way he again demanded whether they were going and refused to proceed unless he was informed as he said this he looked at his own sword and at the night alternately who shook his head and whose dejected countenance disarmed the baron for a moment of suspicion a little further is the place whether I would lead you said the stranger no evil shall befall you I have sworn it on the honour of a night secured again followed in silence and they soon arrived at a deep recess of the forest where the dark and lofty chestnuts entirely excluded the sky and which was so overgrown with underwood that they proceeded with difficulty the night shied deeply as he passed and sometimes paused and having at length reached a spot where the trees crowded into a knot he turned and with a terrific look pointing to the ground the baron saw there the body and the man stretched at its length and weltering in blood a ghastly wound was on the forehead and death appeared already to have contracted the features the baron on perceiving the spectacles started in horror looked at the night for explanation and was then going to raise the body and examine if there were yet any remains of life but the stranger waving his hand fixed upon him a look so earnest and mournful as not only much but made him desist but what were the baron's emotions when on holding the lamp near the features of the corpse he discovered the exact resemblance of the stranger his conductor to whom he now looked up in astonishment and inquiry as he gazed he perceived the countenance of the night change and begin to fade till his whole form gradually vanished from his astonished sense while the baron stood fixed to a spot a voice was heard after these words Ludovico started and laid down the book for he thought he heard a voice in the chamber and he looked toward the bed where however he saw only the dark curtains and the pall he listened scarcely daring to draw his breath but heard only the distant roaring of the sea in the storm and the blast that rushed by the casements when concluding that he had been deceived by its signs he took up his book to finish the story while the baron stood fixed to the spot a voice was heard to utter these words the body of Sir Bevis of Lancaster a noble knight of England lies before you he was this night way-laid and murdered as he journeyed from the holy city towards his native land respect the honour of knighthood and the law of humanity enter the body in Christian ground and cause his murders to be punished as he observe or neglect this shall peace and happiness or war and misery light upon you and your house forever the baron when he recovered from the awe and astonishment into which this adventure had thrown him returned to his castle wither he caused the body of Sir Bevis to be removed and on the following day it was interred with the honours of knighthood in the chapel of the castle attended by all the noble knights and ladies who graced the court of Baron D. Brunei Ludovico having finished this story laid aside the book for he felt drowsy and after putting more road on the fire and taking another glass of wine he reposed himself in the armchair on the hearth in his dream he still beheld the chamber where he really was and once or twice started from imperfect slumbers imagining he saw a man's face looking over the high back of his armchair this idea had so strongly impressed him that when he raised his eyes he almost expected to meet other eyes fixed upon his own and he quitted his seat and looked behind the chair before he felt perfectly convinced that no person was there thus closed the hour end of volume 4 chapter 6 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Red Abrace the mysteries of Udalfo by Anne Radcliffe volume 4 chapter 7 enjoy the honey heavy dew of slumber thou hast no figures nor no fantasies which busy care draws in the brains of men so sound Shakespeare the count who had slept little during the night rose early and anxious to speak with Ludovico went to the north apartment but the outer door having been fastened on the preceding night he was obliged to knock loudly for admittance neither the knocking or his voice was heard but considering the distance of this door from the bedroom Ludovico varied with watching had probably fallen into a deep sleep the count was not surprised on receiving no answer and leaving the door he went down to walk in his grounds it was a grey autumnal morning the sun rising over Provence gave only a feeble light as his rays struggled through the vapours that ascended from the sea and floated heavily over the wood tops which were now varied with many a mellow light of autumn the storm was past but the waves were yet violently agitated and their course was traced by long lines of foam while not a breeze fluttered in the sails of the vessels near the shore that were weighing anchor to depart the still gloom of the hour was pleasing to the count and he pursued his way through the woods sunk in deep thought Emily also rose at an early hour and took her customary walk along the brow of the promontory that overhung the Mediterranean her mind was now not occupied with the occurrences of the Chateau and Valencote was the subject of her mournful thoughts whom she had not yet taught herself to consider with indifference though her judgment constantly approached her for the affection that lingered in her heart after her esteem for him was departed Florence frequently gave her his parting look and the tones of his voice when he had bade her a last farewell and some accidental associations now recalling these circumstances to her fancy with peculiar energy she said bitter tears to the recollection having reached the watchtower she seated herself on the broken steps and in melancholy dejection watched the waves half hid in vapor rolling towards the shore and threw up their light spray around the rocks below their hollow murmur and the obscuring mists that came in reds up the cliffs gave a solemnity to the scene which was in harmony with the temper of her mind and she sat given up to the remembrance of past times till this became too fainful and she abruptly quitted the place on passing the little gate of the watchtower and she observed letters engraved on the stone post turn which she paused to examine and though they appeared to have been rudely cut with a pen knife the characters were familiar to her at length recognizing the handwriting of valent court she read with trembling anxiety the following lines entitled Shipwreck Till solemn midnight on this lonely steep beneath this watchtower's desolated wall where mystic shapes the wonderer a pal I rest and view below the desert deep as through tempestuous clouds the moon's cold light gleams on the wave view less the winds of night with loud mysterious force the billows sweep and sullen roar the surges far below in the still pauses of the gust I hear the voice of spirits rising sweet and slow and oft among the clouds their forms appear but hark what shriek of death comes in the gale and in the distant ray what glimmering sail bends to the storm now sinks the note of fear ah wretched mariners no more shall they unclose his cheering eye to light ye on your way from these lines it appeared that valent court had visited the tower and had probably been here on the proceeding night for it was such and one as they described and that he had left the building very lately since it had not long been light and without light it was impossible these letters could have been cut it was thus even probable that he might be yet in the gardens as these reflections passed rapidly over the mind of emily they called up a variety of contending emotions that almost overcame her spirits impulse was to avoid him and immediately leaving the tower she returned with hasty steps towards the chateau as she passed along she remembered the music she had lately heard near the tower with the figure which had appeared and in this moment of agitation she was inclined to believe that she had then heard and seen valent court but other recollections soon convinced her of her error on turning into a thicker part of the woods she perceived a person walking slowly in the gloom at some little distance and her mind engaged by the idea of him she started and paused imagining this to be valent court the person advanced with quicker steps and before she could recover recollection enough to avoid him he spoke and she then knew the voice of the count who expressed some surprise on finding her walking at so early an hour and made a feeble effort to rally her on her love of solitude but he soon perceived this to be more a subject of concern than of light laughter and changing his manner affixinately expostulated with emily on thus indulging an availing regret who though she acknowledged the justness of all he said could not restrain her tears while she did so and he presently quitted the topic expressing surprise at not having yet heard from his friend the advocate at Avignan in answer to the questions proposed to him respecting the estates of the late madame montoni he with friendly zeal endeavoured to cheer emily with hopes of establishing her claim to them while she felt that the estates could now contribute little to the happiness of a life in which valent court had no longer an interest when they returned to the chateau emily retired to her apartment and count day will effort to the door of the north chambers this was still facent but being now determined to arouse Ludovico he renewed his calls more loudly than before after which a total silence ensued and the count finding all his efforts to be heard in effectual at length began to fear that some accident had befallen Ludovico whom terror of an imaginary being might have deprived of his senses he therefore left the door with an intention of summoning his servants to force it open some of whom he now heard moving in the lower part of the chateau to the count's enquiries whether they had seen or heard Ludovico they replied in a fright that not one of them had ventured on the north side of the chateau since the preceding night he sleeps soundly then said the count and is at such a distance from the outer door which is facent again admittance to the chambers it will be necessary to force it bring an instrument and follow me the servants stood mute and dejected and it was not till nearly all the household were assembled that the count's orders were obeyed in the meantime Dorothy was telling of a door that opened from a gallery leading from the great staircase into the last anteroom of the salon and this being much nearer to the bed chamber it appeared probable that Ludovico might be easily awakened by an attempt to open it dither therefore the count went but his voice was as an effectual at this door as it had proved at the remotor one and now seriously interested for Ludovico he was himself going to strike upon the door with the instrument when he observed its singular beauty and withheld the blow it appeared on the first glance to be of ebony so dark and close was its grain and so high its polish but it proved to be only of large wood of the growth of province then famous for its forests of large the beauty of its polished hue and of its delicate carvings determined the count to spare this door and he returned to that leading from the back staircase which being at length forced he entered the first anteroom followed by Henry and a few of the most courageous of his servants the rest awaiting the event of the inquiry on the stairs and landing place all was silent in the chambers through which the count passed and having reached this alone he called loudly upon Ludovico after which still receiving no answer he threw open the door of the bedroom and entered the profound stillness within confirmed his apprehensions for Ludovico for not even the breathing of a person in sleep were heard and his uncertainty was not soon terminated since the shutters being all closed the chamber was too dark for any object to be distinguished in it the count bade a servant open them who as he crossed the room to do so stumbled over something and fell to the floor when his cry occasioned such panic among the few of his fellows who had ventured thus far that they instantly fled and the count and Henry were left to finish the adventure Henry then sprung across the room and opening a window shutter they perceived that the man had fallen over a chair near the hearth in which Ludovico had been sitting for he sat there no longer nor could anywhere be seen by the imperfect light that was admitted into the apartment the count seriously alarmed now opened other shutters that he might be enabled to examine further and Ludovico not yet appearing he stood for a moment suspended in astonishment and scarcely trusting his senses still his eyes glancing on the bed he advanced to examine whether he was there asleep no person however was in it and he proceeded to the orial where everything remained as on the preceding night but Ludovico was nowhere to be found the count now checked his amazement considering that Ludovico might have left the chambers during the night overcame by the terrors which their lonely desolation and the recollected reports concerning them had inspired yet if this had been the fact the man would naturally have sought society and his fellow servants had all declared that they had not seen him the door of the outer room also had been found fastened with the key on the inside it was impossible therefore for him to have passed through that and all the outer doors of this suite were found on examination to be bolted and locked with the keys also within them the count being then compelled to believe that the lad had escaped through the casements next examine them but such as opened wide enough to admit the body of a man were found to be carefully secured either by iron bars or by shutters and no vestige appeared of any person having attempted to pass them neither was it probable that Ludovico would have incurred the risk of breaking his neck by leaping from a window when he might have walked safely through a door the count's amazement did not admit of words but he returned once more to examine the bedroom where was no appearance of disorder except that occasioned by the late overthrow of the chair near which had stood a small table and on this Ludovico's sword his lamp the book he had been reading and the remnant of his flask of wine still remained at the foot of the table too was the basket with some fragments of provision and wood Henry and the servant now uttered their astonishment without reserve and though the count said little there was a seriousness in his manner that expressed much it appeared that Ludovico must have quitted these rooms by some concealed passage for the count could not believe that any supernatural events had occasioned this event yet if there was any such passage it seemed inexplicable why he should retreat through it and it was equally surprising that not even the smallest vestige should appear by which his progress could be traced in the rooms everything remained as much in order as if he had just walked out by the common way the count himself assisted in lifting the auras with which the bed chamber, saloon and one of the anti rooms were hung that he might discover if any door had been concealed behind it but after a laborious search none was found and he at length quitted the apartments having secured the door of the last anti chamber the key of which he took into his own position he then gave orders that strict search should be made for Ludovico not only in the chateau but in the neighborhood and retiring with Henry from his closet they remained there in conversation for a considerable time and whatever was the subject of it Henry from this hour lost much of his vivacity and his manners were particularly grave and reserved whenever the topic which now agitated the Count's family with wander and alarm was introduced on the disappearing of Ludovico Baron Saint-Foix seemed strengthened in all his former opinions concerning the sensibility of apparitions though it was difficult to discover what connection there could possibly be between the two subjects or to account for this effect otherwise then by supposing that the mystery attending Ludovico by exciting awe and curiosity reduced the mind to a state of sensibility which rendered it more reliable to the influence of superstition in general it is however certain that from this period the Baron and his became more bygotted to their own systems than before while the terrors of the Count's servants increased to an excess that occasioned many of them to quit the Manson immediately and the rest remained only till others could be procured to supply their places the most strenuous search after Ludovico proved unsuccessful and after several days of indefatigable inquiry poor Annette gave herself up to despair and the other inhabitants of the chateau to amazement Emily whose mind had been deeply affected by the disastrous fate of the late Marchionis and with the mysterious connection which she fancied had existed between her and Saint-en-Barre was particularly impressed by the late extraordinary event and much concerned for the loss of Ludovico whose integrity and faithful services claimed both her esteem and gratitude she was now very desirous to return to the quiet retirement of her convent but every hint of this was received with real sorrow by the Lady Blanche and affectionately set aside by the Count for whom she felt much of the respectful love and admiration of a daughter and to whom by Dorothy's consent she at length mentioned the appearance which they had witnessed in the chamber of the deceased Marchionis any other period he would have smiled at such a relation and have believed that its object had existed only in the distempered fancy of the Relator but he now attended to Emily with seriousness and when she concluded requested of her a promise that this occurrence should rest in silence whatever may be the cause and the import of these extraordinary occurrences added the Count time only can explain them I shall keep a worry eye upon all that passes in the chateau and shall pursue every possible means of discovering the fate of Lodovico meanwhile we must be prudent and be silent I will myself watch in the north chambers but of this we will say nothing till the night arrives when I purpose doing so the Count then sent for Dorothy and required of her also a promise of silence concerning what she had already or might in future witness of an extraordinary nature and this ancient servant now related to him the particulars of the Marchionis de Valoris death with some of which he appeared to be already acquainted while by others he was evidently surprised and agitated after listening to this narrative the Count retired to his closet where he remained alone for several hours and when he again appeared the solemnity of his manner surprised and alarmed Emily but she gave no utterance to her thoughts on the week following the disappearance of Lodovico all the Count's guests took leave of him except the Baron his son Montseur St. Foy and Emily the latter of whom was soon after embarrassed and distressed by the arrival of another visitor Montseur Dupont which made her determined upon withdrawing to her convent immediately the delight that appeared in his countenance when he met her told that he brought back the same ardour of passion which had formerly banished him from Chateau-les-Blanc he was received with reserve by Emily and with pleasure by the Count who presented him to her with a smile that seemed intended to plead his cause and who did not hope the less for his friend from the embarrassment she betrayed but Montseur Dupont with truer sympathy seemed to understand her manner and his countenance quickly lost its vivacity and sunk into the languor of despondency on the following day however he sought an opportunity of declaring the perpet of his visit and renewed his suit a declaration which was received with real concern by Emily who endeavored to lessen the pain she might inflict by a second rejection with assurances of esteem and friendship yet she left him in a state of mind that claimed and excited her tenderest compassion and being more sensible than ever of the impropriety of remaining longer at the Chateau she immediately sought the count and communicated to him her intention of returning to the convent my dear Emily said he I observe with extreme concern the illusion you are encouraging an illusion common to young and sensible minds your heart has received a severe shock you believe you can never entirely recover it and you will encourage this belief till the habit of indulging sorrow will subdue the strength of your mind and discolor your future views with melancholy and regret let me dissipate this illusion and awaken you to a sense of your danger Emily smiled mournfully I know what you would say my dear sir said she and I am prepared to answer you I feel that my heart can never know a second affection and that I must never hope even to recover its tranquility if I suffer myself to enter into a second engagement I know that you feel all this replied the count and I know also that time will overcome these feelings unless you cherish them in solitude and pardon me with romantic tenderness then indeed time will only confirm habit I am particularly empowered to speak on this subject and to sympathize in your sufferings added the count with an air of solemnity for I have known what it is to love and to lament the object of my love yes continued he while his eyes filled with tears I have suffered but those times have passed away long past and I can now look back upon them without emotion my dear sir said Emily timidly what mean those tears they speak I fear another language they plead for me they are weak tears for they are useless ones replied the count drying them I would have you superior to such weakness these however are only faint traces of a grief if it had not been opposed by long continued effort might have led me to the verge of madness judge then whether I have not caused to warn you of an indulgence which may produce so terrible an effect and which must certainly if not opposed overcloud the years that otherwise might be happy once your dupe is a sensible and amiable man who has long been tenderly attached to you his family and fortune are exceptional after what I have said it is unnecessary to add that I should rejoice in your felicity and that I think once your dupe would promote it do not weep Emily continued the count taking her hand there is happiness reserved for you he was silent a moment and then added in a firmer voice I do not wish that you should make a violent effort to overcome your feelings all I at present ask is that you will check the thoughts that would lead you to a remembrance of the past that you will suffer your mind to be engaged by present objects that you will allow yourself to believe it possible you may yet be happy and that you will sometimes think with complacency of poor dupe and not condemn him to the state of despondency from which my dear Emily I am endeavouring to withdraw you ah my dear sir said Emily while her tears still fell do not suffer the benevolence of your wishes to mislead monster dupe with an expectation that I can never accept his hand if I understand my own heart this never can be your instruction I can obey in almost every other particular than that of adopting a contrary belief leave me to understand your heart replied the count with a faint smile if you pay me the compliment to be guided by my advice in other instances I will pardon your incredulity respecting your future conduct towards monster dupe I will not even press you to remain longer at the shadow than your own satisfaction will permit but though I forbear to oppose your present retirement I shall urge the claims of friendship for your future visits tears of gratitude mingled those of tender regret while Emily thanked the count for the many instances of friendship she had received from him promised to be directed by his advice upon every subject but one and assured him of the pleasure with which she should at some future period accept the invitation of the countess and himself if monster dupe was not at the shadow the count smiled at this condition be it so said he meanwhile the convent is so near the shadow that my daughter and I shall often visit you and if sometimes we should dare to bring you another visitor will you forgive us Emily looked distressed and remained silent well rejoined the count I will pursue the subject no further and must now entreat your forgiveness for having pressed it thus far you will however do me the justice I believe that I have been urged only by a sincere regard for your happiness and that of my amiable friend monster dupe Emily when she left the count went to mention her intended departure to the countess who opposed it with polite expressions of regret after which she sent a note to acquaint the lady Abess that she should return to the convent and dither she with you on the evening day monster dupe in extreme regret saw her depart while the count endeavoured to cheer him with a hope that Emily would sometimes regard him with a more favourable eye she was pleased to find herself once more in the tranquil retirement of the convent where she experienced a renewal of all the maternal kindness of the Abess and of the sisterly attentions of the nuns a report of the late extraordinary had already reached them and after supper on the evening of her arrival it was the subject of conversation in the convent parlor where she was requested to mention some particulars of that unaccountable event Emily was guarded in her conversation on this subject and briefly related a few circumstances concerning Ludovico whose disappearance her auditors almost unanimously agreed had been affected by supernatural means a belief had so long prevailed said a nun who was called sister Francis that the chateau was haunted that I was surprised when I heard the count had the temerity to inhabit it its former possessor I fear had some deed of conscience to atone for let us hope that the virtues of its present owner will preserve him from the punishment due to the errors of the last if indeed he was a criminal of what crime then was he suspected said a mademoiselle a border at the convent let us pray for his soul said a nun who had till now sat in silent attention if he was criminal his punishment in this world was sufficient there was a mixture of wildness and solemnity in her manner of delivering this which struck Emily exceedingly but mademoiselle repeated her question the solemn eagerness of the nun I dare not presume to say what was his crime replied sister Francis but I have heard many reports of an extraordinary nature respecting the late Marquis D. Velary and among others that soon after the death of his lady he quitted chateau Leblanc and never afterwards returned to it I was not here at the time so I can only mention it from report and so many years have passed since the Marchioness died that few of our sisterhood I believe can do more but I can said the nun who had before spoke and whom they called sister Agnes you then said mademoiselle Fadiou are possibly acquainted with circumstances that enable you to judge whether he was criminal or not and what was the crime imputed to him I am replied the nun but who shall dare to scrutinize my thoughts who shall dare to pluck out my opinion God only is his judge and to that judge he is gone Emily looked with surprise at sister Francis who returned her a significant glance I only requested your opinion said mademoiselle Fadiou mildly if the subject is displeasing to you I will drop it displeasing said the nun with emphasis we are idle talkers we do not weigh the meaning of the words we use displeasing is a poor word I will go pray as she said this she rose from her seat and with a profound sigh quitted the room what can be the meaning of this said Emily when she was gone it is nothing extraordinary replied sister Francis she is often thus but she had no meaning in what she says her intellects are at times deranged did you never see her thus before? never said Emily I have indeed sometimes thought that there was the melancholy of madness in her look but never before perceived it in her speech poor soul I will pray for her your prayers then my daughter will unite with ours observed the lady Abbas she has need of them dear lady said mademoiselle Fadiou addressing the Abbas what is your opinion of the late Marcus? the strange circumstances that have occurred at the shadow have so much awakened my curiosity that I shall be pardoned the question what was his imputed crime and what the punishment to which sister Agnes alluded we must be cautious of advancing our opinion said the Abbas with an air of reserve mingled with salinity we must be cautious of advancing our opinion on so delicate a subject I will not take upon me to pronounce that the late Marcus was criminal or to say what was the crime of which he was suspected but concerning the punishment our daughter Agnes hinted I know of none he suffered she probably alluded to the severe one which an exasperated conscience can inflict we were my children of incurring so terrible a punishment it is the purgatory of this life the late Marchinas I knew well she was a pattern to such as live in the world nay our sacred order need not have blushed to copy her virtues our holy convent received her mortal part her heavenly spirit I doubt not ascended to its sanctuary as the Abbas spoke this the last bell of whispers struck up and she rose let us go my children said she and intercede for the wretched let us go and confess our sins and endeavour to purify our souls for the heaven to which she is gone Emily was affected by the solemnity of this exhortation and remembering her father the heaven to which he too is gone said she faintly as she suppressed her sighs and followed the Abbas and the nuns to the chapel end of volume 4 chapter 7 Adolfo by Anne Radcliffe volume 4 chapter 8 Hamlet Count de Villefort at length received a letter from the Advocate at Avignon encouraging Emily to assert her claim to the estates of the late Madame Montoni and about the same time a messenger arrived from Monsieur Canel with intelligence that made an appeal to the law on the subject unnecessary since it appeared that the only person who could have applaused her claim was now no more a friend of Monsieur Canel who resided at Venice had sent him an account of the death of Montoni who had been brought to trial with Orsino as his supposed accomplice in the murder of the Venetian nobleman Orsino was found guilty, condemned and executed upon the wheel but nothing being discovered to criminate Montoni and his colleagues on this charge they were all released except Montoni who, being considered by the senate as a very dangerous person was, for other reasons, ordered again into confinement where it was said he had died in a doubtful and mysterious manner and not without suspicion of having been poisoned the term from which Monsieur Canel had received this information would not allow him to doubt its truth and he told Emily that she had now only to lay claim to the estates of her late aunt to secure them and added that he would himself assist in the necessary forms of this business the term for which Lavaye had been let being now also nearly expired he acquainted her with the circumstance and advised her to take the road with her through Toulouse to meet her and where it would be proper for her to take possession of the estates of the late Madame Montoni adding that he would spare her any difficulties that might occur on that occasion from the want of knowledge on the subject and that he believed it would be necessary for her to be at Toulouse in about three weeks from the present time an increase of fortune seemed to have awakened this sudden kindness in Monsieur Canel towards his niece and it appeared that he entertained more respect for the rich heiress than he had ever felt compassion for the poor and unfriended orphan the pleasure with which she received this intelligence was clouded when she considered that he, for whose sake she had once regretted the want of fortune was no longer worthy of sharing it with her but remembering the friendly admonition of the count she checked this melancholy reflection and endeavored to feel only gratitude for the unexpected good that now attended her while it formed no inconsiderable part of her satisfaction to know that Lavaye her native home which was endeared to her by its having been the residence of her parents would soon be restored to her possession there she meant to fix her future residence for though it could not be compared with the chateau at Toulouse either for extent or magnificence its pleasant scenes and the tender remembrances that haunted them had claims upon her heart which she was not inclined to sacrifice to ostentation she wrote immediately to thank Monsieur Connell for the active interest he took in her concerns and to say that she would meet him at Toulouse at the appointed time when Count de Villefort, with Blanche came to the convent to give Emily the advice of the advocate he was informed of the contents of Monsieur Connell's letter and gave her his sincere congratulations on the occasion but she observed that when the first expression of satisfaction had faded from his countenance an unusual gravity succeeded and she scarcely hesitated to inquire its cause it has no new occasion replied the Count I am harassed and perplexed by the confusion into which my family is thrown by their foolish superstition idle reports are floating round me which I can neither admit to be truned or proved to be false and I am also very anxious about the poor fellow Ludovico who had not been able to obtain information every part of the chateau and every part of the neighbourhood too has I believe been searched and I know not what further can be done since I have already offered large rewards for the discovery of him the keys of the North apartment I have not suffered to be out of my possession since he disappeared and I mean to watch in those chambers myself this very night Emily, seriously alarmed for the Count united her in treaties with the Lady Blanche to dissuade him from this purpose what should I fear, said he I have no faith in supernatural combats and for human opposition I shall be prepared nay, I will even promise not to watch alone but who, dear sir will have courage enough to watch with you said Emily my son, replied the Count if I am not carried off in the night added he smiling you shall hear the result of my adventure tomorrow the Count and Lady Blanche, shortly afterwards took leave of Emily and returned to the chateau where he informed Henri of his intention who, not without some secret reluctance consented to be the partner of his watch and when the design was mentioned after supper the Countess was terrified and the Baron and Monsieur Dupont joined with her in entreating that he would not tempt his fate as Ludovico had done we know not, added the Baron I am sure, or the power of an evil spirit and that such a spirit haunts those chambers can now I think scarcely be doubted beware, my lord, how you provoke its vengeance since it has already given us one terrible example of its malice I allow it may be probable that the spirits of the dead are permitted to return to the earth only on occasions of high import but the present import may be your destruction the Count could not forebear smiling do you think then Baron, said he that my destruction is of sufficient importance to draw back to earth the soul of the departed alas, my good friend there is no occasion for such means to accomplish the destruction of any individual wherever the mystery rests I trust I shall this night be able to detect it you know I am not superstitious I know that you are incredulous interrupted the Baron well, call it what you will I mean to say that though you know I am free from superstition if anything supernatural has appeared I doubt not it will appear to me and if any strange event hangs over my house or if any extraordinary transaction has formally been connected with it I shall probably be made acquainted with it at all events I will invite discovery and that I may be equal to a mortal attack which in good truth my friend is what I most expect I shall take care to be well armed the Count took leave of his family for the night with an assumed gaiety which but ill concealed the anxiety that depressed his spirits and retired to the north apartments accompanied by his son and followed by the Baron Monsieur Dupont and some of the domestics who all bat him good night at the outer door in these chambers everything appeared as when he had last been here even in the bedroom no alteration was visible there he lighted his own fire for none of the domestics could be prevailed upon to venture thither after carefully examining the chamber and the oriel the Count and Henri drew their chairs upon the hearth set a bottle of wine and a lamp before them laid their swords upon the table and stirring the wood into a blaze began to converse on indifferent topics but Henri was often silent and abstracted and sometimes threw a glance of mingled awe around the gloomy apartment while the Count gradually ceased to converse and sat either lost in thought or reading a volume of Tacitus which he had brought to beguile the tediousness of the night End of Volume 4, Chapter 8 The Mysteries of Udalfo by Anne Radcliffe Volume 4, Chapter 9 Give thy thoughts no tongue, Shakespeare The Baron St. Foy whom anxiety for his friend had kept awake rose early to inquire the event of the night when, as he passed the Count's closet hearing steps within he knocked at the door and it was opened by his friend himself rejoicing to see him in safety and curious to learn the occurrences of the night he had not immediately leisure to observe the unusual gravity that overspread the features of the Count whose reserved answers first occasioned him to notice it The Count then smiling endeavored to treat the subject of his curiosity with levity but the Baron was serious and pursued his inquiry so closely that the Count, at length assuming his gravity, said well, my friend press the subject no further, I entreat you and let me request also that you will hill her after be silent upon anything you may think extraordinary in my future conduct I do not scruple to tell you that I am unhappy and that the watch of the last night has not assisted me to discover Ludovico upon every occurrence of the night you must excuse my reserve but where is Henry, the Baron said with surprise and disappointment at this denial he is well within his own apartment replied the Count you will not question him on this topic, my friend since you know my wish certainly not, said the Baron somewhat chagrined since it would be displeasing to you but me thinks, my friend you might rely on my discretion and drop this unusual reserve however you must allow me to suspect that you have seen reason to become a convert to my system and are no longer the incredulous night you lately appeared to be let us talk no more upon this subject, said the Count you may be assured that no ordinary circumstance has imposed the silent upon me towards a friend whom I have called so for near 30 years and my present reserve cannot make you question either my esteem or the sincerity of my friendship I will not doubt either, said the Baron though you must allow me to express my surprise at this silence to me I will allow her replied the Count but I earnestly entreat that you will forbear to notice it to my family as well as everything remarkable you may observe in my conduct towards them the Baron readily promised this and after conversing for some time on general topics they descended to the breakfast room where the Count met his family with the cheerful Countenance and evaded their inquiries by employing light ridicule and assuming an air of uncommon gaiety while he assured them that they need not apprehend any evil from the North Chambers since Henry and himself had been permitted to return from them in safety Henry, however, was less successful in disguising his feelings from his Countenance and expression of terror was not entirely faded he was often silent and thoughtful and when he attempted to laugh at the eager inquiries of Man was Alburn it was evident only an attempt in the evening the Count called as he had promised at the Convent and Emily was surprised to perceive a mixture of playful ridicule and of reserve in his mention of the North Apartment of what had occurred there however he said nothing and when she ventured to remind him of his promise to tell her the result of his inquiries and to ask if he had received any proof that those Chambers were haunted his look became solemn for a moment then seeming to recollect himself he smiled and said my dear Emily do not suffer my lady Abbas to infect your good understanding with these fancies she will teach you to expect a ghost in every dark room but believe me at it he with a profound sigh the apparition of the dead comes not on light or sport of errands to terrify or to surprise the timid he paused and fell into momentary thoughtfulness and then added we will say no more on this subject soon after he took leave and when Emily joined some of the nuns she was surprised to find them acquainted with a circumstance which she had carefully avoided to mention and expressing their admiration of his intrepid and having dared to pass a night in the apartment whence Ludovico had disappeared for she had not considered with what maybe a tale of wonder circulates the nuns had acquired their information from peasants who brought fruit to the monastery and whose sole attention had been fixed since the disappearance of Ludovico on what was passing in the castle Emily listened in silence to the various opinions of the nuns concerning the conduct of the count most of whom condemned it as a rash and presumptuous affirming that it was provoking the innocence of an evil spirit thus to intrude upon its haunts sister Francis contended that the count had acted with the bravery of a virtuous mind he knew himself guiltless of ought that should provoke a good spirit and did not fear the spells of an evil one since he could claim the protection of a higher power of him who can command the wicked and will protect the innocent the guilty cannot claim that protection of his sister Agnes let the count look to his conduct that he do not forfeit his claim yet who is he that shall dare to call himself innocent all earthly innocence is but comparative yet still how wide asunder are the extremes of guilt and to what a horrible depth may we fall oh the nun as she concluded uttered a shuttering sigh that startled Emily who being up perceived the eyes of Agnes fixed on hers after which the sister rose took her hand gazed earnestly upon her countenance for some moments in silence and then said you are young you are innocent I mean you are yet innocent of any great crime but you have passions in your heart scorpions they sleep now beware how you awaken them they will sting you even unto death Emily affected by these words and by the solemnity with which they were delivered could not suppress her tears is it so exclaimed Agnes her countenance softening from its sternness so young and so unfortunate we are sisters then indeed yet there is no bond of kindness among the guilty she added while her eyes resumed their wild expression no gentleness no peace no hope I knew them all once could weep but now they burn for now my soul is fixed and fearless I lament no more rather let us repent and pray said another nun we are taught to hope that prayer and penance will work our salvation there is hope for all who repent who repent and turn to the true faith observed sister Francis for all but me replied Agnes solemnly who paused and then abruptly added my head burns I believe I am not well oh I could strike from my memory all my former scenes the figures that rise up like furies to torment me I see them when I sleep and when I am awake they're still before my eyes I see them now now she stood in a fixed attitude of horror her straining eyes moving slowly around the room as if they followed something one of the nuns gently took her hand to lead her from the parlor Agnes became calm drew her other hand across her eyes looked again and sighing deeply said they are gone they are gone I am feverish I know not what I say I am thus sometimes but it will go off again I shall soon be better was not that the Vesper bell no replied Francis sending services past let Margaret lead you to your cell you are right replied sister Agnes I shall be better there good night my sisters remember me and your horizons when they had withdrawn Francis observing Emily's emotion said do not be alarmed our sister is often thus deranged though I have not lately seen her so frantic her usual mood is melancholy this fit has been coming on for several days seclusion and the customary treatment will restore her but how rationally she conversed at first observed Emily her ideas followed each other in perfect order yes replied the nun this is nothing new nay I have sometimes known her to argue not only with method but with acuteness and then in a moment start off in a madness her conscious seems afflicted said Emily did you ever hear what circumstance reduced her to this deplorable condition I have replied the nun who said no more till Emily repeated the question when she added in a low voice and looking significantly towards the other borders I cannot tell you now but if you think it worth your while come to my cell tonight when our sisterhood are at rest and you shall hear more but remember we rise to midnight prayers and come either before or after midnight Emily promised to remember in the abyss soon after appearing they spoke no more of the unhappy nun the count meanwhile on his return home had found M. Dupont in one of those fits of despondency which his attachment to Emily frequently occasioned him an attachment that had subsisted too long to be easily subdued and which had already outlived the opposition of his friends M. Dupont had first seen Emily in Gascony during the lifetime of his parent who, on discovering a son's partiality for man was Alcena O'Burre his inferior in point of fortune forbade him to declare it to her family or to think of her more during the life of his father he had observed the first command but had found it impractical to obey the second and had sometimes sooth his passion by visiting her favorite haunts among which was the fishing-house where once or twice he addressed her in verse concealing his name in obedience to the promise he had given his father there too he played the pathetic air to which she had listened with such surprise and admiration and there he had found the miniature that had since cherished a passion fatal to his repose during his expedition into Italy his father died but he received his liberty at a moment when he was the least enabled to profit by it since the object that rendered it most valuable was no longer within the reach of his vows by what accident he discovered Emily and assisted to release her from a terrible imprisonment had already appeared and also the unavailing hope with which he then encouraged his love and the fruitless efforts that he had since made to overcome it the Count still endeavored with friendly zeal to soothe him with a belief that patience, perseverance and prudence would finally obtain for him happiness and Emily time he said will wear away the melancholy impression which disappointment has left on her mind and she will be sensible of your merit your services have already awakened her gratitude and your sufferings her pity and trust me my friend in a heart so sensible as hers gratitude and pity lead to love when her imagination is rescued from its present delusion she will readily accept the homage of a mind like yours Dupont sighed while he listened to these words and endeavoring to hope what his friend believed he willingly yielded to an invitation to prolong his visit at the chateau which we now leave for the monastery in St. Clair when the nuns had retired to rest Emily stole to her appointment with Sister Francis whom she found in her cell engaged in prayer before a little table where appeared the image she was addressing and above the dim lamp that gave light to the place turning her eyes as the door opened she beckoned Emily to come in who having done so seated herself in silence little mattress of straw till horizons should conclude the latter soon rose from her knees and taking down the lamp and placing it on the table Emily perceived there are human skull and bones lying beside an hourglass but the nun without observing her emotion sat down on the mattress by her saying your curiosity sister has made you punctual but you have nothing remarkable to hear in the history of poor Agnes of whom I avoided to speak in the presence of my lay sisters only because I would not publish her crime to them I shall consider your confidence in me as a favor said Emily and will not misuse it Sister Agnes resumed the nun is of a noble family as the dignity of her heir must already have informed you but I will not dishonor their name so much as to reveal it on the occasion of her crime and of her madness she was beloved by a gentleman of inferior fortune and her father as I have heard bestowing her on a nobleman whom she disliked an ill-governed passion proved her destruction every obligation of virtue and of duty was forgotten and she profaned her marriage vows but her guilt was soon detected and she would have fallen a sacrifice to the vengeance of her husband had not her father contrived to convey her from his power by what means he did this I never could learn but he secreted her in this convent where he afterwards prevailed with her to take the veil while a report was circulated in the world that she was dead and the father, to save his daughter assisted the rumor and employed such means as induced her husband to believe she had become a victim to his jealousy she was surprised at the nun observing Emily's countenance I allow the story as uncommon but not I believe without a parable Pray proceed said Emily I am interested the story is already told resumed the nun I have only to mention that the long struggle which Agnes suffered between love, remorse and a sense of the duty she had taken upon herself in becoming of our order at length unsettled her reason at first she was frantic and melancholy by quick alternatives then she sunk into a deep and settled melancholy which still however has at times been interrupted by fits of wildness and of late these have again been frequent Emily was affected by the history of the sister some parts of whose story brought to her remembrance that of the marchiness D. Valeroy had also been compelled by her father to forsake the object of her affections for no woman of his choice but from what Dorothy had related there appeared no reason to suppose that she had escaped the vengeance of a jealous husband or to doubt for a moment the innocence of her conduct but Emily while she sighed over the misery of the nun could not for bear shedding a few tears to the misfortunes of the marchiness when she returned to the mention of sister Agnes she asked Francis if she remembered her in her youth and whether she was then beautiful I was not here at the time when she took the vows replied Francis which is so long ago that few of the present sisterhood I believe were witnesses to the ceremony nay ever our lady mother did not then preside over the convent but I can remember when sister Agnes was a very beautiful woman she retains that air of high rank which always distinguished her but her beauty you must perceive as fled I can scarily discover even a vestige of the loveliness that once animated her features it is strange said Emily but there are moments when her countenance has appeared familiar to my memory you will think me fanciful and I think myself so for I certainly never saw sister Agnes before I came to this convent and I must therefore have seen some person whom she strongly resembles though of this I have no recollection you have been interested by the deep melancholy of her countenance said Francis and its impression has probably diluted your imagination for I might as reasonably think I perceive a likeness between you and Agnes as you that you have seen her anywhere but in this convent since this has been her place of refuge for many years as make your age indeed said Emily yes rejoined Francis and why does that circumstance excite your surprise Emily did not appear to notice this question but remained thoughtful for a few moments and then said it was about that same period that the Marchion SD Villaroy expired that is an odd remark said Francis Emily recalled from her reverie smiled and gave the conversation another turn but it soon came back to the subject of the unhappy nun and Emily remained in the cell of sister Francis till the midnight bell roused her when apologizing for having interrupted the sister's repose till this late hour they quitted the cell together Emily returned to her chamber and the nun bearing a glimmering taper went to her devotion in the chapel several days followed during which Emily saw neither the count or any of his family and when at length he appeared marked with concern that his heir was unusually disturbed my spirits are harassed said he in answer to her anxious inquiries and I mean to change my residence for a little while an experiment which I hope will restore my mind to its usual tranquility my daughter and myself will accompany the Baron St. Foy to his chateau it lies in the valley of the Pyrenees that opens towards Gascony and I have been thinking Emily that when you set out for the valley we may go part of the way together it would be a satisfaction to me to guard you toward your home she thanked the count for his friendly consideration and lamented that the necessity for her going first to the loose would render his plan impracticable but when you were at the Baron's residence she added you will be only a short journey from the valley and I think sir you will not leave the country without visiting me it is unnecessary to say with what pleasure I should receive you and the Lady Blanche I do not doubt it replied the count and I will not deny myself and Blanche the pleasure of visiting you if your affair should allow you to be at the valley about the time when we can meet you there when Emily said that she should hope to see the Countess also she was not sorry to learn that this lady was going accompanied by Mademoiselle Byrne to pay a visit for a few weeks to a family in Lower Langdoch the count after some further conversation on his intended journey and on the arrangement of Emily's took leave and many days did not succeed this visit before a second letter from M. Cunal informed her that he was then at the loose that the valley was at liberty and that he wished her to set off for the former place where he awaited her arrival with all possible dispatch since his own affairs pressed him to return to Gascony Emily did not hesitate to obey him and having taken an affecting leave of the Count's family in which M. Dupont was still included and of her friends at the convent she set out for the loose attended by the unhappy Annette and guarded by a steady servant of the Count End of Volume 4, Chapter 9 recorded December 2008 in Pembroke, Georgia