This circumstance dwelt on the mind of Madame de Menon, and it was

some time before she ventured again to spend an evening in the

pavilion. After several months passed, without further disturbance or

discovery, another occurrence renewed the alarm. Julia had one night

remained in her closet later than usual. A favorite book had engaged

her attention beyond the hour of customary repose, and every

inhabitant of the castle, except herself, had long been lost in sleep.

She was roused from her forgetfulness, by the sound of the castle

clock, which struck one. Surprised at the lateness of the hour, she

rose in haste, and was moving to her chamber, when the beauty of the

night attracted her to the window. She opened it; and observing a fine

effect of moonlight upon the dark woods, leaned forwards. In that

situation she had not long remained, when she perceived a light

faintly flash through a casement in the uninhabited part of the

castle.

A sudden tremor seized her, and she with difficulty supported

herself. In a few moments it disappeared, and soon after a figure,

bearing a lamp, proceeded from an obscure door belonging to the south

tower; and stealing along the outside of the castle walls, turned

round the southern angle, by which it was afterwards hid from the

view. Astonished and terrified at what she had seen, she hurried to

the apartment of Madame de Menon, and related the circumstance. The

servants were immediately roused, and the alarm became general. Madame

arose and descended into the north hall, where the domestics were

already assembled. No one could be found of courage sufficient to

enter into the courts; and the orders of madame were disregarded, when

opposed to the effects of superstitious terror. She perceived that

Vincent was absent, but as she was ordering him to be called, he

entered the hall. Surprised to find the family thus assembled, he was

told the occasion. He immediately ordered a party of the servants to

attend him round the castle walls; and with some reluctance, and more

fear, they obeyed him. They all returned to the hall, without having

witnessed any extraordinary appearance; but though their fears were

not confirmed, they were by no means dissipated. The appearance of a

light in a part of the castle which had for several years been shut

up, and to which time and circumstance had given an air of singular

desolation, might reasonably be supposed to excite a strong degree of

surprise and terror.

In the minds of the vulgar, any species of the

wonderful is received with avidity; and the servants did not hesitate

in believing the southern division of the castle to be inhabited by a

supernatural power. Too much agitated to sleep, they agreed to watch

for the remainder of the night. For this purpose they arranged

themselves in the east gallery, where they had a view of the south

tower from which the light had issued. The night, however, passed

without any further disturbance; and the morning dawn, which they

beheld with inexpressible pleasure, dissipated for a while the glooms

of apprehension. But the return of evening renewed the general fear,

and for several successive nights the domestics watched the southern

tower. Although nothing remarkable was seen, a report was soon raised,

and believed, that the southern side of the castle was haunted. Madame

de Menon, whose mind was superior to the effects of superstition, was

yet disturbed and perplexed, and she determined, if the light

reappeared, to inform the marquis of the circumstance, and request the

keys of those apartments.




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