The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily, not doubting that her aunt's mistake arose from the having

observed her ramble in the garden on the night preceding her departure

from La Vallee, now mentioned the motive of it, at which Madame Cheron

smiled contemptuously, refusing either to accept this explanation, or

to give her reasons for refusing it; and, soon after, she concluded the

subject by saying, 'I never trust people's assertions, I always judge

of them by their actions; but I am willing to try what will be your

behaviour in future.'

Emily, less surprised by her aunt's moderation and mysterious silence,

than by the accusation she had received, deeply considered the latter,

and scarcely doubted, that it was Valancourt whom she had seen at night

in the gardens of La Vallee, and that he had been observed there by

Madame Cheron; who now passing from one painful topic only to revive

another almost equally so, spoke of the situation of her niece's

property, in the hands of M. Motteville. While she thus talked with

ostentatious pity of Emily's misfortunes, she failed not to inculcate

the duties of humility and gratitude, or to render Emily fully sensible

of every cruel mortification, who soon perceived, that she was to be

considered as a dependant, not only by her aunt, but by her aunt's

servants.

She was now informed, that a large party were expected to dinner, on

which account Madame Cheron repeated the lesson of the preceding night,

concerning her conduct in company, and Emily wished, that she might have

courage enough to practise it. Her aunt then proceeded to examine the

simplicity of her dress, adding, that she expected to see her attired

with gaiety and taste; after which she condescended to shew Emily the

splendour of her chateau, and to point out the particular beauty, or

elegance, which she thought distinguished each of her numerous suites of

apartments. She then withdrew to her toilet, the throne of her homage,

and Emily to her chamber, to unpack her books, and to try to charm her

mind by reading, till the hour of dressing.

When the company arrived, Emily entered the saloon with an air of

timidity, which all her efforts could not overcome, and which was

increased by the consciousness of Madame Cheron's severe observation.

Her mourning dress, the mild dejection of her beautiful countenance, and

the retiring diffidence of her manner, rendered her a very interesting

object to many of the company; among whom she distinguished Signor

Montoni, and his friend Cavigni, the late visitors at M. Quesnel's, who

now seemed to converse with Madame Cheron with the familiarity of old

acquaintance, and she to attend to them with particular pleasure.