The Mysteries of Udolpho

His countenance was the mirror, in which she saw her own emotions

reflected, and it roused her to self-command. The joy, which had

animated his features, when he entered the pavilion, was suddenly

repressed, as, approaching, he perceived her agitation, and, in a

tremulous voice, enquired after her health. Recovered from her first

surprise, she answered him with a tempered smile; but a variety of

opposite emotions still assailed her heart, and struggled to subdue

the mild dignity of her manner. It was difficult to tell which

predominated--the joy of seeing Valancourt, or the terror of her aunt's

displeasure, when she should hear of this meeting. After some short and

embarrassed conversation, she led him into the gardens, and enquired if

he had seen Madame Cheron. 'No,' said he, 'I have not yet seen her, for

they told me she was engaged, and as soon as I learned that you were in

the gardens, I came hither.' He paused a moment, in great agitation, and

then added,

'May I venture to tell you the purport of my visit, without

incurring your displeasure, and to hope, that you will not accuse me of

precipitation in now availing myself of the permission you once gave

me of addressing your family?' Emily, who knew not what to reply, was

spared from further perplexity, and was sensible only of fear, when on

raising her eyes, she saw Madame Cheron turn into the avenue. As the

consciousness of innocence returned, this fear was so far dissipated as

to permit her to appear tranquil, and, instead of avoiding her aunt, she

advanced with Valancourt to meet her. The look of haughty and impatient

displeasure, with which Madame Cheron regarded them, made Emily shrink,

who understood from a single glance, that this meeting was believed to

have been more than accidental: having mentioned Valancourt's name, she

became again too much agitated to remain with them, and returned into

the chateau; where she awaited long, in a state of trembling anxiety,

the conclusion of the conference. She knew not how to account for

Valancourt's visit to her aunt, before he had received the permission

he solicited, since she was ignorant of a circumstance, which would have

rendered the request useless, even if Madame Cheron had been inclined to

grant it.

Valancourt, in the agitation of his spirits, had forgotten to

date his letter, so that it was impossible for Madame Cheron to return

an answer; and, when he recollected this circumstance, he was, perhaps,

not so sorry for the omission as glad of the excuse it allowed him for

waiting on her before she could send a refusal.