The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily, who, during the greater part of this conversation, had been so

absorbed in thought as to be spared the pain of hearing it, was now

extremely surprised by her aunt's praise of Valancourt, with whose

relationship to Madame Clairval she was unacquainted; but she was

not sorry when Madame Cheron, who, though she now tried to appear

unconcerned, was really much embarrassed, prepared to withdraw

immediately after supper. Montoni then came to hand Madame Cheron to her

carriage, and Cavigni, with an arch solemnity of countenance, followed

with Emily, who, as she wished them good night, and drew up the glass,

saw Valancourt among the crowd at the gates. Before the carriage drove

off, he disappeared. Madame Cheron forbore to mention him to Emily, and,

as soon as they reached the chateau, they separated for the night.

On the following morning, as Emily sat at breakfast with her aunt, a

letter was brought to her, of which she knew the handwriting upon the

cover; and, as she received it with a trembling hand, Madame Cheron

hastily enquired from whom it came. Emily, with her leave, broke the

seal, and, observing the signature of Valancourt, gave it unread to her

aunt, who received it with impatience; and, as she looked it over, Emily

endeavoured to read on her countenance its contents. Having returned

the letter to her niece, whose eyes asked if she might examine it, 'Yes,

read it, child,' said Madame Cheron, in a manner less severe than she

had expected, and Emily had, perhaps, never before so willingly obeyed

her aunt. In this letter Valancourt said little of the interview of the

preceding day, but concluded with declaring, that he would accept his

dismission from Emily only, and with entreating, that she would allow

him to wait upon her, on the approaching evening. When she read this,

she was astonished at the moderation of Madame Cheron, and looked at

her with timid expectation, as she said sorrowfully--'What am I to say,

madam?'

'Why--we must see the young man, I believe,' replied her aunt, 'and hear

what he has further to say for himself. You may tell him he may come.'

Emily dared scarcely credit what she heard. 'Yet, stay,' added Madame

Cheron, 'I will tell him so myself.' She called for pen and ink; Emily

still not daring to trust the emotions she felt, and almost sinking

beneath them. Her surprise would have been less had she overheard,

on the preceding evening, what Madame Cheron had not forgotten--that

Valancourt was the nephew of Madame Clairval.

What were the particulars of her aunt's note Emily did not learn, but

the result was a visit from Valancourt in the evening, whom Madame

Cheron received alone, and they had a long conversation before Emily

was called down. When she entered the room, her aunt was conversing with

complacency, and she saw the eyes of Valancourt, as he impatiently rose,

animated with hope. 'We have been talking over this affair,' said Madame Cheron, 'the

chevalier has been telling me, that the late Monsieur Clairval was the

brother of the Countess de Duvarney, his mother. I only wish he had

mentioned his relationship to Madame Clairval before; I certainly should

have considered that circumstance as a sufficient introduction to my

house.' Valancourt bowed, and was going to address Emily, but her aunt

prevented him.