The Mysteries of Udolpho

'I am, indeed I am, unequal to these moments,' replied Emily, 'you tear

my heart, but I never can consent to this hasty, imprudent proposal!'

'If we could command our time, my Emily, it should not be thus hasty; we

must submit to circumstances.'

'We must indeed! I have already told you all my heart--my spirits are

gone. You allowed the force of my objections, till your tenderness

called up vague terrors, which have given us both unnecessary anguish.

Spare me! do not oblige me to repeat the reasons I have already urged.'

'Spare you!' cried Valancourt, 'I am a wretch--a very wretch, that have

felt only for myself!--I! who ought to have shewn the fortitude of a

man, who ought to have supported you, I! have increased your sufferings

by the conduct of a child! Forgive me, Emily! think of the distraction

of my mind now that I am about to part with all that is dear to me--and

forgive me! When you are gone, I shall recollect with bitter remorse

what I have made you suffer, and shall wish in vain that I could see

you, if only for a moment, that I might sooth your grief.'

Tears again interrupted his voice, and Emily wept with him. 'I will shew

myself more worthy of your love,' said Valancourt, at length; 'I will

not prolong these moments. My Emily--my own Emily! never forget me! God

knows when we shall meet again! I resign you to his care.--O God!--O

God!--protect and bless her!'

He pressed her hand to his heart. Emily sunk almost lifeless on his

bosom, and neither wept, nor spoke. Valancourt, now commanding his own

distress, tried to comfort and re-assure her, but she appeared totally

unaffected by what he said, and a sigh, which she uttered, now and then,

was all that proved she had not fainted.

He supported her slowly towards the chateau, weeping and speaking to

her; but she answered only in sighs, till, having reached the gate, that

terminated the avenue, she seemed to have recovered her consciousness,

and, looking round, perceived how near they were to the chateau. 'We

must part here,' said she, stopping, 'Why prolong these moments? Teach

me the fortitude I have forgot.'

Valancourt struggled to assume a composed air. 'Farewell, my love!' said

he, in a voice of solemn tenderness--'trust me we shall meet again--meet

for each other--meet to part no more!' His voice faltered, but,

recovering it, he proceeded in a firmer tone. 'You know not what I shall

suffer, till I hear from you; I shall omit no opportunity of conveying

to you my letters, yet I tremble to think how few may occur. And trust

me, love, for your dear sake, I will try to bear this absence with

fortitude. O how little I have shewn to-night!' 'Farewell!' said Emily faintly. '