The Mysteries of Udolpho

At this moment, Emily's dislike of Count Morano rose to abhorrence. That

he should, with undaunted assurance, thus pursue her, notwithstanding

all she had expressed on the subject of his addresses, and think, as it

was evident he did, that her opinion of him was of no consequence, so

long as his pretensions were sanctioned by Montoni, added indignation to

the disgust which she had felt towards him. She was somewhat relieved by

observing that Montoni was to be of the party, who seated himself on one

side of her, while Morano placed himself on the other. There was a

pause for some moments as the gondolieri prepared their oars, and Emily

trembled from apprehension of the discourse that might follow this

silence. At length she collected courage to break it herself, in the

hope of preventing fine speeches from Morano, and reproof from Montoni.

To some trivial remark which she made, the latter returned a short

and disobliging reply; but Morano immediately followed with a general

observation, which he contrived to end with a particular compliment,

and, though Emily passed it without even the notice of a smile, he was

not discouraged. 'I have been impatient,' said he, addressing Emily, 'to express my

gratitude; to thank you for your goodness; but I must also thank Signor

Montoni, who has allowed me this opportunity of doing so.'

Emily regarded the Count with a look of mingled astonishment and

displeasure. 'Why,' continued he, 'should you wish to diminish the delight of this

moment by that air of cruel reserve?--Why seek to throw me again into

the perplexities of doubt, by teaching your eyes to contradict the

kindness of your late declaration? You cannot doubt the sincerity,

the ardour of my passion; it is therefore unnecessary, charming

Emily! surely unnecessary, any longer to attempt a disguise of your

sentiments.' 'If I ever had disguised them, sir,' said Emily, with recollected

spirit, 'it would certainly be unnecessary any longer to do so. I had

hoped, sir, that you would have spared me any farther necessity of

alluding to them; but, since you do not grant this, hear me declare, and

for the last time, that your perseverance has deprived you even of the

esteem, which I was inclined to believe you merited.'

'Astonishing!' exclaimed Montoni: 'this is beyond even my expectation,

though I have hitherto done justice to the caprice of the sex! But

you will observe, Mademoiselle Emily, that I am no lover, though Count

Morano is, and that I will not be made the amusement of your capricious

moments. Here is the offer of an alliance, which would do honour to any

family; yours, you will recollect, is not noble; you long resisted my

remonstrances, but my honour is now engaged, and it shall not be trifled

with.--You shall adhere to the declaration, which you have made me an

agent to convey to the Count.'