The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily ascended the marble staircase, and came to the corridor, as they

passed through which, Annette resumed her chat--'What a wild lonely

place this is, ma'am! I shall be quite frightened to live in it. How

often, and often have I wished myself in France again! I little thought,

when I came with my lady to see the world, that I should ever be shut up

in such a place as this, or I would never have left my own country!

This way, ma'amselle, down this turning. I can almost believe in giants

again, and such like, for this is just like one of their castles; and,

some night or other, I suppose I shall see fairies too, hopping about

in that great old hall, that looks more like a church, with its huge

pillars, than any thing else.'

'Yes,' said Emily, smiling, and glad to escape from more serious

thought, 'if we come to the corridor, about midnight, and look down into

the hall, we shall certainly see it illuminated with a thousand lamps,

and the fairies tripping in gay circles to the sound of delicious music;

for it is in such places as this, you know, that they come to hold

their revels. But I am afraid, Annette, you will not be able to pay the

necessary penance for such a sight: and, if once they hear your voice,

the whole scene will vanish in an instant.'

'O! if you will bear me company, ma'amselle, I will come to the

corridor, this very night, and I promise you I will hold my tongue; it

shall not be my fault if the show vanishes.--But do you think they will

come?' 'I cannot promise that with certainty, but I will venture to say, it

will not be your fault if the enchantment should vanish.'

'Well, ma'amselle, that is saying more than I expected of you: but I am

not so much afraid of fairies, as of ghosts, and they say there are a

plentiful many of them about the castle: now I should be frightened to

death, if I should chance to see any of them. But hush! ma'amselle, walk

softly! I have thought, several times, something passed by me.'

'Ridiculous!' said Emily, 'you must not indulge such fancies.' 'O ma'am! they are not fancies, for aught I know; Benedetto says these

dismal galleries and halls are fit for nothing but ghosts to live

in; and I verily believe, if I LIVE long in them I shall turn to one

myself!' 'I hope,' said Emily, 'you will not suffer Signor Montoni to hear of

these weak fears; they would highly displease him.' '