The Mysteries of Udolpho

On reaching the great gallery, she heard voices seemingly in

dispute, and, her spirits now apt to take alarm, she paused, but soon

distinguished some words of Cavigni and Verezzi, and went towards them,

in the hope of conciliating their difference. They were alone. Verezzi's

face was still flushed with rage; and, as the first object of it was

now removed from him, he appeared willing to transfer his resentment

to Cavigni, who seemed to be expostulating, rather than disputing, with

him. Verezzi was protesting, that he would instantly inform Montoni of the

insult, which Morano had thrown out against him, and above all, that,

wherein he had accused him of murder.

'There is no answering,' said Cavigni, 'for the words of a man in a

passion; little serious regard ought to be paid to them. If you persist

in your resolution, the consequences may be fatal to both. We have now

more serious interests to pursue, than those of a petty revenge.'

Emily joined her entreaties to Cavigni's arguments, and they, at length,

prevailed so far, as that Verezzi consented to retire, without seeing

Montoni. On calling at her aunt's apartment, she found it fastened. In a few

minutes, however, it was opened by Madame Montoni herself.

It may be remembered, that it was by a door leading into the bedroom

from a back passage, that Emily had secretly entered a few hours

preceding. She now conjectured, by the calmness of Madame Montoni's

air, that she was not apprised of the accident, which had befallen her

husband, and was beginning to inform her of it, in the tenderest manner

she could, when her aunt interrupted her, by saying, she was acquainted

with the whole affair.

Emily knew indeed, that she had little reason to love Montoni, but could

scarcely have believed her capable of such perfect apathy, as she now

discovered towards him; having obtained permission, however, for Annette

to sleep in her chamber, she went thither immediately.

A track of blood appeared along the corridor, leading to it; and on

the spot, where the Count and Montoni had fought, the whole floor was

stained. Emily shuddered, and leaned on Annette, as she passed. When she

reached her apartment, she instantly determined, since the door of the

stair-case had been left open, and that Annette was now with her, to

explore whither it led,--a circumstance now materially connected with

her own safety. Annette accordingly, half curious and half afraid,

proposed to descend the stairs; but, on approaching the door, they

perceived, that it was already fastened without, and their care was then

directed to the securing it on the inside also, by placing against it as

much of the heavy furniture of the room, as they could lift. Emily then

retired to bed, and Annette continued on a chair by the hearth, where

some feeble embers remained.