The Mysteries of Udolpho

He did not hesitate then to infer,

that Morano designed to defraud him of Emily's estate; and in this

supposition he was confirmed, and with apparent reason, by the

subsequent conduct of the Count, who, after having appointed to meet him

on that night, for the purpose of signing the instrument, which was to

secure to him his reward, failed in his engagement. Such a circumstance,

indeed, in a man of Morano's gay and thoughtless character, and at a

time when his mind was engaged by the bustle of preparation for his

nuptials, might have been attributed to a cause less decisive, than

design; but Montoni did not hesitate an instant to interpret it his own

way, and, after vainly waiting the Count's arrival, for several hours,

he gave orders for his people to be in readiness to set off at a

moment's notice.

By hastening to Udolpho he intended to remove Emily

from the reach of Morano, as well as to break off the affair, without

submitting himself to useless altercation: and, if the Count meant what

he called honourably, he would doubtless follow Emily, and sign the

writings in question. If this was done, so little consideration had

Montoni for her welfare, that he would not have scrupled to sacrifice

her to a man of ruined fortune, since by that means he could enrich

himself; and he forbore to mention to her the motive of his sudden

journey, lest the hope it might revive should render her more

intractable, when submission would be required.

With these considerations, he had left Venice; and, with others totally

different, Morano had, soon after, pursued his steps across the rugged

Apennines. When his arrival was announced at the castle, Montoni did

not believe, that he would have presumed to shew himself, unless he had

meant to fulfil his engagement, and he, therefore, readily admitted him;

but the enraged countenance and expressions of Morano, as he entered the

apartment, instantly undeceived him; and, when Montoni had explained, in

part, the motives of his abrupt departure from Venice, the Count still

persisted in demanding Emily, and reproaching Montoni, without even

naming the former stipulation.

Montoni, at length, weary of the dispute, deferred the settling of

it till the morrow, and Morano retired with some hope, suggested by

Montoni's apparent indecision. When, however, in the silence of his own

apartment, he began to consider the past conversation, the character of

Montoni, and some former instances of his duplicity, the hope, which

he had admitted, vanished, and he determined not to neglect the present

possibility of obtaining Emily by other means. To his confidential

valet he told his design of carrying away Emily, and sent him back to

Montoni's servants to find out one among them, who might enable him to

execute it. The choice of this person he entrusted to the fellow's own

discernment, and not imprudently; for he discovered a man, whom Montoni

had, on some former occasion, treated harshly, and who was now ready

to betray him.