The Mysteries of Udolpho

This man conducted Cesario round the castle, through a

private passage, to the stair-case, that led to Emily's chamber; then

shewed him a short way out of the building, and afterwards procured him

the keys, that would secure his retreat. The man was well rewarded for

his trouble; how the Count was rewarded for his treachery, had already

appeared. Meanwhile, old Carlo had overheard two of Morano's servants, who had

been ordered to be in waiting with the carriage, beyond the castle

walls, expressing their surprise at their master's sudden, and secret

departure, for the valet had entrusted them with no more of Morano's

designs, than it was necessary for them to execute. They, however,

indulged themselves in surmises, and in expressing them to each other;

and from these Carlo had drawn a just conclusion. But, before he

ventured to disclose his apprehensions to Montoni, he endeavoured to

obtain further confirmation of them, and, for this purpose, placed

himself, with one of his fellow-servants, at the door of Emily's

apartment, that opened upon the corridor.

He did not watch long in vain, though the growling of the dog had once nearly betrayed him.

When he was convinced, that Morano was in the room, and had listened long enough

to his conversation, to understand his scheme, he immediately alarmed

Montoni, and thus rescued Emily from the designs of the Count. Montoni, on the following morning, appeared as usual, except that he wore his wounded arm in a sling; he went out upon the ramparts;

overlooked the men employed in repairing them; gave orders for

additional workmen, and then came into the castle to give audience

to several persons, who were just arrived, and who were shewn into a

private apartment, where he communicated with them, for near an hour.

Carlo was then summoned, and ordered to conduct the strangers to a part

of the castle, which, in former times, had been occupied by the upper

servants of the family, and to provide them with every necessary

refreshment.--When he had done this, he was bidden to return to his

master.

Meanwhile, the Count remained in a cottage in the skirts of the woods

below, suffering under bodily and mental pain, and meditating deep

revenge against Montoni. His servant, whom he had dispatched for a

surgeon to the nearest town, which was, however, at a considerable

distance, did not return till the following day, when, his wounds being

examined and dressed, the practitioner refused to deliver any positive

opinion, concerning the degree of danger attending them; but giving his

patient a composing draught and ordering him to be quiet, remained at

the cottage to watch the event.