The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily now fell at his feet, and, with tears of terror, supplicated for

her aunt, who sat, trembling with fear, and indignation; now ready to

pour forth execrations, and now to join the intercessions of Emily.

Montoni, however, soon interrupted these entreaties with an horrible

oath; and, as he burst from Emily, leaving his cloak, in her hand, she

fell to the floor, with a force, that occasioned her a severe blow on

the forehead. But he quitted the room, without attempting to raise her,

whose attention was called from herself, by a deep groan from Madame

Montoni, who continued otherwise unmoved in her chair, and had not

fainted. Emily, hastening to her assistance, saw her eyes rolling, and

her features convulsed.

Having spoken to her, without receiving an answer, she brought

water, and supported her head, while she held it to her lips; but the

increasing convulsions soon compelled Emily to call for assistance. On

her way through the hall, in search of Annette, she met Montoni, whom

she told what had happened, and conjured to return and comfort her aunt;

but he turned silently away, with a look of indifference, and went out

upon the ramparts. At length she found old Carlo and Annette, and they

hastened to the dressing-room, where Madame Montoni had fallen on the

floor, and was lying in strong convulsions. Having lifted her into the

adjoining room, and laid her on the bed, the force of her disorder still

made all their strength necessary to hold her, while Annette trembled

and sobbed, and old Carlo looked silently and piteously on, as his

feeble hands grasped those of his mistress, till, turning his eyes upon

Emily, he exclaimed, 'Good God! Signora, what is the matter?'

Emily looked calmly at him, and saw his enquiring eyes fixed on her: and

Annette, looking up, screamed loudly; for Emily's face was stained

with blood, which continued to fall slowly from her forehead: but her

attention had been so entirely occupied by the scene before her, that

she had felt no pain from the wound. She now held an handkerchief to

her face, and, notwithstanding her faintness, continued to watch Madame

Montoni, the violence of whose convulsions was abating, till at length

they ceased, and left her in a kind of stupor.

'My aunt must remain quiet,' said Emily. 'Go, good Carlo; if we should

want your assistance, I will send for you. In the mean time, if you have

an opportunity, speak kindly of your mistress to your master.'

'Alas!' said Carlo, 'I have seen too much! I have little influence with

the Signor. But do, dear young lady, take some care of yourself; that is

an ugly wound, and you look sadly.'