The Mysteries of Udolpho

This man, with another, whose face betrayed either the consciousness

of guilt, or the fear of punishment, Montoni ordered to be chained

instantly, and confined in a strong room, which had formerly been used

as a prison. Thither, likewise, he would have sent all his guests,

had he not foreseen the consequence of so bold and unjustifiable a

proceeding. As to those, therefore, he contented himself with swearing,

that no man should pass the gates, till this extraordinary affair

had been investigated, and then sternly bade his wife retire to her

apartment, whither he suffered Emily to attend her.

In about half an hour, he followed to the dressing-room; and Emily

observed, with horror, his dark countenance and quivering lip, and heard

him denounce vengeance on her aunt. 'It will avail you nothing,' said he to his wife, 'to deny the fact;

I have proof of your guilt. Your only chance of mercy rests on a full

confession;--there is nothing to hope from sullenness, or falsehood;

your accomplice has confessed all.'

Emily's fainting spirits were roused by astonishment, as she heard her

aunt accused of a crime so atrocious, and she could not, for a moment,

admit the possibility of her guilt. Meanwhile Madame Montoni's agitation

did not permit her to reply; alternately her complexion varied from

livid paleness to a crimson flush; and she trembled,--but, whether with

fear, or with indignation, it were difficult to decide.

'Spare your words,' said Montoni, seeing her about to speak, 'your

countenance makes full confession of your crime.--You shall be instantly

removed to the east turret.' 'This accusation,' said Madame Montoni, speaking with difficulty, 'is

used only as an excuse for your cruelty; I disdain to reply to it. You

do not believe me guilty.'

'Signor!' said Emily solemnly, 'this dreadful charge, I would answer

with my life, is false. Nay, Signor,' she added, observing the severity

of his countenance, 'this is no moment for restraint, on my part; I do

not scruple to tell you, that you are deceived--most wickedly deceived,

by the suggestion of some person, who aims at the ruin of my aunt:--it

is impossible, that you could yourself have imagined a crime so

hideous.' Montoni, his lips trembling more than before, replied only, 'If you

value your own safety,' addressing Emily, 'you will be silent. I shall

know how to interpret your remonstrances, should you persevere in them.'

Emily raised her eyes calmly to heaven. 'Here is, indeed, then, nothing

to hope!' said she. 'Peace!' cried Montoni, 'or you shall find there is something to fear.'