The Mysteries of Udolpho

An uncertain kind of terror pervaded Emily's mind; the circumstances

of the past hour still came dimly and confusedly to her memory; and her

thoughts were various and rapid, though without tumult.

From this state of waking visions she was recalled by a knocking at the

chamber-door, and, enquiring who was there, heard the whispering voice

of Annette. 'Dear madam, let me come in, I have a great deal to say,' said the poor

girl. 'The door is locked,' answered the lady. 'Yes, ma'am, but do pray open it.' 'The Signor has the key,' said Madame Montoni. 'O blessed Virgin! what will become of us?' exclaimed Annette. 'Assist us to escape,' said her mistress. 'Where is Ludovico?' 'Below in the hall, ma'am, amongst them all, fighting with the best of

them!' 'Fighting! Who are fighting?' cried Madame Montoni. 'Why the Signor, ma'am, and all the Signors, and a great many more.' 'Is any person much hurt?' said Emily, in a tremulous voice. 'Hurt!

Yes, ma'amselle,--there they lie bleeding, and the swords are clashing,

and--O holy saints! Do let me in, ma'am, they are coming this way--I

shall be murdered!' 'Fly!' cried Emily, 'fly! we cannot open the door.'

Annette repeated, that they were coming, and in the same moment fled. '

Be calm, madam,' said Emily, turning to her aunt, 'I entreat you to be

calm, I am not frightened--not frightened in the least, do not you be

alarmed.' 'You can scarcely support yourself,' replied her aunt; 'Merciful God!

what is it they mean to do with us?'

'They come, perhaps, to liberate us,' said Emily, 'Signor Montoni

perhaps is--is conquered.'

The belief of his death gave her spirits a sudden shock, and she grew

faint as she saw him in imagination, expiring at her feet.

'They are coming!' cried Madame Montoni--'I hear their steps--they are

at the door!' Emily turned her languid eyes to the door, but terror deprived her of

utterance. The key sounded in the lock; the door opened, and Montoni

appeared, followed by three ruffian-like men. 'Execute your orders,'

said he, turning to them, and pointing to his wife, who shrieked, but

was immediately carried from the room; while Emily sunk, senseless, on

a couch, by which she had endeavoured to support herself. When she

recovered, she was alone, and recollected only, that Madame Montoni had

been there, together with some unconnected particulars of the preceding

transaction, which were, however, sufficient to renew all her terror.

She looked wildly round the apartment, as if in search of some means of

intelligence, concerning her aunt, while neither her own danger, or an

idea of escaping from the room, immediately occurred.