The Mysteries of Udolpho

She looked up, with a sensation of horror, to the east turret, near

which she then stood; a light glimmered through the grates of the lower

chamber, but those of the upper one were dark. Presently, she perceived

a person moving with a lamp across the lower room; but this circumstance

revived no hope, concerning Madame Montoni, whom she had vainly

sought in that apartment, which had appeared to contain only soldiers'

accoutrements. Emily, however, determined to attempt the outer door

of the turret, as soon as Barnardine should withdraw; and, if it was

unfastened, to make another effort to discover her aunt.

The moments passed, but still Barnardine did not appear; and Emily,

becoming uneasy, hesitated whether to wait any longer. She would have

sent Annette to the portal to hasten him, but feared to be left alone,

for it was now almost dark, and a melancholy streak of red, that still

lingered in the west, was the only vestige of departed day. The strong

interest, however, which Barnardine's message had awakened, overcame

other apprehensions, and still detained her.

While she was conjecturing with Annette what could thus occasion his

absence, they heard a key turn in the lock of the gate near them, and

presently saw a man advancing. It was Barnardine, of whom Emily hastily

enquired what he had to communicate, and desired, that he would tell her

quickly, 'for I am chilled with this evening air,' said she. 'You must dismiss your maid, lady,' said the man in a voice, the deep

tone of which shocked her, 'what I have to tell is to you only.' Emily, after some hesitation, desired Annette to withdraw to a little

distance. 'Now, my friend, what would you say?'

He was silent a moment, as if considering, and then said,-'That which would cost me my place, at least, if it came to the Signor's

ears. You must promise, lady, that nothing shall ever make you tell a

syllable of the matter; I have been trusted in this affair, and, if it

was known, that I betrayed my trust, my life, perhaps, might answer

it. But I was concerned for you, lady, and I resolved to tell you.' He

paused.-Emily thanked him, assured him that he might repose on her discretion,

and entreated him to dispatch. 'Annette told us in the hall how unhappy you was about Signora Montoni,

and how much you wished to know what was become of her.' 'Most true,' said Emily eagerly, 'and you can inform me. I conjure you

tell me the worst, without hesitation.' She rested her trembling arm

upon the wall. 'I can tell you,' said Barnardine, and paused.-Emily had no power to enforce her entreaties. 'I CAN tell you,' resumed Barnardine,--'but'-'But what?' exclaimed Emily, recovering her resolution. 'Here I am, ma'amselle,' said Annette, who, having heard the eager tone,

in which Emily pronounced these words, came running towards her.