Of this disorder Annette could give no explanation, and Montoni, having

attempted, for some time, to persuade Emily to talk, retired, after

ordering Annette to remain with her, during the night, and to inform

him, in the morning, of her condition. When he was gone,

Emily again came forward, and asked who it was, that

had been there to disturb her. Annette said it was the Signor-Signor

Montoni. Emily repeated the name after her, several times, as if she

did not recollect it, and then suddenly groaned, and relapsed into

abstraction. With some difficulty, Annette led her to the bed, which Emily examined

with an eager, frenzied eye, before she lay down, and then, pointing,

turned with shuddering emotion, to Annette, who, now more terrified,

went towards the door, that she might bring one of the female servants

to pass the night with them; but Emily, observing her going, called her

by name, and then in the naturally soft and plaintive tone of her voice,

begged, that she, too, would not forsake her.--'For since my father

died,' added she, sighing, 'every body forsakes me.'

'Your father, ma'amselle!' said Annette, 'he was dead before you knew

me.' 'He was, indeed!' rejoined Emily, and her tears began to flow. She now

wept silently and long, after which, becoming quite calm, she at length

sunk to sleep, Annette having had discretion enough not to interrupt

her tears. This girl, as affectionate as she was simple, lost in these

moments all her former fears of remaining in the chamber, and watched

alone by Emily, during the whole night.




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