The Mysteries of Udolpho

'These are my friends,' he replied, 'whatever you would say, they may

hear.' Emily, without replying, turned from the rude gaze of the chevaliers,

and Montoni then followed her to the hall, whence he led her to a small

room, of which he shut the door with violence. As she looked on his dark

countenance, she again thought she saw the murderer of her aunt; and

her mind was so convulsed with horror, that she had not power to recall

thought enough to explain the purport of her visit; and to trust herself

with the mention of Madame Montoni was more than she dared. Montoni at length impatiently enquired what she had to say? 'I have no

time for trifling,' he added, 'my moments are important.'

Emily then told him, that she wished to return to France, and came to

beg, that he would permit her to do so.--But when he looked surprised,

and enquired for the motive of the request, she hesitated, became paler

than before, trembled, and had nearly sunk at his feet. He observed

her emotion, with apparent indifference, and interrupted the silence

by telling her, he must be gone. Emily, however, recalled her spirits

sufficiently to enable her to repeat her request. And, when Montoni

absolutely refused it, her slumbering mind was roused.

'I can no longer remain here with propriety, sir,' said she, 'and I may

be allowed to ask, by what right you detain me.' 'It is my will that you remain here,' said Montoni, laying his hand on

the door to go; 'let that suffice you.' Emily, considering that she had no appeal from this will, forbore to

dispute his right, and made a feeble effort to persuade him to be

just. 'While my aunt lived, sir,' said she, in a tremulous voice, 'my

residence here was not improper; but now, that she is no more, I may

surely be permitted to depart. My stay cannot benefit you, sir, and will

only distress me.' 'Who told you, that Madame Montoni was dead?' said Montoni, with an

inquisitive eye. Emily hesitated, for nobody had told her so, and

she did not dare to avow the having seen that spectacle in the

portal-chamber, which had compelled her to the belief. 'Who told you so?' he repeated, more sternly. 'Alas! I know it too well,' replied Emily: 'spare me on this terrible

subject!' She sat down on a bench to support herself. 'If you wish to see her,' said Montoni, 'you may; she lies in the east

turret.' He now left the room, without awaiting her reply, and returned to the

cedar chamber, where such of the chevaliers as had not before seen

Emily, began to rally him, on the discovery they had made; but Montoni

did not appear disposed to bear this mirth, and they changed the

subject. Having talked with the subtle Orsino, on the plan of an excursion, which

he meditated for a future day, his friend advised, that they should lie

in wait for the enemy, which Verezzi impetuously opposed, reproached

Orsino with want of spirit, and swore, that, if Montoni would let him

lead on fifty men, he would conquer all that should oppose him.