The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily started up, and ran to Madame Montoni's room. When she entered,

her aunt appeared to have fainted, for she was quite still, and

insensible; and Emily with a strength of mind, that refused to yield to

grief, while any duty required her activity, applied every means that

seemed likely to restore her. But the last struggle was over--she was

gone for ever. When Emily perceived, that all her efforts were ineffectual, she

interrogated the terrified Annette, and learned, that Madame Montoni

had fallen into a doze soon after Emily's departure, in which she had

continued, until a few minutes before her death.

'I wondered, ma'amselle,' said Annette, 'what was the reason my lady did

not seem frightened at the thunder, when I was so terrified, and I went

often to the bed to speak to her, but she appeared to be asleep; till

presently I heard a strange noise, and, on going to her, saw she was

dying.' Emily, at this recital, shed tears. She had no doubt but that the

violent change in the air, which the tempest produced, had effected this

fatal one, on the exhausted frame of Madame Montoni.

After some deliberation, she determined that Montoni should not be

informed of this event till the morning, for she considered, that he

might, perhaps, utter some inhuman expressions, such as in the present

temper of her spirits she could not bear. With Annette alone, therefore,

whom she encouraged by her own example, she performed some of the last

solemn offices for the dead, and compelled herself to watch during the

night, by the body of her deceased aunt. During this solemn period,

rendered more awful by the tremendous storm that shook the air, she

frequently addressed herself to Heaven for support and protection, and

her pious prayers, we may believe, were accepted of the God, that giveth

comfort.