The Mysteries of Udolpho

'You deserve them already, sir,' said Emily; 'the wish deserves my

warmest thanks. But you will excuse me for reminding you of the danger

you incur by prolonging this interview. It will be a great consolation

to me to remember, whether your friendly attempts to release me succeed

or not, that I have a countryman, who would so generously protect

me.'--Monsieur Du Pont took her hand, which she but feebly attempted to

withdraw, and pressed it respectfully to his lips. 'Allow me to breathe

another fervent sigh for your happiness,' said he, 'and to applaud

myself for an affection, which I cannot conquer.' As he said this, Emily

heard a noise from her apartment, and, turning round, saw the door from

the stair-case open, and a man rush into her chamber. 'I will teach you

to conquer it,' cried he, as he advanced into the corridor, and drew a

stiletto, which he aimed at Du Pont, who was unarmed, but who, stepping

back, avoided the blow, and then sprung upon Verezzi, from whom he

wrenched the stiletto. While they struggled in each other's grasp,

Emily, followed by Annette, ran further into the corridor, calling

on Ludovico, who was, however, gone from the stair-case, and, as she

advanced, terrified and uncertain what to do, a distant noise, that

seemed to arise from the hall, reminded her of the danger she was

incurring; and, sending Annette forward in search of Ludovico, she

returned to the spot where Du Pont and Verezzi were still struggling for

victory.

It was her own cause which was to be decided with that of

the former, whose conduct, independently of this circumstance, would,

however, have interested her in his success, even had she not disliked

and dreaded Verezzi. She threw herself in a chair, and supplicated them

to desist from further violence, till, at length, Du Pont forced Verezzi

to the floor, where he lay stunned by the violence of his fall; and she

then entreated Du Pont to escape from the room, before Montoni, or his

party, should appear; but he still refused to leave her unprotected;

and, while Emily, now more terrified for him, than for herself, enforced

the entreaty, they heard steps ascending the private stair-case.

'O you are lost!' cried she, 'these are Montoni's people.' Du Pont

made no reply, but supported Emily, while, with a steady, though eager,

countenance, he awaited their appearance, and, in the next moment,

Ludovico, alone, mounted the landing-place. Throwing an hasty glance

round the chamber, 'Follow me,' said he, 'as you value your lives; we

have not an instant to lose!' Emily enquired what had occurred, and whither they were to go? 'I cannot stay to tell you now, Signora,' replied Ludovico: 'fly! fly!'