The Mysteries of Udolpho

Valancourt and Emily now joined the Lady Blanche; and the party, soon

after, sat down with the Count, his son, and the Chevalier Du Pont, at a

banquet, spread under a gay awning, beneath the trees. At the table also

were seated several of the most venerable of the Count's tenants, and

it was a festive repast to all but Valancourt and Emily. When the Count

retired to the chateau, he did not invite Valancourt to accompany him,

who, therefore, took leave of Emily, and retired to his solitary inn for

the night: meanwhile, she soon withdrew to her own apartment, where

she mused, with deep anxiety and concern, on his behaviour, and on the

Count's reception of him. Her attention was thus so wholly engaged, that

she forgot Dorothee and her appointment, till morning was far advanced,

when, knowing that the good old woman would not come, she retired, for a

few hours, to repose.

On the following day, when the Count had accidentally joined Emily in

one of the walks, they talked of the festival of the preceding evening,

and this led him to a mention of Valancourt. 'That is a young man of

talents,' said he; 'you were formerly acquainted with him, I perceive.'

Emily said, that she was. 'He was introduced to me, at Paris,' said the

Count, 'and I was much pleased with him, on our first acquaintance.' He

paused, and Emily trembled, between the desire of hearing more and the

fear of shewing the Count, that she felt an interest on the subject.

'May I ask,' said he, at length, 'how long you have known Monsieur

Valancourt?'--'Will you allow me to ask your reason for the question,

sir?' said she; 'and I will answer it immediately.'--'Certainly,' said

the Count, 'that is but just. I will tell you my reason. I cannot but

perceive, that Monsieur Valancourt admires you; in that, however, there

is nothing extraordinary; every person, who sees you, must do the same.

I am above using common-place compliments; I speak with sincerity. What

I fear, is, that he is a favoured admirer.'--'Why do you fear it, sir?'

said Emily, endeavouring to conceal her emotion.--'Because,' replied the

Count, 'I think him not worthy of your favour.' Emily, greatly agitated,

entreated further explanation. 'I will give it,' said he, 'if you will

believe, that nothing but a strong interest in your welfare could induce

me to hazard that assertion.'--

'I must believe so, sir,' replied Emily.

'But let us rest under these trees,' said the Count, observing the

paleness of her countenance; 'here is a seat--you are fatigued.' They

sat down, and the Count proceeded. 'Many young ladies, circumstanced as

you are, would think my conduct, on this occasion, and on so short

an acquaintance, impertinent, instead of friendly; from what I have

observed of your temper and understanding, I do not fear such a return

from you. Our acquaintance has been short, but long enough to make me

esteem you, and feel a lively interest in your happiness. You deserve

to be very happy, and I trust that you will be so.' Emily sighed

softly, and bowed her thanks. The Count paused again. 'I am unpleasantly

circumstanced,' said he; 'but an opportunity of rendering you important

service shall overcome inferior considerations. Will you inform me of

the manner of your first acquaintance with the Chevalier Valancourt, if

the subject is not too painful?'