The Mysteries of Udolpho

Is all the council that we two have shared,

the hours that we have spent,

When we have chid the hasty-footed time

For parting us--Oh! and is all forgot? And will you rend our ancient love asunder?

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

In the evening, when Emily was at length informed, that Count De

Villefort requested to see her, she guessed that Valancourt was below,

and, endeavouring to assume composure and to recollect all her spirits,

she rose and left the apartment; but on reaching the door of the

library, where she imagined him to be, her emotion returned with such

energy, that, fearing to trust herself in the room, she returned into

the hall, where she continued for a considerable time, unable to command

her agitated spirits.

When she could recall them, she found in the library Valancourt, seated

with the Count, who both rose on her entrance; but she did not dare

to look at Valancourt, and the Count, having led her to a chair,

immediately withdrew.

Emily remained with her eyes fixed on the floor, under such oppression

of heart, that she could not speak, and with difficulty breathed; while

Valancourt threw himself into a chair beside her, and, sighing heavily,

continued silent, when, had she raised her eyes, she would have

perceived the violent emotions, with which he was agitated.

At length, in a tremulous voice, he said, 'I have solicited to see you

this evening, that I might, at least, be spared the further torture of

suspense, which your altered manner had occasioned me, and which the

hints I have just received from the Count have in part explained. I

perceive I have enemies, Emily, who envied me my late happiness, and

who have been busy in searching out the means to destroy it: I perceive,

too, that time and absence have weakened the affection you once felt for

me, and that you can now easily be taught to forget me.'

His last words faltered, and Emily, less able to speak than before,

continued silent. 'O what a meeting is this!' exclaimed Valancourt, starting from his

seat, and pacing the room with hurried steps, 'what a meeting is this,

after our long--long separation!' Again he sat down, and, after the

struggle of a moment, he added in a firm but despairing tone, 'This is

too much--I cannot bear it! Emily, will you not speak to me?'

He covered his face with his hand, as if to conceal his emotion, and

took Emily's, which she did not withdraw. Her tears could no longer

be restrained; and, when he raised his eyes and perceived that she was

weeping, all his tenderness returned, and a gleam of hope appeared to

cross his mind, for he exclaimed, 'O! you do pity me, then, you do love

me! Yes, you are still my own Emily--let me believe those tears, that

tell me so!'