The Mysteries of Udolpho

Ludovico now opened the door of the bed-room, and the Count, as he

entered, was struck with the funereal appearance, which the dark arras

gave to it. He approached the bed, with an emotion of solemnity, and,

perceiving it to be covered with the pall of black velvet, paused; 'What

can this mean?' said he, as he gazed upon it.

'I have heard, my Lord,' said Ludovico, as he stood at the feet, looking

within the canopied curtains, 'that the Lady Marchioness de Villeroi

died in this chamber, and remained here till she was removed to be

buried; and this, perhaps, Signor, may account for the pall.'

The Count made no reply, but stood for a few moments engaged in thought,

and evidently much affected. Then, turning to Ludovico, he asked him

with a serious air, whether he thought his courage would support him

through the night? 'If you doubt this,' added the Count, 'do not be

ashamed to own it; I will release you from your engagement, without

exposing you to the triumphs of your fellow-servants.'

Ludovico paused; pride, and something very like fear, seemed struggling

in his breast; pride, however, was victorious;--he blushed, and his

hesitation ceased. 'No, my Lord,' said he, 'I will go through with what I have begun; and

I am grateful for your consideration. On that hearth I will make a fire,

and, with the good cheer in this basket, I doubt not I shall do well.'

'Be it so,' said the Count; 'but how will you beguile the tediousness of

the night, if you do not sleep?' 'When I am weary, my Lord,' replied Ludovico, 'I shall not fear to

sleep; in the meanwhile, I have a book, that will entertain me.'

'Well,' said the Count, 'I hope nothing will disturb you; but if you

should be seriously alarmed in the night, come to my apartment. I have

too much confidence in your good sense and courage, to believe you will

be alarmed on slight grounds; or suffer the gloom of this chamber, or

its remote situation, to overcome you with ideal terrors. To-morrow, I

shall have to thank you for an important service; these rooms shall then

be thrown open, and my people will be convinced of their error. Good

night, Ludovico; let me see you early in the morning, and remember what

I lately said to you.' 'I will, my Lord; good night to your excellenza; let me attend you with

the light.'

He lighted the Count and Henri through the chambers to the outer door;

on the landing-place stood a lamp, which one of the affrighted servants

had left, and Henri, as he took it up, again bade Ludovico good night,

who, having respectfully returned the wish, closed the door upon them,

and fastened it. Then, as he retired to the bed-chamber, he examined the

rooms, through which he passed, with more minuteness than he had done

before, for he apprehended, that some person might have concealed

himself in them, for the purpose of frightening him. No one, however,

but himself, was in these chambers, and, leaving open the doors,

through which he passed, he came again to the great drawing-room, whose

spaciousness and silent gloom somewhat awed him. For a moment he stood,

looking back through the long suite of rooms he had quitted, and, as he

turned, perceiving a light and his own figure, reflected in one of the

large mirrors, he started. Other objects too were seen obscurely on its

dark surface, but he paused not to examine them, and returned hastily

into the bed-room, as he surveyed which, he observed the door of the

oriel, and opened it.