The Mysteries of Udolpho

'While he spoke this, he viewed the stranger still more attentively than

before, but observed no change in his countenance, or any symptom, that

might intimate a consciousness of evil design. He was habited like

a knight, was of a tall and majestic stature, and of dignified and

courteous manners. Still, however, he refused to communicate the subject

of his errand in any place, but that he had mentioned, and, at the same

time, gave hints concerning the secret he would disclose, that awakened

a degree of solemn curiosity in the Baron, which, at length, induced him

to consent to follow the stranger, on certain conditions.

'"Sir knight," said he, "I will attend you to the forest, and will take

with me only four of my people, who shall witness our conference."

'To this, however, the Knight objected.

'"What I would disclose," said he, with solemnity, "is to you alone.

There are only three living persons, to whom the circumstance is known;

it is of more consequence to you and your house, than I shall now

explain. In future years, you will look back to this night with

satisfaction or repentance, accordingly as you now determine. As you

would hereafter prosper--follow me; I pledge you the honour of a

knight, that no evil shall befall you;--if you are contented to dare

futurity--remain in your chamber, and I will depart as I came."

'"Sir knight," replied the Baron, "how is it possible, that my future

peace can depend upon my present determination?"

'"That is not now to be told," said the stranger, "I have explained

myself to the utmost. It is late; if you follow me it must be

quickly;--you will do well to consider the alternative."

'The Baron mused, and, as he looked upon the knight, he perceived his

countenance assume a singular solemnity.'

[Here Ludovico thought he heard a noise, and he threw a glance round the

chamber, and then held up the lamp to assist his observation; but, not

perceiving any thing to confirm his alarm, he took up the book again and

pursued the story.] 'The Baron paced his apartment, for some time, in silence, impressed by

the last words of the stranger, whose extraordinary request he feared to

grant, and feared, also, to refuse. At length, he said, "Sir knight, you

are utterly unknown to me; tell me yourself,--is it reasonable, that I

should trust myself alone with a stranger, at this hour, in a solitary

forest? Tell me, at least, who you are, and who assisted to secrete you

in this chamber." 'The knight frowned at these latter words, and was a moment silent;

then, with a countenance somewhat stern, he said