The Mysteries of Udolpho

, '"I am an English knight; I am called Sir Bevys of Lancaster,--and my

deeds are not unknown at the Holy City, whence I was returning to my

native land, when I was benighted in the neighbouring forest."

'"Your name is not unknown to fame," said the Baron, "I have heard of

it." (The Knight looked haughtily.) "But why, since my castle is known

to entertain all true knights, did not your herald announce you? Why

did you not appear at the banquet, where your presence would have been

welcomed, instead of hiding yourself in my castle, and stealing to my

chamber, at midnight?"

'The stranger frowned, and turned away in silence; but the Baron

repeated the questions. '"I come not," said the Knight, "to answer enquiries, but to reveal

facts. If you would know more, follow me, and again I pledge the

honour of a Knight, that you shall return in safety.--Be quick in your

determination--I must be gone."

'After some further hesitation, the Baron determined to follow the

stranger, and to see the result of his extraordinary request; he,

therefore, again drew forth his sword, and, taking up a lamp, bade the

Knight lead on. The latter obeyed, and, opening the door of the chamber,

they passed into the anti-room, where the Baron, surprised to find

all his pages asleep, stopped, and, with hasty violence, was going to

reprimand them for their carelessness, when the Knight waved his hand,

and looked so expressively upon the Baron, that the latter restrained

his resentment, and passed on.

'The Knight, having descended a stair-case, opened a secret door,

which the Baron had believed was known only to himself, and, proceeding

through several narrow and winding passages, came, at length, to a small

gate, that opened beyond the walls of the castle. Meanwhile, the Baron

followed in silence and amazement, on perceiving that these secret

passages were so well known to a stranger, and felt inclined to return

from an adventure, that appeared to partake of treachery, as well as

danger. Then, considering that he was armed, and observing the courteous

and noble air of his conductor, his courage returned, he blushed, that

it had failed him for a moment, and he resolved to trace the mystery to

its source. 'He now found himself on the heathy platform, before the great gates of

his castle, where, on looking up, he perceived lights glimmering in

the different casements of the guests, who were retiring to sleep; and,

while he shivered in the blast, and looked on the dark and desolate

scene around him, he thought of the comforts of his warm chamber,

rendered cheerful by the blaze of wood, and felt, for a moment, the full

contrast of his present situation.