The Mysteries of Udolpho

[Ludovico started, and laid down the book, for he thought he heard a

voice in the chamber, and he looked toward the bed, where, however, he

saw only the dark curtains and the pall. He listened, scarcely daring

to draw his breath, but heard only the distant roaring of the sea in the

storm, and the blast, that rushed by the casements; when, concluding,

that he had been deceived by its sighings, he took up his book to finish

the story.] 'While the Baron stood, fixed to the spot, a voice was heard to utter

these words:--* (* This repetition seems to be intentional. Ludovico is picking up the

thread.)

'The body of Sir Bevys of Lancaster, a noble knight of England, lies

before you. He was, this night, waylaid and murdered, as he journeyed

from the Holy City towards his native land. Respect the honour of

knighthood and the law of humanity; inter the body in christian ground,

and cause his murderers to be punished. As ye observe, or neglect this,

shall peace and happiness, or war and misery, light upon you and your

house for ever!'

'The Baron, when he recovered from the awe and astonishment, into which

this adventure had thrown him, returned to his castle, whither he caused

the body of Sir Bevys to be removed; and, on the following day, it was

interred, with the honours of knighthood, in the chapel of the castle,

attended by all the noble knights and ladies, who graced the court of

Baron de Brunne.' Ludovico, having finished this story, laid aside the book, for he felt

drowsy, and, after putting more wood on the fire and taking another

glass of wine, he reposed himself in the arm-chair on the hearth. In

his dream he still beheld the chamber where he really was, and, once or

twice, started from imperfect slumbers, imagining he saw a man's face,

looking over the high back of his armchair. This idea had so strongly

impressed him, that, when he raised his eyes, he almost expected to

meet other eyes, fixed upon his own, and he quitted his seat and looked

behind the chair, before he felt perfectly convinced, that no person was

there. Thus closed the hour.