The Mysteries of Udolpho

The most strenuous search after Ludovico proved unsuccessful, and, after

several days of indefatigable enquiry, poor Annette gave herself up to

despair, and the other inhabitants of the chateau to amazement.

Emily, whose mind had been deeply affected by the disastrous fate of the

late Marchioness and with the mysterious connection, which she fancied

had existed between her and St. Aubert, was particularly impressed

by the late extraordinary event, and much concerned for the loss of

Ludovico, whose integrity and faithful services claimed both her

esteem and gratitude. She was now very desirous to return to the quiet

retirement of her convent, but every hint of this was received with real

sorrow by the Lady Blanche, and affectionately set aside by the Count,

for whom she felt much of the respectful love and admiration of a

daughter, and to whom, by Dorothee's consent, she, at length, mentioned

the appearance, which they had witnessed in the chamber of the deceased

Marchioness.

At any other period, he would have smiled at such a

relation, and have believed, that its object had existed only in the

distempered fancy of the relater; but he now attended to Emily with

seriousness, and, when she concluded, requested of her a promise, that

this occurrence should rest in silence. 'Whatever may be the cause and

the import of these extraordinary occurrences,' added the Count, 'time

only can explain them. I shall keep a wary eye upon all that passes in

the chateau, and shall pursue every possible means of discovering the

fate of Ludovico. Meanwhile, we must be prudent and be silent. I will

myself watch in the north chambers, but of this we will say nothing,

till the night arrives, when I purpose doing so.'

The Count then sent for Dorothee, and required of her also a promise of

silence, concerning what she had already, or might in future witness of

an extraordinary nature; and this ancient servant now related to him the

particulars of the Marchioness de Villeroi's death, with some of which

he appeared to be already acquainted, while by others he was evidently

surprised and agitated. After listening to this narrative, the Count

retired to his closet, where he remained alone for several hours;

and, when he again appeared, the solemnity of his manner surprised and

alarmed Emily, but she gave no utterance to her thoughts.

On the week following the disappearance of Ludovico, all the Count's

guests took leave of him, except the Baron, his son Mons. St. Foix, and

Emily; the latter of whom was soon after embarrassed and distressed by

the arrival of another visitor, Mons. Du Pont, which made her determine

upon withdrawing to her convent immediately. The delight, that appeared

in his countenance, when he met her, told that he brought back the

same ardour of passion, which had formerly banished him from

Chateau-le-Blanc. He was received with reserve by Emily, and with

pleasure by the Count, who presented him to her with a smile, that

seemed intended to plead his cause, and who did not hope the less for

his friend, from the embarrassment she betrayed.