The Mysteries of Udolpho

The travellers remained, for some time, in a state of tranquil

pensiveness, which is not unpleasing. St. Aubert interrupted it by

observing, 'This is a very promising young man; it is many years since I

have been so much pleased with any person, on so short an acquaintance.

He brings back to my memory the days of my youth, when every scene was

new and delightful!' St. Aubert sighed, and sunk again into a reverie;

and, as Emily looked back upon the road they had passed, Valancourt was

seen, at the door of the little inn, following them with his eyes. Her

perceived her, and waved his hand; and she returned the adieu, till the

winding road shut her from his sight.

'I remember when I was about his age,' resumed St. Aubert, 'and I

thought, and felt exactly as he does. The world was opening upon me

then, now--it is closing.' 'My dear sir, do not think so gloomily,' said Emily in a trembling

voice, 'I hope you have many, many years to live--for your own sake--for

MY sake.' 'Ah, my Emily!' replied St. Aubert, 'for thy sake! Well--I hope it is

so.' He wiped away a tear, that was stealing down his cheek, threw a

smile upon his countenance, and said in a cheering voice, 'there

is something in the ardour and ingenuousness of youth, which is

particularly pleasing to the contemplation of an old man, if his

feelings have not been entirely corroded by the world. It is cheering

and reviving, like the view of spring to a sick person; his mind catches

somewhat of the spirit of the season, and his eyes are lighted up with a

transient sunshine. Valancourt is this spring to me.' Emily, who pressed her father's hand affectionately, had never before

listened with so much pleasure to the praises he bestowed; no, not even

when he had bestowed them on herself. T

hey travelled on, among vineyards, woods, and pastures, delighted with

the romantic beauty of the landscape, which was bounded, on one side, by

the grandeur of the Pyrenees, and, on the other, by the ocean; and,

soon after noon, they reached the town of Colioure, situated on the

Mediterranean. Here they dined, and rested till towards the cool of

day, when they pursued their way along the shores--those enchanting

shores!--which extend to Languedoc. Emily gazed with enthusiasm on the

vastness of the sea, its surface varying, as the lights and shadows

fell, and on its woody banks, mellowed with autumnal tints.

St. Aubert was impatient to reach Perpignan, where he expected letters

from M. Quesnel; and it was the expectation of these letters, that

had induced him to leave Colioure, for his feeble frame had required

immediate rest.