The Mysteries of Udolpho

Before the evening concluded, he returned to Theresa's cottage, that

he might hear her talk of Emily, and be in the place, where she had so

lately been. The joy, felt and expressed by that faithful servant, was

quickly changed to sorrow, when she observed, at one moment, his wild

and phrensied look, and, at another, the dark melancholy, that overhung

him. After he had listened, and for a considerable time, to all she had to

relate, concerning Emily, he gave Theresa nearly all the money he

had about him, though she repeatedly refused it, declaring, that her

mistress had amply supplied her wants; and then, drawing a ring of value

from his finger, he delivered it her with a solemn charge to present

it to Emily, of whom he entreated, as a last favour, that she would

preserve it for his sake, and sometimes, when she looked upon it,

remember the unhappy giver.

Theresa wept, as she received the ring, but it was more from sympathy,

than from any presentiment of evil; and before she could reply,

Valancourt abruptly left the cottage. She followed him to the door,

calling upon his name and entreating him to return; but she received no

answer, and saw him no more.