The Mysteries of Udolpho

'I have reason to believe, madam,' replied Ludovico, 'that it was their

intention to persevere no longer than was necessary for the removal of

the stores, which were deposited in the vaults; and it appeared, that

they had been employed in doing so from within a short period after the

Count's arrival; but, as they had only a few hours in the night for

this business, and were carrying on other schemes at the same time, the

vaults were not above half emptied, when they took me away. They gloried

exceedingly in this opportunity of confirming the superstitious reports,

that had been spread of the north chambers, were careful to leave every

thing there as they had found it, the better to promote the deception,

and frequently, in their jocose moods, would laugh at the consternation,

which they believed the inhabitants of the castle had suffered upon

my disappearing, and it was to prevent the possibility of my betraying

their secret, that they had removed me to such a distance. From that

period they considered the chateau as nearly their own; but I found from

the discourse of their comrades, that, though they were cautious, at

first, in shewing their power there, they had once very nearly betrayed

themselves.

Going, one night, as was their custom, to the north chambers

to repeat the noises, that had occasioned such alarm among the servants,

they heard, as they were about to unfasten the secret door, voices in

the bed-room. My lord has since told me, that himself and M. Henri

were then in the apartment, and they heard very extraordinary sounds of

lamentation, which it seems were made by these fellows, with their usual

design of spreading terror; and my lord has owned, he then felt somewhat

more, than surprise; but, as it was necessary to the peace of his

family, that no notice should be taken, he was silent on the subject,

and enjoined silence to his son.'

Emily, recollecting the change, that had appeared in the spirits of

the Count, after the night, when he had watched in the north room, now

perceived the cause of it; and, having made some further enquiries upon

this strange affair, she dismissed Ludovico, and went to give orders for

the accommodation of her friends, on the following day.

In the evening, Theresa, lame as she was, came to deliver the ring, with

which Valancourt had entrusted her, and, when she presented it, Emily

was much affected, for she remembered to have seen him wear it often

in happier days. She was, however, much displeased, that Theresa had

received it, and positively refused to accept it herself, though to

have done so would have afforded her a melancholy pleasure. Theresa

entreated, expostulated, and then described the distress of Valancourt,

when he had given the ring, and repeated the message, with which he had

commissioned her to deliver it; and Emily could not conceal the extreme

sorrow this recital occasioned her, but wept, and remained lost in

thought.