The Mysteries of Udolpho

The sounds led her towards the moon-light glade she had

before noticed; at a little distance from which she stopped, and saw,

between the boles of the trees, a small circular level of green turf,

surrounded by the woods, on which appeared a group of figures. On

drawing nearer, she distinguished these, by their dress, to be peasants,

and perceived several cottages scattered round the edge of the woods,

which waved loftily over this spot. While she gazed, and endeavoured

to overcome the apprehensions that withheld her steps, several peasant

girls came out of a cottage; music instantly struck up, and the dance

began. It was the joyous music of the vintage! the same she had before

heard upon the air.

Her heart, occupied with terror for her father,

could not feel the contrast, which this gay scene offered to her own

distress; she stepped hastily forward towards a group of elder peasants,

who were seated at the door of a cottage, and, having explained her

situation, entreated their assistance. Several of them rose with

alacrity, and, offering any service in their power, followed Emily, who

seemed to move on the wind, as fast as they could towards the road.

When she reached the carriage she found St. Aubert restored to

animation. On the recovery of his senses, having heard from Michael

whither his daughter was gone, anxiety for her overcame every regard for

himself, and he had sent him in search of her. He was, however, still

languid, and, perceiving himself unable to travel much farther, he

renewed his enquiries for an inn, and concerning the chateau in the

woods. 'The chateau cannot accommodate you, sir,' said a venerable

peasant who had followed Emily from the woods, 'it is scarcely

inhabited; but, if you will do me the honour to visit my cottage, you

shall be welcome to the best bed it affords.'

St. Aubert was himself a Frenchman; he therefore was not surprised at

French courtesy; but, ill as he was, he felt the value of the offer

enhanced by the manner which accompanied it. He had too much delicacy

to apologize, or to appear to hesitate about availing himself of

the peasant's hospitality, but immediately accepted it with the same

frankness with which it was offered.

The carriage again moved slowly on; Michael following the peasants up

the lane, which Emily had just quitted, till they came to the moon-light

glade. St. Aubert's spirits were so far restored by the courtesy of

his host, and the near prospect of repose, that he looked with a sweet

complacency upon the moon-light scene, surrounded by the shadowy

woods, through which, here and there, an opening admitted the streaming

splendour, discovering a cottage, or a sparkling rivulet. He listened,

with no painful emotion, to the merry notes of the guitar and tamborine;

and, though tears came to his eyes, when he saw the debonnaire dance of

the peasants, they were not merely tears of mournful regret. With Emily

it was otherwise; immediate terror for her father had now subsided into

a gentle melancholy, which every note of joy, by awakening comparison,

served to heighten.