And, swell’d with tempests, on the ship descends2,
White are the decks with foam3; the winds aloud,
Howl o’er the masts, and sing through ev’ry shroud4:
Pale, trembling, tir’d, the sailors freeze with fears,
And instant death on ev’ry wave appears.
POPE’S HOMER
The Lady Blanche, meanwhile, who was left much alone, became impatient for the company of her new friend, whom she wished to observe sharing in the delight she received from the beautiful scenery around. She had now no person, to whom she could express her admiration5 and communicate her pleasures, no eye, that sparkled to her smile, or countenance6, that reflected her happiness; and she became spiritless and pensive7. The Count, observing her dissatisfaction, readily yielded to her entreaties9, and reminded Emily of her promised visit; but the silence of Valancourt, which was now prolonged far beyond the period, when a letter might have arrived from Estuviere, oppressed Emily with severe anxiety, and, rendering10 her averse11 to society, she would willingly have deferred12 her acceptance of this invitation, till her spirits should be relieved. The Count and his family, however, pressed to see her; and, as the circumstances, that prompted her wish for solitude13, could not be explained, there was an appearance of caprice in her refusal, which she could not persevere14 in, without offending the friends, whose esteem15 she valued. At length, therefore, she returned upon a second visit to Chateau16-le-Blanc. Here the friendly manner of Count De Villefort encouraged Emily to mention to him her situation, respecting the estates of her late aunt, and to consult him on the means of recovering them. He had little doubt, that the law would decide in her favour, and, advising her to apply to it, offered first to write to an advocate at Avignon, on whose opinion he thought he could rely. His kindness was gratefully accepted by Emily, who, soothed17 by the courtesy she daily experienced, would have been once more happy, could she have been assured of Valancourt’s welfare and unaltered affection. She had now been above a week at the chateau, without receiving intelligence of him, and, though she knew, that, if he was absent from his brother’s residence, it was scarcely probable her letter had yet reached him, she could not forbear to admit doubts and fears, that destroyed her peace. Again she would consider of all, that might have happened in the long period, since her first seclusion18 at Udolpho, and her mind was sometimes so overwhelmed with an apprehension19, that Valancourt was no more, or that he lived no longer for her, that the company even of Blanche became intolerably oppressive, and she would sit alone in her apartment for hours together, when the engagements of the family allowed her to do so, without incivility.
In one of these solitary20 hours, she unlocked a little box, which contained some letters of Valancourt, with some drawings she had sketched21, during her stay in Tuscany, the latter of which were no longer interesting to her; but, in the letters, she now, with melancholy22 indulgence, meant to retrace23 the tenderness, that had so often soothed her, and rendered her, for a moment, insensible of the distance, which separated her from the writer. But their effect was now changed; the affection they expressed appealed so forcibly to her heart, when she considered that it had, perhaps, yielded to the powers of time and absence, and even the view of the hand-writing recalled so many painful recollections, that she found herself unable to go through the first she had opened, and sat musing25, with her cheek resting on her arm, and tears stealing from her eyes, when old Dorothee entered the room to inform her, that dinner would be ready, an hour before the usual time. Emily started on perceiving her, and hastily put up the papers, but not before Dorothee had observed both her agitation26 and her tears.
‘Ah, ma’amselle!’ said she, ‘you, who are so young,— have you reason for sorrow?’
Emily tried to smile, but was unable to speak.
‘Alas! dear young lady, when you come to my age, you will not weep at trifles; and surely you have nothing serious, to grieve you.’
‘No, Dorothee, nothing of any consequence,’ replied Emily. Dorothee, now stooping to pick up something, that had dropped from among the papers, suddenly exclaimed, ‘Holy Mary! what is it I see?’ and then, trembling, sat down in a chair, that stood by the table.
‘What is it you do see?’ said Emily, alarmed by her manner, and looking round the room.
‘It is herself,’ said Dorothee, ‘her very self! just as she looked a little before she died!’
Emily, still more alarmed, began now to fear, that Dorothee was seized with sudden phrensy, but entreated27 her to explain herself.
‘That picture!’ said she, ‘where did you find it, lady? it is my blessed mistress herself!’
She laid on the table the miniature, which Emily had long ago found among the papers her father had enjoined28 her to destroy, and over which she had once seen him shed such tender and affecting tears; and, recollecting29 all the various circumstances of his conduct, that had long perplexed30 her, her emotions increased to an excess, which deprived her of all power to ask the questions she trembled to have answered, and she could only enquire31, whether Dorothee was certain the picture resembled the late marchioness.
‘O, ma’amselle!’ said she, ‘how came it to strike me so, the instant I saw it, if it was not my lady’s likeness32? Ah!’ added she, taking up the miniature, ‘these are her own blue eyes — looking so sweet and so mild; and there is her very look, such as I have often seen it, when she had sat thinking for a long while, and then, the tears would often steal down her cheeks — but she never would complain! It was that look so meek33, as it were, and resigned, that used to break my heart and make me love her so!’
‘Dorothee!’ said Emily solemnly, ‘I am interested in the cause of that grief, more so, perhaps, than you may imagine; and I entreat8, that you will no longer refuse to indulge my curiosity;— it is not a common one.’
As Emily said this, she remembered the papers, with which the picture had been found, and had scarcely a doubt, that they had concerned the Marchioness de Villeroi; but with this supposition came a scruple34, whether she ought to enquire further on a subject, which might prove to be the same, that her father had so carefully endeavoured to conceal35. Her curiosity, concerning the Marchioness, powerful as it was, it is probable she would now have resisted, as she had formerly36 done, on unwarily observing the few terrible words in the papers, which had never since been erased37 from her memory, had she been certain that the history of that lady was the subject of those papers, or, that such simple particulars only as it was probable Dorothee could relate were included in her father’s command. What was known to her could be no secret to many other persons; and, since it appeared very unlikely, that St. Aubert should attempt to conceal what Emily might learn by ordinary means, she at length concluded, that, if the papers had related to the story of the Marchioness, it was not those circumstances of it, which Dorothee could disclose, that he had thought sufficiently38 important to wish to have concealed39. She, therefore, no longer hesitated to make the enquiries, that might lead to the gratification of her curiosity.
‘Ah, ma’amselle!’ said Dorothee, ‘it is a sad story, and cannot be told now: but what am I saying? I never will tell it. Many years have passed, since it happened; and I never loved to talk of the Marchioness to any body, but my husband. He lived in the family, at that time, as well as myself, and he knew many particulars from me, which nobody else did; for I was about the person of my lady in her last illness, and saw and heard as much, or more than my lord himself. Sweet saint! how patient she was! When she died, I thought I could have died with her!’
‘Dorothee,’ said Emily, interrupting her, ‘what you shall tell, you may depend upon it, shall never be disclosed by me. I have, I repeat it, particular reasons for wishing to be informed on this subject, and am willing to bind40 myself, in the most solemn manner, never to mention what you shall wish me to conceal.’
Dorothee seemed surprised at the earnestness of Emily’s manner, and, after regarding her for some moments, in silence, said, ‘Young lady! that look of yours pleads for you — it is so like my dear mistress’s, that I can almost fancy I see her before me; if you were her daughter, you could not remind me of her more. But dinner will be ready — had you not better go down?’
‘You will first promise to grant my request,’ said Emily.
‘And ought not you first to tell me, ma’amselle, how this picture fell into your hands, and the reasons you say you have for curiosity about my lady?’
‘Why, no, Dorothee,’ replied Emily, recollecting herself, ‘I have also particular reasons for observing silence, on these subjects, at least, till I know further; and, remember, I do not promise ever to speak upon them; therefore, do not let me induce you to satisfy my curiosity, from an expectation, that I shall gratify yours. What I may judge proper to conceal, does not concern myself alone, or I should have less scruple in revealing it: let a confidence in my honour alone persuade you to disclose what I request.’
‘Well, lady!’ replied Dorothee, after a long pause, during which her eyes were fixed42 upon Emily, ‘you seem so much interested,— and this picture and that face of yours make me think you have some reason to be so,— that I will trust you — and tell some things, that I never told before to any body, but my husband, though there are people, who have suspected as much. I will tell you the particulars of my lady’s death, too, and some of my own suspicions; but you must first promise me by all the saints’—
Emily, interrupting her, solemnly promised never to reveal what should be confided43 to her, without Dorothee’s consent.
‘But there is the horn, ma’amselle, sounding for dinner,’ said Dorothee; ‘I must be gone.’
‘When shall I see you again?’ enquired44 Emily.
Dorothee mused45, and then replied, ‘Why, madam, it may make people curious, if it is known I am so much in your apartment, and that I should be sorry for; so I will come when I am least likely to be observed. I have little leisure in the day, and I shall have a good deal to say; so, if you please, ma’am, I will come, when the family are all in bed.’
‘That will suit me very well,’ replied Emily: ‘Remember, then, to- night’—
‘Aye, that is well remembered,’ said Dorothee, ‘I fear I cannot come to-night, madam, for there will be the dance of the vintage, and it will be late, before the servants go to rest; for, when they once set in to dance, they will keep it up, in the cool of the air, till morning; at least, it used to be so in my time.’
‘Ah! is it the dance of the vintage?’ said Emily, with a deep sigh, remembering, that it was on the evening of this festival, in the preceding year, that St. Aubert and herself had arrived in the neighbourhood of Chateau-le-Blanc. She paused a moment, overcome by the sudden recollection, and then, recovering herself, added —‘But this dance is in the open woods; you, therefore, will not be wanted, and can easily come to me.’
Dorothee replied, that she had been accustomed to be present at the dance of the vintage, and she did not wish to be absent now; ‘but if I can get away, madam, I will,’ said she.
Emily then hastened to the dining-room, where the Count conducted himself with the courtesy, which is inseparable from true dignity, and of which the Countess frequently practised little, though her manner to Emily was an exception to her usual habit. But, if she retained few of the ornamental46 virtues47, she cherished other qualities, which she seemed to consider invaluable48. She had dismissed the grace of modesty49, but then she knew perfectly50 well how to manage the stare of assurance; her manners had little of the tempered sweetness, which is necessary to render the female character interesting, but she could occasionally throw into them an affectation of spirits, which seemed to triumph over every person, who approached her. In the country, however, she generally affected51 an elegant languor52, that persuaded her almost to faint, when her favourite read to her a story of fictitious53 sorrow; but her countenance suffered no change, when living objects of distress54 solicited55 her charity, and her heart beat with no transport to the thought of giving them instant relief;— she was a stranger to the highest luxury, of which, perhaps, the human mind can be sensible, for her benevolence56 had never yet called smiles upon the face of misery57.
In the evening, the Count, with all his family, except the Countess and Mademoiselle Bearn, went to the woods to witness the festivity of the peasants. The scene was in a glade58, where the trees, opening, formed a circle round the turf they highly overshadowed; between their branches, vines, loaded with ripe clusters, were hung in gay festoons; and, beneath, were tables, with fruit, wine, cheese and other rural fare,— and seats for the Count and his family. At a little distance, were benches for the elder peasants, few of whom, however, could forbear to join the jocund59 dance, which began soon after sun-set, when several of sixty tripped it with almost as much glee and airy lightness, as those of sixteen.
The musicians, who sat carelessly on the grass, at the foot of a tree, seemed inspired by the sound of their own instruments, which were chiefly flutes60 and a kind of long guitar. Behind, stood a boy, flourishing a tamborine, and dancing a solo, except that, as he sometimes gaily61 tossed the instrument, he tripped among the other dancers, when his antic gestures called forth62 a broader laugh, and heightened the rustic63 spirit of the scene.
The Count was highly delighted with the happiness he witnessed, to which his bounty64 had largely contributed, and the Lady Blanche joined the dance with a young gentleman of her father’s party. Du Pont requested Emily’s hand, but her spirits were too much depressed65, to permit her to engage in the present festivity, which called to her remembrance that of the preceding year, when St. Aubert was living, and of the melancholy scenes, which had immediately followed it.
Overcome by these recollections, she, at length, left the spot, and walked slowly into the woods, where the softened66 music, floating at a distance, soothed her melancholy mind. The moon threw a mellow67 light among the foliage68; the air was balmy and cool, and Emily, lost in thought, strolled on, without observing whither, till she perceived the sounds sinking afar off, and an awful stillness round her, except that, sometimes, the nightingale beguiled69 the silence with
Liquid notes, that close the eye of day.
At length, she found herself near the avenue, which, on the night of her father’s arrival, Michael had attempted to pass in search of a house, which was still nearly as wild and desolate70 as it had then appeared; for the Count had been so much engaged in directing other improvements, that he had neglected to give orders, concerning this extensive approach, and the road was yet broken, and the trees overloaded71 with their own luxuriance.
As she stood surveying it, and remembering the emotions, which she had formerly suffered there, she suddenly recollected72 the figure, that had been seen stealing among the trees, and which had returned no answer to Michael’s repeated calls; and she experienced somewhat of the fear, that had then assailed73 her, for it did not appear improbable, that these deep woods were occasionally the haunt of banditti. She, therefore, turned back, and was hastily pursuing her way to the dancers, when she heard steps approaching from the avenue; and, being still beyond the call of the peasants on the green, for she could neither hear their voices, or their music, she quickened her pace; but the persons following gained fast upon her, and, at length, distinguishing the voice of Henri, she walked leisurely74, till he came up. He expressed some surprise at meeting her so far from the company; and, on her saying, that the pleasant moon-light had beguiled her to walk farther than she intended, an exclamation75 burst from the lips of his companion, and she thought she heard Valancourt speak! It was, indeed, he! and the meeting was such as may be imagined, between persons so affectionate, and so long separated as they had been.
In the joy of these moments, Emily forgot all her past sufferings, and Valancourt seemed to have forgotten, that any person but Emily existed; while Henri was a silent and astonished spectator of the scene.
Valancourt asked a thousand questions, concerning herself and Montoni, which there was now no time to answer; but she learned, that her letter had been forwarded to him, at Paris, which he had previously76 quitted, and was returning to Gascony, whither the letter also returned, which, at length, informed him of Emily’s arrival, and on the receipt of which he had immediately set out for Languedoc. On reaching the monastery77, whence she had dated her letter, he found, to his extreme disappointment, that the gates were already closed for the night; and believing, that he should not see Emily, till the morrow, he was returning to his little inn, with the intention of writing to her, when he was overtaken by Henri, with whom he had been intimate at Paris, and was led to her, whom he was secretly lamenting78 that he should not see, till the following day.
Emily, with Valancourt and Henri, now returned to the green, where the latter presented Valancourt to the Count, who, she fancied, received him with less than his usual benignity79, though it appeared, that they were not strangers to each other. He was invited, however, to partake of the diversions of the evening; and, when he had paid his respects to the Count, and while the dancers continued their festivity, he seated himself by Emily, and conversed80, without restraint. The lights, which were hung among the trees, under which they sat, allowed her a more perfect view of the countenance she had so frequently in absence endeavoured to recollect24, and she perceived, with some regret, that it was not the same as when last she saw it. There was all its wonted intelligence and fire; but it had lost much of the simplicity82, and somewhat of the open benevolence, that used to characterise it. Still, however, it was an interesting countenance; but Emily thought she perceived, at intervals83, anxiety contract, and melancholy fix the features of Valancourt; sometimes, too, he fell into a momentary84 musing, and then appeared anxious to dissipate thought; while, at others, as he fixed his eyes on Emily, a kind of sudden distraction85 seemed to cross his mind. In her he perceived the same goodness and beautiful simplicity, that had charmed him, on their first acquaintance. The bloom of her countenance was somewhat faded, but all its sweetness remained, and it was rendered more interesting, than ever, by the faint expression of melancholy, that sometimes mingled86 with her smile.
At his request, she related the most important circumstances, that had occurred to her, since she left France, and emotions of pity and indignation alternately prevailed in his mind, when he heard how much she had suffered from the villany of Montoni. More than once, when she was speaking of his conduct, of which the guilt87 was rather softened, than exaggerated, by her representation, he started from his seat, and walked away, apparently88 overcome as much by self accusation89 as by resentment90. Her sufferings alone were mentioned in the few words, which he could address to her, and he listened not to the account, which she was careful to give as distinctly as possible, of the present loss of Madame Montoni’s estates, and of the little reason there was to expect their restoration. At length, Valancourt remained lost in thought, and then some secret cause seemed to overcome him with anguish91. Again he abruptly92 left her. When he returned, she perceived, that he had been weeping, and tenderly begged, that he would compose himself. ‘My sufferings are all passed now,’ said she, ‘for I have escaped from the tyranny of Montoni, and I see you well — let me also see you happy.’
Valancourt was more agitated93, than before. ‘I am unworthy of you, Emily,’ said he, ‘I am unworthy of you;’— words, by his manner of uttering which Emily was then more shocked than by their import. She fixed on him a mournful and enquiring95 eye. ‘Do not look thus on me,’ said he, turning away and pressing her hand; ‘I cannot bear those looks.’
‘I would ask,’ said Emily, in a gentle, but agitated voice, ‘the meaning of your words; but I perceive, that the question would distress you now. Let us talk on other subjects. To-morrow, perhaps, you may be more composed. Observe those moon light woods, and the towers, which appear obscurely in the perspective. You used to be a great admirer of landscape, and I have heard you say, that the faculty96 of deriving97 consolation98, under misfortune, from the sublime99 prospects100, which neither oppression, or poverty with-hold from us, was the peculiar101 blessing102 of the innocent.’ Valancourt was deeply affected. ‘Yes,’ replied he, ‘I had once a taste for innocent and elegant delights — I had once an uncorrupted heart.’ Then, checking himself, he added, ‘Do you remember our journey together in the Pyrenees?’
‘Can I forget it?’ said Emily.—‘Would that I could!’ he replied;— ‘that was the happiest period of my life. I then loved, with enthusiasm, whatever was truly great, or good.’ It was some time before Emily could repress her tears, and try to command her emotions. ‘If you wish to forget that journey,’ said she, ‘it must certainly be my wish to forget it also.’ She paused, and then added, ‘You make me very uneasy; but this is not the time for further enquiry;— yet, how can I bear to believe, even for a moment, that you are less worthy94 of my esteem than formerly? I have still sufficient confidence in your candour, to believe, that, when I shall ask for an explanation, you will give it me.’—‘Yes,’ said Valancourt, ‘yes, Emily: I have not yet lost my candour: if I had, I could better have disguised my emotions, on learning what were your sufferings — your virtues, while I— I— but I will say no more. I did not mean to have said even so much — I have been surprised into the self- accusation. Tell me, Emily, that you will not forget that journey — will not wish to forget it, and I will be calm. I would not lose the remembrance of it for the whole earth.’
‘How contradictory104 is this!’ said Emily;—‘but we may be overheard. My recollection of it shall depend upon yours; I will endeavour to forget, or to recollect it, as you may do. Let us join the Count.’— ‘Tell me first,’ said Valancourt, ‘that you forgive the uneasiness I have occasioned you, this evening, and that you will still love me.’- -‘I sincerely forgive you,’ replied Emily. ‘You best know whether I shall continue to love you, for you know whether you deserve my esteem. At present, I will believe that you do. It is unnecessary to say,’ added she, observing his dejection, ‘how much pain it would give me to believe otherwise.— The young lady, who approaches, is the Count’s daughter.’
Valancourt and Emily now joined the Lady Blanche; and the party, soon after, sat down with the Count, his son, and the Chevalier Du Pont, at a banquet, spread under a gay awning105, beneath the trees. At the table also were seated several of the most venerable of the Count’s tenants106, and it was a festive107 repast to all but Valancourt and Emily. When the Count retired108 to the chateau, he did not invite Valancourt to accompany him, who, therefore, took leave of Emily, and retired to his solitary inn for the night: meanwhile, she soon withdrew to her own apartment, where she mused, with deep anxiety and concern, on his behaviour, and on the Count’s reception of him. Her attention was thus so wholly engaged, that she forgot Dorothee and her appointment, till morning was far advanced, when, knowing that the good old woman would not come, she retired, for a few hours, to repose109.
On the following day, when the Count had accidentally joined Emily in one of the walks, they talked of the festival of the preceding evening, and this led him to a mention of Valancourt. ‘That is a young man of talents,’ said he; ‘you were formerly acquainted with him, I perceive.’ Emily said, that she was. ‘He was introduced to me, at Paris,’ said the Count, ‘and I was much pleased with him, on our first acquaintance.’ He paused, and Emily trembled, between the desire of hearing more and the fear of shewing the Count, that she felt an interest on the subject. ‘May I ask,’ said he, at length, ‘how long you have known Monsieur Valancourt?’—‘Will you allow me to ask your reason for the question, sir?’ said she; ‘and I will answer it immediately.’—‘Certainly,’ said the Count, ‘that is but just. I will tell you my reason. I cannot but perceive, that Monsieur Valancourt admires you; in that, however, there is nothing extraordinary; every person, who sees you, must do the same. I am above using common-place compliments; I speak with sincerity110. What I fear, is, that he is a favoured admirer.’—‘Why do you fear it, sir?’ said Emily, endeavouring to conceal her emotion.—‘Because,’ replied the Count, ‘I think him not worthy of your favour.’ Emily, greatly agitated, entreated further explanation. ‘I will give it,’ said he, ‘if you will believe, that nothing but a strong interest in your welfare could induce me to hazard that assertion.’—‘I must believe so, sir,’ replied Emily.
‘But let us rest under these trees,’ said the Count, observing the paleness of her countenance; ‘here is a seat — you are fatigued111.’ They sat down, and the Count proceeded. ‘Many young ladies, circumstanced as you are, would think my conduct, on this occasion, and on so short an acquaintance, impertinent, instead of friendly; from what I have observed of your temper and understanding, I do not fear such a return from you. Our acquaintance has been short, but long enough to make me esteem you, and feel a lively interest in your happiness. You deserve to be very happy, and I trust that you will be so.’ Emily sighed softly, and bowed her thanks. The Count paused again. ‘I am unpleasantly circumstanced,’ said he; ‘but an opportunity of rendering you important service shall overcome inferior considerations. Will you inform me of the manner of your first acquaintance with the Chevalier Valancourt, if the subject is not too painful?’
Emily briefly113 related the accident of their meeting in the presence of her father, and then so earnestly entreated the Count not to hesitate in declaring what he knew, that he perceived the violent emotion, against which she was contending, and, regarding her with a look of tender compassion114, considered how he might communicate his information with least pain to his anxious auditor115.
‘The Chevalier and my son,’ said he, ‘were introduced to each other, at the table of a brother officer, at whose house I also met him, and invited him to my own, whenever he should be disengaged. I did not then know, that he had formed an acquaintance with a set of men, a disgrace to their species, who live by plunder116 and pass their lives in continual debauchery. I knew several of the Chevalier’s family, resident at Paris, and considered them as sufficient pledges for his introduction to my own. But you are ill; I will leave the subject.’- -‘No, sir,’ said Emily, ‘I beg you will proceed: I am only distressed117.’—‘ONLY!’ said the Count, with emphasis; ‘however, I will proceed. I soon learned, that these, his associates, had drawn118 him into a course of dissipation, from which he appeared to have neither the power, nor the inclination119, to extricate120 himself. He lost large sums at the gaming-table; he became infatuated with play; and was ruined. I spoke121 tenderly of this to his friends, who assured me, that they had remonstrated122 with him, till they were weary. I afterwards learned, that, in consideration of his talents for play, which were generally successful, when unopposed by the tricks of villany,— that in consideration of these, the party had initiated123 him into the secrets of their trade, and allotted124 him a share of their profits.’ ‘Impossible!’ said Emily suddenly; ‘but — pardon me, sir, I scarcely know what I say; allow for the distress of my mind. I must, indeed, I must believe, that you have not been truly informed. The Chevalier had, doubtless, enemies, who misrepresented him.’—‘I should be most happy to believe so,’ replied the Count, ‘but I cannot. Nothing short of conviction, and a regard for your happiness, could have urged me to repeat these unpleasant reports.’
Emily was silent. She recollected Valancourt’s sayings, on the preceding evening, which discovered the pangs125 of self-reproach, and seemed to confirm all that the Count had related. Yet she had not fortitude126 enough to dare conviction. Her heart was overwhelmed with anguish at the mere127 suspicion of his guilt, and she could not endure a belief of it. After a silence, the Count said, ‘I perceive, and can allow for, your want of conviction. It is necessary I should give some proof of what I have asserted; but this I cannot do, without subjecting one, who is very dear to me, to danger.’—‘What is the danger you apprehend128, sir?’ said Emily; ‘if I can prevent it, you may safely confide41 in my honour.’—‘On your honour I am certain I can rely,’ said the Count; ‘but can I trust your fortitude? Do you think you can resist the solicitation129 of a favoured admirer, when he pleads, in affliction, for the name of one, who has robbed him of a blessing?’—‘I shall not be exposed to such a temptation, sir,’ said Emily, with modest pride, ‘for I cannot favour one, whom I must no longer esteem. I, however, readily give my word.’ Tears, in the mean time, contradicted her first assertion; and she felt, that time and effort only could eradicate130 an affection, which had been formed on virtuous131 esteem, and cherished by habit and difficulty.
‘I will trust you then,’ said the Count, ‘for conviction is necessary to your peace, and cannot, I perceive, be obtained, without this confidence. My son has too often been an eye-witness of the Chevalier’s ill conduct; he was very near being drawn in by it; he was, indeed, drawn in to the commission of many follies132, but I rescued him from guilt and destruction. Judge then, Mademoiselle St. Aubert, whether a father, who had nearly lost his only son by the example of the Chevalier, has not, from conviction, reason to warn those, whom he esteems133, against trusting their happiness in such hands. I have myself seen the Chevalier engaged in deep play with men, whom I almost shuddered134 to look upon. If you still doubt, I will refer you to my son.’
‘I must not doubt what you have yourself witnessed,’ replied Emily, sinking with grief, ‘or what you assert. But the Chevalier has, perhaps, been drawn only into a transient folly135, which he may never repeat. If you had known the justness of his former principles, you would allow for my present incredulity.’
‘Alas!’ observed the Count, ‘it is difficult to believe that, which will make us wretched. But I will not sooth you by flattering and false hopes. We all know how fascinating the vice112 of gaming is, and how difficult it is, also, to conquer habits; the Chevalier might, perhaps, reform for a while, but he would soon relapse into dissipation — for I fear, not only the bonds of habit would be powerful, but that his morals are corrupted103. And — why should I conceal from you, that play is not his only vice? he appears to have a taste for every vicious pleasure.’
The Count hesitated and paused; while Emily endeavoured to support herself, as, with increasing perturbation, she expected what he might further say. A long pause of silence ensued, during which he was visibly agitated; at length, he said, ‘It would be a cruel delicacy136, that could prevail with me to be silent — and I will inform you, that the Chevalier’s extravagance has brought him twice into the prisons of Paris, from whence he was last extricated137, as I was told upon authority, which I cannot doubt, by a well-known Parisian Countess, with whom he continued to reside, when I left Paris.’
He paused again; and, looking at Emily, perceived her countenance change, and that she was falling from the seat; he caught her, but she had fainted, and he called loudly for assistance. They were, however, beyond the hearing of his servants at the chateau, and he feared to leave her while he went thither138 for assistance, yet knew not how otherwise to obtain it; till a fountain at no great distance caught his eye, and he endeavoured to support Emily against the tree, under which she had been sitting, while he went thither for water. But again he was perplexed, for he had nothing near him, in which water could be brought; but while, with increased anxiety, he watched her, he thought he perceived in her countenance symptoms of returning life.
It was long, however, before she revived, and then she found herself supported — not by the Count, but by Valancourt, who was observing her with looks of earnest apprehension, and who now spoke to her in a tone, tremulous with his anxiety. At the sound of his well-known voice, she raised her eyes, but presently closed them, and a faintness again came over her.
The Count, with a look somewhat stern, waved him to withdraw; but he only sighed heavily, and called on the name of Emily, as he again held the water, that had been brought, to her lips. On the Count’s repeating his action, and accompanying it with words, Valancourt answered him with a look of deep resentment, and refused to leave the place, till she should revive, or to resign her for a moment to the care of any person. In the next instant, his conscience seemed to inform him of what had been the subject of the Count’s conversation with Emily, and indignation flashed in his eyes; but it was quickly repressed, and succeeded by an expression of serious anguish, that induced the Count to regard him with more pity than resentment, and the view of which so much affected Emily, when she again revived, that she yielded to the weakness of tears. But she soon restrained them, and, exerting her resolution to appear recovered, she rose, thanked the Count and Henri, with whom Valancourt had entered the garden, for their care, and moved towards the chateau, without noticing Valancourt, who, heart-struck by her manner, exclaimed in a low voice —‘Good God! how have I deserved this?— what has been said, to occasion this change?’
Emily, without replying, but with increased emotion, quickened her steps. ‘What has thus disordered you, Emily?’ said he, as he still walked by her side: ‘give me a few moments’ conversation, I entreat you;— I am very miserable139!’
Though this was spoken in a low voice, it was overheard by the Count, who immediately replied, that Mademoiselle St. Aubert was then too much indisposed, to attend to any conversation, but that he would venture to promise she would see Monsieur Valancourt on the morrow, if she was better.
Valancourt’s cheek was crimsoned140: he looked haughtily141 at the Count, and then at Emily, with successive expressions of surprise, grief and supplication142, which she could neither misunderstand, or resist, and she said languidly —‘I shall be better tomorrow, and if you wish to accept the Count’s permission, I will see you then.’
‘See me!’ exclaimed Valancourt, as he threw a glance of mingled pride and resentment upon the Count; and then, seeming to recollect himself, he added —‘But I will come, madam; I will accept the Count’s PERMISSION.’
When they reached the door of the chateau, he lingered a moment, for his resentment was now fled; and then, with a look so expressive143 of tenderness and grief, that Emily’s heart was not proof against it, he bade her good morning, and, bowing slightly to the Count, disappeared.
Emily withdrew to her own apartment, under such oppression of heart as she had seldom known, when she endeavoured to recollect all that the Count had told, to examine the probability of the circumstances he himself believed, and to consider of her future conduct towards Valancourt. But, when she attempted to think, her mind refused controul, and she could only feel that she was miserable. One moment, she sunk under the conviction, that Valancourt was no longer the same, whom she had so tenderly loved, the idea of whom had hitherto supported her under affliction, and cheered her with the hope of happier days,— but a fallen, a worthless character, whom she must teach herself to despise — if she could not forget. Then, unable to endure this terrible supposition, she rejected it, and disdained144 to believe him capable of conduct, such as the Count had described, to whom she believed he had been misrepresented by some artful enemy; and there were moments, when she even ventured to doubt the integrity of the Count himself, and to suspect, that he was influenced by some selfish motive145, to break her connection with Valancourt. But this was the error of an instant, only; the Count’s character, which she had heard spoken of by Du Pont and many other persons, and had herself observed, enabled her to judge, and forbade the supposition; had her confidence, indeed, been less, there appeared to be no temptation to betray him into conduct so treacherous146, and so cruel. Nor did reflection suffer her to preserve the hope, that Valancourt had been mis-represented to the Count, who had said, that he spoke chiefly from his own observation, and from his son’s experience. She must part from Valancourt, therefore, for ever — for what of either happiness or tranquillity147 could she expect with a man, whose tastes were degenerated148 into low inclinations149, and to whom vice was become habitual150? whom she must no longer esteem, though the remembrance of what he once was, and the long habit of loving him, would render it very difficult for her to despise him. ‘O Valancourt!’ she would exclaim, ‘having been separated so long — do we meet, only to be miserable — only to part for ever?’
Amidst all the tumult151 of her mind, she remembered pertinaciously152 the seeming candour and simplicity of his conduct, on the preceding night; and, had she dared to trust her own heart, it would have led her to hope much from this. Still she could not resolve to dismiss him for ever, without obtaining further proof of his ill conduct; yet she saw no probability of procuring153 it, if, indeed, proof more positive was possible. Something, however, it was necessary to decide upon, and she almost determined154 to be guided in her opinion solely155 by the manner, with which Valancourt should receive her hints concerning his late conduct.
Thus passed the hours till dinner-time, when Emily, struggling against the pressure of her grief, dried her tears, and joined the family at table, where the Count preserved towards her the most delicate attention; but the Countess and Mademoiselle Bearn, having looked, for a moment, with surprise, on her dejected countenance, began, as usual, to talk of trifles, while the eyes of Lady Blanche asked much of her friend, who could only reply by a mournful smile.
Emily withdrew as soon after dinner as possible, and was followed by the Lady Blanche, whose anxious enquiries, however, she found herself quite unequal to answer, and whom she entreated to spare her on the subject of her distress. To converse81 on any topic, was now, indeed, so extremely painful to her, that she soon gave up the attempt, and Blanche left her, with pity of the sorrow, which she perceived she had no power to assuage156.
Emily secretly determined to go to her convent in a day or two; for company, especially that of the Countess and Mademoiselle Bearn, was intolerable to her, in the present state of her spirits; and, in the retirement157 of the convent, as well as the kindness of the abbess, she hoped to recover the command of her mind, and to teach it resignation to the event, which, she too plainly perceived, was approaching.
To have lost Valancourt by death, or to have seen him married to a rival, would, she thought, have given her less anguish, than a conviction of his unworthiness, which must terminate in misery to himself, and which robbed her even of the solitary image her heart so long had cherished. These painful reflections were interrupted, for a moment, by a note from Valancourt, written in evident distraction of mind, entreating158, that she would permit him to see her on the approaching evening, instead of the following morning; a request, which occasioned her so much agitation, that she was unable to answer it. She wished to see him, and to terminate her present state of suspense159, yet shrunk from the interview, and, incapable160 of deciding for herself, she, at length, sent to beg a few moments’ conversation with the Count in his library, where she delivered to him the note, and requested his advice. After reading it, he said, that, if she believed herself well enough to support the interview, his opinion was, that, for the relief of both parties, it ought to take place, that evening.
‘His affection for you is, undoubtedly161, a very sincere one,’ added the Count; ‘and he appears so much distressed, and you, my amiable162 friend, are so ill at ease — that the sooner the affair is decided163, the better.’
Emily replied, therefore, to Valancourt, that she would see him, and then exerted herself in endeavours to attain164 fortitude and composure, to bear her through the approaching scene — a scene so afflictingly the reverse of any, to which she had looked forward!
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1
impends
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| v.进行威胁，即将发生( impend的第三人称单数 ) | |
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descends
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| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
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foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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shroud
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| n.裹尸布，寿衣；罩，幕；vt.覆盖，隐藏 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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deferred
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| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
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13
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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persevere
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| v.坚持，坚忍，不屈不挠 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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20
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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21
sketched
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| v.草拟（sketch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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23
retrace
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| v.折回；追溯，探源 | |
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recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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25
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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26
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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30
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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enquire
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| v.打听，询问；调查，查问 | |
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32
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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33
meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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erased
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| v.擦掉( erase的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；清除 | |
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38
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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40
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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41
confide
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| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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43
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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44
enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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45
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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46
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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47
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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48
invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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49
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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50
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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51
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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52
languor
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| n.无精力，倦怠 | |
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53
fictitious
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| adj.虚构的，假设的；空头的 | |
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54
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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55
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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56
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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57
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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58
glade
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| n.林间空地，一片表面有草的沼泽低地 | |
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59
jocund
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| adj.快乐的，高兴的 | |
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60
flutes
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| 长笛( flute的名词复数 )； 细长香槟杯（形似长笛） | |
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61
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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63
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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64
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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65
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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66
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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67
mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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68
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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69
beguiled
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| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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70
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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71
overloaded
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| a.超载的，超负荷的 | |
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72
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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74
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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75
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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76
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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77
monastery
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| n.修道院，僧院，寺院 | |
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78
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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79
benignity
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| n.仁慈 | |
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80
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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81
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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82
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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83
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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84
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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85
distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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86
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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87
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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88
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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89
accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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90
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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91
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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92
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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93
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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94
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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95
enquiring
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| a.爱打听的，显得好奇的 | |
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96
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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deriving
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| v.得到( derive的现在分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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98
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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100
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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101
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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102
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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103
corrupted
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| （使）败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
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104
contradictory
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| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
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105
awning
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| n.遮阳篷；雨篷 | |
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106
tenants
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| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
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107
festive
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| adj.欢宴的，节日的 | |
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108
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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109
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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110
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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111
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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112
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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113
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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114
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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115
auditor
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| n.审计员，旁听着 | |
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116
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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117
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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118
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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119
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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120
extricate
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| v.拯救，救出；解脱 | |
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121
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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122
remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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123
initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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124
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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125
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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126
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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127
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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128
apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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129
solicitation
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| n.诱惑；揽货；恳切地要求；游说 | |
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130
eradicate
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| v.根除，消灭，杜绝 | |
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131
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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132
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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133
esteems
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| n.尊敬，好评( esteem的名词复数 )v.尊敬( esteem的第三人称单数 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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134
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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135
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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137
extricated
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| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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138
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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139
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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140
crimsoned
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| 变为深红色（crimson的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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141
haughtily
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| adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
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142
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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143
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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144
disdained
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| 鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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145
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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146
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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147
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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148
degenerated
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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149
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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150
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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151
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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152
pertinaciously
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| adv.坚持地；固执地；坚决地；执拗地 | |
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153
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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154
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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155
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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156
assuage
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| v.缓和，减轻，镇定 | |
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157
retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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158
entreating
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的现在分词 ) | |
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159
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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160
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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161
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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162
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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163
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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164
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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