by Bram Stoker
Desirous of saving him from the injuries and sufferings he had daily encountered in his wanderings, and of preventing him from exposing to the general eye those marks of what they considered folly, they engaged a physician to reside in the house, and take constant care of him. He hardly appeared to notice it, so completely was his mind absorbed by one terrible subject. His incoherence became at last so great, that he was confined to his chamber. There he would often lie for days, incapable of being roused. He had become emaciated, his eyes had attained a glassy lustre; — the only sign of affection and recollection remaining displayed itself upon the entry of his sister; then he would sometimes start, and, seizing her hands, with looks that severely afflicted her, he would desire her not to touch him. “Oh, do not touch him — if your love for me is aught, do not go near him!” When, however, she inquired to whom he referred, his only answer was, “True! true!” and again he sank into a state, whence not even she could rouse him. This lasted many months: gradually, however, as the year was passing, his incoherences became less frequent, and his mind threw off a portion of its gloom, whilst his guardians observed, that several times in the day he would count upon his fingers a definite number, and then smile.
The time had nearly elapsed, when, upon the last day of the year, one of his guardians entering his room, began to converse with his physician upon the melancholy circumstance of Aubrey’s being in so awful a situation, when his sister was going next day to be married. Instantly Aubrey’s attention was attracted; he asked anxiously to whom. Glad of this mark of returning intellect, of which they feared he had been deprived, they mentioned the name of the Earl of Marsden. Thinking this was a young Earl whom he had met with in society, Aubrey seemed pleased, and astonished them still more by his expressing his intention to be present at the nuptials, and desiring to see his sister. They answered not, but in a few minutes his sister was with him. He was apparently again capable of being affected by the influence of her lovely smile; for he pressed her to his breast, and kissed her check, wet with tears, flowing at the thought of her brother’s being once more alive to the feelings of affection. He began to speak with all his wonted warmth, and to congratulate her upon her marriage with a person so distinguished for rank and every accomplishment; when he suddenly perceived a locket upon her breast; opening it, what was his surprise at beholding the features of the monster who had so long influenced his life. He seized the portrait in a paroxysm of rage, and trampled it under foot. Upon her asking him why he thus destroyed the resemblance of her future husband, he looked as if he did not understand her — then seizing her hands, and gazing on her with a frantic expression of countenance, he bade her swear that she would never wed this monster, for he — — But he could not advance — it seemed as if that voice again bade him remember his oath — he turned suddenly round, thinking Lord Ruthven was near him but saw no one. In the meantime the guardians and physician, who had heard the whole, and thought this was but a return of his disorder, entered, and forcing him from Miss Aubrey, desired her to leave him. He fell upon his knees to them, he implored, he begged of them to delay but for one day. They, attributing this to the insanity they imagined had taken possession of his mind, endeavoured to pacify him, and retired.
Lord Ruthven had called the morning after the drawing-room, and had been refused with every one else. When he heard of Aubrey’s ill health, he readily understood himself to be the cause of it; but when he learned that he was deemed insane, his exultation and pleasure could hardly be concealed from those among whom he had gained this information. He hastened to the house of his former companion, and, by constant attendance, and the pretence of great affection for the brother and interest in his fate, he gradually won the ear of Miss Aubrey. Who could resist his power? His tongue had dangers and toils to recount — could speak of himself as of an individual having no sympathy with any being on the crowded earth, save with her to whom he addressed himself; — could tell how, since he knew her, his existence, had begun to seem worthy of preservation, if it were merely that he might listen to her soothing accents; — in fine, he knew so well how to use the serpent’s art, or such was the will of fate, that he gained her affections. The title of the elder branch falling at length to him, lie obtained an important embassy, which served as an excuse for hastening the marriage, (in spite of her brother’s deranged state,) which was to take place the very day before his departure for the continent.
Aubrey, when he was left by the physician and his guardians, attempted to bribe the servants, but in vain. He asked for pen and paper; it was given him; he wrote a letter to his sister, conjuring her, as she valued her own happiness, her own honour, and the honour of those now in the grave, who once held her in their arms as their hope and the hope of their house, to delay but for a few hours that marriage, on which he denounced the most heavy curses. The servants promised they would deliver it; but giving it to the physician, he thought it better not to harass any more the mind of Miss Aubrey by, what he considered, the ravings of a maniac. Night passed on without rest to the busy inmates of the house; and Aubrey heard, with a horror that may more easily be conceived than described, the notes of busy preparation. Morning came, and the sound of carriages broke upon his ear. Aubrey grew almost frantic. The curiosity of the servants at last overcame their vigilance, they gradually stole away, leaving him in the custody of an helpless old woman. He seized the opportunity, with one bound was out of the room, and in a moment found himself in the apartment where all were nearly assembled. Lord Ruthven was the first to perceive him: lie immediately approached, and, taking his arm by force, hurried him from the room, speechless with rage. When on the staircase, Lord Ruthven whispered in his ear — ”Remember your oath, and know, if not my bride to day, your sister is dishonoured. Women are frail!” So saying, he pushed him towards his attendants, who, roused by the old woman, had come in search of him. Aubrey could no longer support himself; his rage not finding vent, had broken a blood-vessel, and he was conveyed to bed. This was not mentioned to his sister, who was not present when he entered, as the physician was afraid of agitating her. The marriage was solemnized, and the bride and bridegroom left London.
Aubrey’s weakness increased; the effusion of blood produced symptoms of the near approach of death. He desired his sister’s guardians might be called, and when the midnight hour had struck, he related composedly what the reader has perused — he died immediately after.
The guardians hastened to protect Miss Aubrey; but when they arrived, it was too late. Lord Ruthven had disappeared, and Aubrey’s sister had glutted the thirst of a VAMPYRE!
THE END
VARNEY THE VAMPIRE by James Malcolm Rymer
This Victorian gothic novel was serialised in 1845–47 as a series of cheap pamphlets known as ‘penny dreadfuls’. The work is of epic length, containing nearly 667,000 words. Varney the Vampire introduced many vampire features that later inspired Stoker’s Dracula and are well-known to modern readers now. The story has a confused setting, claiming to be set in the early eighteenth century, while making references to the Napoleonic Wars and other events of the nineteenth century.
The cover of the first Penny Dreadful instalment
CONTENTS
PREFACE
CHAPTER I.
MIDNIGHT. — THE HAIL-STORM. — THE DREADFUL VISITOR. — THE VAMPYRE.
CHAPTER II.
THE ALARM. — THE PISTOL SHOT. — THE PURSUIT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
CHAPTER III.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BODY. — FLORA’S RECOVERY AND MADNESS. — THE OFFER OF ASSISTANCE FROM SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.
CHAPTER IV.
THE MORNING. — THE CONSULTATION. — THE FEARFUL SUGGESTION.
CHAPTER V.
THE NIGHT WATCH. — THE PROPOSAL. — THE MOONLIGHT. — THE FEARFUL ADVENTURE.
CHAPTER VI.
A GLANCE AT THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY. — THE PROBABLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE MYSTERIOUS APPARITION’S APPEARANCE.
CHAPTER VII.
THE VISIT TO THE VAULT OF THE BANNERWORTHS, AND ITS UNPLEASANT RESULT. — THE MYSTERY.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE COFFIN. — THE ABSENCE OF THE DEAD. — THE MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE, AND THE CONSTERNATION OF GEORGE.
CHAPTER IX.
THE OCCURRENCES OF THE NIGHT AT THE HALL. — THE SECOND APPEARANCE OF THE VAMPYRE, AND THE PISTOL-SHOT.
CHAPTER X.
THE RETURN FROM THE VAULT. — THE ALARM, AND THE SEARCH AROUND THE HALL.
CHAPTER XI.
THE COMMUNICATIONS TO THE LOVER. — THE HEART’S DESPAIR.
CHAPTER XII.
CHARLES HOLLAND’S SAD FEELINGS. — THE PORTRAIT. — THE OCCURRENCE OF THE NIGHT AT THE HALL.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE OFFER FOR THE HALL. — THE VISIT TO SIR FRANCIS VARNEY. — THE STRANGE RESEMBLANCE. — A DREADFUL SUGGESTION.
CHAPTER XIV.
HENRY’S AGREEMENT WITH SIR FRANCIS VARNEY. — THE SUDDEN ARRIVAL AT THE HALL. — FLORA’S ALARM.
CHAPTER XV.
THE OLD ADMIRAL AND HIS SERVANT. — THE COMMUNICATION FROM THE LANDLORD OF THE NELSON’S ARMS.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE MEETING OF THE LOVERS IN THE GARDEN. — AN AFFECTING SCENE. — THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE EXPLANATION. — THE ARRIVAL OF THE ADMIRAL AT THE HOUSE. — A SCENE OF CONFUSION, AND SOME OF ITS RESULTS.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE ADMIRAL’S ADVICE. — THE CHALLENGE TO THE VAMPYRE. — THE NEW SERVANT AT THE HALL.
CHAPTER XIX.
FLORA IN HER CHAMBER. — HER FEARS. — THE MANUSCRIPT. — AN ADVENTURE.
CHAPTER XX.
THE DREADFUL MISTAKE. — THE TERRIFIC INTERVIEW IN THE CHAMBER. — THE ATTACK OF THE VAMPYRE.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE UNCLE AND NEPHEW, AND THE ALARM.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE CONSULTATION. — THE DETERMINATION TO LEAVE THE HALL.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE ADMIRAL’S ADVICE TO CHARLES HOLLAND. — THE CHALLENGE TO THE VAMPYRE.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE LETTER TO CHARLES. — THE QUARREL. — THE ADMIRAL’S NARRATIVE. — THE MIDNIGHT MEETING.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE ADMIRAL’S OPINION. — THE REQUEST OF CHARLES.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE MEETING BY MOONLIGHT IN THE PARK. — THE TURRET WINDOW IN THE HALL. — THE LETTERS.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE NOBLE CONFIDENCE OF FLORA BANNERWORTH IN HER LOVER. — HER OPINION OF THE THREE LETTERS. — THE ADMIRAL’S ADMIRATION.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
MR. MARCHDALE’S EXCULPATION OF HIMSELF. — THE SEARCH THROUGH THE GARDENS. — THE SPOT OF THE DEADLY STRUGGLE. — THE MYSTERIOUS PAPER.
CHAPTER XXIX.
A PEEP THROUGH AN IRON GRATING. — THE LONELY PRISONER IN HIS DUNGEON. — THE MYSTERY.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE VISIT OF FLORA TO THE VAMPYRE. — THE OFFER. — THE SOLEMN ASSEVERATION.
CHAPTER XXXI.
SIR FRANCIS VARNEY AND HIS MYSTERIOUS VISITOR. — THE STRANGE CONFERENCE.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE THOUSAND POUNDS. — THE STRANGER’S PRECAUTIONS.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE STRANGE INTERVIEW. — THE CHASE THROUGH THE HALL.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE THREAT. — ITS CONSEQUENCES. — THE RESCUE, AND SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S DANGER.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE EXPLANATION. — MARCHDALE’S ADVICE. — THE PROJECTED REMOVAL, AND THE ADMIRAL’S ANGER.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE CONSULTATION. — THE DUEL AND ITS RESULTS.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S SEPARATE OPPONENTS. — THE INTERPOSITION OF FLORA.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MARCHDALE’S OFFER. — THE CONSULTATION AT BANNERWORTH HALL. — THE MORNING OF THE DUEL.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE STORM AND THE FIGHT.-THE ADMIRAL’S REPUDIATION OF HIS PRINCIPAL.
CHAPTER XL.
THE POPULAR RIOT. — SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S DANGER. — THE SUGGESTION AND ITS RESULTS.
CHAPTER XLIV.
VARNEY’S DANGER, AND HIS RESCUE. — THE PRISONER AGAIN, AND THE SUBTERRANEAN VAULT.
CHAPTER XLV.
THE OPEN GRAVES. — THE DEAD BODIES. — A SCENE OF TERROR.
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE PREPARATIONS FOR LEAVING BANNERWORTH HALL, AND THE MYSTERIOUS CONDUCT OF THE ADMIRAL AND MR. CHILLINGWORTH.
CHAPTER XLVII.
THE REMOVAL FROM THE HALL. — THE NIGHT WATCH, AND THE ALARM.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE STAKE AND THE DEAD BODY.
CHAPTER XLIX.
THE MOB’S ARRIVAL AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S. — THE ATTEMPT TO GAIN ADMISSION.
CHAPTER L.
THE MOB’S ARRIVAL AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S. — THE ATTEMPT TO GAIN ADMISSION.
CHAPTER LI.
THE ATTACK UPON THE VAMPYRE’S HOUSE. — THE STORY OF THE ATTACK. — THE FORCING OF THE DOORS, AND THE STRUGGLE.
CHAPTER LII.
THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE MOB AND SIR FRANCIS VARNEY. — THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. — THE WINE CELLARS.
CHAPTER LIII.
THE DESTRUCTION OF SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S HOUSE BY FIRE. — THE ARRIVAL OF THE MILITARY, AND A SECOND MOB.
CHAPTER LIV.
THE BURNING OF VARNEY’S HOUSE. — A NIGHT SCENE. — POPULAR SUPERSTITION.
CHAPTER LV.
THE RETURN OF THE MOB AND MILITARY TO THE TOWN. — THE MADNESS OF THE MOB. — THE GROCER’S REVENGE.
CHAPTER LVI.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE BANNERWORTHS FROM THE HALL. — THE NEW ABODE. — JACK PRINGLE, PILOT.
CHAPTER LVII.
THE LONELY WATCH, AND THE ADVENTURE IN THE DESERTED HOUSE.
CHAPTER LVIII.
THE ARRIVAL OF JACK PRINGLE. — MIDNIGHT AND THE VAMPYRE. — THE MYSTERIOUS HAT.
CHAPTER LIX.
THE WARNING. — THE NEW PLAN OF OPERATION. — THE INSULTING MESSAGE FROM VARNEY.
CHAPTER LX.
THE INTERRUPTED BREAKFAST AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S.
CHAPTER LXI.
THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER. — THE PARTICULARS OF THE SUICIDE AT BANNERWORTH HALL.
CHAPTER LXII.
THE MYSTERIOUS MEETING IN THE RUIN AGAIN. — THE VAMPYRE’S ATTACK UPON THE CONSTABLE.
CHAPTER LXIII.
THE GUESTS AT THE INN, AND THE STORY OF THE DEAD UNCLE.
CHAPTER LXIV.
THE VAMPIRE IN THE MOONLIGHT. — THE FALSE FRIEND.
CHAPTER LXV.
VARNEY’S VISIT TO THE DUNGEON OF THE LONELY PRISONER IN THE RUINS.
CHAPTER LXVI.
FLORA BANNERWORTH’S APPARENT INCONSISTENCY. — THE ADMIRAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES AND ADVICE. — MR. CHILLINGWORTH’S MYSTERIOUS ABSENCE.
CHAPTER LXVII.
THE ADMIRAL’S STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL BELINDA.
CHAPTER LXVIII.
MARCHDALE’S ATTEMPTED VILLANY, AND THE RESULT.
CHAPTER LXIX.
FLORA BANNERWORTH AND HER MOTHER. — THE EPISODE OF CHIVALRY.
CHAPTER LXX.
THE FUNERAL OF THE STRANGER OF THE INN. — THE POPULAR COMMOTION, AND MRS. CHILLINGWORTH’S APPEAL TO THE MOB. — THE NEW RIOT. — THE HALL IN DANGER.
CHAPTER LXXI.
THE STRANGE MEETING AT THE HALL BETWEEN MR. CHILLINGWORTH AND THE MYSTERIOUS FRIEND OF VARNEY.
CHAPTER LXXII.
THE STRANGE STORY. — THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOB AT THE HALL, AND THEIR DISPERSION.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
THE VISIT OF THE VAMPIRE. — THE GENERAL MEETING.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
THE MEETING OF CHARLES AND FLORA.
CHAPTER LXXV.
MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS, AND THE VISIT TO THE RUINS.
CHAPTER LXXVI.
THE SECOND NIGHT-WATCH OF MR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL.
CHAPTER LXXVII.
&n
bsp; VARNEY IN THE GARDEN. — THE COMMUNICATION OF DR. CHILLINGWORTH TO THE ADMIRAL AND HENRY.
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
THE ALTERCATION BETWEEN VARNEY AND THE EXECUTIONER IN THE HALL. — THE MUTUAL AGREEMENT.
CHAPTER LXXIX.
THE VAMPYRE’S DANGER. — THE LAST REFUGE. — THE RUSE OF HENRY BANNERWORTH.
CHAPTER LXXX.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF MARCHDALE IN THE RUINS BY THE MOB. — THE BURNING OF THE CORPSE. — THE MURDER OF THE HANGMAN.
CHAPTER LXXXI.
THE VAMPYRE’S FLIGHT. — HIS DANGER, AND THE LAST PLACE OF REFUGE.
CHAPTER LXXXII.
CHARLES HOLLAND’S PURSUIT OF THE VAMPYRE. — THE DANGEROUS INTERVIEW.
CHAPTER LXXXIII.
THE MYSTERIOUS ARRIVAL AT THE INN. — THE HUNGARIAN NOBLEMAN. — THE LETTER TO VARNEY.
CHAPTER LXXXIV.
THE EXCITED POPULACE. — VARNEY HUNTED. — THE PLACE OF REFUGE.
CHAPTER LXXXV.
THE HUNGARIAN NOBLEMAN GETS INTO DANGER. — HE IS FIRED AT, AND SHOWS SOME OF HIS QUALITY.
CHAPTER LXXXVI.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE POCKET BOOK OF MARMADUKE BANNERWORTH. — ITS MYSTERIOUS CONTENTS.
CHAPTER LXXXVII.
THE HUNT FOR VARNEY. — THE HOUSE-TOPS. — THE MIRACULOUS ESCAPE. — THE LAST PLACE OF REFUGE. — THE COTTAGE.
CHAPTER LXXXVIII.
THE RECEPTION OF THE VAMPYRE BY FLORA. — VARNEY SUBDUED.
CHAPTER LXXXIX.
TELLS WHAT BECAME OF THE SECOND VAMPYRE WHO SOUGHT VARNEY.
CHAPTER XC.
DR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL. — THE ENCOUNTER OF MYSTERY. — THE CONFLICT. — THE RESCUE, AND THE PICTURE.
CHAPTER XCI.
THE GRAND CONSULTATION BROKEN UP BY MRS. CHILLINGWORTH, AND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF VARNEY.
CHAPTER XCII.
THE MISADVENTURE OF THE DOCTOR WITH THE PICTURE.
CHAPTER XCIII.