The truth was, I had an invincible desire to see Count M***, whose residence was only a very few miles distance. Every day I rode round his grounds, and grew quite desperate that chance did not befriend me.—One morning, riding through a narrow valley, accompanied by one servant only, I met a Gentleman with a gun, and an English pointer running by his side. As he advanced I saw a young man, of a noble air, and an engaging countenance; struck with a presentiment that this must be the Count, I accosted him, and inquired to whom that mansion, whose turrets we saw through the trees, and the neighbouring grounds, belonged?
"To Count M***, Sir (replied he, eying me with a scrutinizing look:) Are you a stranger in this country that you ask the question?"
"I am (answered I) having resided in these parts only a fortnight."
"A fortnight! (repeated he, with some emotion) you are on a visit then I suppose?"
"No; I came here for that purpose, but found my good friend dead, the late Count Zimchaw."
"Count Zimchaw! (he exclaimed.) Great God! perhaps I see Baron S***?"
"You are right, Sir, that is my name."
In a moment he turned pale, trembled, and convinced me by his emotions that my conjectures were just, and that in him I beheld a detested rival. To an indifferent by-stander our appearance must have excited astonishment; we viewed each other for some moments in silent rage, but fortunately prudence predominated over passion, and I recollected that it was necessary to dissemble. I immediately added, as soon as I could speak. "And I have the happiness of being the husband of his daughter, the Lady Eugenia." He leaned against a tree unable to support himself. "O name for ever dear! (cried he) sacred be your peace, whatever becomes of mine!"—"Leave me, Sir, leave me to retrospections more painful than you can wish to your bitterest enemy." For a moment the thought crossed me to put a period to his existence; but whilst I deliberated, two of his servants appeared with dogs and guns. Looking at him with the most pointed contempt I could assume, I departed in silence; but with more heart-felt ease than I had experienced a long while, convinced now that Eugenia was not with him, nor of course in that part of the country. Having in a short time settled every thing with Count Zimchaw's heir, who was also led to believe his relation was my wife, and at my Castle; I left Suabia to return home, richer, but more wretched, than before I had known the Count and his daughter. On my arrival I learned that every search had been fruitless respecting the ungrateful woman, who had so shamefully and suddenly deserted us, I sought to amuse my mind by embellishing my Castle; but in vain I endeavoured to root out my ill-fated passion from my heart.—Eugenia, beautiful and engaging, was ever before my eyes, and threw me into a gloomy dejection, from whence nothing could rouse me. The little society that I had sometimes indulged in, grew hateful to me, love, and a desire of revenge, wholly occupied my mind, and the only idea that could communicate the least degree of satisfaction to my soul, was, that Count M*** was apparently as wretched as myself.
Four years I passed without a friend or a companion to harmonize my feelings, or without the least intelligence of the object that had caused all my misery: During that time I had changed my servants two or three times, for nothing pleased me, and the men preferred serving in the army rather than to support the capriciousness of my temper. One faithful fellow only remained, who had been invariably attached to me for some years, who had the command over the others, and had been generally hated by them for that reason. This man, Peter, who was in my confidence, I had twice dispatched into Suabia, to make private inquiries relative to Count M***, and was informed, that within three months after my departure he had quitted his palace overwhelmed with a deep melancholy, and was gone to travel for the recovery of his health.
The last inquiry afforded no other information than that he was abroad. I had also set on foot a diligent search through all the neighbouring convents to procure intelligence of my wife, curse on the name! but all proved abortive; yet neither time, nor despair, caused any revolution in my sentiments; I loved and hated to excess.
CHAPTER II
Four years had just been completed when one night I was suddenly awakened by Peter, who conjured me to rise and save myself, for the Castle was in flames. Greatly alarmed, I threw myself out of bed, and found his information but too true, and the principal part of the building was consumed, and my furniture destroyed before assistance could be procured. This event gave a new turn to my thoughts, I resolved to dispose of the remainder of my effects, to leave my ruined Castle without rebuilding of it, and to travel from one principality to another, that by change of place and objects I might amuse my mind. I settled every thing with my vassals, and, accompanied only by Peter, quitted Bavaria. I passed through Italy, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and at length came into Suabia, on my return to Bavaria, without deriving much benefit from my tour, either to my mind or body, for I carried in my heart a barbed arrow, which no local circumstances could extract; insensible to pleasure, my eye wandered over every new object with indifference, and Eugenia, the faithless, ungrateful Eugenia, occupied every thought and desire.—Passing through this country, my good genius prompted me to pay some attention to its romantic and picturesque views. Riding about, I had not attended to the sun's decline, and the approach of a heavy storm, which came on suddenly, accompanied with thunder and hail. We were on the skirts of the Black Forest, and distant, as we thought, from any village; finding the storm grew more violent, I sought to get some shelter from the thickest part of a wood at the extremity of the road: I rode with great swiftness towards it, and soon forced my way through the trees, and obtained from their thick foliage a defence against the fury of the storm. In a short time the weather changed, the clouds dispersed, and the moon rose with additional splendour from the contrast of the black clouds rolling off behind the mountains.
Turning our horses to leave the wood, I observed, at some distance, the turrets of a Castle, which, had not the moon shone full upon them, might never have attracted the notice of any traveller, being enveloped in the thickest of the trees, and far from any public road: Curiosity, or a powerful presentiment, urged me to explore this dwelling; Peter sought to dissuade me, he conceived it to be some ruinous place, the residence of a banditti, which was known to infest the Black Forest and its environs. I allowed the probability of his suggestions, yet could not be persuaded to relinquish my design: It was with much reluctance that he followed me; we pushed through the wood, until we found it so close on every side as to impede the horses from advancing. Peter again urged me to return, as the night was far advanced, and the neighbourhood dangerous, still, an unaccountable propensity to see this retired dwelling made me disregard his solicitations, and despise the apprehension of danger. I dismounted, and fastened my horse to a tree, obliging him to do the same, though he declared we should never see them again, and I firmly believe, had he not been afraid to go back alone, unknowing of the road, that he would have left me; but he run an equal risk, and therefore attended me through almost impassable places, when all at once we came to a declivity, at the bottom of which was a small vale, from whence we saw two towers very plain among some trees at a small distance.
We soon arrived through those trees to a large old building moated all round. After going by the side of the moat, about a hundred yards, we saw a small bridge, which led across to a pair of iron gates, which looked into an outer court, within which was another high wall. Peter I observed trembled with apprehension, but I boldly pulled the bell: In a little time a boy appeared, and demanded "who and what we were?"
I replied, "A Gentleman and his servant, who travelling had lost their way, and begged shelter for the night."
The boy replied, "That his master having been ill, was retired to rest, his Lady also; that the servants were likewise going to bed, and he could not disturb them, or admit strangers into the house: If we returned through the wood, and kept to the right-hand of the Forest, we should reach a small village." Ending these words he disappeared abruptly, and, though I repeat
edly called to him, did not return.
Peter rejoiced that we were not to enter this Castle, pressed our immediate return lest our horses should be stolen. Vexed and reluctant I found myself obliged to comply, as I saw no probability of getting entrance there. The next step was to find the village, from whence I hoped to gratify my curiosity respecting this obscure habitation. We soon recovered our horses, and by the light of the moon explored our way from this difficult and dangerous place. After a good deal of trouble and fatigue we reached a few scattered cottages just as the morning dawned, and the poor industrious peasants were coming forth to their daily labour (how did my soul sicken at the sight!) whose ruddy, cheerful countenances bespoke happiness and content; whilst I, possessed of wealth, titles, and what the world might judge perfect felicity, was a prey to every torment, that disappointed love, and a hopeless desire of revenge, could inspire!
We alighted at a miserable public-house, for this being an unfrequented road, no decent accommodation could be expected; we got, however, rest for ourselves, and food and shelter for our poor tired beasts. Peter went to bed, but I had no inclination for sleep, and after eating a couple of eggs, and drinking some small wine, I inquired of the mistress of the house the name of the dwelling I had seen, and the quality of its owner?—She said its name was "The Solitary Castle," because of its situation; that it belonged to a great Count, she did not know what he was called, and that for these three years past some great folks lived in it; but nobody in the village knew who they were, they were never seen, and only one man servant came now and then for things they wanted.
This unsatisfactory account, in which there appeared to be a mystery, only augmented my curiosity and desire of penetrating into the secret; impelled by an irresistible impulse, I resolved to stay a few days in that wretched place for the purpose of obtaining further information. Soon, too soon for my peace, was the mystery developed.
About the middle of the day I lay down for a few hours, during which time Peter had risen. When I returned to the room, he entered it after me, and shut the door:——"Sir (said he) as I was standing near the window, a man entered the house, whose face was very familiar to me; I was on the point of going out when I heard him bargaining with the woman for ducks; they agreed about the price, and he said he would fetch them to-morrow. He left the house, and again passed before the window, when seeing him again I instantly recollected who he was; then I asked the landlady where he lived?" She answered, "He was servant to the gentry that live in the Solitary Castle."
"Ah! (cried I, interrupting Peter) and who is this man?"
"One of your vassals, Sir, who courted our housekeeper Agnes; his father was a substantial man, and we all thought it would be a match; but you know, Sir, after you returned from Count Zimchaw's, Agnes left you to go home to her mother, and I heard the young man went soon after to Vienna to live with an uncle. What has happened since I don't know; but I'll take my oath, this man I have seen is Mr. Arnulph, though they say he is a servant."
"I hope you are right, Peter, then to-morrow I shall have my curiosity gratified."
The to-morrow came, and I was constantly on the watch for the arrival of Arnulph. At length we saw him, and Peter darting out upon him:—"Your servant, Mr. Arnulph, who should have thought of seeing you?" The fellow started, looked wild and motionless:—"Bless me, Peter (said he, falteringly) how, how came you here?"
"Why, I have been travelling round the country, and came here only a day or two ago; but pray do you live in this neighbourhood?"—The fellow, without making a reply, turned to the woman: "I must leave the ducks with you two or three days longer." I had been observing his motions, surprise, confusion, and fear, were marked in his features, and I saw he was retreating to the door as he spoke, a sudden emotion I could not account for, impelled me to spring forward, and seize him by the arm. The moment he saw me he shrieked, and fell on his knees speechless. Peter raised him: "Follow me instantly" (exclaimed I, in an agony of suspense, doubt, and hardly knowing what I had to fear or expect:) I led the way to my room. Terror had so evidently overcome his courage that he quietly obeyed. When the door was fastened, I demanded where he lived, and with whom?
After much irresolution, and many subterfuges, he said, he was married to Agnes; that she lived housekeeper, and himself steward, to a Gentleman a few miles off; there was nothing improbable, or likely to interest me in this account, and I was growing very calm, and about to ask some particulars relative to his master; when taking notice of his extreme agitation, the wildness of his looks, and the terror with which he surveyed me and Peter, it naturally engaged me to believe there was some secret which he was fearful of being discovered, and which he was desirous of concealing from me. Possessed with this idea I laid hold of his arm, and in a commanding tone of voice: "Hear me, Mr. Arnulph, I am not to be imposed upon, I am no stranger to the Solitary Castle; hide nothing from me therefore as you value your life."
"Ah! Good God! (cried he) and is all discovered?" Then falling again at my feet, "Forgive me, my Lord, I had no hand in the business, I knew nothing of the matter till Agnes sent for me after she had left your service; I had never seen the Gentleman or your Lady till I came to this Castle in the wood."
Struck with astonishment, unable to articulate a single word, I stood gazing upon him with such an air of wildness, as added to the poor fellow's terror. Embracing my knees, he again supplicated mercy and forgiveness. Recovering at length my disordered senses, I bid him rise, assured him I could not blame him; but to deserve the pardon he solicited, he must acquaint me with every particular that had happened, and how long he had lived with Count M***, for I doubted not but that he was the companion of my faithless wife. His information was without reserve: "He knew not the name of the Gentleman but as a Count; he received a letter from Agnes about three years and half ago, saying, that if his love for her continued, and he had no objection to quit his residence and be united to her, she could insure him the place of a steward where she was housekeeper, and in case he liked the proposal he must be at this village on such a particular day, where she would meet him. His father being dead (he said) all places were alike to him, and having a great love for Agnes he joyfully complied, and was here at the appointed time. She told him her residence was retired and lonely, but that she had the best master and mistress in the world, who, on account of some cruel relations, were obliged to live in obscurity and unknown. If he could resolve to live retired she would marry him, and they might live happy with a good and generous pair."
To this proposal he consented with joy, remained two days in the village, on the third they were married at the village church six miles off, and, without returning here, he accompanied her across the skirts of the Forest to the wood, where they sent back their horses, and he followed her into the Castle. He said, he did not half like such a dismal remote place, but it was too late to retreat, especially as he loved Agnes. When introduced, he was thunderstruck to see the Lady, whom he had frequently seen at my Castle, and who he had been told I was married to, but who had afterwards gone into a Convent (for such was the report I circulated, and indeed believed); the Gentleman he had never seen before. Agnes told him they had been privately married some years ago, before Count Zimchaw came to my Castle, but dared not to own it, therefore when she was obliged to marry me she had fled to avoid the consequences; that apprehensive of my revenge they lived retired from the world, and that he must take an oath never to let any one know who or where she was. This he readily promised, and from that day they have all lived very happy, and the Lady lay-in of a little girl about two years and half ago.
This was the substance of Arnulph's information, which inspired me with the most eager desire of revenge; my soul was in tumults: I inquired what domestics were with them? He said, only a poor ignorant peasant lad, whom they had hired some miles off, and from the parish, who had no parents living, and who never went out of the Castle. I observed, from Arnulph's manner of telling his story, and words that dropped from hi
m, that he was tired of a life so solitary, and that it would not be difficult to bribe him to my purpose. Giving him some pieces of gold, I assured him I would make his fortune if he would follow my orders, otherwise I would certainly put him to death: The alternative admitted of no consideration, for cowardice was his predominant feeling, and to that I was indebted for the relation he had made; I therefore soon arranged my plan, and kept him with me until towards night, when we set off together for the wood, walking my horses as far as it was passable, and then alighting fastened them as before.—On leaving the poor alehouse I told the people I had found the gentry at the Castle were my relations, and that I was going to visit them; ignorant and inattentive they heard and were silent.—Peter and myself were armed with pistols, and I had my sword.—Neither him nor Arnulph were acquainted with my purpose, and I privately resolved they should never witness against me. I declared to them I would not injure the lives of the Count or my wife; that my sole intention was to bind them, oblige the former to renounce all right to the Lady, and carry her with me into Bavaria.
The simple fellows either did, or affected to believe all I asserted; every circumstance was favourable to my design: The Count had been indisposed, and was still weak and incapable of any exertions; the child had been ill in the measles, and Agnes confined herself with her, the mother divided between the two had suffered an anxiety very detrimental to her health and spirits. When we arrived at the gate, I turned to Arnulph with a sternness that terrified him: "Now mark me well, if you, by word or look, give the least alarm, that moment you are a dead man; you know your master cannot help you, therefore beware how you offend me." He assured me of his obedience, and rang the bell, the boy appeared, we stood on one side, hearing Arnulph's voice, he unbarred the gate, and we rushed in. I instantly seized him, and pulling him into a kind of lodge, I gagged and bound him. From thence, by Arnulph's direction, I proceeded to the Count's apartment, we listened at the door; and I heard Eugenia's voice, as if speaking to her child. Fury, almost to madness, seized me, and I burst in upon them with a pistol in each hand. He started from his bed, she shrieked, and looking at me, sunk on the floor.
The Complete Northanger Horrid Novel Collection (9 Books of Gothic Romance and Horror) Page 163