Whilst Laurette stood musing upon the impossibility of saving even these vestiges of holy record from the oblivious grasp of age, and the meek Nun with bended knees was invoking the shades of the departed, those long since mingled with the dust, to look down upon her, and to assist her weak endeavours after piety; a novice, unperecived till she had reached the side of Laurette, summoned her into the apartment of the Superior. Though she had been for some time in expectation of a similar address, a tremulous sensation took possession of her frame, and sister Monica observing the sudden change of her complexion, which from being more than usually pale, was instantly suffused with blushes, and that shortness of respiration proceeding from extreme solicitude, offered her arm, which Laurette gladly accepted, as she advanced with a quick, unequal pace towards the door leading to the cloisters. Having crossed these, she stopped for a moment to recollect her spirits, and heard, as distinctly as joy and agitation would permit her to hear, the voice of Madame Chamont, elevated into notes of transport. Impatience could now no longer be restrained, and pushing open the door with a kind of gentle violence, she soon found herself locked to the bosom of her long-lost friend. Any attempt to do justice to the feelings of the beautiful orphan, of Enrico, or even of the Conte della Croisse, who had just witnessed a scene as tender, and if possible still more touching, when he introduced to his amiable benefactress a son whom she had mourned as dead, would be vain. Rapture broke forth into tears, and it was brig before the charming Nun could believe the happiness that awaited her was not visionary, before she could assure herself that she was not still under the influence of some enchanting dream, from which she feared to he awakened to a sense of former distress. It was not immediately that Laurette was conscious that the room contained any other inhabitant than Madame Chamont: even Enrico was absent from her thoughts, and the tender glances which lie frequently conveyed to her whilst he saw more than filial affection expressed in the fine language of her eyes, were, perhaps, for the first time since they had been bestowed upon her, unobserved or disregarded.
CHAPTER VIII
But let my due feet never fail
To walk the studious cloisters pale.
And love the high-embowed roof
With antic pillars massy proof
And storied windows richly dight.
Casting a dim religtious light.
-MILTON
The Conte Della Croisse, when admitted into the convent, after a formal introduction by the Abbot, was left alone with the Superior, who received him with that stately kind or politeness which is usually attached to the station she filled. As soon as he was seated, he began to open the occasion of his visit, and fixing his eyes upon her as he continued the subject, with the minute attention of a physiognomist, he perceived that her countenance relaxed with no symptom of pleasure when he mentioned the necessity of Madame Chamont's quitting her retirement immediately, to assert the legality of her claims, should any new difficulties arise to render her presence indispensable. Having entered into a full explanation of the subject as far as the nature of the case required, preserving at the same time a scrupulous reserve as to those events in which she was entirely uninterested, he requested an audience with his fair benefactress, and politely demanded her dismission, since he had already proved that all proceedings against her had been hitherto illegal. As soon as the Abbess had recovered from her surprise, she endeavoured to convince the Conte of the impossibility of yielding to his desires unless the intricacies of the affair could be unravelled, since she had nothing to depend upon but the bare assertion of a stranger, which she considered as insufficient to prove the justice of his claim. From the intelligence which the Conte had received from Paoli in his dying moments, he knew that a considerable sum had been paid into the hands of the Abbess on Madame Chamont's entrance into the convent, which accounted in some measure for the many insurmountable obstacles which were thrown in the way of her departure.
Being perfectly aware of this, he took the most effectual method of silencing her scruples, by convincing her that the sum, which was consigned to her care for the benefit of the sisterhood, would never be recalled; not forgetting to assure her, upon his honour, that he would himself indemnify her from any loss she might sustain; and, moreover; would venture to affirm, that if she would assist in forwarding their design, Madame Chamont, when reinstated in her rights, would richly compensate her for every proof of kindness and attachment she had discovered, since she was unequalled in generosity as well as every other mental perfection.
The Conte's arguments had the desired effect; and as the Abbess listened with complacency to these eventual advantages, she became gradually reconciled to the person by whom they were offered; yet, to enhance the value of the obligation, and also to persuade her new guest that she was not actuated by mercenary considerations, she thought proper to propose a few more objections, which being delivered with less energy than the former ones, were easily removed by the Conte, who anxiously availed himself of every turn in his favour.
After much courtesy of address on the part of Della Croisse, aided by a little well-timed flattery, agreeably and delicately administered, which the Abbess was too young to receive with displeasure, the requested interview was granted; and the noble Conte, whose generous heart overflowed with the most lively effusions of gratitude, was permitted to prepare Madame Chamont for that scene of delight she was shortly to experience, and afterwards to contemplate the effect of joy, the most exquisite in the completion of newly arisen hopes, when she clasped her long-lost son to her maternal bosom! Such scenes of ecstatic bliss cannot he justly delineated by the feeble hand that attempts to sketch them; nor can the mind, which has not been disciplined in the harsh school of adversity, form an adequate conception of them. A sudden alteration in the manners of the Abbess, after Madame Chamont's introduction to Enrico and Laurette, was evident to all. The apprehensions which her avarice had excited being lulled to repose, there was room for the exercise of those sympathetic virtues which Nature had implanted in her mind; and now that her interest was no longer at war with her inclination, she did not arm herself against their influence. Anxious to remove any little prejudices which she considered might yet lurk in the mind of the Conte, she paid the most marked attention to her guests, giving Laurette an invitation with more than ordinary kindness to remain in the convent till all preliminaries were settled relative to their departure, not omitting to repeat her permission for Madame Chamont to resign her protection when the nature of her concerns rendered it necessary.
The Conte and Enrico now began to form plans as to the best method of proceeding; and, after a second investigation of the subject, determined to leave the ladies at the convent, whilst they went in search of the priest by whom the marriage was solemnized, who they learned upon inquiry had left his residence in Turin, and had entered into an order of Franciscans not many leagues from Saltzburg. This was a circumstance much in their favour, as it prevented them from traversing a number of barren mountains and rocky precipices, which would have considerably impeded their progress. To prove the truth of Paoli's assertion, without taking this Friar as an evidence, whose testimony would alone be sufficient for the execution of their purpose, would, they knew, be impossible, even should they find the Marehese more favourably disposed towards them than, from his former conduct, they had reason to expect. To allow Madame Chamont and Laurette to attend them on such an expedition, unless the Marchese should intimate a desire to see them, would, they also considered, be highly imprudent, since their reception might be far from a pleasant one; though, by alarming the fears of the Marchese, it appeared probable, since he was now entirely at their mercy, that he would be glad to embrace any terms of reconciliation that would be offered him, rather than suffer his crimes to be exposed.
As soon as they had informed the ladies of their newly-concerted plan, they recommended them to the matronly protection of the Superior; and, attended by Anselmo and two of the servants belonging to the Conte della Croi
sse, commenced their journey.
As soon as Laurette was alone with Madame Chamont, she related every interesting event that had befallen her since she last parted from her; and requested, in return, that she would acquaint her with every thing that had happened to her since she had been forced from the castle, as this had long been a subject of painful surmise.
"You are already informed, my dear child," replied the amiable Madame Chamont, "of the principal incidents of my eventful story: and what I have to relate will, therefore, appear but like a repetition of what has before been recited; yet, as you desire it, I will indulge you with pleasure.
"You may possibly remember that, on the evening of my departure, Paoli proposed, as soon as vespers were concluded, that I should accompany him along the decayed side of the edifice, that he might consult me respecting the repairs; and you may probably recollect that I acceded rather reluctantly to the proposition, though at that time I was incapable of ascertaining his intention, which was, after conducting me to a remote part of the structure, to deliver me into the hands of three ruffians, who, having covered me with a veil so thick as to exclude every object from my view, placed me upon a mule, and conveyed me, regardless of my cries, through the deepest recesses of the woods, when, having arrived at a small inn, situated at the extremity of the forest, we stopped without alighting for refreslnnent. As soon as we had reached this place, one of the men, whose aspect indicated him less ferocious than the rest, assured me that I had nothing to fear, and promised, that if I would follow striefly the rules he should prescribe, that he would engage to conduct me to some place of security. This kindness, in a man of his profession, filled me with astonishment; and though I could scarcely believe him sincere, I ventured to assure him of my acquiescence.
"You have then nothing to do," resumed the ruffian, "but to remain silent. Any attempt to liberate yourself by your own exertion, or any endeavour to interest the compassion of others, whom we may accidentally meet with in our way, will render my scheme for your preservation abortive. Appear resigned to whatever may be your destiny, and leave the rest to me."
"His companions, who had remained a few moments behind to finish their refreshment, now approached towards us, preventing by their presence all further communication; but being somewhat re-assured by these promises, my spirits gradually revived; and mindful of the injunctions I had received, I preserved an uniform silence. We travelled all the next day and the following one without obtaining any rest, till, from fatigue and indisposition, I could scarcely proceed. My companions frequently stopped upon the road to procure some food, of which they always offered me a part; but never ventured to alight, probably having some material reason for this precaution.
"It was not till near midnight that, after two days" harassing journey, we arrived at the place of destination, which was an ancient dreary habitation secreted in a wood. The impenetrable veil that was thrown over my face did not allow me to distinguish the road; but I was no sooner sat down that it was removed, and I found myself in a large grass-grown court, with three ill-looking men, whose persons I had only partially seen.
"Scarcely had I obtained leisure to reflect upon my situation before a loud hallo, given by one of my companions, brought to the door of this melancholy abode a being, whose appearance had more in it of savage ferocity than was expressed in the countenance of my conductors. Terror and consternation now almost overcame me, and so weakened was I for want of sustenance and rest, that, had I not leaned against the trunk of a tree, I must have fallen.
"You have no farther to go at present," cried one of the men roughly, "but if you will follow your host into the hall, he will give you some supper; for since you have eat so little upon the road, you must doubtless be in want of refreshment."
"Finding there was no alternative, I obeyed; and the men, having fastened their mules to a tree, entered the room into which my conductor had directed me. Obliged to submit to the necessity of mixing with this horrid group, I endeavoured to reconcile myself to my lot; but no sooner had I partaken of a small portion of the bread and milk, which was prepared by our host, than the indelicate jokes, that were occasionally mingled with their loud peals of laughter, determined me to abandon their society; and addressing myself to the person of the house, whose name was Maschero, I desired to be directed to my apartment."
"Holy Maria!" exclaimed Laurette, in a tone of astonishment, was you then at the Jansmer Holtz, the abode of the assassin? Could it be the intention of the Marchese that you also should be sacrificed? If so, tell me briefly, I beseech you, how your escape was effected."
"From what has since happened," continued Madame Chamont, "I have no reason to suppose that the Marchese had any design upon my life; but not to keep you longer in suspense. I will hasten to the conclusion of my mournful narrative.
"I was then shown into a large dreary-looking room, whose appearance was sufficient to impress terror upon a mind not already occupied by this dreadful sensation; but what more than any thing alarmed my fears was the certainty of not having any means of fastening the door. My conductor did not forget, however, to secure it, with the assistance of a bolt, on the other side. "As soon as I was alone, a thousand melancholy conjectures passed along my mind; and unable to compose myself to sleep, I paced the room for some time in silent agony, frequently starting as the old boards shook beneath my feet; and imagining I heard other steps beside my own, and saw grim and ghastly figures gliding into remote corners. These apprehensions were augmented by other noises, for which I could not immediately account, but which struck me with more terror and dismay than I am able to express. Deep groans were apparently uttered from an upper apartment, and screams, which I was assured did not proceed from the nocturnal revellers, whose voices, which I could yet sometimes distinguish, broke upon the stillness that pervaded the room: I did not, however, long suffer these imaginary terrors, which were not less appalling than my real ones, being soon convinced that the sounds I had heard were occasioned by a considerable number of owls that inhabited the ruinous part of the building.
"I had not suffered more than an hour the forlornness of my situation before the man, whose unexpected compassion had awakened my gratitude, entered the apartment. I trembled as he approached; but my fears were gradually dispersed when he assured me, that if I would bestow upon him and his associates all the money and valuables I had about me, they would not leave me to perish as was their original design, but would convey me to a convent not far from the wood, where I might easily obtain admission.
"You were then employed for the basest of purposes," cried I, astonished at his having made this avowal; "and you have agreed, no doubt, for some considerable reward to take away my life, which, if not more than ordinarily useful, has at least been innocent. Can you, after such an acknowledgment, hope to obtain mercy?"
"The proposal I have made," interrupted the ruffian, "is at least merciful; and if you refuse to accede to it, you are no longer an object of compassion. But I have no leisure to parley, therefore be swift. What is that gem upon your finger?" resumed the ruffian; "take it off, and let me examine it."
"It was a ruby presented to me by my mother of considerable value, and unable to bear the idea of parting with this little sacred memento, I refused to yield to his wishes; at the same time delivering my purse, which contained no inconsiderable sum. He counted the ducats with a look of sullen dissatisfaction, and then demanded, in a stern voice, if I was determined not to relinquish the jewel. Afraid of irritating him by repeating my resolution, I endeavoured to interest his pity, by informing him that it was the gift of my last surviving parent, from whom I had been long separated, and as; such was invaluable.
"If it is more precious to you than your life," replied the ruffian, maliciously, "you may assuredly keep it; you are certainly at liberty either to accept the couditions, or to reject them."
"Finding that nothing less than the ruby would bind him to my interest, since the sum in the purse was insufficient for the gratific
ation of his avarice, I was compelled to yield to his threats, though not without shedding many tears at the sad necessity which obliged me to part with it. "The light of the morning now dawned dimly through the grate of my prison, and soon afterwards I had the satisfaction of quitting my gloomy abode to pursue my journey. Melancholy as was the prospect before me, it was less dreary than on the preceding night, and a small portion of that hope, which never totally abandons us, returned with all its cheering accompaniments to my heart. When I arrived at the convent, the Abbess left her room to receive me; but what was my astonishment when I discovered from her conversation that I was an expected guest. It was now easy to investigate the truth even through the obscurity which veiled it. The men were employed by the Marchese, or rather by Paoli, in obedience to the commands of his Lord, to convey me by stratagem into this religious asylum; and the wretches, selected by the steward for the purpose, taking advantage of my fears and ignorance of their in-tentions contrived to rob me of the little property I possessed.
The Complete Northanger Horrid Novel Collection (9 Books of Gothic Romance and Horror) Page 370