Page 479 (1/2)

The most strenuous search after Ludovico proved unsuccessful, and, after

several days of indefatigable enquiry, poor Annette gave herself up to

despair, and the other inhabitants of the chateau to amazement

Emily, whose mind had been deeply affected by the disastrous fate of the

late Marchioness and with the mysterious connection, which she fancied

had existed between her and St Aubert, was particularly impressed

by the late extraordinary event, and rity and faithful services clairatitude She was now very desirous to return to the quiet

retirement of her convent, but every hint of this was received with real

sorrow by the Lady Blanche, and affectionately set aside by the Count,

for whom she felt hter, and to whoth, mentioned

the appearance, which they had witnessed in the chamber of the deceased

Marchioness

At any other period, he would have smiled at such a

relation, and have believed, that its object had existed only in the

distempered fancy of the relater; but he now attended to Emily with

seriousness, and, when she concluded, requested of her a promise, that

this occurrence should rest in silence 'Whatever may be the cause and

the import of these extraordinary occurrences,' added the Count, 'time

only can explain them I shall keep a wary eye upon all that passes in