On the next morning, I rose as I frequently do, at the first dawn of
day--Do you recollect the situation of my apartments? You will certainly
remember, that the south-west wing is rather distant from that part of
the body of the castle where most of the family inhabit. You know too
that my rooms open into a long gallery; but you never explored this
gallery. My hours with you were rich in pleasure and variety; and I
thought not then of the solitary haunts to which I fly, when I seek
amusement and find none.
This gallery, at the remote end from the body of the castle, closes with
a stair case. These stairs descend into a narrow and winding passage of
the West Tower, and lead to the door of the Armoury. It is probable you
never saw either the West Tower or the Armoury. They are both out of
repair, and altogether out of use; nor do I recollect any that I ever
saw one of the family enter them but Clement and myself.
In very tempestuous weather, the Armoury was a favourite place of resort
for us. The various implements and cases of steel with which it is
furnished, were subjects of wonder and conjecture; besides, it is a hall
of large dimensions, and we possessed it so free of interruptions, that
it served better for play and recreation than any other apartment we
were allowed to frequent within the castle.
At a very early hour on the succeeding morning, as I before said, I rose
and left my chamber, to walk in the Armoury. After I had gone down the
stairs, and as I had nearly reached the end of the dark stone passage, I
heard a sudden creaking noise; but whether or not it proceeded from the
Armoury I could not be certain. I entered the Armoury. The door closed
heavily after me. There was scarcely light enough to distinguish the
surrounding objects.--I stood still.--But all was silent.
I walked about; and other thoughts entirely effaced an impression of
something unusual in the noise; till, again, and in a louder degree, it
assailed me. I hastened toward the door, but the voice I had heard in
the wood called me to stay. I turned round, and the same figure was
before me.
Andrew interrupts me. My uncle is returned home; has something to
communicate; and expects me now. I go.
In continuation.
Farewel, thou precious resemblance I must part with thee. From
yesterday, until the present hour, thou hast been mine. Farewel, then,
exquisite shadow!
Caroline, I left my letter unfinished, yesterday; and hastened to the
library.
'Come hither, child,' my uncle said as I entered; 'and tell me if this
be a likeness.'
He presented to me a small case, and I beheld the picture of Clement. I
folded both hands over it on my bosom. I had not words to thank Mr.
Valmont; but the tears that rolled upon my cheeks were tears of
gratitude.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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