The Romance of the Forest, interspersed with some pieces of poetry.Radcliffe, Ann Ward
General
The Romance of the Forest, interspersed with some pieces of poetry.
Radcliffe, Ann Ward
Gothic fiction
When I entered the breakfast room, I was much surprised to find the
Marquis there already, who, commending the beauty of the morning,
declared his intention of accompanying me as far as Chineau. Thus
unexpectedly deprived of my last hope, my countenance, I believe,
expressed what I felt, for the scrutinizing eye of the Marquis instantly
changed from seeming carelessness to displeasure. The distance from
Chineau to the abbey was at least twelve leagues; yet I had once some
intention of returning from thence, when the Marquis should leave me,
till I recollected the very remote chance there would even then be of
seeing you alone, and also, that if I was observed by La Motte, it would
awaken all his suspicions, and caution him against any future plan I
might see it expedient to attempt; I therefore proceeded to join my
regiment.
Jaques sent me frequent accounts of the operations of the Marquis; but
his manner of relating them was so very confused, that they only served
to perplex and distress me. His last letter, however, alarmed me so
much, that my residence in quarters became intolerable; and, as I found
it impossible to obtain leave of absence, I secretly left the regiment,
and concealed myself in a cottage about a mile from the chateau, that I
might obtain the earliest intelligence of the Marquis's plans. Jaques
brought me daily information, and, at last, an account of the horrible
plot which was laid for the following night.
I saw little probability of warning you of your danger. If I ventured
near the abbey, La Motte might discover me, and frustrate every attempt
on my part to save you; yet I determined to encounter this risk for the
chance of seeing you, and towards evening I was preparing to set out for
the forest, when Jaques arrived, and informed me that you was to be
brought to the chateau. My plan was thus rendered less difficult. I
learned also, that the Marquis, by means of those refinements in luxury,
with which he is but too well acquainted, designed, now that his
apprehension of losing you was no more, to seduce you to his wishes, and
impose upon you by a fictitious marriage. Having obtained information
concerning the situation of the room allotted you, I ordered a chaise to
be in waiting, and with a design of scaling your window, and conducting
you thence, I entered the garden at midnight.
Theodore having ceased to speak:--I know not how words can express my
sense of the obligations I owe you, said Adeline, or my gratitude for
your generosity.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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