'yes, ma'amselle,' said she, 'you was right, it is the count sure enough.'
'it is he!' exclaimed emily, lifting her eyes towards heaven and supporting herself by annette's arm.
'good lord! my dear lady, don't be in such a fluster, and look so pale, we shall soon hear more.'
'we shall, indeed!' said emily, moving as fast as she was able towards her apartment.'i am not well; give me air.' annette opened a casement, and brought water.the faintness soon left emily, but she desired annette would not go till she heard from montoni.
'dear ma'amselle! he surely will not disturb you at this time of night; why he must think you are asleep.'
'stay with me till i am so, then,' said emily, who felt temporary relief from this suggestion, which appeared probable enough, though her fears had prevented its occurring to her.annette, with secret reluctance, consented to stay, and emily was now composed enough to ask her some questions; among others, whether she had seen the count.
'yes, ma'am, i saw him alight, for i went from hence to the grate in the north turret, that overlooks the inner court-yard, you know.
there i saw the count's carriage, and the count in it, waiting at the great door,--for the porter was just gone to bed--with several men on horseback all by the light of the torches they carried.' emily was compelled to smile.'when the door was opened, the count said something, that i could not make out, and then got out, and another gentleman with him.i thought, to be sure, the signor was gone to bed, and i hastened away to my lady's dressing-room, to see what icould hear.but in the way i met ludovico, and he told me that the signor was up, counselling with his master and the other signors, in the room at the end of the north gallery; and ludovico held up his finger, and laid it on his lips, as much as to say--there is more going on, than you think of, annette, but you must hold your tongue.
and so i did hold my tongue, ma'amselle, and came away to tell you directly.'