she now put aside the book, and took her lute, for it was seldom that her sufferings refused to yield to the magic of sweet sounds; when they did so, she was oppressed by sorrow, that came from excess of tenderness and regret; and there were times, when music had increased such sorrow to a degree, that was scarcely endurable; when, if it had not suddenly ceased, she might have lost her reason.such was the time, when she mourned for her father, and heard the midnight strains, that floated by her window near the convent in languedoc, on the night that followed his death.
she continued to play, till annette brought dinner into her chamber, at which emily was surprised, and enquired whose order she obeyed.
'my lady's, ma'amselle,' replied annette: 'the signor ordered her dinner to be carried to her own apartment, and so she has sent you yours.there have been sad doings between them, worse than ever, ithink.'
emily, not appearing to notice what she said, sat down to the little table, that was spread for her.but annette was not to be silenced thus easily.while she waited, she told of the arrival of the men, whom emily had observed on the ramparts, and expressed much surprise at their strange appearance, as well as at the manner, in which they had been attended by montoni's order.'do they dine with the signor, then?' said emily.
'no, ma'amselle, they dined long ago, in an apartment at the north end of the castle, but i know not when they are to go, for the signor told old carlo to see them provided with every thing necessary.they have been walking all about the castle, and asking questions of the workmen on the ramparts.i never saw such strange-looking men in my life; i am frightened whenever i see them.'
emily enquired, if she had heard of count morano, and whether he was likely to recover: but annette only knew, that he was lodged in a cottage in the wood below, and that every body said he must die.
emily's countenance discovered her emotion.