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 I could 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.' Emily enquired who the cavalier was, that accompanied the Count, and how Montoni received them; but Annette could not inform her.
'Ludovico,' she added, 'had just been to call Signor Montoni's valet, that he might tell him they were arrived, when I met him.' Emily sat musing, for some time, and then her anxiety was so much increased, that she desired Annette would go to the servants' hall, where it was possible she might hear something of the Count's intention, respecting his stay at the castle.
'Yes, ma'am,' said Annette with readiness; 'but how am I to find the way, if I leave the lamp with you ?' Emily said she would light her, and they immediately quitted the chamber.