The Mysteries of Udolpho

The Gratitude

Emily’s spirits revive with the arrival of her friend, restoring the warmth of social life at La Vallée. Although Blanche has lost some of her former vitality due to illness and the traumatic adventure in the Pyrenees, her affectionate nature remains unchanged. The Count, eager to return home, prepares to depart for Languedoc after barely a week at La Vallée.

Revival at La Vallée

During her final evening at La Vallée, the old servant Theresa again presents Emily with the ring that Valancourt had given her. Theresa, tearful and alarmed, reports that she has heard nothing of Valancourt since the night he entrusted her with the ring. Emily, choosing not to give way to fear, declines the ring again and instructs Theresa to keep it until she sees Valancourt in person, which Theresa reluctantly agrees to do.

Preparations for Departure

The Count De Villefort, Emily, and Lady Blanche depart La Vallée and arrive at Château-le-Blanc, where the Countess, Henri, and M. Du Pont greet them with joyful celebrations. Emily is surprised to find Du Pont present and distressed to observe that the Count continues to encourage Du Pont’s romantic suit.

The Ring of Valancourt

On the second evening after her arrival, the Count takes Emily aside and advocates once more for Du Pont’s suit. At first, Emily’s mild demeanor leads the Count to believe she may have overcome her attachment to Valancourt, but she soon disabuses him of this notion. The Count remonstrates gently, warning her against allowing an ill-placed affection to diminish her happiness. Emily, deeply troubled by this conversation, walks alone until she finds herself near the woods surrounding the monastery of St. Clair.

Arrival at Château-le-Blanc

The conversation with the Count leaves Emily distressed and reflective. She wanders through the grounds, lost in melancholy memories, until she reaches the borders of the woods and decides to extend her walk to visit the monastery and inquire after friends among the nuns.

M. Du Pont’s Suit

The Count’s persistent advocacy for Du Pont causes Emily considerable distress. Despite her repeated rejections of his suit, the Count continues to press the matter, believing it would promote the happiness of both Emily and his friend. Emily’s silence and dejected countenance do not sway him from his conviction that Du Pont is worthy of her consideration.

Walk to St. Clair

Emily’s troubled state of mind leads her to wander far from the château, eventually bringing her to the monastery of St. Clair. The evening is drawing to a close, but she accepts the invitation of a friar who opens the gate and proceeds toward the convent parlour. As she crosses the lawn, she observes monks sitting peacefully in the cloisters, contemplating holy subjects while gazing upon the scenery. An ancient chestnut tree partially screens the view of the ocean and passing sails below—a deliberate design meant to remind secluded votaries of life’s dangers while offering consolation for having renounced worldly pleasures.

Monastery of St. Clair

Inside the monastery, Emily finds an unusual silence pervading the great hall and parlour. As the evening bell sounds, she believes the nuns have withdrawn to chapel. Shortly after, a nun enters in haste, and Emily learns from her that a mass is being performed for Sister Agnes, who is dying after a long decline. The nun describes Agnes’s deep dejection and the horrors from which she frequently startles, noting that neither the prayers of the sisterhood nor her confessor’s assurances can bring her comfort.

Sister Agnes

Emily listens with deep concern as the nun recounts Sister Agnes’s suffering and distressing state. Recalling Agnes’s frenzied behavior and expressions of horror that Emily herself had witnessed, as well as the history Sister Frances had shared, Emily’s compassion intensifies to a painful degree. The evening being far advanced, Emily does not seek to see Agnes or join the mass. She leaves kind remembrances for her old friends and departs the monastery, returning over the cliffs toward the château while meditating on what she has heard.