Emily Appeals to Madame Montoni
Montoni responds with a malicious smile that his will is his only right, and warns her as a stranger in a foreign country to make him her friend. Emily remains in a state of despair and stupefaction after he leaves, until Madame Montoni finds her, somewhat softened by the expression of despair on her countenance, and speaks more kindly than ever before. Emily weeps, recovers composure, and tries to interest her aunt in her behalf; but Madame Montoni’s ambition to be aunt to a Countess proves unconquerable, and Emily withdraws to weep alone.
Orsino’s Secret Visits
An affair soon calls off Montoni’s attention from Emily. The mysterious visits of Orsino are renewed with more frequency since Montoni’s return, and others—Cavigni and Verezzi—are admitted to these midnight councils. Montoni becomes more reserved and austere than ever, and though Emily’s own interests make her indifferent to his, something extraordinary is evidently working in his mind.
The Assassination of a Venetian Nobleman
On a night when no council is held, Orsino arrives in great agitation and dispatches a confidential servant to summon Montoni from a Casino, charging the servant not to mention his name. On meeting, Orsino reveals that a Venetian nobleman who had provoked his hatred has been waylaid and poniarded by hired assassins. Because the murdered man was of the first connections, the Senate has taken up the affair, and one of the assassins has been apprehended and confessed that Orsino was his employer. Knowing the police are watching for him throughout the city, Orsino has come to Montoni for counsel and aid in escaping.
Montoni Conceals Orsino
Montoni consents to secrete Orsino for a few days until the vigilance of justice relaxes, and then to assist him in quitting Venice. Though he knows the danger he himself incurs by harboring the fugitive, the nature of his obligations to Orsino makes refusal imprudent. Such is the person Montoni has admitted to his confidence, and for whom he feels as much friendship as is compatible with his character.
The Forced Marriage Decree
While Orsino remains concealed, Montoni is unwilling to attract public observation by the nuptials of Count Morano, but once his criminal visitor departs, this obstacle is overcome. He informs Emily that her marriage is to be celebrated the following morning. To her repeated assurances that it shall not take place, he replies only with a malignant smile, telling her the Count and a priest will attend early, and advising her no longer to dare his resentment. He announces that he will give her hand to Count Morano in the morning.
Emily’s Final Appeal to Morano
Expecting this crisis, Emily is less shocked than she would otherwise have been and tries to support herself with the belief that the marriage cannot be valid if she refuses to repeat any part of the ceremony. Yet as the moment of trial approaches, her long-harassed spirits shrink from both Montoni’s vengeance and the Count’s hand. When Morano requests permission to see her, she first sends an excuse, then repents and recalls him, hoping expostulation and entreaty may succeed where refusal has failed. Meeting him with dignity and pensive resignation, she listens as he persists in his suit, then repeats in a solemn, impressive manner her absolute rejection and quits him with assurance that her refusal will be maintained against every circumstance. Alone, she weeps and calls upon the name of her late father and on Valancourt.
Madame Montoni Brings Bridal Gifts
The evening is far advanced when Madame Montoni comes to Emily’s chamber with bridal ornaments sent by the Count. She has purposely avoided her niece throughout the day, perhaps fearing to trust herself with a view of Emily’s distress, or perhaps reproached by conscience for her conduct toward her brother’s orphan child. Emily cannot look at the presents and makes a last, almost hopeless effort to interest her aunt’s compassion; but Madame Montoni, if she feels any pity or remorse, conceals it successfully and reproaches Emily with folly in being miserable about a marriage that ought to make her happy. She insists that, being without fortune, Emily ought to feel highly honoured by the Count’s condescension and show proper gratitude and humility, and scolds her for the haughty airs that make her fancy nobody can deserve her.
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