The Mysteries of Udolpho

St. Foix Flees Wounded

Amid the approaching tumult, Blanche hears the voice of St. Foix and scarcely renews her shriek before the door is thrown open. St. Foix appears, much disfigured with blood and pursued by several ruffians. Blanche neither sees nor hears any more; her head swims, her sight fails, and she becomes senseless in the arms of the robber who has detained her.

Blanche Faints at St. Foix’s Injuries

When Blanche recovers, she perceives by the gloomy, trembling light that she is still in the same chamber, with neither the Count, St. Foix, nor any other person present. She remains entirely still, nearly in a state of stupefaction, until the dreadful images of the past return and she tries to raise herself to seek her friends. A sullen groan at a little distance reminds her of St. Foix and the condition in which she saw him enter; starting from the floor by a sudden effort of horror, she advances and discovers, by the glimmering lamp, the pale and disfigured countenance of St. Foix lying speechless on the pavement, his eyes half closed, cold damps on his hand. She vainly repeats his name and calls for assistance.

Ludovico Tends to Wounded St. Foix

Steps approach and a person enters the chamber, who is not the Count but, to Blanche’s astonishment, Ludovico. He scarcely pauses to recognise her, immediately binds up the wounds of the Chevalier, and, perceiving that he has probably fainted from loss of blood, runs for water. He has been absent only a few moments when Blanche hears other steps approaching; almost frantic with apprehension of the ruffians, she is relieved when the light of a torch flashes on the walls and the Count de Villefort appears, breathless and affrighted, calling upon his daughter.

Count Reunites with Blanche

At the sound of her father’s voice, Blanche rises and runs to his arms, and he, letting fall the bloody sword he holds, presses her to his bosom in a transport of gratitude and joy, then hastily enquires for St. Foix, who now gives some signs of life. Ludovico soon returns with water and brandy; the former is applied to St. Foix’s lips and the latter to his temples and hands. Blanche sees him unclose his eyes and hears him enquire for her, and the joy of the moment mingles with new alarms as Ludovico declares it necessary to remove Mons. St. Foix immediately.

Ludovico Warns of Approaching Banditti

Ludovico warns the Count that the banditti out in the mountains were expected home an hour ago and will certainly find them if they delay. He explains that the shrill horn is never sounded by their comrades except on most desperate occasions, and its echo carries for many leagues round; he has known it bring them home even from the Pied de Melicant. He then asks whether anybody is standing watch at the great gate.

CHAPITRE XII.

Chapter XII follows the Count, Blanche, and the wounded St. Foix as they prepare to leave the banditti-held fort at dawn. Ludovico, the faithful servant, leads the evacuation, improvising a litter for St. Foix and guiding the party through mountain paths away from danger. The chapter traces their journey into the valley at sunrise, a brief rest during which the Count begins to question Ludovico about his earlier disappearance, and concludes with the alarming echo of a pistol shot that sends the group hurrying onward.

The Count’s Orders

The Count dispatches Ludovico to gather the scattered servants and to listen for the sound of mules approaching through the glen. He acknowledges that he scarcely knows where the rest of his people are now.

Transporting St. Foix

Concerned about how to remove St. Foix, the Count notes that the Chevalier could not bear the motion of a mule, even if his strength had allowed him to ride in a saddle.

Blanche Notices the Count’s Wound

While the Count explains that the banditti found in the fort have been secured in the dungeon, Blanche notices his left arm is entirely useless from a wound. He reassures her with a smile, calling the injury trifling.