The Mysteries of Udolpho

The Count de Villefort receives a letter from his lawyer that advises Emily to file a claim for the estates of Madame Montoni. Emily too receives a letter from M. Quesnel informing her of Montoni’s death. With the only other legal claimant to Madame Montoni’s estates dead, Emily has a good chance of inheriting her aunt’s legacy. After Montoni and Orsino were arrested, Orsino was found guilty of murder and executed. Montoni was imprisoned because of his dangerous past. He died in prison under mysterious circumstances, possibly poisoned by an enemy.

M. Quesnel asks Emily to visit him in Toulouse to discuss the inheritance of La Vallee. Quesnel is far friendlier to Emily now that she is a rich heiress. Meanwhile, Ludovico is still missing, and the household is frightened, so the count and his son Henri decide to spend the night in the haunted chambers.

Baron St. Foix is eager to know about the count’s stay in the chambers, but the count remains unusually tight-lipped on the subject. He bids the baron not to discuss the matter with Henri. Henri looks terrified by whatever transpired the previous night. The count is similarly reserved with Emily.