ABSTRACT
We had resided now some weeks in the castle, and had encountered nothing that should give us occasion of terror and alarm. I congratulated myself again and again upon the choice I had made of this obscure retreat, and began in some degree to lose sight of the apprehensions that had dogged me, ever since the fatal moment when I had surprised Margaret and her paramour together, and had taken upon him a sudden and an ample revenge. One morning, when I had hushed myself in security, and least of all anticipated any molestation, the concierge returned to the castle, after having been two hours absent upon his ordinary occupations. / He appeared to be in a state of considerable perturbation.
