One instant Helen looked , the next flung to the door , bolted it and dropped into a chair , trembling in every limb . The noise did not wake Amy , and a moment 's thought showed Helen the wisdom of keeping her in ignorance of this affair . She knew the major was close by , and possessing much courage , she resolved to wait a little before rousing the house . Hardly had she collected herself , when steps were heard moving softly in the octagon room . Her light had gone out as she closed the door , and sitting close by in the dark , she heard the sound of some one breathing as he listened at the key-hole . Then a careful hand tried the door , so noiselessly that no sleeper would have been awakened ; and as if to guard against a second surprise , the unknown person drew two bolts across the door and stole away . `` Safe for a time ; but I 'll not pass another night under this roof , unless this is satisfactorily cleared up , '' thought Helen , now feeling more angry than frightened . The last hour that struck was three , and soon the summer dawn reddened the sky . Dressing herself , Helen sat by Amy , a sleepless guard , till she woke , smiling and rosy as a child . Saying nothing of her last night 's alarm , Helen went down to breakfast a little paler than usual , but otherwise unchanged . The major never liked to be disturbed till he had broken his fast , and the moment they rose from the table he exclaimed , -- `` Now , girls , come and see the mysteries of Udolpho . '' `` I 'll say nothing , yet , '' thought Helen , feeling braver by daylight , yet troubled by her secret , for Hoffman might be a traitor , and this charming chateau a den of thieves . Such things had been , and she was in a mood to believe anything . The upper story was a perfect museum of antique relics , very entertaining to examine . Having finished these , Hoffman , who acted as guide , led them into a little gloomy room containing a straw pallet , a stone table with a loaf and pitcher on it , and , kneeling before a crucifix , where the light from a single slit in the wall fell on him , was the figure of a monk . The waxen mask was life-like , the attitude effective , and the cell excellently arranged . Amy cried out when she first saw it , but a second glance reassured her , and she patted the bald head approvingly , as Karl explained . -- `` Count Severin is an antiquarian , and amuses himself with things of this sort . In old times there really was a hermit here , and this is his effigy . Come down these narrow stairs , if you please , and see the rest of the mummery . ''
Down they went , and the instant XXXXX looked about her , she burst into a hysterical laugh , for there sat her ruffian , exactly as she saw him , glaring over his shoulder with threatening eyes , and one hand on the pistol .
Amy Helen Hoffman Karl Severin effigy key-hole mummery relics second