`` It is close and musty here , with all this old tapestry and stuff about ; I 'll open the other window , '' she thought ; and , noiselessly slipping from Amy 's side , she threw on wrapper and slippers , lighted her candle and tried to unbolt the tall , diamond-paned lattice . It was rusty and would not yield , and , giving it up , she glanced about to see whence air could be admitted . There were four doors in the room , all low and arched , with clumsy locks and heavy handles . One opened into a closet , one into the passage ; the third was locked , but the fourth opened easily , and , lifting her light , she peeped into a small octagon room , full of all manner of curiosities . What they were she had no time to see , for her startled eyes were riveted on an object that turned her faint and cold with terror . A heavy table stood in the middle of the room , and seated at it , with some kind of weapon before him , was a man who looked over his shoulder , with a ghastly face half hidden by hair and beard , and fierce black eyes as full of malignant menace as was the clinched hand holding the pistol . 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 , XXXXX , 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 .
Amy Hoffman Udolpho daylight fourth key-hole night relics second third