The Count's mysterious warning frightened me at the time. It
frightens me more not when I think of it, for in the future he has
a fearful hold upon me. I shall fear to doubt what he may say!
When I had written in my diary and had fortunately replaced the
book and pen in my pocket I felt sleepy. The Count's warning came
into my mind, but I took pleasure in disobeying it. The sense of
sleep was upon me, and with it the obstinacy which sleep brings as
outrider. The soft moonlight soothed, and the wide expanse without
gave a sense of freedom which refreshed me. I determined not to
return tonight to the gloom-haunted rooms, but to sleep here,
where, of old, ladies had sat and sung and lived sweet lives whilst
their gentle breasts were sad for their menfolk away in the midst
of remor
