med to the
Ghost, every succeeding visit inspired me with greater horror. Her idea
pursued me continually, and I became the prey of habitual melancholy.
The constant agitation of my mind naturally retarded the
re-establishment of my health. Several months elapsed before I was
able to quit my bed; and when at length I was moved to a Sopha, I was
so faint, spiritless, and emaciated, that I could not cross the room
without assistance. The looks of my Attendants sufficiently denoted
the little hope, which they entertained of my recovery. The profound
sadness, which oppressed me without remission made the Physician
consider me to be an Hypochondriac. The cause of my distress I
carefully concealed in my own bosom, for I knew that no one could give
me relief: The Ghost was not even visible to any eye but mine. I had
frequently caused Attendants to sit up in my room: But the moment that
the Clock struck 'One,' irresistible slumber seized them, nor left them
till the departure of the Ghost.

You may be surprized that during this time I made no enquiries after
your Sister. Theodore, who with difficulty had discovered my abode,
had quieted my apprehensions for her safety: At the same time He
convinced me that all attempts to release her from captivity must be
fruitless till I should be in a condition to return to Spain. The
particulars of her adventure which I shall now relate to you, were
partly communicated to me by Theodore, and partly by Agnes herself.

On the fatal night when her elopement was to have taken place, accident
had not permitted her to quit her chamber at the appointed time. At
length She ventured into the haunted room, descended the staircase
leading into the Hall, found the Gates open as She expected, and left
the Castle unobserved. What was her surprize at not finding me ready
to receive her! She examined the Cavern, ranged through every Alley of
the neighbouring wood, and passed two full hours in this fruitless
enquiry. She could discover no traces either of me or of the Carriage.
Alarmed and disappointed, her only resource was to return to the Castle
before the Baroness missed her: But here She found herself in a fresh
embarrassment. The Bell had already tolled 'Two:' The Ghostly hour was
past, and the careful Porter had locked the folding gates. After much
irresolution She ventured to knock softly. Luckily for her, Conrad was
still awake: He heard the noise and rose, murmuring at being call