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 Helen 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 . They all looked at her , for she was pale , and her merriment unnatural ; so , feeling she had excited curiosity , she gratified it by narrating her night 's adventure . Hoffman looked much concerned . `` Pardon , mademoiselle , the door should have been bolted on this side . It usually is , but that room being unused , it was forgotten . I remembered it , and having risen early , crept up to make sure that you did not come upon this ugly thing unexpectedly . But I was too late , it seems ; you have suffered , to my sorrow . ''
`` Dear Nell , and that was why I found you so pale and cold and quiet , sitting by me when I XXXXX , guarding me faithfully as you promised you would .
Saying concerned examine gratified liked sat say see thought woke