Countess de St. Alyre

The Room in the Dragon Volant

The object of the narrator's fascination; her presence looms over his thoughts.

I: On the Road

The beautiful lady in the black veil; she speaks broken English with a sweet voice and later is seen reading a letter in the inn, revealing a melancholy, lovely face.

II: The Innyard of the Belle Étoile

The beautiful young woman who thanks the narrator again for his assistance; appears nervous and glances toward a second door as if fearing someone.

III: Death and Love Together Mated

Sings a chanson about death and love; her voice is described as sweet and semi-contralto, with a mocking tone.

IV: Monsieur Droqville

Though not physically present, she dominates the narrator's thoughts as he gazes at her carriage and fantasizes about her identity.

Supper at the Belle Étoile

Mentioned as the Count's beautiful young wife; the narrator thinks of her longingly after supper.

The Naked Sword

Appears in the narrator's dream as a corpse; later seen in travelling costume holding a white rose, pleading for help.

VII: The White Rose

Gives the narrator a white rose as a secret token before departing in her carriage with the Count.

IX: Gossip and Counsel

Described as very handsome, possibly unfaithful, and resisting her husband's wish to sell her diamonds.

X: The Black Veil

Glimpsed by the narrator in a barouche with her husband, prompting his reckless dash through traffic.

XI: The Dragon Volant

The Count's young and beautiful wife, noted for her diamonds; her life at the château is described as terrifying.

XII: The Magician

Mentioned as being nearby, chatting with the Duchesse d'Argensaque; the Count promises to introduce her to the narrator.

XIII: The Oracle Tells Me Wonders

Referenced indirectly through the oracle's whispered words, which are a direct quote from her private farewell to the narrator.

XVI: The Parc of the Château de la Carque

Reveals herself after testing the narrator's loyalty; confesses her love and warns of her husband's jealousy.

XVIII: The Churchyard

Expected at the tryst but does not arrive; the narrator follows her instructions to reach the ruinous temple.

XIX: The Key

Proposes a joint escape with the narrator, shows him her diamond collar, and gives him a key and instructions for their flight.

XX: A High-Cauld-Cap

Referenced as the one who gave the key and instructions; the narrator's secret is tied to her.

XXII: Rapture

Signals the narrator with a rose-colored light, welcomes him passionately, shows her diamonds, becomes nervous, and leaves to speak with her maid.

A Cup of Coffee

Attempts to soothe the narrator, then reveals her calculating nature after he becomes incapacitated.

XXIV: Hope

Assists the Count in counting the money, shows a cold and witch-like demeanor, and seems less impatient than the Count.

XXV: Despair

The Countess admits to administering seventy drops of the drug and is told to retire.

XXVI: Catastrophe

Sentenced to six years' imprisonment; revealed to be a former actress and the mastermind behind the carriage theft and the ballroom mystification.