His plans were facilitated by the news which arrived from Paris.
"The government of France were greatly enraged at the escape of their victim and spared no pains to detect and punish his deliverer.

The plot of Felix was quickly discovered, and De Lacey and Agatha were thrown into prison.

The news reached Felix and roused him from his dream of pleasure.

His blind and aged father and his gentle sister lay in a noisome dungeon while he enjoyed the free air and the society of her whom he loved.

This idea was torture to him.