صفحة 76 من 483

I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far

less to allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I

walked with a quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I

then reflected, and the thought made me shiver, that the creature

whom I had left in my apartment might still be there, alive and

walking about. I dreaded to behold this monster, but I feared

still more that Henry should see him. Entreating him, therefore,

to remain a few minutes at the bottom of the stairs, I darted up

towards my own room. My hand was already on the lock of the door

before I recollected myself. I then paused, and a cold shivering

came over me. I threw the door forcibly open, as children are

accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in waiting

for them on the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped

fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also

freed from its hideous guest.