Pagina 155 di 483

I listened to this discourse with the extremest agony. I, not in

deed, but in effect, was the true murderer. Elizabeth read my

anguish in my countenance, and kindly taking my hand, said, "My

dearest friend, you must calm yourself. These events have

affected me, God knows how deeply; but I am not so wretched as

you are. There is an expression of despair, and sometimes of

revenge, in your countenance that makes me tremble. Dear Victor,

banish these dark passions. Remember the friends around you, who

centre all their hopes in you. Have we lost the power of

rendering you happy? Ah! While we love, while we are true to each

other, here in this land of peace and beauty, your native

country, we may reap every tranquil blessing-what can disturb our

peace?"