Pagina 81 di 483

By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses that alarmed and

grieved my friend, I recovered. I remember the first time I

became capable of observing outward objects with any kind of

pleasure, I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared and

that the young buds were shooting forth from the trees that

shaded my window. It was a divine spring, and the season

contributed greatly to my convalescence. I felt also sentiments

of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared,

and in a short time I became as cheerful as before I was attacked

by the fatal passion.

"Dearest Clerval," exclaimed I, "how kind, how very good you are

to me. This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you

promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room. How shall I

ever repay you? I feel the greatest remorse for the

disappointment of which I have been the occasion, but you will

forgive me."