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Once commenced, it would quickly be achieved, and I might be

restored to my family in peace and happiness. My promise

fulfilled, the monster would depart for ever. Or (so my fond

fancy imaged) some accident might meanwhile occur to destroy him

and put an end to my slavery for ever.

These feelings dictated my answer to my father. I expressed a

wish to visit England, but concealing the true reasons of this

request, I clothed my desires under a guise which excited no

suspicion, while I urged my desire with an earnestness that

easily induced my father to comply. After so long a period of an

absorbing melancholy that resembled madness in its intensity and

effects, he was glad to find that I was capable of taking

pleasure in the idea of such a journey, and he hoped that change

of scene and varied amusement would, before my return, have

restored me entirely to myself.