Pagina 298 van 483

I listened to my father in silence and remained for some time

incapable of offering any reply. I revolved rapidly in my mind a

multitude of thoughts and endeavoured to arrive at some

conclusion. Alas! To me the idea of an immediate union with my

Elizabeth was one of horror and dismay. I was bound by a solemn

promise which I had not yet fulfilled and dared not break, or if

I did, what manifold miseries might not impend over me and my

devoted family! Could I enter into a festival with this deadly

weight yet hanging round my neck and bowing me to the ground? I

must perform my engagement and let the monster depart with his

mate before I allowed myself to enjoy the delight of a union from

which I expected peace.