Pagina 97 de 483

Summer passed away in these occupations, and my return to Geneva

was fixed for the latter end of autumn; but being delayed by

several accidents, winter and snow arrived, the roads were deemed

impassable, and my journey was retarded until the ensuing spring.

I felt this delay very bitterly; for I longed to see my native

town and my beloved friends. My return had only been delayed so

long, from an unwillingness to leave Clerval in a strange place,

before he had become acquainted with any of its inhabitants. The

winter, however, was spent cheerfully; and although the spring

was uncommonly late, when it came its beauty compensated for its

dilatoriness.