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"She fainted, and was restored with extreme difficulty. When she

again lived, it was only to weep and sigh. She told me, that that

same evening William had teased her to let him wear a very

valuable miniature that she possessed of your mother. This

picture is gone, and was doubtless the temptation which urged the

murderer to the deed. We have no trace of him at present,

although our exertions to discover him are unremitted; but they

will not restore my beloved William!

"Come, dearest Victor; you alone can console Elizabeth. She weeps

continually, and accuses herself unjustly as the cause of his

death; her words pierce my heart. We are all unhappy; but will

not that be an additional motive for you, my son, to return and

be our comforter? Your dear mother! Alas, Victor! I now say,

Thank God she did not live to witness the cruel, miserable death

of her youngest darling!