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I saw plainly that he was surprised, but he never attempted to

draw my secret from me; and although I loved him with a mixture

of affection and reverence that knew no bounds, yet I could never

persuade myself to confide in him that event which was so often

present to my recollection, but which I feared the detail to

another would only impress more deeply.

M. Krempe was not equally docile; and in my condition at that

time, of almost insupportable sensitiveness, his harsh blunt

encomiums gave me even more pain than the benevolent approbation

of M. Waldman. "D-n the fellow!" cried he; "why, M. Clerval, I

assure you he has outstript us all. Ay, stare if you please; but

it is nevertheless true. A youngster who, but a few years ago,

believed in Cornelius Agrippa as firmly as in the gospel, has now

set himself at the head of the university; and if he is not soon

pulled down, we shall all be out of countenance.-Ay, ay,"

continued he, observing my face expressive of suffering, "M.

Frankenstein is modest; an excellent quality in a young man.

Young men should be diffident of themselves, you know, M.

Clerval: I was myself when young; but that wears out in a very

short time."