Strona 251 z 483

I dared not think that they would turn them from me with disdain

and horror. The poor that stopped at their door were never driven

away. I asked, it is true, for greater treasures than a little

food or rest: I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not

believe myself utterly unworthy of it.

"The winter advanced, and an entire revolution of the seasons had

taken place since I awoke into life. My attention at this time

was solely directed towards my plan of introducing myself into

the cottage of my protectors. I revolved many projects, but that

on which I finally fixed was to enter the dwelling when the blind

old man should be alone. I had sagacity enough to discover that

the unnatural hideousness of my person was the chief object of

horror with those who had formerly beheld me. My voice, although

harsh, had nothing terrible in it; I thought, therefore, that if

in the absence of his children I could gain the good will and

mediation of the old De Lacey, I might by his means be tolerated

by my younger protectors.