Pagina 248 de 483

"Several changes, in the meantime, took place in the cottage. The

presence of Safie diffused happiness among its inhabitants, and I

also found that a greater degree of plenty reigned there. Felix

and Agatha spent more time in amusement and conversation, and

were assisted in their labours by servants. They did not appear

rich, but they were contented and happy; their feelings were

serene and peaceful, while mine became every day more tumultuous.

Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a

wretched outcast I was. I cherished hope, it is true, but it

vanished when I beheld my person reflected in water or my shadow

in the moonshine, even as that frail image and that inconstant

shade.