Pagina 369 de 483

One day, while I was gradually recovering, I was seated in a

chair, my eyes half open and my cheeks livid like those in death.

I was overcome by gloom and misery and often reflected I had

better seek death than desire to remain in a world which to me

was replete with wretchedness. At one time I considered whether I

should not declare myself guilty and suffer the penalty of the

law, less innocent than poor Justine had been. Such were my

thoughts when the door of my apartment was opened and Mr. Kirwin

entered. His countenance expressed sympathy and compassion; he

drew a chair close to mine and addressed me in French,

"I fear that this place is very shocking to you; can I do

anything to make you more comfortable?"

"I thank you, but all that you mention is nothing to me; on the

whole earth there is no comfort which I am capable of receiving."