The Modern Prometheus modern design twist on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein | Page 31

Volume 1

without Greek.’ But his affection for me at length overcame his
dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to undertake a voyage
of discovery to the land of knowledge.

It gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how
you left my father, brothers, and Elizabeth.”
“Very well, and very happy, only a little uneasy that they hear
from you so seldom. By the by, I mean to lecture you a little upon
their account myself.—But, my dear Frankenstein, continued he,
stopping short and gazing full in my face, “I did not before remark
how very ill you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had
been watching for several nights.”
“You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply
engaged in one occupation that I have not allowed myself
sufficient rest, as you see; but I hope, I sincerely hope, that all
these employments are now at an end and that I am at length
free.”
I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far
less to allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I walked
with a quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I then
reflected, and the thought made me shiver, that the creature whom
I had left in my apartment might still be there, alive and walking
about. I dreaded to behold this monster, but I feared still more
that Henry should see him. Entreating him, therefore, to remain
a few minutes at the bottom of the stairs, I darted up towards my
own room. My hand was already on the lock of the door before I
recollected myself. I then paused, and a cold shivering came over
me. I threw the door forcibly open, as children are accustomed
to do when they expect a spectre to stand in waiting for them on
the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped fearfully in: the
apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed from its
hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good fortune
could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my
enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down
to Clerval.

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