It was on a dreary night of November. The rain pattered dismally against the panes.
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The instruments of life
With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me.
A spark of being
That I might infuse life into the lifeless thing at my feet.
The eye
I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.
The dream vanished
It breathed hard. A convulsive motion agitated its limbs. The beauty of the dream vanished.
Then it moved toward me
One hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me.
Scene 2 · The Empty Room
Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room.
The Courtyard
I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited.
The Vigil
There I remained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, catching and fearing each sound.
Dawn
Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned upon my sleepless and aching eyes.
The Door
I threw the door forcibly open. Nothing appeared. I stepped fearfully in.
Empty
The apartment was empty.
Scene 3 · The Friend
My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you!
Clerval
Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval. His presence brought back my father, Elizabeth, and home.
The Return
I trembled excessively as we approached my room. I feared that the monster might still be there.
Relief
The room was empty. For the first time that night, I believed myself free.
The Fever
The human frame could no longer support the agonies I endured. A nervous fever confined me to my bed.
The Friend
But I was in reality very ill. Henry was my only nurse.
Scene 4 · The Spring
By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses that alarmed and grieved my friend, I recovered.
The Window
I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared, and that the young buds were shooting forth from the trees that shaded my window.
Divine Spring
It was a divine spring; and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence.
Revived
I felt also sentiments of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared, and in a short time I became as cheerful as before.
Henry
Henry rejoiced in my gaiety, and sincerely sympathised in my feelings: he exerted himself to amuse me, while he expressed the sensations that filled his soul.
The Shadow
The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was for ever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him.
Scene 5 · The Letter
Several months had elapsed since my recovery. I had not written; nor had I heard from Geneva. Then, one morning, I saw a letter lying on the table.
A Familiar Hand
My dearest Victor, I write to you with great anxiety. Clerval tells us you are better, and yet you do not write. Do not suppose that I am not glad; but I am anxious to hear it from yourself.
William
Little William is here — your brother is now five years old, with bright eyes and dark lashes, and a face of such open delight that all who see him are his friends immediately.
Justine
Do you remember Justine Moritz? She came to us when her mother's cruelty had made her homeless. She is now as dear to us all as a member of the family. You will see her much changed.
Come Home
It is a long time since your father has had a letter from you — nearly two years. Write to us soon. Tell us when you will return. We wait for you.
The Answer
I put down the letter and sat for a long time. Spring was in the air outside. But the form of the monster was still before my eyes, and I could not think of home without seeing him there also.
END OF PREVIEW
Victor has promised to return home. He does not yet know what waits there.