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Excellent friend ! how sincerely you did love me , and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own . A selfish pursuit had cramped and narrowed me , until your gentleness and affection warmed and opened my senses ; I became the same happy creature who , a few years ago , loved and beloved by all , had no sorrow or care . When happy , inanimate nature had the power of bestowing on me the most delightful sensations . A serene sky and verdant fields filled me with ecstasy . The present season was indeed divine ; the flowers of spring bloomed in the hedges , while those of summer were already in bud . I was undisturbed by thoughts which during the preceding year had pressed upon me , notwithstanding my endeavours to throw them off , with an invincible burden . 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 resources of his mind on this occasion were truly astonishing : his conversation was full of imagination ; and very often , in imitation of the Persian and Arabic writers , he invented tales of wonderful fancy and passion . At other times he repeated my favourite poems , or drew me out into arguments , which he supported with great ingenuity . We returned to our college on a Sunday afternoon : the peasants were dancing , and every one we met appeared gay and happy . My own spirits were high , and I bounded along with feelings of unbridled joy and hilarity . Chapter 7 On my return , I found the following letter from my father : — “ My dear Victor , “ You have probably waited impatiently for a letter to fix the date of your return to us ; and I was at first tempted to write only a few lines , merely mentioning the day on which I should expect you . But that would be a cruel kindness , and I dare not do it . What would be your surprise , my son , when you expected a happy and glad welcome , to behold , on the contrary , tears and wretchedness ? And how , Victor , can I relate our misfortune ? Absence cannot have rendered you callous to our joys and griefs ; and how shall I inflict pain on my long absent son ? I wish to prepare you for the woeful news , but I know it is impossible ; even now your eye skims over the page to seek the words which are to convey to you the horrible tidings . “ William is dead ! — that sweet child , whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart , who was so gentle , yet so gay ! Victor , he is murdered ! “ I will not attempt to console you ; but will simply relate the circumstances of the transaction .
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