My dwelling, seen at a distance, was gloomy and desolate.

It had no inhabitant, for my servant, in consequence of my new arrangement, had gone to Mettingen.
The temerity of this attempt began to shew itself in more vivid colours to my understanding.

Whoever has pointed steel is not without arms; yet what must have been the state of my mind when I could meditate, without shuddering, on the use of a murderous weapon, and believe myself secure merely because I was capable of being made so by the death of another?
Yet this was not my state.

I felt as if I was rushing into deadly toils, without the power of pausing or receding..