My powers, that had long been deadened, were revived.
My bosom swelled with a sudden energy, and the conviction darted through my mind, that to end my torments was, at once, practicable and wise.
I knew how to find way to the recesses of life.

I could use a lancet with some skill, and could distinguish between vein and artery.

By piercing deep into the latter, I should shun the evils which the future had in store for me, and take refuge from my woes in quiet death.
I started on my feet, for my feebleness was gone, and hasted to the closet.

A lancet and other small instruments were preserved in a case which I had deposited here.

Inattentive as I was to foreign considerations, my ears were still open to any sound of mysterious import that should occur.