Франкенштейн, или Современный Прометей / Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. Уровень 2

Besides, the strange animal will elude all pursuit. Who will arrest a creature that can climb the mountains so fast? So I resolved to remain silent.

It was about five in the morning when I entered my father’s house. I told the servants not to disturb the family, and went into the library.

Six years passed. My father! Beloved and venerable parent! I gazed on the picture of my mother, which stood over the mantel-piece. Below this picture was a miniature of William; and my tears flowed when I looked upon it.

Ernest entered: he heard me and hastened to welcome me:

“Welcome, my dearest Victor,” said he. “Why didn’t you arrive three months ago? That time we were joyous and delighted. You come to us now to share a misery which nothing can alleviate. Poor William! He was our darling and our pride!”

Tears fell from my brother’s eyes. I tried to calm Ernest.

“Our cousin Elizabeth,” said Ernest, “requires consolation; she accused herself of the death of my brother. But since the murderer has been discovered-”

“The murderer discovered! Good God! How can that be? It is impossible.

I saw him; he was free last night!”

“I do not know what you mean,” replied my brother, “but listen to me. No one believed it at first; and even now Elizabeth is not convinced. Indeed, who will think that Justine Moritz, who was so amiable, could be a murderer?”

“Justine Moritz! Poor, poor girl, is she the murderer? But it is wrong! Every one knows that; no one believes it, surely, Ernest?”

“No one did at first; but several circumstances forced conviction upon us.

And her own behaviour was very confused. That, I fear, leaves no hope for doubt. But she will be tried today[16 - she will be tried today – сегодня её будут судить], and you will then hear all.”

In the morning of the murder of poor William, Justine was ill. One of the servants examined her apparel that she wore on the night of the murder. The servant discovered in her pocket the picture of my mother, which was the temptation of the murderer.

The servant instantly showed it to another servant, who went to a magistrate. So they arrested Justine. The poor girl confirmed the suspicion by her extreme confusion.

This was a strange tale, but it did not shake my faith. I replied earnestly,

“You are all mistaken; I know the murderer. Justine, poor, good Justine, is innocent.”

At that instant my father entered.