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Frank. At length in my sister's house! -- and safe! I have paced with quick step, but at every turn feared to meet the wretch -- my heart palpitates with the sickness of fear! What have I cast on the world? a creature powerful in form, of supernatural and gigantic strength, but with the mind of an infant. Oh, that I could recall my impious labour, or suddenly extinguish the spark which I have so presumptuously bestowed. -- Yet that were murder -- murder in its worst and most horrid form -- for he is mine -- my own formation. Ha! who approaches?
Enter Elizabeth, R.H., they embrace.
Eliza. My dear Victor! my dear brother!
Frank. Elizabeth!
Eliza. You come to stay, I hope, till our wedding; is over. Clerval will be here presently. Alas! Frankenstein! your cheek is pallid -- your eye has lost its wonted lustre. Oh, Victor, what are the secrets that prey upon your mind and form? -- The pernicious air of your laboratory will be fatal to you.
Frank. (Apart.) Fatal indeed!
Eliza. I pray you, for my sake, cease -- I understand upon one subject you have laboured incessantly.
Frank. One subject! (Aside.) Am I discovered?
Eliza. You change colour, my dear brother. I will not mention it -- I -- there is a wildness in your eyes for which I cannot account.
Frank. (Starts.) See -- see -- he is there!
Eliza. Dearest Frankenstein -- what is the cause of this?
Frank. Do not ask me. I -- I thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room.
Eliza. Calm your mind, Victor.
Frank. Pardon me, Elizabeth. I know not what you will think of me.
Eliza. I have intelligence of one dear to you, and for whom, prior to your close attention to study, you had the tenderest regard. -- Say, Victor, will you not be glad to hear that I have a clue to lead you to your lost love, Agatha de Lacey!
Frank. Agatha! dearest Agatha! her name recalls my sinking spirits -- where -- where is she to be found? Oh, would that I ne'er had been robbed of her! 'Twas her loss that drove me to deep and fatal experiments!
Eliza. A traveller! a beautiful Arabian girl was here but last night; she was seeking Felix de Lacey, the brother of Agatha, to whom she had been betrothed -- she gave me the information that the family are but a short distance from hence -- the Valley of the Lake.
Frank. And Agatha there? -- Agatha! there is yet life and hope for me -- Ah, no. (Aside.) The dreadful monster I have formed! -- away with thought! Elizabeth, I will instantly seek her. Agatha's smiles shall move this heavy pressure -- to the Valley of the Lake. -- Farewell, sister, farewell!
(They embrace, and exeunt Elizabeth R.H., Frankenstein, L.H.)