Unspoken Secrets and Harsh Praise

Clerval, whose eyes and feelings were always quick in discerning the sensations of others,

declined the subject, alleging, in excuse, his total ignorance; and the conversation

took a more general turn. I thanked my friend from my heart, but I did not speak.

I saw plainly that he was surprised, but he never attempted to draw my secret from me; and although

I loved him with a mixture of affection and reverence that knew no bounds, yet I could never

persuade myself to confide to him that event which was so often present to my recollection,

but which I feared the detail to another would only impress more deeply. M.

Krempe was not equally docile; and in my condition at that time, of almost insupportable