Victor’s Frightened Breakdown

I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs,

clapped my hands, and laughed aloud. Clerval at first attributed my unusual spirits to joy on

his arrival; but when he observed me more attentively, he saw a wildness in my eyes for which

he could not account; and my loud, unrestrained, heartless laughter, frightened and astonished

him. “My dear Victor,” cried he, “what, for God’s sake,

is the matter? Do not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause

of all this?” “Do not ask me,” cried I, putting my hands before my eyes,

for I thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room; “he can tell.—Oh,