Франкенштейн
Chapter 1
Beauforthadsavedbutaverysmallsumofmoneyfromthewreckofhisfortunes,butitwassufficienttoprovidehimwithsustenanceforsomemonths,andinthemeantimehehopedtoprocuresomerespectableemploymentinamerchant’shouse.Theintervalwas,consequently,spentininaction;hisgriefonlybecamemoredeepandranklingwhenhehadleisureforreflection,andatlengthittooksofastholdofhismindthatattheendofthreemonthshelayonabedofsickness,incapableofanyexertion.
Hisdaughterattendedhimwiththegreatesttenderness,butshesawwithdespairthattheirlittlefundwasrapidlydecreasingandthattherewasnootherprospectofsupport.ButCarolineBeaufortpossessedamindofanuncommonmould,andhercouragerosetosupportherinheradversity.Sheprocuredplainwork;sheplaitedstrawandbyvariousmeanscontrivedtoearnapittancescarcelysufficienttosupportlife.
Severalmonthspassedinthismanner.Herfathergrewworse;hertimewasmoreentirelyoccupiedinattendinghim;hermeansofsubsistencedecreased;andinthetenthmonthherfatherdiedinherarms,leavingheranorphanandabeggar.Thislastblowovercameher,andshekneltbyBeaufort’scoffinweepingbitterly,whenmyfatherenteredthechamber.Hecamelikeaprotectingspirittothepoorgirl,whocommittedherselftohiscare;andaftertheintermentofhisfriendheconductedhertoGenevaandplacedherundertheprotectionofarelation.TwoyearsafterthiseventCarolinebecamehiswife.
Therewasaconsiderabledifferencebetweentheagesofmyparents,butthiscircumstanceseemedtounitethemonlycloserinbondsofdevotedaffection.Therewasasenseofjusticeinmyfather’suprightmindwhichrendereditnecessarythatheshouldapprovehighlytolovestrongly.
