exclaimed, "I will return immediately."

She inquired among those who, selected as the companions of our journey,

had taken up their residence in our house; she heard from them merely that

I had gone out with Adrian. She entreated them to seek me: she returned to

her child, he was plunged in a frightful state of torpor; again she rushed

down stairs; all was dark, desert, and silent; she lost all

self-possession; she ran into the street; she called on my name. The

pattering rain and howling wind alone replied to her. Wild fear gave wings

to her feet; she darted forward to seek me, she knew not where; but,

putting all her thoughts, all her energy, all her being in speed only, most

misdirected speed, she neither felt, nor feared, nor paused, but ran right

on, till her strength suddenly deserted her so suddenly, that she had not

thought to save herself. Her knees failed her, and she fell heavily on the

pavement. She was stunned for a time; but at length rose, and though sorely

hurt, still walked on, shedding a fountain of tears, stumbling at times,

going she knew not whither, only now and then with feeble voice she called

my name, adding with heart-piercing exclamations, that I was cruel and

unkind. Human being there was none to reply; and the inclemency of the

night had driven the wandering animals to the habitations they had usurped.

Her thin dress was drenched with rain; her wet hair clung round her neck;

she tottered through the dark streets; till, striking her foot against an

unseen impediment, she again fell; she could not rise; she hardly strove;

but, gathering up her limbs, she resigned herself to the fury of the

elements, and the bitter grief of her own heart. She breathed an earnest

prayer to die speedily, for there was no relief but death. While hopeless

440

The Last Man