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 sense. Heaven knows how it came that I never was more materially disposed than at that period. I rather endured than coincided with his fine sentiments. If the morning was serene and pure, my feelings were neither more nor less elevated than those of the brute creation: when the moon shone bright, I could, indeed, rejoice for half an hour at her silvery orb; and a sweet melancholy, now and then, stole upon me; but, instead of shedding sentimental tears, I took my gun or a net, to shoot a good bird or to catch fish, assisted by her deceiving flight.

Being occupied and diverted by labour, allured by no temptation, and safe from the corruptive poison of idleness, my heart seemed, at that time, to be as healthy as my body. I can, indeed, not deny that a certain lady of the capital of France attended me sometimes in my little occupations. She was, however, rather gay and cheerful than gloomy and sad; and, what was still more agreeable, came