Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/118

 approaching journey, no obstacle came in our way, and I began already to bid defiance to the Genius, who, I thought, would use every means to prevent me from accomplishing my design.

The night, fixed for our departure arrived. We intended going to France, where I hoped to find both happiness and a new home. Elmira and I anticipated already the blissful effects of our removal. Already were the mules put to the carriages, every thing was packed up, and I went with a beating heart to fetch her. It was dark, two waxlights were burning in her apartment, where she sat on the sopha to alter some part of a travelling dress. So light were her spirits, that she began to rally with me on our expedition, and was ready to rise, when looking with a ghastly stare, she cried:

—"Dear Carlos, I am positive something is making a noise there." She pointed at a large chandelier fixed to the ceiling.

—"It is only the stamping of the mules," replied I; "come, let's be gone."