Chapter 7
On my return, I found the following letter from my father:—
"My dear Victor,
"You have probably waited impatiently for a letter to fix the
date of your return to us; and I was at first tempted to write only
a few lines, merely mentioning the day on which I should expect
you. But that would be a cruel kindness, and I dare not do it. What
would be your surprise, my son, when you expected a happy and glad
welcome, to behold, on the contrary, tears and wretchedness? And
how, Victor, can I relate our misfortune? Absence cannot have
rendered you callous to our joys and griefs; and how shall I
inflict pain on my long absent son? I wish to prepare you for the
woeful news, but I know it is impossible; even now your eye skims
over the page to seek the words which are to convey
