"stoker-dracula-168" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stoker Bram)

The poor soul's body will enjoy the relief even if his mind cannot
appreciate it. Hark! The unexpected again! I am called; the patient
has once more escaped.

Later.- Another night adventure. Renfield artfully waited until
the attendant was entering the room to inspect. Then he dashed out
past him and new down the passage. I sent word for the attendants to
follow. Again he went into the grounds of the deserted house, and we
found him in the same place, pressed against the old chapel door. When
he saw me he became furious, and had not the attendants seized him
in time, he would have tried to kill me. As we were holding him a
strange thing happened. He suddenly redoubled his efforts, and then as
suddenly grew calm. I looked round instinctively, but could see
nothing. Then I caught the patient's eye and followed it, but could
trace nothing as it looked into the moonlit sky except a big bat,
which was flapping its silent and ghostly way to the West. Bats
usually wheel and flit about, but this one seemed to go straight on,
as if it knew where it was bound for or had some intention of its own.
The patient grew calmer every instant, and presently said:

"You needn't tie me; I shall go quietly!" Without trouble we came
back to the house. I feel there is something ominous in his calm,
and shall not forget this night...

Lucy Westenra's Diary.

Hillingham, 24 August.- I must imitate Mina, and keep writing things
down. Then we can have long talks when we do meet. I wonder when it
will be. I wish she were with me again, for I feel so unhappy. Last
night I seemed to be dreaming again just as I was at Whitby. Perhaps
it is the change of air, or getting home again. It is all dark and
horrid to me, for I can remember nothing; but I am full of vague fear,
and I feel so weak and worn out. When Arthur came to lunch he looked
quite grieved when he saw me, and I hadn't the spirit to try to be
cheerful. I wonder if I could sleep in mother's room to-night. I shall
make an excuse and try.

25 August.- Another bad night. Mother did not seem to take to my
proposal. She seems not too well herself, and doubtless she fears to
worry me. I tried to keep awake, and succeeded for a while; but when
the clock struck twelve it waked me from a doze, so I must have been
falling asleep. There was a sort of scratching or flapping at the
window, but I did not mind it, and as I remember no more, I suppose
I must then have fallen asleep. More bad dreams. I wish I could
remember them. This morning I am horribly weak. My face is ghastly
pale, and my throat pains me. It must be something wrong with my
lungs, for I don't seem ever to get air enough. I shall try to cheer
up when Arthur comes, or else I know he will be miserable to see me
so.