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happened in the midst of the dissipations of a hard winter in London. Appeared in various festivals of the most important day and night life of the English capital, a nobleman, more remarkable for its peculiarities that rank.
looked around as if not participate in the general amusement. Apparently, only drew your attention to the laughter of others, as if he could quell his will and intimidate those breasts where there was joy and lightheartedness. Those experienced this feeling of fear could not explain what was their cause. Some attributed it to the gray eyes fixed, penetrating to the depths of consciousness, to the depths of a heart. Although it was true that the eyes only rested on a cheek with a beam of lead that weighed on the skin that could not cross.
His oddities caused a series of invitations to the major houses in the capital. Everyone wanted to see him, and who were accustomed to violent excitement, and experienced the weight of "ennui" were very happy to have something about them that will attract attention in an intense way.
Despite the deadly hue of his countenance, ever colored with a pink tinge or by modesty or the strong emotion of passion, although her features were beautiful and profile, many ladies who were always in search of fame trying to win their attention and get at least some signs of affection. Lady Mercer, who had been the mockery of every monster dragged into their private quarters after their marriage, was brought in its wake, and did her best to get your attention ... but in vain. When the young woman stood before him, though mysterious eyes seemed fixed on her, did not seem to realize his presence. Even his recklessness seemed to pass unnoticed in the eyes of gentleman, who, tired of his failure, abandon the struggle.
But though the vulgar adulterous failed to influence the direction of that look, the nobleman was not indifferent to the fair sex, although such was the caution with which it addressed both to the virtuous wife and innocent daughter, that few knew that people talked with women.
However, soon gained a reputation for having a language worthy. And it was because it exceeded the fear he inspired that character so unique, or because the ladies were disturbed at the apparent hatred of vice, the knight soon have fans both among women who took pride in their sex with their domestic virtues, as among the spots with their vices.
Around the same time, arrived in London a young man named Aubrey. He was an orphan, with one sister who had a fortune more than respectable, having killed his parents as a child still.
Left to himself by guardians, who thought their only duty was to take care of his fortune, while neglecting more important aspects in the hands of subordinate, Aubrey cultivated more his imagination than his good sense. Therefore, fed the romantic feelings of honor and candor, which ruined so many young people daily innocent.
believed in virtue and vice thought it spoiled the Providence only as a contrast to the latter, as we read in novels. I thought the misfortune of a house was only to clothing, that kept warm, but there were always better suited to the eyes of a painter due to derangement of its folds and the various patches of paint.
thought, in short, that the dreams of poets were the realities of life.
Aubrey was handsome, honest and rich. For these reasons, after its entry into the gay circles, surrounded him and plied many women, marriageable stepdaughters, and many wives in search of leisure extramarital. The daughters and wives unfaithful soon felt he was a young man of great talent, thanks to its bright eyes and her sensual lips. Sticky
the romance of his solitary hours, Aubrey was startled to discover that, except in the flames of the candles, which flickered not by the presence of a ghost but by air currents, in real life there was absolutely no basis for the foolish romantic novels, which had drawn his alleged knowledge.
Finding, however, some compensation to her vanity satisfied, he was about to abandon their dreams when the extraordinary being described above and crossed their path. Le
carefully scrutinized. And the inability to get an idea of \u200b\u200bthe character of a man so completely absorbed in himself, a man who showed so little sign of the observation of objects outside it-apart from the tacit recognition of their existence, implied by the avoidance his touch, letting his imagination devise all that flattered its propensity to extravagant ideas, soon became to be like the hero of a romance. He decided to watch this offshoot of his imagination rather than the character itself.
became friends with him, he was attentive to his notions, and came to be felt by the mysterious knight. Their presence eventually be recognized.
gradually He learned that Lord Ruthven had some issues somewhat muddled, and soon find out, according to notes found in the street, which was about to embark on a journey. Wishing
more information about this unique creature, which until then had excited his curiosity just meet her, Aubrey to his tutors told them that now was the moment to make an excursion, which for generations was thought necessary for youth quickly climb the stairs of vice, equal with people mature, which would not seem out of the blue when you mention to them scandalous intrigues, as themes of pleasure and praise, depending on the degree of perversion of them.
Tutors agreed to his request and immediately Aubrey told his intentions to Lord Ruthven, pleasantly surprised when he was invited to travel with him.
very proud of this proof of affection, by a person who apparently had nothing in common with other mortals, was delighted to accept. A few days later, had already crossed the Channel.
Hitherto, Aubrey had had no opportunity study in depth the nature of his traveling companion, and soon discovered that while many of their actions were plainly visible, the results offered different conclusions, according to the reasons for their behavior.
Hitherto, Aubrey had had no opportunity to scrutinize the character of his traveling companion, and soon discovered that, although much of their actions were plainly visible the results offered different conclusions, according to the reasons behavior.
His companion was very liberal: the lazy, the idle and the beggar received from his hand longer than necessary to relieve their pressing needs. But Aubrey also noted that Lord Ruthven never alleviated the miseries of the virtuous, reduced to destitution by bad luck, which unceremoniously dismissed and even with derision. When someone came to him not to remedy their needs, but to sink into the lust or the most terrible iniquities, Lord Ruthven never refused their help.
However, Aubrey attributed this note of his character to the greater importunity of vice, which is generally much more insistent that the unfortunate and the virtuous indigent.
The Lord of the charities was a circumstance that was deeply impressed on the mind the young, all those who helped Lord Ruthven, were inevitably fall a curse on them, they were taken to the scaffold, or sunk in abject poverty.
In Brussels and other cities have passed, Aubrey was surprised at the apparent eagerness with which his companion sought the centers of the biggest vices. I used to go into the dens of the lighthouse, where betting, and always with luck, except when a mob was his antagonist, being then when he lost more than they had earned before. But I always kept the same stony, impassive, with generally watched the society around him.
did not happen so where the noble are faced with the novice youth or an unfortunate father of a large family. Then his desire seemed the law of fortune, leaving his abstraction, while her eyes sparkled with more fire than the cat when you play with your mouse and dying.
In every city florida youth leaving the assistant to the circles he frequented, cursing, in the solitude of a strength of the fate that had dragged him, the scope of that mortal enemy.
also enraged many parents would eat in the midst of his hungry children, without a penny of his former fortune, without the need even to meet their most pressing needs.
However, the won at the gaming tables, he lost it immediately, having plundered some great fortunes of innocent people.
This could be the result of some degree of knowledge capable of fighting skill of the most experienced. Aubrey
often wanted to tell all this to his friend, begging him to leave this charity and these pleasures that caused the ruin of the world, without producing any benefit to him. But this appeal delayed, for one day and another hoped his friend would give him a chance to talk openly and honestly. Thing that never happened. Lord
Ruthven in his carriage, and amidst nature's most lustful and wild, always the same: his eye spoke less than their lips. And though Aubrey was so close to the object of his curiosity, did not get satisfaction from this fact that the constant glorification of vain desire to unravel the mystery that his excited imagination began to assume the proportions of something supernatural.
Then they came to Rome, and Aubrey lost sight of his companion for some time, leaving the company everyday circle of friends of a Italian countess, while he visited the monuments of the city almost deserted. While
so busy, got several letters from England, who opened with impatience. The first was his sister giving the strongest assurances of his affection, the others were from his guardians, and the last left him amazed.
If you had previously passed through his mind that his traveling companion had some evil power, the letter seemed to reinforce that belief. His guardians insisted that immediately abandon his friend, urging him to do so in view of the evil of this character, because of its almost irresistible powers of seduction, habits become very dangerous to society in general.
had discovered that his disdain towards adulterous stemmed not hate them, but had requested to increase their personal satisfaction that co-victims of guilt-were thrown from the pinnacle of unsullied virtue to the deepest depths of the shame and degradation. In short, all those ladies whom he had sought, apparently by his virtues, habíanse removed the mask from the departure of Lord Ruthven, and felt no longer scruple to expose the whole deformity of their vices to public contemplation.
Aubrey decided to separate from a character point still had not shown a single bright spot where the eye pose. Decided to invent a plausible excuse to leave him, proposing, meanwhile, continue to monitor closely and not let the least adversarial circumstances.
Thus, entered the same circle of friends that Lord Ruthven, and soon realized that his friend was devoted to dealing with the inexperience of the daughter of the lady whose house he frequented more often. In Italy, it is rare that a single woman common social circles, so that Lord Ruthven was obliged to carry out their plans secret. But Aubrey's eye followed him in all their windings, and soon found that the couple had made an appointment that was sure to cause the ruin of an innocent girl, little thought.
Without delay, arrived at the apartment of his friend, and suddenly asked him what his intentions for the young, expressing at the same time that he was aware of his appointment for that evening.
Lord Ruthven said that his intentions were those that could be expected in such need. And when questioned about whether she planned to marry the girl laughed. Aubrey
left, and immediately wrote a note saying that from then resigned to accompany Lord Ruthven for the rest trip. Then he asked his servant to find another apartment, and went to visit the girl's mother, which reported everything he knew, not only to his daughter, but also the character of Lord Ruthven.
The event was canceled. The next day, Lord Ruthven was merely sent his servant with a communication to bring themselves to a complete separation, but without implying that their plans had been ruined by the intrusion of Aubrey.
After leaving Rome, the young man directed his steps to Greece, and after crossing the peninsula, came to Athens. There
settled in a Greek house, and soon to be extremely busy in looking for evidence of former glory in a few monuments, apparently ashamed of being silent witnesses to the exploits of the men who formerly were then free to become slaves, were hidden beneath intricate dust or lichen .
lived under her roof one so delicate and beautiful that could have been the model of a painter who wanted to bring to the canvas in the hope promised to the followers of Muhammad in heaven, except that his eyes were too lively for rogues claim a soul, not a living being.
When dancing on the lawn, or ran around the mountain, seemed much more agile and faster than the gazelle and much more graceful. It was, in short, the real dream of Epicurus.
The small step of Ianthe often accompanied Aubrey in his search for old. And sometimes the unconscious young man persisted in the pursuit of a wing in Kashmir, showing the beauty of their shape by floating the robe in the wind, under the eager gaze of Aubrey and forgot the lyrics to figure out just half a tablet deleted.
Sometimes, her braids glistening in the rays of sun with a bright highly sensitive, rapidly changing hues, it may have been the excuse of forgetting the young antiquarian who left to escape from his mind the object had previously believed crucial for proper interpretation of a passage in Pausanias.
But why try to describe some charms everyone he saw, but no one could see?
was innocence, youth, beauty, without being further contaminated by the crowded halls, and dance halls.
While he wrote down the memories I wanted to keep in your memory for the future, the girl was around, watching the magical effects of the pencil that drew the landscapes of his native sun.
Then, she described the dances in the meadow, paint with all the colors of your Youth palette, double pumps interviews in his childhood, and, referring to the issues that were clearly more impressed, talking about the supernatural tales of her nurse.
Her passion and belief in what he narrated, excited the interest of Aubrey. Often, when she was alive the story of the vampire, who had spent many years among his dearest friends and relatives, feeding on the blood of most beautiful maidens to prolong its existence a few months, he froze his Aubrey in veins, trying to laugh at those horrible fantasies.
However, Ianthe cited her old name, for at least, had been among his contemporaries with a living vampire, having found a few close relatives and children marked with the sign of the appetite of the monster. When the girl saw that Aubrey is incredulous at such stories, she implored him to believe her, since people had observed that those who dared to deny the existence of the vampire always got some evidence that, with great pain and painful punishment, they forced to acknowledge its existence. Ianthe
he detailed the traditional appearance of these monsters, and horror of Aubrey rose to hear an almost exact description of Lord Ruthven.
Nevertheless, the young man persisted in trying to convince the young Greek fears that their could be due to a sure thing, but at the same time he reviewed in his report all the coincidences that had led him to believe in the supernatural power of Lord Ruthven.
Aubrey each day he felt more connected to Ianthe as innocent, as opposed to feigned virtues of women among them had sought his idea of \u200b\u200bromance, had won her heart. While the idea seemed ridiculous that a young Englishman of good family and higher education, married a young Greek, almost devoid of culture, the truth was ever more loved the maid who was with him constantly.
is sometimes separated from it, determined not to return to his side to have achieved their objectives. But I always found it impossible to concentrate on the ruins around him, keeping constantly in mind the image of someone who was everything to him. Ianthe
did not realize the love that she experienced Aubrey, shown with the same girl almost childlike in the early days. Always, however, dismissed the young often but this was just not having anyone to visit their favorite sites, while his companion was busy sketching or uncovering some fragment which had escaped the destructive action time.
She appealed to parents to testify to the existence of vampires. And all, with some individuals present, affirmed their existence, pale with horror at that single name.
Soon after, Aubrey decided to take an excursion that would take several hours. When Ianthe's parents heard the name of the place, begged him not to return at night, and that would necessarily pass through a forest where no Greek spent once it was dark, for any reason.
I described this place as the place where vampires celebrate their orgies and bacchanalian night. And he claimed that on which dare to cross that place the worst evils relapsed. Aubrey
refused to ignore such warnings, trying to make fun of those fears. But when he saw all shook with his laughter at that higher power or hell, whose very name her blood run cold, he finally shut up and get serious.
The next morning, Aubrey went on an excursion, as planned. He was surprised to observe the melancholy face of his guest, also concerned with the realization that his mockery of those powers would have inspired such terror.
When he was about to depart, Ianthe came to the young horse riding and begged come back soon, as it was at night when those evil beings came into action. Aubrey promised.
however, was busy in his research that he did not realize that the day was ending his reign and that the horizon appeared one of those spots in hot countries will soon become a mass of clouds stormy, pouring all its wrath on the hapless country.
Finally, mounted his horse, determined to catch up. But it was too late. In the South there is little twilight. Immediately the sun sets and night comes. Aubrey had been delayed too much. The storm was over, the thunder just be granted a respite to one another, and the heavy rain made its way through the thick foliage, while the blue lightning seemed to fall at his feet.
The horse suddenly took fright, and began a mad gallop through the thick forest. Finally, exhausted, the animal stopped, and Aubrey found in the light of lightning that was in the vicinity of a shack that barely stood out from between the leaves and brush around him.
dismounted and approached, limping, to find someone who could bring to the city, or at least get shelter from the raging storm.
As he approached the cabin, thunder, which had been silent for a moment, he was allowed to hear women's screams, laughter mixed with cries of derision, all as a single sound. Aubrey was troubled. But, aroused by the thunder that rumbled at the time, with a sudden effort pushed the door of the hut.
saw nothing but thick darkness, but the sound did lead him. Apparently, no one had noticed his presence, for although he called, the same sounds continued, but apparently no one noticed him.
Soon encounter someone who captured immediately. Suddenly, a voice cried out again in a choked, and the cry came out laughing. Aubrey when he found himself seized by a superhuman force. Decided to sell his life dearly, but struggled in vain. It was off the ground and thrown back to it with enormous power. Then, the enemy was upon him, and kneeling on his chest, he walked around the throat with his hands. Suddenly, the torches glare of several interviews through the hole that served as a window, came to his aid. At the time, his opponent got up and separating the young man ran to the door. Shortly thereafter, the crunch of fallen branches to be trampled by the fugitive also no longer be heard.
The storm had ceased, and Aubrey, unable to move, yelled, shortly after being heard by torchbearers.
entered the cabin, and the glow of burning resin fell on the mud walls and thatched roof, completely full of dirt.
At the request of young newcomers sought out the woman who had brought with her shrieks. Again, therefore, to remain in darkness. What was his horror when he again was lit by torchlight, being able to perceive the airy form of his beloved turned into a corpse.
closed his eyes, hoping that it's just a terrible product of his imagination. But again saw the same way when opened, spread at his side.
had not the least color in her cheeks, even her lips, and his face looked a stillness that was almost as attractive as the life that once animated it. In the neck and chest had blood in my throat the fang marks that had been driven into the veins.
- A vampire! A vampire! Cried the whole party at the sight.
quickly built a stretcher, and Aubrey walked beside which was the object of such bright visions, now dead in the prime of his life.
Aubrey could not even think it was obfuscated the brain seems to want to take refuge in a vacuum. Almost without realizing it, clutched in his hand a dagger in a special way, they had found in the hut. The game was soon to meet more men, sent to search for the girl by his grieving mother. The cries of explorers approaching the city, warned parents of the girl that had happened a horrific catastrophe. It would be impossible to describe their pain. When they found the cause of the death of his daughter, looked at Aubrey and pointed to the corpse. Were inconsolable, and both died of grief.
Aubrey, in bed, suffered a violent fever, with a mixture of delusions. In these intervals called Lord Ruthven and Ianthe, through some combination which seemed a plea to his former traveling companion to spare the life of the maiden. Sometimes
launched imprecations against Lord Ruthven, cursing as the murderer of the young Greek.
By chance, Lord Ruthven came to Athens at the time. When the state learned of his friend, he immediately presented himself at home and became his particular nurse.
When Aubrey recovered from the fever and delirium, remained horrified, petrified, before the image of him whom now considered a vampire. Lord Ruthven, with your kind words involving almost certain regret for the cause that had caused their separation, and anxiety, attention and care given to Aubrey, it soon became reconciled to his presence. Lord Ruthven
seemed changed, being no longer being apathetic to before, which had so asobrado to Aubrey. But as soon ended the convalescence of the young fellow again offered the same condition as before, and Aubrey and did not distinguish the slightest difference, except that sometimes I saw the Lord Ruthven eyes fixed on him, while a mischievous smile floated on his lips. Without knowing why, that smile was bothering him. During
the last phase of his recovery, Lord Ruthven appeared absorbed in contemplation of the waves that rose in the sea breeze, or to note the progress of the stars, like ours, revolve around the sun And more than nothing seemed to prevent any prying eyes.
Aubrey, because of the misfortune suffered, his brain was quite weak, and the elasticity of spirit that was once its most noticeable feature seemed to have left forever.
was not so kind of solitude and silence as Lord Ruthven, but wanted to be alone, something I could not get in Athens. If you are dedicated to exploring the ruins of the old Ianthe memories of suffocating beside him constantly. If you ran through the woods, the girl's light step at his side seemed to run around in search of the modest violet. Suddenly, the vision vanished, and instead saw the pale face and throat wounds of the young woman with a shy smile on his lips. Decided
shun such visions, which in his mind created a series of bitter associations. Thus, he proposed to Lord Ruthven, who felt bound by the care he had lavished during his illness, who visited those places in Greece that had not yet seen.
The two toured the peninsula in all directions, looking each corner that could be attached to a memory. But even if they explored it, nothing really saw flames interest.
They heard a lot about different bands of robbers, but were gradually forgetting attributing them to the popular imagination, or invention of some individuals whose interest was to excite the generosity of those who pretended to protect against such dangers.
Therefore, ignoring such warnings, he once traveled with very little guard, whose components should guide them than protection. By entering into a narrow gorge at the bottom of which was the bed a stream filled with large masses of rock detached from the high cliffs that flank, had reason to repent of their negligence. Hardly had penetrated by step so narrow when they were surprised by the whistling of bullets passing close overhead, and the detonations of various weapons.
next instant, the guard had left, and sheltering behind the rocks, all began to fire on their attackers.
Lord Ruthven and Aubrey, imitating their example, temporarily withdrew under cover of a bend in the gorge. So scared embarrassed by a common enemy before, which requires them shouting insulting move forward, and at the same time being exposed to a killing sure if any of the robbers stood above his position and attacked them from behind, determined to rush forward in search of the enemy ...
just left the rock shelter, Lord Ruthven received shoulder the impact of a bullet that sent him rolling on the floor. Aubrey ran to his aid, ignoring the danger he ran, but was soon surrounded by the criminals, while the components of the guard, seeing wounded Lord Ruthven, immediately raised his hands in surrender .
By the promise of great reward, Aubrey managed to convince his attackers to relocate to his wounded friend to a hut not far away. After you agreed to pay the ransom, the thieves did not bother him, content to watch the entrance of the cabin until the return of one of them, who should receive the sum promised by an order signed by the young.
Lord Ruthven energies decreased rapidly. Two days later, the death seemed imminent. Their behavior and appearance had not changed, looking as unconscious of pain as his surroundings. Towards the end of the third day, his mind seemed to wander, and his gaze was fixed strongly in Aubrey, who felt himself compelled to offer your help more than ever.
"Yes, you can save ... You can do even more ... I do not mean my life, because so little fear of death as the end of the day. But you can save my honor. Yes, you can save the honor of your friend.
"Tell me how, 'said Aubrey," and I will.
"It's very simple. I need very little ... My life needs space ... Oh, I can not explain everything ... But if you remain silent as you know me, my honor will be free of the gossip of the world, and if my death is unknown for some time in England ... I ... I ... ah, I'll live.
-one will know.
- Swear! Demanded the dying, rising with great violence. Swear by the souls of your ancestors, for all nature fears, swear that for a year and a day does not tell anyone my crimes and my death, no matter what happens, see what you see!
His eyes seemed to want out of their orbits.
- I swear! "Cried Aubrey.
Lord Ruthven's dropped on the pillow, releasing a burst of laughter, and died.
Aubrey retired to rest, not sleep because his brain went round and round on the details of his friendship with so strange being, and without knowing why, when I remembered the oath he felt invaded by a strange chill, with the presentiment of impending doom.
got up very early the next day, and was about to enter the hut where he had left the body, when one of the robbers told him that was not there, as he and his comrades had carried to the top of the mountain, according to the promise made to the deceased that would leave him exposed to the first rays of the moon after his death. Aubrey
stunned by this news he fell. Along with several individuals, decided to go where they had left Lord Ruthven, to bury him properly. But once at the top of the mountain, found no trace of the body or clothes, but the robbers swore it was that the place they left the dead.
For a while his mind perished on conjecture, until he stepped down again, convinced that the robbers had buried the body after stripping him of his clothes.
Tired of a country that had only suffered tremendous horrors, and in which all conspired to strengthen that superstitious melancholy that had taken over his mind, decided to leave, and soon to arrive in Izmir. While waiting
a boat that would lead him to Otranto or Naples, was occupied in arranging the effects that were with him and that had belonged to Lord Ruthven. Among other things found a case containing several weapons, more or less adequate to ensure the death of a victim. Inside were several daggers and yataghans.
While examining, astonished at their strange shapes, great was his surprise to find a sheath decorated in the same style as the dagger found in the fatal hut. Aubrey started, and wishing to obtain further evidence, he sought the knife. His horror reached its climax when the blade verified suited to the sheath, despite its peculiar shape.
No more tests needed and, although his eyes were as glued to the dagger, yet they still refused to believe. However, that special form, the same splendid decorations of the handle and sheath, did not leave the slightest room for doubt. In addition, both objects showed drops of blood.
departed from Izmir and, as in Rome, his early research pointed to the girl he had tried to start at Lord Ruthven's seductive arts. His parents were heartbroken, totally ruined, and the girl had not seen since leaving the capital of Lord Ruthven.
Aubrey's brain was so insane about this before accumulation of horrors, fearing that she too had been a victim of the murderer of Ianthe. Aubrey it became a more quiet and withdrawn and their only occupation was already hastening to their jockeys, as if he need to save a very dear.
arrived at Calais, and a breeze that seemed obedient to his wishes was soon let off the coast of England. He ran to the house of his parents and there for a moment, seemed lost, thanks to the kisses and hugs from his sister, all memory of the past. If before, with their childish caresses, had already won the affection of his brother, now beginning to be a woman still wanted more.
Miss Aubrey had not the winged eye-catching grace and applause of the meetings and parties. There was no light in her ingenuity that exists only in the classroom. Her blue eyes never lit or sarcasm with sarcasm. In his whole person had such an aura of melancholy charm that was not due to any misfortune but an inner feeling, which seemed to indicate a soul conscious of a brighter realm.
did not have the slightest step, which draws as the graceful flight of the butterfly, as a color pleasing to the eye. His passing was quiet and thoughtful. When I was alone, his face never happy with a smile of joy. But to feel the warmth his brother, and forget the sorrows in her presence that she could not rest, who would not have changed so much that a smile?
was as if the girl's eyes, his whole face, were playing in the light of its own sphere. However, the girl was only eighteen, so it was not presented in society, having judged their guardians to be delayed this action until his brother returned from the continent, when it would become his protector.
therefore resolved to give a party so that she appeared "on stage." Aubrey would rather be away from all bustle, feeding melancholy overwhelmed him. Did not feel the slightest interest in the frivolities of strangers, but was willing to sacrifice their comfort to protect his sister.
Thus, not long in coming to his house in the capital, to arrange everything for the next day, elected to the party.
The crowd was excessive. A celebration not seen in a long time where everyone was eager to be seen. Aubrey
appeared with her sister. Then, being alone in a corner, looking around with little interest, absently thinking that the first time he had seen Lord Ruthven was in that same room was in that same room, he felt suddenly caught by the arm, while in his ears sounded a voice he remembered too well.
-Remember the oath. Aubrey
just had the courage to come back, fearing to see a spectrum that could destroy, and not far distinguished the same figure that had attracted his attention when, in turn, he had first entered into society.
stared fixedly at that figure until his legs almost refused to hold the weight of your body. Then, holding a friend's arm, climbed into his carriage and ordered the driver to take him to his cottage. Once
there, he began to pace restlessly, her head in her hands, as if fearing that their thoughts will burst in the brain.
Lord Ruthven had never shown before him ... And all the details chained themselves suddenly before his eyes the dagger ... pod ... the victim ... his oath.
could not be said very excited, it was not possible to resurrect the dead!
was impossible that it was a real being. So he decided to attend society again. Needed clarification. But when, night after night, toured several rooms, always with the name of Lord Ruthven in his lips, nothing did.
One Week later, his sister went to a party at the mansion of some new friends. Leaving her under the protection of the host, Aubrey retired to a corner and there gave vent to his thoughts.
When he finally saw the guests began to leave, entered the room and found his sister surrounded by several men, apparently in animated conversation. The young man tried to break through to come with her sister, when one of these, turning, he offered those features that both hated.
Aubrey took a tremendous leap, took his sister's arm and hurriedly dragged into the street. At the door he found prevented the passage through the crowd of servants who were waiting to their respective owners. While trying to overcome that human barrier, returned to his known and heard the ominous voice:
- Remember the oath!
dared not turn and, always dragging his sister, soon came home.
Aubrey began to show signs of mental imbalance. If before his brain had been just busy with a theme, now he was totally engrossed in it, while being certain that the monster was still alive.
and I kept lying to her sister, and it was useless to try to wrest the truth of this strange behavior. Aubrey were just uttering words almost incoherent, yet more terrified the girl. Aubrey
When pondering over it, the more deranged he was. His oath to him was overwhelming. Should I allow, therefore, that monster rounds of the world in the midst of so many loved ones, without giving away your intentions? His own sister had spoken to him. But, though broken his oath and reveal the true intentions of Lord Ruthven, who was going to believe? He thought to use their own hand to rid the world of such cruel enemy. He recalled, however, that death did not affect the monster. For days he remained in this state, contained in his room, seeing no one, eating only when her sister urged him to it, with tears in his eyes.
At last, unable to longer endure the silence and loneliness left the house to roam from street to street, anxious to discover the image of who harassed him so much. His appearance was far from being groomed, his clothes exposing both the fierce midday sun as the dampness of the night. In the end, nobody could recognize him as the old Aubrey. And if at first every night back home, soon began to relax where fatigue overcame him.
His sister, anxious about their health, some people used to follow him, but knew the young distance, since he fled from a pursuer swifter than those: his own thinking.
His conduct, however, soon changed. Startled by the thought that he was leaving his friends, with a fierce enemy among them whose presence they had no knowledge, decided to re-enter society and monitor you closely, eager to note, despite his oath, to all those Lord Ruthven who demonstrated true friendship.
But when entering a room, they look miserable, his stubble, were so amazing, its internal tremors so visible, that his sister saw himself at last obliged to beg to refrain in the interest of both to a society that affected him so strangely.
When this appeal was futile, tutors believed his duty to stand and, fearing that the boy had deranged the brain, thought it was time to regain the authority delegated to him by his deceased parents. Eager
guard against injuries and mental suffering physical pain every day in his wanderings, and to prevent exposed to the eyes of his friendships with the unmistakable signs of his condition, went to a doctor to reside in Aubrey mansion and look after.
This hardly seemed to notice this: so completely was his mind absorbed in other matters. His inconsistency ended up being so great that he was confined to his bedroom. There he spent his days lying in bed, unable to rise.
His face was gaunt and his eyes took on a glassy sheen, just showing some recognition and affection when his sister came to visit. It is sometimes startled, and took his hands, glances intensely afflicting the young, wanted the monster had not even touched or brushed.
- Oh, dear sister, do not touch him! If you really love me, do not go near him!
However, when she asked whom he meant, Aubrey was limited to murmur:
- True, true!
And again sank to its previous depression, which her sister could no longer tear.
This lasted many months. But gradually, over the course of that year, the inconsistencies were less frequent, and his brain cleared enough, while their guardians watched it several times a day had a number of fingers, then smiled.
By the last day of the year, one of the tutors came into the bedroom and started talking to your doctor about the sadness of the boy, just when the next day he was to marry his sister.
Instantly Aubrey showed himself alert, and anxiously asked whom he would marry. Delighted that demonstration of sanity, the private thought that they mentioned the name of the Earl of Marsden.
Believing that it was the young count to which he had met in society, Aubrey seemed pleased, and even more astonished his listeners to express their intention to attend the wedding, and his desire to see her sister as soon as possible.
Although they refused to this yearning, her sister was soon found by his side. Aubrey apparently was not able to be affected by the influence of the charming smile of the girl, since hugged, kissed her cheeks bathed in tears for the very young to think that his brother was back in the world of the sane.
Aubrey began to express his warm affection and congratulations for marrying a person so distinguished, when he suddenly noticed that she wore a medallion on his chest. When opened, what was his amazement to discover huge monster factions that had so long and so disastrously influenced their lives.
In a paroxysm of rage, took the medallion and throwing him to the ground, trampled. When she asked why had destroyed the portrait of her future husband, Aubrey looked at her as blankly. Then, seizing her hands, and looking with a wild look of terror, tried to force her to swear that they would never marry such a monster, as he ...
could not continue. It was as if her voice reminded him of the oath, and turned round, thinking Lord Ruthven was behind him, saw no one.
Meanwhile, the guardians and physician, who had heard everything, thinking that the madness had come to seize that poor brain, came and forced him to leave his sister. Aubrey
fell to his knees before them, begging them to delay the wedding a day. But they, attributing such a request to imagine the madness that consumed his mind, tried to calm him and left him alone.
Lord Ruthven visited the mansion the morning after the party, and was denied entry to the entire world. When he heard of Aubrey's illness, he realized that he was the immediate cause of it. When he learned that the man was crazy, barely managed to hide her joy to those who offered this information.
ran home of his former traveling companion, and their constant care and pretense of great interest I felt for her brother and her sad fate, gradually conquering the heart of Miss Aubrey.
Who could resist that power? Lord Ruthven spoke of the dangers that had surrounded him forever, the little love he had found in the world, except by the girl whom spoke. Ah, since I knew his life had begun to seem worthy of some value, if only for the attention she was paying! Finally, with so much art was able to use their cunning tricks, or maybe it was the will of Fate, which won the Lord Ruthven love Aubrey's sister.
With the title of a branch of his family, won a major embassy, \u200b\u200bwhich served as an excuse to hasten the wedding (despite the mental disorder brother), so that it would take place the next day, before his departure for the continent.
Aubrey, once away from the doctor and the guardian, tried to bribe the servants, but in vain. Requested pen and paper, which gave him, and wrote a letter to his sister, conjuring, if anything appreciated his happiness, honor and those who were lying in their graves, which formerly had been in arms as their hope and hope the family-a good name just a few hours to postpone the marriage, on which he poured its most terrible curses.
The servants promised to deliver the letter, but as it was given to the doctor, he chose not to alter Miss Aubrey thus, he felt, was only an insane mania.
passed the night without break for any of the occupants of the house. Aubrey received with horror and rumors of preparations for the wedding.
morning came, and their ears came the sound of the carriages at startup. Aubrey was frantic. The curiosity of the servants passed, finally, to the surveillance. And gradually moved away to see from the bride, leaving Aubrey to the care of a helpless old.
Aubrey took advantage of that opportunity. He jumped out of the room and soon to appear in the room where everyone was gathered, ready to go. Lord Ruthven was the first to spot, and immediately approached him, grasping the arm with unusual force to get him out of the room, shaking with rage.
Once on the stairs, whispered in his ear: "Remember
oath and knows that if today is not my wife, your sister will be dishonored. Women are so fragile ...!
deciendo So, we drove to the servants, who, alerted and the elderly, we were looking. Aubrey could not stand it anymore, as they have no outlet for their anger, broke a blood vessel and had to be rushed to his bed.
Such an event was not mentioned to his sister, who was not present when it happened, because the doctor feared to cause any turmoil.
The wedding was celebrated with great solemnity, and the bride and bridegroom left London.
Aubrey's weakness was increasing, and the hemorrhage of blood produced symptoms of approaching death. I wanted to call the guardians of his sister, and when they were present and rang the twelve strokes of midnight, moments in which was the deadline imposed silence, she said hurriedly as he had lived and suffered ... and died immediately thereafter.
Tutors rushed to protect the sister of Aubrey, but when they arrived it was too late. Lord Ruthven had disappeared, and she had satisfied the bloodlust of a vampire.
Original title: The Vampire. Posted New Monthy Magazine, the April 1, 1819
Many people believe that the myth of romantic vampire novel comes to Dracula of Bram Stocker. But, however, appears to be John William Polidori, who portrayed him for the first time, apparently designed at that meeting where he also was born another modern myth, the Frankenstein Mary Shelley.
Polidori was born in London on September 7, 1795. Medical profession but with literary labors, he accompanied Lord Byron on his trip to Europe as his personal physician. It was then that Villa Diodati (Geneva), and responding to a challenge made by Byron, only he and his girlfriend met Percy Shelley to write a tale of terror. But Polidori had the misfortune to share his achievement with the great drama of modern Prometheus, and never wrote another thing to allow him to achieve great recognition.
On 24 August 1821, tired of his role in the life, he end their existence poisoning, unaware that his best work had opened one of the most visited and fertile myths of modern terrorism.
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