conquer an unhappy attachment toward a creature
who can do nothing but pity you." He bit his lips, and looked at her
with a gloomy countenance. She continued to hold his hand. "Grant me but
a moment's patience, Werther," she said. "Do you not see that you are
deceiving yourself, that you are seeking your own destruction? Why must
you love me, me only, who belong to another? I fear, I much fear, that
it is only the impossibility of possessing me which makes your desire
for me so strong." He drew back his hand, whilst he surveyed her with a
wild and angry look. "'Tis well!" he exclaimed, "'tis very well! Did not
Albert furnish you with this reflection? It is profound, a very profound
remark." "A reflection that any one might easily make," she answered;
"and is there not a woman in the whole world who is at liberty, and has
the power to make you happy? Conquer yourself: look for such a being,
and believe me when I say that you will certainly find her. I have long
felt for you, and for us all: you have confined yourself too long within
the limits of too narrow a circle. Conquer yourself; make an effort: a
short journey will be of service to you. Seek and find an object worthy
of your love; then return hither, and let us enjoy together all the
happiness of the most perfect friendship."

"This speech," replied Werther with a cold smile, "this speech should
be printed, for the benefit of all teachers. My dear Charlotte, allow me
but a short time longer, and all will be well." "But however, Werther,"
she added, "do not come again before Christmas." He was about to make
some answer, when Albert came in. They saluted each other coldly, and
with mutual embarrassment paced up and down the room. Werther made
some common remarks; Albert did the same, and their conversation soon
dropped. Albert asked his wife about some household matters; and,
finding that his commissions were not executed, he used some expressions
which, to Werther's ear, savoured of extreme harshness. He wished to go,
but had not power to move; and in this situation he remained till eight
o'clock, his uneasiness and discontent continually increasing. At length
the cloth was laid for supper, and he took up his hat and stick. Albert
invited him to remain; but Werther, fancying that he was merely paying a
formal compliment, thanked him coldly, and left the house.

Werther returned home, took the candle from his servant, and retired
to his room alone. He talked for some