Count Dracula jumped to his feet, and said, "Oh! It is the morning again! I have been very careless to let you stay up so long. You must make your conversation regarding my dear new country of England less interesting. Then I will remember how quickly the time passes." He gave me a polite bow, and quickly left the room.

I went into my room and opened the curtains, but there was not much to see. My window opened into the courtyard, all I could see was the warm grey of quickening sky. So I closed the curtains again, and have written of this day.

8 May. I began to fear when I started writing in this book that I was talking about too many things. But now I am glad that I gave so much detail from the first, for there is something so strange about this place and everything in it that I can't help feeling uneasy. I wish I were safe out of it, or that I had never come. It may be that sleeping in the day and being awake at night is telling on me. But I wish It was just that! If there was any one to talk to I could bear it, but there is no one. I have only the Count to speak with, and - I think I myself am the only thing that is alive in this place. Let me try to explain the facts in as ordinary a way as I can. It will help me, and stop my imagination from running riot. If it does I have no chance. Let me say at once what the situation is, or seems to be.

Vocabulary:

Regarding: About
Bow: Bending forward to show respect
Quickening: Coming to life
Uneasy: Scared, but not sure why
Telling: Having an effect
Bear: Manage, keep going with something
Run riot: Get completely out of control