Is there something in the crucifix itself that gives me comfort, or does it help me to remember that I am not alone and without friends? Some time, if ever I have that time, I must consider this matter and try to make up my mind about it. In the meantime I must find out all that I can about Count Dracula. I need to understand everything possible about him. Tonight I will try to change the conversation so that he talks about himself. I must be very careful, however, not to make him suspicious.

Midnight. I have had a long talk with the Count. I asked him a few questions about the history of Transylvania, and he talked about it with wonderful enthusiasm. He spoke about things and people, and especially of battles, as if he had been present at them all. Afterwards he explained this by saying that his family were the Boyars. Everyone in the family had always been proud of their name, and the glory of one member of the family gave glory to them all, and what happened to one of the family was considered as if it happened to them all. Whenever he spoke of his family he always said "we", and sounded as though he was a king speaking.

I wish I could write everything he said in the exact words that he used, because I was fascinated by what he said. His story seemed to be the whole history of the country. He grew excited as he talked, and walked about the room pulling his great white moustache and squeezed things that came under his hands as though he wanted to crush them with his strength. I will write down one thing which he said, using his words as nearly as I can remember, because in a way, it tells the story of his people.

Vocabulary:

Suspicious: Wondering if something is wrong or a trap
Enthusiasm:Interest, energy and enjoyment
Glory: Being famous and respected
Fascinated: So interested that you forget everything else
Crush: Break by pushing down on