Before You Read: Target Vocabulary
Essential words to understand this chapter easily.
coffin
/ˈkɒf.ɪn/A long, narrow box in which a dead person is buried.
recoil
/rɪˈkɔɪl/To quickly step back because of fear, shock, or disgust.
crucifix
/ˈkruː.sɪ.fɪks/A model of a cross with the figure of Jesus Christ on it.
loathing
/ˈləʊ.ðɪŋ/A very strong feeling of hatred or intense disgust.
Chapter Text Preview
Dr. Seward writes in his diary: A few minutes before midnight, we climbed over the low churchyard wall. The night was cold and dark, with quick flashes of moonlight shining between heavy, racing clouds. Professor Van Helsing led the way to Lucy’s family tomb, while Lord Arthur Godalming walked quietly beside me. Van Helsing unlocked the tomb door, lit his lantern, and used a screwdriver to open the lid of the coffin. We looked inside and recoiled in shock. The coffin was completely empty! Arthur was stunned, and Quincey Morris asked Van Helsing if this was some kind of trick....
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