some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to
pursue my accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever
be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew despicable. By
one of those caprices of the mind, which we are perhaps most subject to in early
youth, I at once gave up my former occupations; set down natural history and all
its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation; and entertained the greatest
disdain for a would-be science, which could never even step within the threshold
of real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics, and
the branches of study appertaining to that science, as being built upon secure
foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.
    Thus strangely are our souls constructed, and by such slight ligaments are
we bound to prosperity or ruin. When I look back, it seems to me as if this
almost miraculous change of inclination and will was the immediate suggestion of
the guardian angel of my life - the last effort made by the spirit of
preservation to avert the storm that was even then hanging in the stars, and
ready to envelope me. Her victory was announced by an unusual tranquillity and
gladness of soul, which followed the relinquishing of my ancient and latterly
tormenting studies. It was thus that I was to be taught to associate evil with
their prosecution, happiness with their disregard.
    It was a strong effort of the spirit of good; but it was ineffectual.
Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible
destruction.
 

                                  Chapter III

When I had attained the age of seventeen, my parents resolved that I should
become a student at the university of Ingolstadt. I had hitherto attended the
schools of Geneva; but my father thought it necessary, for the completion of my
education, that I should be made acquainted with other customs than those of my
native country. My departure was therefore fixed at an early date; but, before
the day resolved upon could arrive, the first misfortune of my life occurred -
an omen, as it were, of my future misery.
    Elizabeth had caught the scarlet fever; her illness was severe, and she was
in the greatest danger. During her illness, many arguments had been urged to
persuade my mother to refrain from attending upon her. She had, at first,
yielded to our entreaties; but when she heard that the life of her favourite was
menaced, she could no longer control her anxiety. She attended her sick bed, -
her watchful attentions triumphed over the malignity of the distemper, -
Elizabeth