Page 36 of 483

I threw myself into the chaise that was to convey me away and

indulged in the most melancholy reflections. I, who had ever been

surrounded by amiable companions, continually engaged in

endeavouring to bestow mutual pleasure-I was now alone. In the

university whither I was going I must form my own friends and be

my own protector. My life had hitherto been remarkably secluded

and domestic, and this had given me invincible repugnance to new

countenances. I loved my brothers, Elizabeth, and Clerval; these

were "old familiar faces," but I believed myself totally unfitted

for the company of strangers. Such were my reflections as I

commenced my journey; but as I proceeded, my spirits and hopes

rose. I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge. I had

often, when at home, thought it hard to remain during my youth

cooped up in one place and had longed to enter the world and take

my station among other human beings.