Departure and Aspirations

She consoled me, amused her uncle, instructed my brothers; and I never beheld her so enchanting

as at this time, when she was continually endeavouring to contribute to the happiness of others,

entirely forgetful of herself. The day of my departure at length arrived. I had taken leave

of all my friends, excepting Clerval, who spent the last evening with us. He bitterly lamented

that he was unable to accompany me: but his father could not be persuaded to part with him,

intending that he should become a partner with him in business, in compliance with

his favourite theory, that learning was superfluous in the commerce of ordinary life.

Henry had a refined mind; he had no desire to be idle, and was well pleased to become his father’s