We possessed a house in Geneva, and a campagne on Belrive, the eastern shore of the lake, at the distance of rather more than a league from the city.

We resided principally in the latter, and the lives of my parents were passed in considerable seclusion.

It was my temper to avoid a crowd and to attach myself fervently to a few.

I was indifferent, therefore, to my school-fellows in general; but I united myself in the bonds of the closest friendship to one among them.

Henry Clerval was the son of a merchant of Geneva.