My idea was to visit such places as Tonkin, Cochin-China, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, &c.

My mother was of the opinion that if I saw a bit of the world in this way I would be more inclined to settle down at home with her at the end of my wanderings.

The primary cause of my going away was a little love episode.

Whilst at Montreux I fell in love with a charming young lady at a boarding-school near my home.

She was the daughter of some high personage in the court of Russia--but exactly what position he held I cannot say.