When Victor turns seventeen, his parents decide to send him to the university of Ingolstadt in Germany. His father believes a son who has only known the schools of Geneva must learn the customs of another country to complete his education.
But before the day of departure comes, something happens that Victor calls the first misfortune of his life. Elizabeth catches scarlet fever, and her life is in danger.
The family begged his mother not to go near the sickbed. At first she gave in, but when she heard that her favourite’s life was at risk, she could hold back no longer.