In the interim, Henry joins Victor at school, and the two attend a study program in languages and poetry. Victor has no desire to ever return to the science that ruled his life. He feels ill whenever he thinks what he has created. The two friends spend massive quantities of time together, enjoying the nature hikes that they both adore. Two years pass in this manner.
Victor keeps looking to return home.
He is done with his studies. An opportune time never arises. Then, tragic news arrives his younger brother William has been murdered. On his way back to Geneva, he inexplicably begins to feel fearful. Upon arriving at his village that night, he strolls the countryside in a lightening storm, mourning the loss of his brother.