R. says to me that I am like the gazelle who has drawn the Indian hermit once more into life! He would otherwise have been entirely lost. —
The first piano and singing lesson for the two little ones. After luncheon, we go out; upon our return, a letter for me from Herr Schroetter, stating that he remains unchangeable in his decision. A deep melancholy falls upon me.
The three children cheer R., playing with his cap, getting up to all sorts of mischief; we leave the lamps unlit — the moon, after the passing of a storm, and the final glimmer of the day’s twilight shine upon us; R. and I sit in reflection, after the children have gone. Silence! …
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.