"I know it already; the doctor told me that Walderjörgli was there. Where he is, everything goes right. Thank him. Good-night."
Landolin threw himself into the great chair out in the living-room, and cried:
"Oh, what misery it is to come home and find your wife sick, and no joy, no welcome, nothing!"
He looked at Thoma, who, without moving or making a sound, stood leaning against the bedroom door.
To what a pass has it come when, in the midst of such misery, the father thinks of himself alone!
Landolin arose wearily and whispered to Thoma:
"You've noticed that I'm tipsy? Yes, I am; and if you do not treat me affectionately, as you used to, I will be so every day,--then you'll see what will come of it!"
"I cannot keep you from doing what you choose, either to yourself or to us."
"Bring me something to drink. I'm very thirsty," ordered Landolin. Thoma went, and returned with a bottle.
"That is nothing but water! But never mind; you're right. You're sharp."