"Why! Do you know that? you?"
"Yes, but it is not flattering."
"Ah, no matter; tell me."
"My dear child, you are all the time ill, because you are all the time idle. If a person has nothing to do, then his health gives him something to do."
"Oh, you are wise, but I am weak," said Frau Ceres.
And there was in her an utter helplessness and weakness; she looked upon herself, and was looked upon by Sonnenkamp, as a fragile toy; and at the same time she was indolent, and the least effort was a burden to her. She did not know whether to hear or to see required the greater exertion; but she found the latter the greater bore, for while one was reading one must hold the book and hold one's self in a particular position, and therefore she always let Fräulein Perini read aloud to her; this had the advantage that one could go to sleep whenever there was the inclination.
This was the case now.
Whilst the Mother was speaking, Frau Ceres suddenly let go her hand, and it was soon evident that the reclining one had fallen asleep; Frau Dournay sat there in that chamber furnished splendidly and richly as if it were an apartment in some fairy tale. She held her breath, and did not know what course to take. What is the meaning of all this? Here are riddles in plenty. She did not dare to change her position, for she was afraid of waking the sleeper. The latter turned now and said,—
"Ah, go now, go now,—I will come down soon myself." She left the room.
Sonnenkamp was waiting for her outside.