CHAPTER IV
A DEPARTURE AND AN ARRIVAL
MR. THORNAU, who was staying with his sick wife at the baths of Leuk had just received two letters. One was from his daughter, and one from the children’s governess. Both letters expressed an urgent desire to see him as soon as possible as the writers wished to speak to him. He felt no particular joy at the complete harmony of their wishes, because he knew that this usually resulted from a great difference of opinion. Laying the letters on his wife’s bed, he said, “They’ve asked me to come to them again, and it is sure to be some matter I have to settle with Miss Landrat. Don’t be alarmed, though, for worrying might hurt you.”
Mr. Thornau could see that his wife was agitated as she murmered to herself, “I wish we had not sent the children away, it is not good for them. They should be here with us.”
“If you want them here, Alida,” said he, “you only need to say so, and I’ll fetch them. But you know that I installed them there to give you the quiet you ought to have.”
“I’ll be more quiet if you bring them,” replied she. “Apparently they are not very happy. The governess may mean well, but she is too strict; which shows that she does not understand children. She uses the greatest severity when it is not necessary. I see that Hugo grows more quiet and reserved and Alida more obstinate and head-strong, despite her best intentions. Neither of them is easy to handle, as you know.”
“Quite right,” the husband agreed. “Alida has my temperament and being a girl, needs specially good guidance. Nature has curiously changed things, for Hugo needs special care, too. He has inherited your temperament and delicate health.”
“Yes, he too needs special consideration,” the mother added. “Please promise me always to treat him affectionately. He will stand in such need of it, especially when I am no more.”
“But for heaven’s sake, Alida, do not think of such a thing, and let us never say another word about it!” Mr. Thornau cried out. “I’ll start right off to settle this new law-suit. I shall walk there, because the road is charming. It will take two hours, but I’ll probably take a carriage back.”