It was only an attempt on her side to exasperate you against me; and thus
to influence you and obtain more from you, in the same way that she
formerly reported to me all sorts of things that you had said about me; but
I took no heed of her talk. On this recent occasion I wished to try whether
she might not be improved by a more patient and conciliatory mode of
conduct: I imparted my intention to Herr A.S., but it has utterly failed;
and on Sunday I made up my mind to adhere to the former necessary severity,
as even during the glimpse she had of Carl, she contrived to inoculate him
with some of her venom. In short, we must be guided by the zodiac, and only
allow her to see Carl twelve times a year, and then barricade her so
effectually that she cannot smuggle in even a pin, whether he is with you
or me, or with a third person. I really thought that by entirely complying
with her wishes, it might have been an incitement to her to improve, and to
acknowledge my complete unselfishness.

Perhaps I may see you to-morrow. Frau S. can order the shoes and stockings
and all that Carl requires, and I will remit her the money at once. I beg
that you will always order and buy anything Carl ought to have, without any
reference to me, merely informing me of the amount, which I will forthwith
discharge, without waiting for the end of the quarter. I will take care
that Carl has a new coat for the next examination.

One thing more. The mother affects to receive her information from a person
in your house. If you cannot arrange with Czerny to bring Carl home, he
must not go at all; "_trau, schau, wem!_" [trust not till you try.] The
only impression that his mother ought to make on Carl is what I have
already told him,--namely, to respect her as _his mother_, but _not to
follow her example in any respect_; he must be strongly warned against
this.