times when we could not speak to him even in the friendliest way
without bringing on paroxysms of howls and sobs. These two pets
of course helped very much to increase the mutual understanding
between myself and my wife.

Unfortunately, there was one perpetual source of quarrel, arising
from my wife's behaviour towards poor Nathalie. Until her death
she shamefully withheld from the girl the fact that she was her
mother. Nathalie, therefore, always believed that she was Minna's
sister, and consequently could not understand why she should not
have the same rights as my wife, who always treated her in an
authoritative way, as a strict mother would do, and seemed to
think herself justified in complaining of Nathalie's behaviour.
Apparently the latter had been much neglected and spoiled just at
the critical age, and deprived of any proper training. She was
short in stature and inclined to become stout, her manners were
awkward and her opinions narrow. Minna's hasty temper and
continual jeering made the girl, who was naturally very good-
natured, stubborn and spiteful, so that the behaviour of the
'sisters' often caused the most hateful scenes in our quiet home.
I never lost my patience at these incidents, however, but
remained, completely indifferent to everything going on around
me.

The arrival of my young friend Karl was a pleasant diversion in
our small household. Ho occupied a tiny attic above our rooms and
shared our meals. Sometimes he would accompany me on my walks,
and for a time seemed quite satisfied.

But I soon noticed in him a growing restlessness. He had not been