Page:Buddenbrooks vol 1 - Mann (IA buddenbrooks0001mann).pdf/293

RV 281 (BUDDENBROOKS) in Berlin, was not ashamed to have Anton leave a letter in Madame Grünlich’s bedroom in the upper storey, wherein Bible texts and a kind of fawning sentimentality were surpassingly mingled. She found it when she went to bed, read it, and went with a firm step downstairs into the Frau Consul’s bedroom, where by the candle-light she read aloud the words of the soul-saver to her Mother, quite unembarrassed and in a loud voice; so that Teary Trieschke became impossible in Meng Street.

“They are all alike,” said Madame Grünlich; “ah, they are all alike. Oh, heavens, what a goose I was once! But life has destroyed my faith in men. Most of them are scoundrels&mdash;alas, it is the truth. Grünlich&mdash;” The name was, as always, like a summons to battle. She uttered it with her shoulders lifted and her eyes rolled up.

RV 281 (281)