Page:Karl Gjellerup - Minna, A novel - 1913.djvu/279

 will get through the waiting time more easily than you now imagine."

"I hope so, dear Mrs. Hertz. At the same time I believe that you always had a calmer mind and more balanced temperament than Minna, and therefore in your youth suffered less from such a separation."

"Yes, that's true," said Hertz,—"for Minna, it will be more difficult.… But we must all struggle, each one with his burden, and it is well for everybody that it should be so."

"Anyhow it is not in those kind of struggles that one succumbs," said Mrs. Hertz cheerfully. "I do not think one need even fear a wound, and the hardships one is sure to get over. And of one thing you may be certain, we shall be all we can to the dear girl, and as far as an old couple like ourselves can help her she won't be in need of friends."

"I could never wish better friends for her, and it is the greatest consolation to me that she has here a second home, where she will always be understood, and where the dear remembrances we have together will be treasured."

I got up and gave Hertz my hand.

"Now you must rest and not be tempted to speak. I wish I could play to you. When I get home I shall write to your son, and then I can give him fresh news."

"Yes, give him my love, and tell him not to worry. I mean that he is such a loving son, but you see for yourself it is nothing serious."

Mrs. Hertz nodded, with her calm, habitual smile.

"It is good of you to think at once of writing to Immanuel. Now, you will not see each other for a long time, and he is so fond of you. You must look him up on your way."

"I had already decided to do so.… Good-bye!"

During this conversation, I had momentarily for-