Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/185

Rh And now let me utter a thanksgiving and a blessing upon the home into which I was received as a sister and a friend; that home in which long and bitter sorrow was overcome by many prayers and much work, and where much daily work did not prevent the most noble and delicate hospitality being shown to the stranger, nor the amenities and attractive pleasures of life being obtained for her. Let me, from my heart, thank the mother and sisters Rohrdorf!

The bright river which flows past their handsome, old-fashioned dwelling, and the sunshine in its waters are faithful images of my life during those days and in that home!

, September 12th.—Arrived here at eleven o'clock at night, and was miserably accommodated at the “Wildman,” where the young “wildmen,” the waiters, seemed to think that people came thither for their sakes and to obey their laws.

I parted in Zürich with my good friend and traveling companion, Penchaud, who returned home, whilst I bent my steps towards Germany. I was accompanied on the railway by my young friend Louisa Rohrdorf, as far as Baden, in the warm sulphur baths of which place ten thousand persons annually bathe. Here I parted from the amiable and lovely young lady, one of the most beautiful examples amongst the many, confined by a life of material labor, who courageously and patiently battle through the long weeks of labor without a complaint, whilst they secretly lift tearful, longing glances towards a life of thought, of soul-enjoyment, and activity to which they believe they can never attain!