They discussed this, that, and the other way, and talked till the afternoon was far spent, then confessed that at present they could arrive at no decision.
So they parted sorrowfully, with oppressed hearts which were filled with bodings.
While they were saying their parting words I slipped out and set my course for Marget's house to see what was happening there.

I met many people, but none of them greeted me.

It ought to have been surprising, but it was not, for they were so distraught with fear and dread that they were not in their right minds, I think; they were white and haggard, and walked like persons in a dream, their eyes open but seeing nothing, their lips moving but uttering nothing, and worriedly clasping and unclasping their hands without knowing it.
At Marget's it was like a funeral.

She and Wilhelm sat together on the sofa, but said nothing, and not even holding hands.

Both were steeped in gloom, and Marget's eyes were red from the crying she had been doing.
She said: "I have been begging him to go, and come no more, and so save himself alive.