On these conditions Willy was content that Fido should go on living with Wilhelm, and that he should come frequently on a starring tour, as it were, to the Carlstrasse.
Wilhelm's first visit to his friends on the Uhlenhorst did not tend to lighten his spirit.

In their home he breathed a pure and wholesome atmosphere, which, it seemed to him, he must contaminate by the heavy, noxious perfume which still clung to him, and which he could not get rid of.

Their life was as transparent as crystal, every moment would bear the scrutiny of the severest eye.

He, on the other hand, had much to conceal.

His memory recalled many a scene; he saw himself again in various situations, and thought--what would they say if they knew?
Paul and Malvine told him cheerfully of all that had occurred to them during the last eight months; he was condemned to lock away his experiences in the depths of his heart.