If not, it is always open to you to return in a year's time and do the prodigal son, and have the fatted calf killed for you." As Wilhelm looked at him with suppressed reproach, Schrotter laid his hand on the young man's shoulder.
"You no doubt think me a hard-hearted old fogey--you miss the ring of romance in what I say.

That is quite natural.

The language of reason always sounds flat to the ear of passion--and not to passion only, but to sentimentality and feebleness.

Let us finish.

You know my advice.
Give no sign of life, and so give time a chance to do its work.