This generation has done more than its duty, and if now it is weary and will rest for thirty years in peace, surely no one can reproach it." Schrotter spoke with emotion, and Wilhelm who would not grieve his friend by a contradiction, repressed a retaliation which rose to his lips, and silently took leave of him.
The life of the community, as of single individuals, went back gradually into its old channels, and so it did with Dr.Schrotter.

He had lived hitherto in an old-fashioned quarter of the town, and now, to be as near as possible to Wilhelm, he rented a house in the Mittelstrasse.

He established a private hospital in the old Schonhauserstrasse, in the midst of artisans and very poor people, and there he spent daily many hours, treating for charity all those who came to him for help.

He soon had a larger attendance than was comfortable, and had to extend the work, without which he could not have lived.

He found endless opportunities of relieving misery and distress in this poor quarter of the town, and as he was a rich man, and independent of his own creature comforts, he could put his philosophy of compassion into practice to his heart's content.