Leonore tried very hard to fight these depressing thoughts, but they went so deep that she seldom succeeded.

Their mother consoled them by saying that Leonore would get stronger as soon as she could take walks with them in the woods and meadows, and that feelings which now weighed on her would then seem lighter.
A few days later the children, including Leonore, came back with rosy cheeks and glowing eyes from their first walk to the surrounding hills.
The fresh mountain breeze had exhilarated them so much that the feeling of well-being was laughing from their young faces.

Even Leonore's cheeks, that were usually so pale, were faintly tinged with a rosy hue.
The mother stepped out of the garden into the road in order to welcome the children.
"Oh," she cried out joyfully.

"This first walk has been splendid.
Leonore looks like a fresh apple-blossom." Taking her hand with great tenderness between her own, she gazed at her very closely in order to rejoice over the rosy color on the child's delicate face.

That moment a beggar-woman approached, holding by each hand a little girl.