True it is that she often was in great anxiety on their account, and that the development and future prospects of her daughters awoke in her soul much disquiet and trouble.
One day, when such thoughts had troubled her more than usual, she felt the necessity of a prudent, and, in this respect, experienced female friend, to whom she could open her mind.
"Ernst," said she, as her husband prepared himself to go out immediately after dinner, "I shall go below for a few minutes to Evelina, but I will be back again by the time you return." "Don't trouble yourself about that, dear Elise," said he; "remain as long as you like; I'll fetch you.

Take my arm, and let us go down together, that I may see exactly where you go, and whence I must fetch you.".