Monday, December 29:
R. slept well, and now we set about locking things up and packing! Traveling the day after tomorrow in a saloon carriage on account of the invalids.
Last lunch with friends Wolz., Rub., Gross; R. indulgent toward Rub., praises his article, says he has written a preface for him in his words for the New Year. Through his kindness a new spirit is created here! R. proposes a farewell toast which I cannot reproduce here. Only a few words, but so gently summing up all the good things which unite us with our friends and all the bad things which living in close proximity inevitably produces, that I would give a lot to be able to reproduce its unique blend of truth and benevolence.
His words were like a delicate veil, softening the bad and enhancing the good; just hints, yet so clear that everybody understood, and solemn glances were exchanged. Nothing but packing from the afternoon until Wednesday morning. But I find time on Tuesday to convey to friend Feustel the feelings which the memory of his wife arouses in me on our departure from Bayreuth.