Saturday, February 18:
Zurich. Did not sleep a wink; consequently great weariness, but in good spirits, the children very lively. When I tell R. that old memories had returned in Frau W.'s boudoir, he says, "The ugly grimaces of Fate."
At 11 o'clock drove to the Willes; a merry day for the children. The Wesendonck house was too fine for them, children and toys too splendid; here everything much freer and more amusing. But R. is very worn out.
Frau Wesendonck arrives with her daughter, and we invite them to visit us. Dr. Wille very clever and original, as always. Frau Wille very kind; she always speaks to me with such deep sympathy and understanding.
We all discuss the German situation, and R. sums up his attitude thus: "We have Bismarck to thank for keeping Germany from becoming a large Alsace."
Took our departure at six o'clock, the children having again behaved very well. R. dead tired, I glad to be journeying home. We no longer belong among other people; we are only happy when alone in our own home. We welcome the sight of our "home" hill, our Tribschen; here we are away from the world!
An iron stove in the carriage was so overheated that it almost killed us. R. felt the consequence of it in the evening and looked very ill. I was full of anxiety and concern, but sleep soon overcomes him and I feel very relieved.