Wednesday, October 4:
Saying goodbye to the children, vigorous waving of handkerchiefs on both the steamer and the banks of Tribschen. The absence of the children makes me melancholy.
R. works; afterward family lunch, with Wilhelm, since it is his birthday. Then a drive, later put Fidi to bed. He puts out his own light, laughing, and then lies down quietly, which touches R. very much; he says he sees in it the symbol of a noble, free, fine death.
In the evening our nephews return. I do not enjoy their company as much as usual, because I am too tired. Vreneli, returning from Weggis, brings me many regards from Luise von Buelow and says she was overjoyed to see the children.