going on nicely, and that she will be able to come home in a
few days.

December 6th. It was awful to-day. In the evening when we were leaving
the dining-room Father said: "Gretl you have forgotten something." And
when I came back he took me by the hand and said: "Why didn't you tell
me that you want so much to see Mother _alone_? You need not make such
a secret of it." And then I burst out crying and said: "Yes, I need not
keep it secret from you, but I don't like Dora to know all about it.
Did she tell you what happened the other day?" But Father does not know
anything about my pretended headache, but only that I wanted so much to
see Mother alone. He was awfully kind and kissed and petted me, saying:
"You are a dear little thing, little witch, I hope you always will be."
But I got away as quick as I could, for I felt so ashamed because of my
fibbing. If it were not for Dora I'm sure I should never tell any lies.

December 6th. Father is an angel. He and I went to see Mother in the
morning, and Aunt and Dora went in the afternoon. And since Father had
to go into the Cafe where he had an appointment with a friend, I went on
alone to see Mother and he came in afterwards. Mother asked me about my
Christmas wishes; but I told her I had only one wish, that she should
get well and live for ever. I was awfully glad that Dora was not there,
for I could never have got that out before her. Still, she made me
tell her my wishes after all, so I said I wanted handerkerchiefs with
"monogram and coronet," visiting cards with _von_, a satchel like that
which most of the girls in the _higher_ classes have, and the novel
Elizabeth Kott. But I am not to have the novel, for Mother was horrified
and said: My darling child, that's not the sort of book for you; who on
earth put that into your head; Ada, I suppose? From what I know of your
tastes, it really would not suit you at all. So I had to give that up,
but I'm certain I should not find the book stupid.

December 11th. Mother came home again to-day; we did not know what time
she was coming, but only that it was to be to-day. And because I was
so glad that Mother is quite well again, I sang two or three songs, and
Mother said: That is a good omen when one is greeted with a song.
Then Dora was annoyed because _she_ had not thought of singing. We had
decorated the whole house with flowers.

December 15th. I am embroidering a cushion for Mother and Dora is
making her a footstool so tha