Monday, January 25:
A good night preceded by consideration of my plan. Letters from Richard’s family giving their impressions of Die Meistersinger. Severe cold, the children affected by it. Move them into another room.
R. miserable because he thinks I am sad. Comforting him and raising his spirits. He is pleased with his score. At table he tells me he was once warned against Froebel by Alexander Müller, who told him Froebel turned the evil conduct of his first wife to his own advantage. He had taken no notice.
In the afternoon with the children, finished the Lessing biography. Germany treats its great men as Nature treats the individual, sacrificing them as if there were enough to spare.
In the evening R. speaks with great indignation about the gambling lust. Some more dictation at last, giving me much pleasure. Punch and good night.
Vreneli told Richard about a poor dog she had seen half shot; its master had not wanted to buy the prescribed muzzle, and clumsily he tortured the poor creature. R. quite beside himself about it; we should bring our children up to be nuns or sisters of mercy; how can one even think of beauty in such a world?