As she had brought a sick child with her, she could have no intercourse with the children for two or three days.

The doctor had also forbidden them to go up to the sick-room, and they were to do the best they could during that time.

If the sickness should get worse, a nurse was to come to the house and then the mother would be free again.

If the illness was to be slight, on the contrary, the children would be admitted to the sick-room and make Leonore's acquaintance.

They could even help a little in her care, for the mother would not then be obliged to keep them apart.