After the publication of the article in the Königsberger Hartungsche Zeitung, Hugo's status in Woldenstein and the surrounding area improved significantly. The Catholic teacher was won over as well, after—prompted by Thilde—a raise in his salary was proposed and approved. Thilde was pleased with her achievements and gave expression to her pleasure by dressing fashionably. In this, she required the advice and assistance of Silberstein, who traveled regularly to Posnan and Breslau. The local social club created connections, and a visit to the district administrator's home was highly probable. Public opinion was increasingly convinced that Thilde was very clever and always knew what was going on in the world. Even Isenthal had to admit, “She has her ear to the ground,” and said with admiration, “There's something about her that's like our people.”

Thilde was generally unmoved by all this; she remained levelheaded and thoughtful. The only small change was that she indulged in a certain coquetry and wanted to exercise a degree of feminine charm over Hugo. She went so far as to take the hanging lamp from the hallway into the bedroom and commented to Hugo, “It has now done its duty out there in the hallway. Imagine what mother would say! It's too bad that the rose-colored glass doesn't look like anything much; it really should be ruby glass. That makes your cheeks pink. Good old Schmädicke— just imagine what mother would say!”

“Yes,” said Hugo, “she’d be proud of you. And I’ve been wondering whether we shouldn't invite her for Christmas.”

“No, Hugo; we aren't ready for that. She’d have to travel second class, or at least from Bromberg. And then—well, it just won't do. We must take care of her, naturally, we must do that. Because she really is a good old woman and always alone with just Runtschen around, which isn't too pleasant—”

“No,” agreed Hugo, who was horrified again at the mere sound of the name.

“—Runtschen and old Schmädicke, who isn't much better. But inviting her here isn't possible.