Doktor Gräsler, Badearzt

Doktor Gräsler, Badearzt, a Novelle by A. Schnitzler, published in 1917, and included in 1922 in Die Alternden. Dr Gräsler, a bachelor in middle age, finds himself alone when his sister, who has kept house for him, takes her own life. Gräsler is virtually offered marriage by a most eligible and attractive young woman, but his irresolution estranges her. He picks up a girl of little education and thinks of marrying her, but she dies of scarlet fever. He finally marries a young and personable widow with a 7-year-old daughter. In spite of the ‘happy ending’ an autumnal melancholy pervades the story.