Chapter 6 Chapter 2 "Life Is My School" (1)

1907.12-1913.5 On the morning of December 23, 1907, the weather was humid and foggy.Clara was carried out of Bludengarth 9 in a "hard, smooth wooden coffin with metal inlays on all sides".The hearse drove slowly along the muddy street towards the church.After a brief ceremony, the small funeral procession—a hearse and two coaches—slowly crossed the Danube, climbed a mountain, and headed towards Leonding.In accordance with her wishes, she was buried next to her husband and her name was engraved on his tombstone.Dressed in black, the whole family stood silently in the foggy cemetery - not far from the cozy cabin where they had previously lived.Adolf was wearing a black overcoat and held a black top hat in his hand.Kuster felt that his face was even paler, "stern and calm."

For the Hitler family, Christmas Eve was a night of sorrow.To pay for medical bills, the family made a formal visit to Dr. Bullock.The medical expenses totaled 359 crowns, of which 59 crowns were prepaid.This amount is indeed not small, accounting for about one-tenth of Clara's total assets, but it is very reasonable, because it includes 77 visits (at home or in the office) and 47 treatment costs (most of which are treated with iodine).The balance was paid in thanks.It was the sisters who were talking, Adolf in a black suit and tie loosely tied, eyes fixed on the floor, a lock of hair hanging over his forehead.Later, he grabbed the doctor's hand and looked straight into the doctor's face. "I will always be grateful to you," he said, bowing deeply. "I don't know if he still remembers this scene today," Dr. Bullock wrote in his book "The Coal Miner" 35 years later, "I am sure he does, because in a sense Adolf Hitler kept his word. What he did to me, I don't think he did to any other Jew in all of Germany or Austria."

On that day, the Laporte family invited Adolf and Paula to their house for the holiday, but Adolf refused to accept the invitation.He felt more and more uneasy about his brother-in-law, Leo, who took every opportunity to dissuade him from his foolish dream of being a painter.He told Kubishik that in fact all his relatives were pestering him, and he fled to Vienna.He was bound to be a painter, to prove to his narrow-minded family that he was right, not them. He was equally adamant that Kubitschek should leave his father's upholstery shop and become a professional musician.The previous autumn, the Kubichicks had objected to Kuster's going to Vienna.Still, Hitler repeated, pleading and arguing, using the beauties of Vienna—operas, concerts, and endless opportunities to learn music—to fire the imaginations of Kuster and his mother.It was even more difficult to convince old Mr. Kubichick, because he saw Adolf as "a lad who couldn't even pass school, who thought too highly of himself and couldn't learn his trade." But even at this age Hitler's persuasive power is also extraordinary.The practical father agreed to let his son go to the capital for a trial period.One of the arguments that convinced him was that Kuster would live with a sincere art student.

To inform his guardians of his decision to never return after going to Vienna, Hitler went again to Leonding.This time, there was no controversy at all.Although Mr. Merov was a bit reluctant, he agreed-he told his daughter that it was his responsibility to do so.For the next few weeks Adolf lived with Angela and his aunt Johanna, making the final arrangements of the household.So far, all debts have been settled, including funeral expenses of 370 crowns.Adolf also thanked his neighbors for their help during his mother's illness.He was especially grateful to the postmaster and his wife, and presented them with a picture he had drawn.After all the debts were paid off, because Clara lived frugally during her lifetime, her inheritance could still have a balance of more than 3,000 crowns.Since Angela took on the responsibility of caring for 11-year-old Paula, she's likely to get more than two-thirds.Later, Alois Hitler Jr. told his son that he had persuaded Adolf to "give to the girls their share of the inheritance" and that Adolf immediately gave his share to Angela because the Raportes lacked funds. , Alois gave his to Paula.If this is true, then Adolf started his career in Vienna with very little money: the orphan's allowance plus the remainder of his inheritance.

In early February news came unexpectedly from Vienna that a neighbor had persuaded Professor Alfred Roller, stage designer of the Royal Theater, that he had agreed to look at Adolf's paintings and to advise him on his career.This greatly encouraged Hitler. It also helps him suppress the objections of his family.Hitler made plans to go to Vienna. On February 10, 1908, he filled out forms for orphan allowances for himself and Paula.Three days later, the form was returned with a notice that it should still be signed by their guardian.Adolf forwarded the form to Mr. Mellofo, but before he could wait for the reply from the allowance office, he packed his luggage (including clothes, books and drawing materials) and bid farewell to his family and left Bludengas 9 forever.

Kuster saw him off at the train station—probably on February 17th.While waiting for the bus, Hitler talked about Stephanie.He said he hadn't introduced himself to her but might write to her.As the train started, Adolf stuck his head out of the window and called, "Come with me, Kuster." The young man did not know whether he had read Horacio Alger's exciting works. However, although this is doubtful, he must feel that Alger's protagonist is similar to him.He traveled third class, and the fare was five and a half crowns. Five hours later, 18-year-old Adolf Hitler came to the magical city of Vienna for the third time.It was only a five-minute walk from Wisbanov to Mrs. Chakress's house at 29 Stumpal Street, but it must have been a difficult walk, since he was carrying a large luggage.Although the weather was dreary in January of that year, Adolf was in good spirits. On February 18, he sent Kubitschek an enthusiastic postcard:

"Dear friends: Anxiously awaiting news of your arrival.You must come, and write to me quickly, so that I may be ready to receive you well.All of Vienna is waiting... As we said, you stay with me and see how it goes.In so-called government pawnshops, pianos can be bought for 50-60 florins.Special regards to you and your parents.I ask you again to come quickly! Your friend adolf hitler