The Debt Paid Late by Stefan Zweig. Short summary

5 seconds

Once upon a time an actor did not take advantage of the naivety of a girl in love with him. Many years later she met him and helped him out of oblivion and poverty.

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Margaret went on vacation. At the hotel, she saw the old down-and-out artist Sturzentaller, whom she had been in love with in her youth.

Once she went to the artist and declared her love. But the man did not take advantage of the girl’s feelings and sent her home.

Now he has grown old and drunk. The peasants laugh at the former artist.

Remembering the nobility shown to her, Margaret praises Sturzentaller to the peasants as a great artist.

She invites him to her table and treats him to the best wine. The woman recalls all his roles and the old man weeps with happiness.

In the morning she leaves. Before leaving she wants to leave money for the actor. But the innkeeper refuses, for now Sturzentaller has become the pride of the village.

The inhabitants will take care of him and the burgomaster has ordered payments for the old man.

Margaret is happy to be able to repay the artist with kindness.