A piercing, compassionate gaze at a world where private longing collides with public propriety. Bertha Garlan unhooks the quiet dramas of a respectable middle class existence, and asks: what does belonging cost when duty and desire pull in opposite directions? Arthur Schnitzler's austrian novella sits at the crossroads of fin de siecle vienna, a psychological social satire that probes the subtleties of bourgeois marriage and the ache of identity. In this restored edition from Alpha Editions, the narrative remains intimate yet expansive, offering a vivid habsburg vienna setting and a reflective study of how social codes shape hearts and choices. It is more than drama; it is a quiet barometer of europe fin de siecle culture, a touchstone for those exploring the era's tensions between private longing and public performance. For the casual reader, the story unfolds with human tenderness and crisp social acuity. For literary studies readers and collectors, it sits as a keystone in the arthur schnitzler complete works, a landmark in austria's literary heritage, and a precise reference for those building an academic study guide or complete works reference. This edition is not merely a reprint but a cultural treasure-out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions, restored for today's and future generations. A testament to enduring art and to Schnitzler's nuanced insight into identity, belonging, and the human heart.