"Do they say that my wife—that Madam Von Barwig neglects her home?"
"Yes."
"And her child?"
"No, no!" eagerly interrupted Poons, quite joyous at being able to deny something at last.
"Do they say that she—neglects me, that she doesn't care for me, that—" Von Barwig spoke now with an effort; "that she no longer loves me?"
Poons nodded affirmatively. He was summoning up all his courage for the question that he knew was coming; and it came.
"Do they say, do they mention—his name?"
Poons again nodded affirmatively.
"Ahlmann?"
"Yes."