Axel bored a hole in the moss with his stick, and did not answer.
"But naturally his poor mother clings to him, and he to her."
Axel was intent on his hole and did not answer.
"They are all the world to each other."
Axel filled up his hole again, and pressed the moss carefully over it with his foot. Then he said, "I never yet heard of two Treumanns being all the world to each other."
"You appear to have a down on the Treumanns."
"Not in the least. I do not think they interest me enough. It is an East Prussian Junker family that has spread beyond its natural limits, and one meets them everywhere, and knows their characteristics. What is this young man? I do not remember having heard of him."
"He is an officer at Rislar."
"At Rislar? Those are the red hussars. Do you wish me to make inquiries about him?"
"Oh, no. It's no use. His mother can't be happy without him, so he must come."