Almost against his will, Karl asked a question which he had never before in all his life thought of.
"Aren't you afraid to leave your wife alone?"
"Alone?"
"With me, I mean?"
Herman looked at him, and then spoke jestingly, but with an effort. "I am hurrying away because I am afraid I shall change my mind and take Olga with me," he said.
"You are not jealous?" Olga asked.
"If you don't want the truth—no, I am not," Herman replied, and in his tone there was the peculiar meaning which his words did not convey. "If I were not afraid of becoming ridiculous, I should say warningly, 'Children, be sure to be good.'"
He paused and looked at both of them. Then he said:
"Good-by."
As he turned, Karl followed and escorted him through the door. Olga stood frowning, worried, ill at ease. Karl looked at her in surprise when he returned.