"Let me tell you once more: I am doing this chiefly because of ... your mother."
His voice sounded very emphatic.
"Do it for her then," replied Othomar, gently. "It will give me great pleasure if you go with me for my mother's sake."
Herman realized that he had been unnecessarily cool and emphatic. He was sorry. The empress had asked him to accompany Othomar. He had hesitated at first, knowing that there was a lack of sympathy between Othomar and him. Then he had yielded, but had not known how to ask Othomar. His usual ease of manner had forsaken him, as it always did in Othomar's presence.
"Very well, then," Herman stammered, awkwardly.
Othomar put out his hand:
"I understand your intention perfectly. Mamma would like you to go too, because she will then be sure that there is some one with me whom I can trust in everything. Isn't that it?"
Herman pressed his hand:
"Yes," he said, pleased, contented, feeling no annoyance that Othomar had had the best of the conversation, delighted that his cousin took it like this. "Yes, just so; that's how it is. Don't let me detain you now: it's late. Good-night...."
"Good-night...."