"Rudolf! think what you are saying. Are you serious?"
"Yes, I am serious."
Flora reflected for an instant, then she said decidedly—
"Very well, Rudolf, I assure you that I am neither frivolous nor weak—weak not even in
respect to you." And with that she sprang to the bell-rope and pulled it violently three times.
The maid entered.
"Netti, you will sleep in here with me to-night."
Rudolf looked at his wife with the greatest surprise.
"This is a sentence of banishment, eh?"
"It is."