The Staatsräthin sighed, but said not a word.
Regina re-entered with the urn, and asked crossly, "Is the Fräulein not to be wakened yet?"
"No!" was Johannes's curt reply.
"Then the urn might as well be washed, if the coffee is not to be made until noon," she grumbled again, and left the room, closing the door with something of a slam.
"Now, mother, this really is too much. I cannot undertake the direction of the servant-maids, but I will not tolerate them when they are so insolent. Regina must conduct herself differently, or she goes!"
"You have suddenly grown very impatient with the girl," said his mother bitterly. "I hope you may always be as implicitly obeyed as you desire."
"I understand what you mean, mother, but it does not touch me. I desire only what is right,--obedience from the servants whom I hire, love from a wife who is my equal."
"Love alone will not answer."
"Yes, true, faithful love will."
"There must be submission and self-sacrifice."