Johannes saw it, and broke off the conversation. "Ernestine, it is not good for you to drink your coffee black. It excites your nerves."
"On the contrary, my uncle bids me always take it so, to stimulate me,--without it, I often could not begin my day's work."
"That accords entirely with your uncle's system of education. First he utterly prostrates you by wakefulness and study at night, and then stimulates you by artificial means. Why, you yourself can understand that such a life of alternate prostration and over-excitement must wear you out. I really do not know what to think of your uncle in this respect."
Ernestine looked down, evidently impressed by the truth of Johannes's words.
"But tell me, Johannes," said the Staatsräthin, "why do you address Fräulein Ernestine by her first name, when she does not authorize you to do so by returning the familiarity?"
"She asks me to do so."
"Oh, yes, I begged your son to call me Ernestine,--it makes me feel like a child again, and as if I could begin my life anew!"
"But you should address him by his first name, and not have the intimacy all upon one side."
Ernestine blushed. "I cannot do so now,--by-and-by, perhaps."
"Leave it to time and Ernestine's own feelings, mother dear. I shall not ask for it until it comes naturally. Some time when she wishes to give me a special pleasure she will do it. And now good-by, Ernestine. I must go. I lecture at nine, but as soon as I get through I will return."