Well, good night, dear Rudolf.

If you want to go and sleep, send in my maid again!" At these words Rudolf arose, bowed, and prepared to go in real earnest.
Then, naturally, it was the wife's turn to give way.
"Well, remain then, I was only joking," said she.

"Even now, you see, you are inclined to be ill-tempered--one may not even jest with you.
Come here now, and we will play at guessing riddles.

Let us lay a wager that I find out what is the matter with you ?" "Let us see," replied Rudolf, making himself comfortable on the sofa, while Flora leaned her head on his breast, and began counting off her guesses on her fingers.
"You have been listening to gossip ?" "Something of the sort." "About whom ?" "Oh, if I were to tell, the riddle would be at an end.

You must guess." "About me ?" "Anybody who would circulate gossip about you would have to be endowed with a very lively imagination." "About whom then ?" "Don't worry me.