“And by telling nobody that I’ve been here to-night. Will you promise me that?”
“Not my mother?”
“No.”
“Nor the Count of Luzau-Rischenheim?”
“Him least of all. You must tell nobody. My business is very private, and Rischenheim doesn’t know it.”
“I’ll do all you tell me. But—but Bauer knows.”
“True,” said Rudolf. “Bauer knows. Well, we’ll see about Bauer.”
As he spoke he turned towards the door. Suddenly the girl bent, snatched at his hand and kissed it.
“I would die for you,” she murmured.
“Poor child!” said he gently. I believe he was loath to make profit, even in the queen’s service, of her poor foolish love. He laid his hand on the door, but paused a moment to say: