Karl was still lying on the couch.
"Leave the window open, you," he said. "I like the air."
"I told him to shut it," I said, as I entered and James went out. "I can't stand the draught and can't bear the look of the dark."
He sat up when he heard my voice and stared at me.
"You afraid of the dark? You?"
"Have you been lying on the couch all the time?" I asked.
"Yes, Gustav fooled me about and tried to make me get up, but I wouldn't, but what has that to do with anything? You do nothing but bewilder me—and Gustav too, for that matter."
"It's time that some things were made clear," I replied. "How did you prevent them coming in search of me?"
"Very easily. I told him Madame had gone to bed, ill—ill with temper, because I was drunk, and swore I would do her some damage if she came near me. By the way, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I've succeeded already in the chief part of my purpose, and am not ready yet for the next."