He smiled blandly and spread out his hands. "I am afraid you do; it is very painful. Happily, others know me better."
I heard a carriage drive up rapidly, and understood that the crisis had come with it. I glanced at the clock. It was a quarter past eleven. I had timed matters aptly.
I rose, my hand on the inkstand which I had kept all the time in readiness.
"So far as we are concerned now and here, Count Gustav, there is no more to be said. I will take my story to those who will know how to investigate it."
"I am deeply sorry, but you cannot be allowed to leave the house. Those are the agents of the police."
Footsteps and men's voices were in the hall.
"They dare not keep me here!"
"While your delusions remain, I fear they will not let you go. But if you give me that letter, I will do what I can for you."
"If I could believe you," I cried with agitation; and I took another paper from my pocket.
"I should like to be your friend, and will," he said, hurriedly.