"I haven't such a friend, Andor, unless you . . ."
"Well! You don't want me to go out and kill Leopold Hirsch, do you?" he said dryly.
"Of course not."
"Or engage him in a brawl while you run round to the castle?"
"It would be no good. He'd only tell father," she said, while a shiver ran through her body; "and they would kill me on my return."
"Exactly. What you want is, to stay here quite quietly, just as if nothing had happened, whilst the friend of whom I spoke just now went and got back that key which is causing so much trouble."
"Yes, yes, that's what I want, Andor," she cried eagerly; "and if you . . ."
"Stop a bit," he broke in quietly; "I didn't say that I was that friend, did I?"
"Then you are only tormenting me. It isn't kind when I'm in such trouble."
"I didn't mean to torment you, Klara," he said more softly. "I will even go so far as to say that I might be that useful friend. You understand?"