He was soon asleep.
The servant entered. Bruno awoke. The intendant drew aside the curtains and opened the windows. It was high noon.
Word came that Baum had already started off with Doctor Sixtus, the court physician. "Then we will go without them," said Bruno, who had regained his composure.
"We?"
"You see, my grief makes me think that I have already told you everything. We must go to the lake to look for traces of my unfortunate sister. Have I really said nothing of this to you before?"
"No--but I am at your service. I will ask for leave of absence for myself and for you, too."
"There's no need of that. His majesty has already offered it to me. Your Majesty is very gracious--very. Do you think we serve you? Ha, ha! we only serve you because we can enjoy ourselves better, and in more varied ways, at your court. You are our host, and do not mind stealthily taking a tit-bit yourself, behind the bar--I beg of you, my dear friend--what did I say? You heard nothing--did you? It was delirium! I am growing mad! I must go out! Let us start this very day!"
The intendant consented and left him for an hour, in order to arrange various matters before his departure.
Bruno ordered his trunks to be packed, and gave instructions that two saddle-horses should be sent to the lake at once.