Zu Pfeiffer dropped his head wearily on to his [pg 278] hand. Schultz remained rigidly by the door. Zu Pfeiffer glanced up peevishly.
“I said that was all, sergeant,” he exclaimed tetchily.
“Ya, Excellence.”
“Herr Gott, what are you standing there for like a stuffed pig?”
Schultz saluted.
“Excellence, it is my duty to remind your Excellence that according to regulation 47 of …”
“To hell with you and your regulations, damn you.… Will you leave me alone!” The last was almost a plea.
“Excellence!”
Schultz saluted briskly and went. Again zu Pfeiffer’s head dropped on to the cupped hand and he gazed at the portrait in the ivory frame.… Against the blue twilight of the door appeared a tall figure in white.
“What in the name of——” began zu Pfeiffer.