"I shall not break the bread of inhospitality," said I, in the bitterness of my despair. I gathered up my traps—and then I let them tumble back. The needed words came with a rush to my lips. I went close to her. "Why did you humiliate yourself in begging my life of the Prince? Why, if my life was nothing to you? Answer. Why did you stoop to your knees to that man if I was worthless to you? Why?"
Her cheeks grew red, then white; her lips formed words which she could not speak.
"Herr Winthrop's supper is ready," announced the innkeeper.
"Go and eat it!" I said childishly.
"Your appetite is gone then?" imperturbably.
"Yes, and get you gone with it!"
The innkeeper surveyed me for a space. "Will you kindly tell me from whom you received the information that Her Highness was at the inn?"
I produced the unsigned letter. He read it carefully, while Gretchen looked on nervously.
"Ach!" said the innkeeper, "that Stahlberg! He shall be dismissed."
Unhappily for him, that individual was just passing along the corridor.
The innkeeper signaled him to approach.