We held a council of war, discussing the situation from every view-point, and finally I agreed to see Baumann.
"I'll have to vouch for your future good conduct," I said.
"On condition that they leave my girl alone."
"Precisely. And on your part you give me your word of honor not to scandalize the people of your new garrison; to gradually break with the girl and, in the end, get married."
"You are a brick, Louise," cried Bernhardt, and before I could shake him off, he was kissing me all over my face. No cousinly or brotherly kisses! His lips were apart, there was passion in his embrace. I struggled, but his hand pressed against my back. What strength the rascal's got!
Dresden, February 21, 1900.
The King is adamant. I no sooner mentioned Bernhardt's name than his face froze.
"Does your husband know about your interference for that rake?"
When I answered in the negative, he praised Frederick Augustus for strict submission to the royal will and upbraided me for "upholding Bernhardt in his wickedness."