"Yes, it's early. I should like to make you a present. Will you accept this? It is silver, it was given to me. A little girl whose life I once saved gave it me. Please take it. It holds twenty cigarettes. You won't have it? I see, you don't smoke, but you ought to learn. May I come and see you tomorrow and make my excuses? I should like to do something, beg your forgiveness...."
"Good-night."
"Good-night. I'm going to bed now, I promise you that. You shan't hear another sound. And in future I'll be more careful."
The man went.
Johannes suddenly opened the door again and added:
"By the bye, I'm leaving. I shan't disturb you any more. I'm leaving tomorrow. I forgot to tell you."
He did not leave. Various things kept him, he had business to do, things to buy, bills to pay, the morning passed and evening came. He rushed about as though out of his wits.
At last he rang at the Chamberlain's door. Was Victoria at home?
Victoria was out shopping.