STROEBEL. Not even to your family.
BEERMANN. Not a breath.
STROEBEL. To tell you: Since you were at my office this morning there were most remarkable developments, quite unique in their way. But I have your word of honor—have I not?
BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor.
STROEBEL [bends low and protects his mouth with his hand and whispers]. That very night when Madame Hauteville's apartment was raided, without our knowledge a very distinguished person was hidden there.
BEERMANN. I can imagine.
STROEBEL [loudly]. You can't imagine it at all. [Whispering.] Our young heir, Prince Emil, was there himself.
BEERMANN [surprised, slapping his thigh]. Now what do you think of that!
STROEBEL [loudly]. You can understand that I am not telling you this as a mere bit of gossip, but certain important reasons compel me to. That which you mentioned before about the reasons of state was fulfilled. Fulfilled to the very letter. All possibilities of prosecuting this person at present have simply gone up in the air.
BEERMANN [starting from his seat]. Then everything is all right.