Two officials, one of whom was writing something in a note-book, were in the room.
The servant told him it had been entirely unexpected. When her Excellency came home, she had exchanged a few words with the Herr Baron, and had then gone to dress for the theatre. The Herr Baron had gone into the other room to write a note, and then--while her Excellency was in the salon putting on her gloves they had heard--a shot. Her Excellency had been the first to find him.
On the table lay two notes, one to Goswyn, the other to Dorothea.
The contents of Dorothea's Goswyn never knew: in his own note there was nothing save
"Dear Gos,--
"I have forgiven.
"Otto."
Yes, he had forgiven, but his life had paid the forfeit.
CHAPTER XVIII.
The news of Otto von Sydow's sudden tragic death produced a profound impression upon old Countess Lenzdorff.