I started. How much did this man know of what had happened? Once more I restrained myself.
"Herr von Hagen, one of your novelists, Beyerlein, has written a very bad book, 'The Retreat.' You and I are about to repeat the most absurd scene in that book, with the difference that it does not concern the daughter of a quartermaster-sergeant, but your sovereign, the Grand Duchess of Lautenburg-Detmold. I'm surprised...."
"I know," he said in a hoarse voice. "And that's just why I intend ..."
"What do you intend? Tell me. Let's have it out!"
"To kill you, Herr Professor."
"And why, if you please?"
"Because you love her and because ..."
The red Hussar choked down a sob. His hand, on my arm, trembled violently.
"Because?"
"Because she loves you."