As we approached we ran into Hagen. He was flying down the steps of the right wing like a maniac.
"You! You!" he almost screamed with joy on recognizing the Grand Duchess. "I was terrified! I am so thankful."
He kissed her hands frantically.
"Forgive me, forgive me!" he stammered, turning to me.
"Stay here with her," I said, and, running off, I made for the banqueting-hall at top speed.
"Where's he going?" cried Aurora. "Stop him!"
But I was already too far. Crossing the banqueting-hall, I got into the right wing of the castle. It was the left which was on fire, with the library, and, of course, the armoury.
What was I thinking of? I had no very clear idea myself. Some force, with which argument was useless, was urging me on. Some time later I tried to reason out my action. In my room was my money, papers, a few letters from my mother—my whole life, so to speak. Yet I'm certain that not for one moment did I think that I was running such risks for things like these.
Dense clouds of smoke shot with sparks were pouring out of the first-floor corridor, at the end of which was the door of my room.
I met Kessel coming down. I heard him shout: