Melusine had just filled the cups and we drank some very strong tea, in which pieces of citron-peel floated. Then I kissed the Grand Duchess's hand and clasped Melusine's.
"Au revoir till tomorrow, ami," said Aurora.
I went back through the park to my room, not without noticing, as I went out, a shadow which had more than a suggestion of Lieutenant von Hagen about it.
A shot, then another, rang out through the clear, empty night. We listened. Nothing followed.
Vignerte shrugged his shoulders.
"Some sentry with the creeps."
"Lend me your torch," he said.
He turned on the light and held out two pieces of paper.
"What are they?" I asked.
"The first," he replied, "is a letter addressed to Aurora of Lautenburg by the Grand Duke Rudolph. This other is the document drawn up by Boose, which, as I have told you, secured my restoration to the Grand Duchess's favour. It is as well," he added, "that you should not think you are dreaming as you listen to my story. Try a little contact with reality."