on the night of the ball in Strelsau, when Sapt interrupted me. After that I couldn't—I couldn't risk losing you before—before—I must! My darling, for you I nearly left the king to die!"
"I know, I know! What are we to do now, Rudolf?"
I put my arm round her and held her up while I said:
"I am going away to-night."
"Ah, no, no!" she cried. "Not to-night!"
"I must go to-night, before more people have seen me. And how would you have me stay, sweetheart, except——"
"If I could come with you!" she whispered very low.
"My God!" said I roughly, "don't talk about that!" and I thrust her a little back from me.
"Why not? I love you. You are as good a gentleman as the king!"
Then I was false to all that I should have held by. For I caught her in my arms and prayed her, in words that I will not write, to come with me,
