"Tell me what you want to know," she said simply.
"Then who's here ?" "My lord the Count of Luzau-Rischenheim." "And what's he doing ?" "He's lying on the bed moaning and swearing, because his wounded arm gives him pain." "And is nobody else here ?" She looked round warily, and sank her voice to a whisper as she answered: "No, not now--nobody else." "I was seeking a friend of mine," said Rudolf.

"I want to see him alone.
It's not easy for a king to see people alone." "You mean-- ?" "Well, you know whom I mean." "Yes.

No, he's gone; but he's gone to find you." "To find me! Plague take it! How do you know that, my pretty lady ?" "Bauer told me." "Ah, Bauer! And who's Bauer ?" "The man who knocked.

Why did you shut him out ?" "To be alone with you, to be sure.

So Bauer tells you his master's secrets ?" She acknowledged his raillery with a coquettish laugh.