The queen was sitting with her hand in my wife's; I had been seated on the other side of the room, for I thought that they might wish to talk to one another; yet I had not seen them exchange a word.

I rose abruptly and crossed the room to where they were.
"Have you need of my presence, madam, or have I your permission to be away for a time ?" I asked.
"Where do you wish to go, Fritz ?" the queen asked with a little start, as though I had come suddenly across her thoughts.
"To the Konigstrasse," said I.
To my surprise she rose and caught my hand.
"God bless you, Fritz!" she cried.

"I don't think I could have endured it longer.

But I wouldn't ask you to go.

But go, my dear friend, go and bring me news of him.