As we ate, we talked; and it was plain to us that I also must go to Strelsau.

There, in the city, the drama must be played out.

There was Rudolf, there Rischenheim, there in all likelihood Rupert of Hentzau, there now the queen.

And of these Rupert alone, or perhaps Rischenheim also, knew that the king was dead, and how the issue of last night had shaped itself under the compelling hand of wayward fortune.
The king lay in peace on his bed, his grave was dug; Sapt and James held the secret with solemn faith and ready lives.

To Strelsau I must go to tell the queen that she was widowed, and to aim the stroke at young Rupert's heart.
At nine in the morning I started from the lodge.