A moment later the door again opened.
Rudolf came in, followed by Bernenstein. Both wore riding boots
and cloaks. I saw on Bernenstein's face just such a look of
disappointment as I knew must be on mine. Rudolf seemed calm and
even happy. He walked straight up to the queen.
"The horses will be ready in a few minutes," he said gently.
Then, turning to me, he asked, "You know what we're going to do,
Fritz?"
"Not I, sire," I answered, sulkily.
"Not I, sire!" he repeated, in a half-merry, half-sad mockery.
Then he came between Bernenstein and me and passed his arms
through ours. "You two villains!" he said. "You two unscrupulous
villains! Here you are, as rough as bears, because I won't be a
thief! Why have I killed young Rupert and left you rogues alive?"
I felt the friendly pressure of his hand on my arm. I could not
answer him. With every word from his lips and every moment of his
presence my sorrow grew keener that he would not stay.
Bernenstein looked across at me and shrugged his shoulders
despairingly. Rudolf gave a little laugh.
"You won't forgive me for not being as great a rogue, won't you?"
he asked.
Well, I found nothing to say, but I took my arm out of his and
clasped his hand.
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