Beermann.  My sacred word of honor.

Stroebel [bends low and protects his mouth with his hand and whispers].  That very night when Madame Hauteville’s apartment was raided, without our knowledge a very distinguished person was hidden there.

Beermann.  I can imagine.

Stroebel [loudly].  You can’t imagine it at all. [Whispering.] Our young heir, Prince Emil, was there himself.

Beermann [surprised, slapping his thigh].  Now what do you think of that!

Stroebel [loudly].  You can understand that I am not telling you this as a mere bit of gossip, but certain important reasons compel me to.  That which you mentioned before about the reasons of state was fulfilled.  Fulfilled to the very letter.  All possibilities of prosecuting this person at present have simply gone up in the air.

Beermann [starting from his seat].  Then everything is all right.

Stroebel.  There’s nothing “all right” about it.  Keep your seat, Herr Beermann.  Of course our desire to prosecute has disappeared, but the lady in question is still at headquarters and we don’t know how to get rid of her.

Beermann.  Madame Hauteville? [Stroebel nods.] Just forget to lock the door and she’ll vanish.

Stroebel [shaking his head].  No, ... for a great many reasons.  Do you think I did not try hard to find a solution?  First, if we openly permit her to escape, the whole city will know it tomorrow; the press will take it up and there will be a far greater scandal than the court proceedings would cause.  No, sir, at least the letter of the law must be carried out.  Madame Hauteville must give a bond.  She will be set free and then she must escape.  That’s the only way we can protect ourselves from criticism.  Do you understand me?

Beermann.  You mean ... about the bail?

Stroebel.  Yes, sir, the bail first of all.  But if it were only the bail!  Just think!  She doesn’t want to go at all.

Beermann.  She does not want to ...?

Stroebel.  No.  I gave her another hearing this afternoon and told her that we don’t care to bother with her any more.  “Listen,” I said to her, “you are lucky.  Give bail of Five Thousand Marks, and you will be free in ten minutes.  There is a ten o’clock train for Brussels tomorrow morning.” [The bell in the hall rings.] What do you suppose she said?  She laughed.  She knows very well why we are so humane, but she will not give a bond of five marks, even if by luck she had it.  She says that she has already prepared for a trial.  I talked to her politely, then rudely.  She will not budge.  She laughs and laughs and that’s all. [Knock at the door.  Maid enters with a visiting card.]

Beermann [to the maid].  What does it all mean to-night, at this hour?  This is not a hotel. [Takes the card and reads.] Freiherr Bodo von Schmettau, Herr auf Zirnberg?