“Which I shall go over with you as quickly as I can change to dry clothes, Herr Adler,” she continued. She did not know whether the secretary had been about to make demand for his master’s papers; if he had, she had anticipated him. “Oberst-Lieutenant von Fallenbosch has telephoned?” Ruth asked. “Ten minutes ago, _gnädiges Fräulein_.” “Of course you told him that Captain von Forstner is dead.” “Of course.” “Well, what is he to do?” “He is coming here at once.” “That’s good,” Ruth managed, steadily enough. “Where was he when he telephoned.” “At Offenburg, _gnädiges Fräulein_.” “Then he will arrive in about an hour?” “At noon, he said. But first there is much,” Adler’s nervousness increased, “much to be made ready for him.” “I will not delay,” Ruth promised. They had entered the hall--a large, dark hall with a wide, black stairway rising at the side. “I shall send your bags instantly to your room, _gnädiges Fräulein_,” Adler assured. He halted, giving her over to a maid servant for guidance. “Show Fräulein Brun to her apartment,” Adler ordered. “I shall send stimulant,” he added. So she was Fräulein Brun and she had been expected here! Captain von Forstner had sent word that he was bringing her and had ordered her apartment prepared; and his advices, even to Adler, had ended with that. Ruth followed the maid into a bedroom and boudoir, where, a moment later, her bags were brought. Examination proved that they had served to keep her packed clothing dry; and, with the maid’s assistance, Ruth took off her soaked garments. The maid took down her hair and brushed it out to dry; another maid appeared with the stimulant which Adler had promised and also with hot broth and biscuit. Ruth took this gladly and felt stronger. She let herself relax, half dressed, in a chair while the maid fanned and brushed her hair. From the window she saw a car coming to the manor with von Forstner’s body; a few moments later she heard the feet of bearers pass her room door. They appeared to take him into apartments just beyond--those which had been his own, undoubtedly. Ruth instructed the maid to do her hair and she would finish dressing.