I realized his idea was to make me lose my self-control. "Herr Professor," he said, "in Germany we hold one thing very sacred. Our word of honour. I like to think that it's the same in France. I won't trouble you any further if, here and now, you will give me your word of honour that you have no appointment this evening with the Grand Duchess Aurora." I started. How much did this man know of what had happened? Once more I restrained myself. "Herr von Hagen, one of your novelists, Beyerlein, has written a very bad book, 'The Retreat.' You and I are about to repeat the most absurd scene in that book, with the difference that it does not concern the daughter of a quartermaster-sergeant, but your sovereign, the Grand Duchess of Lautenburg-Detmold. I'm surprised...." "I know," he said in a hoarse voice. "And that's just why I intend ..." "What do you intend? Tell me. Let's have it out!" "To kill you, Herr Professor." "And why, if you please?" "Because you love her and because ..." The red Hussar choked down a sob. His hand, on my arm, trembled violently. "Because?" "Because she loves you." I almost pitied him at that moment. But the Grand Duchess was waiting for me in her room. "I'm at your service, sir," I said. "Tomorrow, or any day you like." "Tomorrow," he replied bitterly. "Do you think I'm going to give you a chance of seeing her? She's waiting for you, I know. You haven't given me your answer. I must have it now, sir. At once." This was too much. I wrenched my arm away and thrust him aside with great violence. He crashed into the wall. He drew his sword. I felt quite equal to snatching it from his hand and turning it against him then and there. But I ran the risk of being wounded, and, besides, there would be a commotion, a scene. That must at all costs be avoided. "Herr von Hagen," I said in low tones, "listen to me. I know you wouldn't be talking like this or trying to pick a quarrel, if you didn't love the Grand. Duchess yourself." "Sir," he replied, furious, "I forbid you ..." "Just listen to me," I said, and there was a ring of impatient authority in my voice which impressed him. "You love her, I repeat. I'm going now to appeal as much to your love as to your loyalty as a soldier. The Grand Duchess Aurora, that glorious woman, is in terrible danger tonight. You must understand that. Every minute, every second, that you make me lose increases that danger. On that I can give you my word of honour here and now." I saw that I had hit home. "What do you mean, sir?" he murmured in alarm. "Danger?" "Yes, Herr von Hagen. Go back to your rooms at once. Don't go to bed. Perhaps Aurora of Lautenburg will need your help tonight." He hesitated, then resigned himself to his lot. "Very well, sir. I accept. I'll go back. But remember that if you've deceived me ..."