Flink (going up to him). It is no mere theory that you are facing. Look at me! Gran. Old friend--_must_ it be? Flink. It _must_. I have nothing else left to do. Gran. But not here. Flink. Since it cannot be here, then come out into the park. (Puts the pistols into their case.) You owe me that. Gran (to ANNA). You must go, my dear! Flink (putting the pistol-case under his arm). No, let her stay here. But you come! (They all three move towards the door. ANNA will not let GRAN go, and there is a struggle until he, half commanding and half entreating, persuades her to stay behind. The two men go out, shutting the door after them. She throws herself against the door, but it has been locked on the outside. She sinks down to the floor in despair, then gets up, as if struck by a sudden idea, rushes into the room on the right, and almost immediately re-appears, dragging the KING after her. He is only half-dressed and has no shoes on.) The King. What is it? (A shot is heard.) What is it? (ANNA pulls him to the door. He tries to open it, but in vain. She rushes to the window, with the KING after her. Meanwhile the door is opened from outside, and FALBE comes in, evidently overcome with emotion.) What is it, Falbe? (ANNA runs out.) Falbe. His Excellency the Minister of the Interior-- The King. Well, what of him? Falbe.--has been assassinated! The King. The Minister of the Interior?--Gran? Falbe. Yes. The King. Gran?--What did you say? Falbe. He has been assassinated! The King. Gran? Impossible!--Where? Why? I heard his voice only just now, here! Falbe. That fellow shot him--the grey-haired fellow--the republican The King. Flink? Yes, I heard his voice here too! Falbe. It was in the park! I saw it myself! The King. Saw it yourself? Wretch! (Rushes out.) Falbe. How could I prevent a madman--? (Follows the KING. The door stands open, and through it a man is seen running past, calling out: "Where?" Others follow him, and amidst the sound of hurrying feet, cries are heard of "Good God!"--"In the park, did you say?"--"A doctor! Fetch a doctor!"--"Who did it?"--"That fellow running towards the river!"--"After him! After him!"--"Fetch a barrow from the works!"--After a while the KING returns alone, looking distracted. He stands motionless and silent for some time.) The King. What a happy smile there was on his face! Just as she smiled!--Yes, it must be happiness! (Hides his face in his hands.) And he died for me too! My two only--. (Breaks down.) So that is the price they have to pay for loving me!--And at once! At once!--Of course! Of course! (The sound of the crowd returning is heard, and cries of: "This way!"--"Into the blue room!" Women and children come streaming in, all in tears, surrounding ANNA and the men that are carrying GRAN'S body, and follow them into the room on the left. Cries are heard of: "Why should he die?"--"He was so good!"--"What had he done to deserve it!"--"He was the best man in the world!")