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 who allowed me to come here to recover my health. I came to this castle only a few hours ago.”

“When and where, then, did you hear about the lutanist?”

“The stewardess threatened me with her visit when I told her I wouldn’t live in that smothery box which they call the Palace, and started to come here.”

“And you came here in spite of that warning?”

“Yes. But you are asking me many questions without telling me who you are. By what right came you here? And is not your behavior since you entered this room rather strange?”

Again the young man wiped his forehead and felt around for a support before he answered.

“Not long ago my loving father died. Since his death I have not slept; this evening, overcome by weakness, for the first time I fell into a feverish sleep, most likely just before you stepped in, for I did not see you