THE GRAND DUCHESS [snatching it]. Aha! Leave the room, all of you
except the General. At the double! lightning! electricity! [She
fires shot after shot, spattering the bullets about the ankles of
the soldiers. They fly precipitately. She turns to Schneidekind,
who has by this time been flung on the floor by the General.] You
too. [He scrambles up.] March. [He flies to the door.]

SCHNEIDEKIND [turning at the door]. For your own sake, comrade--

THE GRAND DUCHESS [indignantly]. Comrade! You!!! Go. [She fires
two more shots. He vanishes.]

STRAMMFEST [making an impulsive movement towards her]. My
Imperial Mistress--

THE GRAND DUCHESS. Stop. I have one bullet left, if you attempt
to take this from me [putting the pistol to her temple].

STRAMMFEST [recoiling, and covering his eyes with his hands]. No
no: put it down: put it down. I promise everything: I swear
anything; but put it down, I implore you.

THE GRAND DUCHESS [throwing it on the table]. There!

STRAMMFEST [uncovering his eyes]. Thank God!

THE GRAND DUCHESS [gently]. Strammfest: I am your comrade. Am I
nothing more to you?