because she could testify against him, lucia's existence is a threat to max. he goes to see a former nazi collaborator, mario, who knows lucia is still alive; max murders him to protect his secret. after lucia's husband leaves town on business, max and lucia renew their past lovemaking in max's apartment. max confesses to countess stein, another guest at his hotel, that he has found his "little girl" again. the countess tells him that he is insane; max replies that they are both 'in the same boat'. meanwhile, fogler has max spied on by a youth who works at the hotel.