"By the intense loathing I have for you; by the force which makes my spirit rise in arms against you, I warn you! Do not dare to touch me! If you care for your own life, leave me while there is time!" Never had she looked so supremely, terribly beautiful.

I gazed at her from my corner of the doorway, awed, yet fascinated.

The jewel on her breast glowed with an angry red lustre, and shot forth dazzling opaline rays, as though it were a sort of living, breathing star.

Prince Ivan paused--entranced no doubt, as I was, by her unearthly loveliness.

His face flushed--he gave a low laugh of admiration.