There was something royal in her bearing.

This was the wife of his dreams, the proud woman, with whom the Eletto desired to share power and grandeur.

And he had already held her once in his arms! It seemed as if it were only yesterday.

His heart throbbed higher and higher.

As she now rose and thoughtfully approached the window, he could no longer contain himself, and exclaimed in a low tone: "Ruth, Ruth! Do you know me, girl?
It is I--Ulrich!" She shrank back, putting out her hands with a repellent gesture; but only for a moment.