"When I recall what I have gone through, all this seems like an enchantment out of a fairy-book, and that I must soon wake up in my garret in Dresden." If only it might be an enchantment! he thought.

If only he might find her as the grim old chancellor had found her, in a garret! What?
"Why did you do that ?" she asked quickly.
"I do not understand." "You shrugged." "I beg your highness' pardon!" flushing.

"I was not conscious of such rudeness." "That is not answering my question." "I beg of your highness--" "My highness commands!" But her voice was gentle.
"It was a momentary dream I had; and the thought of its utter impossibility caused me to shrug.

I assure your highness that it was a philosophical shrug, such as the Stoics were wont to indulge in." He spoke lightly.

Only his eyes were serious.
"And this dream; was there not a woman in it ?" "Oh, no; there was only an angel." She knew that it was not proper to question him in this manner; but neither her heart nor her mind were formal to-night.
"You interest me; you always interest me.