Irma uttered a loud shriek, and then gave way to convulsive laughter.
"Can any lips kiss this brow? How would they relish the death-sweat which has already eaten into the flesh? How would that terrible word taste to the lips? Kiss it away! Kiss it away! I burn! I freeze!"
The maid heard the last few words, and endeavored to go to Irma's assistance, but the door was locked.
After some time, Irma raised her head and was surprised to find herself on the floor. She rose and ordered a light and writing materials. She burned the king's two letters, and then sat there for a while, with her weary head resting upon both her hands. At last she took the pen and wrote:
"Queen!
"I expiate my crime, in death. Forgive and forget.
"Irma."
On the envelope she wrote the words, "By the hand of Gunther," "For the queen herself."
Then she took another sheet and wrote:
"My Friend: