He had already proceeded as far as the edge of the woods, when he turned around and called out:
"Come here, maiden. I've something to tell you."
She went up to him and he said:
"I'm a nephew of Doctor Gunther, who was formerly physician to the king, and now lives but a short distance from here, in yonder little town. I live with him and am pianist to the queen. If you ever need help, send to me, or to my uncle. He'll help you, I am sure. But, depend upon it, I shall mention you to no one."
Having said this, he hurriedly turned on his heel and, leaning on his servant, descended the mountain.
Irma remained there, looking after him.
Was Gunther alive? And in her very neighborhood?
And now another being carried her half-disclosed life-secret about with him.
The blind man entered the woods and soon disappeared from view. Irma, with eyes bent on the ground, returned to her resting-place, where she remained gazing into the dim distance until night approached.
Over in the woods she beheld a strange-looking, gray cloud with white, glowing edges. It stood as firmly as if it were a wall. Suddenly, as if exhaled from the earth, a gust of wind arose, so violent that the trees bent under its force.