"Forgive me, Irma! My sister!" sobbed the queen, clasping Irma in her arms and kissing her.
A smile passed over Irma's face. Then, uttering a loud cry, she fell back and was no more.
The queen knelt at her bedside and Walpurga, who had stood in the background, stepped forward and closed Irma's eyes.
All was hushed. Not a sound was heard, save the sobbing of the queen and Walpurga.
Steps were heard approaching.
"Where? Where is she?" cried the king.
Gunther opened the door and with both hands motioned to him to be silent.
"Dead!" cried the king.
Gunther nodded affirmatively. He beckoned to Walpurga, and she left the room with him.
The king knelt down silently beside the corpse.