"Not in recollections does happiness lie, but in oblivion; I know no other now."
"You are melancholy, Signora! Shall you then retire from the stage?"
"Oh, you do not know," broke from Giulia, "with what heavy chains I am bound to the galley! Others may remain constant to it from fear of want. I should fall a victim to much greater misery. Behind the stage-scenery of my life stands a spectre, a fearful spectre, ready to step forth at any moment. If I renounce the glory of the stage, I fall completely into that spectre's gruesome power."
"I should have the courage to hazard a conflict with that ghost."
"That conflict would not bring me redemption. Oh, how I long for rest!"
Giulia's features assumed an expression of most intense exhaustion; she sank upon the sofa and hid her face in her hands.
Lieutenant Buschmann was announced.
"Count upon my help," said Blanden, "when and wheresoever you may need it. This knightly duty I owe to the gracious lady of the magic lake, and shall fulfil it as faithfully as ever knight served his lady."
Giulia rose, and, with a quiet smile, but a tear in her eye, held out her hand to bid farewell.