Had I indeed had a leopardess for my bedfellow, or had I but dreamed it?
She had but just left me, for the warmth of her body was with me yet! I left the recess with a new hope, as strong as it was shapeless.

One thing only was clear to me: I must find the princess! Surely I had some power with her, if not over her! Had I not saved her life, and had she not prolonged it at the expense of my vitality?
The reflection gave me courage to encounter her, be she what she might..