We learn that Marquise is the daughter of Colonel G., who was in charge of the citadel of the town M. Some time earlier, when the Napoleonic Wars came to Italy, the citadel was overrun by Russian forces, and the Marquise found herself about to be raped by a gang of Russian soldiers. However, she is saved by the Russian commander, Count F., who appears to her like an angel. After he brings her to safety, she falls unconscious. The Count then finishes storming the citadel, attaining the surrender of the last pockets of resistance and garrisoning the fort with his own troops. He leaves before the Marquise can thank him. The Marquise and her parents receive news shortly thereafter that Count F. has been killed in the nearby fighting. His last words are reported as "Giulietta, this bullet avenges you!" (""Julietta! Diese Kugel rächt dich!"" in the original German). The Marquise is intrigued that someone the Count knows so well should have the same name that she does, Giulietta.