"Am I dreaming?" she whispered; "what has happened?—where am I now?"
"You fainted, Madam," said Norman, soothingly; "you have not been well since your shipwreck, I think."
"Fainted—did I—and wherefore? Who was here? I feel as if I had been in a dream—that man—surely I was in his arms—he kissed my forehead—my lips—"
"Sir William mistook you in the darkness for Lady Phipps," said Norman, in explanation.
"I remember, and they looked so strangely at me—all of them—that young girl—"
"You must excuse Elizabeth, Madam; she is a mere child—capricious and spoiled."
"Where are they all? Why did they leave me here alone with you? Could they not deign me even a moment's pity and assistance?"
"Sir William and Lady Phipps knew nothing of your illness—they had gone into the house—are you well enough now to follow them?"
"Not yet—not yet. I will not intrude upon them—I am better here."
"I will bring you some water—"