And so I sat in long, weary suspense, tossed hither and thither by my distracted thoughts, while I waited, my nerves high-strung, to learn the result of the conference below stairs.
I was roused by a long, shuddering sigh from Gareth.
"I am here, dear," I said, bending over her.
"I am so cold, Christabel," she cried, shivering. I felt her hands; they were as cold as stones; but when I laid my fingers on her brow, it was hot with the burning heat of a fever. In much concern I called up Mrs. Perry, and together we applied such remedies as we could devise.
She was quite passive in our hands. Thanked us with sweet smiles, doing just what we told her like a submissive child.
"What has caused this, Miss Christabel?" asked Mrs. Perry. "She is really ill, and should see a doctor."
"She has had a shock," I replied; and the good soul shook her head dismally.
"She is just the sweetest girl that ever happened, but not weather proof against much shock," she said.
Then I heard sounds below; and my pulse quickened. The conference was ended,—how? "Stay here and watch while I am away," I said, and went downstairs.
His Excellency and Count Gustav were in the hall speaking together eagerly.