'You do not doubt this, Thyrza?'
Still no answer.
'Suppose I give you the address, do you feel able to write, before he has——?'
There was a change in the listener's face. Mrs. Ormonde sprang to her, and saved her from falling. Nature had been tried at last beyond its powers.
Mrs. Ormonde could not leave the unconscious form; her voice would not be beard if she called for help. But the fainting fit lasted a long time. Thyrza lay as one who is dead; her features calm, all the disfiguring anguish passed from her beauty. Her companion had a moment of terror. She was on the point of hastening to the house, when a sign of revival cheeked her. She supported Thyrza in her arms.
'Thank you, Mrs. Ormonde,' was the latter's first whisper, the tone as gentle and grateful as it was always wont to be.
'Can you sit alone for a minute, dear, while I fetch something?'
'I am well, quite well again, thank you.'
Mrs. Ormonde went and speedily returned. Thyrza was sitting with her eyes closed. They spoke only broken words. But at length Mrs. Ormonde said:
'You must come into the house now, Thyrza. You shall be quite alone; you must lie down.'