Home! Ah, God! what a mockery! She had only a shelter. If she refused to marry the horrible hunchback, her mother and herself would not even have that.
How could she face the future? The very thought of it made the blood chill in her veins.
"Oh, Royal! Royal! death from your hands would have been easier than that!" she moaned.
The next moment there was a heavy fall, and one of the house-maids, passing the parlor, saw the girl lying in a heap.
They did all in their power to restore her to consciousness; but it was quite useless. When they had worked an hour over her, they became alarmed.
Where was her husband? Why did he not return? The hotel physician did all in his power, but without avail.
"It looks like a case of brain fever," he said, "or perhaps typhoid. Either is contagious, therefore dangerous. I should advise that she be sent to the hospital around the corner."
"That husband of hers has not settled his bill!" exclaimed the proprietor, his face darkening angrily.
"It is my opinion," said the doctor, "that it is best not to await the return of the young gentleman who accompanied her here. In short, it is my opinion that he has deserted her."