But, hours would have to elapse before Charles could venture to make for the opening.
“Oh, if Anna would but awake,” sighed van Nerekool, who, not for an instant, had moved his eyes from the beloved object, “oh, that she would awake! In her own presence she would find a much more powerful protector than in me!”
His prayer was heard. Still insensible, Anna mechanically made an attempt to wipe away some drops of water from her brow. Charles tried to assist her in this, he tried to put up his handkerchief; but in doing so he had stooped and his hot feverish breath fell on the face and neck of the girl.
This startled Anna and, at length, she opened her eyes. She turned her head, she looked about inquiringly, not able to make out where she was; presently her eye fell upon Charles.
With a loud scream she made an effort to start up, “You, you here?” she exclaimed, and again she tried to rise and run away.
But van Nerekool gently put his arm round her waist, and drew her to his breast:
“Anna,” said he, “dearest Anna, do take care, do be quiet—you will slip down—the sea is still much too high.”
“You here!” she cried half-dazed, “I shall—I will—” And once again she attempted to wrench herself out of his arms.
“Anna,” said he soothingly, “do be quiet, do be prudent! the rock is wet and slippery. Be careful, you are yet in great danger.”
His voice was so low and he spoke so tenderly, that the young girl gave up her wild attempt. But when her eye fell upon her own person and she discovered in what a state she was lying in the young man’s arms, she once again tried to shake herself free. The sea-water had washed the stain off her face, and the bright scarlet blush was now plainly visible as she cast down her eyes in dire distress.