But Angela's looks had again wandered, and now they were fixed on
Manuel. Over her whole face there came a sudden life and radiance.
"Manuel!" she said eagerly—"Manuel, stay with me! Do not leave me!"
Manuel smiled in answer to her appealing eyes, and came nearer.
"Do not fear!" he said—"I will stay!"
She closed her eyes again restfully, and her breathing grew lighter and easier. Just then one of the servants entered with the physician who was accustomed to attend the Sovrani household. His arrival roused Angela completely,—she became quite conscious, and evidently began to remember something of what had happened. The doctor raised her to see where she was injured, and quickly cutting away her blood-stained vesture, tenderly and carefully examined the wound.
"I cannot understand how it is that she is not dead!" he said at last—"It is a miracle! This is a stab inflicted with some sharply pointed instrument,—probably a dagger—and was no doubt intended to be mortal. As it is, it is dangerous—but there is a chance of life." Then he addressed himself to Angela, who was looking at him with wide-open eyes and a most piteous expression. "Do you know me, my child?"
"Oh, yes, doctor!" she murmured faintly.
"Do you suffer much pain?"
"No."
"Then can you tell me how this happened? Who stabbed you?"