My lady shuddered, and closed her eyes. The maid caught her by the shoulder almost roughly.
"What is the matter? Are you dying?"
"I am not afraid," muttered the Countess without opening her eyes, "now—but tell the Earl."
"I will fetch him!" exclaimed Honoria.
The Countess made no answer but a faint moan, and as she stared at her Honoria saw the truth.
"You have taken poison," she said.
There was no answer from my lady. Her eyes fluttered open and stared blankly before her.
"So this is the turn it has taken!" said Honoria, very pale. "You are a fool, madam, and a wicked fool. I will go fetch a doctor."
"No, no!" wailed the Countess. "Do not leave me, I am dying."
But Honoria Pryse ran out of the room.