And they looked towards Elvino, who formed one of the deputation.
They made room for him, falling away on each side. He ran up to the bed side, and there she still lay asleep, breathing peacefully.
He uttered a loud cry, and with a start she awoke.
As she saw the crowd about her, she shrunk back with alarm, and covered her eyes, thinking possibly ’twas some terrible dream. Then, as they all stood silent about her, she again looked.
Too terrified now to shut out the sight, she remained for a moment or two gazing before her.
Suddenly she spoke. “Where am I? Where am I?”
Bounding from the bed, she looked from right to left, still dimly seeing the faces, and again cried, “Where am I? Where am I?”
“Ask thine own unhappy self!” said a voice she knew, and turned towards it.
“Ah, Elvino!” and she put out her arms to him.
But he flung her from him to the ground, and there she knelt gazing at him with her arms clasped upon her breast, wondering what her fault was.