And then she dropped exhausted upon the nearest chair.
“Dear Marguerite! speak, speak to me.”
“Be not afraid, you know I was always subject to these sudden fits of weakness, but they are gone almost directly. Watch me, thou seest I can smile already. And again I feel strong. ’Twas only the hope of life thrilling through me.”
Taking her thin hand he said, “how thou tremblest.”
“No, no. I will go out. Nannie, give me a bonnet.”
He drew away from her for a moment in horror.
She again strove to stand, but could not. Then falling upon a seat, she tore off the shawl and cried “I am dying, I am dying.”
As he flung himself down by her side, the serving girl ran from the room, and sped away, crying out that she would go for the doctor.
“Yes, yes, bring him to me, tell him Armand is here—that I want to live—that I WILL live. Why, if thy return doth not save me, nothing can!”
“Oh, thou wilt live, dearest.”