She sought to rise, but being yet under the influence of the half sleep, sank again on her chair.
"Be silent, Signorina!" said Maulear, in a low tone.
"You! you! Signor," said Aminta, recognizing him and drawing back with terror. "You at my feet, at night, for all is dark around us, and the light is burning. But where am I? this room—it is the one in which I promised Gaetano to place the light."
Passing her hand across her brow, to collect her ideas and wipe away her doubts, she said:
"But this is not my room. I occupy one next to my mother.... Ah, I remember; it was mine once, but it was given to the Marquis, to you," said she, blushing. She arose. "And this night-dress," said she, looking at her disordered toilette, "in your presence—Signor," added she, clasping her hands, "by your honor, I beseech you, tell me how I came hither."
"When you slept," said the Marquis, seeking to calm her.
"As I slept?" repeated the young girl, "as I dreamed.—Ah, I see, this sleep, this waking sleep to which I am often liable. Ah! mother, mother, why did you not watch me?"
Concealing her face in her hands, she began to shed tears.
"Of what, Signorina, are you afraid? You are under the protection of my faith, honor, and love."
"Signor, I am lost if any one finds me here. Let me return," said she, attempting to go.