In the effort, her features became convulsed--and George heard a low gurgling in the throat, as from suffocation.
Ah! that awful precursor of "the first dark hour of nothingness."
George Delmé sprang to his feet, and was supporting her head, when the physician grasped his arm.
"Stop! stop! you are preventing"----
The lower lip quivered--and drooped--slightly! very slightly!
The head fell back.
One long deep drawn sigh shook the exhausted frame.
The face seemed to become fixed.
Doctor Pormont extended his hand, and silently closed those dark fringed lids.
The cold finger, with its harsh touch, once more brought consciousness.