Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/115

112 She raised his hand on her arm, and, like a child, he implicitly followed the motion of her hand, and swallowed the reviving draught. He looked feebly round, and murmured a few inaudible words; but Francesca perceived that his hand was no longer feverish, and his temples, as she bathed them, were comparatively cool.

The lamp was shaded, and the fire was dim, when suddenly the log, which had burnt through, gave way; a shower of sparkles rose from the hearth, and a bright blaze illuminated the room, falling full on Francesca's face, as she bent over the patient. He gave one wild look upon her countenance; she started back at the expression of terror in his eyes.

"Beatrice!" he shrieked, and attempted to rise, but fell back, and fainted in the effort.

She called loudly for assistance; and Guido hurried in, and aided in the recovery of the sick man, who lay pale as death before them. Gradually he revived: he gazed fearfully round, as if the impression of some awful sight were yet in his mind; when, seeing Guido by the bed-side, he whispered his name.

"Thank God! you know me again," exclaimed the youth, not observing Francesca's sign.

"I have been delirious, then?" exclaimed