Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/307

304 was conscious, but paralysed; and her eyelids dropped, as if to shut out some fearful object. She still felt that Guido's cold hand clasped her own, and she remained motionless—the fear of disturbing him paramount to every other fear.

She felt the grasp relax, and started at once from the shuddering torpor which had oppressed her. It had been upon her longer than she deemed, for the chill white light of coming daybreak was glimmering through the lattice. Guido was rousing, too, but he was convulsed with some fierce agony; his teeth were set, the veins rose upon his temples, and the dews hung upon his brow.

Francesca raised his head tenderly, and endeavoured to make him swallow a few drops of a medicine that stood by. Her care was successful, and at last he revived. His eyes opened, wide and wandering, and filled with a strange, unnatural light; while his features relaxed from their ghastly contraction, but wore still a wild and unusual expression.

"I have seen her!" he muttered, in a faint tone; "we shall never meet again. Farewell, Marie, for ever!"

"Dearest Guido," whispered Francesca, "do not agitate yourself. Your sleep seems to have done you little good."