All at once things swam before my eyes, and I thought I was going to fall.

And then I only had time to come and fling myself on the bed." Then he drew a long breath, as though talking exhausted him, and the Cardinal in his turn gave some details.

"We had just finished our meal," said he, "I was giving Don Vigilio some orders for this afternoon, and was about to rise when I saw Dario get up and reel.

He wouldn't sit down again, but came in here, staggering like a somnambulist, and fumbling at the doors to open them.

We followed him without understanding.