I thought no more of others--for I thought her dead; and with a great and bitter cry I fell on my knees beside her and hid my face.

What, after all, was this headstrong girl to me?
What were even kings and king's commissions to me beside her--beside the one human being who loved me still, the one being of my blood and name left, the one ever-patient, ever-constant heart which for years had beaten only for me?
For a while, for a few moments, I was worthy of her; for I forgot all others.
Simon Fleix roused me at last from my stupor, making me understand that she was not dead, but in a deep swoon, the result of the shock she had undergone.

A leech, for whom he had despatched a neighbour, came in as I rose, and taking my place, presently restored her to consciousness.

But her extreme feebleness warned me not to hope for more than a temporary recovery; nor had I sat by her long before I discerned that this last blow, following on so many fears and privations, had reached a vital part, and that she was even now dying.
She lay for a while with her hand in mine and her eyes closed, but about noon, the student, contriving to give her some broth, she revived, and, recognising me, lay for more than an hour gazing at me with unspeakable content and satisfaction.

At the end of that time, and when I thought she was past speaking, she signed to me to bend over her, and whispered something, which at first I could not catch.