He had never seen that face of heavenly purity and holy sorrow.

Why should he not believe?
One thing I could do.

I could excuse myself from dinner and thus secure an hour's quietude.

I gave no false plea, when I urged a violent headache as the reason for my seclusion.

My temples ached and throbbed as if trying to burst from a metallic band, and the sun rays, though sifted through curtains of folding lace, fell like needle points on my shrinking eyes.
"Poor Gabriella!" said Edith, laying her cool soft hand on my hot brow, "I did not think you were such a tender, green-house plant.