_The First Waking_.

While I hesitated, Nature had her own way, and, with a deep-drawn sigh,
Lady Alice opened her eyes. Never shall I forget the look of mingled
bewilderment, alarm, and shame, with which her great eyes met mine. But,
in a moment, this expression changed to that of anger. Her dark eyes
flashed with light; and a cloud of roseate wrath grew in her face, till
it glowed with the opaque red of a camellia. She had almost started from
the couch, when, apparently discovering the unsuitableness of her dress,
she checked her impetuosity, and remained leaning on her elbow. Overcome
by her anger, her beauty, and my own confusion, I knelt before her,
unable to speak, or to withdraw my eyes from hers. After a moment's
pause, she began to question me like a queen, and I to reply like a
culprit.

"How did I come here?"

"I carried you."

"Where did you find me, pray?"

Her lip curled with ten times the usual scorn.

"In the old house, in a long corridor."

"What right had you to be there?"

"I heard a cry, and could not help going."

"Tis impossible.--I see. Some wretch told you, and you watched for me."