all together — lift.”

Rosa followed the little procession as it slowly passed through the chaotic anarchy of the stage. Alresca was groaning, his eyes closed. Suddenly he opened them, and it seemed as though he caught sight of her for the first time. He lifted his head, and the sweat stood in drops on his brow.

“Send her away!” he cried sharply, in an agony which was as much mental as physical. “She is fatal to me.”

The bearers stopped in alarm at this startling outburst; but I ordered them forward, and turned to Rosa. She had covered her face with her hands, and was sobbing.

“Please go away,” I said. “It is very important he should not be agitated.”