* * * * *
When I came back to consciousness I found myself on the sofa in our
dining-room, with Catalina bathing my face and hands with cold water.
"Where's Paula?" I cried, for I remembered at once that terrible scene in
the Rue Darnetal.
"Paula is in her room," said Catalina, turning her head to hide the tears
that would come in spite of all her efforts.
I tried to rise and go to our room.
"Stay where you are, Lisita!" said Catalina. "You may go a bit later when
you're feeling stronger."
But now a terrible suspicion crossed my mind. "Catalina," I cried, almost
beside myself with fear, "tell me the truth! Is Paula dead?"
"No, Lisita; Paula's not dead," as she tried in vain to detain me; "She is
still breathing--and"--but I heard nothing more. My legs trembled strangely
as I stumbled toward our bedroom. Once there, again that terrible darkness
started to come over me, but it was only a momentary weakness. With an
effort I steadied myself as I came near the bed where my dearest one lay so
still--that lovely face so white, the lips slightly parted with just a
faint stirring of the breath.
The room was full of people, some weeping silently, some trying to choke
back their sobs.
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