Unorna had forgotten that there was a raised step upon the altar itself, and that there were other obstacles in the way, including heavy candlesticks and the framed Canon of the Mass, all of which are usually set aside before the tabernacle is opened by the priest.

In attempting to do as she was told, the sleeping woman had stumbled, had overbalanced herself, had clutched one of the great silver candlesticks so that it fell heavily beside her, and then, having no further support, she had fallen herself.
Unorna sprang to her feet and hastily opened the gate of the railing.

In a moment she was standing by the altar at Beatrice's head.

She could see that the dark eyes were open now.

The great shock had recalled her to consciousness.
"Where am I ?" she asked in great distress, seeing nothing in the darkness now, and groping with her hands.
"Sleep--be silent and sleep!" said Unorna in low, firm tones, pressing her palm upon the forehead.
"No--no!" cried the startled woman in a voice of horror.