The barmaid, concluding that she was ill, served her promptly and with a sympathetic look.
Virginia added to the spirit twice its quantity of water, standing, as she did so, half turned from the bar.

Then she sipped hurriedly two or three times, and at length took a draught.

Colour flowed to her cheeks; her eyes lost their frightened glare.

Another draught finished the stimulant.

She hastily wiped her lips, and walked away with firm step.
In the meantime a threatening cloud had passed from the sun; warm rays fell upon the street and its clamorous life.