The horror of it smote her being, and, like one struck by lightning, she sank to the floor unconscious.

The thing had hit her where soul and body were closely knit; and she had realized for the first time how we all must pay to the last penny for every offence we commit against the laws of life and nature.

Barode Barouche had paid and she must pay--she also who had sinned with him must pay.

But had she not paid?
For long she lay unconscious, but at last the servant, unknowing why she was not called to remove the breakfast things, found her huddled on the floor, her face like that of death.

The servant felt her heart, saw she was alive, and worked with her till consciousness came back.
"That's right, ma'am, keep up heart.