She sat down on the steps waiting for some water, of which she took only a sip.

She would have nothing else, and was presently sufficiently restored to ascend the stairs very, very slowly.

She apologised at each halt, and smiled, but the maid who, walking backwards, led the way with the light nearly fainted herself, at sight of those dazed eyes, those white lips, and that terrible pallor.

They led her to the sofa in the little salon; and after a minute of silent relaxation with closed eyes, she was able to tell Signora Selva, still smiling, that these attacks were caused by anaemia, and that she was accustomed to them.

Noemi and Maria spoke softly together.