He was both dazzled and distressed; the violent shock rendered him incapable of moving, and, with hands clasped, he remained silent.

She did not awake as he continued to watch her.
A little air from the half-closed lips of Felicien must have passed across Angelique's face, as all at once she opened her great eyes.

Yet she did not start, but in her turn looked at him with a smile, as if he were a vision.

Yes, it was he! She recognised him well, although he was greatly changed.

But she did not think she was awake, for she often saw him thus in her dreams, and her trouble was increased when, rousing from her sleep, she realised the truth.
He held his hands out towards her and spoke: "My dearest, I love you.