As he clasped the neck, a chill seized the hysterical frame of the poor gentleman, a deadly paleness overspread his features, and his head fell with a groan against the tall back of the chair.

Was it in truth a fainting-fit, or did the sufferer take advantage of his emotion to play a part and escape the embarrassment of his situation?
In a moment the whole party were on their feet, while Lenora screamed and ran to her father.
"It's nothing," said De Vlierbeck, striving, after a minute or two, to rally himself.

"I am faint; the confined air of this room overcame me.
Let me walk a while in the garden and I will soon be better." As he said this he staggered to his feet, and, supported by Lenora and Gustave, moved toward the garden, followed by Denecker with an expression of the deepest concern.

A short rest in the open air beneath the shade of a noble chestnut-tree quickly restored a faint color to De Vlierbeck's cheek and enabled him to tranquillize their anxiety about his sudden attack.
"I will rest here a while out of doors," said he, "for fear the fit might return; and perhaps a slow walk in the garden might hasten my recovery." "It will do both of us good," answered Denecker; "and, besides, as I have to quit you at five o'clock, I don't want to leave Grinselhof without seeing its garden.

Let us take a turn through your walks, and afterward we shall have time enough to finish another bottle." As he said this he passed Lenora's arm within his own, and, casting a coquettish glance at Gustave, began their promenade.