But the gill gave no sign.

Her head would have fallen forward if he had not supported it with his hands.
"My daughter! Little Lucia! You are not dead--tell me you are not dead!" he cried.

In his fright and sudden affection he pressed his lips to her face, kissing her again and again.

"I did not mean to hurt you, darling child," he repeated, as though she could hear him speak.
At last her eyes opened.

A shiver ran through her body and she raised her head.