It is a wonderful moment, the first time we stand by one who has fainted, and witness the fresh birth of consciousness spreading itself over the blank features, like the rising sunlight on the alpine summits that lay ghastly and dead under the leaden twilight.

A slight shudder, and the frost-bound eyes recover their liquid light; for an instant they show the inward semi-consciousness of an infant's; then, with a little start, they open wider and begin to look; the present is visible, but only as a strange writing, and the interpreter Memory is not yet there.
Mr.Gilfil felt a trembling joy as this change passed over Caterina's face.

He bent over her, rubbing her chill hands, and looking at her with tender pity as her dark eyes opened on him wonderingly.

He thought there might be some wine in the dining-room close by.

He left the room, and Caterina's eyes turned towards the window--towards Sir Christopher's chair.