But the agitation and fatigue of the day had been too much for such strength as hers to rally from.

One fainting fit succeeded another, with scarcely a moment's interval.
All evening it was the same.

A doctor came, and stayed till the attacks ceased; but when he went away, his patient lay, white and almost unconscious even of Lucia's presence.

It was terrible sitting there by the bedside, and watching for every slight movement--for the hope of a word or a smile.

It was consolation unspeakable when, late at night, Mrs.Costello opened her eyes, free from the bewildered look of suffering, and, seeing her child's pale face beside her, put out her hand, and said softly, "My poor Lucia!" After that she dropped asleep, and Lucia watched till early morning.