The chair was between them.

In an instant, that was an age to both, sharp lines furrowed her brow, her cheeks grew hollow, and her pale, parted lips were distorted with pain.

Her face was like the Virgin Mother's, at the foot of the Cross.
It was only for a moment; she threw up her arms, stiff and straight, as a man who is shot through the heart.

One loud cry then, and she fell backwards.
Pieri was in time and caught her before her head struck the pavement; but though he was strong and she was slightly made, the impetus of her fall dragged him down upon one knee.

Giovanni could not reach her at once, for the hospital chair with the bars by which it was carried was between them and the foremost of the orderlies stood exactly in his way.