She wondered sometimes if she were really dead--as Donal was--and did not know she was so.

Perhaps after people died they walked about as she did and did not understand that others could not see them and they were not alive.

But if she were dead she would surely see Donal.
Before she went to Dr.Redcliff the Duchess took her hand and held it closely in both her own.

She looked at her with a curious sort of pitifulness--as if she were sorry.
"My poor child," she said.

"Whatsoever he tells you don't be frightened.
Don't think you are without friends.