She uttered a cry; Derrick sprang towards her and caught her in his arms, for he feared that the falling lamp might have set fire to the dress of lace and muslin.

He swung the slight figure away from the point of danger, and she seemed to collapse in his arms and cling to him.
"It's all right," said Derrick, in the tone he would have used to an Englishwoman of his acquaintance.

"Don't be frightened.

You're not alight; you're all right." As he spoke, still holding her, he reached forward and caught hold of the old-fashioned bell-rope; the major-domo rushed in, calling for lights.

When they were brought by the startled servants, Donna Elvira was standing away from him, gripping the back of the chair.