Then she fell forward without a word.

This last horror, treading on the heels of all those that already had assailed her, proved too great a strain for her brave spirit.

She had swooned.
Tressan entered at that moment, full of questions as to what might be toward, for he had understood nothing in the courtyard.

The Marquise called to him to help her with the girl, Marius being still too faint, and between them they bore her to her chamber, laid her on the bed, and, withdrawing, closed the door upon her.

Then she signed to Marius and the Seneschal.
"Come," she said; "let us go.