"Having driven Joseph away, I locked myself into my room, and suffered the torments of the damned in as quiet a manner as possible, until morning. Then Joseph returned, and looked at me with dismay. "'For Heaven's sake!' he said, 'you ought not to let this thing kill you,--and it will, if you keep on.' "'So much the better,' I said, 'if it kills nobody but me. But don't be alarmed. Keep perfectly cool, and attend to the commission I am going to trust to you. I can't see Flora this morning; I must gain a little time. Go to the station of the Lyons railway, where I have engaged to meet her party; say to her that I am detained, but that I will join her on the journey. Give her no time to question you, and be sure that she does not stay behind.' "'I'll manage it,--trust me!' said Joseph. And off he started. At the end of two hours, which seemed twenty, he burst into my room, crying,-- "'Good news! she is gone! I told her you had lost your passport, and would have to get another from our minister.' "'What!' I exclaimed, 'you lied to her?' "'Oh! there was no other way!' said Joseph, ingenuously,--'she is so sharp! They're to wait for you at Marseilles. But I'll manage that, too. On their arrival at the Hotel d'Orient, they'll find a telegraphic dispatch from me. I wager a hat, they'll leave in the first steamer for Naples. Then you can follow at your leisure.' "'Thank you, Joseph.' "I felt relieved. Then came a reaction. The next day I was attacked by fever. I know not how long I struggled against it, but it mastered me. The last things I remember were the visits of friends, the strange talk of a French physician, whispers and consultations, which I knew were about me, yet took no interest in,--and at length Joseph rushing to my bedside, in a flutter of agitation, and gasping,-- "'Flora!' "'What of Flora?' I demanded. "'I telegraphed, but she wouldn't go; she has come back; she is here!' "I was sinking back into the stupor from which I had been roused, when I heard a rustling which seemed afar off, yet was in my chamber; then a vision appeared to my sickened sight,--a face which I dimly thought I had seen before,--a flood of curls and a rain of kisses showering upon me,--sobs and devouring caresses,--Flora's voice calling me passionate names; and I lying so passive, faintly struggling to remember, until my soul sank whirling in darkness, and I knew no more.