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I must have remained insensible for many minutes, for when I returned to full / consciousness the supper-room was empty and the two hundred guests I had left / seated at table were gathered in agitated groups about the hall. This was what / I first noted; not till afterward did I realize my own situation. I was lying / on a couch in a remote corner of this same hall and beside me, but not looking / at me, stood my lover, Mr. Durand.
How he came to know my state and find me in the general disturbance I did not / stop to inquire. It was enough for me at that moment to look up and see him so / near. Indeed, the relief was so great, the sense of his protection so / comforting that I involuntarily stretched out my hand in gratitude toward him, / but, failing to attract his attention, slipped to the floor and took my stand / at his side. This roused him and he gave me a look which steadied me, in spite / of the thrill of surprise with which I recognized his extreme pallor and a / certain peculiar hesitation in his manner not at all natural to it.