“I say, Countess. It’s all right. It’s really all right. Don’t try to talk. It’s bad for you. Just lie still. You’ll be all right in a minute. It’ll all come back to you. Don’t say anything till you’re quite all right. Take your time. Just lie still and close your eyes. You’ll remember everything in a minute. Have another sip of water. Have some brandy. That’s the stuff. Don’t you think, Bundle, that some brandy⁠ ⁠… ?”

“For God’s sake, Bill, leave her alone,” said Bundle crossly. “She’ll be all right.”

And with an expert hand she flipped a good deal of cold water on to the exquisite makeup of the Countess’s face.

The Countess flinched and sat up. She looked considerably more wide awake.

“Ah!” she murmured. “I am here. Yes, I am here.”

“Take your time,” said Bill. “Don’t talk till you feel quite all right again.”