Generally Torie was made of stronger stuff, but rodents and some reptiles were really her limit. (As it should be for any proper lady!)

Her consciousness faded in and out, the trip to a sitting room hardly registering as Torie was as limp as a ragdoll in Mr. Alderton's arms. She heard his voice in the distance, and another, but nothing was really connecting until a few moments later. It wasn't long after she was set down that Torie started to come to. The fuzzy feeling was back but as her head lolled to one side, her eyes fluttered open and she brought one hand to her forehead.

"What—" She still felt a little woozy and could feel her heart hammering away in her chest. Torie blinked a few times as what happened started to dawn over her and immediately she flushed with embarrassment, sitting up on the chaise, nearly as red as her mask. "Oh! My sincerest apologies." She stammered, not one to get flustered easily, she sure felt foolish now! What a mess! He must think her some silly, vapid waif!

Well, at least her identity was still a mystery? Perhaps she should keep it that way! The temptation to take off the mask was certainly gone now, even if she thought it would make her feel better.