Do you hear me, Piet?
You shan't do it! Beat me, if you like! I deserve it. He doesn't!"
"I will deal with you afterwards," he said, sweeping her hands from his
coat at a single gesture.
But she caught at the hand that sought to brush her aside, caught and
held it, clinging so fast to his arm that without actual violence he
could not free himself.
He stood still, then, his eyes glowering ruddily over her head at Jerry,
who stamped and swore behind her.
"Anne," he said, and the sternness of his voice was like a blow, "go into
the next room!"
"I will not!" she gasped back. "I will not!"
Her face was raised to his. With her left hand she sought and grasped his
right wrist. Her whole body quivered against him, but she stood her
ground.
"I shall hurt you!" he said between his teeth.
"I don't care!" she cried back hysterically. "You--you can kill me, if
you like!"
He turned his eyes suddenly upon her, flaming them straight into hers
mercilessly, scorchingly. She felt as though an electric current had run
through her, so straight, so piercing was his look. But she met it fully,
with wide, unflinching eyes, while her fingers still clutched desperately
at his iron wrists.
"Nan! Nan! For Heaven's sake go, and leave us to fight it out!" implored
Jerry. "This can't be settled with you here. You are only making things
worse for yourself. You don't suppose I'm afraid of him, do you?"
She did not so much as hear him.
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