It was abominable! Was Nome mad?
Was the woman-- Steele did not finish the thought in his own mind.

His eyes encountered those of the colonel's wife across the table.

He saw a sudden, quick catch of breath in her throat; even as he looked the flush faded from her face, and she rose from her seat, her gaze still upon him.
"I--I am not feeling well," she said.

"Will you please excuse me ?" In an instant Nome was at her side, but she turned quickly from him to the colonel, who had risen from his chair.
"Please take me to my room," she begged.

"Then--then you can come back." Once more her face turned to Steele.