The spell was broken.

I bounded forward, and clutched her by the arm.

Uttering shriek upon shriek, she sank upon the ground.
'Now I could have killed her without a struggle; but the house was alarmed.

I heard the tread of footsteps on the stairs.

I replaced the razor in its usual drawer, unfastened the door, and called loudly for assistance.
'They came, and raised her, and placed her on the bed.