Yes, the plague." For a space, the distant hum of the streets invaded the room.

Then Heywood's book of music slapped the floor like a pistol-shot.
"You left him!" He bounced from his chair, raging.

"You--Peng! Where's my cap ?" Quick as he was, the dark-eyed girl stood blocking his way.
"Not you, Mr.Heywood," she said quietly.

"I must go stay with him." They confronted each other, man and woman, as if for a combat of will.
The outbreak of voices was cut short; the whole company stood, like Homeric armies, watching two champions.

Chantel, however, broke the silence.
"Nobody must go." He eyed them all, gravely.