FROM BEHIND THE HEDGE The man's swarthy rage added force to the taunt.

David Hume leaped up, but Brett anticipated him, gripping his arm firmly, and without ostentation.
Margaret, too, had risen.

She appeared to be battling with some powerful emotion, choking back a fierce impulse.

For an instant the situation was electrical.

Then the woman's clear tones rang through the room.
"I am mistress here," she cried, "Giovanni, remain silent or leave us.