It was maddening to feel those ironical eyes noting and ridiculing her agitation.

From exasperation she had passed to something very nearly resembling fury.
"Leave off!" he said again; and then, because she would not, he laid a detaining hand upon her work.
Instantly and fiercely her needle stabbed downwards.

It was done in a moment, almost before she realized the nature of the impulse that possessed her.

Straight into the back of his hand the weapon drove, and there from the sheer force of the impact broke off short.
Olga exclaimed in horror, but Max Wyndham made no sound of any sort.

The cigarette remained between his lips, and not a muscle of his face moved.
His hand with the broken needle in it was not withdrawn.