She was voiceless, breathless from his violence.

The tide had receded, leaving her utterly spent and exhausted.
He regarded her in silence for a moment.
"I don't think you'll ask me to release you from your engagement again," he said slowly.
"No," she whispered tonelessly.

"No." She tottered almost as though she were going to fall.

With a sort of rough kindliness he put out his hand to steady her, but she shrank from him like a beaten child.
"Don't do that!" he exclaimed unevenly.

Adding: "I've frightened you, I suppose ?" She bent her head.
"Well"-- sulkily--"it was your own fault.