She stood up with sudden, fierce resolution.
"Jeff," she said, "I will not be kept here against my will! Do you hear?
I will not! Give me that key!" He took no more notice of the command than if it had been the buzzing of a fly.

His attention apparently was caught by something outside.

He leaned forward, watching intently.
Something in his attitude checked her wrath at its height.

It was as though a cold hand had been laid upon her heart.

What was it he was looking at?
She felt she must know.