"Why won't you shake hands with me ?" she asked.
The wick of the candle fell over in the socket, and left them in the dark.

Emily resolutely held the teacher's dress.

With or without light, she was still bent on making Miss Jethro explain herself.
They had throughout spoken in guarded tones, fearing to disturb the sleeping girls.

The sudden darkness had its inevitable effect.

Their voices sank to whispers now.