It was the sound of a voice, yet no common voice, Heaven be thanked! A moment she continued to confront him, her face one mute, despairing denial! Then she slammed the door in his teeth, and he heard her panting breath and fleeing footsteps speed up the stairs and along the passage, and--more faintly now--he heard her ascend the upper flight.

Then--silence.
Silence! But he had heard enough.

He paused a moment irresolute, uncertain, his hand raised to the latch.

Then the hand fell to his side, he turned, and went softly--very softly back to the hearth.

The firelight playing on his face showed it much moved; moved and softened almost to the semblance of a woman's.