Against such a rabble, as had assaulted Anne, or even a more formidable mob, the house was secure.

But if the law intervened neither bar nor bolt could save them.
He fell to thinking of this, and stood, arrested in the middle of the darkened room that, as the hours went by, was beginning to take on a familiar look.

The day was passing, all without remained quiet, nothing had happened.

Was it possible that nothing would happen?
Was it possible that the girl through long brooding exaggerated the peril?
And that the worst to be feared was such an outbreak as had occurred that morning?
Such an outbreak as might not take place again, since mobs were fickle things.
He dwelt a while on this more hopeful view of things.

Then he recalled Basterga's threats, the Syndic's face, the departure of Louis and Grio; and his heart sank as lead sinks.