She obeyed! And at that Claude at last looked up; he could look up safely now for something, even as she obeyed, had put a bridle on his rage and given him control over it.

That something was doubt.

Why did she comply?
Why obey, endure, suffer at this man's hands that which it was a shame a woman should suffer at any man's?
What was his hold over her?
What was his power?
Was it possible, ah, was it possible that she had done anything to give him power?
Was it possible---- "Stand there!" Basterga repeated, licking his lips.

He was in a cruel temper: harassed himself, he would make some one suffer.

"Remember who you are, wench, and where you are! And answer me! How long have you loved him ?" The face no longer burned: her blushes had sunk behind the mask of apathy, the pallid mask, hiding terror and the shame of her sex, which her face had worn before, which had become habitual to her.