Because of doubt of himself and a stubborn faith in her, his passion and jealousy were not proof against this last stab.

Instinctive subtlety inherent in Ellen had prompted the speech that tortured Isbel.

How the shock to him rebounded on her! She gasped as he lunged for her, too swift for her to move a hand.

One arm crushed round her like a steel band; the other, hard across her breast and neck, forced her head back.

Then she tried to wrestle away.