Nearer he drew her in silence, his face white and clammy, and his hot, wine laden breath coming quicker every second.

And unresisting she submitted, for she was beyond resistance now, beyond tears even.
From between wet lashes her great eyes gazed into his with a look of deadly, piteous affright; her lips were parted, her cheeks ashen, and her mind was dimly striving to formulate a prayer to the Holy Mother, the natural protectress of all imperilled virgins.
Nearer she felt herself drawn to her tormentor, in whose thoughts there dwelt now little recollection of the vengeful character of his purpose.
For a second her wrists were released; then she felt his arms going round her as the coils of a snake go round its prey.

With a sudden reassertion of self, with a panting gasp of horror, she tore herself free.

An oath broke from him as he sprang after her.

Then the unexpected happened.