For some time
afterward they could hear the low sound of voices, then all became
silent again.
"Give me that pistol!" startled them not long afterward in a sudden
wild outbreak of frenzied passion.
"What do you want with it?" they heard Mrs. Abercrombie ask. There
was no sign of alarm in her tones.
"Give me that pistol, I say!" The general's voice was angry and
imperious. "How dared you take, it out of my hand!"
"Oh, I thought you wished it put away because the sight of a pistol
is unpleasant to me."
And they heard the dress trailing across the room again.
"Stop!" cried the general, in a commanding tone.
"Just as you please, general. You can have the pistol, if you want
it," answered Mrs. Abercrombie, without the smallest tremor in her
voice. Shall I get it for you?"
"No!" He flung the word out angrily, giving it emphasis by an
imprecation. Then followed a growl as if from an ill-natured beast,
and they could hear his heavy tread across the floor.
"Oh, general!" came suddenly from the lips of Mrs. Abercrombie, in a
surprised, frightened tone. Then followed the sound of a repressed
struggle, of an effort to get free without making a noise or outcry,
which continued for a considerable time, accompanied by a low
muttering and panting as of a man in some desperate effort.
Mr. and Mrs. Craig stood with pale faces, irresolute and powerless
to help, whatever might be the extremity of their neighbor.
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