CHAPTER 19
With a shock of dismay so abrupt and overwhelming that it was like a physical injury, George became aware that something was wrong. Even as he gripped her, Maud had stiffened with a sharp cry; and now she was struggling, trying to wrench herself free. She broke away from him. He could hear her breathing hard.
"You—you——" She gulped.
"Maud!"
"How dare you!"
There was a pause that seemed to George to stretch on and on endlessly. The rain pattered on the leaky roof. Somewhere in the distance a dog howled dismally. The darkness pressed down like a blanket, stifling thought.
"Good night, Mr. Bevan." Her voice was ice. "I didn't think you were—that kind of man."
She was moving toward the door; and, as she reached it, George's stupor left him. He came back to life with a jerk, s
