She tried to cross the fire-place to ring the bell. Anne, who was standing nearest to it, stepped forward at the same moment. Without saying a word, she motioned with her hand to the other woman to stand back. There was a pause. The two waited, with their eyes steadily fixed on one another—each with her resolution laid bare to the other’s view. In a moment more, the finer nature prevailed. Mrs. Glenarm drew back a step in silence.
“Listen to me,” said Anne.
“Listen to you?” repeated Mrs. Glenarm. “You have no right to be in this house. You have no right to force yourself in here. Leave the room!”
Anne’s patience—so firmly and admirably preserved thus far—began to fail her at last.
“Take care, Mrs. Glenarm!” she said, still struggling with herself. “I am not naturally a patient woman. T
