It's a kind of catch in the breath....
'But there's words more harsh than a rope is
And looks more bitter than death.'
"Murder! My Lud, if ever
Their ledgers are balanced true
Which of the pair?... Oh! I reckon
That she killed something too.
... Is it the scent of a woman's hair
Or the scent of new-mown hay?...
Don't stand there shaking and staring,