The sentinel entered.
“Attend us. The ladies will not leave this room until our dinner has been properly served.”
The man saluted and took his place beside the door.
The noise of a struggle in the room above brought a moment of dead silence. The Colonel smiled. Marya screamed and Mrs. Holland fainted.
“Stop! Stop, I say!” Virginia heard the Lieutenant shout.
A vulgar oath rang through the house and Zonia’s swift feet were climbing the second flight of stairs, a man stumbling after her.
Virginia rushed instinctively to the rescue. The guard seized her arms and forced her into a chair.
“My dear young lady,” the Sublieutenant cried, approaching her with a leer. “It’s only a little fun! Not a hair of her precious head will be harmed. He only fired to frighten and bring her to terms.”
The Colonel continued to eat.
Virginia rushed to her mother’s aid with a glass of water as her limp form slipped to the floor.