The ugly suspicion in her voice left Anna speechless for a moment.
“Don't move, please,” said Natalie's cold voice. “Stay just where you are.” She reached behind the curtain at the doorway, and Anna heard the far-away ringing of a bell, insistent and prolonged. The girl roused herself with an effort.
“I came to see Mr. Spencer.”
“That is a likely story! Who let you in?”
“Mr. Spencer.”
“Mr. Spencer is not in.”
“But he did. I'm telling you the truth. Indeed I am. I rang the bell, and he came to the door. I had something to tell him.”
“What could you possibly have to tell my husband at this hour.”
But Anna Klein did not answer. From far away there came a dull report followed almost immediately by a second one. The windows rattled, and the house seemed to rock rather gently on its foundation. Then silence.
Anna Klein picked up her empty pocket-book from the table and looked at it.