"Take your hand off that gun, Barclay."
"What's the matter with you?" the younger man questioned.
Mrs. McGill's eyes were wide with terror, her frame racked by apprehension, when her husband turned upon her and asked:
"Is it true? Do you love—him?" He jerked his head in Barclay's direction. "Answer me!" he rumbled, savagely, as she hesitated.
Her lips moved, and she nodded without removing her gaze from him.
"How long have you loved him?"
When she still could not master herself, he softened his voice: "You needn't be scared, Alice. I couldn't hurt you."