Suddenly, as if struck sharply, Vere sprang up and passed into the darkness of the house, leaving a sound that was like a mingled exclamation and a sob behind her.
“Emile!”
“Emile!”
“Hermione?”
“What is the matter with Vere? What have you been doing to Vere?”
“I!”
“Yes, you! No one else is here.”
Hermione’s violent, almost furious agitation was audible in her voice.
“I should never wish to hurt Vere—you know that.”