Clarice became anxious that he should, and yet afraid too.

The music began to falter again; once she stopped completely, and let her fingers rest upon the keys, as though she had no power to lift them and continue.

Then she struck a chord with a loud defiance.

If only he would move, she thought--if only he would come round and stand in front of her! It would be so much easier to speak, to divert him.

So long as he stood silent and motionless behind her, she felt, in a strange manner, at his mercy.
She rose from her seat suddenly, and confronted him.