For one instant the two did not recognise each other, for they had only seen each other once, by night, under the portico of the Theatre Francais.

But an instant later a flush of anger rose to Aurora's forehead, and the dark woman turned pale, and her brows were suddenly level and stern.

They hated each other, as the one hung there held by the other's hands, and the black eyes gazed savagely into the angry blue ones.

Aurora was not frightened any longer; she was angry because she was in Regina's power.
The strong woman could save her if she would, and Aurora would despise herself ever afterwards for having been saved by her.

Or the strong woman could let her fall, and she would probably be maimed for life if she were not killed outright.