Chapter 20: Thrill upon Thrill

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​⁠This time Lionel had himself well in hand: he was ready for anything. It was no occasion for tenderness or chivalry: brusk silent action was the cue. Seizing the stricken Mizzi by the arm with one hand, he clapped the other over her mouth to prevent a scream. Then half-pushing, half-dragging, he forced her along the few remaining yards that separated them from his bedroom. She struggled at first,