He uttered a yell of pain and fury, and strove
vigorously to defend himself, but, owing to his obesity, his muscles
were weak and flabby, and he was powerless against the activity and
strength of his opponent. Lash after lash descended regularly and
mercilessly--his cries, which gradually became like the roarings of a
bull of Basban, were unheard, as the office-boy below, profiting by a
few idle moments, had run across the street to buy some chestnuts at a
stall he particularly patronized. Beau thrashed on with increasing
enjoyment--Grubbs resisted him less and less, till finally he slipped
feebly down on the floor and grovelled there, gasping and groaning. Beau
gave him one or two more artistic cuts, and stood above him, with the
serene, triumphant smile of a successful athlete. Suddenly a loud peal
of laughter echoed from the doorway,--a woman stood there, richly
dressed in silk and fur, with diamonds sparkling in her ears and
diamonds clasping the long boa at her throat. It was Violet Vere.
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