anchor: I would suggest that Miss Tuppence should go to bed, and that you and I, Mr. Hersheimmer, should share the vigil." Tuppence was about to protest, but happening to glance at the bed she saw Mrs. Vandemeyer, her eyes half-open, with such an expression of mingled fear and malevolence on her face that it quite froze the words on her lips.
positive: Tuppence was unable to go against the orders after a fleeting look at Mrs. Vandemeyer.
negative: Mrs. Vandemeyer was lying unconscious on the bed.