as she spoke , he studied the markings on the door closely . coming to a fork she paused to take a deep breath . its not a second too soon as i advance . to my horror , i was immediately attacked . `` that 's probably it , '' beth ann said with a sigh . `` perhaps she just feared what would happen if he did lose his temper . '' but i do n't want to be the cause of you and my daughter splitting up . '' 