"There is no reason for such an allusion, Mr. Scofield." "Well, then, that you had no other choice." "That's better. But how in the world can you manage it?" "You will have to put your arm around my neck." "Oh!" "You would put your arm around a post, wouldn't you?" he asked with more than his old brusqueness. "Yes-s; but--" "But the tide is going out. My own boat will soon be fast. Dinner will grow cold at the hotel, and you are only the longer in dispensing with me. You must consider the other dire alternatives." "Ob, I forgot that you were in danger of losing a warm dinner." "You know I have lost too much to think of that or much else. But there is no need of satire, Miss Madison. I will do whatever you wish. That truly is carte blanche enough even for this occasion." "I didn't mean to be satirical. I--I--Well, have your own way." "Not if you prefer some other way." "You have shown that practically there isn't any other way. I'm sorry that my misfortune, or fault rather, should also be your misfortune. You don't know how heavy--" "I soon will, and you must endure it all with such grace as you can. Put your arm round my neck, so--oh, that will never do! Well, you'll hold tight enough when I'm floundering in the mud." Without further ado he picked her up, and started rapidly for his boat. Stepping on a smooth stone he nearly fell, and her arm did tighten decidedly. "If you try to go so fast," she said, "you will fall." "I was only seeking to shorten your ordeal, but for obvious reasons must go slowly;" and he began feeling his way. "Mr. Scofield, am I not very heavy?" she asked softly. "Not as heavy as my heart, and you know it." "I'm sure I--" "No, you are not to blame. Moths have scorched their wings before now, and will always continue to do so." Her head rested slightly against his shoulder; her breath fanned his cheek; her eyes, soft and lustrous, sought his. But he looked away gloomy and defiant, and she felt his grasp tighten vise-like around her. "I shall not affect any concealment of the feelings which she has recognized so often, nor shall I ask any favors," he thought. "There," he said, as he placed her in his boat, "you are safe enough now. Now go aft while I push off." When she was seated he exerted himself almost as greatly as before, and the boat gradually slid into the water. He sprang in and took the oars. "Aren't you going to put on your shoes and stockings?" "Certainly, when I put you ashore." "Won't that be a pretty certain way of revealing the plight in which you found me?" "Pardon my stupidity; I was preoccupied with the thought of relieving you from the society which you have hitherto avoided so successfully;" and bending over his shoes he tied them almost savagely.