I have spoilt
your happiness, Eveline, lest a breath of slander should touch your
name. I will not deny that I had of late hoped to marry and settle down
as my father wishes, but it is not to be. Don't laugh at me when I tell
you I am going to turn over a new leaf. After this ball at Barminster, I
shall go abroad for awhile. That will give the world time to forget we
have ever had more than a passing acquaintance."

Tears rolled down Eveline's face as she listened to his words. She had
played her last card, and she knew the game was lost; though it was her
vanity that suffered more than her heart. She was too clever and too
proud to resist any further, however, or sue for his favour. Presently
she rose, and said, as steadily as usual:

"Come, Adrien, let us turn down stream and retrace our way while we can
see. It is dusk already--I had no idea it had grown so late."

He helped her into the little skiff in silence; and as the Sea Foam
glided over the rippling waters a profound stillness seemed to descend
over the darkening landscape.

Presently Lady Merivale peered forward.

"This half-light is so deceptive," she said, in a rather nervous voice;
"I nearly steered you into the bank then."

"Can you see?" he asked. "Put down the lines and let me guide the boat."

"No, no," she replied. "I can see well enough."

"Just as you like," he said gently. "I will row quicker. It's time we
were in Hampton. For what hour did you order the car?"

"I came by train," she answered.

"I have my motor," said Leroy; "I suppose you would not return in that?"

"Good Heavens, no!" she exclaimed. "Whatever would people think? No,
I'll return by train, and take a taxi from Waterloo. I shall even then
be in time to dress for Lady Martindale's 'At Home.'"

He did not seek to alter her decision, but sent the boat along with
rapid strokes, which broke up the placid water into ripples at each
plunge of the oars.

Lady Merivale leaned forward and gave a sudden start.

"Look, look!" she cried in terror-stricken tones. "What is that?" She
pointed to a sheet of spray rising and falling a few yards from them, or
rather below them. Adrien turned his head to see the cause of her alarm,
and his very heart seemed to stop beating.

"Sit still," he cried, "for Heaven's sake. You have steered us near the
weir!"

With all his strength he started to row back. The strain was tremendous.
That line of silver spray marked their fall to instant and