she broke in, and turning away, hid her face in her hands. We
were not so very far from the bend now, and seeing this, a sudden
inspiration came upon me, by means of which I might prove her mind
towards me once and for all; and as she kneeled before me with averted
face, I leaned forward and took her hands in mine.

"Lisbeth," I said, "supposing I did cut the boat adrift like a--a
fool--endangering your life for a mad, thoughtless whim--could you
forgive me?"

For a long moment she remained without answering, then very slowly she
raised her head:

"Oh, Dick!" was all she said, but in her eyes I read the wonder of
wonders.

"But, Lisbeth," I stammered, "could you still love me--even--even if,
through my folly, the worst should happen and we--we--"

"I don't think I shall be so very much afraid, Dick, if you will hold
me close like this," she whispered.

The voice of the weir had swelled into a roar by now, yet I paid little
heed; for me all fear was swallowed up in a great wondering happiness.

"Dick," she whispered, "you will hold me tight, you will not let me go
when--when--"

"Never," I answered; "nothing could ever take you from me now." As I
spoke I raised my eyes, and glancing about beheld something which
altered the whole aspect of affairs--something which changed tragedy
into comedy all in a moment--a boat was coming slowly round the bend.

"Lisbeth, look up!" With a sigh she obeyed, her clasp tightening on
mine, and a dreadful expectation in her eyes. Then all at once it was
gone, her pale cheeks grew suddenly scarlet, and she slipped from my
arms; and thereafter I noticed how very carefully her eyes avoided mine.

The boat came slowly into view, impelled by one who rowed with exactly
that amount of splashing which speaks the true-born Cockney. By dint of
much exertion and more splashing, he presently ranged alongside in
answer to my hail.

"Wo't--a haccident then?" he inquired.

"Something of the sort," I nodded. "Will you be so kind as to tow us
to the bank yonder?"

"Hanythink to hoblige!" he grinned, and having made fast the painter,
proceeded to splash us to terra-firma. Which done, he grinned again,
waved his hat, and splashed upon his way. I made the boat secure and
turned to Lisbeth. She was staring away towards the weir.

"Lisbeth," I began.

"I thought just now that--that it was the end!" she said, and shivered.

"And at such times," I added, "one sometimes says things one wo