'Captain Marsett wishes me to. He is on his way home. He calls Major
Worrell my pet spite. All I want is; not to hear of the man. I swear
he came yesterday on the chance of seeing--for he forced his way up past
my servant; he must have seen Miss Radnor's maid below.'

'You don't mean, that he insulted her hearing?'

'Oh! Captain Fenellan, you know the style.'

'Well, I thank you,' Dartrey said. 'The young lady is the daughter of my
dearest friends. She's one of the precious--you're quite right. Keep
the tears back.'

'I will.' She heaved open-mouthed to get physical control of the tide.
'When you say that of her!--how can I help it? It's I fear, because I
fear . . . and I've no right to expect ever . . . but if I'm never
again to look on that dear face, tell her I shall--I shall pray for her
in my grave. Tell her she has done all a woman can, an angel can, to
save my soul. I speak truth: my very soul! I could never go to the
utter bad after knowing her. I don't--you know the world--I'm a poor
helpless woman!--don't swear to give up my Ned if he does break the word
he promised once; I can't see how I could. I haven't her courage.
I haven't--what it is! You know her: it's in her eyes and her voice.
If I had her beside me, then I could starve or go to execution--I could,
I am certain. Here I am, going to do what you men hate. Let me sit.'

'Here's a chair,' said Dartrey. 'I've no time to spare; good day, for
the present. You will permit me to call.'

'Oh! come'; she cried, out of her sobs, for excuse. They were genuine,