Elizabeth threw down her work and followed him, standing by his side in silent apprehension.
"She is mad!" exclaimed Mellen, "absolutely mad!"
Elsie's gay laugh rang over the waters, and they could see Tom expostulating with more animated gestures.
"She will fall overboard, as sure as fate!" cried Mellen. "Oh! Elsie, Elsie!"
But the exclamation could not reach the reckless creature; probably she would have paid no attention had she heard it.
"Oh, see how it rocks!" cried Elizabeth with a shiver.
"She is frightened at her own recklessness," said Mellen, "but will not stop, because it disturbs Tom."
"Perhaps there is less danger than we think," began Elizabeth, but a cry from her husband checked the words.
She looked—the boat had tipped till the edge was even with the water; suddenly Elsie tottered, lost her balance—there was a smothered shriek from the distance—then she disappeared under the crested waves.