'Be under no such apprehension. I will convince you: for your assurance I will go first.'
'Hold back!' with a savage sob cried Christian; leapt, and dropped with straightened feet perpendicular in the gulf.
With a thin sigh and a vigorous kiss two elements received his descent. Diadyomene leaned over the dark, and called 'Farewell.' The word was echoed back by him hoarsely; and again from further distance it came, ringing sound.
Beneath her breath she said, 'Some day I will have grey eyes weeping before my face.' Then laughter possessed her, and away she sprang, to revel in the release of peals of wicked delight.
Very cold-hearted the sea-bred are, and their malice is very keen.
CHAPTER VI
Lois drew forward a young creature, whose dark head did not fully uplift.
'Christian,' she said, 'this is your cousin Rhoda.'
He blurted out 'Cousin!' in astonishment. Two faces stiffened; the girl's eyes declined.