"You know I have lost too much to think of that or much else. But there is no need of satire, Miss Madison. I will do whatever you wish. That truly is carte blanche enough even for this occasion."
"I didn't mean to be satirical. I—I—Well, have your own way."
"Not if you prefer some other way."
"You have shown that practically there isn't any other way. I'm sorry that my misfortune, or fault rather, should also be your misfortune. You don't know how heavy—"
"I soon will, and you must endure it all with such grace as you can. Put your arm round my neck, so—oh, that will never do! Well, you'll hold tight enough when I'm floundering in the mud."
Without further ado he picked her up, and started rapidly for his boat. Stepping on a smooth stone he nearly fell, and her arm did tighten decidedly.
"If you try to go so fast," she said, "you will fall."
"I was only seeking to shorten your ordeal, but for obvious reasons must go slowly;" and he began feeling his way.
"Mr. Scofield, am I not very heavy?" she asked softly.
"Not as heavy as my heart, and you know it."