"To be sure!" At the prospect, all other considerations passed from my lady's mind. "A boat may be sighted! Why did you not think of it before? Come! Too much time has already been lost." And she rose.
"One moment!" His voice was quiet; respectful; although, she fancied, constrained. "I had better go alone. The way to the cliff is rough, and—"
"I shall not mind that!"
"Besides, your clothes—"
"Are dry!"
"No!" She flushed at the abrupt contradiction. "I mean, I don't see how they could be!" he went on hurriedly, "and," his tone assumed a certain obduracy, "I assure your Ladyship, it will be best."
"Best?" She looked at him more sharply. "Is that your only reason?"
"Why?" A trace of embarrassment, for an instant, crossed his dark features. "What other reason, my Lady?"
"That I know not!" quickly, assured her words had struck home. "Only I am certain there is one!"
"Then, if your Ladyship must know," he spoke slowly. "I did not wish to alarm you. But this is a rough coast, with—many rough people about—smugglers, privateersmen—"