"I don't think I really was rash—not then. It's something to know when you can trust people, and I did know."
Lister was embarrassed, but her gentleness had charm. He did not want her to resume her other manner. Then he was tempted to make an experiment.
"You know Shillito got away?"
Her lips trembled and the blood came to her skin, but she fronted him bravely and he felt ashamed.
"Yes," she said. "I think I would sooner he had been caught! But why did you begin to talk about Shillito?"
"Perhaps I oughtn't; I'm sorry."
She studied him and he thought she pondered, although it was possible she wanted to recover her calm.
"Unless you are very dull, you know something," she resumed with an effort. "Well, I was rash, but just before I saw you on the platform I found out all I'd risked. I think I was desperate; I meant to jump off the train, only it was going fast and water shone under the bridge. Then you pushed me from the step and I felt I must make another plunge and try to get your help. Now I'm glad I did so. But that's all."
Lister understood that the thing was done with. She would tell him nothing more, and he was sorry he had indulged his curiosity.
"Oh, well," he said, "there's not much risk of my bothering you about the fellow again. I start for England in a few hours."