"It is true that I am but a sorry knight."
"I don't mean that, but don't you see, can't you understand, that it is too late? ..."
She pointed towards the table on which lay a number of sea-charts and drawings; the two wooden dolls had been carelessly thrown down among them.
"They have done their worst and we are entirely in their hands." Something in her tone made him lean towards her; her eyes burned with excitement and deep despair.
"Elaine," he asked impulsively, "you know all?"
"I do," she replied. "Oh, the scoundrels ... they deceived me, enticed me with lies ... my poor father ... Oh, Tom, it is too late..."
Almost unconsciously she had called him by his Christian name; tears rose to her eyes and she leant her head against his shoulder.
"What an idyllic scene!" said an ironical voice at the door. "I am afraid we are disturbing them, Dixon."
It was Doctor Corman and Dixon; on the threshold they stood still, an expression of scornful triumph on their faces.
"So we enticed you with lying words, Elaine?" said Corman mockingly. "What do you intend to do then, eh?"