"If that is to be, then think of me somewhere, perhaps with René by my side, since he, too, loved you. And I shall still be calling you, and waiting. Perhaps even beyond the stars they have need of a little house of mercy; and, God knows, wherever I am I shall have need of you."
He had the letter in the pocket of his tunic, and at last the moment came when the boat must leave. Suddenly Henri knew that he could not allow her to cross to England alone. The last few days had brought many stories of submarine attacks. Here, so far north, the Germans were particularly active. They had for a long time lurked in waiting for this British Admiralty boat, with its valuable cargo, its officers and the government officials who used it.
"Good-by, Henri," said Sara Lee. "I—of course it is no use to try to tell you—"
"I am going across with you."
"But—"
"I allowed you to come over alone. I shiver when I think of it. I shall take you back myself."
"Is it very dangerous?"
"Probably not. But can you think of me standing safe on that quay and letting you go into danger alone?"
"I am not afraid."
"I know that. I have never seen you afraid. But if you wish to see a coward, look at me. I am a coward for you."