The eyes of the rescued woman assumed a wandering expression, as if her thoughts were straying back to some past scene.
Then all at once a change came over her countenance, like one awaking from a horrid dream, and not altogether comprehending the reality!
For a moment she remained as if considering; and then all became clear to her.
“You have saved me from drowning,” she said, leaning forward, and grasping the boatman by the wrist.
“Well, yes; I reckon you’d a-goed to the bottom, but for me, an’ the old tow-rope.”
“By the Park Road bridge, you say?”
“It be right over ye—the boat’s still under it.” Another second or two spent in reflection, and the lady again said:
“Can I trust you to keep this a secret?” Bootle looked at his wife, and Mrs B back at her husband, both inquiringly.
“I have reasons for asking this favour,” continued the lady, in a trembling tone, which was due not altogether to the ducking. “It’s no use telling you what they are—not now. In time I may make them known to you. Say you will keep it a secret?”
Again Bootle looked interrogatively at his wife; and again Mrs B gave back the glance.