"I wish I could die! I wish they had let me drown."
Someone tapped at the door, and with an effort she pulled herself together to answer.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Mr. Dakers has called, if you please, ma'am."
"Feathers!" In her delight at seeing Dakers again Marie never knew that she had called him by his nickname. She ran across the room, her cheeks like roses and both hands outstretched.
"Oh, how nice! When did you come? Oh, I am glad to see you!"
He was just as ugly as she had remembered him—just as ungainly— and his skin more deeply tanned and more rugged than ever, but the grip of his hand was wonderful in its strength, and his gruff voice when he spoke sent her heart fluttering into her throat with sheer 138 delight.
"Oh, I am so glad to see you again!" she said once more.
Feathers laughed.
"It's the best welcome I've ever had in my life," he said.