She laughed with soft scorn.
"How can you say that! Why, you've been kinder to me than anyone in the world."
"My selfishness probably." He was making a desperate effort to get back to platitudes, but it was difficult on such a perfect night and in the company of the one woman in the world who had ever touched his heart.
"I haven't drowned you, you see," Feathers said, as they reached the boathouse again.
"No—and it's been such a lovely day."
178 He went off to get the car ready. Every moment was precious now, and there were so few left. He thought jealously of the short drive back to London, and wished that its end lay on the other side of infinity.
"It's been such a lovely day!" Marie said again, as they started. "I have enjoyed it—tremendously!"
The last word was a sigh.
"So have I."
There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but his tongue was awkward and unable to find the words. He wanted to tell her that always, whatever happened, he was her devoted friend, that his one desire in life was for her happiness, but mile after mile slipped by and the tender thoughts could get no further than his sad heart.