Feathers managed a laugh.
"Chris exaggerates," he said uncomfortably. "I happened to be lucky enough to pull you out—that was all. I hope you'll soon feel yourself again."
"Thank you, yes." He was still holding her hand, and, suddenly realizing it, he let it go abruptly.
Chris had gone to the door with the doctor, and for a moment Marie and Feathers were alone.
"Mr. Dakers," she said hesitatingly.
"Yes."
Her brown eyes were raised to his ugly face appealingly.
"I was horrid to you this morning, I know! It was—hateful of me! But there was a reason . . . some day I'll tell you."
He fidgeted uncomfortably. "Oh, don't worry, Mrs. Lawless; it's all right."
"Yes, but it isn't," she insisted weakly. "And I want to say that— that if you would still like me to look upon you as—as a sort of big brother" . . . she smiled tremulously.