As they walked they encouraged each other.
"We are on the right road now, Helena."
"Yes, we are on the right road now, Gordon."
"We are doing better than running away."
"Yes, we are doing better than running away."
"The train leaves Khartoum this evening, and I suppose they want to say farewell to me in the mosque at sunset.... You'll be strong to the last and not break down when the time comes for me to go?"
"No, I'll not break down ... when the time comes for you to go."
But for all her brave show of courage, her eyes were filling fast and the tears were threatening to fall.
"Better leave me now," she whispered. "Let me go back alone."
He was not sorry to let her go ahead, for at sight of her emotion his own was mastering him.