Tell her that you intend to marry her, but after you return from this outing, not before.
And if necessary strike a light blow, so as to stun her—no more—so that falling in the water, she will drown the more easily.
Do not fear!
Do not be weak!
Walk through the woods by night, not by day—so that when seen again you will be in Three Mile Bay or Sharon—and can say that you came from Racquette or Long Lake south, or from Lycurgus north.
Use a false name and alter your handwriting as much as possible.
Assume that you will be successful.
And whisper, whisper—let your language be soft, your tone tender, loving, even. It must be, if you are to win her to your will now.
So the Efrit of his own darker self.