"To England."
"Anywhere but Illerville," she said.
He struck out seawards, she followed. Each saw the other's face white and set. They had current and tide with them, they swam steadily, undistressed. After a silence she called to him.
"Vince, if we go to our kingdom under the sea, you will take me down in your arms?"
"In a last kiss," he said.
He had heard (as who has not) of Love being stronger than Death. Now he knew its truth. But he swore to himself a great oath that they should not die.
"I shall take my princess to a better kingdom," he said later.
Presently he heard her breathing painfully. She could not hold out much longer.
"I will carry you," he said.
An expert swimmer, she knew the way to hold his shoulders and leave his arms unimpeded. The contact of her light young form against his body thrilled him and redoubled his strength. He held his head for a second high out of the water and turned half round.