He could not recollect how much, how little he had said; he knew he had spoken hoarsely and low almost at the same time as Carter had uttered his loud joke.

But he doubted if Kinraid had caught his words.
And then the dread Inner Creature, who lurks in each of our hearts, arose and said, 'It is as well: a promise given is a fetter to the giver.

But a promise is not given when it has not been received.' At a sudden impulse, he turned again towards the shore when he had crossed the bridge, and almost ran towards the verge of the land.
Then he threw himself down on the soft fine turf that grew on the margin of the cliffs overhanging the sea, and commanding an extent of view towards the north.

His face supported by his hands, he looked down upon the blue rippling ocean, flashing here and there, into the sunlight in long, glittering lines.

The boat was still in the distance, making her swift silent way with long regular bounds to the tender that lay in the offing.
Hepburn felt insecure, as in a nightmare dream, so long as the boat did not reach her immediate destination.