Charley returned to the battered wherry, and assisted Norman in extricating it from its position; and a third boat went to Linda's rescue, who would otherwise have found herself in rather an uncomfortable position the next morning at Brentford.
The hugging and kissing to which Katie was subjected when she was carried up to the inn, near the boat-slip on the Surrey side of the river, may be imagined; as may also the faces she made at the wineglassful of stiff brandy and water which she was desired to drink.

She was carried home in a fly, and by the time she arrived there, had so completely recovered her life and spirits as to put a vehement negative on her mother's proposition that she should at once go to bed.
'And not hear dear Charley's story ?' said she, with tears in her eyes.

'And, mamma, I can't and won't go to bed without seeing Charley.

I didn't say one word yet to thank him for jumping into the water after me.' It was in vain that her mother told her that Charley's story would amuse her twice as much when she should read it printed; it was in vain that Mrs.Woodward assured her that Charley should come up to her room door; and hear her thanks as he stood in the passage, with the door ajar.

Katie was determined to hear the story read.