He rejoined his friends at the harbour steps and when the launch put off towards the _Dragonfly_, he found himself side by side with Stella Croyle.

In the darkness she relaxed her guard.

Luttrell saw the great tears glisten on her dark eyelashes and fall down her cheeks.
"I am sorry, Stella," he whispered, dropping his hand on hers, and she clutched it and let it go.
"Perhaps I shan't suffer so very much," she repeated and the next moment the gangway light shone down upon their faces.

Stella dropped her head and furtively dried her cheeks.
"I want to go up last," she said, "and just behind you, so that no one shall see what a little fool I am making of myself." But by some subtle understanding already it was felt amongst that group of people, quick to perceive troubles of the emotions, that something was amiss between the pair.

They were left alone upon the deck.