"Why can't you leave that alone ?" I remonstrated, rather annoyed at the invidious position she was forcing on me in a sense.

"It's true that I was the only person to see," I added.

"But, as it happens, after your mysterious disappearance I told the Fynes the story of our meeting." Her eyes raised to mine had an expression of dreamy, unfathomable candour, if I dare say so.

And if you wonder what I mean I can only say that I have seen the sea wear such an expression on one or two occasions shortly before sunrise on a calm, fresh day.

She said as if meditating aloud that she supposed the Fynes were not likely to talk about that.