I pray you, madame, tell me the meaning of this freak of yours." "Nothing, nothing.

I--Oh, forgive me, Simon.

Ah, how I shuddered when I looked round on the water and couldn't see you! I vowed to God that if you were saved----." She stopped abruptly.
"My death would have been on your conscience ?" I asked.
"Till my own death," she said.
"Then indeed," said I, "I'm very glad that I wasn't drowned." "It's enough that you were in peril of it," she murmured woefully.
"I pray heaven," said I cheerfully, "that I may never be in greater.
Come, Mistress Barbara, sport for sport, trick for trick, feint for feint.

I think your intention of leaving me was pretty much as real as this peril of drowning from which I have escaped." Her hands, which still implored me, fell to her side.

An expression of wonder spread over her face.
"In truth, I meant to leave you," she said.
"And why, madame ?" "Because I burdened you." "But you had consented to accept my aid." "While you seemed to give it willingly.