Elsie's hero-worship had reached a
height beyond her comprehension. She would never understand how a
woman who loved a man could send him voluntarily to his death, and her
shallow mind did not contemplate the possibility of Courtenay's
refusing to be swayed by any other consideration than that which his
conscience told him was right.
Thus, at arm's length as it were, they waited until they caught the
sharp command "Give way there!" and the plash of oars told them that
the boat had really started on its journey shorewards. Then Isobel,
glancing furtively at her companion, saw the tears stealing down her
cheeks, and the situation came back from the transcendental to that
which was intelligible to her lower ideals.
"I am sorry," she whispered, catching Elsie's hand timidly. "I said
what I thought was for the best. At any rate, it is too late now."
Too late! The other girl groped blindly for the door. She felt that
she would yield to the strain if she did not go on deck and catch a
parting glimpse of the man who had become dearer to her than life
itself. As she made her way forward, Joey ran to meet her.
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