She was truly brave. I said
nothing, however. The carriage rolled on, and ten minutes afterward the
roar of the river, now near at hand, was heard. That sound mingled with
the deep bellowing of the thunder, which succeeded the dazzling flashes
at every instant dividing the darkness.
"All at once my companion said:--
"'I am tired of this--where is Mr. Mortimer?'
"'He awaits us,' I replied.
"'You are going to him?'
"'Yes.'
"We had reached the bank of the river, and, stopping the carriage, I
sprung out. Madam followed me, without being invited. A small boat rose
and fell on the swollen current. I detached the chain, seized a paddle,
and pointed to the stern seat.
"'The river is dangerous to-night,' said madam, coldly.
"'Then you are afraid, after all?'
"'No!' she said.
"And with a firm step she entered the boat.
"'Go back with the carriage,' I said to the driver. He turned the heads
of the horses, and obeyed in silence.
"Madam had taken her seat in the stern of the boat. I pushed from shore
into the current, and paddling rapidly to the middle of the foaming
torrent, filled with drift-wood, threw the paddle overboard, and took
my seat in the stern.
"As I threw away the paddle, my resolution seemed to dawn for the first
time upon my companion.
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