You must consider the other dire
alternatives."
"Ob, I forgot that you were in danger of losing a warm dinner."
"You know I have lost too much to think of that or much else. But
there is no need of satire, Miss Madison. I will do whatever you
wish. That truly is carte blanche enough even for this occasion."
"I didn't mean to be satirical. I--I--Well, have your own way."
"Not if you prefer some other way."
"You have shown that practically there isn't any other way. I'm
sorry that my misfortune, or fault rather, should also be your
misfortune. You don't know how heavy--"
"I soon will, and you must endure it all with such grace as you
can. Put your arm round my neck, so--oh, that will never do! Well,
you'll hold tight enough when I'm floundering in the mud."
Without further ado he picked her up, and started rapidly for his
boat. Stepping on a smooth stone he nearly fell, and her arm did
tighten decidedly.
"If you try to go so fast," she said, "you will fall."
"I was only seeking to shorten your ordeal, but for obvious
reasons must go slowly;" and he began feeling his way.
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