deck glide down into the sea. This man said so, and he _knew_. For the
sake of example he preserved an appearance of composure, but he
understood, and he despaired. With a sob of emotion she lifted her face
to Bedford's, and their lips met in a long, clinging kiss. It mattered
nothing that there were people around, that the flaring lights lit up
their forms; they were lost to every thought but of themselves and their
love. Above the fear, above the terror, there clamoured in Katrine's
heart a desperate need of expression. All her life she had been dumb;
she could not die without putting in words the one transcendent fact.

"_I love you_!" she cried. "Do you hear? Do you understand? If I must
die, let me die in your arms. I tried ... but it was no use--I love
_you_! There is nobody else--I belong to you!"

"My Katrine!" he cried trembling. "My girl--"

Prom above, the wonderful invisible machinery rattled and cracked; the
first boat swung low from the davits was already being loaded with its
complement of shrinking, trembling women. The flare of lights lit up
their ashen faces turned up to the deck above as they floated,
wraith-like, into the mist. A second boat creaked on the ropes and Mrs
Mannering's hand gripped Bedford's arm.

"Now! Bring her along!"

Katrine resisted, but the strong arms bore her along until she stood
ranged among the line of waiting women. Nothing but force should induce
her to enter a boat alone, but she had not the physical strength to
retain her position against the will of her companions.

Mrs Mannering had tied a shawl round her head. The pockets of her coat
were filled to the point of bursting. She carried a bundle of small
articles, which she proceeded to stuff into the pockets of Katrine's
cloak. A steward came up and fastened a lifebelt round her waist.
Bedford took a second from his arm and himself fastened it round
Katrine. She laid her cold fingers on his, drawing him back.

"You are going to send me away?"

He bent and laid his lips to her hand, but he went on fastening the
straps. There was a relentlessness in his movements which struck ice to
Katrine's soul.

"You will send me away, and let me die alone?"

At that he winced, but still he continued his task.

"You must go first, beloved. If God wills, I'll follow. The women must
go first."

Katrine laughed; a wild reckless laugh more terrible than tears.

"Why? Why? Because of a sentiment, a c