Then he shut it again.

He told himself that it would, of course, have been very disappointing for Donnington to have plunged into that icy water all for nothing, as it were.
The four men remained silent for awhile, and then Varick said slowly: "She can't have been in the water more than a minute before Donnington was in after her--for of course I gave the alarm at once." Sir Lyon looked at him quickly.

"I thought Donnington turned round and missed her ?" "Donnington must have heard me call out." Varick was lighting a cigarette, and Sir Lyon saw that his hand shook; "and yet when I saw her roll down the bank I was so paralyzed with horror that my voice seemed to go." He looked appealingly at his friend Panton.
"Yes, I can well understand that," said the doctor feelingly.

"I have known shock close the throat absolutely." He added: "Did you see her sink and rise again twice before Donnington got at her, Varick?
I have always wondered whether drowning people always come up three times--or if it's only an old wives' tale." "Yes, no, I can't remember--" Varick put his hand over his eyes, as if trying to shut out some dreadful sight.

Then he groped his way to a chair, and sat down heavily.
"I say, Varick, I _am_ sorry." Dr.Panton looked really concerned.