But let us pass from poor Basil.

I wish I could believe that he had come to such a really romantic end as you suggest, but I can't.

I dare say he fell into the Seine off an omnibus and that the conductor hushed up the scandal.

Yes: I should fancy that was his end.

I see him lying now on his back under those dull-green waters, with the heavy barges floating over him and long weeds catching in his hair.