The axle-tree was broken.
He saw that Clementina was about to follow him.
"There is water," said he.

"It is ankle-deep." "And no white stone," she answered with a laugh, "whereon I can safely set my foot ?" "No," said he, "but you can trust without fear to my arms;" and he reached them out to her.
"Can I ?" said she, in a curious voice; and when he had lifted her from the carriage, she was aware that she could not.

He lifted her daintily, like a piece of porcelain; but to lift her was not enough, he must carry her.

His arms tightened about her waist, hers in spite of herself about his shoulders.

He took a step or two from the carriage, with the water washing over his boots, and the respectful support of a servant became the warm grip of a man.