We'll send down for our things in the morning, if you don't come up." So our little bivouac on the beach came to an end.

A moment later the passengers were embarked, and Auberry and I, standing at the bow, were about to push off the boat for them.
"A moment, sir," exclaimed our friend of the fireside, rising and stepping toward me as I stood alongside the boat.

"You are forgetting your coat." She would have taken it from her shoulders, but I forbade it.

She hesitated, and finally said, "I thank you so much"; holding out her hand.
I took it.

It was a small hand, with round fingers, firm of clasp.