It is useless to try to thank you.

I--I hope we may be friends." Alfred found it desperately hard to resist that low voice, and those dark eyes which were raised shyly, yet bravely, to his.

But he had been deeply hurt.

He pretended not to see the friendly hand held out to him, and his voice was cold when he answered her.
"I am glad to have been of some service," he said, "but I think you overrate my action.

Your brother would not have drowned, I am sure.
You owe me nothing.