“Oh, hell , John! I’m frozen, I can’t sit jawing here. Start the boat and let me get home⁠—or let me , damn you!” And he too seized the handle, gripping John’s hand; and they sat there, crouching absurdly over the back of the seat, glowering at each other in the noisy wind.

And John nearly gave way; he felt that he was being unreasonable, perhaps foolish⁠—this was no place for talk. But he was very angry and resentful again, and he said he would be firm for once. And so do the tragedies of life have their birth.

He shouted, “We’re not going back till you’ve told me the truth⁠—you’ve been telling lies to Muriel⁠—you’ve made love to her. God knows what you’ve done⁠—and you’ve got to tell me⁠— now !”