There was a sudden scuffle and clatter in the dark angle by the river wall⁠—only the rabbits panicking into corners at the silent coming of a stranger. But John was aware of the violent beating of his heart.

They laid Emily on the ground and looked over the wall. The tide now had definitely turned. The middle stream was smoothly moving, oily and swift. John felt happier. It would soon be over now. An easy thing, to slip her over into the friendly water⁠ ⁠… no more of this hideous heaving and fumbling with a cold body in a sweat of anxiety.