They were standing in the shadow of the pine-fringed point that ran out to the left of the Cove . They had been walking together along the shore , watching the splendour of the sea sunset that flamed and glowed in the west , where there was a sea of mackerel clouds , crimson and amber tinted , with long , ribbon-like strips of apple-green sky between . They had walked in silence , hand in hand , as children might have done , yet with the stir and throb of a mighty passion seething in their hearts . Magdalen turned as Esterbrook spoke , and looked at him in a long silence . The bay stretched out before them , tranced and shimmering ; a few stars shone down through the gloom of dusk . Right across the translucent greens and roses and blues of the west hung a dark , unsightly cloud , like the blurred outline of a monstrous bat . In the dim , reflected light the girl 's mournful face took on a weird , unearthly beauty . She turned her eyes from Esterbrook Elliott 's set white face to the radiant gloom of the sea . `` That is best , '' she answered at last , slowly . `` Best -- yes ! Better that we had never met ! I love you -- you know it -- words are idle between us . I never loved before -- I thought I did . I made a mistake and I must pay the penalty of that mistake . You understand me ? '' `` I understand , '' she answered simply . `` I do not excuse myself -- I have been weak and cowardly and disloyal . But I have conquered myself -- I will be true to the woman to whom I am pledged . You and I must not meet again . I will crush this madness to death .
I think I have been delirious ever since that day I saw you first , XXXXX .
Elliott Esterbrook Magdalen Right blues girl left sea splendour west