There were very few people near when he fell in, and every one took it for granted that the occurrence was purely accidental. We, of course, both retired to change our clothing, and during this time he began to explain the matter. I inquired if he thought she pushed him in by accident or design?
He answered that it was impossible for him to say, but that she appeared to be annoyed at the time. They had been engaged for about a year, but at the commencement of this summer he met Merindi, the young lady with whom he danced latterly, and got to love her better than Estas. (I was not surprised.) This caused him some worry. However, he thought it was better to apprise Estas, and explain the matter fully to her, as was the custom of the country. It was during this explanation that the accident took place. "Even if it were intentional," he continued, "he did not consider it to be a very serious matter, as she would know that the greatest injury she could inflict upon him by the act would be a sudden plunge-bath, and, after all, perhaps it was only what he deserved."
After dressing, we returned to the lower deck, where Hitomlik joined Merindi. I, however, saw
