`` well , everyone thought clay had drowned and they came rushing to the scene , with mother in tears and father as white as a sheet , when , around the bend came gay on the most rickety , makeshift raft you have ever seen . and i still love him for it ? there was no cure for my disease . she stood up and walked away from the couch , standing at a window and hugging her arms to her chest . the boys protest and question , but they know it is no use . 