“Yes, or something. I don't know just what he is. But you understand it now, don't you?” “Not a bit.” “But you must, Dick. He says something is going to happen, right here.” “On the pier?” “Yes.” “When?” “Now--to-night. I was afraid it would be before I could get out here. And I had to wait till dark, you know.” “But how do you know all this, Annie?” “Mr. Beveridge--Mr. Beveridge told me more than he meant to, I guess. And then he talked with father. And father and mother both tried to make me go up to Aunt Lizzie's early this evening, so I wouldn't be here. It was to save me from something, they said.” “But I don't see, Annie--” “Why don't you go, Dick. I've come out here to tell you, so you can sail away before he comes. Then you won't have any trouble. There's a mistake, I know; and when they have found it out, you can come back.” “Oh, I couldn't do that, Annie. I have no reason to go away. If anybody wants to see me, he knows where he can find me.” This silenced Annie. She looked at Dick, and then looked away from him, out over the Lake, not knowing what to say or think. “You came out just to warn me, Annie?” She nodded. “There must be something more then--something you haven't told me.” “No--only he--Mr. Beveridge said a good deal--he tried to make me believe you were--dishonest, or something.” “And you didn't believe it?” She made no reply to this. She was beginning to think about getting back to the house. When Dick spoke again, it was in a gentler voice. “I'm glad you came out, Annie, mighty glad. And I know you 'll be glad to find out that he is wrong.” “Oh, I know that--” “But there must have been some things I don't understand at all. I don't know but what it's a good thing he is here. If he can clear it up, it will be better for all of us. So I 'll stay right here, and if he wants me, he can have me. That's no reason why I should dodge any man living.” “I knew it--I'm glad--” Then Dick's reserve broke down. He caught her hands again. “But you can't tell me your coming out here doesn't mean anything, Annie. You've told me already what I didn't dare to ask you.” “No, Dick, let me go. I'm going back.” “But after this--you can't put me off now, Annie. Don't you see? It's no use trying to make me think you would have done this for anybody, because you wouldn't. I know it, and you know it.” “Now, Dick, please! I'm afraid--” “If you only knew how I've felt this trip,--what a regular hell it has been,--you wouldn't keep me waiting any longer. I know to-morrow's the time; and I wouldn't have said a word to-night if you hadn't come out here. But you _are_ here, and you have let me know so much that it's only a matter of saying a word. You can't blame me if I take your coming that way.” Annie was struggling, and Dick in his eagerness was holding her tightly. But she got her hands free now and turned away.