A mischievous light came into her eyes, but her face was demure. “Wednesday,” she replied. “Yes, I knew that.” “Why did you ask me, then?” “Oh, Annie, Annie! When are you going to stop talking that way?” Again the boat claimed all her attention. He leaned forward and dropped his voice. “Don't you think I've waited most long enough, Annie?” “Now, Dick, be sensible.” “But haven't I been sensible? Not a word have I said for two months. And I told you then I would speak on your birthday.” “So you really remembered my birthday?” “Remembered it, Annie! What a girl you are! Do you know how long I've been waiting? And all the boys laughing? It's two years this month. It was on your birthday that I saw you first, you know. And it wasn't a month after that that I spoke to you. How could I help it? Who could have waited longer? And you, with your way of making me think you were really going to say yes, and then just laughing at me.” “Now, Dick--if you don't stop and be sensible, I 'll take you straight inshore.” “Oh, you wouldn't do that, Annie?” “Yes, I would. I will now. Ready about!” The _Captain_ came rapidly up into the wind, but stopped there with sail flapping; for Dick held the sheet, and his hand had imprisoned hers on the tiller. “Now, Dick--Dick--” “Wait a minute. Don't be angry with me when I've risked the schooner and everybody aboard her just so's to get down here on your birthday. Promise me you 'll hold her in the wind while I get you your present.” She hesitated, and looked out toward the horizon. “Promise me that, Annie, and I 'll let go your hand.” “You--you've forgotten--what you promised--” “I know, I said I'd never take hold of your hand again until you put it in mine--didn't I?” She nodded, still looking away. “And I've broken the promise. Do you know why, Annie? It's because when you look at me the way you do sometimes, I could break every promise I've ever made--and every law of Congress if I thought it would just keep you looking at me.” Not a word from Annie. “Promise me, Annie, that you 'll hold her here?” Still no word. “Won't you just nod, then?” She hesitated a moment longer, then gave one uncertain little nod. He released her hand, held the sheet between his knees, drew the package from his pocket, and displayed the corals. She was trying bravely not to look around, but her glance wavered, and finally she turned and looked at it with eager eyes. “Oh, Dick, did you bring that for me?” “I surely did.” He held it up, and when she bent her head forward, he slipped it over and around her neck. Her eyes shone as she ran the red beads through her fingers and looked at the carved pendant. Dick leaned back and watched her contentedly. Finally she let her eyes steal upward and meet his, with a smile that was half roguish. “I never really laughed at you, did I, Dick?”