Chris considered. They had reached the firm sand, and she stood still. "I
can't come to-morrow because of my foot, and the day after the tide will
be too late. I shall have to wait nearly a fortnight. How dull!"

"In a fortnight, then!" said the Frenchman.

"In a fortnight, _preux chevalier_!" Her eyes laughed up at him. "But I
dare say we shall meet before then. I hope we shall."

"I hope it also, mademoiselle." He bowed courteously.

She held out her hand. "I shall come on the tenth of the month--it's my
birthday. I'll bring some cakes, and we'll have a party, and invite the
dragon." Her eyes danced. "We will have some fun, shall we?"

"I think that we shall not want the dragon," he smiled back.

"No? Perhaps not. Well, I'll bring Cinders instead."

"Ah, the good Cinders! He is different."

"And we will go exploring," she said eagerly. "I shan't be a bit afraid
of anything with you there. The tenth, then! Don't forget! Good-bye, and
thank you ever so much! You won't fail me, will you?"

He bent low over the impetuous little hand. "I shall not fail you,
mademoiselle. _Adieu_!"

"_Au revoir_!" she laughed back. "Come along, Cinders! We shall be late