playmates a while back, you mind."

"A good while back," repeated Bet. "Oh, yes, I wish you luck, Will.
And is that the 'Good Queen Anne?' What is the figure at her bows?"

"A girl," said Will, eagerly, "with her arms over her head and a smile
on her lips. Some people say it's a sort of figure of Queen Anne, after
whom the ship is named, but I don't take her to be that; and now in
the moonlight--you can see her well now, Bet, in the moonlight--with
the smile showing upon her lips, she looks like what I take her to be
more than ever."

"And what is that, Will?"

"Hope--aye, lass, a right good hope--and luck to Will Scarlett comes
in the bonny ship." Bet sighed. Will's blue eyes were looking at her
in the moonlight.

"I'll go home now," she said, gently. She sighed again, and half turned
away her head from her companion.

"There's a many people have things to be thankful for," she said,
presently. "I ain't one of them. I think I'll wish you good-night now,
Will. Good-night, and--yes, good luck." She turned away without even
offering her hand, plunging suddenly down a narrow court which would
lead her out into the front of the town nearest to her home.

Will hesitated for a second; then, the blood surging up into his face,
and his heart beating quickly, he ran after her.