“No, indeed,” replied Lora.  “You wear a gorgeous robe, all dark green muslin, in billowy waves, and cotton wool on it for sea foam.  Then you’ll have a stunning crown and a trident and a lot of paraphernalia.”

“Lovely,” said Bill.  “I do think I’ll look just sweet!  Who is with me in this misery?”

“Well, the Spirit of the Sea is the next most important figure on this float.  I wanted to be it, but mother thinks I’m not strong enough to stand it.  She refuses to let me try.  So I suppose it will be Patty.”

“Patty Fairfield!” exclaimed Daisy.  “She’s not strong enough, either.  Suppose I take that part.  I’m used to posing, and I can stand in one position without getting tired.  I’ll do it, if you want me to.”

“But we’ve really asked Patty,” demurred Guy, “and she hasn’t decided yet.”

“Well, leave it to me,” said Daisy.  “I’ll ask her, and if she wants the part, all right, and if not, I’ll take it.”

This seemed satisfactory, and the matter was dropped while they discussed other details of the float.

Laurence Cromer came down while they were talking, and they all adjourned to the veranda, while the artist gave them the benefit of his advice as to decorations and scenic effects.

Then the bathers came back from the beach, and all went to work heartily to make and carry out plans for the Pageant.

Patty had luncheon sent to her room, for she was more affected by the exposure to the storm and the nerve exhaustion of the adventure than the others were.  However, as Mona and Mrs. Kenerley and Baby May spent much of the time with her, she did not have a dull day.  In the afternoon Daisy came in.  Patty, in a blue silk negligee, sat at her desk writing letters.

“How sweet you look!” said Daisy, sitting beside her.  “When are you coming downstairs?  The boys are moping all over the place.  I believe you’re staying up here for coquetry.”

The tone was light, but Patty could see that Daisy’s words were at least partly in earnest.  But they were untrue, and Patty said, “Oh, I’m going down for tea.  I’m just writing to my father.  Then I’ll dress and go downstairs.  I’m all right, you know.”

“Yes, you look so,” said Daisy, glancing at the bright eyes and roseleaf complexion.  “You don’t look a bit tired.”

“I’m not now; but I was when I reached home this morning.  Weren’t you?”

“Not very.  I’m stronger than you are.  Guy Martin and Lora Sayre were here to talk about the Pageant.”

“Were they?  Is Lora going to be Spirit of the Sea?”

“No; her mother won’t let her.  They asked me to take the part, but I don’t want to.”

“Why not?” said Patty, looking at her curiously.

“Oh, I think they’d better have a Spring Beach girl.  You, for instance.”

“They asked me before, but if you’ll do it, I’ll take something else.  Who’s going to be Neptune?”