“Fred’s the man for such fun.  He’s going to startle the crowd with a regular Captain Kidd rig, pistols and cutlasses enough for a whole crew, and a terrific beard.”

“I know Ruth won’t do it, Floss, for she looked amazed when I showed her my Undine costume, and told her what I wanted the sea-weed for.  ’Why, you won’t stand before all those folks dressed that way, will you?’ she said, “as much scandalized as if she’d never seen a low-necked dress and silk stockings before;” and Miss Perry tossed her head with an air of pity for a girl who could be surprised at the display of a pretty neck and arms and ankles.

“We’ll hire her, then; she’s a mercenary wretch and will do anything for money.  I won’t be scrambled into my boat in a hurry, and we must have Rebecca because I’ve borrowed a fine pitcher and promised the boys their camel,” said Miss Ellery, who considered herself the queen of the place and ruled like one, in virtue of being the prettiest girl there and the richest.

“She has landed, I think, for the boat is off again to the wharf.  Better run down and help her with the bulrushes, Fred, and the rest of the stuff you ordered,” suggested Captain John, longing to go himself but kept by his duty as host, Aunt Mary being asleep upstairs.

“Too tired.  Won’t hurt her; she’s used to work, and we mustn’t pamper her up, as old ladies say,” answered Mr. Fred, enjoying his favorite lounge on the grass.

“I wouldn’t ask her to act, if you’ll allow me to say so,” said Captain John, in his quiet way.  “That sort of thing might unsettle her and make her discontented.  She steers that little craft over there and is happy now; let her shape her own course, and remember it isn’t well to talk to the man at the wheel.”

Miss Perry stared; Miss Ray, the sharp girl, nodded, and Miss Ellery said petulantly,—­

“As if it mattered what she thought or said or did!  It’s her place to be useful if we want her, and we needn’t worry about spoiling a girl like that.  She can’t be any prouder or more saucy than she is, and I shall ask her if only to see the airs she will put on.”

As she spoke Ruth came up the sandy path from the beach laden with rushes and weeds, sun-flowers and shells, looking warm and tired but more picturesque than ever, in her blue gown and the red handkerchief she wore since her old hat blew away.  Seeing the party on the cottage steps, she stopped to ask if the things were right, and Miss Ellery at once made her request in a commanding tone which caused Ruth to grow very straight and cool and sober all at once, and answer decidedly,—­

“I couldn’t anyway.”

“Why not?”

“Well, one reason is I don’t think it’s right to act things out of the Bible just to show off and amuse folks.”

“The idea of minding!” and Miss Ellery frowned, adding angrily, “We will pay you for it.  I find people will do anything for money down here.”