"But, Puck, it's a lovely place, with the great big green sea rolling in almost to the house and little boats to go out in when it's calm."
"I don't want the sea to roll into the house, and who'll take me out in the little boats?"
"The man will. He takes all the children every day."
"I don't think I want to go."
Margaret did not argue the matter further and went on packing the trunks. Puck, however, stopped all preparations and sat with her brows drawn in a frown exactly like Gregory's, hugging Lady Jane.
She did not run to meet Gregory that night and through dinner scarcely spoke. Gregory watched her anxiously. At half past eight, without being told, she went to get ready for bed.
"What's the matter with Puck?"
"I had to tell her this afternoon that you can't come with us."
Gregory put down the evening paper. "I suppose you exaggerated it's being a long way, and she thinks she's going to the ends of the earth?"
"You needn't be rude. Please remember that it will be no particular pleasure taking a nervous child on a sea trip alone."