She had liked the rather shy little girl who had smiled at them in such a friendly manner, but who had said almost nothing.
Later that evening, when they were all sitting on the porch, Jess suddenly announced that she had a bright idea.
"Why can't we give a beach party and invite Ella Mooney?" she suggested.
"What's a beach party?" Artie asked immediately.
"Oh, it's a party," said Jess impatiently.
"Carrie Pepper and Mattie Helms are always giving 'em," put in Margy. "They've had two since we've been down here."
"Mother, can't we have a beach party?" asked Jess.
"I suppose so," Mrs. Larue answered. "I think it would be nice to ask Ella Mooney. And to-morrow night, if it is clear, would be a good time to hold it."
Ward wanted to know if there would be "eats," and, satisfied on that score, he seemed to think that his only responsibility toward the party was to attend it.
"Are we going to ask Carrie Pepper?" said Jess. "And Mattie?"