“Look, Danna! Here comes Melvina now,” whispered Luretta, whose quick ears had caught the sound of steps.
Anna looked quickly around. “She’s all dressed up,” she responded. “See, her skirts set out all around her like a wheel.”
Melvina walked with great care, avoiding the rough places, and so intent on her steps that, if Anna had not called her name, she would have passed without seeing them. She was thin and dark, and looked more like a little old lady than a ten-year-old girl.
“How do you do?” she said, bowing as ceremoniously as if Luretta and Anna were grown up people of importance.
“Come and sit down, Melly, and watch for the Polly,” said Anna.
“And tell us about the fine dolls that are on board for you,” added Luretta quickly.
A little smile crept over Melvina’s face and she took a step toward them, but stopped suddenly.
“I fear ’twould not be wise for me to stop,” she said a little fearfully; but before she could say anything more Anna and Luretta had jumped up and ran toward her.
“Look!” exclaimed Anna, pointing to a flock of white gulls that had just settled on the smooth water near the shore.
“Look, Melly, at the fine partridges!”