CHAPTER VII
WHITE HORSES
The two girls watched the men as they went off, and then established themselves in porch chairs for a good talk. "It is a nice situation," began Ethel, "but one can't live on views. As I said before I can't imagine what you find to do, except to go to Portland for a day's shopping."
"It is very gay here if you did but know it," Gwen assured her. "For instance, we can take a motor-boat or can row or sail over to Jagged Island, where we can have a clam bake, or merely a picnic luncheon, as we feel inclined. We can go to the end of the island and be 'sot over' to the next one, from which we can drive all the way to Brunswick, coming home by way of the Neck, or going the other way to Bath. We can even come back on the boat from New Meadows river if we start in time. Then besides Jagged Island there are dozens of the most beautiful places to explore, for Casco Bay is full of lovely spots. Nearer home there are the Sheldon woods which are a never-failing source of joy. Or, if we feel very lazy, right here in front of our own cottage we have made a little fireplace on the rocks, so we can have tea al fresco, without going a dozen yards away. After this there will always be a dance on Saturday evenings, and between whiles concerts and musical doings. So, don't dare to say again that Fielding's Island is dull."
"You certainly do give quite a jolly list of entertainments," acknowledged Ethel. "What about dances? Do you really have men?"
"Haven't I just presented two?"
"I imagined them the sole ones, and that you had been lucky enough to capture both at one fell swoop."
"Oh, dear, no; there are others, and will be more next month when the height of the season arrives."
"And can you really dress for balls? What do you wear?"