The very first thing that Mr. Eyre insisted on was, that some one should be hired in Mrs. Goodenough's place, for he thought that both his wife and Hetty had rather too much to do. And who do you think came begging to be engaged but the excellent Goodenough herself? And in a very subdued and anxious state of mind, I assure you.
Mr. Eyre laughed when he heard that she was to come back, and said that his wife was a silly little woman. Mrs. Goodenough was very civil to Hetty, but she had by no means forgiven her for having offered to remain in her place, and the girl had no friend in the old woman from that time.
Another benefit conferred on those in the employment of Miller & Cartwright by the new Mr. Miller, who had come home to take his share in the management, was an annual holiday. Mr. Eyre was informed that he might take a fortnight in July, and that Mr. Miller would fill his place for the time. And judge of the delight of the children when they were told that they were to spend most of the time at R—, a small village on the coast of —shire, chosen because it would be an easy journey for Flo. Hetty was to go with them, and Mrs. Goodenough was to give the house a thorough cleaning during their absence.
When the much-expected day arrived, Flo insisted on taking Zelica with her, saying that Mrs. Goodenough did not love Zelica, and would not make her happy. As no one could contradict this statement, Zelica was shut into her basket, and became one of the travellers.
Only a little while ago, to keep Zelica in the basket would have been one person's work; but her kitten days were over, and though she could enjoy a game of play still, she no longer wanted to be playing all day long. She lay contentedly in her basket, peeping out through the wickerwork with a supercilious air, as is the manner of cats. Flo lay on the cushions with her head on Hetty's lap, and Zelica's basket held in her arms. Lina and Edgar danced about in great glee—Flo had to tell them more than once that they were "childish."
At last they reached R—, and Hetty carried Flo to the pleasant lodgings that Mr. Eyre had engaged. The child was too tired to care even to see the sea; as Lina was wild to do. But next day she was rested, and her delight was very great. When the tide was low, there was a beautiful beach, where she could lie on a soft shawl, and actually pick up pebbles and shells for herself. Then, when the tide was high, there was a zigzag path up the low cliff, and near the top there was a hut, with a broad seat all made of sods, green and fresh; and here Hetty and Flo spent many happy hours, while the others rambled about. Zelica condescended to go with them to the hut; down on the beach she would not go, as her delicate paws got wet with salt water. Poor Hetty! That wooden hut haunted her dreams for many a night, for it was here that she got a lesson which went far towards curing her of her thoughtlessness.
The days passed very happily. Mrs. Eyre and the three children bathed and rambled about. Even Baby Johnnie could walk now; they got sunburned and freckled, and loaves of bread disappeared before them as if by magic. Mr. Eyre, too, began to look brown and strong, and even Flo's little cheeks got a pale pink touch. As to the other members of the family, Hetty and Zelica, they could hardly look better than they always did.
Their pleasant stay was drawing to an end, when one day Mr. Eyre announced that he was off for a long solitary walk, as he wished to go farther and by rougher paths than any one else was equal to. Before he went, he carried Flo up to the hut on the cliff, Hetty following, laden with her workbasket, Flo's pillow and shawls and a second basket, which contained the cat. Also Hetty brought a charming story, which Flo had heard many times, but now wished to hear again.
"There you are, little woman," said Mr. Eyre, laying the child down on the scat, where Hetty proceeded to make her comfortable. "I declare, Hetty, I think she is a little bit heavier, and she surely looks better."
"That she does, sir. We'll have her dancing country dances before long."