“Oh, that was mere foolery! I didn’t mean a word of it! I’m not a bit blown. I could swim for miles!”
“That all sounds very well, but I think you’ll have to admit that I won the race.”
“The race is not always to the swift,—but I admit gracefully that you did reach the beach first, and I herewith relinquish all hope of ever being allowed the privilege I had requested.”
“Oh, don’t give up too easily!” said Patty, though she well knew that his speech was not made in earnest.
“Come along, Patty!” cried Nan. “Unless you want to go motoring in a wet bathing suit, you must scamper into some dry clothes. Come along with us, we’re all going now.”
The crowd of bathers dispersed, and, as there was need for expedition, in less than a half an hour they reassembled, clad in civilian’s garb and all ready for the picnic.
The girls’ light frocks were covered with voluminous motor-coats, and they all wore pretty motor-hoods or bonnets of soft-coloured silks.
Three cars were necessary to accommodate the luncheon party, and it was quite a gala procession that started from “The Pebbles.”
First was Mr. Fairfield’s own big car, driven by Miller, and containing Mr. Fairfield and Nan, Christine and Mr. Hepworth.
This was followed by a runabout, which Mr. Fairfield had engaged for the occasion, and which was driven by Roger.