"I am sure they are playing, Miss Holte," cried the child, clapping her hands for joy. "Let us sit down and watch them."
"I am afraid it is too cold for you to sit down; I must wrap you in my shawl and hold you in my arms, Clara."
So they sat, the child crying out with delight when one wave higher than the others broke at their feet. The fresh salt breeze brought a lovely color into Hyacinth's face, and there were peace and serenity in the depths of her beautiful eyes. Governess and pupil were suddenly startled by seeing a gentleman hastening to them across the sands. The child sprung from the gentle arms that encircled her.
"It is my brother," she cried, "my brother Aubrey!"
The gentleman caught the little figure in his arms.
"I thought it was a mermaid, Clara—upon my word I did. What are you doing here?"
"We came to watch the waves—Miss Holte and I both love the waves."
Sir Aubrey looked round, and with some difficulty repressed a cry of astonishment as his eyes fell upon Hyacinth's lovely face. He raised his hat and turned to his little sister. "You must introduce me, Clara," he said. The child smiled.
"I do not know how to introduce people," she returned, with a happy little laugh. "Miss Holte, this is my big brother, Aubrey—Aubrey, this is Miss Holte, and I love her with all my heart."
They both laughed at the quaint introduction.