"The others are not back yet, are they?" went on Miss Chance, shading her eyes with a knuckly hand and gazing towards the shining horizon. "Why didn't you go with them, dear?"
Pamela said she wanted to read; then she came across the rock-strewn sand towards the rugged steps that led up to a gap in the wall, and as she came certain sentences in "The Knight's Code" repeated themselves:--
"Defend the poor, help them that cannot defend themselves."
"Do nothing to hurt or offend anyone."
"Perform humble offices with cheerfulness and----"
There are certainly moments when fulfilment is not easy----
"When do you suppose they will be back?" asked Miss Chance.
Pamela explained that there was a strong tide, and a light wind, but they'd said they would be back by tea-time--meaning six o'clock and solid high tea, not the afternoon variety.
"How tiresome!" exclaimed the governess, "I do wish they would hurry."
"You can't hurry sailing-boats," suggested Pamela patiently, as she went up the steps.