"She's gone into the village to order some things from the shop," Muriel explained. "I told her I was going to see if I could find you."
A few minutes later Marigold returned with a new spade and a bucket, and in a short while she and Muriel had commenced operations on the sand.
"First of all we'll make two comfortable seats for your aunts," Muriel suggested.
"Oh yes, that will be capital!" Marigold agreed eagerly.
They were soon busily engaged at this work, whilst Miss Holcroft and Miss Pamela watched their proceedings with interest. Presently two great mounds of sand had been collected, and under Muriel's directions were fashioned into seats with backs to lean against.
"Pray come and take your easy-chairs!" Muriel cried, when everything was completed.
They obeyed, smiling and good-humoured, whilst the children stood a few steps away, looking on approvingly.
"We must make them seats every day," Marigold declared. "Are you sure you are comfortable, Aunt Mary, and you, Aunt Pamela?"
"Quite sure," they both assured her.
"Now let us go and build castles by the sea," was Muriel's next suggestion; "but you had better take your shoes and stockings off, Marigold, as otherwise you will be sure to get wet, for the tide is coming in."