"Why, Mr. Jones, how wide the river's getting!" she exclaimed presently; "and oh, there's quite a big ship! How deep the water must be here!"
"Yes," he assented; "at the next curve of the line we shall come in sight of the sea. There now, lookout!"
Melina did look out; but instead of expressing the surprise and admiration her companions had expected to hear, she sat silent, too awe-struck to speak, her eyes fixed on the wide expanse of water which, on this beautiful spring morning, shone like silver in the sunshine. A few minutes later the train ran into a cutting, and then slowed into Hawmouth station and stopped.
Melina never forgot the happy hours which followed. The morning she spent on the esplanade in front of the sea: the tide was high, and, Mr. Jones and William having gone to bathe, and Mrs. Jones having sat down on a seat to rest, she strolled about by herself, looking at the other excursionists and listening to the band which was playing. By and by she returned to Mrs. Jones, and they sat talking and enjoying the fresh salt air and the glorious sunshine, whilst they watched the sea-birds hovering around and the sails of distant ships, which stood out plainly against the blue horizon. Then Mr. Jones and William joined them, and the contents of the big basket were brought to light and they had dinner. The meal consisted of meat pies, made by Mrs. Jones herself, and now pronounced the best she had ever made, with ginger-beer to drink.
By this time the tide was receding; so, as soon as dinner was finished, a move was made for the beach, where, subsequently, they explored the rocks, which were now uncovered. There Melina gathered a quantity of pretty shells with which she filled her pocket, and saw beautiful anemones of varied hues, in the pools between the rocks, besides all kinds of pretty seaweeds. The afternoon passed so quickly that she was quite surprised when Mrs. Jones said it was time for tea.
They had tea at a restaurant. That was a novel experience for Melina, too; and afterwards they returned to the esplanade, where they remained till they were obliged to hurry to the railway station to catch the train home.
"I shall never forget this day as long as I live," Melina declared, as, at half-past nine o'clock, she and her friends were walking from the railway station at Hawstock towards Jubilee Terrace; "and I shall never, never, never be able to thank you enough, Mr. Jones—"
"Now, now," interrupted Mr. Jones, "no more of that! I don't want to hear anything about thanks. I'm glad you've enjoyed my little treat; it's been a real pleasure to us to take you with us, I'm sure."
"Yes, that's so," agreed Mrs. Jones. "Are you very tired, Melina?" she inquired.
"Oh no," the little girl replied, "not in the least! I wish the day was only just beginning!"