“Thank you, Mrs. Bentley,” replied Mrs. Sterling, “we are sorry not to see Mr. Bentley, but I promised Mother to reach Palm Beach early. We’d better not wait.”
“Then you must see our yacht, at least,” said Mrs. Bentley, rising. “After the young folks go back to school, perhaps we can persuade you to a little cruise with us.”
“It would not take any persuading in our case, would it, Ann?” remarked Suzanne, as they followed the rest on a tour of the yacht.
“I don’t know how good a sailor I’ll be,” said Ann, “but I wouldn’t miss this for a good deal!”
Not long after the Sterlings’ departure, a small launch came past, carrying the fishermen and their catch. They had gone out with friends in the early morning.
A little further along the docks the launch found a place to dock. Here came the boys, followed by Mr. Bentley and another of his small “crew” that ran the boat for him. “We’re leaving our catch, Mother,” said Ron, “to be attended to at the launch. I’m going to have the sail-fish I caught mounted!”
“Ronald! Where will you put it?”
“Haven’t thought that far yet, Mom!”
The fishermen boarded the yacht and made many excuses for their somewhat disreputable appearance. Jack looked rather pale. Deep sea fishing had been a trifle strenuous for him, but he disclaimed seasickness. With more excuses, they withdrew, to appear some time later in the garb of civilization, as they said, though not evening dress by any means. Mrs. Bentley had told the girls that it was not necessary to change their costume, though they had brought suitable frocks. “We shall be very informal tonight,” she said. “Indeed, I think that we shall take our evening meal ashore at some pleasant place.”