"If you would give me a hand! Lilian, my dear, jump in first. Then you can each give me a hand, and I shall manage very nicely. Dear me! What an adventure for an old woman!"
"Not at all," said Pratt. "I mean----"
"I am sure you do," said Mrs. Crawshay, interrupting. "Will you take my parasol?"
Pratt meekly relieved her of the parasol, then turned to help the girl into the dinghy. Lilian, however, sprang in without his aid, and between them the two boys assisted the mother, who gave a sigh of relief as she sank down upon the thwart.
"BETWEEN THEM THE TWO BOYS ASSISTED THE MOTHER"
"We'll come back for you presently, Pratt," said Warrender, stiffly. "Don't attempt to run up, mind."
"Good-bye, Mr. Pratt," said Mrs. Crawshay. "And thank you so much. When you come up to dinner, be sure to bring your banjo."
The two boys pulled off, Pratt climbing back into the motor-boat.
"What a clever, amusing person Mr. Pratt is," said Mrs. Crawshay to Armstrong, facing her. "So ready! And an excellent performer on the banjo! We could never be dull in his company. He talked most amusingly, then sang us song after song. Don't you think 'Two Eyes of Blue' very pretty, Mr.----"