Mr. Le Bras then returned to the balcony, and Sue accompanied him. Felix whistled to Clyde, and went to the barn to see Oliver. But Johnny continued sitting in the piazza for some time, looking at the light waves that curled up over the beach in front of the cottage, and gazing off at the blue expanse, here and there dotted with a white sail. He was interested, too, in the flight of the sea-gulls, of which a great many were darting about over the water. For once, when alone, he forgot to wish for a book to read.
CHAPTER IX.
LOST.
They all started out, about four o'clock, on pleasure excursions, that first day of their arrival at the cottage. Mr. and Mrs. Le Bras walked down to the pier, and embarked in the sail-boat with Oliver. Sue and Julia went riding in the dog-cart, first going to the pier to see the party set sail, and then riding on down the beach to the village. Felix and Johnny, having found their bicycles at the baggage-house, near the depot-building, went up the beach. As they came through the village, they met Julia and Sue, who were driving leisurely about the streets.
"Don't you wish you could ride on a bicycle, Julia?" said Felix, as he shot past at his best pace.
"No," called back Julia, "not with you!"
Johnny, who came after at a slower rate, lifted his hat politely, saying, "I hope you will have a very pleasant ride."
"I like your brother ever so much," said Julia to Sue. "I think he is very manly and polite."
"Felix thinks he is the manliest," replied Sue.
"I don't," replied Julia, with emphasis.