"Yes, sir," said Bessie, "the sea is there."
"And you were fond of the sea?"
"Oh, yes, sir! it is beautiful, and it has waves, and they come up on the beach and bring the sea-weed and shells, and make such a pleasant sound. And we could see so far, far away out over the water, and we saw the ships and steamers too. And there are yocks that we could sit on and play on, and we liked it so much. I wish there was a sea here, Grandpapa Hall. Did you ever go to the sea-shore?"
"Yes, often, and I have been to Quam Beach, and thought it quite as pleasant as you seem to have found it."
"We used to have clam-bakes," said Maggie.
"And go out in the boat," said Bessie.
"And in the wagon for straw rides, and to swing in the barn," said Maggie.
"And over to the hotel to see grandmamma, and Colonel and Mrs. Yush," said Bessie.
"Who are Colonel and Mrs. Rush?" asked Mr. Hall.
"Old friends of papa and mamma, and new friends of me and Maggie," answered Bessie; "and we love them—oh, so much!"