"Watching the sunset, are you?" said Adelpha, breathless with rapid walking.
"We have been," answered Charles.
"Well, it is a pretty thing to see, and I wish he would always be setting," declared Alice Corey.
"A child's wish," answered Adelpha. "What would become of your flowers?"
"I am sure I don't know. I do so love that red tinge over there, just where it touches the gray."
"It is somewhat like that queer sea-shell which Cora showed me yesterday," said Adelpha. "What splendid paints these mermaids must use, down in their deep sea-caves! It is a kind that does not rub off with wetting. The shells are their pink saucers."
"What! Do they really paint?" cried the credulous Alice.
Charles Stevens laughed softly and answered:
"No, child. You must not believe such stories. I will tell you a prettier one if you'll listen."
"Oh, I'll listen!" cried Alice, who, like all children, was ever ready to give ears to a story. Charles began: