The child's next words effectually startled her out of her thoughts.
"Give us a penny!" he said.
"Oh, Harry! it's naughty to ask for pennies!"
"Give us a ha'penny then," he coaxed.
But Denys only shook her head and laughed at him, and at that moment Gertrude and a young fellow sauntered up to her.
"We have had a lovely row!" exclaimed Gertrude gaily. "Mr. Greyburne made the boat fly. It's such a little light thing, just made for two! Where is Mrs. Henchman?"
"She was not feeling well enough to come out," answered Denys, "and Audrey's school has not broken up yet."
"I'm afraid you have been dull," said Cecil Greyburne politely; "but you are going to cycle to Brensted Woods with us this afternoon?"
"Denys ought not to be dull," said Gertrude easily. "She has letters to write and to read, and she counts the hours till Charlie comes, and she has to do the pretty to her future mother-in-law. You see, I have not all these occupations. Denys! I am sure it is lunchtime!"
Denys rose and shook the sand from her dress.