"No, indeed; why should I! I have been good enough always. You are not offended with me, are you, Grace?"
"With you? No, indeed! Whoever thought enough of George Herbert to be offended with him!"
"Grace, you are incorrigible; and very much too hard on a poor fellow, who has not the courage to take his own part."
Grace turned from the good-humoured and merry banter of the young man to his more serious elder brother, who stood by his side, waiting for her greeting. She held out her hand to him, and he took it, bowing respectfully, but holding it warmly in a clasp that brought a deepened colour to the cheeks of the lighthouse-girl.
"Come into the house; father and mother are waiting for you. Is not the morning lovely? I am so glad it is. I assure you I have been watching the weather most anxiously," said Grace.
"So have we. But it is a lovely August, and Grace, you must make up your mind to return with us. We do not intend to go home without you. So you had better promise at once, unless you wish us to become residents of the lighthouse."
"But I should rather like you to reside here," said Grace; "what a nice party we should make."
Mr. and Mrs. Darling received the young folks most kindly, giving them a hearty welcome, and expressing a hope that they would stay as long as possible, and have a good time.
"We shall," said Mary Herbert. "We are always happy in the Longstone lighthouse."
The father of the Herberts was Mr. Darling's friend, so that the children did but cement the friendship which the elders entertained for each other. The Misses Herbert were Grace's nearest and dearest friends, and the young people came oftener perhaps than any others to spend a few days on the island.