Mrs. Dinsmore, Elsie and the younger ladies of their party, offered to assist in these labors, but were told that they were considered guests, and must be content to look on or wander about and amuse themselves.
There was not much to be seen but grassy slopes destitute of tree or shrub, and the harbor and open sea beyond.
They seated themselves upon the porch of the dwelling-house, while Captain Raymond and the younger members of their family party wandered here and there about the place.
There seemed to be some sport going on among the cooks—those engaged in preparing the coffee.
Lulu hurried toward them to see what it was about, then came running back to her father, who stood a little farther up the slope, with Grace clinging to his hand.
"Oh!" she said with a face of disgust, "I don't mean to drink any of that coffee; why, would you believe it, they stirred it with a poker?"
"Did they?" laughed the captain; "they might have done worse. I presume that was used for lack of a long enough spoon. We must not be too particular on such occasions as this."
"But you won't drink any of it, will you, papa?"
"I think it altogether likely I shall."
"Why, papa! coffee that was stirred with a dirty poker?"