"We should not feel it any trouble, sir." the lads returned, "but a pleasure rather, if you will let us help you there."
"I ought not to ask it of you: Jacob here can give me an arm."
"No," said Edward, "let Jacob take this opportunity for a bath, and we will fill his place in waiting upon you."
The invalid yielded, and found himself moved with far more ease and comfort than he had believed possible.
The ladies—his wife, perhaps, excepted, greeted him with smiles and pleasant words of welcome. They had arranged a couch with their waterproofs and shawls, far enough from the water's edge to be secure from the waves, and here the lads laid him down with gentle carefulness.
Mrs. Perkins seated herself at his head and shaded his face from the sun with her umbrella, while the others grouped themselves about, near enough to carry on a somewhat disjointed conversation in spite of the noise of the waters.
"I think a sunbath will really be good for you, Mr. Moses," said Miss Keith.
"It's worth trying anyhow," he answered, with a patient smile. "And it's a real treat to do so in such pleasant company. But don't any of you lose your bath for me. I've seen a number go in, and I suppose this is about the best time."
"Just as the ladies say," was the gallant rejoinder of the young men.
"I do not care to bathe to-day," Violet said with decision. "The rest of you may go, and I will stay and take are of Mr. Moses."