"Then do come with us! the more the merrier, you know, and I should be so happy. I do not feel quite comfortable to carry off all the rest of your party and leave you alone."
The girls joined their entreaties to his, but Violet was firm in her resolution to remain on shore.
Then Mary offered to stay with her, but as Violet felt convinced that it would involve a sacrifice on her cousin's part, she would not consent.
They now all hastened back to the cottage to make such preparations as might be needful. It was not much to any of them, as they expected to return the next day or the one following.
"Edward, can I be of any assistance to you?" Violet asked, going to the door of his room.
"Yes, if you like to pack this valise. Maybe you would do it better than I. I'm alone, so come in."
Violet accepted the invitation, and did the little service quite to his satisfaction.
"You are a nice, handy girl, if I do say it that shouldn't," he remarked laughingly. "But what's the matter?" as he saw that her eyes were full of tears.
"O Edward, don't go away vexed with me!" she exclaimed, putting an arm around his neck. "Suppose a storm should come up, and—and we should never see each other again."
The last words came with an irrepressible burst of tears and sobs. The loving young heart was sore from recent bereavement, and ready to fear for all its dear ones.