Then suddenly Sylvia had an inspiration which she instantly acted upon.
"Why don't you go?" she inquired. "You didn't sleep much last night, and a walk might do you good."
"Oh, I couldn't," objected Marcia with haste. "I've a hundred and one things to do."
"Tell me what they are and I'll do them for you."
"I couldn't. They are things I must do myself. Thanks just the same."
"Well, you know your own business best. Is this the list?"
"Yes. There are quite a few items, but they won't be heavy. Here is the basket. Prince will carry it. That is his job and very proud he is of doing it. Goodbye, dear."
"She's dreadfully anxious to get us out of the way, isn't she, Prince?" commented young Sylvia as she and the setter started out over the sand. "Now what do you suppose she has on her mind? She's up to something. Marcia isn't a bit of an actress. She's too genuine."
Marcia, standing at the window watching the girl in her blue sweater and matching beret swing along over the flats mirrored with tiny pools of water, would have been astonished enough had she heard this astute observation.
She did want Sylvia out of the way. The girl had read her correctly.