"Why not?" said Lois, laughing. "Do you think I am going to spoil my best pair of shoes for vanity's sake?" And she threw off shoes and stockings as she spoke, and showed a pair of pretty little white feet, which glanced coquettishly under the blue flannel.
"Lois, what's brought these folks here?"
"I am sure I don't know."
"I wish they'd stayed where they belong. That woman's just turning up her nose at every blessed thing she sees."
"It won't hurt the Sound!" said Lois, laughing.
"What did they come for?"
"I can't tell; but, Charity, it will never do to let them go away feeling they got nothing by coming. So you have the kettle boiled, will you, and the table all ready—and I'll try for the clams."
"They won't like 'em."
"Can't help that."
"And what am I going to do with Mr. Sears?"