"No, never be parted," she echoes, looking out across the calm waters with eyes full of innocent joy.
CHAPTER II.
As soon as the boat grates on the shallows, two small bare-legged urchins rush forward to help Miss Jocelyn to land. But Bee, active and fearless, needs no aid at all, and reaches the pebbled beach with a light spring.
"Is tea nearly ready, Bob?" she asks, addressing the elder lad, who grins with delight from ear to ear.
"Yes, miss."
"And has your mother got an immense lobster, and a big crab, and heaps of prawns?"
"Yes, miss; whoppers, all of 'em."
"That's right; the sea does give us such appetites, doesn't it, Empey? I hope the others will be here soon."
"If they don't make haste they'll find only the shell of the lobster," he answers, joining her on the shore. "I shall never be able to control myself if I take one look at him!"
"Then don't look at him, greedy!" she cries, clapping her hands, and dancing round and round him, while the fisherman's children stare at her wonderful golden locks. "I didn't forget your weakness for lobster; Aunt Hetty said I might arrange it all; and we shall have a splendid tea!"