I _will_ end it!" Apparently in the last stages of despair, she strode to the end of the dock, and threw herself headlong into the water.
Patty was aghast, but Bob and Bumble were accustomed to Nan's mad tricks, and they shouted with laughter.
In a moment the bald head reappeared above the water, for Nan could dive and swim wonderfully well.
"I'm afraid my dress will get wet," she said, "but when I saw you all having such fun, I just couldn't help jumping in." "Crazy Nan," said Bumble, "you've spoiled your clean dress, and you can't swim with your shoes on, anyway, can you ?" "Not very well," said Nan, regretfully, "and they're my best shoes, too.
But I don't care; I'll get a bath and have some fun." Later on, the four young people, much refreshed and exhilarated, assembled in the music-room to wait for dinner.
Aunt Grace, whose sprained ankle was getting better, and who could now limp around with the aid of a crutch, was there too.
"Geranium Blossom! but I'm hungry," exclaimed Bob.

"Mumsey, do you s'pose we're going to have any dinner to-night ?" "I think so, my boy," returned Mrs.Barlow, placidly, "but go and get a biscuit if you'd like one." "I'll tell you what," said Nan, "let's have tea while we wait.

There'll be plenty of time, for Eunice has just begun to lay the table for dinner." "All right," said Bumble.

"Patty, if you'll get the hot water, I'll cut up a lemon." "But there aren't any lemons," said her mother.

"I looked for one to-day, and they're all out." "There aren't any biscuits, either," said Bob, coming back from a fruitless quest; "the box is empty." "And there doesn't seem to be any sugar," said Nan, peering into the sugar-bowl on the tea-table.
"Well, I'll tell you what," said Bumble, "let's pretend to have tea.