There they found about thirty young people awaiting them.

All the girls of the Tea Club were there; and all the boys, who insisted on calling themselves honorary members of the club.
"It's a beautiful day," said Guy Morris, "but no good at all for sailing.
The breeze has died down entirely, and I don't believe it will come up again all day." "That's real cheerful, isn't it ?" said Frank Elliott.

"I should be inclined to doubt it myself, but Guy is such a weatherwise genius, and he almost never makes a mistake in his prognostications." "Well, it remains to be seen what the day will bring forth," said Uncle Charley; "but in the meantime we'll get aboard." The laughing crowd piled themselves on board the big schooner, stowed away all the baskets and bundles, and settled themselves comfortably in various parts of the boat; some sat in the stern, others climbed to the top of the cabin, while others preferred the bow, and one or two adventurous spirits clambered out to the end of the long bowsprit and sat with their feet dangling above the water.

Ethelyn gave some affected little cries of horror at this, but Frank Elliott reassured her by telling her that it was always a part of the performance.
"Why, I have seen your dignified cousin Patty do it; in fact, she generally festoons herself along the edge of the boat in some precarious position." "Don't do it to-day, will you, Patty ?" besought Ethelyn, with a ridiculous air of solicitude.
"No, I won't," said Patty; "I'll be real good and do just as you want me to." "Noble girl!" said Kenneth Harper.

"I know how hard it is for you to be good." "It is, indeed," said Patty, laughing; "and I insist upon having due credit." As a rule the Vernondale parties were exciting affairs.