At last Gerald proposed to gratify Rosa's often-expressed wish, by taking a sail to one of the neighboring islands.

They intended to make a picnic of it, and return by moonlight.

Rosa was full of pleasant anticipations, which, however, were greatly damped when her sister expressed a decided preference for staying at home.

Rosa entreated, and Gerald became angry, but she persisted in her refusal.

She said she wanted to use up all her shells, and all her flosses and chenilles.