They struggled hard, and several times nearly gave themselves up for lost; but at last, after many narrow escapes, a huge wave carried them high on to the beach, and left them there with barely strength to crawl up out of the way of the next.
It was a good while before they were able to do anything but lie panting and gasping on the sand.
Max had not been long gone when Zoe ran into the cottage of the Raymonds, to tell of a plan just set on foot in the other house to get up a party to visit some points of interest several miles distant.
They were to go in carriages, take a lunch with them, and not return till late in the afternoon, when all would dine together at Mrs.Dinsmore's table.
"Mamma is not going," she said, "and offers to take care of Gracie, if the child stays behind.

Every one seems to fear the ride would be too long and wearisome for her." "Yes, I think so," the captain said, fondling her, for she was sitting on his knee.
"I'd like to go, papa," she said, looking up coaxingly into his face, "I like to go driving, and to sit on your knee." "And I love to have my baby girl in my arms, and to give her pleasure," he responded, repeating his caresses, "but I should feel very sad to see her made sick." "Then I'll be good and not ask to go, papa," she said, with a slight sigh, laying her head on his shoulder.
"That's my dear, good little Gracie! You shall have a short drive every day when I can manage it.

Perhaps a moonlight drive along the beach, to-morrow evening.

Will not that be nice ?" "Oh, ever so nice, dear papa!" she cried, clapping her hands in delight.
"Mamma not going, Zoe!" exclaimed Violet in a tone of disappointment.
"That will rob the excursion of half its charm for me.

Is she not well ?" "She has a very slight headache, she says, and fears the sun would increase it.