Besides she is so much interested in a book she is reading that she prefers staying at home to finish it.

We had hard work to persuade grandpa to go without her, but he has consented at last; only, I believe, because Grandma Rose refused to go without him, and mamma insists that she is in no danger of a bad headache if she keeps quiet." "Yes, grandpa is so fond and careful of her." "We have two large carriages, so that there is abundance of room for everybody," pursued Zoe; "and we hope, Captain, that you will let Max and Lulu go." "Lulu shall certainly, if she chooses," he said, turning with a kind, fatherly smile to the little girl who stood silently at his side, waiting with a wistful, eager look, to hear if she were to be of the party, but ashamed to ask the indulgence because of a vivid remembrance of her late rebellion and disgrace.
"Oh, thank you, papa!" she cried joyously, giving him a hug and kiss.
"Mamma Vi, what shall I wear ?" "Your travelling dress will be the most suitable I think," said Violet.
"Then I'll run and put it on," returned Lulu, hastening away with cheerful alacrity.
"Max shall go too, Captain, shan't he ?" queried Zoe, with whom the boy was a great favorite.
"He might if he were here," the father answered; "but unfortunately he has gone off for a long walk and may not be back before dinner-time." "And we must start in a few minutes," remarked Vi; "I am really sorry, for I know Max will regret missing it.

Gracie, dear, I'm going over to speak to mamma; shall I take you with me ?" "Yes, if you please, Mamma Vi, when I've kissed my dear papa good-by." Having done so, she took her doll in her arms and gave her hand to Violet.
She felt a little lonely at the thought of being left behind, but was quite comforted on learning that little Walter Travilla had decided to stay at home and play with her.
The excursionists drove off, and Elsie, having provided the little ones with amusement, gave herself up to the enjoyment of her book and an easy-chair set where she could catch the pleasant sea breeze without feeling the sun.

Still, she did not forget the children, but now and then laid aside her book for a little, while she suggested or invented some new game for their entertainment.
So the morning passed quietly and pleasantly.
It was a little past noon when, stepping out upon the veranda, she caught sight of a forlorn figure, hatless, coatless, and dishevelled generally, yet bearing a strangely familiar look, slowly approaching the other cottage.

A second glance told her who it was.
"Max!" she exclaimed in astonishment, and forgetting all about her headache, caught up a sunshade and hurried to meet him.
"Max! can it be you ?" she asked.