Marion Horton was so frank and agreeable that she managed to draw out all that was best in Beth's nature, and the stalwart young Hortons were so shyly enthusiastic over this, their first trip abroad, that they inspired the girl with a like ardor, which resulted in the most cordial relations between them.
And it so happened that several other young men who chanced to be aboard the "Princess Irene" marked the Hortons' intimacy with Beth and insisted on being introduced by them, so that by the time Louise had conquered her _mal-de-mer_ and appeared on deck, she found an admiring group around her cousin that included most of the desirable young fellows on the ship.

Beth sat enthroned like a queen, listening to her courtiers and smiling encouragement now and then, but taking little part in the conversation herself because of her inexperience.

Such adoration was new to the little country girl, and she really enjoyed it.

Nor did the young men resent her silence.

All that they wanted her to do, as Tom Horton tersely expressed it, was to "sit still and look pretty." As for Uncle John, he was so delighted with Beth's social success that he adopted all the boys on the spot, and made them a part of what he called his family circle.
Louise, discovering this state of affairs, gave an amused laugh and joined the group.