Half-a-dozen idlers rushed forwards to help the two girls out of the carriage, and into the boat.

Bob marched off in charge of a groom; the paddles began to turn, the flags waved, the band struck up, and the boat moved quickly away down, the stream.
Mrs.Bellairs, relieved from her watch, had sunk into a chair placed on deck, and sent her husband to bring the truants.

Maurice remained beside her, and when the rest of the group had a little separated, he bent down and said to her, "Dear Mrs.Bellairs, don't scold Lucia if the delay is her fault.

She had some objection to leaving her mother to-day, and even wanted me to excuse her to you." "She is a spoiled child," was the answer.

"But, however, I will forgive her this once for your sake." Mr.Percy certainly had not _listened_, but as certainly he had heard this short dialogue.