It was accomplished at last, and a very happy party lay about under the trees, eating and drinking out of anyone's plate and cup, and quite untroubled by the frequent appearance of ants and spiders in places which these interesting insects are not expected to adorn.
"I never thought I should like to wash dishes, but I do," said Rose, as she sat in a boat after supper lazily rinsing plates in the sea, and rocking luxuriously as she wiped them.
"Mum is mighty particular; we just give 'em a scrub with sand, and dust 'em off with a bit of paper.

It's much the best way, I think," replied Geordie, who reposed in another boat alongside.
"How Phebe would like this! I wonder uncle did not have her come." "I believe he tried to, but Dolly was as cross as two sticks, and said she couldn't spare her.

I'm sorry, for we all like the Phebe bird, and she'd chirp like a good one out here, wouldn't she ?" "She ought to have a holiday like the rest of us.

It's too bad to leave her out." This thought came back to Rose several times that evening, for Phebe would have added much to the little concert they had in the moonlight, would have enjoyed the stories told, been quick at guessing the conundrums, and laughed with all her heart at the fun.

The merry going to bed would have been the best of all, for Rose wanted someone to cuddle under the blue blanket with her, there to whisper and giggle and tell secrets, as girls delight to do.
Long after the rest were asleep, Rose lay wide awake, excited by the novelty of all about her, and a thought that had come into her mind.