I didn't know it was so lovely!"
"You're a real little sailor's lass, or rather, a sea-captain's lass, if
you love the sea so well!" said Uncle John, well pleased with her
excitement and delight.
He stopped that they might watch the incoming tide for a few moments,
then off over the road they sped.
"Here we are!" he cried, when after a half hour's more ride, they turned
in at the driveway of a fine shore villa.
"Welcome to 'The Cliffs'!" said Uncle John.
He lifted them down, and taking each by the hand, turned toward the
broad piazza.
"Ah, Mrs. Wilton, you were looking for us!" he said, greeting the
housekeeper, a stout, cheery looking woman, who took the suit cases and
smiled, as if caring for two small girls were the one thing that
delighted her.
"Yes, I was watching for you, and when you drove up to the house I said
to myself:
"'Well, he's TWICE lucky, for he wanted Rose for a visitor, and he's
found another child to bring with her!'"
She greeted the children cordially as they were introduced.
"Her name could be nothing but Atherton," she said, "why, sir, she looks
like you enough to be your own child."
"She is my BORROWED little girl," Uncle John replied, "she's MINE while
here."
CHAPTER VIII
AT THE SHORE
Three days had passed, and Uncle John Atherton had filled them full of
pleasure.
They had bathed in the surf, they had taken long tramps along the beach
when the tide was out, they had sailed in his yacht, "The Dolphin," they
had been up at the great hotel, where a fine hop was enjoyed.
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