"I have had my first sight of old ocean to-day," she said, glancing up at them as they came in, "and oh how beautiful it is! how delicious this breeze coming from it! it surely must bring health and strength to any one who is not very ill indeed!" "I hope it will to you," Violet said, sitting down by her side. "I hope so," she returned with a cheerful look and smile, "for the doctors tell me I have no organic disease, and that nothing is more likely to build me up than sea air and sea-bathing." Amy was small and fragile in appearance, but not painfully thin; she had large dark grey eyes, brown hair, a sweet patient expression, a clear complexion, and though usually rather too pale and quiet, when excited or greatly interested the color would come and go on her cheek, her eyes shine, and her whole face light up in a way that made her decidedly pretty. She was weary now with her journey and a visit to the beach, though she had only walked to a summer house near by and sat there while the rest strolled about. Merry sounds of jest and laughter were coming from the kitchen. "The girls are washing the dishes," Amy said with a smile, "and the lads helping or hindering, I don't know which." "The dinner dishes?" asked Violet. "Yes, Mary set them aside for the time, that she might enjoy the company of your friends while they stayed." "Do you think I could be of any assistance out there?" queried Edward, with gravity. "I have an idea that the place is quite full now," Amy said, with a merry glance up into his face. "I wish there was room for us all, for they seem to be having a great deal of sport. Just hark how they are laughing! Well, our turn will come. Don't you think we are going to have a jolly time here?" The door opened and the two young men came in. "You don't know what you've missed, Ed," said Charlie helping himself to a chair near Amy's couch; "housework's jolly good fun." "When you don't have too much of it," remarked Amy. "And do it in pleasant company," added Donald. "And under a capable and kind instructress," supplemented Mary, speaking from the kitchen. "What are your terms for tuition, Miss Keith?" inquired Edward, as she and Ella Neff joined the circle in the parlor. "Beginners get their board, which is sometimes more than they earn." "Is that all?" said Donald. "Then I think I shall retire from the service." "I advise you to do no such thing," said Ella, "the knowledge you gain may prove invaluable in some future emergency: some time when you find yourself out on the plains or buried in the forests of the Far West, with no gentle, loving woman at hand to prepare your meals." "In that case there would doubtless be an ungentle and obedient orderly to do so," rejoined Donald with gravity.