"Mercy on us," exclaimed Norris, as they made their appearance, "what in the name of wonder have you been doing." "Why getting a soaking don't you see," returned Isabel, much amused at Norris's manner. "Then you will just get to bed right away Miss Leicester, for I would like to know how I am to answer to my Misses and Dr. Heathfield, if you get the consumption through your nonsense, dear me, and you were looking so well." "But Norris, if I change these wet things surely that will do." "You just get to bed, I say, for you are in my charge." Everard laughed. "Now Mr. Everard don't you be a interfering." "Oh, certainly not." "Now come along at once Miss Leicester, and I will get you some hot gruel." Isabel did as she was bid, not wishing to vex Norris who had been very kind, but she protested against the gruel, but in vain, Norris made her swallow a large basin full, which to Isabel's intense disgust had a plentiful supply of brandy in it. After this Norris consented to hear the history of their adventures, which was told by the whole five at once. "The air of D---- seems to have done wonders," said Everard when Isabel made her appearance at breakfast next morning looking quite her former self. "Yes indeed," returned Isabel with a pleasant smile, "how very stupid you must have thought us yesterday, I can't imagine how we could have been so foolish." "I suppose that you were not aware that the reef would be covered as the tide rose." "Oh yes, we knew quite well." "Well then, you were all awfully stupid, if you will excuse my saying so," returned Everard, "I gave you credit Miss Leicester for more prudence." "You may well be surprised," Isabel answered coloring, "I am afraid when Mrs. Arlington hears of it she will be of Lady Ashton's opinion, that I am not fit to have charge of her daughters." Emily laughed. "Did she say that," said Everard, "it was very impertinent of her." "She thinks herself a privileged person, you would be astonished I can tell you if you heard all that she said." "Do be quiet Emily," interrupted Isabel. But Emily kept giving provoking little hints all breakfast time, and even as they walked to church she let out little bits, until Isabel grew almost angry. Everard admired the church exceedingly, "that is just such a church as I would like," he said as they went home. "Oh Everard," exclaimed Emily, "a little bit of a church like that." "It is not so small," he returned. "Oh well, I thought you were more ambitious, if I were a clergyman I should wish to preach to a crowded assembly in a very large city church, and make a sensation." "Emily!" "Oh don't look so grave." "A man that would care about making a sensation, would not be fit to be a clergyman." "Oh Everard, I am sure it is only good clergymen that do make a sensation." "What do you call making a sensation?" he inquired. "Why, to have every body saying what a splendid preacher, and praising you up to the skies."