The Pegwell Bay shrimps were already famous in those days, and were considered far superior to any caught elsewhere; but the place itself had not yet become noisy and crowded as was the case in after years. It was still a quiet and beautiful little bay with only one countrified inn standing close to the shore. In the garden of this there were green arbours, or boxes, with neat tables and chairs, where you might sit at your ease, look out over the sea, watch the vessels sailing in the distance, and eat the dusky-brown shrimps for which Pegwell Bay was well-known. To these were added small new loaves of a peculiar shape, fresh butter, and tea. Nothing else could be had, but this simple fare was all very good of its kind, and to Susan and Sophia Jane it was more attractive than the finest banquet. And its attractions were increased by the fact that Aunt Hannah had given Sophia Jane leave to ask whom she chose to join her birthday party. "Whom shall you ask?" said Susan as soon as they were alone after this permission. "Only two people beside you," answered Sophia Jane immediately. "Monsieur La Roche and his sister." "Oh!" exclaimed Susan. She paused a moment, for it seemed a bold stroke on Sophia Jane's part; then she added: "I should like them to go very much; but sha'n't you ask anyone else? Not Margaretta and Nanna?" "I don't mind _asking_ them," said Sophia Jane, "because I know they won't come." And she was quite right, for on hearing of who were to form Sophia Jane's party to Pegwell Bay, Nanna and Margaretta became very scornful. "What a ridiculous party!" exclaimed Margaretta. "Now, if you were to ask the little Winslows and their governess, and Mr and Mrs Bevis and those nice-looking pupils, how much better it would be. Nanna and I would go with you then." "_Of course_," added Nanna, "if you're going to have Monsieur and his sister, who always look such absurd objects, you _couldn't_ ask any one else. But I call it very nonsensical. I wonder Aunt Hannah allows it?" "Aunt said I might ask who I liked," replied Sophia Jane, "and I do like Monsieur and Mademoiselle, and I don't like the Winslows, and I can't bear Mr Bevis' pupils. You and Nanna may come if you like." "We're much obliged to you," answered Margaretta with dignity, "but we greatly prefer staying at home." So as Sophia Jane had said, there were only to be two guests beside Susan, for though Aunt Hannah was invited and made no objection at all to the party, she excused herself from joining it.