You’re willing, Patty, only because you’re so good-natured and unselfish; but, really, you don’t want to go one bit.

Now, Nan, I’m no poor, pale martyr, with a halo roundy-bout me noble brow. When we came down here to Spring Beach, it was understood that we were to stay here part of the summer, and then go to the mountains. And now it’s the first of August and I’ve had my innings, so it’s only fair you should have your outing.

Though Patty’s air was gay and careless, and Patty’s tones were sincere, she was in reality making an heroic self-sacrifice, and Nan knew it. Patty loved the seashore; she had been there three months, and loved it better every day.