Then I'd buy that white one with the frosted flowers; it will look so
cool with the water sparkling through. You think the blue one is
prettier I know, but it would not be so suitable for water. Don't you
think so?"

"That's so, thank y', miss," said the boy, lifting the straw crown
which served him as a hat.

Alene drew a breath of relief. "Oh, Laura, you know just what to do!
I'm sure he wanted the purple-blue one awfully and he took the other
just to please you!" she whispered as the boys left the boat with their
treasures, giving a doubtful look backward at the abandoned pitcher.

Laura shrugged her shoulders.

"Oh, boys are funny; they mean well but their tastes run to bright
things. Any girl in a gaudy dress is beautiful in their eyes!"

"And there isn't always a Laura near to point out the superiority of
the girl in plain white," returned Alene with a sanctimonious air at
which they both laughed.

"Now for our own choosing," said Laura briskly, and the clerk came
forward to her nod.

They spent a delightful half hour at the counter fingering the pretty
things, sometimes having as much trouble to decide between different
objects as the boys had with their pitchers.

"I'll take this sweet little blue goblet for Ivy, and that pitcher for
Mrs. Major, and the berry dish for Kizzie. I'd like to get Uncle Fred
a new tobacco-jar to replace the one I broke, but I don't see any."
Alene pointed out the things desired, all of which Laura had helped in
selecting; then Laura bought her mother a cake-stand and Mrs. Bonner
had commissioned her to buy a dozen tumblers, which purchase took much
time and thought.

Presently Alene became aware of a pattering on the roof. Softly it
came at first, then more and more insistent.

"Why, Lol, it's raining like--like in the days of Noah!" she cried.

"It's only a summer shower," said Laura carelessly.

Having completed their purchases, they strayed to the far end of the
boat and discovered a narrow, paneled door which led to a tiny private
cabin.

"It would make a lovely play-house!" exclaimed Laura as they peeped in.

It certainly looked inviting with its gay rug and crimson-cushioned
furniture.

"What do you say? Let's slip in and wait for the rain to be over!"

Laura's proposition almost took Alene's breath away.

"But will they allow?"

"Oh, yes, what difference could it make? It's empty, so we won't be in
anyone's way!" returned Laura airily, and as the