Amy had used. The angry blood flew into Susie's face.

"I don't know what you mean by rude," she said obstinately. "It's very
dull sitting here and making castles with babies; and Tom and I want to
go on the rocks."

"Well, your mamma will take you some day, when she feels better," said
nurse. "She's had a wearing time since she came. No doubt it's a trial to
see other children, with no decent nurse to look after them, running wild
and shouting like wild Indians; but I have my duty to you and your mamma,
and you must just bear it as best you can. You should take example by
Miss Amy and be contented, and be glad to think you have Master Dick back
with you again."

"Mother always makes a fuss about Dick," said Susie.

"Well," said nurse, rising with difficulty and shaking the sand from her
dress, "I'm going to take the little ones in, Miss Amy and all. She can
play with Master Dick whilst I get baby to sleep. Perhaps you will help
me, Miss Susie?"

Of course Susie would help; her face lightened at the thought! All the
jealous lines disappeared as if by magic. Alick's little hands felt like
rose leaves on her face. She forgot the twins, forgot to be cross, as she
folded her arms tightly round him. She had half a mind to go in with them
and have a nice nursery game; but when she hesitated and looked back, she
saw Tom waving impatiently, and it was difficult to say no.

She handed Alick to nurse, and stood staring after him as he leant his
round red face over her shoulder and waved his chubby hands. When they
all disappeared on to the parade at the top of the cliff she turned and
flew over the sands.

"Take off your shoes and stockings," shouted the twins; "us both always
do." And Susie, without a thought, unlaced her boots, and flung them
hither and thither, never stopping to look behind her or to be sure that
they were safe. The water was quite warm and the sea was sapphire blue.
It was a very low tide, and the rocks stretched away to a long, low
island, crowned with grass, where a few nimble goats perched on unlikely
crags. From rock to rock flew Susie's active feet, but Dot was always
ahead; and so, slipping, splashing, torn by the rocks, drenched with the
warm spray, Susie revelled in a long hour of liberty. She was wild with
excitement, eager to come again, full of reckless promises.

"We'll go as far as the island another day," said Dot, "but we have to
choose a low tide. Aren't you glad now that you didn't go