"They don't. There's a little fresh-water pond on our island, and they grow there,—only place for miles round;" and Ruth looked at the delicate girl in ruffled white lawn and a mull hat, with a glance of mingled pity for her ignorance and admiration for her beauty.
"How silly of me! I am such a goose;" and Miss Ellery gurgled as she hid her face behind her red parasol.
"Ask about the fish-fry," whispered Mr. Fred, putting his head behind the rosy screen to assure the pretty creature that he did n't know any better himself.
"Oh yes, I will!" and, quite consoled, Miss Ellery called out, "Girl, will you tell me if we can have chowder-parties on your rocks as we used to a few seasons ago?"
"If you bring your own fish. Grandpa is sick and can't get 'em for you."
"We will provide them, but who will cook them for us? It's such horrid work."
"Any one can fry fish! I will if you want me to;" and Ruth half smiled, remembering that this girl who shuddered at the idea of pork and a hot frying-pan, used to eat as heartily as any one when the crisp brown cunners were served up.
"Very good; then we'll engage you as cook, and come over to-night if it's clear and our fishing prospers. Don't forget a dozen of the finest lilies for this lady to-morrow morning. Pay you now, may not be up;" and Mr. Fred dropped a bright silver dollar into
