Miss Cameron touched the bracelet as she spoke , and smiled so kindly that impetuous Josie wanted to kiss her ; but wisely refrained , though her eyes were wet with softer water than any in the sea as she thanked her . ` We are keeping Miss Cameron from her bath , and the tide is going out . Come , Josie , ' said thoughtful Bess , fearing to outstay their welcome . ` Run over the beach and get warm . Thank you very much , little mermaid . Tell papa to bring his daughter to see me any time . Good-bye ' ; and with a wave of her hand the tragedy queen dismissed her court , but remained on her weedy throne watching the two lithe figures race over the sand with twinkling feet till they were out of sight . Then , as she calmly bobbed up and down in the water , she said to herself : ` The child has a good stage face , vivid , mobile ; fine eyes , abandon , pluck , will . Perhaps she 'll do . Good stock -- talent in the family . We shall see . ' Of course Josie never slept a wink , and was in a fever of joyful excitement next day . Uncle Laurie enjoyed the episode very much , and Aunt Amy looked out her most becoming white dress for the grand occasion ; Bess lent her most artistic hat , and Josie ranged the wood and marsh for a bouquet of wild roses , sweet white azalea , ferns , and graceful grasses , as the offering of a very grateful heart . At ten she solemnly arrayed herself , and then sat looking at her neat gloves and buckled shoes till it was time to go , growing pale and sober with the thought that her fate was soon to be decided ; for , like all young people she was sure that her whole life could be settled by one human creature , quite forgetting how wonderfully Providence trains us by disappointment , surprises us with unexpected success , and turns our seeming trials into blessings . ' I will go alone : we shall be freer so . Oh , Bess , pray that she may tell me rightly ! So much depends on that ! Do n't laugh , uncle ! It is a very serious moment for me . Miss Cameron knows that , and will tell you so .
Kiss me , Aunt XXXXX , since mamma is n't here .
Amy Bess Cameron Josie Laurie Providence bouquet family laugh people