Children were racing up and down the galleries , ladies sitting in the tower , boys disporting themselves on the roof , and young gentlemen preparing for theatricals in the large studio . `` What fun I 'll have over there , '' thought Jill , watching the merry scene with intense interest , and wondering if the little girls she saw were as nice as Molly and Merry . Then there were glimpses of the sea beyond the green bank where a path wound along to the beach , whence came the cool dash of waves , and now and then the glimmer of a passing sail . `` Oh , when can I go out ? It looks so lovely , I ca n't wait long , '' she said , looking as eager as a little gull shut up in a cage and pining for its home on the wide ocean . `` As soon as it is a little cooler , dear , I 'm getting ready for our trip , but we must be careful and not do too much at once . ` Slow and sure ' is our motto , '' answered Mrs. Minot , busily collecting the camp-stools , the shawls , the air-cushions , and the big parasols . `` I 'll be good , only do let me have my sailor-hat to wear , and my new suit . I 'm not a bit tired , and I do want to be like other folks right off , '' said Jill , who had been improving rapidly of late , and felt much elated at being able to drive out nearly every day , to walk a little , and sit up some hours without any pain or fatigue . To gratify her , the blue flannel suit with its white trimming was put on , and Mamma was just buttoning the stout boots when Jack thundered at the door , and burst in with all sorts of glorious news . `` Do come out , mother , it 's perfectly splendid on the beach ! I 've found a nice place for Jill to sit , and it 's only a step . Lots of capital fellows here ; one has a bicycle , and is going to teach us to ride . No end of fun up at the hotel , and every one seems glad to see us . Two ladies asked about Jill , and one of the girls has got some shells all ready for her , Gerty Somebody , and her mother is so pretty and jolly , I like her ever so much . They sit at our table , and Wally is the boy , younger than I am , but very pleasant . Bacon is the fellow in knickerbockers ; just wish you could see what stout legs he 's got ! Cox is the chap for me , though : we are going fishing to-morrow . He 's got a sweet-looking mother , and a sister for you , Jill . Now , then , do come on , I 'll take the traps . ''
Off they went , and XXXXX thought that very short walk to the shore the most delightful she ever took ; for people smiled at the little invalid as she went slowly by leaning on Mrs. Minot 's arm , while Jack pranced in front , doing the honors , as if he owned the whole Atlantic .
Bacon Cox Jack Jill Wally camp-stools day knickerbockers right sailor-hat