This was the sort of actress the girl meant to be , and few could object if the gift was really hers ; for the stage needs just such women to purify and elevate the profession which should teach as well as amuse . If kindly Miss Cameron had known what passionate love and longing burned in the bosom of the little girl whom she idly observed skipping over the rocks , splashing about the beach , or galloping past her gate on a Shetland pony , she would have made her happy by a look or a word . But being tired with her winter 's work and busy with her new part , the lady took no more notice of this young neighbour than of the sea-gulls in the bay or the daisies dancing in the fields . Nosegays left on her doorstep , serenades under her garden-wall , and the fixed stare of admiring eyes were such familiar things that she scarcely minded them ; and Josie grew desperate when all her little attempts failed . ' I might climb that pine-tree and tumble off on her piazza roof , or get Sheltie to throw me just at her gate and be taken in fainting . It 's no use to try to drown myself when she is bathing . I ca n't sink , and she 'd only send a man to pull me out . What can I do ? I will see her and tell her my hopes and make her say I can act some day . Mamma would believe her ; and if -- oh , if she only would let me study with her , what perfect joy that would be ! ' Josie made these remarks one afternoon as she and Bess prepared for a swim , a fishing party having prevented their morning bathe . ` You must bide your time , dear , and not be so impatient . Papa promised to give you a chance before the season is over , and he always manages things nicely . That will be better than any queer prank of yours , ' answered Bess , tying her pretty hair in a white net to match her suit , while Josie made a little lobster of herself in scarlet . ' I hate to wait ; but I suppose I must . Hope she will bathe this afternoon , though it is low tide . She told Uncle she should have to go in then because in the morning people stared so and went on her beach . Come and have a good dive from the big rock . No one round but nurses and babies , so we can romp and splash as much as we like . ' Away they went to have a fine time ; for the little bay was free from other bathers , and the babies greatly admired their aquatic gymnastics , both being expert swimmers .
As they sat dripping on the big rock XXXXX suddenly gave a clutch that nearly sent Bess overboard , as she cried excitedly : ` There she is !
Bess Cameron Josie Sheltie Shetland day fainting garden-wall pine-tree sea-gulls