` Now get your breath , my dear ; then I shall be glad also . It was very nice of you to take all that trouble for me . How shall I thank you ? ' asked the lady , looking at her with the beautiful eyes that could say so many things without words . Josie clasped her hands with a wet spat which rather destroyed the effect of the gesture , and answered in a beseeching tone that would have softened a far harder heart than Miss Cameron 's : ` Let me come and see you once -- only once ! I want you to tell me if I can act ; you will know . I 'll abide by what you say ; and if you think I can -- by and by , when I 've studied very hard -- I shall be the happiest girl in the world . May I ? ' ` Yes ; come tomorrow at eleven . We 'll have a good talk ; you shall show me what you can do , and I 'll give you my opinion . But you wo n't like it . ' ' I will , no matter if you tell me I 'm a fool . I want it settled ; so does mamma . I 'll take it bravely if you say no ; and if you say yes , I 'll never give up till I 've done my best -- as you did . ' ` Ah , my child , it 's a weary road , and there are plenty of thorns among the roses when you 've won them . I think you have the courage , and this proves that you have perseverance . Perhaps you 'll do . Come , and we 'll see . ' 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 , XXXXX , ' said thoughtful Bess , fearing to outstay their welcome .
Cameron Josie May girl hands perseverance sea talk tide tone