She saw no one but a friend or two , had a private beach , and was invisible except during her daily drive , or when the opera-glasses of curious gazers were fixed on a blue figure disporting itself in the sea . The Laurences knew her , but respected her privacy , and after a call left her in peace till she expressed a wish for society -- a courtesy which she remembered and repaid later , as we shall see . But Josie was like a thirsty fly buzzing about a sealed honey-pot , for this nearness to her idol was both delightful and maddening . She pined to see , hear , talk with , and study this great and happy woman who could thrill thousands by her art , and win friends by her virtue , benevolence , and beauty . 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 XXXXX people stared so and went on her beach .
Josie Sheltie afternoon day fainting garden-wall gazers honey-pot morning opera-glasses