`` Why , Mary Stella ! I did n't expect you 'd be down this hot day . You have n't been much at the shore lately , '' he added reproachfully . `` I really have n't had time , Benjamin , '' she answered carelessly , as she took the glass from his hand and tried to focus it on the fishing fleet . Benjamin steadied it for her ; the flush of pleasure was still glowing on his bronzed cheek , `` Are the mackerel biting now ? '' `` Not just now . Who is that stranger with your father , Mary Stella ? '' `` That is a cousin of ours -- a Mr. Braithwaite . Are you very busy , Benjamin ? '' `` Not busy at all -- idle as you see me . Why ? '' `` Will you take me out for a little row in the dory ? I have n't been out for so long . '' `` Of course . Come -- here 's the dory -- your namesake , you know . I had her fresh painted last week . She 's as clean as an eggshell . '' The girl stepped daintily off the rocks into the little cream-coloured skiff , and Benjamin untied the rope and pushed off . `` Where would you like to go , Mary Stella ? '' `` Oh , just upshore a little way -- not far .
And do n't go out XXXXX very deep water , please , it makes me feel frightened and dizzy . ''
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