Part 2 (1/2)

Directly afterwards we heard him call the hands aft to case off the main-sheet, the square-sail and gaff-topsail were set, and, by the comparatively easy motion, we felt that we were running off before the wind. Not a little did it contribute to our comfort in concluding our dinner.

The next day, at noon, saw us safely anch.o.r.ed in Cowes Roads.

”There's Mr Hearty and the Gentle Giant, I declare,” exclaimed the melodious voice of Miss Susan Rattler, from out of a shrubbery, as my two friends were pacing along on the road towards Egypt, to call on Lady Cardiff.

”Oh, the dear men! you don't say so, Susan!” replied her sister.

Bubble and I were close under them, a little in advance, so they did not see us, though we could not avoid hearing what was said.

”Yes, it's them, I vow; we must attack them about the pic-nic forthwith,” said Susan.

”Don't mention Jane Seaton, or poor Ned will be too much out of spirits to do any thing,” observed her sister.

”Trust me to manage all descriptions of he-animals,” replied Rattler minima. ”Ah, how d'ye do?--how d'ye do? Welcome, rovers, welcome!” she exclaimed, waving her handkerchief as they approached.

”Lovely ladies, we once more live in your presence,” began Hearty.

”'Oh that I were a glove upon that hand!'” shouted Carstairs.

”Oh, don't, you'll make us blus.h.!.+” screamed Susan, from over the bushes.

”But seriously, we're so glad you're come, because now we can have the pic-nic to Netley you promised us.”

”I like frankness--when shall it be?” said Hearty.

”To-morrow, by all means,--never delay a good thing.”

”'If 'twere done, 'twere well 'twere done quickly,'” observed the captain.

”That's what Shakespeare says about a beef-steak,” cried Susan. ”But I say then, it's settled--how nice!”

”What? that we are to have beef-steaks?” asked Hearty. ”They are very nice when one's hungry.”

”No, I mean that we are to have a pic-nic to-morrow,” said the fair Rattler.

”That depends whether those we invite are willing to join it,” observed Hearty.

”'I can summon spirits from the vasty deep; but will they come, cousin?'” exclaimed Carstairs.

”Oh, yes, in these parts, often,” cried Rattler maxima; ”the revenue officers constantly find them, I know.”

”Capital--capital!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Hearty. ”You must bring that out again on board the 'Frolic.' You deserve a pic-nic for it; it's so original.

You must consider this only as a rehearsal.”

”How kind--then it's all settled!” exclaimed both young ladies in a breath. ”There's Mary Masthead, I know, is dying to go, and so is Mrs Topgallant, and I dare say, if Captain Carstairs presses Mrs Skysc.r.a.per, she'll go, and the Sandons and Cardiffs, and all our set; I don't think any will refuse.”

”Well, then, we've no time to lose,” we exclaimed, and off we set to beat up for recruits.

We were not, however, without our disappointments. Lady Cardiff could not go, and without a correct chaperone she could not let her daughter be of the party--the thing was utterly impossible, dreadfully incorrect, and altogether unheard of. Mrs Skysc.r.a.per was a great deal too young, and being a widow had herself to look after. If Mrs Topgallant would go, she would see about it; so we tried next to find the lady in question, but she had gone to Carisbrooke Castle, and would not be back till late. Mrs Sandon was next visited, but she had a cold; and if Lady Cardiff would not let her daughter go without a chaperone, neither could she. We by chance met Mrs Seaton with the fair Jane, looking very beautiful, but mamma never went on the water if she could help it.

She could not come to the island without doing so; but once safe there, she would not set her foot in a boat till she had to go away again.