"Including yourself, John Atherton," said Captain Seaford, "for I know
you as well as you know yourself. You are never quite content, unless
planning pleasure for others. Oh, I know it, and it's no use to deny
what I say."

"As Captain Atherton is a truthful man, he's not likely to deny it,"
said Mrs. Seaford, "and now if you will all enjoy a shore dinner, I'll
ask you to be my guests."

"I know of nothing more tempting," Captain Atherton said, and then,
because he believed that Mrs. Seaford would enjoy an hour when she
could have Sprite quite by herself, he took Rose and Princess Polly
over to "The Cliffs," where they might amuse themselves, while he
inspected the work that was being done.

The time passed swiftly, and when Polly and Rose had seen all the
places about the house where they had played during the summer, and
Uncle John had satisfied himself that repairs that were being made
wholly pleased him, they found that it was about the time that Mrs.
Seaford had set for their return.

"Come, ladies," he said, and they ran down the driveway, laughing and
talking, and soon in the big car, were spinning down the beach.

As they drew near to the "Syren's Cave," Captain Seaford at the door,
sounded a long, sweet note on the horn. Polly and Rose waved their
handkerchiefs, and Sprite ran out to greet them.

It was a sunny day, with a fresh, cool breeze blowing from the East,