"Yes," she replied, and was going to ask "Why not?" but the sight of her
cousin's simple but pretty costume stopped her, and she blushed rosy
red.

"Then of course we cannot go to the Esplanade," said Julia in a pointed
manner.




CHAPTER VI.

STONEGATE.


"The Esplanade did you say, girls?" asked Mrs. Woburn, entering at that
moment.

"No, mamma, we don't care about it; any other place will do," replied
Julia sulkily.

"We will walk along the beach to Brill Head then," said Mrs. Woburn,
"and I dare say Ernest would like to accompany us; he will find plenty
of specimens there."

"Shall I stay at home, Aunt Annie?" asked Ruth timidly.

"Certainly not, unless you wish it; Julia has been longing to have you
for a companion, and this will be such a delightful walk."