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 morning people stared so and went on her beach . Come and have a good dive from the big rock . No one round but nurses and babies , so we can romp and splash as much as we like . ' Away they went to have a fine time ; for the little bay was free from other bathers , and the babies greatly admired their aquatic gymnastics , both being expert swimmers . As they sat dripping on the big rock Josie suddenly gave a clutch that nearly sent Bess overboard , as she cried excitedly : ` There she is ! Look ! coming to bathe . How splendid !
Oh , if she only would drown a little and XXXXX me save her !
Look act bide go let match prepared see tying went