One of them , a girl , ran lightly forward and touched Benjamin Selby 's arm . He lowered his glass with a start and looked around . A flash of undisguised delight transfigured his face . `` 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 XXXXX stepped daintily off the rocks into the little cream-coloured skiff , and Benjamin untied the rope and pushed off .
Mr. arm course cousin delight eggshell girl hand row week