It looks so lovely , I ca n't wait long , '' she said , looking as eager as a little gull shut up in a cage and pining for its home on the wide ocean . `` As soon as it is a little cooler , dear , I 'm getting ready for our trip , but we must be careful and not do too much at once . ` Slow and sure ' is our motto , '' answered Mrs. Minot , busily collecting the camp-stools , the shawls , the air-cushions , and the big parasols . `` I 'll be good , only do let me have my sailor-hat to wear , and my new suit . I 'm not a bit tired , and I do want to be like other folks right off , '' said Jill , who had been improving rapidly of late , and felt much elated at being able to drive out nearly every day , to walk a little , and sit up some hours without any pain or fatigue . To gratify her , the blue flannel suit with its white trimming was put on , and Mamma was just buttoning the stout boots when Jack thundered at the door , and burst in with all sorts of glorious news . `` Do come out , mother , it 's perfectly splendid on the beach ! I 've found a nice place for Jill to sit , and it 's only a step . Lots of capital fellows here ; one has a bicycle , and is going to teach us to ride . No end of fun up at the hotel , and every one seems glad to see us . Two ladies asked about Jill , and one of the girls has got some shells all ready for her , Gerty Somebody , and her mother is so pretty and jolly , I like her ever so much . They sit at our table , and Wally is the boy , younger than I am , but very pleasant . Bacon is the fellow in knickerbockers ; just wish you could see what stout legs he 's got ! Cox is the chap for me , though : we are going fishing to-morrow . He 's got a sweet-looking mother , and a sister for you , Jill . Now , then , do come on , I 'll take the traps . '' Off they went , and Jill thought that very short walk to the shore the most delightful she ever took ; for people smiled at the little invalid as she went slowly by leaning on Mrs. Minot 's arm , while Jack pranced in front , doing the honors , as if he owned the whole Atlantic . A new world opened to her eyes as they came out upon the pebbly beach full of people enjoying their afternoon promenade . Jill save one rapturous `` Oh ! '' and then sat on her stool , forgetting everything but the beautiful blue ocean rolling away to meet the sky , with nothing to break the wide expanse but a sail here and there , a point of rocks on one hand , the little pier on the other , and white gulls skimming by on their wide wings .
While she sat enjoying herself , Jack showed his XXXXX the place he had found , and a very nice one it was .
Mrs. arm expanse mother ocean pain parasols shells sister table