Just then Beatrice Fremont came towards them, and her smile of recognition told Dexie that the farmer was well known to her.

“I did not know you were acquainted with my friends, Mr. McDonald,” and she extended her hand.

“I ken her faither weel, an’ I met the dochter whan I was abroad,” he replied with a smile, “but I never expected to meet ony Halifax folk the day.  It’s her faither that did me the kindness whan I was in Halifax that I’ll never forget, an’ it’s weel pleased I am to meet them.  Is’t at your place they are staying, Miss Fremont?”

“Yes,” replied Beatrice, smiling, “but I think I heard you trying to coax them away from us, Mr. McDonald.”

He looked up into the bright face and replied: 

“Ay, I want to show them that I dinna forget their kindness to me whan I was a stranger in a strange land, an’ no wishin’ to rob ye o’ yer visitors at a’, I was tryin’ to hae them say whan they wad come up to the farm, for it’s masel’ that’ll come efter them, whanever they say the word.”

“You need not be afraid to accept the invitation, girls,” said Beatrice, as the farmer turned to say a few words to Lancy.  “Your presence would cause no trouble; they are always so glad to have visitors that it is a pleasure to go.  I spent several weeks there last summer, and I know they would all be glad to see you.”

“It is well enough for Dexie to go,” said Elsie, “but it would be very rude for me to go on such short acquaintance.”

“There, Elsie, I stand condemned.  Behold me, a visitor at Mrs. Fremont’s, and we never knew of each other’s existence before the visit was planned,” said Dexie.

“But this is different, Dexie,” Elsie hurried to explain.

“The difference is in your favor, Elsie.”

“I think I can promise that they will be as glad to see you both at the farm as we were to have you here, and you know your being no relation does not matter to us.”

“Well, I would dearly love to go,” Dexie said.  “It will be such a chance to see that part of the country, and by the way papa speaks of the McDonald homestead we would like it very much.”

“Then you cannot do better than spend a few days at the seaside with him.  There is a fine beach near, and chances for sea-bathing and all the rest of the delights of a seaside farm.  If you like, Gertrude will go with you and stay for the first day or two.”

“Is there a beach and sandhills like Stanhope Bay?” Dexie asked.

“Yes, only better, I think; and they have boats and go fishing sometimes.  I am sure you would enjoy yourselves.”

Lancy had been talking to Mr. McDonald during this conversation, but he now turned to them, saying: 

“What do you say, girls, to accepting this kind invitation?  Shall we go in a body?”

“They would all like to go, Mr. McDonald, but they are afraid they will crowd you,” said Beatrice, smiling; “but I know so much better than that, that I am going to send Gertrude along with them.  You will give her house-room, I know.”