Mildred came over to spend an afternoon with Gertie. Gertie led Mildred
to her favorite spot. It was out on the rocks, away out to the very last
one that could be seen above the water.
[Illustration]
Gertie took off her shoes and stockings. Mildred felt too much dressed
up to do that. They sat on the rock, Gertie dangling her feet in the
water. They talked, and they laughed, and they sang:
“Little fishes in the water,
Who has taught you how to swim?
Has your mother or your father
Shown you how to use each fin?
“Little fishes in the water,
Who has taught you how to dive?
How to glide, and not to falter,
How to live, and how to thrive?”
Suddenly Gertie looked toward the shore. The tide was coming in. Already
some of the stepping stones were covered with water. Her stockings and
shoes were gradually being carried away.
Mildred was frightened. Gertie looked very brave but wasn’t so calm as
she looked. She picked up her soaked shoes and stockings. They started
for the beach. They ran and they jumped. Mildred wasn’t sure footed. She
slipped and she slopped. Her shoes were soon wet.
The water rose higher and higher. No use in jumping, for the rocks and
stones were now covered. Poor Mildred had to wade through the water with
her new shoes and stockings on her feet. But her shoes were not any
wetter than Gertie’s were in her hand. Mildred’s pretty dress was badly
wet, too.
Gertie took her visitor to her room to get her clothes dry. She felt
ashamed to think she had forgotten about the tide. She was sorry she had
by her thoughtlessness marred the pleasure of Mildred’s visit.