too old to romp and be petted like
little Ru. So I shall have a quiet day on the shore collecting fresh
specimens, and you shall see them to-morrow. Now we must go in to
breakfast."

Ernest had grown very fond of his country cousin, who was so different
from his sister and her friends that she could actually take an interest
in his pursuits, and who, under her father's guidance, had learnt many
interesting facts of natural history which the town-bred boy had never
had opportunities of observing.

Breakfast was a hurried meal, and directly it was over there followed
the bustle of preparation for the day's excursion. Hampers were sent
off, duly packed with all kinds of delicacies; Rupert was running up and
down stairs continually, and getting in the way as much as Ernest, who
remained stationary near the door; while Julia rushed from her room to
her mother's, declaring that she was quite certain they would all be
late, and then ran back to ask Ruth to help her to dress.

CHAPTER IX.

THE PICNIC.

Everything was ready at last, and the whole family started for the pier,
where they were to meet their friends. Such a crowd of people surrounded
them upon their arrival, that Ruth, who merely knew a few of them
slightly, felt quite over-whelmed, and wished that her usual companion,
Ernest, had been beside her.

The steamer which had been chartered for the occasion now came alongside
the pier, and every one was occupied with the business of embarking.
When all the party were safely on board, Ruth found herself amongst a
number of strangers, far away from Julia, who had evidently quite
forgotten her, and was laughing and chatting with a little group of
girls at the other end of the vessel. Her aunt was entertaining the
ladies, and her uncle walking up and down the deck in earnest
conversation with two gentlemen; Rupert was trying to get on the
paddle-box, and there was no one near her but Gerald, the facetious
leader of a knot of young men. Ruth felt very lonely and rather
sorrowful; she had been eagerly anticipating this picnic, and now she
seemed to be quite neglected, while every one else was gay and happy.
She had not the courage to make her way through the visitors to reach
Julia at the other end of the boat, for she had an undefined feeling
that if she went she would not be welcomed there. Her thoughts flew back
to the one spot of earth where she was always wanted and ever welcomed,
and she heaved a little s