'backing' it, I hear, and so, of course, Rose
will be the central figure in the pageant."

Yes, that was the cause of the excitement. There was to be a grand
pageant, and the children would be the principal actors.

"Is Gwen Harcourt to be in the pageant?" someone asked, but before
anyone could reply Mrs. Harcourt joined them.

"Is my little Gwen to be in it? Why, what a question!" she said. "They
would hardly have a pageant without her."

"I suppose not," someone said, in a tone of disgust, but Mrs. Harcourt
did not notice that.

"Well, no," she responded. "I hardly think they could, because beside
the part that Gwen will actually take, she will be a great help in
other ways. Her ideas are so original, and she is always so willing to
tell others how things should be done, that she, really, is a
wonderful help. The committee arranging the pageant constantly ask her
advice."

"I wonder if they asked Gwen's permission to have the pageant at all?"
grumbled a small boy who stood near the ladies who had been talking.

Yes, it was to be a great event at Cliffmore, and everyone was
interested.

"What are you going to be, and what are you going to wear?" were the
questions oftenest asked, and groups of merry, laughing children sat
chatting on the piazzas, or strolling along the beach, talking, always
talking of the pageant.

It was, indeed, to be a grand and beautiful procession that would make
its way along the beach.

The children were greatly excited, and each was interested in the
costumes that her playmates were intending to wear, as well as that in
which she would herself appear.

There had been an odd happening. Captain Atherton had chosen the list
of characters to be represented, and Mrs. Sherwood had written a clear
description of the costumes to be worn.

All were pleased with the parts assigned them, save Gwen Harcourt and
Max Deland.

"I shall not be one of the mermaids," Gwen had boldly declared. "If I
can't be the Water Queen, I'll not be a water fairy at all!"

"Very well," Captain Atherton had said quietly, "I will find someone
to take your place."

Gwen was surprised. She had felt sure that Captain Atherton would beg
her to remain, and that he would also give to her the part of the
Water Queen.

Max had had a similar experience. He had expressed his dislike for the
part given him, and had been told that the parts once given out could
not be changed.

"Come on, Gwen!" he had said. "We ca