Page:Wha Katy Did Next - Coolidge (1886).djvu/95

 Oh, well for the fisherman's child
 * On the sandy beach at his play;

Oh, well for all sensible folk
 * Who are safe at home to-day!

But this horrible ship keeps on,
 * And is never a moment still,

And I yearn for the touch of the nice dry land,
 * Where I need n't feel so ill!

Break! break! break!
 * There is no good left in me;

For the dinner I ate on the shore so late
 * Has vanished into the sea!"

Laughter is very restorative after the forlornity of sea-sickness; and Katy was so stimulated by her letter that she managed to struggle into her dressing-gown and slippers and across the entry to Mrs. Ashe's stateroom. Amy had fallen asleep at last and must not be waked up, so their interview was conducted in whispers. Mrs. Ashe had by no means got to the tea-and-toast stage yet, and was feeling miserable enough.

"I have had the most dreadful time with Amy," she said. "All day yesterday, when she