At the back end of the float
was a great canopied throne, on which sat the gold-crowned Neptune
holding his firmly planted trident. Before him seemed to dance the
Spirit of the Sea, for Patty, now in one pose and now in another,
was outlined against the dark billows with charming effect. A
bright electric light streaming from a point above the throne,
illuminated both characters and threw into relief the shells and
seaweed that decorated the sides of the float.
The other floats were equally well done,--some even better in
artistic conception. Each received uproarious applause as it
rolled slowly along the line of march. Hotels and cottages were
all illuminated, and the whole population of Spring Beach was out
admiring the Pageant.
"Aren't you tired, Patty?" asked Farnsworth, gently, as she
changed her pose.
"Yes, I am," she confessed; "but it isn't the posing,--it's the
jolting. I had no idea the ocean was so rickety!"
"Poor little girlie! I wish I could do something for you. But we
have to go a couple of miles further yet. Can you stand it!"
"Yes; but I'd rather SIT it!"
"Do! Come and sit on this throne beside me. There's plenty of
room."
"Oh, nonsense, I couldn't. What would the people think?"
"Do you want to KNOW what they'd think?" returned Farnsworth,
promptly.
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