1.It was summer.School was closed,and Jack and May went to the sea-side.Jack used to take his little sister down to the shore every day,and play with her on the sands.
2.One day they built a sand-house.But the sea came creep,creep,creeping up to it.At lastthe house was quite covered by the water.Then the sea crept slowly back again,but the sand-house was all gone.
3.Jack told little May that the sea crept in and out like this twice every day.
4.One day the sea was almost as smooth as a pond.But the water was not quite still.There were tiny waves.They were so soft and gentle that to Jack and May they seemed to be saying,“Lip-pit-y,lap-pit-y,lap,lap,lap!
Lip-pit-y,lap-pit-y,lap,lap,lap!”
5.Next day the wind blew loud and strong,and the waves were very high.They broke into white spray as they dashed against the rocks.
6.How happy the sea-birds seemed floating on the big waves!
7.Jack liked the stormy waves;but little May liked the sea better when it was calm.
8.To-day May is looking for shells.Jack is helping her.She is telling him of a place where they can gather pretty ones.