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.