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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/14910-8.txt b/14910-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..87fab0c --- /dev/null +++ b/14910-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6588 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Elsie at the World's Fair, by Martha Finley + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Elsie at the World's Fair + +Author: Martha Finley + +Release Date: February 4, 2005 [eBook #14910] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg +Online Distributed Proofreading Team(https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR + +by + + +MARTHA FINLEY + +Author of "The Elsie Books," "The Mildred Books," +_Wanted, A Pedigree_, etc., etc. + +New York +Dodd, Mead & Company +Publishers + +1894 + + + + + + + +NOTE--The author desires to acknowledge her indebtedness to the "_Chicago +Record's_ History of the World's Fair," "The Historical Fine Art Series," +published by H.S. Smith and C.R. Graham, for Historical Publishing +Company, Philadelphia, and the "_World's_ Fine Art Series," published by +N.D. Thompson Publishing Company, St. Louis, Mo., for descriptions and +statistics in regard to the White City and its exhibits. + + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +Hugh Lilburn was very urgent with his betrothed for a speedy marriage, +pleading that as her brother had robbed him and his father of their +expected housekeeper--his cousin Marian--he could not long do without the +wife who was to supply her place. Her sisters, Isadore and Virginia, who +had come up from the far South to be present at the ceremony, joined with +him in his plea for haste. They wanted to see her in her own home, they +said, and that without remaining too long away from theirs. Ella finally +yielded to their wishes so far as to complete her preparations within a +month after the home-coming from the North. + +The wedding was a really brilliant affair, and followed up by parties +given by the different members of the family connection; but no bridal +trip was taken, neither bride nor groom caring for it, and Hugh's business +requiring his presence at home. + +A few weeks later Calhoun Conly went North for his bride. Some festivities +followed his return; then all settled down for the winter, Harold and +Herbert Travilla taking up their medical studies with Dr. Conly, and +Captain Raymond's pupils resuming such of their lessons as had been +dropped for the time, though the wedding festivities had been allowed to +interfere but little with them, as--with the exception of Marian, now Mrs. +Conly--they were considered too young to attend the parties. A matter of +regret to none of them except Rosie Travilla and Lucilla Raymond, and even +they, though they would have been glad to be permitted to go, made no +remonstrance or complaint, but submitted cheerfully to the decision of +their elders. + +A busy, happy winter and spring followed, bringing no unusual event to any +branch of the family. + +Max was frequently heard from, his father continuing to send him daily +letters, several of which would be replied to together by one from the +lad--always frank, candid, and affectionate, sometimes expressing a great +longing for a sight of home and the dear ones there. + +After receiving such a letter the captain was very apt to pay a flying +visit to the Academy, in case there were no special reasons for remaining +closely at home, sometimes going alone, at others taking one or more +members of the family with him; his wife, if she could make it convenient +to go, or one or more of his daughters, by whom the little trip and the +sight of their brother were esteemed a great reward for good conduct and +perfect recitations. + +Both they and the lad himself looked forward with ardent desire and joyous +anticipation to the June commencement, after which would begin the one +long holiday Max would have during the six years of his course at the +Academy. + +The holidays for the home pupils began a day or two earlier, and a merry +party, including, besides the captain and his immediate family, the rest +of his pupils, with Grandma Elsie, her father and his wife, boarded the +_Dolphin_ and set sail for Annapolis to attend the commencement at the +Naval Academy. + +The weather was delightful, and all greatly enjoyed the little trip. On +their arrival they found Max well and in fine spirits. The reports of both +his studies and conduct were all that could be desired, and the home +friends--his father in especial--regarded him with both pride and +affection, and expressed much pleasure in the fact that he was to +accompany them on the return trip. + +Max dearly loved his home, and during the nearly two years of his absence +from it had had occasional fits of excessive homesickness; more, however, +for the dear ones dwelling there than for the place. So that he was full +of joy on learning that every one of the family was on board the +_Dolphin_. + +No one cared to tarry long at Annapolis, and they set out on the return +trip as soon as Max was free to go with them. + +The lovely weather continued, there was nothing to mar the pleasure of the +short voyage, the drive and ride that succeeded it--for the carriages and +Max's pony, Rex, which he hailed with almost a shout of delight and +hastened to mount, were found awaiting them at the wharf--or the arrival +at their homes, Ion and Woodburn, which seemed to the young cadet to be +looking even more beautiful than ever before. + +"Oh, was there ever a lovelier place!" was his delighted exclamation as +the carriage, closely followed by Rex, turned in at the great gates giving +admission to the Woodburn driveway. "I thought that of it before I left, +but it is vastly improved; almost an earthly paradise." + +"So I think," said Violet. "It does credit to your father's taste." + +"And yours," added her husband, with a pleased smile; "for have I not +always consulted with my wife before making any alteration or adding what +I thought would be an improvement? And has not the first suggestion come +from her more than once?" + +"Quite true," she returned, giving him a look of loving appreciation; "in +fact, my dear, you are so ready to humor and indulge me in every possible +way that I am half afraid to make a suggestion." + +"Lest I should have too much pleasure in carrying it out?" he queried, +with playful look and tone. + +"Oh, certainly!" she replied with a musical laugh; "it would be a sad pity +to spoil so good a husband." + +"Father, may I ride over the grounds before alighting?" asked Max's voice +in eager tones, just at that moment. + +"If you wish, my son," the captain answered pleasantly. "But suppose you +delay a little and let some of us accompany you?" + +"Yes, sir; that will be better," was the prompt, cheerful rejoinder, and +in another minute Max had dismounted at the door of the mansion, and stood +ready to assist the occupants of the carriage to alight. + +"Ah, I see you have been making some changes and improvements here, +father," he said, glancing about as he entered the hall door. + +"Yes, and in other parts of the house," said Violet. "Perhaps you might as +well go over it before visiting the grounds." + +"I am at liberty to go everywhere, as of old?" he returned, half in +assertion, half enquiringly and turning from her to his father. + +"Certainly, my son; it is as truly your father's house, therefore open in +every part to you, as it was before you left its shelter for Uncle Sam's +Naval Academy," replied the captain, regarding the lad with mingled +fatherly affection, pride, and amusement. + +"Thank you, sir," returned Max heartily. "Ah, Christine!" as the +housekeeper, whom something had detained in another part of the house at +the moment of their arrival, now appeared among them, "I'm pleased to see +you again; looking so well, too. I really don't think you have changed in +the least in all the time I have been away," shaking her hand warmly as he +spoke. + +"Ah, Master Max, sir, I can't say the same of you," she returned with a +pleasant smile into the bright young face. "You are growing up fast and +looking more than ever like your father." + +"Thank you," laughed Max, his eyes shining, "you couldn't possibly give me +a higher compliment than that, Christine." + +"Ah, who shall say that I am not the complimented one, Max?" laughed the +captain. + +"I, papa," cried Lulu. "O Maxie, come upstairs and see the improvements +there. You can look at the downstairs rooms and grounds afterward." + +"Yes, run along, children," said their father, "and make yourselves ready +for the tea table before you come down again." + +"Yes, sir," they answered in cheerful tones, Max catching up little Ned as +he spoke, and setting him on his shoulder. "Hold on tight, laddie, and +your big brother will carry you up," he said, and one chubby arm instantly +went round his neck, a gleeful laugh accompanying it as Max began the +ascent, his sisters following, Violet and the captain presently bringing +up the rear. + +"Into our rooms first, Max," said Violet. "You, too, Lulu and Gracie, that +you may hear what he has to say about things there." + +"Thank you, Mamma Vi," returned Max. "I want to visit every room in the +house and have all the family go with me if they like." + +"You will find a few additions here and there to the furnishings, but no +great changes anywhere, Max," said his father. + +"I should hope not, sir, as things seemed to me pretty nearly perfect +before I went away," returned Max in a lively tone, "I only wish every one +of my mates had as sweet a home to spend his long vacation in, and as kind +a father and friends to help him enjoy it." + +"Ah, we may well pity the lad who lacks the blessings of a good home and +affectionate parents," said the captain. "I can never forget how much they +were to me in my boyhood." + +"I think you must have forgotten how long I have been away, papa," laughed +Max as they finished the circuit of the rooms on that floor, "for I have +come upon a good many new things." + +"Ah! well, they have been added so gradually that I did not realize how +numerous they were," returned his father, adding, "Now you may as well go +on to the upper rooms and tarry long enough in your own to make yourself +neat for the tea table." + +"Yes, sir;" and the lad hurried up the stairs, the captain, Lulu, and +Grace following. + +"Hurrah!" he cried joyously as he reached the open door of his own room, +"why, this is lovely! prettier than ever, and it was like a room in a +palace before compared to the one I share with Hunt at the Academy." + +"Suppose you walk in and take a nearer view," said his father, and Max +obeyed with alacrity, the others following. + +"Mamma and papa said there was nothing too good for you, and so we all +thought, Maxie," said Grace, Lulu adding, "Indeed we do all think so." + +"Indeed, I'm afraid it is," returned Max, gazing admiringly at the +beautiful carpet, the lace curtains looped back with wreaths of flowers, +the fine engravings on the walls, the easy chairs, tasteful mantel +ornaments, and the many other articles of adornment and convenience. + +"Your mamma and I have made some changes, improvements, as we thought," +the captain said in gratified and affectionate tones, "hoping you would be +pleased with then; and I rather think you are." + +"Pleased, papa? I'm delighted!" cried Max. "The only drawback to my +pleasure is the thought of the very short time I can stay to enjoy all +this beauty and luxury." + +"Yet I am sure my boy does not want to settle down here to a life of +inglorious ease," remarked the captain in a tone of mingled assertion and +enquiry. "I rejoice in the firm conviction that his great desire is to +serve God and his country to the best of his ability." + +"Yes, father, it is," said Max earnestly. "But," he added with a smile, +"if you don't want me to love to be with you in this sweet home you should +not make it so attractive and be so very kind and affectionate to me." + +"My boy," the captain said with emotion and laying a hand affectionately +on his son's shoulder, "there is never a day when I do not thank my +heavenly Father for his gift to me of so good and dutiful a son." + +"I don't know how any fellow could help being dutiful and affectionate to +such a father as mine, sir," returned Max, his eyes shining. + +By his own desire Max's vacation was spent at home and in its vicinity, +with the occasional variety of a short voyage in his father's yacht, the +_Dolphin_, which gave the lad opportunities for the display of the +seafaring knowledge gained in the past two years, and adding to it from +his father's store of the same, under that father's instruction. + +They were generally accompanied by the whole Woodburn family, always by +Lulu and Grace, Grandma Elsie, Rose, Walter, and Evelyn Leland. + +Thus the weeks flew by very enjoyably and on swift wings, and the time +came for Max's return to Annapolis. So the _Dolphin_ was headed for that +port and presently steamed away again, leaving the lad behind with a +rather sad heart at the thought that years must pass before he could again +spend even a brief season under his father's roof. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +It is summer again, the summer of 1893, for two years have passed away +since the occurrence of the events related in our former chapter. There +have been few changes among our friends at Ion, Woodburn, and the other +plantations belonging to the family connection, except such as time brings +to all. The elder ones seem scarcely any older, but the younger ones are +growing up. Elsie's sons, Harold and Herbert, are now practising +physicians, still making their home at Ion, but having an office in a +neighboring village; Rosie has attained her twentieth year and entered +society; but Walter is still one of Captain Raymond's pupils, as are Lulu +and Grace, now blooming girls of fifteen and seventeen, their father's joy +and pride and as devotedly attached to him as ever. + +Max is still a cadet in the Naval Academy, pursuing his course there in a +manner altogether satisfactory to his father and friends. The captain +thinks no man ever had a brighter, better son than his first-born, or one +more likely to do good service to his country in his chosen profession. It +seems hard at times, a sad thing to have to do without his boy, yet he +never really regrets that Max has made choice of the naval service as his +life work. He did, however, regret that Max would not be able to go to +Chicago to visit the World's Fair, in which they were all much interested. + +Some of the connection had attended the dedication ceremonies of the +previous autumn, and nearly all talked of going to the formal opening, +appointed for the first of May; among them Grandma Elsie, her father and +his wife, Captain Raymond and his wife and family. The captain's plan was +to go by water--in his yacht--up along the coast to the Gulf of St. +Lawrence, through that up the river of the same name, through the Welland +Canal and round Michigan by the great lakes to Chicago, and he invited as +many as his vessel could well accommodate--including, of course, his +wife's mother and grandparents--to be his guests for the trip. + +The younger gentlemen and their wives all preferred going by rail as the +speedier way, but Mr. Dinsmore, having no longer any business to attend +to, and both he and his wife being fond of the sea and desirous of keeping +with his eldest daughter, accepted the invitation promptly and with +pleasure. + +Mr. Ronald Lilburn, too, having a like taste as to his mode of travel, +and no business engagements to hurry him, availed himself of the +opportunity to make the journey by water. The other passengers were Evelyn +Leland and Rosie and Walter Travilla. + +Something, however, occurred to change their plans, and it was the latter +part of June when they left home for their trip to the North. They had a +pleasant voyage, making few pauses by the way, and reached their +destination on Monday, the second day of July. + +It was early in the evening when the _Dolphin_ neared the White City; the +little ones were already in bed and sweetly sleeping, but all the others +had gathered on deck to catch the first glimpse of the fairy-like scene. +They had passed the mouth of the Chicago River and were steaming on down +the lake. + +"Oh, papa, what is that?" asked Grace, pointing to a bright light in the +water. + +"A lighted buoy," he replied; "a spar buoy with an incandescent lamp of +one hundred candle power. It is a wrought-iron cage at the end of a spar +which is held in place by a heavy cast-iron anchor. You will see another +presently, for there are thirteen between the river and the White City." + +"To warn vessels to keep off shoals?" she asked. + +"Yes," he said, and went on to explain how the electrical current was +supplied, winding up with a promise to take her, and anyone else who +wished to go, to the Electrical Building to gaze upon its wonders, and +also for a ride in the electric launches. "But," he added, "I think there +is nothing you will enjoy more than the sight of the electric lights which +you will get presently in the Peristyle and the Court of Honor." + +"Oh, I am very eager to see it all, papa!" she exclaimed. + +"As we all are," said Lulu. + +"Well, my dears, I think we can all go there at once and spend an hour or +two; all but the little ones, who can be left in the care of their nurse." +He turned enquiringly toward his wife and her mother as he spoke. + +"Oh, yes," said Violet; "they will not be likely to wake, and Agnes will +take good care of them." + +"I think we are all probably ready to accept your invitation with +pleasure, captain," Elsie said. "Surely none of us are fatigued--unless +with lack of exercise." + +"No, surely not," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, "and I, as well as Grace, am +eager to see the beauties of that much talked of Court of Honor." + +"I think we will find some other objects worthy of our attention before we +reach even the Peristyle," remarked Captain Raymond. + +"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Lulu, "there is another of those lights." + +"I am so glad you brought us in the yacht, captain," said Evelyn; "for we +can start out at once to see the sights--not being in the least fatigued +with our long journey." + +"And we have already a beautiful view of water and sky," remarked Grandma +Elsie; "those sunset clouds are certainly lovelier than any work of man's +hands." + +"Yes, mamma; and they are beautifully reflected in the water," said +Violet. + +"But such things can be seen at home," Rosie remarked in a sprightly tone, +"and I propose to give my particular attention to such as are to be found +only in this part of the world and at the present time." + +"What will there be worth looking at before we reach the Peristyle?" asked +Walter, apparently addressing his query to no one in particular. + +It was Captain Raymond who replied, "I hope to be able to point out to you +presently some exhibits worthy of your attention," he said. + +"Oh, yes; the battleship _Illinois_ for one, I suppose." + +"Yes; she will come into sight presently and we will have an outside view +of her. Some day I hope to take all of you who may desire to go on board +to have a look at her internal arrangements." + +"You may put my name into that list, captain," said Mr. Lilburn. "I'm a +bit too auld to take part in a fight, even in a righteous cause, but not +for taking an interest in the means provided for ither folk." + +"And I want to see it, too, though I hardly expect to ever make one of the +crew of such a vessel," said Walter. + +"And we girls will want to visit her also," laughed Rosie, "though I am +very sure no one of us will ever form part of such a crew." + +"Well, as my father has and my brother expects to, I shall be very much +interested," said Grace. + +"Especially as we shall have a retired officer to explain everything to +us," added Lulu with a smiling look up into her father's face. + +He returned the smile, then pointing southward, "Yonder it is," he said, +"still too distant for a critical survey, but a better view will be +afforded us presently, as we pass it." + +As he spoke all eyes turned in that direction. + +"Oh, what a big vessel she is!" exclaimed Grace, as they drew near enough +to obtain a good idea of her size. + +"Yes," returned the captain, "she is a full sized model, above water line, +of our coast line battleships _Oregon_, _Massachusetts_, _Indiana_." + +"Not a real ship, papa?" + +"No; only a model: she is built of brick, on the bottom of the lake, and +merely simulates a man-of-war." + +"Only a model!" repeated Walter. "And how about her guns, sir? are they +real?" + +"Some of them are wood; but there are enough genuine machines on board to +destroy almost anything of ordinary resisting power within three miles +range. But I expect to go more into particulars when we pay our +contemplated visit." + +"I suppose she must have cost a good deal?" + +"One hundred thousand dollars." + +"How much this Fair is costing!" remarked Evelyn. "Do you think it will +pay, captain?" + +"I hope so," he returned cheerfully. "What is worth doing at all is worth +doing well." + +But they were drawing near their port, and there was much on both land and +water to attract their attention. Presently they were in front of the +beautiful Peristyle, gazing in awed admiration upon its grand Arch of +Triumph, its noble colonnade and statuary, and catching glimpses here and +there between its pillars of the beauties beyond. + +It was impetuous Lulu who broke the silence with an exclamation of +delighted admiration and an eager request that they might land at once and +get a nearer view of the fairy scenes that lay before them on the farther +side. + +The other members of their party, old and young, seemed scarcely less +eager, and in a very few moments they were all pacing that grand colonnade +to and fro, and gazing out delightedly now upon the blue waters of the +lake and anon upon the fairy scene--the Court of Honor--on the inner side. +And soon they hurried their steps thitherward. + +"Oh, there," cried Lulu, "is the statue of our great republic! Is she not +magnificent?" + +"She is, indeed!" replied Grandma Elsie. "See in one hand she holds a pole +bearing a liberty cap, in the other a globe, an eagle with outstretched +wings resting upon it; that symbolizes protection, which she has ever been +ready to extend to the oppressed of all the earth." + +"She is a large woman," remarked Walter; "as she should be to adequately +represent our great country. Grandpa, do you know her size?" + +"I saw it stated the other day," replied Mr. Dinsmore. "Her face is +fifteen feet long, her arms thirty feet, forefingers forty-five inches, +and ten inches in diameter. Her cost was twenty-five thousand dollars; the +gilding alone amounting to fourteen hundred dollars; quite an expensive +dress for my lady." + +"But we don't grudge it to her, papa," remarked Grandma Elsie pleasantly. + +"No," he said; "nor anything else the liberty she represents has cost--in +money or in life and limb." + +"But what is her height, grandpa?" asked Rosie; "it should be very +considerable to go with a face fifteen feet long." + +"Sixty-five feet, and the pedestal on which she stands is thirty feet +above water. There is a stairway inside which you can climb one of these +days if you wish." + +All were gazing with great admiration and interest upon the beautiful +statue, though seeing it somewhat dimly through the gathering shades of +evening, when suddenly the electric lights blazed out from all sides, +causing an exclamation of surprise and delight from almost everyone in our +party and from others who witnessed the wonderful and inspiring sight; +words failed them to express their sense of the loveliness of the scene; +that mighty statue of the Republic dominating the eastern end of the +lagoon, that grandly beautiful Macmonie's Fountain at the other, its +Goddess of Liberty seated aloft in her chair on the deck of her bark, +erect and beautiful, with her eight maiden gondoliers plying the oars at +the sides, while old Father Time steered the vessel, his scythe fastened +to the tiller, Fame as a trumpet-herald stood on the prow with her trumpet +in her hand, while in the gushing waters below sported the tritons with +their plunging horses, the terraced fountain still lower with its clouds +of spray showing all the colors of the rainbow, as did that of the smaller +ones to the right and left. + +And what a ravishing sight was that of the Administration Building with +its corona of light, its dome, arches, and angles outlined with those +brilliant lights, as were those of the Peristyle also, and of the grand +structures between--Manufactures, Electricity, and Arts on the north side, +Machinery and Agriculture on the south--and the beautiful fountains +throwing spray of all the colors of the rainbow. + +"What a magnificent sight!" "How lovely!" "How beautiful!" exclaimed one +and another as they moved slowly onward, gazing from side to side. + +"Let us go into the Administration Building," said Mr. Dinsmore. + +All were willing, and they sauntered on toward it, still gazing +delightedly as they went. + +Reaching its doorway they paused for a few moments to look at the statue +of Columbus, represented as landing with the Spanish flag in his hand, and +to listen to the inspiring music of the bands; then passed on into the +interior which they found as artistic and wondrously beautiful as the +outside. + +After feasting their eyes upon the lower part they took an elevator--of +which there were six--and went up to the upper promenade, which they found +also very beautiful, giving lovely views of the surrounding grounds. The +vault of the dome was ornamented with allegorical paintings, some of them +commemorating Columbus' discovery of America. + +Looking out from the promenade under the dome they saw the Ferris Wheel, +upon which they gazed with a good deal of interest. + +"I must have a ride in that," said Walter emphatically, "and mamma, you +will go with me, will you not?" + +"Is it quite safe?" she asked, looking from her father to the captain. + +"Oh, yes," they both replied, Mr. Dinsmore adding, "and I think we will +all want to go once if not oftener." + +"Go where, grandpa?" asked a familiar voice, and turning quickly about +they found Harold and Herbert close at hand. + +Then there was an exchange of joyous greetings, and enquiries were made +concerning some others of the family connection who had come by rail. + +The answer was that some of the little ones were in bed at the hotel where +boarding had been taken by the party, and in charge of the faithful +attendants brought from home, while the older ones were scattered about +the Court of Honor and other portions of the Fair. + +"We have been on the lookout for you," continued Harold, "and only a few +minutes ago discovered the _Dolphin_ lying at anchor down yonder on the +lake. We had hoped you would be here sooner." + +"Yes, we thought we should have been here weeks ago," replied his mother, +"but as the delays were providential we did not fret over them." + +"If you had fretted, mother, it would have been truly surprising, as I +never knew you to do so about anything," Herbert said, smiling +affectionately into her eyes. + +"No, that was never one of her faults," remarked Mr. Dinsmore. + +"No, indeed!" exclaimed Rosie. "But Harold, can you take us to the others? +I am sure it would be pleasanter for us all to be together." + +"I cannot promise certainly," he replied, "but if we walk about the Court +of Honor we will come across each other finally, no doubt, as they will +presently discover the _Dolphin_ and look about here for you." + +"Yes," returned his mother, "they will surely know that we could not +persuade ourselves to go farther to-night than this bewitchingly beautiful +Court of Honor." + +Even as she spoke all were moving toward the elevator nearest them, and in +a few moments they were again strolling along the shores of the lagoon, +gazing with delighted eyes upon the fairylike scene--imposing buildings, +playing fountains, the waters of the lagoon dancing in the moonbeams, and +the pretty crafts gliding over them filled with excursionists whose merry +voices and laughter mingled pleasantly with the music of the bands. + +"Oh, this is just delightful, delightful!" exclaimed Lulu. "Father, dear, +I hope you will let us stay a long, long while." + +"I have not thought of fixing the time for departure yet," returned the +captain, "and if our friends intend to go home in the _Dolphin_, as they +came, there will be a number of voices entitled to a vote on the +question. My wife for one," glancing down fondly upon the beautiful, +graceful lady on his arm. + +"Thank you, my dear," returned Violet. "I certainly feel no desire to +start for home yet, dear and lovely as I esteem it." + +"Oh, here they are!" cried a familiar voice at that instant, and the two +sets of relatives had found each other. Glad greetings and kind enquiries +were exchanged. Then they broke up into little groups and sauntered on +through the beautiful scene till it was time to seek their resting places +for the night, when, after making some arrangements for the sight-seeing +of the next day, they bade good-night and hied them to their several +places of temporary abode. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +"On, we have a lovely view from here!" remarked Lulu as they reached the +_Dolphin's_ deck. "I'm not at all sleepy, papa; can't I sit here for a +while?" + +Grace was saying, "Good-night, papa." + +He returned it with a fatherly caress, then answered Lulu's query. + +"No, daughter; it is long past your usual hour for retiring, and as I want +you to feel fresh and bright for to-morrow's pleasure, you, too, may bid +me good-night and go at once to your berth." + +"Oh, yes, sir, that will be the best, I know," she said, rising promptly +from the seat she had taken, and with a loving look up into his face--for +he was close at her side now. "What a happy thing it is for me that I have +such a kind, wise father to take care of me!" + +"A father whose strong desire it certainly is to make you and all his +children as happy as possible," he said, laying a hand on her head and +looking fondly down into her eyes. "Good-night, daughter, and don't +hesitate to call me if anything should go wrong with you or Grace." + +"Am I also under orders to retire, sir?" asked Violet with a mischievous +smile up into his face, as Lulu bade good-night to the rest of the company +and disappeared down the companion-way. + +"Not from me," he said, pleasantly taking a seat at her side as he spoke. +"Have I not told you many times that my wife does what she pleases? At +least, if she fails to do so it is in consequence of no order from me." + +"No; you have never given me one yet, and I believe I should like you to +do so for once that I may see how it feels," she added with a low, musical +laugh, slipping her hand confidingly into his. + +"Perhaps you might not find it particularly agreeable," he returned, +pressing the little hand tenderly in his. "But just to satisfy you I may +try it one of these days. You are not disappointed in the Fair so far?" + +"No, no, not in the least! Oh, how lovely it is! and what a beautiful view +we have from here! How delighted our little Elsie and Ned will be with it +all to-morrow. I hardly know how to wait for the time to come when I can +see and share their pleasure." + +But now the others were saying good-night and going down to their +state-rooms, and the captain remarked laughingly that he thought the +longed-for time would seem to come sooner if he and she should follow +their good example. + +"So it will," returned Violet, promptly rising and slipping her hand into +his arm. + +She went first to her mother's state-room, and the door being opened in +answer to her gentle rap, "Are you quite comfortable, mamma, dear?" she +asked. "Is there anything I can do or furnish to make you more so?" + +"I am perfectly comfortable and I need nothing but a good night's rest, +Vi, dear," was the smiling response. "Something which I want you to be +taking as soon as possible. We find ourselves here surrounded by so much +that is wondrously enticing to look at, that I fear we will be tempted to +neglect needed rest, and so make ourselves ill." + +"Ah, mamma, you and my husband are of one mind, as usual," laughed Violet, +and then with a tenderly affectionate good-night they parted. + +Both the captain and Lulu retained their old habit of early rising, and +she joined him upon the deck the next morning just as the sun came peeping +above the horizon. + +"Good-morning, papa," she cried, running to him to put her arms about his +neck and give and receive the usual morning caress. "Isn't this a lovely +day? How we shall enjoy it at the Fair--that beautiful Court of Honor is +just like the loveliest of fairylands." + +"With which my eldest daughter is quite familiar, of course," he returned +with amused look and tone, and smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. + +"Well, I think I can begin to imagine now what fairyland may be like," was +her smiling rejoinder. "Papa, mayn't I keep close at your side, going +wherever you go?" + +"That is exactly what I want you to do," he said. "I should be troubled +indeed by losing sight of any one of my children, unless after putting him +or her in the care of someone whom I could implicitly trust." + +"I don't want to be in the care of anyone else, papa," she hastened to +say. + +"But it will be quite impossible to see everything here that is well worth +looking at," he said, "and our tastes may differ greatly in regard to the +things we care to examine." + +"Still I care most of all to be with you, papa. I'm not afraid of getting +lost, because I could easily find my way back to the Peristyle and wait +and watch there for you and the rest, but I want to share in your +enjoyment, and have you share in mine," laying her rosy cheek against his +shoulder and lifting to his, eyes full of ardent affection. + +"That is right," he said, smiling, and patting her cheek. + +"Ah, here come your mamma, Gracie, and the little ones. You are early, my +dear," to Violet as he handed her to a seat, took one at her side, drawing +Grace to his knee for a moment's petting and fondling, then letting her +give place to the younger two, both eagerly waiting for their turn. + +"Yes," Violet replied, "we are all ready for an early start for the Fair." + +"As I expected," he said pleasantly. "I have ordered breakfast to be on +the table an hour earlier than usual, and if our guests appear in season +we will have prayers before eating; so that we may be able to start soon +after leaving the table." + +"Judging by some slight sounds I have heard, I think they are all up and +will join us presently," said Violet. + +"Yes, mamma, I do believe we are all in a great hurry to get to the Fair," +remarked her little Elsie. "Oh, papa, is that it over there where that +arch is with all those pillars on each side of it?" + +"And, oh, papa, what big ship is that?" cried Ned, catching sight of the +_Illinois_. "I like ships, and I want to go there. Can't I?" + +"I intend to take you there one of these days," his father answered. + +Just then the rest of the party came trooping up from the cabin. Morning +salutations were exchanged, family worship followed, and then breakfast, +during which plans for the day were again discussed and further +arrangements made. + +They had scarcely left the table when Harold and Herbert appeared, +bringing further plans and suggestions in regard to the sight-seeing, for +they were anxious to help the newer arrivals--particularly their +mother--to the greatest possible enjoyment of the day. + +After a little discussion it was finally decided that they would go first +to the Ferris Wheel, from which they would have a fine view of the whole +extent of the White City. "Then to the Wooded Island, where we will +probably find enough to keep us busy until dinner time," said Harold; +"perhaps even longer." + +"No matter if it should," said his grandfather; "since we are not hurried +for time, we may as well let all get their fill of everything; and if some +want to tarry longer than others we can break up into smaller parties." + +"Yes, sir, I rather think we will find that the better plan, as our party +is so uncommonly large." + +It was large, but they were congenial and greatly enjoyed being together, +sharing the same pleasures of sight and sound. + +In another half hour they were all on shore enjoying a second view of the +lovely Peristyle and Court of Honor, through which they passed on their +way to the Ferris Wheel, the ride in which they found so delightful that +at the earnest solicitation of little Ned they retained their seats during +a second revolution. Then they left it and walked on to the Wooded Island. + +"I want to take you to the Hunter's Cabin," said Harold. "See, yonder it +is." + +"What! that old log building?" exclaimed his sister Rose, catching sight +of it among the trees. "Who cares to look at such a thing as that?" + +"I do," he returned lightly, "since it is a museum and memorial of Daniel +Boone and Davy Crockett,--two historical characters who were very +interesting to me in my youth,--and also gives one a very good idea of the +manner of life of our Western pioneers forty or more years ago." + +He led the way as he spoke, the others following. They found that the +building consisted of one large room divided by a rope into two +apartments, a public and a private one. There was a broad fireplace such +as belonged to the dwellings of the pioneers of fifty or more years ago; +there were beds and settees made of stretched skins, and skins of wild +animals covered the floor; there were also tin dishes, candles, a stool +made of a section of a log, and such cooking apparatus as was used in the +kind of dwelling represented. + +The cabin was occupied by a hunter who wore long hair and a wide-brimmed +felt hat. + +He was ready to answer questions, many of which were asked by the younger +members of our party, who, as well as their elders, seemed much interested +in this representation of pioneer life in the olden times. + +"Where now?" asked Mr. Dinsmore as they left the Hunter's Cabin. + +"I think Master Neddie here would enjoy a look at the ostriches," remarked +Herbert, with a smiling glance at the rosy, happy face of his little +nephew, who was trudging along with his hand in that of his father. + +"Oh, yes!" cried the child in a tone of eager delight. "I should like to +see them ever so much!" + +"Then if no one objects, that is where we will go," said Harold, and as +the only rejoinders from the other members of the party were those of +assent, he led the way. + +"Is it a very expensive entertainment?" asked Walter soberly. + +"Costs all of ten cents apiece," replied Herbert. "An enormous sum, but +one cannot expect to see Old Abe, General Grant, Jim Blaine, and Grover +Cleveland for just nothing at all." + +"Oh, uncle!" cried little Elsie, "are all those great men there? Oh, no, +of course they can't be--'cause some of them are dead. I know it was dear, +good Mr. Lincoln they called Old Abe, and that a wicked man shot him long, +long ago; and that General Grant was sick and died." + +"That is all true," returned her uncle, "but these fellows still wear +their feathers, and are very much alive." + +"Oh, I know now," laughed the little girl. "You mean the ostrich man has +named some of his birds after those famous men." They were now on the +northern side of Midway Plaisance, and presently reached the enclosure +where the ostriches were. There were twenty-three, full-grown, all from +California. The sight was an interesting one to both the grown people and +the children, and all listened attentively to the remarks of the +exhibitor, delivered in solemn tones, in regard to the habits of the +birds. He spoke of the male bird as most kind and self-forgetful in his +treatment of his mate, or mates, saying it was he who built the nest and +obtained the food; also that he would sit on the eggs in the nest for +sixteen hours at a stretch, while the mother did the same for only eight +hours. He had other things also to tell of the domineering of the female +over the male, which caused some merriment among the ladies and girls of +our party; to the gentlemen also, though they pretended to highly +disapprove. But all laughed together over the ridiculous movements of the +flock in passing from one side of the grounds to another. + +"What do they eat, papa?" asked Ned. + +"Corn, grasses, seeds of various kinds," replied his father. "They swallow +large stones too, as smaller birds swallow sand to help grind up the food +in the gizzard, and, indeed, ostriches have been known to swallow bits of +iron, shoes, copper coins, glass, bricks, and other things such as you +would think no living creature would want to eat." + +"They look very big and strong, papa," remarked the little boy, gazing at +them with great interest. + +"Yes; they are so strong that one can easily carry two men on his back." + +"Is that what they are good for, papa?" + +"That is one thing; and their feathers are very valuable. For that reason +ostrich farms have been established for the raising of the birds, and have +proved very profitable." + +"Don't folks eat ostriches, papa?" asked Elsie. + +"Sometimes a young one; and their eggs are eaten too. They are so large +that each one is about equal to two dozen ordinary hen's eggs; to cook one +they usually set it up on end over a fire, and having first broken a hole +in the top, they stir it with a forked stick while it is cooking. The +shells are very thick and strong and the Africans use them for water +vessels." + +"Do they have nests to lay their eggs in, like our chickens?" asked Ned. + +"They do not take the pains in building a nest that most other birds do," +replied his father, "but merely scoop a hole in the sand. One male usually +appropriates to himself from two to seven females and each hen lays ten +eggs--so it is supposed--all in the same nest, and each egg is stood up on +end." + +"It must take a big, big nest to hold them; such great big eggs as you say +they are, papa!" + +"Yes, and generally there are some to be found lying on the sand outside +of the nest; perhaps laid there by hens who came to lay in it but found +another in possession; one who had got there before them." + +"I have often heard or read that the ostrich leaves her eggs lying in the +sand to be hatched by the heat of the sun," remarked Evelyn. + +"Perhaps she does in those very hot countries," said the exhibitor, "but +not in California; though, as I've been telling you, she makes the male +bird do the most of the setting." + +"Maybe that's because the eggs are all his, but don't all belong to any of +the females," laughed Walter. + +"Perhaps that is it, sir," returned the man. + +"Can they run very fast?" asked Neddie. "I should think they could with +such great long legs." + +"Yes," said his father, "the ostrich is supposed to be able to run at the +rate of sixty miles an hour when it first sets out, but is not able to +keep up that rate of speed very long. And it has a habit of running in a +curve instead of a straight line. It is thus possible for men on horseback +to meet it and get a shot at it." + +"I think it's a great pity to shoot them when they are not even good to +eat," remarked the little fellow in indignant tones. "Besides, they might +save them to grow feathers." + +"Yes," returned the exhibitor, "that's what we're raising them for in +California." + +"Papa, I'd like to have some," said Neddie as they walked away. + +"Some what, son?" + +"Ostriches, papa." + +"About how many?" + +"Couldn't we have an ostrich farm?" asked the little fellow after a +moment's consideration of the question. + +"Well, not to-day, my son," returned his father with an amused look. +"There will be plenty of time to talk it over before we are ready to go +into the business." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +"I think the little folks are getting tired," said Harold. "and yonder on +the lagoon is a gondola waiting for passengers. Shall we take it?" + +Everybody seemed pleased with the suggestion, and presently they were in +the gondola gliding over the water. They found it both restful and +enjoyable. + +It was past noon when they stepped ashore again, and Ned announced that he +was hungry and wanted something to eat. + +"You shall have it, my son," said his father. + +"And suppose we go to the New England Cabin for it," suggested Grandma +Elsie. + +They did so and were served with an excellent repast, handsome young +Puritan ladies in colonial costumes acting as waitresses. + +After satisfying their appetites they visited the other room of the cabin, +which was fitted up as the living room of a family of the olden time. It +had log walls, bare rafters overhead, a tall old-fashioned clock in a +corner, a canoe cradle, a great spinning-wheel on which the ladies, +dressed like the women of the olden times, spun yarn, and gourds used for +drinking vessels. Some of the ladies were knitting socks, some carding +wool, while they talked together, after the fashion of the good, +industrious dames of the olden time they represented. + +Our friends, especially the young girls, were greatly interested and +amused. + +"Suppose we visit some of the State buildings now," said Mrs. Dinsmore, as +they left the cabin. + +"Pennsylvania's in particular, my dear?" returned her husband. "Well, it +is a grand old State; we could hardly do better than to show to these +little great-grandchildren the famous old bell that proclaimed liberty to +this land and all its inhabitants." + +"So I think," she said. "Do not you agree with us, captain?" + +"I do, indeed," he replied; "my older ones have seen the bell, but I want +to show it to Elsie and Ned." + +"It won't hurt any of us to look again at that old relic of the +Revolution," remarked Walter, "and of course we want to see the building." + +So the whole party at once turned their steps in that direction. + +Arrived in front of the building they paused there and scanned the +outside. All pronounced it very handsome. + +"Its front seems to be a reproduction of Independence Hall," remarked Mr. +Dinsmore; "it has its entrances and tower." + +"Yes," said his wife, "I like that and the quarter-circling in of those +front corners; those balconies, too." + +"Is that the State coat-of-arms above the pediment over the front doors, +papa?" asked Grace. + +"Yes," was the reply; "and the statues on the sides are those of Penn and +Franklin." + +Just at that moment two women, evidently from the country, came sauntering +along and halted near our party. + +"What building 's that?" asked one of the other. "It's right nice-lookin', +isn't it?" + +"Yes; and don't you see the name there up over the door?" + +"Oh, yes, to be sure! Pennsylvany! Goin' in, Elmiry?" + +"Of course; that's the thing to do. Do you see? There's the old bell, at +the door there, that they talk so much about. What they make such a fuss +over it fur I don't know; it's ugly as can be and has a great crack in it; +but it's quite the thing to talk about it and say you've seen it; so we +must do like the rest." + +"Yes, I suppose we must, though I don't see why anybody should, any more +than you do," returned her companion. "It's ugly enough and certainly +wouldn't bring first price if 'twas put up for sale. But just see what +handsome fellows those policemen are that's got charge of it! Enough sight +better-lookin' than it is." + +With that the two went nearer, looked the old bell carefully over, then +walked on into the building. While they talked merry, mischievous glances +had been exchanged among the young people of our party. + +"I wonder where they have lived all their days," laughed Walter, looking +after them as they disappeared through the doorway. + +"I hope they are not Americans! I'm ashamed of them if they are!" +exclaimed Lulu. "The very idea of such ignorance!" + +"Descendants of Tories, perhaps," said Rosie, laughing. "Do you know its +story, Elsie? that of the old bell, I mean." + +"Yes, indeed, Aunt Rosie! We've got a picture of it at home, and papa and +mamma, and Lu and Gracie have all told me the story about it--how when +those brave men had signed their names to that paper, it proclaimed +liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; for it +rang out to let the people know they had done it. Oh, papa, please show +me those words on it." + +"Yes," the captain said, "come nearer and you can see and read them for +yourself." + +The little girl obeyed with alacrity, and when she had read the +inscription, "Wasn't it very strange, papa," she said, "that those words +were put on it when nobody knew that it was going to proclaim liberty?" + +"Yes, very strange indeed; and that proclamation has made it a very famous +old bell." + +"Is that the reason why they brought it here, papa?" + +"Yes, for many people will see it here who will never get to Philadelphia +to look at it." + +"I'm glad for them that they can see it," she said with satisfaction. "Do +they ring it when it's at its home in Philadelphia, papa?" + +"No, my child; that great crack you see there has spoiled it for ringing, +but it is highly valued and cherished for what it did in those days when +our fathers had to risk everything to secure freedom for themselves and +their children." + +"They were good and brave men to do it; weren't they, papa?" + +"They were, indeed, and deserve to be kept in loving remembrance because +of their brave deed." + +The rest of the party were standing near listening to the talk between the +captain and his little girl; also regarding the old bell with interest, +though nearly all of them had seen it before. But it was time for them to +move on, for others were coming to view the old relic of Revolutionary +days, and Mr. Dinsmore led the way into the interior of the building, the +rest closely following. + +They went all over it, finding much to admire, and Mrs. Dinsmore expressed +herself as entirely satisfied with the building of her native State. + +From there they went to the Woman's Building, hoping to find in it some, +if not all the relatives who had come with Harold and Herbert to the Fair. +And they were not disappointed, for Zoe and Edward hastened to meet them +immediately on their entrance and led them into the nursery, saying they +had their little ones there with their nurse, and intended leaving them in +that pleasant place for a time while they themselves should be going about +from one building to another. + +"Uncle Horace is here with his wife and children; the Lelands also with +theirs," added Zoe, as she led the way to where were gathered the group of +little folks from Ion and its vicinity. + +Pleasant greetings were quickly exchanged; the children were full of +delight at sight of their relatives, whom they had not seen on the +previous day--Grandma Elsie in especial, for they all loved her dearly. + +But time pressed--there was so much to see--and after viewing with +approval and admiration the arrangements for the comfort of its young +occupants the older people left that apartment for others in the building; +reconciling the little ones to a temporary separation by the promise that +on their return all should go aboard the _Dolphin_ and have their supper +there; for the captain and Violet had given them all a cordial invitation +to do so. + +Taking with them those who were old enough to appreciate and enjoy the +sight, they went into the Gymnasium, which they found furnished with every +kind of machine and mechanical means for developing the muscles and +increasing the strength of both boys and girls. + +There were many children of both sexes engaged in the various exercises, +and with evident enjoyment. Our friends, both older and younger, watched +them for some time with interest. + +Leaving there they visited in turn the court of the Woman's Building, the +main hall, the east vestibule, the library, the Cincinnati parlor, the +invention room, the nursing section, the scientific department, and the +ethnological room. + +All this took a good while, there was so much to see, examine, and admire. + +The ladies showed a deep interest in the various exhibits of needlework, +the embroideries from Siam, table covers and rugs from Norway, and the +dolls dressed as brides; the fine lace-work and wood-carving from Sweden. +There was needlework from France too, and there were large and very pretty +vases from the same country. + +Zoe was much interested in the dainty needlework for infant's clothes, the +beautiful laces and ribbon flowers; and famous paintings reproduced in +silk. + +They found the Italian exhibits also, especially the laces of the +queen,--valued at one hundred thousand dollars,--worthy of particular +attention. Yet perhaps not more so than some from Mexico, including a +lace-edged handkerchief crocheted out of pineapple fibre; and the very +delicately beautiful wood-carving, so delicate as to be called etching. + +There were embroideries and laces from other countries also--Austria, +Spain, Belgium, Ceylon. + +As they came near the exhibit from Germany Lulu exclaimed in an undertone. + +"Oh, papa, what is that woman doing?" + +"We will go nearer and see if we can find out," replied the captain. The +woman sat at a table and they found that she was making bent iron-work +into candle-holders, inkstands, hanging lamps, etc., and it was very +interesting to watch her as she did so. + +There was a good deal of leather work also in Germany's exhibit, shown in +screens and tables. + +But when they had all looked their fill they found it was nearly tea time, +so they hurried back to the nursery, where they had left their little +ones, and soon they were all on the _Dolphin_, where an excellent supper +was awaiting them. + +They were hungry enough to enjoy it greatly. Everyone was weary with the +day's excitement and exertion, poor Grace--still far from strong, though +perfectly healthy--so much so that by her father's advice she went +directly from the table to her bed. + +The others sat for an hour or more upon the deck enjoying a friendly chat +and a view of some of the beauties of both the lake and the Fair; then +were about to bid good-night and return with their little folks and nurses +to their hotel. + +"Wait a little," said the captain. "I am sorry I cannot furnish +comfortable lodgings for the night for so many, but I can take you to the +city, and so shorten your journey by land to your hotel. I have ordered +steam gotten up and we can start in another half hour." + +His offer was received with hearty thanks and the plan carried out to the +great contentment of all concerned. The _Dolphin_ then returned to her old +anchorage. + +Violet had gone down into the cabin to put her little ones in bed and Lulu +promptly seized the opportunity to take possession of the vacated seat by +her father's side. He smiled and stroked her hair with caressing hand. "I +fear my little girl must be very tired with all the standing, walking, and +sight-seeing of the day," he said. + +"Pretty tired, papa, yet I should like to go back to that lovely Peristyle +for an hour or two if you would let me." + +"Not to-night, daughter; as soon as we have had prayers you must go +immediately to bed." + +"Your father is wise, Lulu; I think we are all weary enough to obey such +an order as that," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore. + +"And I found out years ago that papa always knows what is best for me," +returned Lulu cheerfully. "Besides he's so dear and kind that it is just +a pleasure to be controlled by him," she added, laying her head against +his shoulder and lifting to his, eyes full of ardent affection. + +"I agree with you, Lu," said Evelyn, "for in all the years that he has +been my teacher I have always found that he knew what was best for me." + +"Take care, girls, that you don't make my biggest and oldest brother +conceited," laughed Rosie. + +"There's not the least bit of danger. Nothing could make papa that!" +exclaimed Lulu rather indignantly. + +"Hush, hush!" her father said, laying a finger on her lips. "Rosie does +but jest, and your father is by no means sure to be proof against the evil +effects of flattery." + +"I think he is," said Rosie, "and I was only jesting, Lu; so don't take my +nonsense to heart." + +"No, I will not, Rosie; I ought to have known you were but jesting, and I +beg your pardon," Lulu said, and her father smiled approvingly upon her. + +"Cousin Ronald," said Walter, "can't you make some fun for us to-morrow +with your ventriloquism?" + +"Oh, do, Cousin Ronald, do!" cried the girls in eager chorus. + +"Well, well, bairns," returned the old gentleman good-humoredly, "I'll be +on the lookout for an opportunity for so doing without harming or +frightening anyone--unless there might be some rascal deserving of a +fright," he added with a low chuckle, as if enjoying the thought of +discomfiting such an one. + +"Which I don't believe there will be," said Walter, "for everybody I saw +to-day looked the picture of good nature." + +"Yes," said his mother, "and no wonder; the thought has come to me again +and again, when gazing upon the beauties of that wonderful Court of Honor, +especially at night when we have the added charm of the electric lights +and the fountains in full play, if earthly scenes can be made so lovely +what must the glories of heaven be! Ah, it makes one long for the sight of +them." + +"Oh, mamma, don't, don't say that," murmured Rosie in low, tremulous +tones; taking her mother's hand in a tender clasp, for they were sitting +side by side, "we can't spare you yet." + +"The longing is not likely to hasten my departure, dear," replied the +sweet voice of her mother, "and I am well content to stay a while longer +with my dear ones here if the will of God be so." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Lulu, suddenly breaking the momentary silence, "to-morrow +is the Fourth, the glorious Fourth! I wonder what is going to be done here +to celebrate it?" + +"I presume it will be celebrated in much the usual way," replied Mr. +Dinsmore. "To-day's papers say there have been great preparations on the +part of Exposition officials and exhibitors, and that there are to be a +number of patriotic addresses delivered in different parts of the grounds. +Also there will be, without doubt, a great display of bunting, abundance +of fire crackers, the thunder of cannon and so forth." + +"And we, I suppose, will pass the day on shore doing our part in the +business of celebrating our nation's birthday," remarked Rosie. + +"Why, of course," said Walter. "Such patriotic Americans as we are would +never think of neglecting our duty in that line." + +"No, certainly not," replied his mother, with a smile; "we are all too +patriotic not to do our full share to show our many foreign guests how we +love this free land of ours, and how highly we value her liberties." + +"I propose," said the captain, "that we spend the day on shore, first +consulting the morning papers as to where we will be likely to find the +smallest crowd or the best speaker, and after hearing the oration we will +doubtless find abundance of amusement in the Court of Honor and Midway +Plaisance." + +"And perhaps Cousin Ronald can and will make some fun for us," remarked +Walter, giving the old gentleman a laughing, persuasive look. + +"Ah, laddie, you must not expect or ask too much of your auld kinsman," +returned Mr. Lilburn with a slight smile and a dubious shake of the head. + +At that moment Violet rejoined them, the short evening service was held, +and then all retired to rest, leaving further discussion of the morrow's +doings to be carried on in the morning. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +Everybody was ready for an early start the next morning and Harold and +Herbert were waiting for them in the Peristyle. Some time was spent there +and in the Court of Honor, then in the Midway Plaisance. Watching the +crowds was very amusing--the wild people from Dahomey wearing American +flags around their dusky thighs, the Turks, the Arabs, and men, women, and +children of many other nations all in their peculiar costumes, so +different from the dress of our own people. + +Then the hundred thousand flags, very many of our own with their stripes +and stars, and those of perhaps every other nation that has one to +display--were flung to the breeze, while bands from Cincinnati and Iowa, +from Vienna, Suabia, and Arabia had all got together and were playing +Yankee Doodle. + +There were besides many curious bands of Oriental musicians--some of them +making great but futile efforts to play our national airs--producing +sounds that were by no means delightsome to the American ear; not half so +pleasing as the sight of the multi-colored flags decorating the huts and +castles of foreign architecture. + +It turned out to be a day of pleasant surprises. As they neared the end of +the Plaisance they came suddenly and unexpectedly upon Chester and Frank +Dinsmore and Will Croley, the old college mate of Harold and Herbert, whom +none of them had seen since the summer spent together on the New England +coast several years before. + +All were delighted; cordial greetings on both sides were exchanged, and +scarcely were these over when in a lady passing by Grandma Elsie +recognized, with a little cry of joyous surprise, her old time friend and +cousin, Annis Keith. + +"Annis! oh, how glad I am to see you!" she exclaimed. + +"Elsie! my dear, dearest cousin!" cried Annis in return, as they grasped +each other's hands and looked with ardent affection each into the other's +eyes. "Oh, how delightful to have come upon you so quickly! I was +wondering if I could ever find you in all this crowd, and to have fairly +stumbled upon you almost the first thing after leaving the cars is most +fortunate." + +"Yes; for us as well as you, Annis," Mr. Dinsmore said with a smile, +offering his hand as he spoke. "Are you just from Pleasant Plains?" + +"Yes, sir; we left there this morning, and but a moment since stepped off +the train that brought us--nearly all the family of brothers and sisters +with their children." + +"Why, yes, to be sure, here are Mildred and the doctor and--well, really +Charley,"--shaking hands with Mildred and her husband--"I will have to be +introduced to all these younger folks." + +There was quite a crowd of them--young, middle-aged, and elderly, for the +families had been increasing in numbers, the younger ones growing in size, +and all in years. + +All wanted to be together for a time, the older ones to be able to talk +freely of absent dear ones and other family matters, the younger to make +acquaintance with each other. + +"Suppose we take a car in the Ferris Wheel," suggested Harold Travilla; +"we can then have a ride, a grand view of the Fair grounds, and a chat, +all at one and the same time." + +Everyone seemed to favor the proposition and without further discussion +they all started in that direction. + +Arriving at the place they climbed a broad stairway very much like the +approach to an Elevated station. + +"This way, ladies and gentleman," said a man in a blue coat, pointing to a +doorway between two knotted beams, and they passed into a sunshiny room +with two rows of chairs at each side. There were windows all about it +barred with iron. + +"This is one of the cars," remarked Captain Raymond, in answer to an +enquiring look from Annis, and he and the other gentlemen of the party +busied themselves in seeing the ladies comfortably seated, then took +possession of chairs as near them as might be. + +Other people were coming in, and in a very few moments the car was in +motion, the click of a latch having told that they were locked in. + +Some of our party who were trying the wheel for the first time looked a +trifle pale and alarmed as the movement began, and one or two of the girls +asked low and tremulously if it were certainly quite safe. + +"Yes, I am entirely sure of that," replied Harold with his pleasant smile; +"but don't look out of the windows just yet." + +"You are not at all frightened, I see," said Chester Dinsmore in a low +tone to Lulu, having contrived to secure a seat close at her side. + +"Oh, no, indeed!" she returned. "This is my second trip and I hardly felt +at all timid even the first time, because my father had assured us it was +perfectly safe, and I have entire confidence in his opinion and his word." + +"I don't know any man whose word or opinion I would be more ready to +take," returned Chester, giving her a look that seemed to say he would be +no less willing to take the captain's daughter, were the opportunity +afforded him. + +But Lucilla did not notice the look, for she was already gazing out of the +window and thinking of nothing but the prospect from it. + +"Oh, look, Chester!" she said eagerly, "This gives us such a grand view of +the Plaisance. It is the second time our party have made this trip--no, +not that--the second time we have been in these cars; we went round twice +that day, and I hope will go at least as often to-day. Presently, when we +get to the highest part the people down below will look like the merest +black dots and the houses like toy ones." + +"Yes," he returned, "it is a trip worth taking. I should not have liked to +miss it." + +"Nor should I," said Lucilla. "I think of asking papa to bring us here +several times more." + +"In that case I hope I may be permitted to be one of the party every time, +for it is a fine sight indeed." + +"Are you and Frank new arrivals?" she asked. + +"Yes, we got into the city last evening. We would have hunted up your +party at once, but did not know just where to look for you." + +"We are making the yacht our home," she returned, "and it is anchored for +the greater part of the time at no great distance from the Peristyle. We +spend our nights on it, but so far our days have been passed in visiting +different parts of the Fair." + +"And you haven't seen everything in it yet?" he queried laughingly. + +"No, indeed! I heard someone estimate the other day that it would take +more than forty years to do that." + +"And in a few months the vast majority of the sights will be withdrawn," +he said with a half sigh; "so we will have to content ourselves with +seeing a few of such things as interest us most. How long will you stay?" + +"I don't know; that depends upon the decisions of the higher powers; in +other words of the older people. How long do you?" + +"Perhaps two or three weeks. It will depend probably upon how we enjoy +ourselves." + +"Then you will be likely to stay a good while, I think," she returned. +"There! we are at the top of the wheel, and is not the view magnificent?" + +They made the circuit a second time, then seeing that very many people +were awaiting an opportunity to fill their places in the car, they vacated +them and wandered elsewhere about the Fair grounds for a little. + +Then Grandma Elsie expressed a desire to visit the building of her native +State--Louisiana--and invited all in the party to go with her and dine +there as her guests. All accepted the invitation with apparent pleasure +and immediately turned their steps thitherward. + +"Where is it?" someone asked, and Harold answered: "At the northern curve +of the horseshoe formed by the State sites around the Fine Art Galleries +and just west of the Missouri building. It is not a long walk." + +"Ah," exclaimed Grandma Elsie when they caught sight of their destination, +"see those trees in front laden with moss from our Southern bayous! The +sight almost carries one back to the old days at Viamede." + +"Yes; that and the foliage generally, which is of the tropical order," +remarked her father in reply; "see, the cacti are conspicuous. And I like +the simple style of the building with its galleries and verandas." + +"And the site is a fine one," remarked the captain, "not far from the +cable car entrance and fronting the Art Palace." + +"Shall we dine first and then look at the exhibits?" asked Grandma Elsie. +"I want to give you all a real Southern dinner, hoping it may prove +agreeable to your palates." + +"I presume we can stand it for once, mother dear," returned Herbert, and +the rest of the party seemed equally willing. + +They passed in and were presently regaling themselves with gumbo soup, +opossum, and various other dishes peculiar to the part of the country +represented by the building and its appurtenances, being served by cooks +and waiters directly from the plantations of the river country. + +Then, having satisfied their appetites, they spent some time in examining +the relics on exhibit in the building. + +One of these was a picture of the Madonna by Raphael. There was also an +exhibition of carvings done by women, which excited both admiration and +surprise, and in one of the rooms was some richly carved furniture from +the State museum at Baton Rouge, which had once belonged to Governor +Galvez. + +They went next to the Florida building, which was a reproduction of old +Fort Marion, whose foundations were laid in 1620, the year of the landing +of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts. + +The captain mentioned that fact, then asked: "Do you know, Grace, how long +that fort was in building?" + +"No, papa," she replied, "can you tell us?" + +"It took one hundred and fifty years of toil by exiles, convicts, and +slaves to construct the heavy walls, curtains, bastions, and towers of +defence. Its bloodiest days were more than a century before our Civil War, +in which it did not take a very prominent part." + +"Where are the curtains, papa?" asked little Elsie. "I don't see any." + +"It is the name given to that part of the rampart which connects the +flanks of two bastions," replied her father. + +"And it was here that the Apaches were imprisoned," remarked Walter. + +"Yes," returned his mother, "and a most gloomy prison it must have proved +to them, used as they were to the free life of the mountains, prairies, +and forests." + +Some little time longer was spent in viewing the tropical plants and trees +that adorned the exterior of the fort, then they passed inside and +examined the many beautiful things to be seen there. + +Their next visit was to the headquarters of the State of Washington, +where they were much interested in the display of her native woods and the +rockery built of native ores, showing pure streaks of gold and silver, so +illustrating the mineral wealth of the State. + +"Where next?" asked Mr. Dinsmore as they passed out. + +"Papa, I'm so tired," little Elsie was saying at the same moment, in a low +aside to her father. + +"I, too," added Ned, overhearing her. "Please can't we take a ride now?" + +"Surely," said Grandpa Dinsmore, overhearing the request. "I invite you +all to try an electric boat on the lagoon." + +No one seemed disposed to decline the invitation; some time was spent on +the water, then on the Intramural Railway. After that the whole party, at +the invitation of Violet and the captain, went aboard the yacht, still +lying in the lake at no great distance from the Peristyle, and partook of +a supper which was no unpleasant contrast to the enjoyable dinner with +which Grandma Elsie had provided them. + +The little folks were ready for bed, on leaving the table; the older ones +rested for a time on the _Dolphin's_ deck, chatting together while +enjoying the sunset, then they returned to the Court of Honor, to revel in +its beauties as seen by the witchery of the electric light. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +Morning found them all rested, refreshed, and eager to spend another day +amid the beauties of the Fair. They started early, as on the previous day, +found Harold and Herbert with the other young gentlemen friends waiting +for them in the Peristyle, spent a little time enjoying its beauties and +the never wearying view it afforded of the lake on the one side, and the +Court of Honor on the other, then at the earnest solicitation of the +little ones they again entered an electric launch and glided swiftly along +the quiet waters of the lagoon. + +"Let us go to the Transportation Building," proposed Rosie as they landed +again. "I want to see that golden doorway, and have not the least +objection to passing through it and examining things inside." + +"As no one else has, I presume," said her grandfather. "No doubt we shall +find a great deal there worthy of examination." + +"Yes, sir; much more than we can attend to in one visit," replied Harold, +leading the way, as everyone seemed well pleased to carry out Rosie's +suggestion. + +They had heard and read of the beautiful golden doorway and viewed it with +interest and satisfaction. + +"It is very, very beautiful," said Grandma Elsie, "a nest of arches +covered with silver and gold." + +"And that border is lovely, lovely!" exclaimed Rosie; "such delicate +tracery!" + +"Papa, is it solid gold?" asked little Elsie, who was clinging to her +father's hand on one side, while Ned had fast hold of the other. + +"No, daughter," the captain replied, "not solid, though there is a good +deal of both gold and silver covering the other and cheaper materials." +Then he called her attention to a relief on the left side of the arch, +showing an ox-cart with its clumsy wheels dragging slowly along through +heavy sand, the travellers in it looking most uncomfortable. + +"That, children," he said, "is the way people used to travel years ago +when I was a little fellow, such as you are now, Neddie boy; and +this"--going to the other side of the arch and pointing to the contrasting +relief--"shows how we travel now. See, it is a section of a palace-car; +some of the people reading, others gazing from its plate-glass windows, +and a porter serving them with luncheon." + +"Yes, papa; that's the way we travel when we don't go in the _Dolphin_ or +in our carriage, and it's a great deal nicer than that ox-cart," said +Elsie. + +"Oh, papa, there are some words up there!" exclaimed Ned, pointing up to a +higher part of the arch. "Please read them." + +"I will, son," replied the captain, "though I think you are hardly old +enough to fully understand them. This"--pointing it out--"was written by +Macaulay, of whom you will learn more when you are older: 'Of all +inventions, the alphabet and the printing-press alone excepted, those +inventions which abridge distance have done the most for civilization.' +This other is by Lord Bacon: 'There are three things which make a nation +great and prosperous: a fertile soil, busy workshops, and easy conveyance +for men and goods from place to place.' Those words are put upon this +building because in it are shown the different modes of travel in +different countries--on the sea also--at different times." + +They stood for some little time longer examining into the details of that +wondrously beautiful doorway, noticing the splendor of the arches and +pylon, the stairway on each side, the roof of the pavilion and all the +other beauties. + +"It is very beautiful, and a great satisfaction to have seen it," remarked +Mr. Dinsmore at length, "but perhaps it would be as well for us to go on +into the inside of the building now, reserving further examination of this +golden doorway for some future time." + +With that he passed in, the others following. + +Many of the exhibits there were more interesting to the older members of +the party, especially the gentlemen, than to the ladies and younger +people; locomotives and trains of cars such as were in use at different +periods of time, showing the vast improvement in their construction since +steam was first put to that use, models of vessels teaching the same +lesson in regard to increased convenience and comfort of travel upon the +water. + +"Oh, there is the _Victoria_--that grandest of battleships, sunk only the +other day in collision with her sister ship, the _Camperdown_!" exclaimed +Herbert. "See what a crowd of men and women are gazing upon it!" + +"Oh, yes," said Rosie, "I remember reading a description of it in the +papers. One of England's finest battleships, was she not?" + +"Yes," said Captain Raymond, drawing near and examining the model with +interest; "she was a grand vessel, the pride of the British navy. I should +like to have seen her and am glad to have the opportunity to examine even +a model. Ah, what a sad accident it was! especially considering that it +sent to the bottom of the sea her entire crew of nearly four hundred men +and officers." + +"Oh, it was dreadful, dreadful!" said Grace in tearful tones. "Especially +because they had no time to think and prepare for death." + +"Yes, that is the saddest part of all," sighed Grandma Elsie. + +Our friends presently moved on, and all, from Grandpa Dinsmore down to +little Ned, found many objects that interested them greatly. But the most +attractive thing of all to the young folks--because of the story connected +with it--was Grace Darling's boat. It was the captain who pointed it out +to his children. + +"Who was she, papa? and what did they put her boat here for?" asked little +Elsie. + +"She was the daughter of William Darling, the lighthouse keeper on +Longstone, one of the Fame Islands." + +"Where are they, papa?" + +"In the North Sea, on the coast of Northumberland, the most northern +county of England. They form, a group of seventeen islets and rocks, some +of them so small and low-lying as to be covered with water and not visible +except when the tide is low; and the passage between them is very +dangerous in rough weather. + +"Two of the islands have each a lighthouse, and it was in one of those +that Grace Darling and her father lived. + +"In 1838 a vessel called the _Forfarshire_ was wrecked among those +islands. William Darling, from his lighthouse, saw it lying broken on the +rocks, and sixty-three persons on it in danger of drowning. His daughter +Grace, a girl of twenty-two, begged him to go and try to rescue them. It +was a very dangerous thing to attempt, but he did it, she going with him. + +"Both father and daughter were very strong and skilful, and by exerting +themselves to the utmost they succeeded in saving nine of the poor wrecked +creatures who were crouching there on the rocks in momentary expectation +of being washed off by the raging waves and drowned. They bore them safely +to Longstone." + +"And that made Grace Darling famous," remarked Lulu. + +"Yes," said her father. "Many people, many of the great and wealthy, went +to see the brave girl who had thus risked her own life to save others, and +they heaped upon her money and valuable presents; so that she was no +longer poor. But she did not live long to enjoy the good things bestowed +upon her. She died of consumption about four years after her famous +adventure." + +"What a pity, papa! wasn't it?" + +"For those who loved her, yes; but not for her, if she was ready for +heaven. Do you think it was?" + +"No, sir, 'cause it is the happy land where Jesus is, and nobody is ever +sick or sorry or in pain. But I don't want to go there yet; I'd rather +stay a good while longer here with you and mamma." + +"I want you to, darling, if such be God's will," he returned low and +tenderly, bending down to press a fatherly kiss on her round, rosy cheek. +"Your father would hardly know how to do without his little Elsie." + +She looked up into his face with shining eyes. "We love each other, don't +we, papa?" she said with satisfaction. "Mamma too, and brothers and +sisters, and grandma, and--oh, all the folks." + +"Where now?" asked Grandma Elsie as they left the Transportation Building. + +"I want to show you the German castle," answered Harold. "It is here on +the Midway Plaisance, and is a reproduction of a castle of the middle +centuries. It is viewed by most people who have read of moat-surrounded +castles with great curiosity and interest." + +"There is a German village connected with it, is there not?" she asked. + +"There is, mamma, and I think you will all enjoy looking at both it and +the castle." + +"Oh, I am sure we shall if it is a faithful reproduction of the old +castles of feudal times that we have read of!" exclaimed Rosie. + +"It is said to be," returned Harold, "and is considered very curious and +interesting." + +"Is there a moat about it, Uncle Harold?" asked Grace. + +"Yes; and a drawbridge and portcullis." + +"Oh, what is that?" asked little Elsie. + +"A framework of timbers crossing each other, pointed on the lower edge +with iron and hung by chains in grooves in the chief gateway of the +castle, so that on the sudden appearance of an enemy it could be let down +to keep him out more quickly than the drawbridge could be raised to +prevent his crossing the moat, or the gates shut." + +"And what is a moat?" + +"A ditch or canal. But you shall see one presently, and a portcullis +also." + +"Oh, I'm so glad we came here to the White City!" cried Elsie, skipping +along by her father's side; "it's so lovely and there are so many curious +things to see." + +"Yes, it is a pleasant way of gaining knowledge; pleasanter than learning +lessons and reciting them to papa; is it not, daughter?" asked the +captain, smiling down into the bright little face. + +"Yes, sir; but that's not a hard way, either, 'cause my papa is so kind, +and loves me and makes the lessons easy." + +They soon reached the castle, crossed the moat by the drawbridge, passed +through the arched gateway, under the portcullis, the young folks, and +indeed the older ones also, gazing at it with much curiosity, and entered +a spacious hall, the walls of which were hung with bows and ancient +weapons, and armor such as was worn by warriors of feudal times. + +From the hall was an entrance to a museum, where were shown many articles +interesting as having belonged to those old times when the homes of +knights and barons were such castles as this. + +When they had looked their fill at all these they left the castle for the +village surrounding it, which consisted of reproductions of very old +German houses with small porticos and sharp gables. + +These covered three or four acres of ground and were built around a court, +in the centre of which was a music stand where a band of twenty musicians, +in white uniforms and military caps, were almost constantly playing upon +their instruments, making such delightful music that crowds of people +flocked to hear them. + +Our friends enjoyed it greatly, and for a time did nothing but stay there +and listen while watching the players and the crowd. + +But the children began to show signs of weariness and the captain, Violet, +Grandma Elsie, and several of the others rose and moved on with them into +a cottage which stood in the back part of the grounds. + +It was a picturesque-looking building and there were a number of Germans +in and about it, many of them evidently sight-seers like our friends. It +was furnished in truly German style, with quaint old-fashioned mantels, +holding old pieces of bric-a-brac, and quaint dishes and cabinets hanging +on the walls. + +One room on the left as they entered seemed to be attracting particular +attention, and they presently turned to it, paused an instant at the open +door, then walked in, the captain and Violet with their two little ones +leading the way. + +The principal objects in the apartment were two wax figures, life size, +representing a man and woman seated at a table apparently dining +together. + +Our party stood for a moment silently gazing, then Mr. Lilburn and Walter +Travilla followed them into the room, though hardly seeming to belong to +their party. + +Catching sight of the figures at the table, Walter nudged the old +gentleman, gave him a significant, laughing glance, then stepping forward +addressed the waxen man in a serious tone as though he thought him a +living person. + +"Excuse me, sir, but I am a stranger here and would like to ask a little +information in regard to what may be seen that is really worth looking +at." + +At that there was a general laugh among the other spectators, and an +exchange of glances that seemed to say he must be either very blind or +extremely simple. + +Walter did not seem to notice, however, but went on: "Are the upper floors +open to visitors, sir? and are there refreshments served there, or in any +other part of the building?" + +At that the laugh among the people in the room and about the doorway grew +louder,--it seemed so good a joke that anyone should take those wax +figures for living people--and a burly German, taking pity on Walter's +stupidity, said; "Mine frient, dose vos vax beobles, ha, ha, ha! dey don't +can't say nodings." + +With that the laughter grew louder, and another German, evidently +good-naturedly desirous to relieve Walter's embarrassment, spoke, turning +as he did so to the first speaker: + +"Dat vasn't no sign de young shentlemans vas dumb; he don't can't help it; +he t'ot dey vas life beoples." + +"Nefer you mine dose silly fellows, young shentleman, dey doan' know +noddings." + +The words seemed to come from the lips of the waxen man, and struck the +crowd with astonishment. "I would tell you vat you vants to know," he +added, "but I pees von stranger in dose barts mineself." + +Then the woman seemed to speak: "Come to de dable, mine frient, and eat +somedings mit us." + +"Thank you, very much," returned Walter, "you are most kind and +hospitable, but I cannot think of intruding upon your hospitality." And +with a bow directed toward her and her spouse, he turned and left the +room, the rest of his party following and leaving the little crowd of +Germans gazing at each other and the waxen figures in wide-eyed, +open-mouthed astonishment. + +"Papa," complained little Ned as they left the German quarter, "I'm so +tired and sleepy." + +"Hungry, too, papa's boy, aren't you?" was the kindly enquiring rejoinder. +"Well, papa will take you back to our floating home, and leave you there +with your nurse to be fed and have a good, long nap. I think Elsie would +like to go too. Wouldn't you, daughter?" + +The little girl gave a glad assent, and arranging with his wife and older +daughters where to meet them on his return, the captain set off with the +two little ones for the _Dolphin_. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +Captain Raymond was not gone very long, and on his return found the others +sitting quietly listening to the music of the German band. But they were +ready to go at his invitation and test the excellence of the fare to be +obtained at the Woman's Building. + +"There are _cafés_ at each end of the roof covered with Oriental awnings," +he said, "and surely we may expect as good fare at a woman's establishment +as anywhere else." + +"I think we certainly should," said Rosie in a sprightly tone; "and there +must be a lovely view or views from that roof and the loggias." + +"Doubtless," returned the captain, "and though we visited all the lower +apartments of the building the other day, we did not go up to the roof; so +that a visit to it will have for us the charm of novelty." + +"Yes," said Grandma Elsie; "let us go by boat up the lagoon. Gracie looks +as if she needed a rest from walking, and I confess I should not object to +it myself." + +The words had scarcely left her lips before Harold had signalled a boat, +and the whole party was presently seated in it. + +A short but delightful row brought them to the landing in front of the +Woman's Building, and climbing the stone stairway that led up to the +terrace, they passed through the triple-arched colonnade that led into the +interior of the building, nor paused till they had reached one of the +_cafés_, where they might rest and also satisfy their appetites with the +good things abundantly provided. + +Those important matters duly attended to, some minutes were given to the +enjoyment of the fine views to be obtained from the loggias, and looking +at the statues of Miss Rideout, representing Sacrifice, Charity, Virtue, +and Wisdom. They then spent a short time over the exhibit in the lower +part of the building; and there Captain Raymond and Lucilla met with a +pleasant surprise in coming suddenly and unexpectedly upon Mr. Austin and +his son Albert, the English gentleman whose acquaintance they had made in +their visit to Minersville some years before. + +The pleasure was evidently mutual; very hearty greetings were exchanged, +then Captain Raymond introduced his accompanying friends, and Mr. Austin a +daughter who was with him. + +A few moments were spent in conversation, in the course of which an +invitation was extended to the Austins to take supper upon the yacht that +evening, and they parted for a time; the Austins having an engagement to +meet some friends in the meanwhile in another part of the Fair. + +"Shall we go now to the Electrical Building?" asked Captain Raymond, +addressing his party, and receiving a hearty assent from all, he led the +way. + +They found much in the building to greatly interest them; great electric +lenses used in lighthouses, the Edison electric column--covered with five +thousand electric globes--and many other wonderful things; a beautiful +scene in the daytime, but far more gorgeous at night, as they readily +perceived that it would be; so they decided to pay a second visit after +the lighting up that evening. Still their present visit was so prolonged +that on leaving they found it time to return to the yacht. They met the +Austins again at the Peristyle, and took them on board in the first boat +load. + +The guests were numerous, including all the cousins from Pleasant Plains, +and the three young gentlemen friends--Chester and Frank Dinsmore and Will +Croly. The meal to which they presently sat down, though Captain Raymond +had called it supper, was an excellent dinner of several courses, and +enlivened by pleasant chat, proved most enjoyable to the entire company. + +At its conclusion they adjourned to the deck. A pleasant air was stirring, +the sun drawing near his setting, the western sky glowing with brilliant +hues, while the sounds of life on water and land came softly to the ear. + +The young people formed one group, the older ones another, conversing +among themselves, mostly in rather subdued tones. + +"You have hardly been in America ever since I saw you last?" Lucilla said +enquiringly, addressing Albert Austin. + +"Oh, no; we went home shortly upon bidding you good-by after our brief +acquaintance in Minersville," he replied; adding, "And I presume you had +very nearly forgotten us?" + +"No," she said; "we have spoken of you occasionally,--papa, Max, and +I,--and I recognized your father the moment I saw him to-day; you also, +though I am not sure that I should have done so had you been alone; for of +course you have changed much more than he has." + +"Not more than you have, Miss Raymond," he returned with a look of +undisguised admiration; "yet I knew you instantly, though I saw you before +I perceived that the captain made one of the company you were in." + +"Indeed!" she said with a merry little laugh. "I am afraid I hoped I had +grown and improved more than that would seem to imply." + +"But you are still as proud as ever of being an American, and as proud of +your Stripes and Stars?" he remarked enquiringly and with an amused smile. + +"Yes, most emphatically, yes," she replied, lifting her eyes to the flag +floating overhead, "I still think it the most beautiful banner ever flung +to the breeze." + +"And I suppose--from its constant display here, there, and +everywhere--that that must be the idea of Americans in general," remarked +Miss Austin in a slightly sneering tone. "I must say I have--naturally, I +suppose,--a far greater admiration for England's flag, yet I should not +want to see it so ostentatiously displayed on all occasions as yours is." + +Lucilla colored, but was silent, fearing she might speak too warmly in +defence of her favorite banner should she attempt a reply; but Chester +took it up. + +"Miss Austin must remember," he said, speaking in calm, polite tones, +"that ours is a very large country, to which immigrants from other lands +are constantly flocking; and they, as well as the ignorant among +ourselves, need to have constantly kept before them the fact that we, +though spread over so many States, form but one nation; for otherwise our +Union could not be maintained; we must continually impress upon all our +people that this one glorious nation is never to be separated into parts; +and the flag is the emblem of our Union; a symbol that is unmistakable; +and so it is displayed as the chief glory of our nation; and therefore we +love it and cannot see too much of it." + +Even as he spoke the sun neared the horizon, all on the _Dolphin's_ deck +rose to their feet, and as he sank out of sight, the firing of a gun from +the _Illinois_ announcing the fact, saluted the flag as, at the same +moment, it came fluttering down from its lofty perch. + +"Thank you, for your explanation, Mr. Dinsmore," Miss Austin said +pleasantly, as they resumed their seats; "it has given me an entirely new +view of the matter, so that I now think you Americans are quite right in +your devotion to your flag, and your constant display of it. And this +Fair," she went on, "is wonderful--the White City a perfect fairyland; +especially at night, with its blaze of electrical lights and its many +colored electric fountains." + +"So we all think," said Harold Travilla. "Have you been in the Electric +Building yet?" + +"Not yet," she replied, and her brother added: "But we intend going. The +evening is the best time for a sight of its wonders, I presume?" + +"Yes; we have planned to go to-night, and would be glad to have you +accompany us." + +The invitation, overheard by the older people and cordially endorsed by +the captain, was promptly accepted by the three Austins, and as the shades +of evening began to fall, all but the little ones, already in their nests, +returned to the shore and were presently in the Electrical Building, +enjoying to the full its magical splendor. + +Croly was devoting himself to Rosie Travilla, Frank Dinsmore endeavoring +to make himself useful and entertaining to Grace Raymond and Evelyn +Leland, while his brother and Percy Landreth, Jr., vied with each other +and Albert Austin in attentions to Lucilla, leaving Miss Austin to the +charge of Harold and Herbert, who were careful to make sure that she +should have no cause to feel herself neglected. + +They spent some time in viewing the marvels of the Electric Building, +finding the lights giving it a truly magical splendor not perceptible by +day. It seemed full of enchantment, a veritable hall of marvels; they were +delighted and fascinated with the glories of the displays, and lingered +there longer than they had intended. + +On passing out, the party broke up, the Austins bidding good-by and going +in one direction, Croly carrying off Rosie in another, the Pleasant Plains +people vanishing in still another. + +"Will you take a boat ride with me, Lucilla?" asked Chester in a rather +low aside. + +"If the rest are going," she returned laughingly. "I'm such a baby that I +cling to my father and don't want to go anywhere without him." + +"You mean the captain does not allow it?" Chester said enquiringly, and +with a look of slight vexation. + +"Oh," she laughed, "I'm not apt to ask for what I don't want, and I never +want to be without papa's companionship." + +"Humph! I had really labored under the delusion that you were grown up." + +"Does that mean, ready to dispense with my father's society? In that case +I don't mean ever to be grown up," she returned with spirit. + +"Well, really!" laughed Chester, "if I am not mistaken, my sisters +considered themselves about grown up, and altogether their own mistresses +when they were no older than you are now; though, to be sure, I don't +profess to know your age exactly." + +"You may look at the record in the family Bible the next time you visit +Woodburn, if you care to," Lucilla said, with a careless little toss of +her head. "Yon will find the date of my birth there in papa's handwriting, +from which your knowledge of arithmetic will enable you to compute my +present age." + +"Thank you," he said, laughing, but with a look of slight embarrassment, +"I am entirely satisfied with the amount of knowledge I already possess on +that subject." + +"Ah, what subject is that upon which you are so well informed, Chester?" +queried Captain Raymond pleasantly, overhearing the last remark, and +turning toward the young couple. + +"Your daughter's age, sir. I invited her to take a ride with me upon the +lagoon, in one of those electrical launches; but find she is but a young +thing and cannot leave her father." + +"Ah?" laughed the captain, "then suppose we all go together." + +"Willingly, sir, if that will suit her better," answered Chester, turning +enquiringly to Lucilla. + +"I think nothing could be pleasanter," she said, and the others being of +like opinion, they were presently gliding over the waters of the lagoon +intensely enjoying the swift easy movement and the fairylike scenes +through which they were passing. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +It was late when at last all the _Dolphin's_ passengers were gathered in. +The party to which the Raymonds belonged were the first, the young men who +had accompanied them in the electric launch bidding good-night at the +Peristyle, and all had retired to their respective state-rooms before the +coming of the others; all except the captain, who was pacing the deck +while awaiting their arrival. + +His thoughts seemed not altogether agreeable, for he walked with drooping +head and downcast eyes and sighed rather heavily once or twice. + +"Papa dear, what is the matter? Oh, have I done anything to vex or trouble +you?" asked Lucilla's voice close at his side. + +"Why, daughter, are you there?" he exclaimed, turning toward her with a +fatherly smile, then taking her hand and drawing her into his arms, +stroking her hair, patting her cheeks, and pressing a fond kiss upon her +lips. "No, I have no fault to find with my eldest daughter, and yet----" +He paused, gazing searchingly and somewhat sadly into the bright young +face. + +"Oh, papa, what is it?" she asked, putting her arms about his neck and +gazing with ardent affection and questioning anxiety up into his eyes. +"You looked at me so strangely two or three times to-night, and I so +feared you were displeased with me that I could not go to my bed without +first coming to ask you about it, and get a kiss of forgiveness if I have +displeased you in any way." + +"No, daughter, you have not displeased me, but--your father is so +selfish," he sighed, "that he can scarce brook the thought that someone +else may some day oust him from the first place in his dear child's +heart." + +"Oh, papa!" she exclaimed in half reproachful tones, "how can you be +troubled with any such idea as that? don't you know that I love _you_ ten +thousand times better than anybody else in the whole wide world? I just +_love_ to belong to you, and I always shall," she added, laying her head +on his breast and gazing with ardent affection up into his eyes. "Besides, +I am only a little girl yet, as you've told me over and over again, and +must not think about beaux and lovers for at least five or six years to +come; and I'm sure I don't want to think of them at all so long as I have +my own dear father to love and care for me." + +"That is right," he said, holding her close; "I think I can say with truth +that I love my dear daughter much too well ever to intentionally stand in +the way of her happiness, but I feel sure that the best place for her, for +the next six or eight years at least, will be in her father's house, +trusting in his love and care." + +"I haven't a doubt of it, father," she said, lifting loving, laughing eyes +to his, "and really I don't believe Chester or anybody else cares half so +much about me as you do, or wants to get me away from you. I like right +well to laugh and talk with him and the others just as I do with the +girls, but I'm, oh, so glad I belong to you, and will for years to come, +if not always. Yes, I do hope it will be always, while we both live. And +Gracie feels just the same. We had a little talk about it not very long +ago, and agreed that we could not bear to think the time would ever come +when we would have to leave our dear father, and the sweet home he has +made for us, to live with anybody else in the loveliest that could be +imagined." + +"That pleases me well," he said, his eyes shining; "Gracie is no less dear +to me than you are, and so frail that I should be far from willing to +resign the care of her to another. But now, dear child, it is high time +you were resting in your bed; so give me another good-night kiss and go at +once." + +"I will, papa, and are not you going too? for I am sure you must be +needing rest as well as I." + +"Presently," he replied, glancing toward the pier. "I have been waiting to +see the last of our party on board, and here they come." + +Lucilla went to her bed a very happy girl, her heart full of love to her +father and singing for joy in the thought of his love for her. She had a +long dreamless sleep, but woke at her usual early hour and, when morning +duties had been attended to, went noiselessly up to the deck where, as she +had expected, the captain had preceded her by a moment or more. She ran to +him to claim the usual morning caress. + +"You look bright and well, dear child," he said, holding her close for a +moment, then a little further off to gaze searchingly into the smiling, +happy face. + +"As I feel, father," she said, laying her head against his breast. "I went +to sleep last night thinking of all you had been saying to me and feeling +so glad of your dear love and that you want to keep me all your own for +ever so long." Then she added, with an arch look up into his face, "Don't +you think, papa, it will be best for you to have me under eye all the +time wherever we go?" + +"I am not afraid to trust you, my darling," he answered with a smile, "but +of course I want you near me that I may take the very best care of you +always and all the time." + +"Well, then, I'll get and keep just as close to you as I can," she +answered with a merry look and smile. "But, papa----" + +"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked, as she paused and hesitated, as if +fearful that he might be displeased with what she was about to say. + +"I was just thinking,--please don't be vexed with me,--but wasn't Mamma Vi +only nineteen when you married her?" + +"Yes," he said, with a slight smile, "but circumstances alter cases, and I +have changed my views somewhat since then." + +"Yes," she said, reflectively; "she had no father, and it was you she +married, you who know so well how to take care of both her and your +daughters." + +At that her father merely smiled again and patted her cheek, saying. "I am +glad you are so well content with my guardianship." + +He did not think it necessary to tell her of a talk with Violet the night +before, in which he had expressed his determination to keep his daughters +single for some years to come,--certainly not less than five or six,--and +his fear that Chester and one or two others had already begun to perceive +their charms, and might succeed all too soon in winning their affections; +in reply to which Violet had, with a very mirthful look, reminded him how +young she herself was at the time of their marriage, and that he did not +seem to think it at all necessary to wait for her to grow older. + +In answer to that he had laughingly insisted that she was far more mature +than his daughters bid fair to be at the same age; adding that besides he +certainly ought to have gained something in wisdom in the years which had +passed since their marriage. + +"Ah," said Violet giving him a look of ardent affection, "after all I am +glad you had not attained to all that wisdom some years earlier, my dear +husband, for my life with you has been such a happy, happy one. Your dear +love is my greatest earthly treasure, our little son and daughter scarcely +less a joy of heart to me." + +"To me also," he said, drawing her into his arms and giving her tenderest +caresses, "yet not quite so dear as their mother; for you, my love, have +the very first place in my heart." + +"And you in mine," she returned, her eyes dewy with happy tears; "and I +love your daughters dearly, dearly; I could hardly bear to part with them, +and I am glad to perceive that they, as yet, care nothing for beaux, but +are devoted to their father and happy in his love." + +"Yes, I think they are, and fondly hope they will continue to be, for a +number of years to come," was his pleased response. "I have no doubt they +will," said Violet, and there the conversation ended. + + * * * * * + +"More than content, papa; for as I have often said, I just delight in +belonging to you," was Lucilla's glad response to his last remark in that +morning talk. + +"Yes, I know you do, and so we are a very happy father and daughter," he +said. "I often think no man was ever more blest in his children than I am +in mine." + +The talk about the breakfast table that morning was of the places it might +be most desirable to visit that day, and the final conclusion that they +would go first to the battleship _Illinois_, then to the lighthouse and +life-saving station, both near at hand. + +"I am glad we are going aboard a battleship--or rather the model of one, I +presume I should say, and especially in company with a naval officer who +can explain everything to us," remarked Rosie in a lively tone. + +"Yes, we are very fortunate in that," said Mrs. Dinsmore, giving Captain +Raymond an appreciative look and smile. + +"Papa, didn't you say she wasn't a real ship?" asked little Elsie, looking +up enquiringly into her father's face. + +"Yes, my child, but in all you could perceive in going aboard of her she +is exactly like one--a fac-simile of the coast-line battleship _Illinois_, +which is a very powerful vessel." + +"And are her guns real, papa? Mightn't they go off and shoot us?" + +"No, daughter, there is no danger of that. The largest ones are wooden +models, and though quite a number are real and capable of doing terrible +execution, there is not the slightest danger of their being used on us." + +"I'm not one bit afraid of them!" cried little Ned, straightening himself +up with a very brave, defiant air. "Not with papa along, anyhow." + +"No, you needn't be, Ned," laughed Walter, "for most assuredly nobody +would dare to shoot Captain Raymond or anybody under his care." + +"No, indeed, I should think not," chuckled the little fellow, with a +proudly affectionate look up into his father's face. + +"No, nor any other visitor to the ship," said the captain. "We may go +there without feeling the least apprehension of such a reception." + +"So we will start for the _Illinois_ as soon as we are ready for the day's +pleasures," said Violet, smiling into the bright little face of her boy. + +Harold and Herbert joined them at the usual early hour, bringing Chester +and Frank Dinsmore with them, and in a few minutes they were all upon the +deck of the model battleship. + +They were treated very politely and shown every department from sleeping +quarters to gun-deck. They were told that she was steel armor-plated below +the berth-deck, and were shown that above the decks were steel turrets, +through portholes of which deep-mouthed wooden guns projected. Also that +she was fully manned and officered with a crew of two hundred men, who +gave daily drills and performed all the duties required of them when in +actual service on the high seas. + +From the battleship they went to the lighthouse and life-saving station. + +On the plaza in front of the Government Building was the camp of the +life-saving corps. It was neat and pretty, and close beside it was the +model of a government lighthouse. Some of our party went to the top of +that, and all of them viewed the paraphernalia used in the saving of life +when a vessel is wrecked within sight of the shore. Some of them had +already seen it on the Eastern shore, but were sufficiently interested to +care to look at it again, while to the others it was altogether new, as +was the drill through which the company of life guards were presently put, +for both the benefit to themselves of the practice, and the edification of +visitors. + +That over Grandma Elsie asked, "Shall we not, now we are here, go into the +Government Building and look at the military exhibit?" + +"I should like to do so," said Mr. Dinsmore. "In what part of the building +is it, Harold?" + +"The southeastern, sir. I have been in once, and found many things well +worth looking at more than once." + +Harold led the way as he spoke, the others following. + +The first department they entered contained exhibits of metal work, gun +and cartridge-making machines, campaign materials, and battleflags. + +All were interesting to the gentlemen, and to some of the ladies also, but +to the others and the children the battleflags were far more so than +anything else. It was the greatest collection ever seen outside of a +government museum; for they were mementoes of all the wars our country +has passed through since the settlement of Jamestown, Va. + +There were also mountain howitzers mounted on mules, forage wagons, +propeller torpedoes, and every kind of camp appliance, garrison equipage, +pack saddles, etc. Famous relics, too, such as a beautifully carved bronze +cannon captured from the British at Yorktown in 1781, and a great gun +called "Long Tom," with which the privateer _General Armstrong_ repelled a +British squadron off the shores of the Azores in 1814, and many other +souvenirs of American history. + +"'Long Tom,'" repeated little Elsie, gazing curiously at the great gun, +about which some remark had been made a moment before, "I s'pose there's a +story to it. I wish somebody would tell it to Neddie and me." + +"You shall hear it one of these times," said her father, "but not here and +now;" and with that she was content, for papa's promises were sure to be +kept. + +"Don't refrain on my account from telling it here and now, captain," said +Cousin Ronald with a humorous look and smile. "I'm not so patriotic as to +endorse wrong-doing even on the part of Britons." + +"We are all sure of that, sir," returned the captain, "but this time and +place are not the most favorable for the telling of a story of that +length." + +"And grandma will sit down somewhere with the children presently for a +rest, in some quiet place, and tell them the story of the gun should they +wish to hear it," said Mrs. Travilla; and with that promise the children +seemed well content. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +By the middle of the afternoon Grandma Elsie, Grace, and the little ones +were all weary enough to be glad to return to the _Dolphin_ for a rest. + +After a refreshing nap Grace and the children gathered about Mrs. Travilla +and begged for the fulfilment of her promise to tell the story of "Long +Tom," and she kindly complied. + +"The _General Armstrong_ was a privateer, and the fight I am now going to +tell about was one of the most famous of the war of 1812-14," she said. +"The vessel was commanded by Captain Samuel C. Reid, a native of +Connecticut. He went to sea when only eleven years old and was a +midshipman with Commodore Truxton. He was still a young man--only +thirty--when the event of which we are talking occurred. That was on the +26th of September, 1814, in the harbor of Fayal, one of the Azores islands +belonging to Portugal. + +"While lying there at anchor the _Armstrong_ was attacked by a large +British squadron. That was in flagrant violation of the laws of +neutrality. Commodore Lloyd was the commander of the squadron. At eight +o'clock in the evening he sent four large well-armed launches, each manned +by about forty men, to attack the American vessel. + +"The moon shone brightly, and Captain Reid, who had noticed the movements +of the British and suspecting that their design was to attack him, was +getting his vessel under the guns of the castle. Those guns and his own +opened fire at almost the same instant and drove off the launches with +heavy loss." + +"That means a great many men killed, grandma?" queried little Elsie. + +"Yes, dear, a great many of the British; on our side there was one man +killed, and a lieutenant was wounded. But that was not the end of the +affair. At midnight another attack was made with fourteen launches and +about five hundred men. + +"A terrible fight ensued, but at length the British were driven off with a +hundred and twenty killed and one hundred and eighty wounded." + +"That was a great many," commented the little girl. "Did they give it up +then, grandma?" + +"No; at daybreak one of the British vessels, the _Carnation_, made another +attempt. She began with a heavy fire, but the gunners of the _Armstrong_ +fired shots at her so rapidly and so well directed that she was soon so +badly cut up that she hastened to get out of their range. + +"In all this fighting the British had lost over three hundred in killed +and wounded, while only two Americans were killed and seven wounded. But +the _Armstrong_ was a good deal damaged and Captain Reid saw that he could +not stand another fight such as she had just gone through, so he directed +her to be scuttled to prevent her from falling into the hands of the +enemy." + +"Scuttled? What's that, grandma?" asked little Ned. + +"Making holes in the bottom or sides of a vessel, so that the water can +get in and sink her, is called scuttling. It was done to prevent the +British from taking possession of her. After our men had left her, +however, they boarded, and set her on fire." + +"Grandma Elsie," said Grace, "I think I remember reading that that victory +of Reid's--or perhaps I should say successful resistance--had much to do +with the saving of New Orleans." + +"Yes; that British squadron was on its way to Jamaica, where the British +vessels were gathering for the expedition to move against and take New +Orleans, and their object in attacking the _Armstrong_ was to secure her +for themselves and make her useful in that work. Had they succeeded in +taking her they would have reached New Orleans while it was utterly +defenceless, General Jackson having not yet arrived there. But Reid, in +his splendid defence of his vessel, so crippled those of the enemy that +they did not reach Jamaica until fully ten days later than the time when +the expedition was expected to sail from there; Lloyd was waited for and +the expedition thus delayed until Jackson had reached the city and was +making haste with arrangements for its defence." + +"Yes, grandma, I've heard the story about that," said little Elsie; "how +the British tried to take that city and General Jackson and his soldiers +killed so very many of them, and drove the rest away." + +Neddie was looking very grave and thoughtful. "Isn't it wicked to kill +folks, grandma?" he asked. + +"Yes, dear, unless it is necessary to prevent them from killing or badly +injuring us or someone else. The British were terribly abusing our poor +sailors and it was right for our government to fight them, because they +would not stop it until they were forced to do so." + +"But you haven't told about 'Long Tom' yet, grandma," said Elsie; "that +big gun, you know, that we saw to-day." + +"Yes; it was one of those on the _Armstrong_ with which Captain Reid +defended his ship." + +"Weren't the Americans glad when they heard about it, grandma? and didn't +they praise Captain Reid?" + +"Indeed they did! and also made him many handsome presents. The State of +New York thanked him and gave him a sword." + +"Hadn't he afterward something to do with a change in our flag, Grandma +Elsie?" asked Grace. + +"Yes; our flag at first bore thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, and as +new States were admitted another star and stripe were added for each one. +But it was soon found that that was making the flag very large unless the +stripes became narrower and narrower, while there was nothing to show what +had been the original number of States. Captain Reid suggested the plan of +retaining the thirteen stripes to indicate that, and the adding of a new +star every time a new State was admitted, and Congress adopted that plan. +He was certainly a talented man. He invented and erected the signal +telegraphs at the Battery and the Narrows." + +"I'm proud of him, Grandma Elsie!" said Grace, her face lighting up with +enthusiasm. "His defence at Fayal against such overwhelming numbers was +wonderful. And so was Jackson's at New Orleans. England was a great and +powerful nation while ours was but small and weak, but we were in the +right--fighting against dreadful wrongs done to our sailors--and God +helped us to drive away our haughty, powerful foe, and deliver our brave +tars from her unendurable oppression." + +"Yes, dear; and to Him let us ever give all the glory and the praise. Oh, +may our nation always serve God and trust in him! then no foe shall ever +prevail against her." + +"I hope we do, grandma," said little Elsie, "for on a quarter papa gave me +the other day, I saw the words, 'In God we trust.'" + +"Oh!" cried Ned at that moment, "the folks are coming! I see them there on +the Peristyle--papa and mamma, Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore, Lu and the +others." + +"Yes, and the boat is waiting for them," added Elsie "and see, they are +getting in." + +"Oh, I am so glad," said Grace, "though they are earlier than usual." + +"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, "I suppose because it is Saturday evening and +we are all so tired with going and sight-seeing that we need to get early +to bed and rest that we may not be too weary to enjoy the coming Sabbath +day." + +"I 'spect so," said Ned, and running forward as his father and the others +stepped upon the deck, "Papa," he asked, "did you come home soon to get +ready to keep Sunday?" + +"Yes," was the reply; "we all need a good rest that we may be able to +enjoy God's holy day and spend it in his service." + +"Where have you been since we left you, Lu?" asked Grace, as her sister +took a seat by her side. + +"Papa took us to look at the Krupp gun," was the reply. "It is a wonderful +one; weighs two hundred and forty-eight thousand pounds; just think! one +hundred and twenty-four tons! It was certainly a great undertaking to +bring it all the way from Essen, Germany, to Chicago. They told us that at +Hamburg and at Baltimore great cranes were used, one of which could lift a +sixty-five ton locomotive, to lift the gun to the trucks that were to +carry it on the railroad; they had to put eight trucks under it, fastening +two together, then the two pair together, and so on till they had the +eight all well fastened to each other, when they laid the gun on them and +started it off. + +"And only think, Gracie, it takes half a ton of powder and costs one +thousand two hundred and fifty dollars to fire that great gun once. We +saw the steel plate, sixteen inches thick, through which a twelve-inch +shot had been fired. It had cracked the plate and thrown the upper corner +half a yard away. I forgot to say the projectile fired from that gun +weighs a ton, and goes sixteen miles." + +"Oh," cried Grace, "that's just dreadful! I hope there will never be a war +where such terrible guns will be used--never any more at all; but that +very soon, as the Bible says, the people 'shall beat their swords into +plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift +up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.'" + +"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, overhearing her, "that will be a blessed time." + +"Yes, indeed!" said Lucilla. + +"Where else did you go?" asked Grace. + +"Oh, we have been promenading along the lake shore, sitting down now and +then on the seats to watch the many boats of various sorts and sizes, our +own among the rest; and now, here we are to stay for the night, I suppose. +I must, at least, for papa has said so." + +She looked smilingly up into his face as she spoke, for he was now +standing by her side. + +"I think that will be best for each of my children, and hope that my dear +eldest daughter does not feel at all rebellious in regard to the matter," +he said in his pleasant, fatherly way. + +"No, indeed, papa!" she responded heartily, "though the beautiful Court of +Honor is so fascinating--especially at night--that if you had given me +permission to go back there after tea I should have been very glad to do +so." + +"And I should take pleasure in allowing you that gratification if I +thought it best and right." + +"I don't doubt that in the least, papa, and I am very glad to have you to +decide all such questions for me," she replied. + +"Will we go over there, to the Court of Honor, to-morrow, papa?" asked +little Elsie. + +"No, daughter, we must keep the Sabbath day holy, and if we go anywhere it +will be to church." + +"And if we don't, we'll have a meeting here on our own deck as we have on +some other Sundays; won't we, papa?" + +"Yes; and the Lord Jesus will be with us; for he has said, 'Where two or +three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.'" + +"Oh, papa, I shall like to think of that--that the dear Lord Jesus is here +with us--but I do wish I could see him." + +"I too," said little Ned. "Please, papa, sit down now and let your baby +boy sit on your knee a little while. You have been gone so long away from +me." + +"So long, papa's dear boy!" the captain repeated with a smile of fatherly +affection into the bright, coaxing little face, then seating himself, he +took the little fellow in his arms, and petted and caressed him to his +heart's content. "Papa missed his dear little boy," he said, "but hoped he +was having a good time here with dear grandma." + +"Yes, papa, so I was. Grandma's ever so nice, but I want my papa and +mamma, too." + +"That's right, darling! mamma and papa would never know how to do without +their dear baby boy," Violet said, adding her caresses to those of his +father, the captain having taken a seat close at her side. + +"Nor me either, mamma?" asked Elsie, drawing near, putting one hand into +that of her mother and laying the other on her father's knee, her look and +tones a trifle wistful, as if she were half fearful that she was less +highly appreciated than her brother. + +"No, indeed, dear child!" they replied, speaking together, "we love you +just the same." + +"Gracie also," the captain added, turning toward her with a tenderly +appreciative smile. "You were looking very weary, daughter, when you left +us some hours ago. Are you feeling better now? + +"Yes, thank you, papa," she replied with a sweet, glad smile. "How kindly +careful of me you always are!" + +"Yes," he returned, "one is apt to be careful of his choicest treasures." + +"It is so delightful to be one of your treasures, you dear papa," she +said, going to his side in response to an inviting gesture, as Neddie got +down from his knee to run to the side of the vessel to look at a passing +boat. + +"And so delightful to have you for one," he said, drawing her to the seat +Neddie had vacated. "Papa feels that he must be very careful to see that +the strength and endurance of his feeble little girl are not overtaxed." + +"Mamma too," said Violet. "Dear child, I hope the rest of to-night, +to-morrow, and the following night may entirely relieve your fatigue." + +"Thank you, mamma, I hope and believe that it will," responded Grace in +cheerful tones. "We will go to church to-morrow, I suppose, papa?" turning +enquiringly to him. + +"Those of us who feel able and wish to," he replied. "I intend moving on +up the lake to Chicago when you have all retired to your state-rooms, and +to lie at anchor there until the Sabbath is past. We will have our Bible +lesson as usual in the afternoon, and service on board in the evening." + +"I am glad of that, papa," said Grace, "for I always greatly enjoy a Bible +lesson with you for my teacher." + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +Most of the _Dolphin's_ passengers went into the city to attend church the +next morning, but Grandma Elsie and Grace, not yet entirely recovered from +their fatigue, remained behind with the little ones. They watched the +departure of the others, then Elsie, taking a seat close at her grandma's +side, asked for a Bible story. "I like so much better to hear you or papa +or mamma read or tell it than to have to read it for myself," she said. + +"Yes, dear, and I always enjoy reading or telling those sweet stories to +you," replied Mrs. Travilla, turning over the leaves of her Bible. + +"Please read 'bout Jesus walking on the water, grandma," pleaded Neddie. + +"Yes," she said. "Here in this chapter Mark tells about Jesus feeding the +multitude--five thousand men--with five loaves and two fishes; making so +much of that small quantity of food that they all ate and were filled, and +there were twelve baskets full of fragments left. Then he constrained his +disciples to get into the ship and go to the other side before unto +Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. Now, do you remember what he +did after the disciples and the people were gone?" + +"Went up into a mountain to pray," answered Elsie. "Grandma, why did he +pray when he was God and could do everything?" + +"We cannot fully understand it, dear, but he was both God and man and +loved to talk with his Father, God." + +"Yes, grandma, I love to talk to my father," said Ned. + +"So do I," said Elsie; "he is such a dear, kind papa, and we all love him +so much." + +"That is right," grandma said with her sweet smile; "and I hope you +sometimes thank God, our heavenly Father, for giving you such a good, kind +papa." + +"Yes, grandma, yes indeed!" + +"Now listen while I read," she said, and began: "'And when even was come, +the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw +them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the +fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and +would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, +they supposed it had been a spirit, and they cried out: (For they all saw +him, and were troubled.) And immediately he talked with them, and saith +unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto +them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in +themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the +miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.'" + +"Oh, grandma, I don't want my heart to be hardened like that--so that I +won't believe in Jesus and love and trust him," Elsie said earnestly. + +"No, dear child; ask God very often not to let it ever be so hardened; but +to give you strong and abiding faith; faith that will never for an instant +doubt his power or love. Remember he says, 'I love them that love me, and +those that seek me early shall find me.'" + +"Early in the morning, grandma?" asked. Ned. + +"Yes, dear; and early in life--while you are a little child." + +"How, grandma? What's the way to do it?" + +"Perhaps you may sometimes want papa when you do riot know exactly where +he is, and you go about the house and grounds looking for him; that is +seeking him; and when you have found papa you say to him what you wish to +say. But Jesus, being God, is every where; he sees you and hears all you +say, knows all your thoughts; so if you speak to him only in your heart +he will know it--know all you want and listen to your prayer; for he is so +good, so kind, so condescending that he will not turn away from anyone who +really prays--asks with all his heart to be cleansed from his sins and +made truly good--such an one as will be pleasing in the sight of God." + +"Yes, grandma," said Elsie, "that's what papa and mamma, too, have told +Neddie and me many times; and I do ask God earnestly very, very often to +give me a new heart and make me his own dear child. Grandma, papa often +tells me he loves me very dearly, but that Jesus loves me still more." + +"Yes, dear child, the Bible tells us so and it is very sweet and +comforting to think of. Jesus loves to have us carry our troubles to him +and he feels for us in them all. He says, 'As one whom his mother +comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted.'" + +"And mamma is such a dear comforter when we are in any trouble or +suffering pain," remarked Elsie. + +"Yes, your mamma loves you very dearly, but Jesus' love is still stronger. +Now I will read of another time when Jesus stilled the waves with a word. +"'Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his +disciples: and he said unto them, let us go over unto the other side of +the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and +there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with +water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, +Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind, and the +raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said +unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one +to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds +and water, and they obey him.'" + +"Nobody but God could do that," Neddie remarked, half in assertion, half +enquiringly. + +"No, dear child, it is only the voice of God the winds and waters will +obey, or the dead when summoned to come forth from their graves. Jesus is +God; and he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God, by +him. The Bible tells us so; the Bible which from beginning to end is God's +own holy word. Listen to its closing words;" and again she read aloud from +the Bible in her hands. + +"'I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the +churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and +morning star. And the spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that +heareth say Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, +let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that +heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto +these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this +book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this +prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of +the holy city and from the things which are written in this book. He which +testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, +Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.'" + +"Is it Jesus who says, 'Surely I come quickly, grandma?" asked Elsie. + +"Yes, dear; and he says to each one of us: 'Take ye heed, watch and pray: +for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a +far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and +to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye +therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, +or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming +suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, +Watch.'" + +"Watch," repeated Neddie. "What for, grandma?" + +"That we may be ready to meet him with joy; our hearts full of love to him +and his cause, caring little for the things of earth, but very much for +things heavenly and divine; setting our affections on things above." + +"Oh, there they come!" cried Neddie the next moment; "papa and mamma and +all the rest," and he ran to the side of the vessel to give them a joyous +greeting as they presently stepped upon the deck. In the afternoon the +captain gathered his young people together for a Bible lesson, which all +liked as he was sure to make it both interesting and instructive. The +subject was the miracle of Christ wrought in the healing of the paralytic +as related in Mark II. 1-12. "'Seeing their faith?' How did they show +their faith, Lucilla?" asked the captain. + +"By their works, papa. I think that if they had not believed that Jesus +could and would heal their friend they would hardly have taken the trouble +to break up the roof that they might let him down before the Lord. And the +paralytic too must have had faith in the power and willingness of Jesus to +heal him or surely he would have objected to being moved so much--carried +from this house along the street to the place where Jesus was, then up to +the roof, and let down from there in his bed." + +"Yes, he, too, surely must have had faith in the power and willingness of +Christ to heal him, and is included in the number of those spoken of as +having faith. Let it never be forgotten that faith in Christ is necessary +to salvation; for without faith it is impossible to please him'; but, 'all +things are possible to him that believeth.' 'Ye believe in God, believe +also in me,' Jesus said to his disciples in his farewell talk with them +the night before his crucifixion. If we would be saved we must have 'the +righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon +all them that believe.' None can be justified by works, 'for all have +sinned and come short of the glory of God,' and if we are justified it +must be 'freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ +Jesus.' Ah, let us all pray as did the disciples, 'Lord, increase our +faith.'" + +"Why did Jesus say to the man 'Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,' papa?" +asked little Elsie. "I thought it was to be cured of his sickness the man +came." + +"Yes, daughter, but sin is the cause of all sickness and disease; if man +had not sinned there would never have been any sickness or pain, and +there will be none in heaven where all are holy. + +"And in pronouncing the man's sins forgiven Jesus asserted himself to be +God. The Scribes sitting there understood it to be so, and said in their +hearts, 'Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins +but God only?' And Jesus knew their thoughts, for he asked, 'Why reason ye +these things in your hearts?'" + +"That he could see their thoughts I should think was another proof that he +was God," remarked Walter, "and when that was followed by the +instantaneous healing of the man, it seems to me wondrous strange that +they were not convinced beyond the possibility of a doubt." + +"The trouble with them was the same with that of many in these days," +returned the captain; "their hearts were more in the wrong than their +heads; they did not want to be convinced." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + +Monday morning found all on board the _Dolphin_ feeling well, bright, and +ready to enjoy a further examination of the wonders and beauties of the +White City beside the lake. As usual the question which of them all should +claim attention first, came up for discussion at the breakfast table. + +"I for one would like extremely to pay a visit to Buffalo Bill's Wild West +Show," said Walter. "I think my little nephew and niece would enjoy it +too, and possibly older folks might find some amusement there also." + +"Oh, what is it, Uncle Walter?" asked Ned eagerly. "I'd like to see some +buffaloes." + +"Well, so you will if we go," replied Walter, "for there's a herd of them +to be seen there. It is outside the Exposition grounds, but worth going to +see, I should think. There are rifle experts, bucking ponies, dancing +dervishes, athletes, female riders, besides American, German, French, +English, Cossack, Mexican, and Arabian cavalry, to say nothing of cowboys, +and other attractions too many to mention." + +"Oh!" cried Ned, "I want to go. Can't I, papa?" + +"All alone?" asked his father laughingly. "No, my son, I fear you are +rather young for that." + +"Oh, no, papa; I didn't mean all alone. But won't you take mamma and Elsie +and all the rest, and me too?" + +"Yes, if mamma and all the rest want to go." + +"There are two hundred Indians there, Ned. Won't you be afraid of them?" +asked Lucilla. + +"No, Lu; not with our papa along to take care of us. If you're afraid, I +s'pose you can stay on the _Dolphin_ here till we come back." + +"Thank you, Ned," she said laughing; "but I believe I feel quite as safe +where papa is as you do. And I think I should like to see that show +myself, though I'm neither a baby boy like you, nor a sixteen year old +laddie like Walter." + +"No, not a boy at all; only a girl. I'm glad I was made a boy so I can +grow up into a man like papa." + +"I'd rather be a woman like mamma and Grandma Elsie," said his little +sister. "But I'd like to see the buffaloes and all the rest of it. Can't +we go, papa?" + +"I will go and take my little girl and boy," replied her father, "and will +be glad of the company of anyone else who feels inclined to go with us." + +No one seemed disinclined, and finally all decided to go. + +They were well entertained, and, when the exhibition was over, passed out +upon the elevated platform at the entrance. + +The crowd moved slowly, and as they stood awaiting an opportunity to +descend to the street below, there arose a sudden cry of "Fire!" and at +the same instant they perceived a flame creeping up within the centre +tower of the Cold Storage Building near at hand. + +Scarcely was the cry raised before twenty-five brave and experienced +firemen were on the scene, and ascending to the platform of observation +that had been built near the summit. The tower was built of pine wood and +plaster, which had been dried by the sun without and hot sheet-iron +chimneys within, so that it burned fiercely. The firemen saw that it was a +very dangerous place for anyone to venture into, therefore they hesitated +and drew back; but their leader swore at them, calling them cowards, and +at once they climbed to the perilous place; but scarcely had they reached +it when there was an explosion of gases; the roof heaved and fell in, +carrying with it sixteen men down into a pit of gaseous flame, and a +shriek of horror went up from the fifty thousand people who stood looking +on, unable to give the least assistance to the poor perishing men. + +The party from the _Dolphin_ saw it all and were sick with horror. Grace +fainted, and but for the support of her father's arm, quickly thrown about +her, would have fallen to the floor of the platform where they stood. He +held her up, and with the help of Harold and Herbert, hastily pushed his +way through the crowd. + +"Lay her down as quickly as you can, captain!" exclaimed Harold; "it is +important." + +"Yes, I know," returned Captain Raymond, glancing down at the white, +unconscious face of his precious burden. + +But at that instant Grace's eyes opened, and looking up in a bewildered +way into her father's eyes, "Papa, I'm too heavy for you to carry," she +said faintly. + +"No, my darling, not at all," he replied. "There, Uncle Harold has +summoned a boat and we will take you back at once to our floating home." + +"Am I sick? did I faint, papa?" she asked. "Oh,"--with a burst of tears +and sobs--"I remember now! Oh, those poor, poor men! Papa, were they all +killed?" + +"Don't be so distressed, dear child," he said with emotion. "I think they +must have been almost instantly suffocated by the gas, and did not feel +anything that followed." + +"Your father is right," said Harold, close at her side; "and though it was +a very dreadful thing for them to be sacrificed in that way, and hurried +into eternity without a moment's warning, they are not suffering pain of +body now, and we can only hope that with their last breath they cried to +the God of all grace for pardon and salvation." As he concluded his +sentence the boat he had signalled was close at hands the rest of their +party came up at that moment, all embarked, and they were soon on board +the _Dolphin_, where they remained for the rest of that day, feeling too +much shocked over the dreadful catastrophe at the Storage Building to care +to go anywhere else. + +Poor, feeble Grace was almost overwhelmed with pity and horror, weeping +bitterly much of the time. The others, especially her father, did all in +their power to comfort her with the hope that at least some of the killed +were prepared for heaven, and with plans for giving aid and consolation to +their bereaved wives, children, and other relatives who had been dependent +upon their exertions for support. + +The next day brought a very pleasant surprise in the arrival among them of +their cousin, Dr. Conly, with his wife and her brother, Sandy McAlpin. +The sight of her old physician, and Marian, of whom she was very fond, did +much to restore Grace to her usual spirits, and all went together to view +various interesting exhibits. + +The first to which they gave their attention was that of the relics of the +Cliff Dwellers. It was in the southeastern part of the grounds, and was a +reproduction of Battle Rock Mountain, Colorado. As you neared it you +seemed to see before you a cliff, for though built of timbers, iron, +stone, staff, and boards, it wore the appearance of rock and earth. There +was a cavernous opening which had the effect of a canyon, and in niches +high up were the dwellings, in miniature, of the ancient people who once +lived among the tablelands of our southwestern territories; but portions +of the real houses were shown in order to give a perfectly truthful +impression to visitors; also there were relics of the old cliff dwellers +shown, such as weapons wrought from bones, stone, and wood; pottery, and +cloths and mattings woven from blades of the alfalfa plant. + +There were to be seen also ledges of fallen rock with houses crushed +beneath and other houses built over them. Also winding paths led up the +cliffs and through to the outer air, and up these our friends climbed to +the summit, where they stood for a little enjoying the prospect now on +this side, now on that. + +"Papa," asked little Elsie, "how long ago did people live in those houses +so high up among the rocks?" + +"Nobody knows just how long ago, my child," he replied, "but probably +hundreds of years before Columbus discovered America." + +The rest of the day was spent in the Midway Plaisance, a street three +hundred feet wide, beginning at the rear of the Woman's Building, +extending about a mile in length, and so full of interesting sights that +one might tarry there many hours, and go again day after day, without +wearying of them, but always finding something by which to be greatly +entertained. + +"A good and most entertaining place for the study of mankind," as Mr. +Dinsmore remarked. + +As they entered it the sound of the sweetly piercing music of a bagpipe +smote upon their ears. "Ah," exclaimed Mr. Lilburn, "that sound is sweetly +homelike to my ear. Let us see, my friends, to what sight it summons us." + +"The Beauty Show, sir," said Herbert. "Probably you have all heard of +it--some thirty or forty belles collected from different parts of the +world and dressed in their national costumes." + +They went in, passing the handsome Highlander playing the bagpipes at the +door. They found the women who were on exhibition ranged in pens around a +large room. + +"Beauties!" sniffed Rosie as she glanced about upon them, "there is +scarcely one who I should have selected as such." + +"Hush, hush, Rosie!" said her mother warningly; "we do not know but some +of them may understand English, and surely you would be sorry to hurt +their feelings." + +"Yes, I should indeed, mamma," she returned in a regretful tone, and they +passed out. + +"That countryman of yours has much the handsomest face about that +establishment. Cousin Ronald," remarked Lucilla, with a smile, as they +proceeded on their way. + +"I agree with you in that opinion, lassie," laughed the old gentleman, +"and I have no doubt that he would also, had he heard you express it." + +"How very much there is to see here!" remarked Dr. Conly--"men, women, and +children from all parts of the world, clad in their own odd, native +attire; Chinese, Japanese, Dahomeyans, Nubians, wild Arabs, Persians, +Soudanese, Algerians, Javanese, and Cingalese." + +"And some of the buildings are as singular in appearance as the people who +occupy them," added his wife. + +"Let us visit the village and castle of Blarney," said Rosie. + +"You want to kiss the Blarney Stone, do you?" asked Herbert laughingly. + +"No need of that," said Walter; "she can blarney fast enough if she wants +to, and that without ever having seen the stone." + +"What is blarney, papa?" asked little Elsie. + +"Coaxing, wheedling, and flattering," he replied. "The village we are +going to see is said to be a fair representation of one of that name in +Ireland, about four miles from the city of Cork, in which there is a +castle called Blarney Castle, which has stood there for more than four +hundred years. The castle has a tower, as you will see, and on the top of +it is a stone the kissing of which is said to confer the gift of ability +to wheedle and flatter. But the true stone is said to be another in a wall +where it can be kissed only by a person held over the parapet." + +"Oh, I shouldn't like that at all, papa!" Elsie exclaimed. "I'd be afraid +of falling, and I shouldn't like to kiss a dirty stone." + +"Well, daughter, I shall never ask you to do so," he answered, with a +kindly smile down into the bright, rosy little face. + +They were entering the village as he spoke. Some little time was spent +there very agreeably, after which they returned to the _Dolphin_ for the +night. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +There was a gathering of friends and relatives on the _Dolphin_ that +evening: all from Pleasant Plains were there; Chester and Frank Dinsmore +also and the Ion family. The brother and sister of Grandma Elsie, and her +eldest daughter with her husband and children, had paid their visit to the +Fair at an earlier date and returned home. + +Expecting to do a good deal of entertaining Captain Raymond had taken care +to have his boat well provisioned, and all were cordially invited to stay +and take dinner on board. + +No one declined, and they were a pleasant, lively party, each having +something interesting to tell of the experiences of the day, and all +agreeing that the Fair was well worth the trouble and expense of the +journey to reach it, and the hundred and one demands upon the purse while +there. Grace alone was very quiet, seeming to have little or nothing to +say, and looking at times both sad and distressed. Her father noticed it +and seizing the first opportunity to speak with her in private, asked in +tenderly solicitous tones if she were feeling perfectly well, adding: "I +fear I have allowed you to exert yourself too much in the past few days, +my darling." + +"I don't know whether or not I have gone about too much, papa, but it was +very kind in you to let me," she replied, laying her head on his shoulder, +for they were sitting side by side on a sofa in the cabin, while the +others had all gone up to the deck, "but oh, I can't forget those poor men +who perished in the flames yesterday, or their wives and children, perhaps +left very poor and helpless. Papa, if you are willing, I'd like to give +all my pocket money to help them. My own dear father pays my way all the +time and I don't need to buy any of the fine things I see for sale here +and there." + +"My dear child," he said, with emotion, "you may do just as you please +about that. I am very glad that my little girl is so willing to deny +herself to help others, and I must tell you for your comfort that a good +deal of money has already been raised for the benefit of those sadly +bereaved ones." + +"You gave some, papa? Oh, I know you did!" + +"Yes, daughter, I gave out of the abundance of means which God has put +into my hands, certainly not that it may all be spent upon myself and +dearest ones, but entrusted to me that some of it may be used for the +relief of suffering humanity; and it is a very great pleasure--an +inestimable privilege--to be permitted thus to ally to some extent the +woes of poverty and bereavement." + +"Yes, papa; I feel it so, and am thankful that you approve of my doing +what I can to help those poor, bereaved ones." + +"I am very glad my little girl is unselfish enough to desire to do so," he +responded. He passed a hand tenderly over her golden curls as he spoke, +and kissed her again and again with warmth of affection. + +"Do you want to join the others on the deck?" he asked presently, "or +would you rather go at once to your bed and rest? You are looking very +weary." + +"I am tired, papa," she replied, "but I think that to lie in one of the +steamer chairs on deck, and listen to the talk, will rest me nicely." + +"You may do so for an hour or two," he said. "I will help you up there; +but when the others scatter--as they probably will by that time--I want +you to go to your bed and try to get a good, long night's sleep. I must +take good care of my feeble, delicate little girl that she may gain, and +not lose, by this trip to the North and visit to the World's Fair." + +He took her in his arms as he spoke, carried her to the deck and deposited +her in a vacant lounging chair, then seated himself by her side and took +Neddie on his knee. + +Violet was on her husband's other side, and Dr. Conly and his Marian near +at hand on the farther side of Grace. + +"You are looking weary, little cousin," he remarked, giving her a +searching look; "so weary that were I asked for a prescription it should +be an early retirement to your berth, to be followed by a long night's +rest. However, I suppose you are Harold's patient now." + +"Yours too, Cousin Arthur," she said with a smile; "also papa's, and he +has already given me the very same prescription." + +"As I do, if I am consulted," said Harold, "and when three such physicians +agree, you surely will not venture to disregard their advice." + +"No, indeed!" she returned, with her own sweet smile again, "nor would I, +if any of the three had given it. I do really feel the need of rest for +to-night, but hope you will all agree to let me go at least as far as the +Court of Honor to-morrow." + +"That will depend upon how you are feeling in the morning," returned her +father, Violet adding: "And if you should have to stay here and rest for +a day or two you need not feel so very badly about it, Gracie, because our +time for remaining in and about the White City is not limited like that of +some less fortunate people." + +"No, mamma, and that is something to be thankful for. Oh, I do think +myself a most fortunate girl," Grace said in reply, directing a look of +ardent affection toward her father as she spoke. The other young folks +were chatting together near by, principally of the beauties of the Fair, +and indulging in many a merry jest and much light laughter. + +"The Court of Honor is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in the +world," remarked Rosie; "at least the most beautiful I have ever seen or +can imagine; especially at night, when the magnificent MacMonnie's +fountain, and the electric fountains are all at play. What beautiful +rainbow-colored showers they send up! I never dreamed of anything so +lovely and can never weary of looking at them." + +"Nor have I," said Croly. "I move that we all go over there presently; in +time to witness the lighting up." + +There was a general assent, and young Percy Landreth, who had managed to +secure a seat close at Lucilla's side, said to her in an undertone: "You +will go surely, and may I have the pleasure of acting as your escort?" + +"I don't know," she returned with a slight laugh and an arch look at +Chester Dinsmore, who, sitting near on her other side, had overheard the +request, and was looking slightly vexed and disappointed; "papa hasn't +told me yet whether I may go to-night or not; and I'm 'a young thing who +cannot leave her father' or go anywhere without his knowledge and consent. +I'll ask him, however," she concluded, jumping up and hastening to the +captain's side. "Papa," she asked, "can I go presently to the Court of +Honor with the others--and you? for I suppose you are going?" + +"I think it likely that your mamma and I will be going after a little," he +said in reply; "but Grace is too weary to return there to-night, and you +too would be the better able to enjoy yourself at the Fair to-morrow +should you go early to bed to-night; so that is what I wish you to do." + +"Indeed, papa, I am not so very tired," she said half imploringly, half in +vexation. "Mayn't I go?" + +"You have my answer to that question, daughter," he replied in a tone so +low that the words scarce reached any ear but hers. "I think it best for +both you and Grace that you should stay here with her, and surely you love +your sister well enough to do so willingly, even if you had your father's +consent to your going ashore for the evening?" + +"Papa," said Grace, overhearing the last sentence, "I would not have Lu +miss the pleasant evening on shore on my account. I will go directly to +bed and probably fall asleep at once." + +"As I hope and believe Lucilla will also," he returned, with a glance of +grieved displeasure bestowed upon his eldest daughter, which sent a +remorseful pang to her heart. + +"Oh, father, don't be vexed with me," she entreated low and tremulously, +putting a hand into his as she spoke; "I am glad that I am under your +orders; I am, indeed, and would not for anything leave dear Gracie alone." + +"I am sure of it, daughter," he returned, pressing the hand affectionately +as he spoke. "Also I think that to-morrow you will be thankful to me that +you have had a rest from exertion and excitement." + +"Yes, papa, I always find that your way is best, and I am very glad and +thankful that I have such a kind, wise father." + +"Well, Lu, did you get leave to go?" asked Rosie as Lucilla rejoined the +circle of young people. "No; papa wishes me to stay here and get to bed +early that I may be well rested for to-morrow's exertion in seeing the +sights of the White City," Lucilla answered in a lively, cheerful tone, +that seemed to indicate entire satisfaction with her father's decision. +She was in fact so remorseful over her momentary exhibition of wilfulness +that she felt as if she no longer cared for anything but to convince her +dearly loved father of her penitence on account of it, and her desire to +do exactly as he directed. + +"A wise and kind decision, Lu," remarked Herbert Travilla, overhearing +what she said. "A rest now may save you from a serious break-down some +days or weeks hence." + +"Yes, Uncle Herbert, I am well aware that such a father as mine is a very +great blessing," she returned with a smile. "I only wish I were as good a +daughter." + +Just at that moment the guns announced the setting of the sun, and the +flags on the _Dolphin_ and other vessels came down with the usual +ceremonies. That over, those who intended going ashore for the evening or +the night began their preparations, which were such as to occupy but a few +minutes. Violet put her little ones to bed, and the captain, who had +carried sleepy little Ned down to the state-room, on coming out into the +saloon found Lucilla there waiting to speak to him. + +"Papa," she said humbly, "have you quite forgiven my crossness to-night +when you refused to let me go ashore? I am very, very sorry for it, but I +am perfectly satisfied now with your decision; I was, the next minute, and +oh, I do love you dearly, dearly, though I can hardly expect you to +believe it when--when I'm so ready to be rebellious," she added, hiding +her face on his breast, for he had taken her into his arms the moment she +began to speak. + +"Yet I do believe it, my own darling," he replied in tender tones, +smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. "I fully believe that you love +me devotedly, though for a moment you indulged in the old rebellious +spirit that used to cause so much pain to both you and me. However, this +is almost the first time I have seen any show of it for two or three +years. In all that time you have been as willingly and cheerfully obedient +as anyone could ask or expect a daughter to be." + +"Oh, thank you, my dear father, for saying that!" she responded, lifting +to his, eyes beaming with happiness, "and I do intend that it shall be my +very last failure to be as promptly and cheerfully obedient as possible, +for I know you never deny me anything, unless you see that it is for my +good, and I have never known you to make a mistake about that. Do you want +Grace and me to go to bed as soon as you and the others are gone?" + +"I think it would be well for you to do so, but if you both prefer it you +may stay on deck for another half hour." + +"Then I will get ready for bed at once, papa, for I want to do exactly as +you think best, and I know Gracie does also." + +"Yes, I know she does; and, by the way, I must carry her down before I go; +she is so weary, poor child," he said, hurrying up to the deck. + +Lucilla waited only to see the others off, then joined her sister in their +state-room. + +"You poor dear, you are so tired!" she exclaimed, noticing Grace's weary +expression and heavy eyes. "You must let me help you with your +preparations for bed." + +"Thank you, Lu," returned Grace; "you are such a dear sister--always so +kind and helpful to me; but I am sorry that for my sake you should lose +the pleasure of going to the Court of Honor with the others to-night." + +"O Gracie, you know we always find out in the end that papa's way is the +best for us both, and he refused my request for my own sake as well as +yours." + +"Yes; he is the very kindest and best of fathers," said Grace; "he never +refuses any one of his children anything he can give them when he thinks +it good for them." + +"But now I must stop talking and go to sleep as quickly as possible, as he +bade me when he brought me down here." + +Both she and Lucilla were asleep in a few minutes and awoke the next +morning feeling greatly refreshed and rested. + +"Shall we visit the Turkish village to-day?" asked Violet at the breakfast +table. + +"I say aye to that," said Walter. "I want to see it and make some +purchases there. I've heard that there is a street there with booths along +on the side and a bazaar where one can buy various kinds of Turkish goods. +I want to get some if only for curiosities." + +"And for a quarter you can go up in the restaurant and see the girls +dance," said his sister Rosie; "or into the theatre to look at a +representation of Mohammedan home life and adventure. So Mr. Will Croly +told me." + +"Well, I don't know about going to the theatre," returned Walter, "but I'd +like to see their mosque with its minaret, at noon or sunset, when a real +muezzin comes out and calls upon the faithful to remember Allah and give +him glory." + +"He does it at sunrise too, doesn't he?" asked Evelyn Leland. + +"Yes; but we'll never get over there in time for that. Some of our +American folks don't know what he is about,--not understanding his +language--and imagine that he's selling popcorn or advertising the +dance-house, or maybe calling for somebody to come and help him down." + +"How, Uncle Wal?" asked Neddie. + +"With a ladder, I suppose." + +"Do they bring it to him?" + +"I don't think they have yet, Neddie; at least I haven't heard of it. But +wouldn't you like to go and see it all?" + +"Yes; if papa will take me; and mamma will go too." + +"How many would like to go?" asked the captain, and everyone responding in +favor of so doing the question was considered settled. + +They set out at their usual early hour, met Harold and Herbert in the +Peristyle, lingered a little in the Court of Honor, then made their way to +the Turkish village, went through the booths and bazaar, making a number +of purchases, looked at the mosque and heard the noon cry of the muezzin. + +Then they visited an Arabian tent and the fac-simile of a house in +Damascus. In the tent there were male and female Arabs sitting +cross-legged; some of them boiling coffee, or making thin wafer cakes, +while others played on odd looking instruments and chanted in monotonous +tones. + +The party went into the house, found that it contained but one room, +oblong in shape, with high ceiling, and windows just beneath the cornice. + +"That would hardly do for Americans," remarked Walter, gazing up at them, +"for we could not see into the street." + +"We could go to the door, Uncle Walter," said Elsie. + +"Or have a step-ladder to carry about from one window to another," laughed +Rosie. + +"I like the festooned walls, the fountain in the centre, and the thick +rugs on the floors," remarked Violet; "the hanging lamps too, and +ornaments of rich woods inlaid with ivory; also the divans that look like +such comfortable resting-places." + +"Yes, madame would find them pleasant to rest upon," responded a young +Turk in excellent, but quaintly intoned, English; then he went on to +explain everything in the same tongue. + +Their next visit was to Cairo Street, at the gate of which ten cents was +asked for the admission of each one of the party; a small sum they +thought, to give in payment for a sight of all that was on exhibition +inside. Having passed through the gate they found themselves in a street +square, with a cafe opening into it on one side. Entering it they sat down +and looked about them. + +Captain Raymond, who had been more than once in Cairo itself, pronounced +the scene an exact copy of what was to be found there, and they presently +learned that the doors and wooden-grated windows had been brought bodily +from that city. + +They could see projecting balconies, mysterious archways, airy loggias, +and tiny shops filled to overflowing with such things as many a one would +want to buy, and being in easy circumstances they bought a number of +articles such as were not too heavy or cumbersome to be easily carried. + +Soon, however, their attention was turned to the crowds in the streets. +Near by was a donkey and camel stand--donkeys standing and camels lying +down in their own peculiar fashion. + +"Oh, what funny fellows!" laughed little Ned. + +"Yes," said his father, "those are camels. Would you like to take a ride +on one?" + +"No, sir; I might fall off." + +"Yes, Ned, and hurt yourself; maybe break your leg; and it would take +even Cousin Arthur a good while to mend it; so that you would miss the +pleasure of going about with the rest of us," said Walter. + +"I don't want to ride just now," said Ned, "but if I did I'd rather try +one of those little horses." + +"Donkeys, Ned," corrected his sister Lucilla, "and what little fellows +they are! no bigger than Max's dog Prince!" + +"Oh, see!" cried Rosie with a merry laugh, "that one going down the street +knocked against that big fat man and almost upset him." + +"Notice the drivers," said Evelyn, "all so swarthy and with such black +eyes, naked feet, long caftans, fez, and turbans. And what a keen watch +they keep for customers. Evidently they do not despise American dollars, +dimes, or cents." + +"No, indeed! not they," said Walter. "Oh, there are a couple who evidently +contemplate taking a ride on a camel; see, the young fellow seems to be +bargaining with one of the drivers; and how the people are crowding round +to look and listen!" + +"What's the price?" they heard the young man ask. They did not catch the +reply, but he went on with his questions: "Will he bite? Is he quite tame? +Is there any danger at all?" + +"No-a bite," returned the driver; "good camel," and as he spoke he reached +for the girl, who shrank back a little. But he quickly lifted her to the +saddle and showed her how to hold on. + +Then the young man climbed up behind her, reached around her waist and +seized the hand-hold as if determined that nothing should tear it from his +grasp. + +The girl noticed it and grew more frightened, turning a trifle paler and +asking: "Is there any danger?" + +But the driver was already tugging at the halter and striking the camel +over the neck with his stick, and slowly it spread out its hind legs, +rising on them first, and throwing its riders forward till it seemed as if +they must slide down his sloping neck and fall to the ground. + +The girl screamed, as her hat fell over her eyes, but both she and her +escort held on with a deathlike grip. + +The camel paused for a moment, then swayed back and forth sideways; the +girl screamed again, but the camel was only untangling his legs, and the +next instant settled himself on them in a way that threw his riders +backward so that they would have fallen off behind but for their firm +grasp of the ropes. + +But now the camel was fairly upon his four feet, and slowly turning round +with a wobbling motion like a boat caught in a trough of waves; the riders +had recovered from their fright, and were both laughing. All this time the +crowd had been standing round watching the two, and laughing and +tittering, for, risky as the whole proceeding looked, there was really +very little, if any, danger. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +"Let us go now to the Guatemala Building," said Harold as they left Cairo +Street. "I should like you all to see the grotto with its specimens of the +fauna of the country, among which is a remarkable bird called the gavila, +which sings the half-hours with unvarying regularity, showing itself as +correct as a sundial, and almost as useful as a government observatory." + +"Is it sure to wake and sing every half-hour in the night, uncle?" asked +little Elsie. + +"Oh, no! It is only a day clock; stops attending to the business at +sundown and begins again in the morning." + +They were interested in the strange bird; the older people in a map also, +showing the locations of the principal towns and railways, and in the +exhibit, in an open court and about a fountain, of the flora of the +country; also some pictures hung about the balcony, showing the principal +places in the city of Guatemala and other large towns. + +"I feel a particular interest in Korea just at present," remarked Grandma +Elsie as they left the Guatemalan Building, "and if entirely agreeable to +the rest of you, I should like, now, to look at their exhibit in the +Manufacturers' Building." + +"Yes, mother; it is in the southwestern part," returned Harold, leading +the way. "The booth is small, but crowded with exhibits. The Korean Royal +Commissioner--with the singular name of Jeung Kiung Wow--has charge of it. + +"That is a funny name, uncle," laughed Ned. + +"And yet our names may have just as funny a sound to him," Violet said, +smiling down at her little son. + +When they reached the Korean booth the first thing that attracted their +attention was the flag hanging from it. The captain was able to explain +its design, and did so, the others listening with interest. + +"It represents the male and female elements of nature," he said. "You see +it is blue and yellow: the blue represents the heavenly, or male element, +the yellow the earthly, or female. You see the heavens across the eastern +sea and they seem to lap over and embrace the earth, while the earth to +landward rises in lofty mountains and folds the heavens in its embrace, +so making a harmonious whole. The four characters around the central +figure represent the four points of the compass." + +They passed in and found a good many sights which interested them--banners +and lanterns, and bronze table and dinner set for one person, a cupboard +with dishes, a fire pot and tools, boots and shoes of leather, wood, and +straw; a kite and reel, a board on which is played a game resembling +chess, white and blue vases, and a very old brass cannon used in the +American attack on Korean forts in the seventies. Also there were banners +hanging on the walls of the booth, and here and there stood screens, one +of which was hand-embroidered by the ladies of the palace. + +On dummies in the centre of the room were shown ancient warriors' +costumes, the court dress of both a military and a civil official, and a +lady's dress for the dance. And in an upright glass case were shown an +embroidered silk cushion, various dress fabrics, a lady's dress and a +lady's court dress and various articles of footgear. + +There was a map showing Korea and adjacent countries, and attached to it +was a paper headed, "Questions Answered." + +Mr. Dinsmore stood before it and read of them aloud: + +"Korea and Corea are both correct, but the former is preferred. + +"Korea is not a part of China, but is independent. + +"The Koreans do not speak the Chinese language, and their language +resembles neither the Chinese nor the Japanese. + +"Korea made treaties in 1882. + +"All the articles are owned by the government. + +"Korea has electric lights, steamships, telegraph, but no railroads. + +"Koreans live in comfortable houses, heated by flues under the floor. + +"Korean civilization is ancient and high; area one hundred thousand square +miles; population sixteen million; climate like that of Chicago, country +mountainous, mineral wealth undeveloped, agricultural products chiefly +rice, beans, wheat, and corn." + +"I am glad we came," remarked Rosie as they passed out of the booth, "for +I know a good deal more about Korea than I did before, and find it a far +more interesting country than I had any idea that it was." + +The next visit was to the rotunda of the Government Building, where they +found many mural paintings of famous incidents in American history and +scenes in our largest cities, so that it was a good representation of our +whole country. + +In the rotunda was a hollow section of one of the largest trees that grow +in the Maraposa grove of red woods in California. The interior was +brilliantly lighted by means of incandescent lights, and a platform at the +top of the trunk was reached by an inside, winding stairway. The chamber +walls were covered with photographs showing the grove from which the tree +trunk was cut, and how it was conveyed to the Fair and set up. + +There were besides eight alcoves in the rotunda, in which were many +articles, Colonial relics--such as the pipe which Miles Standish smoked, +the first Bible brought to this country, in 1620, the year of the landing +of the Pilgrims--a piece of the torch Putnam used when he entered the +wolf's cave, the fife of Benedict Arnold, and many another scarcely less +interesting. + +"I think my two elder daughters have borne well the exertions of the day," +the captain remarked, with a smiling glance at them, as again they stood +upon the deck of the _Dolphin_. + +"Yes, father; thanks to your kind thoughtfulness in sending us so early to +bed last night," returned Lucilla, with a grateful, loving look up into +his face. "The longer I live the more thoroughly convinced I am that you +always know what is best for me." + +"That is just my experience, Lu," laughed Violet, standing near, "and I'll +venture to assert that Grace can say the same." + +"Indeed I can!" responded Grace heartily, "and it is a great satisfaction +to have one so wise, kind, and good almost always at hand to decide +doubtful questions for you." + +"Tut! tut! I wonder if any other man was ever tried with so much gross +flattery," exclaimed the captain in feigned displeasure. + +But at that moment others stepped upon the deck and their presence put an +end to the bit of familiar family chat, Violet and her husband hastening +to welcome their guests; for among the arrivals were Annis and several +others from Pleasant Plains, whom they had not seen for some days--it +being an easy matter for friends to miss each other among the crowds and +the various buildings at the Fair; also Chester and Frank Dinsmore and Mr. +Hugh Milburn, who had not been seen there before. + +"Why, how do you do, cousin? I did not know you had arrived in the city," +said Violet, offering her hand. + +"Very well, thank you. I arrived only last night," he said, "and was not +able to hunt you up till now. Ah, father, Cousin Elsie, +captain,"--shaking hands with each in turn--"it does one good to see all +your kind, pleasant faces." + +"And us to see yours," returned Violet. "But where are Ella and the boy?" + +"At home," he answered; "at least that's where I left them." + +"But why didn't you bring them along?" asked his father; "the bit laddie +is not likely to have another chance to look at such sights as one may see +here to-day." + +"His mother thought him rather young for that, seeing he is not very far +along in his second year," replied Hugh, "nor could she be persuaded to +leave him behind. He is a person of consequence in his mother's eyes, is +my little Ronald, if in no other." + +"Ah, I can understand that," laughed Violet. "But now, Cousin Hugh, you +must let me have the pleasure of introducing you to the cousins from +Pleasant Plains." + +It was quite a gathering of relatives and friends, all weary enough with +the day's exertions in sight-seeing to enjoy resting in comfortable chairs +on the vessel's deck, while comparing notes as to their experiences since +coming to the Fair; what each had seen and heard, what they were planning +yet to see, some caring more especially for one class of curiosities, +some for another. + +But hardly a half hour had passed when they were summoned to an excellent +repast, after which they again repaired to the deck, where they gathered +in groups and indulged in further chat. + +Grace was a little apart from the others, reclining in a steamer chair. + +"Are you very, very tired, Gracie?" asked Walter, coming to her side. + +"Pretty tired," she answered, smiling up into his face. "Why? did you want +me to do anything?" + +"Oh, no! no, indeed! but I was just thinking that now that we have two +ventriloquists here, we might have some fun--for so far as I know the +folks from Pleasant Plains don't know anything about the extraordinary +powers of Cousins Ronald and Hugh--and I hoped you weren't too tired to +enjoy it." + +"I don't believe I am," she laughed; "and I think I shall enjoy it if papa +doesn't send me to bed too soon. It was very good in you to think of me, +Walter." + +"Was it, when you are the girl that always thinks of everybody else?" + +"Not always, Walter. I am afraid I very often think of myself first." + +"Do you? I never knew it before," he laughed; then hurrying to old Mr. +Lilburn's side, whispered something in his ear. + +The old gentleman smiled, and gave a nod of assent. "I like to please you, +laddie," he said in an undertone. "So does Hugh, and mayhap atween us we +can accomplish something worth while." + +"Oh, thank you," returned Walter. "I do think, cousin, that a little fun +would do us all good. We've been dining heartily--at least I have--and I +think a good laugh assists digestion." + +Hugh sat near, chatting with Captain Raymond. Walter now turned to him +with a whispered request which he seemed to grant as readily as his father +had the one made of him. + +At that Rosie and Lucilla, who were watching Walter with apparent interest +in his proceedings, exchanged a glance of mingled amusement and +satisfaction, while Grace, whose eyes were following his movements, +laughed softly to herself; for she was in the mood for a bit of fun, and +saw in all this the promise of some. + +"Dear me, what a lot o' folks! and all lookin' so comfortable-like. +They've had a good dinner,--or supper, whichever they call it--you bet, +Joe, while we're as hungry as bears," said a rough, masculine voice which +seemed to come from a spot close in Captain Raymond's rear. + +Before the sentence was half finished every other voice was hushed and all +eyes were turned in the direction from which the sound seemed to come. +Everyone was startled for an instant, but by the time the sentence was +finished the captain looked perfectly calm and cool. + +"Who are you? and how did you come aboard the vessel?" he asked. + +"In the boat, sir; same as the rest o'e company," was the reply in the +same voice. + +"Without waiting for an invitation, eh?" + +"Humph! might 'a' missed it if we'd waited. Say, capting, are you mean +enough to let us fellows go hungry when you have a vessel full o' good +things for eatin'? To say nothing of a pocket full o' tin?" + +"If any would not work, neither should he eat," quoted the captain. "What +work have you two been about to-day?" + +"Same as yerself, sir; lookin' at the exhibits in this here big World's +Fair." + +"Very well; you may go and ask the steward for some supper." + +A sound of retreating footsteps followed, and those of the guests who were +not in the secret looked about here and there in blank astonishment. + +"Well, really! am I going blind?" ejaculated young Percy Landreth, passing +his hand over his eyes in a bewildered way. "I couldn't see those fellows +at all." + +"Oh, no!" said Lucilla, "one can sometimes hear what one cannot see." + +But at that instant there was a "cluck, cluck," as of a hen which seemed +to come from Annis' lap, and at which she sprang to her feet with a slight +cry of astonishment and dismay, but seeing nothing, "Why, where is it?" +she asked half breathlessly, and the "cluck, cluck," was repeated +apparently from behind the chair of her next neighbor, and immediately +followed by a loud barking as if a dog were in chase of the chicken. + +"Oh!" exclaimed Annis, turning her eyes upon the elder Mr. Lilburn, "I +think I know--I've heard----" + +But a warning gesture from Violet, whose face was full of amusement, +stopped her, and she dropped into her chair again with a slight, mirthful +laugh and a look of relief and diversion. + +Percy saw it and suddenly comprehended pretty accurately what was going +on. Yet at the same moment he was startled and annoyed by a loud buzzing +about his ears as though a bee were flying round and round his head. He +put up his hand and tried to knock it away. Then it seemed to fly to +Chester and though he was not wholly unacquainted with the powers of +Cousin Ronald and Hugh, he too involuntarily made an effort to dodge and +drive it away. + +Then the squeak of a mouse came from a reticule on Lucilla's lap, and that +so unexpectedly that she gave a little scream, at the same time springing +to her feet, and throwing the reticule from her. + +At that her father laughed, and she picked it up again and reseated +herself with a slightly mortified air. + +"Let me get that mouse out for you, Lu," said Herbert, holding out his +hand for the reticule; but scarcely were the words out of his mouth when +the meow of a kitten, coming from his coat pocket, caused him to suddenly +and almost involuntarily clap his hand upon it. + +"Yes, Uncle Herbert, take the mouse out and give it to the cat," returned +Lulu quickly, handing the reticule to him as she spoke. + +"Thank you," he returned laughingly, "but I really don't believe the +creature is hungry." + +"Oh, uncle, let me see that pussy!" cried Ned, running to him. + +"Put your hand into my pocket and try if you can find it," was the +good-humored reply, and Neddie at once availed himself of the permission. + +"Why, it isn't there!" he exclaimed. "How do you s'pose it got out?" + +"I'm inclined to think it never got in, Ned," said his uncle. + +"Oh, it's in mine!" cried the little fellow excitedly, and clapping his +hand upon his pocket, as a pitiful meow seemed to come from it. "Why, I +can't feel it. Papa,"--running to him,--"please take it out, I can't." + +The captain took hold of the pocket. "You made a mistake, son; it isn't +there. I feel nothing but your handkerchief and a few other little soft +articles." + +"Why--why, how queer!" exclaimed the little fellow, "I was sure I heard it +in there, papa. Oh, what is that?" as the squeal of a young pig seemed to +come from his father's pocket; but at that instant the loud and furious +bark of a big dog seemed to come from some place in his rear very near at +hand, and with a little cry of affright he made haste to climb upon his +father's knee for protection, putting his arms about his neck and clinging +tightly to him. + +But just then a loud cry came from below: "Help! help! these rascally +fellows are stealing the silver! Captain Raymond, sir, help, or they'll +throttle me!" + +At that the captain sprang to his feet, set Ned in his mother's lap, and +hurried below, while the young men rose hastily to go to his assistance, +even those of them who were well acquainted with Cousin Ronald's powers, +thinking for an instant that the alarm was real. But a laugh of amusement +from him and his son let them into the secret that it was but a false +alarm, the trick of a ventriloquist, and they resumed their seats as +hastily as they had arisen from them. + +"Oh, oh," cried Ned, "I'm so afraid my dear papa will get hurt! Uncle +Harold and Uncle Herbert, won't you go and help papa fight those bad men? +Please go quick! Oh, please do!" + +"Oh, no, Neddie, papa is so big and strong that he doesn't need any help +to make such fellows behave themselves," said Lucilla. "And here he comes +all safe and sound," as the captain stepped upon the deck again. + +"Well, captain," said Grandma Elsie, looking up smilingly into his face as +he drew near, "did you catch the rogues?" + +"No, mother, I could not find the least trace of them," he answered +gravely. Then, turning to the elder Mr. Lilburn: "Cousin Ronald," he +asked, "do you think you would know them if you were to see them?" + +"I know them, cousin captain!" exclaimed the old gentleman in well-feigned +astonishment. "Can it be possible you mean to insinuate that I am the +associate of beggars and thieves?" + +"I mean no offence, sir," returned the captain with a twinkle of fun in +his eye, "but it sometimes happens that a very honest and honorable man +may be well acquainted with the appearance of some dastardly villain." + +"I'm no sich a character as that," snarled a rough voice that seemingly +came from a part of the deck in Mr. Lilburn's rear, and sounded very much +like the one which had demanded some supper a short time before, "an' I +hope it isn't me you're ameanin', fer I'm as honest an' decent a man as +any in this crowd, ef I do say it, that shouldn't." + +"Who is that man? I couldn't see him the other time, and I can't see him +now," exclaimed little Elsie, gazing round in wide-eyed wonder; for she +had never quite understood Cousin Ronald's performances, and was much +puzzled to comprehend all that was now being done and said. + +"I say, capting," cried another strange voice, it also coming apparently +from an invisible speaker, "why upon airth don't you put that impident +critter off the boat? I'd do it in a jiffy if 'twas me." + +"You have my permission to do so, sir," returned the captain, "but perhaps +he will go presently of his own accord." + +"Hollo!" shouted a strange voice that seemed to come from the water near +at hand, and was followed immediately by the dip of an oar, "I say, what's +the matter up there on that deck? If I was capting o' that yacht, there +shouldn't be no such goings on aboard it." + +"The impudence of the fellow!" exclaimed Lucilla, forgetting for the +moment the presence of two ventriloquists, and, springing up, she was +about to rush to the side of the vessel to get a sight of the boatman; but +her father, turning toward her with a smile, laid a detaining hand on her +arm, while at the same time he called out in good-humored tones: + +"Suppose you board us then, sir, and show what you can do." + +"Humph!" snarled the voice that seemed so near at hand, "you'd better try +it, old feller, whomsoever you be, but I bet you'll find me an' Joe here +more'n a match fer you." + +"Oh, Bill, I say, let's git out o' this!" exclaimed a third voice, +apparently close at hand; "we've had our fill o' grub and might as well +make ourselves scarce now." + +"All right, Joe," returned the voice of the first speaker; "we'll git +inter that feller's boat, and no doubt he'll take us ashore to git rid of +us." + +A sound as of retreating footsteps followed, then all was quiet. + +"Very well done, Cousin Ronald; one could almost see those fellows," +laughed the captain. + +"I couldn't see them, papa," said little Elsie. "I could only hear them. +What was the reason?" + +"Suppose you ask Cousin Ronald," was her father's reply. + +"So you are a ventriloquist, sir?" remarked Percy Landreth, in a tone +between assertion and enquiry, and giving the old gentleman a look of +mingled curiosity and amusement. + +"You think so, do you, sir? But why should I be suspected more than anyone +else in this company of friends and relatives?" asked Cousin Ronald in a +quiet tone. + +"Well, sir, it seems to me evident from all I have seen and heard. All +appear to look to you as one who is probably at the bottom of all these +mysterious doings." + +"No, not quite all, Percy," Violet said with a smile. + +"So there are two, are there?" queried Percy. "Then the other, I presume, +is Mr. Hugh Lilburn." + +"O Percy!" cried Lucilla in half reproachful tones, "I wish you hadn't +found out quite so soon; because it spoils the fun." + +"Oh, no, not quite, I think," he returned, "for I noticed that even those +who must have been in the secret were occasionally taken by surprise." + +"Yes," she admitted with a laugh, "I did think for a moment that there was +a man calling to us from a boat down there on the lake, and that there was +a mouse in my reticule." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +Sight-seeing was resumed again the next day, much time being spent in the +Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, the marvel of the Exposition, +covering more than forty acres of ground, and filled with curious and +beautiful things from almost every quarter of the globe. Hours were spent +there, then a ride in an electric boat on the lagoon was taken as a +restful form of recreation. + +The greater part of the afternoon was spent in the ever-fascinating Midway +Plaisance, then they returned to the yacht for their evening meal and an +hour or two of restful chat in the easy-chairs on its deck, and with the +setting of the sun the older ones returned to the Court of Honor, leaving +the children in bed and under the ever-watchful care of their nurse. + +Much the same sort of life continued for a week or more; then many of the +friends found it necessary to return to their homes. The cousins from +Pleasant Plains were among that number, and the day before leaving young +Percy seized a rare opportunity for a word in private with Captain +Raymond. + +"I have been coveting such a chance as this, sir," he said, coloring with +embarrassment, "but--but couldn't find it till now. I--I--want----" + +"Speak out, my young friend," said the captain kindly, "I am ready to +listen to whatever you may have to say, and if in my power to assist you +in any way, shall feel it a pleasure to do so; particularly as you are a +relative of my wife." + +Percy had had but little opportunity for showing his penchant for Lucilla, +and the young girl's father was not thinking of her, but imagined there +might be some business venture in which the young man desired his +assistance. + +"You have perhaps something to tell me of your plans and prospects for the +future," he said enquiringly, "and if so, possibly I may be able to exert +influence, or render assistance, in some way; it will give me pleasure, I +assure you, to do anything in my power; so do not be afraid to speak out." + +"You are very kind, captain, very kind indeed," stammered Percy, flushing +more hotly than before, "but that--that is not it exactly. I hope you +won't be angry, but I have been trying to screw up my courage to ask +for--something far more valuable than money, influence, or anything else +that could be thought of. I--I love your daughter, sir,--Miss +Lucilla--and--and I hope you won't forbid me to tell her so." + +He drew a sigh of relief that at last the Rubicon was crossed--his desire +and purpose made known; but a glance at the captain's grave and troubled +face dashed his hopes to the ground. + +A moment of silence followed, then Captain Raymond spoke in gentle, +sympathetic tones. + +"I am sorry, very sorry to disappoint you, my young friend; but I cannot +grant your request. Lucilla is but a child yet--a mere school-girl; and +such I intend to keep her for some six years or more to come. I have no +objection to you more than to any other man, but cannot consent to +allowing her to be approached on that subject until she reaches much more +mature years." + +"And in the meantime somebody else will in all probability get ahead of +me," sighed Percy. "Oh, sir, can I not persuade you to revoke that +decision and let me at least learn from her own lips whether or not she +cares for me?" + +"I think I can furnish all the information you wish in that line," +returned the captain, laying a kindly hand on the young man's shoulder, +"for hardly an hour ago she told me--as she has many times before--that +she loved no one else in the wide world half so dearly as her father." + +"Well, sir, I am glad of it, since you won't let me speak yet," said Percy +with a rueful sort of smile. "But--please don't blame me for it--but I +can't feel satisfied to be forbidden to speak a word, considering how very +far apart our homes are, and that we may not meet again for years--if +ever--and that--Chester Dinsmore, who is, I can see plainly enough, over +head and ears in love with her--will be near her all the time and have +every chance to cut me out." + +"No," said the captain, "I shall give him no chance either. I fully intend +keeping my little girl to myself--as I have already told you--for at least +six or eight years to come." + +"And you have no objection to me personally, sir?" + +"None whatever; in fact, from all I have seen and heard I am inclined to +think you a fine fellow; almost equal to my own boy, Max," Captain Raymond +said with a smile: "and if my daughter were of the right age, and quite +ready and willing to leave her father, I should have but one objection to +your suit--that you would take her so far away from me." + +"Possibly I might not, sir, should there be an opening for me near where +you reside. I think the Bible says it is the man who is to leave father +and mother and cleave to his wife." + +"True, my young friend," returned the captain; "but the time I have set is +too far away to make it worth our while to consider that question at +present." + +With that the interview closed, and the two parted, the captain to be +confronted a few minutes later by Chester Dinsmore, with a like request to +that just denied to Percy. + +"No, no, Chester," he said, "it is not to be thought of; Lucilla is +entirely too young to leave her father's fostering care and take up the +duties and trials of married life. I cannot consent to your saying a word +to her on the subject for years to come." + +"You have no objection to me personally, I trust, sir?" returned the young +man, looking chagrined and mortified. + +"None whatever," Captain Raymond hastened to say. "I have just given the +same answer to another suitor, and there is one consideration which +inclines me to prefer you to him; namely, that you are a near neighbor to +us at Woodburn; so that in giving up my daughter to you I should feel the +parting much less than if she were about to make her home so far North as +this." + +"Well, sir, that's a crumb of comfort, though to be often in her +company--seeing her lovely face and watching her pretty ways--will make it +all the more difficult to refrain from showing my esteem, admiration, +love. In fact, I don't know how to stand it. Excuse me, captain, but what +harm could there be in telling her my story and trying to win my way to +her heart, provided--I spoke of marriage only as something to be looked +for in the far-off future?" + +"No, I cannot consent to that," returned the captain with decision. "It +would only put mischief into her head and rob her of her child-like +simplicity. She is still too young to know her own mind on that subject +and might fancy that she had given her heart to one who would, a few years +later, be entirely distasteful to her. But I trust you, Chester, not to +breathe a word to her of your--what shall I call it?--admiration until you +have my consent." + +"It is more than admiration, sir!" exclaimed Chester. "I love her as I +never loved anything before in my life, and it would just about kill me to +see her in the possession of another." + +"Then comfort yourself that for years to come no one's suit will be +listened to any more favorably than yours," returned the father of the +girl he so coveted, and with that the interview came to an end. + +Their conversation had been held at one end of the deck while the rest of +the party sat chatting together at the other. The captain and Chester +joined them now and entered into the talk, which ran principally upon the +fact that all the relatives from Pleasant Plains must leave for home the +next day. + +"How would you all like to go by water?" asked Captain Raymond, as if the +thought of such a possibility had just struck him. + +"I do not believe the idea has occurred to any of us," replied Annis, "and +since the building of the railroad so few make the journey by water that +the boats running on our river are few, small, and I presume not +remarkably comfortable." + +"How would this one answer?" he asked. "It is but thirty-eight miles +across the lake; I think we would find your river navigable nearly or +quite up to your town, and to reach it from here would not take more than +six or eight hours." + +"Then they could all go, as they need not all spend the night, or any part +of it, on board," exclaimed Violet in tones of delight. "Oh, Cousin Annis, +and all of you, do agree to it, and we will have a charming little trip!" + +"Indeed, so far as I am concerned nothing could be pleasanter, I am sure," +said Annis, looking highly pleased; "but--I fear it would be giving you a +great deal of trouble, captain." + +"Not at all," he returned, "but on the contrary it will, I think, be a +very enjoyable little trip to me and my wife and children." + +"Oh, I should like it very much!" exclaimed Lucilla; "there would be such +a nice large party of us all the way to Pleasant Plains--supposing your +river is navigable so far for a vessel of this size--and then the trip up +the lake, a little visit to Mackinaw, and the sail back again, would be a +restful and enjoyable break in the visit here to the Fair." + +"What do you say to the plan, Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore, and mother?" +asked the captain, turning toward them. "And you, Cousin Ronald?" + +All expressed themselves as well pleased with the idea, and it was decided +to carry it out. + +"We will be happy to have you accompany us also, Chester and Frank, should +you care to do so," said the captain cordially, "though I fear it will rob +you of some of the time you had planned to spend at the Fair." + +"Thank you, captain," said Frank, "I, for one, accept your very kind +invitation with great pleasure. It will give me a glimpse of a part of our +big country that I have never seen--in the pleasantest of company, too; +and as to our visit to the Fair, we can prolong it by another week, if we +choose." + +"So we can," said his brother, "and I, too, accept your kind invitation, +captain, with cordial thanks." + +"Then let me advise you of Pleasant Plains to be on board here, bag and +baggage, by eight, or at the latest nine, o'clock to-morrow morning," said +Captain Raymond. "We will be happy to have you take breakfast here with +us, and we may as well be on our way across the lake while eating. Then I +hope to have you at your destination by seven or eight in the evening, +and, leaving you there, steam on down the river and up the lake, the rest +of my passengers resting in their berths as usual." + +"Then it will take about all of the next day to get to Mackinaw, won't it, +papa?" asked Grace. + +"Probably." + +"And how long will we stay there?" + +"I suppose that will depend upon how we enjoy ourselves. I think it likely +you will all be satisfied with a day or two, as there is so much that will +interest you here which you have not yet seen." + +"Cousin Annis," said Violet, "would you not be willing to make one of our +party? I am sure that with a little crowding we could accommodate you very +easily." + +"Thank you very much, cousin," replied Annis, "but I fear my company would +not repay you for the necessary crowding." + +At that several voices exclaimed that it certainly would; the young girls +adding that they could crowd a little closer together without feeling it +any inconvenience, and the captain saying laughingly that impromptu beds +would have to be provided in the saloon for Chester and Frank, and he +would join them there, so leaving a vacant place for her with his wife; +and with a little more persuasion Annis accepted the invitation, knowing +that she could be well spared for a time from the large circle of brothers +and sisters, nephews and nieces: the dear old father and mother having +been taken, some years before, to their heavenly home. + +"I wish we could take Cousin Arthur, Marian, and Hugh with us," said +Violet; "though they are not here to-night, they must still be in the +city, I think." + +"Yes," said her husband, "and I think we might manage to accommodate them +also, should they care to go; but probably they will prefer having that +much more time to spend at the Fair." + +It was a beautiful moonlight evening, and after a little more chat in +regard to the arrangements to be made for the morrow's journey, all +except the children, who were already in bed, went together to the Court +of Honor: from there to the Midway Plaisance, then to the Ferris Wheel, in +which everyone was desirous to take a ride by moonlight; nor were they by +any means disappointed in it. + +On leaving the Wheel they bade each other good-night and scattered to +their several resting places--the cousins to their boarding-house, the +others to the yacht. + +A little before eight o'clock the next morning there was a cheerful bustle +on board the _Dolphin_. The extra passengers arrived safely and in good +season, with their luggage, and found everything on the boat in good trim, +and an excellent breakfast awaiting them and the others. + +The weather was all that could be desired; they were congenial spirits, +and the day passed most delightfully. But though the young people were +very sociable, no one seeming to be under any restraint, neither Chester +nor Percy found an opportunity for any private chat with Lucilla. The fact +was that the captain had had a bit of private talk with his wife and her +mother, in which he gave them an inkling into the state of affairs as +concerned the two young men and his eldest daughter, and requested their +assistance in preventing either one from so far monopolizing the young +girl as to be tempted into letting her into the secret of his feelings +toward her. + +They reached Pleasant Plains early in the evening, landed the cousins +belonging there, with the single exception of Miss Annis Keith, then +turned immediately and went down the river again, reaching the lake about +the usual time for retiring to their berths. + +The rest of their voyage was as delightful as that of the first day had +been, and spent in a similar manner. As they sat together on the deck, +toward evening, Grace asked her father if Mackinaw had not been the scene +of something interesting in history. + +"There was a dreadful massacre there many years ago," he replied; "it was +in 1763, by the Indians under Pontiac, an Indian chief. It was at the time +of his attack on Detroit. There is a cave shown on the island in which the +whites took refuge, but the Indians kindled a fire at its mouth and smoked +them--men, women, and children--to death." + +"Oh, how dreadful, papa! how very dreadful!" she exclaimed. + +"Yes," he said, "those were dreadful times; but often the poor Indians +were really less to blame than the whites, who urged them on--the French +against the English and the English against the Americans. + +"Pontiac was the son of an Ojibway woman, and chief of that tribe, also of +the Ottawas and the Pottawattamies, who were in alliance with the +Ojibways. In 1746 he and his warriors defended the French at Detroit +against an attack by some of the northern tribes, and in 1755 he took part +in their fight with Braddock, acting as the leader of the Ottawas." + +"I wonder," said Grace, as her father paused for a moment in his +narrative, "if he was the Indian who, in that fight, aimed so many times +at Washington, yet failed to hit him, and at last gave up the attempt to +kill him, concluding that he must be under the special protection of the +Great Spirit." + +"That I cannot tell," her father said. "But whoever that Indian may have +been I think he was right in his conclusion--that God protected and +preserved our Washington that he might play the important part he did in +securing his country's freedom. + +"But to return to my story. Pontiac hated the English, though after the +surrender of Quebec, some years after Braddock's defeat--finding that the +French had been driven from Canada, he acquiesced in the surrender of +Detroit to the English, and persuaded four hundred Detroit Indians, who +were lying in ambush, intending to cut off the English there, to +relinquish their design. + +"But he hated the English, and in 1762 he sent messengers to every tribe +between the Ottawa and the Mississippi to engage them all in a war of +extermination against the English." + +"Americans too, papa?" asked little Elsie, who, sitting upon his knee, was +listening very attentively to his narrative. + +"Yes," he replied, "our States were English colonies then, for the War of +the Revolution did not begin until about thirteen years later. The +messengers of Pontiac carried with them the red-stained tomahawk and a +wampum war-belt, the Indian fashion of indicating that war was purposed, +and those to whom the articles were sent were invited to take part in the +conflict. + +"All the tribes to whom they were sent joined in the conspiracy, and the +end of May was decided upon as the time when their bloody purpose should +be carried out, each tribe disposing of the garrison of the nearest fort; +then all were to act together in an attack upon the settlements. + +"On the 27th of April, 1763, a great council was held near Detroit, at +which Pontiac made an oration detailing the wrongs and indignities the +Indians had suffered at the hands of the English, and prophesying their +extermination. + +"He told also of a tradition that a Delaware Indian had been admitted into +the presence of the Great Spirit, who told him that his race must return +to the customs and weapons of their ancestors, throw away those they had +gotten from the white men, abjure whiskey, and take up the hatchet against +the English. 'These dogs dressed in red,' he called them, 'who have come +to rob you of your hunting-grounds and drive away the game.' + +"Pontiac's own particular task was the taking of Detroit. The attack was +to be made on the 7th of May. But the commander of the fort was warned of +their intentions by an Indian girl, and in consequence when Pontiac and +his warriors arrived on the scene they found the garrison prepared to +receive them. Yet on the 12th he surrounded the fort with his Indians, but +was not able to keep a close siege, and the garrison was provided with +food by the Canadian settlers." + +"They supplied the Indians also, did they not, my dear?" asked Violet. + +"Yes," replied the captain, "receiving in return promissory notes drawn on +birch bark and signed with the figure of an otter, and it is said that +all of them were afterward redeemed by Pontiac, who had issued them." + +"That speaks well for the honesty of the Indians if they were savage and +cruel," remarked Walter; "and in fact they were hardly more cruel than +some of the whites have been to them, and to other whites with whom they +were at war." + +"Quite true," said the captain. + +"But didn't the rest of the English try to help those folks in that fort +at Detroit, papa?" asked Elsie. + +"Yes; supplies and reinforcements were sent in schooners, by way of Lake +Erie, but they were captured by the Indians, who then compelled their +prisoners to row them to Detroit, concealed in the bottom of the boat, +hoping in that way to take the fort by stratagem; but, fortunately for the +besieged, they were discovered before they could land. + +"Afterward another schooner, filled with supplies and ammunition, +succeeded in reaching the fort, though the Indians repeatedly tried to +destroy it by fire-rafts. + +"Now the English thought themselves strong enough to attack the Indians, +and in the night of July 31 two hundred and fifty men set out for that +purpose. + +"But the Canadians had learned their intention and told the Indians; so +Pontiac was ready and waiting to make an attack, which he did as soon as +the English were far enough from their fort for him to do so with +advantage, firing upon them from all sides and killing and wounding +fifty-nine of them. That fight is known as the fight of 'Bloody Bridge.' + +"On the 12th of the next October the siege was raised, and the chiefs of +the hostile tribes, with the exception of Pontiac, sued for pardon and +peace. Pontiac was not conquered and retired to the country of the +Illinois. In 1769 he was murdered in Cahokia, a village on the +Mississippi, near St. Louis. The deed was done by an Indian, who had been +bribed to do it by an English trader." + +"Papa, you have not told us yet what happened at Mackinaw," said Lucilla. + +"It, as well as many other forts, was taken by Pontiac's Indians and all +the inhabitants of the island were massacred," replied the captain. "There +is a cave shown in a hill-side some little distance out from the village +in which the French sought refuge, and where they were smoked to death, +the Indians kindling fires at its mouth." + +"Oh," exclaimed Grace, "I am glad I didn't live in those dreadful days!" + +"Yes," said her father, "we have great reason for gratitude that the lines +have fallen to us in such pleasant places, and times of peace." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +The _Dolphin_ lay at anchor in Mackinaw Bay only a day or two, in which +time her passengers visited the fort, the village, and the cave of which +Captain Raymond had spoken as the scene of that dreadful slaughter of the +French by the Indians; then started on the return voyage to Chicago. + +They were still favored with pleasant weather, and passed most of the time +on deck. Mr. Lilburn seemed to appreciate the society of Miss Annis Keith, +generally contriving to get a seat in her immediate vicinity, and to +engage her in conversation; that did not strike anyone as strange, +however, for Annis was a general favorite with both old and young, she +showing a cousinly regard for all her relatives; especially for Mrs. +Travilla; for the two had been almost lifelong friends. In these few days +that they had been together they had had many private chats in which they +recalled their early experiences at Pleasant Plains and the Oaks, and +Elsie had urged Annis to return with her to Ion and spend the coming +winter there. + +This invitation Annis was considering, and the more she thought upon it +the stronger grew her inclination to accept it. But she must go home first +to make some arrangements and preparations, she said. + +The two were conversing together thus, as they drew near the end of their +little trip, not caring that their talk might be audible to those about +them. + +"Surely it is not necessary that you should take much time for +preparation, Annis," remarked Mr. Dinsmore. "We of Ion and its vicinity +have abundance of stores and dress-makers near at hand. And you would +better see all that you can of the Fair now, for it will soon be a thing +of the past." + +"That is true, Cousin Annis," said the captain; "you would better stay +with us and see as much as possible." + +"You are all very kind, cousins," she answered. "But I fear I am crowding +you." + +"Not at all," he and Violet replied, speaking together; the latter adding, +"We have all slept comfortably, and in the daytime there is certainly +abundance of room." + +"If you don't stay, Cousin Annis," Rosie said, with a merry look, "we will +have to conclude that you have not had room enough to make you quite +comfortable." + +"Then I certainly must stay," returned Annis, with a smile, "if my going +would give so entirely false an impression; since I have had abundance of +room and a most delightful time." + +"Then you will stay on?" + +"Yes, for a while; but I must go home for a day or two at least before +leaving for the South." + +"We will let you know our plans in season for that," the captain promised, +and the thing was considered settled. + +When her passengers awoke the next morning the _Dolphin_ was lying at her +old anchorage near the beautiful Peristyle. + +All had returned rested and refreshed, and were eager to go on shore in +search of further entertainment and instruction. + +The greater part of the day was spent in the Midway Plaisance. They +visited the Lapland family of King Bull, the most prominent character in +that village, and found them all seated beside their odd-looking hut, +which, like the others in the village, was made of skin, tent-like in +shape, and banked up with moss. The entrance was very small, the door made +of a piece of wood. A fire was kept burning in the centre of the house, in +the ground. There was no chimney; some of the smoke escaped through a +little hole in the roof, if the wind was right. But if the wind comes +from the wrong direction the smoke stays in the house, and the people +enjoy it. It does not, however, improve their complexions, which are said +to be, in their native state, not unlike the color of a well-cured ham. + +King Bull they found had the largest house, and a very large family. + +The Laplanders marry young, and it is not unusual for a grandfather to be +under twenty-five years of age. King Bull was one hundred and twelve years +old and had great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren, and every day he +played for a little while with the youngest of those. + +Our friends learned that he had with him a son, Bals Bull, ninety years +old, that he had a son aged seventy-three, he had a daughter aged +fifty-nine, she a son aged forty-one, who had a son aged twenty-nine, who +had a daughter aged fourteen, and she a daughter two years old. + +"Dear me!" exclaimed Rosie, on hearing this, "how old it makes a body +feel! Why, just think! the mother of that two-year-old child is a year +younger than you, Grace Raymond; and you don't consider yourself much more +than a child yet, do you?" + +"No, indeed! and don't want to be anything but my father's own little +girl," returned Grace, giving him a loving look that said more than her +words. + +"Can you tell us if this looks like the real Lapland village, Harold!" +asked Walter. + +"I am told it does," replied his brother; "that it is as nearly as +possible a reproduction of one, though of course it is not very large, +there being but twenty-four Laplanders here." + +"What do they eat, papa?" asked little Elsie. + +"Fish and reindeer meat, and cheese made of the milk. The reindeer is +their most valuable possession: its skin is used for clothing, the fur is +woven into cloth, they drink the milk, and use the bones in the making of +their sledges. They live entirely on such food during their winters, which +are nine months long." + +"And their summer only three months," said Evelyn, "I shouldn't like +that." + +"No, nor should I," said Herbert. "I think it must be by far the most +enjoyable part of the year, for it is usually spent at the seashore." + +"Are they heathen folks, papa?" asked Elsie. + +"Most of them are Lutherans," he answered. "Now let us go to the reindeer +park." They did so, found nine of the gentle creatures there, saw them get +a bath of Lake Michigan water from a hose-pipe, which they were told was +given them three times daily. Then they were harnessed to their sledges +and driven around the park, just as they are driven in their own country. +After that they ran races, then they were fed and milked. + +The children had been deeply interested in the gentle reindeer and seemed +almost loath to leave them when the performance was over. But those with +which they were most delighted were three baby ones, two born on the way +over to this country, and one shortly after they reached Chicago, and +which was named Columbia. + +"Now where shall we go next?" asked Rosie. + +"Suppose we try the diving exhibit," said Walter. "It is something I +should like to see." They found it on the south side of Midway Plaisance +in a small building surrounding a huge tank of water. On the balcony of +its second story stood a man turning a force-pump, which seemed to attract +a good deal of attention from the passers-by. + +Each visitor paid ten cents at the door, then passed up a rude stairway by +which he reached the surface of the water. There a lecturer was seated, +who explained how the air was made to enter the diver's armor, and how to +leave it. Then people were invited to throw small coins into the water. +Captain Raymond put a bright dime into the hand of each of his younger +children and they gleefully tossed them in. The diver was in the bubbling +water, they could not see him, but presently, through a telephone, he gave +the dates on the coins. Then he came up to the surface of the water +carrying a dummy that looked like a drowned man and let the visitors see +him in his armor. + +"He looks just like that picture of him that we saw outside," remarked +little Elsie. "Ugh! I don't think I should ever be willing to wear such +clothes." + +"Armor!" corrected her mother in a mirthful tone. "No, dear, I should not +want to see you dressed in that style, unless to save you from drowning." + +But just then Mr. Dinsmore rose and led the way down another rough pine +staircase, the others following. + +Reaching the lower story they found a great many peep-holes through which +they could look in upon the water of the tank. To each of these holes the +diver came in turn, holding up a card on which was printed a farewell +compliment. His hands looked shrivelled and soaked, and Grace and the +other young girls afterward expressed sincere pity for him, saying they +thought his life must be a hard one. + +On leaving the diving exhibit they went to the Fisheries Building, which +they found very beautiful. In its east pavilion was a double row of +grottoed and illuminated aquaria containing the strangest inhabitants of +the deep. Here they saw bluefish, sharks, catfish, bill-fish, goldfish, +rays, trout, eels, sturgeon, anemones, the king-crab, burr-fish, +flounders, toad-fish, and many other beautiful or remarkable inhabitants +of the great deep; and the illuminated and decorated aquaria showed them +to great advantage. It was said that nothing so beautiful had hitherto +been seen west of London. + +The surface of the water in the aquaria was many feet above the heads of +even the gentlemen of the party, but there were nearly six hundred feet of +glass front, so that everybody could have a good view of the strange and +beautiful creatures within. They all watched them for some time with +curiosity and interest, the little folks questioning their papa about one +and another variety, new to them, but old acquaintances to one who had +spent many years upon the sea. + +"Papa," said Elsie, "there is one that looks a good deal like a flower. Is +it a live thing? What is its name?" + +"That is what is called the sea anemone," he replied. "It is not a flower +though, but an animal. It is said to have been called by the name of that +flower about a hundred years ago, by a celebrated investigator in the +department of natural history, named Ellis. He thought it a suitable name +because their tentacles are in regular circles and tinged with bright, +lively colors, nearly representing some of our elegantly fringed flowers, +such as the carnation, marigold, and anemone. And so they do while in the +water, and undisturbed. But when a receding tide leaves them on the shore +they contract into a jelly-like mass with a puckered hole in the top. +There"--pointing it out--"is the most common of the British species of sea +anemone. It attaches itself to rocks and stones from low-water almost to +high-water mark. The tentacula--these feelers that look like the fringe of +a flower--you see are nearly as long as the body is high, and nearly of +the same color. See, there is an azure line around the base, and on the +base are dark green lines converging toward the centre; and around the +edge of the mouth is a circle of azure tubercles, like turquoise beads of +the greatest beauty. I wish I could show them to you, but the mouth must +be expanded in order to make them visible. Ah, that is just the thing!" as +someone standing near threw in a bit of meat which had the desired effect, +the mouth of the anemone opening wide to receive it. + +"Oh, they are very beautiful!" exclaimed Rosie, watching the appearance of +the beadlike tubercles of which the captain had just spoken. + +"Don't they eat anything but meat, papa?" asked Neddie. + +"Yes; crabs, sea-worms, and fish; the tentacula are furnished with minute +spears with which they wound their prey and probably convey poison into +the wounds." + +"I suppose this is salt water they are all in?" Walter said enquiringly, +and was told that he was correct in his conjecture. + +On leaving the building they spent some time in examining its outside, +finding its columns and arches wrought with calamus, fishes, frogs, +serpents, and tortoises, making them very appropriate and beautiful. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + +"Papa, I wish we might go back to the Fair directly after supper and spend +the evening there," Lucilla said, as again they stood on the _Dolphin's_ +deck. "I want so much to see the lighting up of the Court of Honor, then +go to the wooded island to see it with the lamps lighted; after that to +the Ferris Wheel again, to have the view from it by moonlight." + +"Anything more, my child?" returned the captain, with his pleasant smile. + +"I think it likely that may do for one evening, sir," she replied; "unless +my father wants to take me somewhere else." + +"I think we will then come back through the Court of Honor and go to our +beds," he said; "that is, should we make the visits proposed, which will +depend at least somewhat upon the wishes of others. Violet, my dear, how +does that programme suit you?" + +"I really do not know of any way of spending the evening that I should +enjoy more," answered Violet. "Indeed Lu and I were talking together of +our desire to see those sights, not longer ago than yesterday. And you, +mother, would like it, would you not?" she asked, turning to Grandma +Elsie. + +"Very much!" was the reply. "The tired little ones will be left in their +bed of course?" + +"Yes, indeed! they will be ready for that as soon as they have had their +supper," Violet replied, with a loving look into each weary little face. +"Come, dears, we will go to our state-room, wash hands and faces, and +smooth your hair, and by that time supper will be on the table." + +Every one of the company approved of Lucilla's plan for the spending of +the evening, and before the sun had quite set they were again in the Court +of Honor. They were in season to secure seats from which they could get a +good view of the lighting up. + +They found there were thousands of people who seemed as anxious as +themselves to witness the sudden change from deepening twilight to the +grand illumination that made fairyland of the Court of Honor. But they +were there for some minutes, sitting silently in the growing darkness, +finding the buildings taking on a new beauty by the dim, uncertain light, +and feeling it pleasant just to rest, listen to the subdued hum of the +thousands of voices of the multitude thronging about the white railing +guarding the fountains, the doorways, the stone steps leading down to the +water, and every place where a human creature could find room to sit down +and rest while waiting for a sight of the expected lighting up. + +There seemed no ill-humor among the great throng, no loud, angry talk, but +a subdued buzz like many telephone messages coming over the wire at the +same time. + +Our friends sat where they could see both the Administration Dome and the +Golden Statue at the other end of the lagoon. They had sat in silence +there for some minutes, the darkness deepening, when suddenly there was a +blare of music, the fountains threw up a few thin columns of spray, the +front of a dark building was instantly illumined with a thousand +jewel-like lights, then another and another blazed out in the same manner +till all were alight with tiny jets of flame; three rows, the first or +highest following the cornices all round the court: these were of a golden +hue; while some distance lower down was a second silver-colored row, then +the last, ranged just under the parapet of the lagoon, were golden like +the first. The mingled light of all three shone on the dark waters of the +lagoon, the gondolas skimming silently to and fro, and the electric +launches gliding swiftly onward. + +And the great dome of the Administration Building looked grandly beautiful +with its line of flaming torches about its base, its triumphal arches of +glittering fire above, and the golden crown sparkling on its summit. Great +search-lights were flaming out from the ends of the Main Building, making +visible the lovely seated Liberty in the MacMonnie's fountain which was +foaming and rustling; and suddenly the two electric fountains sent up tall +columns of water which changed from white to yellow, from that to purple, +then to crimson, and from that to emerald green. + +"Oh, it is just too beautiful!" exclaimed Rosie, "too lovely for anything. +I feel as if I could never weary of gazing upon it." + +"No, nor I," murmured Evelyn in low, moved tones. "I never imagined +anything so grandly beautiful!" + +"No, nor did I; and yet it cannot be anything to compare to heaven," said +Grandma Elsie; "'for eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered +into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that +love him!'" + +They sat for some time gazing upon the enchanting scene, then rose, and +still keeping together, wandered on till they reached the wooded island. + +The scene there was lovelier than in the daylight. Little glass cups of +various colors held tiny lights of wick in oil, giving a charming +appearance to the scene, and there were thousands of visitors moving here +and there among them. + +So did our party from the _Dolphin_, for a half hour or more; then they +returned to Midway Plaisance, and finding that the moon had risen, sought +the Ferris Wheel, and ascending in it had a beautiful view of the White +City, the lake beyond, and the surrounding country. They made the circuit +several times, then leaving the wheel, wandered slowly through the +fairylike scene that lay between them and the Peristyle, where the young +men who lodged on shore bade good-night and the others entered their +waiting boat and returned for the night to their floating home. All were +weary with the day's sight-seeing and soon retired to their state-rooms; +but Lucilla, noticing that her father had remained on deck, hastened back +again for the bit of private chat with him of which she was so fond, yet +in these days could so seldom get. He welcomed her with a smile, and +drawing her into his arms added a tender caress. + +"And what has my little girl, my dear eldest daughter, to say to her +father to-night?" he asked. + +"Oh, not very much of anything, papa," she replied, "but I'm hungry for a +little petting and a chance to hug and kiss my dear father; without +anybody by to criticise," she concluded, with a low, happy laugh. + +"Very well, my darling, you have my full permission to do all you care to +in that line," he said, patting her cheek and pressing his lips to it +again and again. "I haven't lost the first place in my little girl's heart +yet?" + +"No, indeed, papa; and you need not have the least bit of fear that you +ever will." + +"That is good news; if something I have heard so many times can be +properly called news." + +"Are you tired hearing it, father, dear?" she asked half entreatingly, +half incredulously. + +"Indeed no, my darling," he returned, holding her close. "I can hardly +bear to think there will ever be a time when I shall have to relinquish +the very first place in your heart; though I do not believe the time will +ever come when your love for me will fail entirely or even be very small." + +"I can't believe there is the very least danger of that, my own dear, dear +father," she returned earnestly, "and oh, it would break my heart to think +that you would ever love me any less than you do now." + +"It would take a great deal to lessen my love for you, dear one," he +replied, repeating his caresses. "Has this been a happy and enjoyable day +to you, daughter?" + +"Oh, very, papa! what a delightful time we are having!" + +"You will be almost sorry when the time comes for returning home?" + +"Oh, no, indeed, sir! we have such a sweet home that I am always glad to +be back to it when we have been away for a few weeks." + +"But then playtime will be over and studies must be renewed." + +"And that, with such a cross, cross teacher whom nobody loves," she +returned sportively, and laying her head on his shoulder, for he had sat +down, drawing her to his side and putting an arm about her waist. + +"Ah, indeed! I had thought it was your father who was to teach you." + +"And you didn't know how cross and tyrannical he was?" she laughed. + +"So cross and tyrannical that he says now that it is time his eldest +daughter was in her bed." + +"Oh, please don't say I must go just yet, papa!" she begged. "There are so +many of us here that I can hardly ever get a word with you in private, and +it is so--so pleasant to get you all to myself for a few minutes." + +"Well," he said, taking out his watch, "you may have five----" + +"Oh, papa," she interrupted eagerly, "say ten, please do! and I'll try to +be ever so good to-morrow," she concluded, with a merry look and smile. + +"Ten then, but not another one unless you want me to say you must stay +here and rest all day to-morrow." + +"Oh, no, sir, please don't! That would be worse than being sent to bed +immediately. I'll go without a word of objection, whenever you tell me to. +But oh, papa, wasn't it lovely to see the Court of Honor light up +to-night? and what could have been more beautiful than the view from the +Ferris Wheel?" + +"They were fine sights, and I am glad you enjoyed them," he returned. +"To-morrow we will, I think, go into the Manufactures Building, and +perhaps make some purchases. Would you like to do so?" + +"Oh, yes, sir! yes, indeed! I want to get some gifts for Christine and +Alma, and the servants at home." + +"I highly approve of that," he said, "and have no doubt we will be able to +find something for each which will be acceptable. Now the ten minutes are +up, daughter; so bid me good-night and go to your room and get to bed as +quickly as you can." + +"Good-night and pleasant dreams to you, my own dear, dear father," she +returned, hugging him tightly for an instant, then hastened to do his +bidding. + +"I presume you will all be ready to start out early, as usual?" the +captain said at the breakfast table the next morning, adding with a quick +glance about from one to another, "I am happy to see that everyone is +looking well and bright." + +"As we are feeling," said Mr. Dinsmore, "and it is certainly a cause for +gratitude to the Giver of all good. What have you to propose in regard to +our movements for the day, captain?" + +"It makes but little difference to me where we go, so that all are +content," replied Captain Raymond; "but if no one else cares to decide the +question, I propose that our first visit be to the Manufactures Building. +We have been there before, but there are thousands of things well worth +our attention which we have not yet looked at." + +"Oh, yes; let us go there first," responded several voices, and so it was +decided. + +They set out, as usual, shortly after leaving the table; found their young +gentlemen friends waiting for them in the Peristyle, and all proceeded at +once to the Manufactures Building. + +It was easy to spend a long time there, and they did; visiting one section +after another, admiring all that was worthy of admiration in the +architecture and exhibits--the German pavilion with its towers, domes, and +arches, its Ionic pillars upholding golden eagles, the fountains at the +base, the Germania group in hammered copper surmounting the highest +pedestal, and, most beautiful and impressive of all, the great +wrought-iron gates that form its main entrance, and were considered the +finest and most remarkable specimens of that kind of work ever yet seen in +our country. + +The pavilion of France next challenged their attention, being close at +hand. In front of its arched entrance stood two blue and green vases which +they learned were from the national porcelain factories of Sèvres, both +very handsome. That factory had sent about two thousand pieces of its +beautiful and costly china. Most of them had been already sold, but the +captain and his party secured a few. + +Germany, France, and Great Britain occupied three great squares grouped +around the central circle of the immense building. On the fourth square +were the exhibits of the United States. Three New York firms had accepted +the task of making for their country's section such a pavilion as should +maintain her dignity and reputation, and had succeeded in so doing. It +was of the Doric order of architecture and enriched with a pale color and +a profusion of gold, while from the centre of the façade rose a column to +a height of one hundred feet, having a ball and eagle on the top. + +"Oh, let us go in and look at the exhibits here! those of our own +country," exclaimed Lucilla, after some moments had been spent by their +party in an admiring examination of the outside. + +Such seemed to be the inclination of the others also, and they passed +quietly in and about. + +The exhibit of jewelry there was the one which seemed to have the greatest +attraction for the young girls of the party, Lucilla especially; and her +father presented her with a pin and ring which gave her great delight; nor +was he less liberal to his wife or Grace. + +"Ah, ha! um, hum! ah, ha! I see, captain, that you believe in encouraging +home industries," laughed Mr. Lilburn. + +"Yes, sir; especially when they are the best," returned the captain +good-humoredly. "I have been examining jewelry in the various foreign +exhibits and find none to excel, few to compare with, those of these +United States." + +"Yes," said Harold; "some of our country-men excel in those things, as +they do in the art of the silversmith. Look at those translucent enamels +worked on silver fret-work--there in the Gorham exhibit; and those fine +pitchers and vases made of silver worked into open engraved designs, +having pieces of colored glass blown into it; and those of Rockwood +pottery and silver." + +"And yonder is Tiffany's exhibit," said Evelyn. "He is one of our finest +jewelers, so let us go and look at it." + +There was no objection raised, but all followed her as she led the way to +the pavilion of which she had spoken. They found it well worth +examination, for none of them had ever seen a finer display, or greater +variety of precious stones in costly and beautiful settings. + +Our friends lingered some time longer in what the young people called "our +section." There were other fine collections from other cities and +countries, too numerous to mention, and far too many to be seen and +examined in one day, or even in several. + +After a time, however the little ones grew very weary and indeed all were +ready to enjoy a rest. So an electric boat on the lagoon was entered, and +quite a while spent upon the water. + +After that they had luncheon at a restaurant, then went to see the Spanish +caravels. + +"What are caravels, papa?" asked Elsie, as they went on their way. + +"You'll see presently," he replied. "You have heard the story of the +discovery of America. These little vessels which we are going to see are +made as nearly as possible like those he came over in; the men who built +them looking up old pictures and descriptions and making these vessels as +exact copies of the old ones as they could." + +"Was it in Spain they made them, papa?" + +"Yes; they sailed from Palos in Spain, about a year ago, and exactly four +hundred years from the time when Columbus sailed from there to look for +the land he felt sure was here, on this side of the ocean. They took, as +nearly as they could, just the course he did, and finally came on to New +York, where they had a part in the international review of April, 1893." + +"That's the name of this year isn't it, papa?" + +"Yes; that review took place last April; and after it they sailed for the +St. Lawrence River, came round the lakes as we did, and here into this +harbor." + +"How many are there, papa?" + +"Three: the _Santa Maria_--in which Columbus himself sailed--the _Nina_, +and the _Pinta_. There they are, daughter," as at that moment they came in +sight of the three small vessels. + +"Why, how little they are!" she exclaimed; "not nearly so big as the +_Illinois_ that we see all the time from our deck." + +"You are quite right about that," her father said, with a smile. + +"But what does anybody want with such little bits of ships?" she asked. + +"Only to show people with what little vessels Columbus accomplished his +great work of discovering America." + +"I'm glad he discovered it," Elsie said, with satisfaction; "because, if +he hadn't, we couldn't have been here living in it." + +"Unless somebody else had discovered it between that time and this, +Elsie," laughed her uncle Walter, overhearing her last remark. + +All were interested in looking at the little vessels, but their curiosity +was soon satisfied and they returned to the Court of Honor for a time, +then to the _Dolphin_. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + +It was Sunday afternoon. Most of the _Dolphin's_ passengers were in their +own state-rooms enjoying the Sabbath rest, after the fatigue of the +sight-seeing of the past week, but Captain Raymond sat on the deck with +Neddie on his knee and the three girls grouped about him. The father and +daughters had each a Bible, for even little Elsie could read fluently and +had been given one of her own, which she valued highly. + +"Papa," she said, "you know you bade each of us to have a verse to recite +to you to-day. May I say mine now?" + +"Yes; we will begin with the youngest to-day," he replied. + +"But that's I, papa; your Neddie boy!" exclaimed the little fellow on his +knee. + +"Why, yes, to be sure! But I hardly expected him to have one," the captain +returned, with a fatherly smile down into the dear little face upturned to +his. "Let me hear it, son?" + +"It's only a very little one, papa: 'The Son of man hath power on earth to +forgive sins.'" + +"A very sweet verse. Does my little son know who said these words?" + +"Grandma said they were Jesus' words. She taught me the verse." + +"Yes, it was Jesus our Saviour who said it; and do you know whom he meant +by the Son of man?" + +"Grandma said it was himself, and that he can forgive all our sins and +take away the love of sinning and make us truly good, really holy." + +"That is true, a blessed truth; and to him alone, to Jesus who was God and +man both, we must go to get our sins forgiven, and be taught to love +holiness; that holiness without which no man can see the Lord." + +"Now mine, papa," said Elsie: "'He that believeth on the Son hath +everlasting life.' Doesn't that mean that to believe on Jesus will take us +to heaven at last--when we die?" + +"Yes; and as soon as we really and truly believe on him--trust and love +him, giving ourselves to him and taking him for our Saviour--he gives us a +life that will last forever, so that we will always be his in this world +and in the next, and dying will be but going home to our Father's house on +high, to be forever there with the Lord, and free from sin and suffering +and death." + +"Never any more naughtiness, and never any more pain or sickness," said +Elsie thoughtfully. "Oh, how delightful that will be!" + +"Yes, and to be with Jesus and like him," said Grace softly. "This is my +verse: 'We love him because he first loved us.'" + +"Oh, what love it was!" exclaimed her father. "'Beloved, let us love one +another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God. He +that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.'" + +"I have the next three verses, papa," said Lucilla: "'In this was +manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only +begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is +love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be +the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also +to love one another.'" + +"Yes," said her father; "if we would be followers of Christ, he must be +our example; he who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, +when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened +not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously: who his own +self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to +sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." + +"What does that mean?" asked little Ned. + +"That the dear Lord Jesus suffered in our stead; taking the punishment due +to us for our sins, the punishment we deserved, and letting us have the +life bought with his righteousness and his blood." + +"What is righteousness, papa?" asked the little fellow. + +"Holiness, goodness. Jesus was perfectly holy, and those who truly love +him will be ever trying to be like him; will go from strength to strength +till everyone of them in Zion appears before God. That is, till they get +to heaven; and there they will be so like Jesus that they will never sin +any more." + +"And what does that other part, 'by whose stripes ye are healed,' mean, +papa?" asked Elsie. + +"That Jesus suffered for the sins of his people (there was no sin of his +own for him to suffer for), and that because he bore the punishment in +their stead they will not have to bear it, and will be delivered from the +love of it; that is the healing--the being made well of that disease--the +love of sinning, the vile nature that we are all born with, because our +first parents disobeyed God there in the garden of Eden." + +"God teaches his people to hate sin and try bard--asking help of him--to +forsake it and be always good, doing just what is right; doesn't he, +papa? That's what grandma says." + +"Yes, dear child, it is what God teaches us in his Word--the Holy Bible." + +"And he will send his Holy Spirit to help us--if we ask him to?" + +"Yes." + +"But how can we know it, papa? we can't see him." + +"No, daughter, but we may know it by the help he gives us, and others will +recognize the fact by the fruit of the Spirit seen in our lives. Lucilla, +can you tell me what is the fruit of the Spirit?" + +"Yes, sir; the Bible says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, +longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." + +"Yes; and 'against such there is no law.' Jesus has kept the law perfectly +in their stead, and his righteousness being imputed to them, they are +treated as if they had never broken the law--never sinned--but had been +always holy and obedient to all the commands of God, as he was." + +Elsie was looking very thoughtful. "I think I understand it now, papa," +she said. "Jesus has kept God's law in our stead, and borne the punishment +for our breaking it, and gives his goodness to us, so that we are treated +just as if we had been really good when we haven't at all, and that is +what it means where it says, 'by whose stripes ye were healed.'" + +"Yes, dear child, that is just it; and oh, how can we help loving him, who +died and suffered so much for us! Oh, how we ought to love him!" + +"I do love him, papa. I ask him every day to help me to love him more and +serve him better. I ask earnestly for a new heart; for he is the hearer +and answerer of prayer. The Bible tells us so." + +"And it is so sweet to know it," said Grace, speaking low and softly, "for +he is always near and able to help us, no matter what our trouble may be." + +"Yes," said her father. "'Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will +deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me.' 'Then shall ye call upon me, and +ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall +seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.' +God looks at the heart, my children, and will not hear and answer us if we +approach him with lip service only, not really wanting what we are asking +for." + +"Yes, papa," said Elsie; "but I do really want the new heart I ask him +for. So he will give it to me; won't he?" + +"Yes, daughter, for he has said so, and his promises never fail." + +"I want to go to mamma now," said Neddie, getting down from his father's +knee. + +"Yes, run along," said the captain. "Our lesson has been long enough for +to-day, I think, daughters, and you are all at liberty to go. You, Grace, +are looking weary, and it would be well for both you and Elsie to take a +nap: Lucilla also, if she wishes," he added, with a kindly glance at her. + +"Thank you, papa, but I do not care to," she answered, as the others +hastened away; "the breeze makes it very pleasant here on deck." + +"Yes, and you can rest nicely in one of these steamer chairs." Then, +taking a keener look into her face, "But something seems to be troubling +you, dear child. Tell your father what it is, that he may help and comfort +you," he added, in very tender tones, taking her hands and drawing her to +a seat close at his side. + +"Oh, papa, it is that I am--I am afraid I have been deceiving myself and +am not really a Christian," she said, with a half sob and hiding her face +on his shoulders. "There is so little, if any, of the fruit of the Spirit +in me--no gentleness, goodness, meekness--though I do love Jesus and long +to be like him." + +"In that case, dear child, I am sure you are one of his," he answered low +and tenderly. "Love is put first in the list and I have seen, to my great +joy, a steady growth in you of longsuffering, gentleness, and meekness. +Jesus said, 'By their fruits ye shall know them,' and I think that, though +far from perfect, yet my dear eldest daughter does show by her life that +she is earnestly striving to bring forth in it the fruit of the Spirit. +'The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more +unto the perfect day.' We are not made perfect in a moment, but are to +grow in grace, becoming more and more like the Master, and when the work +of grace is completed--so that we are made perfect in holiness--we do +immediately pass into glory, to be forever with the Lord." + +"Yes, papa; and oh, I want you to pray for me that I may grow in grace +every day and hour of my life." + +"I will, I do, daughter; and you must pray for your father too, for he is +by no means perfect yet." + +"Papa, you do seem perfect to me," she said, with a look of reverent love +up into his face. "I never forget you in my prayers; never forget to thank +God for giving me such a dear, kind father. Papa, are you never troubled +with fears that you might be mistaken in thinking yourself a Christian? +Oh, no! I am sure not; for how could you be when you are such a good +Christian that no one who sees you every day, and knows you as your +daughter does, could have the least doubt about it?" + +"My daughter looks at me with the partial eyes of filial love," he +replied, tenderly smoothing her hair, "but I too, in view of my sins and +shortcomings, am sometimes sorely troubled by doubts and fears. But then I +find peace and happiness in just giving myself anew to Jesus, and asking +him to take me for his very own and deliver me from all my sins and fears; +then, knowing that he is a hearer and answerer of prayers, I can go on my +way rejoicing. Can you not do the same?" + +"Oh, yes, papa, I will. I remember now that you told me once to do so--to +come then to Him and he would receive me, and I need not trouble about the +question whether I had really come before. And I did and found, oh, such +rest and peace!" + +"Yes; 'the peace of God which passeth all understanding! May it ever keep +your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + +"Where are we going to-day, papa?" asked little Elsie the next morning at +the breakfast table. + +"I do not know yet, my child," he replied. "I have been thinking," he +continued, addressing the company in general, "that it would probably be +better for us to break up into quite small parties, each going its own +way, now that the Fair has become so crowded." + +"Yes," Mr. Dinsmore said, "I will take my wife and daughter with me, if +they do not object; you, I presume, will do likewise with your wife and +children, and the others--Rosie, Walter, and Evelyn--can make up a third +party, and dispose of their time and efforts at sight-seeing as they +please." + +At that Mr. Lilburn turned toward Miss Annis Keith and said, with a +humorous look and smile, "You and I seem to be left entirely out of the +calculation, Miss Keith. Shall we compose a fourth party, and see what we +can find to amuse and interest us?" + +"Thank you, sir," she replied; "but are you sure I might not prove a +hindrance and burden?" + +"Quite sure; and your companionship, if I can secure it, will be +all-sufficient for me." + +"Then we will consider the arrangement made, for I should be sorry indeed +to intrude my companionship upon those who do not desire it," she said, +with a sportive look at the captain. + +"Cousin Ronald," said the latter gravely, "I think you owe me a vote of +thanks for leaving Cousin Annis to you. I am sure it should be accounted a +very generous thing for me to do." + +"Certainly, captain, when you have only Cousin Vi, those two half-grown +daughters, and two sweet children for your share," laughed Annis. + +"As many as he can keep together," remarked Walter. "Well, I'm going off +by myself, as I happen to know that my sister Rosie and Evelyn have been +already engaged by other escorts." + +"Walter, you deserve to be left at home," said Rosie severely. + +"At home?" laughed Walter, "you would have to get me there first." + +"You know what I mean; this yacht is home to us while we are living on +it." + +"And a very pleasant one it is; a delightful place to rest in when one is +tired; as I realize every evening, coming back to it from the Fair." + +"Then we won't try to punish you by condemning you to imprisonment in it," +said the captain. + +"Papa, I should like to go to the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building +again to-day, unless the rest of our party prefer some other place," said +Grace. + +"That would suit me as well as any," said Violet. + +"Me also," added Lucilla. + +"Then that shall be our destination," returned the captain. + +The young men--Harold and Herbert Travilla, Chester and Frank Dinsmore, +and Will Croly--joined the party from the _Dolphin_, as usual, in the +Peristyle; good-mornings were exchanged, then they broke up into smaller +parties and scattered in different directions; Captain Raymond with his +wife and children going first into the great Manufactures and Liberal Arts +Building, where they spent some hours in looking at such of the beautiful +and interesting exhibits as they had not examined in former visits; making +a good many purchases of gifts for each other for friends and relatives +and the servants and caretakers left at home. + +Chester was disappointed and chagrined that he was not invited to +accompany them, particularly as it was his and Frank's last day at the +Fair--but he joined Walter and Herbert, while Harold took charge of their +mother, and the other young folks went off in couples. + +"Where shall we betake ourselves, Miss Annis?" asked Mr. Lilburn. + +"I think I should like to look at some of the paintings in the Fine Arts +Building, if you care to do so," replied Annis. + +"I should like nothing better," he returned; "so we will go there first." + +They spent all the morning there--there were so many pictures worthy of +long study that it was difficult to tear themselves away from any one of +them. + +"'The return of the _Mayflower_,'" read Mr. Lilburn as they paused before +a picture of a young girl standing upon the seashore, looking out eagerly +over the water toward a sail which she sees in the distance; such an +impatience and tender longing in her face that one knew it seemed almost +impossible for her to wait the coming of some dear one she believes to be +on board; one whose love and care are to shelter her from cold and storm +and savage foes who might at any moment come upon and assail her. "Ah, the +dear lass is evidently hoping, expecting, waiting for the coming of her +lover," he said. "Happy man! What a joyous meeting it will be when the +good ship comes to anchor and he steps ashore to meet her loving welcome." + +"Yes, I can imagine it," Annis said. "They have doubtless been separated +for months or years, and a glad reunion awaits them if he is really on the +vessel." + +For a moment they gazed in silence, then with a sigh he said, "She's a +bonny lass and doubtless he a brave, well-favored young fellow; both on +the sunny side of life, while I--ah, Miss Annis, if I were but twenty +years younger----" + +"What then, Mr. Lilburn?" she asked sportively. "You would be looking +about for such a sweet young creature and trying to win her heart?" + +"Not if I might hope to win that of the dear lady by my side," he returned +in low, loverlike tones. "She is full young enough and fair enough for me. +Miss Annis, do you think I--I could ever make myself a place in your +heart? I am no longer young, but there's an auld saying that 'it is better +to be 'an auld man's darling than a young man's slave.'" + +"I have not intended to be either," she answered, blushing deeply and +drawing a little away from him. "Single life has its charms, and I am by +no means sure that--that I care to--to give it up." + +"I hope to be able some day to convince you that you do," he returned +entreatingly, as she turned hastily away and moved on toward another +picture. + +She had liked the old gentleman very much indeed; he was so genuinely kind +and polite, so intelligent and well informed; and he had evidently enjoyed +her society too, but she had never dreamed of this--that he would want her +as a wife; she would sooner have thought of looking up to him in a +daughterly way--but as he had said he wanted a wifely affection from her, +could she--could she give it? For a brief space her brain seemed in a +whirl; she saw nothing, heard nothing that was going on about her--could +think of nothing but this surprising, astonishing offer, and could not +decide whether she could ever accept it or not. She could not, at that +moment she rather thought she never could. She kept her face turned away +from him as he stood patiently waiting by her side. Both had lost interest +in the paintings. He was watching her and saw that she was much disturbed, +yet he could not decide whether that disturbance was likely to be +favorable to his suit or not. Presently he drew out his watch. "It is past +noon, Miss Keith," he said; "suppose we take a gondola and cross the pond +to the Japanese Tea House, where we can get a lunch." + +"I am willing if you wish it," returned Annis in low, steady tones, but +without giving him so much as a glimpse of her face. He caught sight of +it, however, as they entered the boat; then their eyes met, and he was +satisfied that she was not altogether indifferent to his suit. But he did +not think it wise to renew it at that moment. They sat in silence for a +little, then he spoke of the scenes about them; and while they took their +lunch, the talking they did ran upon matters of indifference. + +As they left the building they came unexpectedly upon the captain and his +party. + +"Ah! where now, friends?" he asked. + +"That is a question that has not yet been decided," replied Mr. Lilburn. +"Where are you going?" + +"I am about to take Grace, Elsie, and Ned back to our floating home," +returned the captain, "for I fear they have already become more fatigued +than is good for them." + +"And if you will allow it, I will go with you, captain," said Annis. + +"Certainly," he returned; "your company is always acceptable, Cousin +Annis, and I see that you look as though a few hours of rest would not +come amiss to you. Let us take this steam launch, which is just +approaching, and we will be at our destination in a few minutes." + +"Let us all get on board and go as far as the Peristyle, where Lu and I +will wait for you, Levis," said Violet. + +"A good idea," he replied. "Why, there is Walter on the boat, and I can +leave you in his care, if Cousin Ronald does not wish to make one of the +party." + +"Ah! then I will wander along by my ain sel,'" returned the old gentleman +laughingly as he lifted his hat to Annis and the others, then went on his +way, musing as to the best course to pursue to bring about an acceptance +of his suit. + +"I want you and your little brother and sister to retire promptly to your +berths, Grace, and try to get a good nap," the captain said when they had +reached the deck of the _Dolphin_. "And, Cousin Annis, I hope you'll not +think me impertinent if I advise you to do the same." + +"Not at all," she returned, with a smile, "it is just what I was intending +to do. I have a slight headache, but hope to sleep it off." + +"I hope you may, indeed," he said in a kindly, sympathetic tone. "I +presume it is the result of fatigue and that a few hours of rest and sleep +will make all right again." + +She went at once to her state-room, and changing her dress for a loose +wrapper lay down with the determination to forget everything in sleep. But +thought was too busy in her brain; she was too much excited over the +surprising offer made her that morning. She knew instinctively that Mr. +Lilburn had not given up the hope of securing what he had asked for--that +his suit would be renewed at the first opportunity--and what should +she--what could she say? It was not the first offer she had had, but--no +other suitor was ever so good, so noble, so--oh, he was everything one +could ask or desire (what difference that he was old enough to be her +father), but would his sons welcome her advent into the family? And her +own dear ones--sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews--be willing to part +with her. Perhaps not; but surely they could do very well without her and +he--the dear old gentleman--ought surely to be considered; if she could +make his last days happier and more comfortable--it could not be wrong for +her to do so, for the others could be happy without her. Ah, perhaps they +would soon almost forget her. And there with Elsie Travilla her dear, +dearest friend and cousin; how pleasant to live near enough for almost +daily intercourse with her! + +"I will ask for guidance," she finally said half aloud, and, rising, +knelt beside her couch, earnestly beseeching her best friend to make her +way plain before her face, to lead and guide her all her journey through. +Then, calmed and quieted by casting her burden on the Lord, she lay down +again and presently fell into a deep, sweet sleep. She was awakened by a +gentle tap on the door, then Violet's voice asking: + +"Can I come in for one moment, Cousin Annis?" At that she rose and opened +the door, saying. + +"Indeed you can, Vi. But what--who----?" as Violet handed her a bunch of +Scotch heather, her eyes dancing with mirth and pleasure as she did so, +for at the sight of the flowers a crimson flush had suddenly suffused +Annis' cheek. + +"You see what," she said, "and the who is Cousin Ronald. Oh, Cousin Annis, +I am so glad if only you won't reject him! and he's a dear old man; almost +too old for you, I acknowledge, but don't say no on that account. Be 'an +old man's darling,' there's a dear! for then we'll have you close beside +us in that lovely Beechwood." + +A silent caress was Annis' only reply, and Violet slipped away, leaving +her once more alone. For a brief space Annis stood gazing down at the +flowers in her hand with a tender smile on her lips, the roses coming and +going on her cheek. They seemed to be whispering to her of priceless love +and tenderness; for Mr. Lilburn was a hale, hearty man, looking much +younger than his years: he might outlive her, but years of genial +companionship might well be hoped for in this world, to be eventually +followed by a blissful eternity in another and better land, for they were +followers of the same Master, travelling the same road--toward the city +which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Yes, she did +indeed love the dear old man; she knew it now, and her heart sang for joy +as she hastened to array herself in the most becoming dress she had at +hand and pinned his flowers in the bosom of her gown. + +He was alone in the saloon as she entered it, and turning at the sound of +her light step, came forward to greet her with outstretched hand, his eyes +shining with pleasure at the sight of his flowers and the sweet, blushing +face above them. + +"Ah, my darling! you do not despise my little gift," he said low and +tenderly, taking quiet possession of her hand. "May I hope you will show +equal favor to the giver?" + +"If--if you think--if you are sure, quite sure, you will never repent and +grow weary of your choice," she stammered, speaking scarcely above her +breath. + +"Perfectly sure!" he returned. "My only fear is that I may fail to make +this dear lady as happy as she might be with a younger and more attractive +companion." + +"I have never seen such an one yet," she said, with a half smile, "and I +do not fear to risk it. I shall be only too glad to do so," with a low +half laugh, "if you have no fear of being disappointed in me." + +"Not a ghost of a fear!" he responded. + +As he spoke the door of Mrs. Travilla's state-room opened and she stepped +out upon them. Catching sight of them standing there hand in hand, she was +about to retreat into her room again, but Mr. Lilburn spoke: + +"Congratulate me, Cousin Elsie, upon having won the heart of the sweetest +lady in the land; or if that be too strong, one of the sweetest." + +"I do, I do," Elsie said, coming forward and bestowing a warm embrace upon +Annis, "and I could not have asked anything better, seeing it will bring +one whom I so dearly love into our immediate neighborhood." Even as she +spoke they were joined by other members of the party, the news of the +state of affairs was instantly conjectured by them, and joyful +congratulations were showered upon Cousin Ronald, tender embraces and +words of love upon Annis. + +Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore were there, but the young couples who had left the +older people that morning and gone off to explore other parts of the Fair +had not returned; but presently a slight commotion on deck, followed by +the sound of their voices, told of their arrival; in another minute they +were in the saloon, and Croly, leading Rosie to her mother, said: + +"Will you give this dear girl to me, Mrs. Travilla? She doesn't deny that +she loves me, and she is dearer to me than words can tell." + +"Then I cannot refuse," returned the mother, with emotion, "knowing as I +do that you are all a mother could ask in a suitor for her dear daughter's +hand. But do not ask me to part from her yet; she is--you are both--young +enough to wait at least a year or two longer." + +"So I think," said Rosie's grandfather, coming up and laying a hand on her +shoulder. "It would be hard to rob my dear eldest daughter of the last of +her daughters; to say nothing about grandparents and brothers." + +"Well, sir, I thank both her mother and yourself for your willingness to +let her engage herself to me, but I at least shall find it a little hard +to wait," said Croly. "I am well able to support a wife now, and--don't +you think we know each other well enough, and that early marriages are +more likely to prove happy than later ones?" + +"No, I don't agree to any such sentiment as that; old folks may as +reasonably look for happiness--perhaps a trifle more reasonably--than +young ones." + +The words seemed to be spoken by someone coming down the cabin stairway, +and everybody turned to look at the speaker; but he was not to be seen. + +"Oh, that was Cousin Ronald!" exclaimed Violet, with a merry look at him, +"and no wonder, since he has gone courting again in his latter days." + +"What! is that possible!" exclaimed Mr. Hugh Lilburn, in evident +astonishment. "And who? Ah, I see and am well content," catching sight of +Annis' sweet, blushing face. "Father, I offer my hearty congratulations." + +A merry, lively scene followed, mutual congratulations were exchanged, +jests and badinage and spirited retorts were indulged in, and in the midst +of it all there were other arrivals; Walter returned bringing with him the +two Dinsmores and the Conly brothers and their wives; they were told the +news, and the captain noticed that Chester cast a longing glance at Lulu, +then turned with an entreating, appealing one to him. But the captain +shook his head in silent refusal, and Chester seemed to give it up, and +with another furtive glance at Lucilla, which she did not see, her +attention being fully occupied with the others, he too joined in the +mirthful congratulations and good wishes. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + +Upon leaving the supper table the whole company resorted to the deck, +where most of them spent the evening, being very weary with the +sight-seeing of the day and finding restful seats there and a view of much +that was interesting and enjoyable. Chester and his brother left early to +take an evening train for the South. + +"I am sorry for you that you must leave without having seen everything at +the Fair, Chester," Lucilla said in bidding him good-by, "but we can't any +of us stay the necessary forty-two years. I'll see all I can, though, and +give you a full account of it after I get home; that is, if you care to +come over to Woodburn and hear it." + +"You may be sure I will and thank you, too," he returned, giving the +pretty white hand she had put into his an affectionate squeeze. "Good-by. +I'm glad you have your father to take good care of you." + +"So am I," she said, with a happy laugh; "I'm sure there's no better +caretaker in the world." + +It was somewhat later before the others went and Lucilia, sitting a little +apart from them, watched furtively the behavior toward each other of the +newly engaged couples. + +"A penny for your thoughts, Lu," said Violet, coming up from seeing her +little ones in bed, and taking a seat by Lucilla's side. + +"Really, they are not worth it, Mamma Vi," laughed the young girl. "I was +watching Rosie, and wondering how she could ever think of leaving such a +dear mother as hers to--marry and live with even so good and agreeable a +young man as Mr. Croly." + +"And what do you think of my leaving that very mother (the very best and +dearest of mothers she is, too) for a husband when I was a full year +younger than Rosie is now?" returned Violet, with a mischievous twinkle of +amusement in her eyes. + +"Oh, that was to live with papa--the dearest and best of men! I can see +how one might well forsake father and mother and everybody else to live +with him." + +"I agree with you," said Violet. "I love my mother dearly; it would break +my heart to lose her; and yet I love my husband still more." + +"I don't believe I shall ever be able to say that," said Lulu +emphatically. "I feel perfectly sure that I shall never love anybody else +half so well as I do my own dear father." + +"I know it would trouble him sorely to think you did," said Violet; "so I +hope you will not think of such a thing for at least five or six years to +come." + +"Five or six years! Indeed, Mamma Vi, you may be sure I will never leave +him while he lives. I know I could not be happy away from him. I have +always looked to him for loving care and protection, and I hope that if +ever he should grow old and feeble, I may be able to give the same to +him." + +"I can scarcely bear to think that that time will ever come," said Violet, +gazing at her husband with loving, admiring eyes. "But I hope it is far +off, for he really seems to have grown younger of late--since coming here +to the Fair." + +"I think so too, Mamma Vi," said Lucilla; "and indeed it seems as though +everybody was younger--they all look so happy and interested; at least +until they get worn out; as one does with all the walking and the +thousands of things to look at, and feeling all the time in fear that you +may miss the very things you would care most to see." + +"Yes, that is the fatiguing part of it. But we had a nice time to-day, +Lu. Aren't you pleased with our purchases?" + +"Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi! I am sure Christine, Alma, and the servants cannot +fail to be delighted with the gifts we have for them. And papa has been so +very generous in supplying Grace and me with money. I hope Max will be +pleased with all we bought for him. Poor, dear fellow! It is just a shame +he couldn't have been allowed to come here with us." + +"Yes, I regret it very much," said Violet. "It has been one great drawback +upon our pleasure. O Lu, do look at Cousin Annis! She seems to have grown +ten years younger with happiness. I am so glad for her, and that we are to +have her for a near neighbor." + +"I too; but judging from Mr. Lilburn's looks I should say he is gladder +than anybody else. Oh, I wish they would get married at once! Wouldn't it +be fun, Mamma Vi, to have a wedding here on the yacht?" + +"Yes, indeed! Here comes your father," as the captain rose and came toward +them; "we will suggest it to him and see what he thinks of the idea," she +added, making room for him at her side. + +"Thank you, my dear," he said, taking the offered seat. "You two seem to +have found some very interesting topic of conversation. May I ask what it +is?" + +"We are ready to let you into the secret without waiting to be +questioned," returned Violet. "We have been planning to have a wedding on +board, should you and the parties more particularly interested give +consent." + +"And who may they be?" he asked lightly. "Not that couple, I hope," +glancing in the direction of Croly and his lady-love. "Rosie is, in my +opinion, rather young to assume the cares and duties of married life." + +"As you said before, quite forgetting how you coaxed and persuaded a still +younger girl to undertake them--under your supervision," laughed Violet. +"Ah, Captain Raymond, have you forgotten that consistency is a jewel?" + +"Ah, my dear, have you forgotten that circumstances alter cases?" he +returned in sportive tone. "But allow me to remind you that you have not +yet answered my question." + +"But I do now; it is the older couple of lovers Lu and I are benevolently +inclined to assist into the bonds of matrimony." + +"Ah! Well, I am pleased with the idea, and have no doubt that it will be +an easy matter to secure the gentleman's consent; as regards that of the +lady I am somewhat doubtful." + +"I presume," said Violet, "she will veto it at first; that is only +natural; but we may succeed in coaxing her into it." + +"I should think that if they are going to get married the sooner the +better," observed Lucilla gravely. + +"Why so, daughter?" asked the captain. + +"Because neither is very young, you know, papa, so that they can hardly +expect to have many years to live together, and the longer they wait the +shorter the time will be." + +"Of their life together on earth, yes; but being Christians, they may hope +to spend a blessed eternity in each other's society." + +"Shall we make any move in the matter to-night, my dear?" asked Violet. + +"I think not, except to talk it over with your mother and grandparents." + +"Yes, that will be the better plan," said Violet. "And mother will be the +one to make the suggestion to Cousin Annis and persuade her to adopt it." + +"Yes; there will be no need of persuasion as regards the gentleman's share +in the matter." + +"There, the Conlys are making a move as if about to go," said Lucilla. +"And I hope they will, for I do want to know what Grandma Elsie and the +others will think of the plan." + +"Always in a hurry, daughter mine," the captain said, giving her an amused +smile as they rose and went forward to speed the parting guests and +assure them of a hearty welcome whenever they should see fit to return. + +Not long after their departure the others retired to their state-rooms, +Violet, however, going first into that of her mother to tell of her own +and husband's plans concerning the nuptials of their cousins, Mr. Lilburn +and Annis. + +"That would be quite romantic for the youthful pair," Mrs. Travilla said +with her low, sweet laugh, "I doubt very much, however, if you can +persuade Annis to give her consent to so sudden a relinquishment of all +the rights and privileges of maidenhood. Besides she will hardly like to +deprive her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, of the pleasure of +witnessing the ceremony." + +"They might be invited to come and be present at the marriage," Violet +suggested a little doubtfully. + +"I fear there are too many of them," her mother said in reply; "so that +they will think it would be far easier for Aunt Annis to go to them; and +more suitable for her to be married in her own old home." + +"Do you really think so, mamma? Well, please don't suggest it to her. I am +sure that if our plan can be carried out it will be a great saving to +them of both expense and trouble; for of course my husband will provide +the wedding feast." + +"Well, dear, I should like to see your plan carried out, and I must insist +upon sharing the expense. But we will talk it over again in the morning. +We are both weary now and ought to go at once to our beds." + +"Then good-night, mamma, dear. May you sleep sweetly and peacefully and +wake again fully rested," Violet said, giving her mother a fond embrace. + +"And you also, daughter. May He who neither slumbers nor sleeps have you +and yours in his safe keeping through the silent watches of the night," +responded her mother, returning the embrace. + +The captain had lingered on the deck as usual, to give his orders for the +night, and Lucilla waited about for the bit of petting as she termed it, +of which she was so fond. + +"Ah, so you are still here, daughter!" he said in his usual kind, fatherly +tones as he turned and found her at his side. "Have you something to say +to your father?" putting his arm about her and holding her close as +something precious. + +"Only the usual story--that I love my father dearly, dearly, and don't +like to go to bed without telling him so and getting a caress that nobody +else will know anything about." + +"A great secret that doubtless the whole world would be glad to discover!" +he laughed, bestowing them without stint. "Is my little girl unhappy, +about--anything? and wanting her father to comfort her?" he asked, looking +keenly into her face. + +"Unhappy, father? here in your arms and perfectly certain of your dear +love?" she exclaimed, lifting to his eyes full of joy and love. "No, +indeed! I don't believe there is a happier girl in the land or in the +whole world for that matter. Oh, you are so good to me and all your +children! How very generous you were to-day to Grace and me in letting us +buy so many lovely presents to carry home with us! I am often afraid, +papa, that you do without things yourself to give the more to us. Oh, I +hope you don't!" + +"You need not be at all troubled on that score" he said, patting her cheek +and smiling down into her eyes. "I have abundance of means and can well +allow my daughters such pleasures. 'It is more blessed to give than to +receive,' and when I give to you, and you use my gift in procuring +something for another, it gives us both a taste of that blessedness." + +"So it does, papa, and oh, what a good place this is for making +purchases! there are so many, many lovely things to be found in the +various buildings." + +"And we meet so many relatives and friends from various quarters. But that +gives us the pain of a good many partings," and again he looked keenly at +her as he spoke. + +"Yes, sir," she said, "but one can always hope to meet again with those +one cares particularly about; so I don't feel that I need to mourn while I +have you, my dear father, and Mamma Vi and the little brother and sisters +left; and I'm content and more than content, except that I miss dear Max +and can't help wishing he were here to see and enjoy all that we do." + +"Yes; dear boy! I wish he could be," sighed the captain. Then, with +another caress, "Go now to your bed, daughter; it is high time you were +there," he said. + +"Just one minute more, please, papa, dear," she entreated, with her arm +about his neck. "Oh, I can't understand how Rosie can think of leaving her +mother for Mr. Croly or any other man. I could never, never want to leave +you for anybody else in the wide world." + +"I am glad and thankful to hear it, dear child," he said, with another +tender caress and good-night. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + +Circumstances seemed to favor the scheme of the captain, Violet, and +Lucilla, for the family and their guests had scarcely left the breakfast +table when there was a new arrival, a boat hailing the yacht and +discharging several passengers, who proved to be Annis' sisters, Mildred +and Zillah, and her brother, the Rev. Cyril Keith. + +It was an unexpected arrival, but they were most cordially welcomed and +urgently invited to spend as much of their time on the yacht as could be +spared from sight-seeing on shore. They were of course soon introduced to +Mr. Lilburn--already known to them by reputation--and presently informed +of the state of affairs between him and their sister. They were decidedly +pleased with the old gentleman, yet grieved at the thought of so wide a +separation between their dear youngest sister and themselves. + +Violet afterward, seizing a momentary opportunity when neither Mr. Lilburn +nor Annis was near, told of her plans in regard to the wedding, adding +that the subject had not yet been mentioned to Annis, but that she +herself hoped no objection would be raised; and it seemed to her that +Cyril's arrival, thus providing a minister to perform the ceremony, the +very one Annis would have chosen of course, seemed providential. + +At first both brother and sisters were decidedly opposed to it--they +wanted Annis to be married at home where all the family could be gathered +to witness the ceremony; it was bad enough to lose her without being +deprived of that privilege; besides time and thought must be given to the +preparation of a suitable trousseau. But in the course of a day or two +they were won over to the plan. + +Then the consent of those most particularly interested had to be gained. +There was no difficulty so far as concerned Mr. Lilburn; he was really +delighted with the idea, but Annis at first positively refused. She wished +to be married at home and she must have a trousseau: not that she cared so +much about it for herself, but Mr. Lilburn must not be disgraced by a +bride not suitably adorned. + +"Well, Annis dear," said Mildred, who was the one selected for the task of +obtaining her consent to the proposed plan, "you shall have all that you +desire in the way of dress. I would not have you do without a single +thing you want or think would be suitable and becoming. You shall have +abundance of money to make such purchases without applying to your husband +for any one of them. You have some money of your own, you know, and it +will be a great pleasure to your brothers and sisters to give to the dear +girl who was such a help and comfort to our loved father and mother, +anything and everything she wants, and will accept at our hands." + +"Yes, I know I have the best and kindest of brothers and sisters, and oh, +I can hardly keep the tears back when I think of the separation that +awaits us," said Annis with a sob, putting her arms round Mildred's neck +and clinging to her. + +"Yes, dear, I know. I feel just the same, though I believe you will be +very happy with the kind, genial old gentleman who is stealing you away +from us; but I can see that he is in great haste to get full possession of +his dear little lady-love--at which I do not wonder at all--and I really +think it would be better to take the plunge into matrimony suddenly and +have it over," she added, with a smile. + +"Have what over?" asked Annis, smiling faintly. + +"Not the matrimony," laughed her sister, "but the plunge into it." + +"Oh, Milly dear, you wouldn't have liked to be hurried so!" + +"Ah, but wasn't I?" laughed Mildred; "and that by this very brother of +ours who expects to perform the ceremony for you." + +"Ah, I don't remember about that," returned Annis, in a tone of enquiry. + +"No, you were such a little girl then that I don't wonder it has slipped +your memory. But Cyril was about starting for college and so determined to +see me married, so fearful that he would miss the sight if he went off +before-hand, that he coaxed, planned, and insisted till he actually gained +his point--hurrying me into wedlock before I had even one wedding dress +made up." + +"Oh, yes! and you were married in mother's wedding dress, I remember now. +But, Milly, I haven't a single handsome dress with me! I did not think +they would be at all suitable to wear in tramping about the White City and +its buildings, or needed in the hotel, where I spent but little time +except at night. And so far, what I brought with me have answered every +purpose." + +"Never mind," said Mildred; "handsome ready-made dresses can be bought in +Chicago, and it will not take long to procure one. You will of course want +to select one that is well fitting and becoming in color; gray would, I +think, be very becoming and altogether suitable for a--not very young +bride." + +"No, I do not want to be too youthfully dressed, or to look too bridelike +on my wedding tour; so I think I will have a dark navy blue." + +"So she has about consented to the desired arrangement," said Mildred, a +little triumphantly to herself; then aloud: "Yes, that will be quite as +becoming and a trifle more suitable; but let us go and talk it over with +our cousins, Rose, Elsie, and Vi." + +"There is no hurry," said Annis, blushing. "If I should give up to you +enough to consent to have the ceremony performed here on the yacht, I +shall put it off till the very last day of your stay, for I don't intend +to miss seeing all that I possibly can of you, Cyril, and Zillah, and of +the Fair." + +"Very well," Mildred answered. "I incline to think myself that that would +be the best plan; for really I want to see all I can of the dear sister +who is going to leave us. O Annis, dear, whatever shall I do without you!" +she exclaimed, putting an arm about her and kissing her with tears in her +eyes. "Ah, it seems that in this world we cannot have any unalloyed +good!" + +"No, Milly, dear sister; but when we get home to the Father's house on +high, there will be no more partings, no sorrow, no sin--nothing but +everlasting joy and peace and love. + + "'Tis there we'll meet + At Jesus' feet, + When we meet to part no more. + +"Oh, doesn't it sometimes seem as if you could hardly wait for the time +when you will be there with all the dear ones gone before? There at the +Master's feet, seeing him and bearing his image--like him; for we shall +see him as he is?" + +"Yes, there are times when I do; and yet I am glad to stay a little longer +in this world for the sake of husband and children; and to work for the +Master too, doing what I can to bring others to him. I want some jewels in +the crown I cast at his dear feet." + +"Yes; and so do I." A moment of silence followed;--then Mildred said: + +"Let us go now and have our talk with the cousins, for it will not be very +long before we will be summoned to the supper table." + +Annis made no objection, and they went up to the deck, where they found +the three ladies they sought--Zillah with them too--sitting in a little +group apart from the young girls and gentlemen. + +They joined the group and Mildred quickly and briefly reported Annis' +decision. All approved, saying they would be very glad to keep her to the +last minute, and there was a good deal more well worth looking at in the +Fair than she had already seen; also the delay would give plenty of time +for the selection of a wedding dress and other needed articles of apparel. + +"Now I am going to relieve the anxiety of the gentlemen, particularly the +one belonging especially to me," said Violet, in a lively tone, rising +with the last word and hurrying away in their direction. The others sat +silently watching her and her auditors. + +"Ah," laughed Mildred presently, "they are all well satisfied with the +arrangement except Mr. Lilburn. He wears a dubious, disappointed look. Ah, +Annis, how can you have the heart to disappoint him so?" + +"Never mind, Annis, he will prize you all the more for not being able to +get possession of you too quickly and easily," said Mrs. Dinsmore. + +"So I think," returned Annis demurely; "also that it will be quite as well +for him to have a little more time to learn about all my faults and +failings." + +"I do not believe he will be able to find them," said Mrs. Dinsmore, with +an admiring look into the sweet face of the speaker, "since I have not +succeeded in so doing." + +Lucilla and Grace, seated a little apart from the others, had been +watching with keen interest all that passed among both ladies and +gentlemen. + +"There, just look at Cousin Ronald!" exclaimed Lucilla. "He isn't +smiling--looks rather disappointed I think; so I suppose we are not to be +allowed to carry out our plan. And I think it would be just splendid to +have a wedding here on board our yacht." + +"Yes; so did I," returned Grace; "but I suppose she doesn't like the idea +of being married in a hurry. I'm sure I shouldn't. I don't believe Rosie +would mind that though; and Mr. Croly seems to say by his looks that he +would like to take possession of her as soon as possible." + +"Yes, no doubt he would. He ought to wait till he can have his father and +mother present, however; and besides Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie +won't consent to let her marry for at least a year. I shouldn't think she +would feel willing to leave her mother even then; unless as Mamma Vi did, +for such a man as our father." + +"But there isn't any other," asserted Grace more positively than she +often spoke. "Papa is just one by himself for lovableness, goodness, +kindness--oh, everything that is admirable!" + +"Indeed he is all that!" responded Lucilla heartily. "Oh, I could never +bear to leave him and cannot help wondering at Rosie--how she can think of +leaving her mother! Her father being dead, she wouldn't be leaving him, +but Grandma Elsie is so sweet and lovable. To be sure, just as I said, +Mamma Vi did leave her, but then it seems all right since it was for love +of papa. But what are you looking so searchingly at me for, Gracie?" + +"Oh, something that Rosie said last night quite astonished me, and I was +wondering if it were possible she could be right." + +"Right about what?" + +"Why, that Chester Dinsmore is deeply in love with you, and that you care +something for him too." + +"Oh, what nonsense!" exclaimed Lucilla with a half vexed, yet mirthful +look. "I am only half grown up, as papa always says, and really I don't +care a continental for that young man. I like him quite well as a +friend--he has always been very polite and kind to me since that time when +he came so near cutting my fingers off with his skates--but it is absurd +to think he wants to be anything more than a friend; besides papa doesn't +want me to think about beaux for years to come, and I don't want to +either." + +"I believe you, Lu," said Grace, "for you are as perfectly truthful a +person as anybody could be. Besides I know I love our father too dearly +ever to want to leave him for the best man that ever lived; there couldn't +be a better one than he is, or one who could have a more unselfish love +for you and me." + +"Exactly what I think," returned Lucilla. "But there's the call to +supper." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + +"Annis, dear, my ain love, my bonny lass," Mr. Lilburn said, when at last +he could get a moment's private chat with her, "why condemn me to wait +longer for my sweet young wife? Is it that you fear to trust your +happiness to my keeping?" + +"Oh, no, not that," she replied, casting down her eyes, and half turning +away her face to hide the vivid blush that mantled her cheek; "but you +hardly know yet, hardly understand, what a risk you run in asking me to +share your life." + +"Ah," he said, "my only fear is that you may be disappointed in me; and +yet if so, it shall not be for lack of love and tenderest care, for to me +it seems that no dearer, sweeter lass ever trod this earth." + +"Ah, you don't know me!" she repeated, with a slight smile. "I am not +afraid to trust you, and yet I think it would be better for us to wait a +little and enjoy the days of courtship. One reason why I would defer +matters is that we will never again have an opportunity to see this +wonderful Fair, and I have seen but little of it yet; also I would not +willingly miss spending as much time as possible with my dear brother and +sisters whom I am about to leave for a home with you, and I must make some +preparation in the matter of dress too." + +"Ah, well, my bonny lass, 'if a woman will, she will you may depend on't, +and if she won't, she won't and there's an end on't.' So I'll even give up +to you, comforting mysel' that ye'll be mine at last; and that in the mean +time I shall have your dear companionship while together we explore the +streets and buildings of this wonderful White City." + +At that moment others came upon the scene and put an end to the private +talk. + +The next two weeks were those of delightful experience to all our friends, +to Annis in particular, spent in visits to that beautiful Court of Honor, +and to various interesting exhibits to be found in other parts of the +Fair, with an occasional change of scene and occupation by a shopping +excursion to Chicago in search of wedding finery. + +She would not allow herself to anticipate the pain of the partings from +the dear brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, that lay before her, +but gave herself up to the enjoyment of the present; in especial of the +intercourse with him who was the chosen companion of her future life on +earth. + +The yacht could not furnish night accommodations for all, but usually all +the relatives and friends gathered about its supper table and afterward +spent an hour or more upon its deck in rest that was particularly +enjoyable after the day's exertion, and in cheerful chat over their varied +experiences since separating in the morning; for they were now much too +large a company to keep together in their wanderings in and about the +White City. + +But the time approached when they must separate. The trousseau--with the +exception of such articles as it was considered more desirable to purchase +in New York or Philadelphia--was ready, all the arrangements for the +wedding feast had been made, and but a day or two intervened between that +and the one which was to see Annis become a bride and set out upon her +wedding tour. + +The evening meal was over, and leaving the table they assembled upon the +deck. + +"Has anyone seen the evening paper or the morning one either?" asked Mr. +Dinsmore, addressing his query to the company in general. + +"Yes, sir; I have," answered Harold. "There has been an awful railroad +collision, one section of the train running into another; a good many +killed; one lady meeting with a most terrible fate," he added with +emotion, "but she was an earnest, active Christian worker, and no doubt is +now rejoicing before the throne of God." + +"But oh, couldn't they have saved her?" asked his mother, in tones +tremulous with feeling. "How was it? what was the difficulty?" + +"The car was crushed and broken, her limbs caught between broken timbers +in such a way that it was impossible to free her in season to prevent the +flames--for the car was on fire--from burning her to death. The upper part +of her body was free, and she close to a window, so that she could speak +to the gathered crowd who, though greatly distressed by the sight of her +agony, were powerless to help her. She sent messages to her dear ones and +her Sunday-school class and died like a martyr." + +"Poor dear woman!" said Violet, in low, tender tones. "Oh, how well that +her peace was made with God before the accident, for she could do little +thinking in such an agony of pain." + +"Yes; and such sudden calls should make us all careful to be ready at any +moment for the coming of the Master," said Mr. Dinsmore. + +"Yes," assented the captain, "and we do not know that he may not come at +any moment, for any of us; either by death or in the clouds of heaven. +'Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man +cometh,' is his own warning to us all." + +"Dear Christian woman, how happy she is now!" said Grandma Elsie; "that +agony of pain all over, and an eternity of bliss at God's right hand--an +eternity of the Master's love and presence already hers." + +A moment of deep and solemn silence followed, then from the lake they +seemed to hear two voices sweetly singing: + + "I would not live alway: I ask not to stay + Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way; + The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here, + Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer. + + "I would not live alway, thus fetter'd by sin, + Temptation without and corruption within: + E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears, + And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears. + + "I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb: + Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom; + There, sweet be my rest, till he bid me arise + To hail him in triumph descending the skies. + + "Who, who would live alway, away from his God; + Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode, + Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, + And the noontide of glory eternally reigns; + + "Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, + Their Saviour and brethren, transported, to greet; + While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, + And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul." + + +Hugh Lilburn was present among the guests of the evening, and before the +finishing of the first verse, the voices seemingly coming from the water +had been recognized by more than one of the company as those of his father +and himself. As the last notes died upon the air, a solemn silence again +fell upon them all. + +It was broken by Mrs. Travilla saying softly, and in tones tremulous with +emotion: + +"I have always loved that hymn of Muhlenberg's. Ah, who would wish to live +alway in this world of sin and sorrow, never entering, never seeing, the +many mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love him?" + +As the last word left her lips, the seemingly distant voices again rose in +song, the words coming distinctly to every ear: + + "Jerusalem the golden, + With milk and honey blest, + Beneath thy contemplation + Sink heart and voice opprest. + I know not, O I know not + What joys await us there, + What radiancy of glory, + What bliss beyond compare. + + "They stand, those halls of Zion, + All jubilant with song, + And bright with many an angel, + And all the martyr throng. + The Prince is ever in them, + The daylight is serene; + The pastures of the blessèd + Are decked in glorious sheen, + + "There is the throne of David; + And there, from care released, + The shout of them that triumph, + The song of them that feast. + And they, who with their Leader, + Have conquered in the fight, + For ever and for ever + Are clad in robes of white. + + "O sweet and blessèd country, + The home of God's elect! + O sweet and blessèd country, + That eager hearts expect! + Jesus, in mercy bring us + To that dear land of rest; + Who art, with God the Father, + And Spirit, ever blest," + + +"Thank you very much, gentlemen," said Mildred as the last notes died +away. "What lovely words those are! Ah, they make one almost envious of +that dear woman who has already reached that happy land where sin and +sorrow are unknown." + +"And death never enters," added Grandma Elsie low and feelingly. "Oh, +'blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + +The wedding morning dawned bright and clear. All the invited guests who +had passed the night on shore were early arrivals upon the yacht, which +then immediately started across the lake, heading for Michigan City. + +The crew had outdone themselves in making everything about the vessel even +more than ordinarily clean and bright, and everyone was arrayed in holiday +attire. The young men of the party had taken care to provide abundance of +flowers, especially for the saloon where the ceremony was to take place. + +There they all assembled, drawn by the familiar strains of the Bridal +Chorus from "Lohengrin," played by Violet on the small pipe organ which +the captain's thoughtfulness had provided for his wife's amusement and his +own pleasure, as well as that of his daughters. + +A hush fell upon them as Cyril entered and took his appointed place, +followed closely by the bridal party, which consisted of Mr. and Mrs. +Dinsmore and the bride and groom; Annis preferring to be without +bridesmaids, and Mr. Dinsmore having expressed a desire to take a +father's part and give her away. + +The short and simple ceremony was soon over, and after the customary +congratulations and good wishes, all repaired to the dining saloon where +they partook of a delicious breakfast. + +All this time the vessel was speeding on her way, and the lake being calm, +and such breeze as there was favorable, she made excellent headway, +carrying them into their port in good season for catching their trains +without being unpleasantly hurried. + +Then the _Dolphin_ turned and retraced her course, arriving at her old +station near the Peristyle before nightfall; so that the returned +passengers were able to spend their evening, as usual, in the beautiful +Court of Honor. + +Captain Raymond and his wife and daughters returned to the yacht rather +earlier than was their wont, and sat on its deck awaiting the coming of +the others. + +"Papa," said Lucilla, breaking a momentary silence, "I have been wondering +why you took the cousins to Michigan City rather than to Pleasant Plains +as you did before." + +"Because it would have taken a good deal longer to go to Pleasant Plains; +for which reason they preferred Michigan City, not wishing to take the +cars here because of the great crowds about the stations, causing much +inconvenience and some peril to those who must push their way through +them." + +"I wondered that the bride and groom were willing to go on the cars at all +after hearing of the many accidents on the trains of late, papa," said +Grace. + +"I trust they will not meet with any," said her father. "The crowds are +coming in this direction, and I think it is on those trains that most of +the accidents occur. But we will all pray for them, asking the Lord to +have them in his kind care and keeping." + +"Yes, indeed, papa!" she replied, in earnest tones. "I am so glad that we +may, and that we know--because he has told us so--that he is the hearer +and answerer of prayer. Still I am glad we are not going home by rail." + +"So am I," he said; "yet yachts are sometimes wrecked; and in fact there +is no place where we could be certain of safety except as our heavenly +Father cares for and protects us; and in his kind care and keeping we are +safe wherever we may be." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR*** + + +******* This file should be named 14910-8.txt or 14910-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/9/1/14910 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Elsie at the World's Fair</p> +<p>Author: Martha Finley</p> +<p>Release Date: February 4, 2005 [eBook #14910]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (https://www.pgdp.net)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR</h1> + +<h3>BY</h3> +<h2>MARTHA FINLEY</h2> + +<p class="center">AUTHOR OF "THE ELSIE BOOKS," "THE MILDRED BOOKS," +<i>WANTED, A PEDIGREE</i>, ETC., ETC.</p> +<p> </p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h6>New York<br /> +Dodd, Mead & Company<br /> +Publishers</h6> + +<h4>1894</h4> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<p>NOTE—The author desires to acknowledge her indebtedness to the "<i>Chicago +Record's</i> History of the World's Fair," "The Historical Fine Art Series," +published by H.S. Smith and C.R. Graham, for Historical Publishing +Company, Philadelphia, and the "<i>World's</i> Fine Art Series," published by +N.D. Thompson Publishing Company, St. Louis, Mo., for descriptions and +statistics in regard to the White City and its exhibits.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p> </p> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>CHAPTER I.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>CHAPTER II.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>CHAPTER III.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>CHAPTER IV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>CHAPTER V.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>CHAPTER VI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>CHAPTER VII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>CHAPTER IX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_X"><b>CHAPTER X.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><b>CHAPTER XI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><b>CHAPTER XII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><b>CHAPTER XIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><b>CHAPTER XIV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><b>CHAPTER XV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><b>CHAPTER XVI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><b>CHAPTER XVII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><b>CHAPTER XVIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><b>CHAPTER XIX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XX"><b>CHAPTER XX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"><b>CHAPTER XXI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"><b>CHAPTER XXII.</b></a></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I" />CHAPTER I.</h2> + + +<p>Hugh Lilburn was very urgent with his betrothed for a speedy marriage, +pleading that as her brother had robbed him and his father of their +expected housekeeper—his cousin Marian—he could not long do without the +wife who was to supply her place. Her sisters, Isadore and Virginia, who +had come up from the far South to be present at the ceremony, joined with +him in his plea for haste. They wanted to see her in her own home, they +said, and that without remaining too long away from theirs. Ella finally +yielded to their wishes so far as to complete her preparations within a +month after the home-coming from the North.</p> + +<p>The wedding was a really brilliant affair, and followed up by parties +given by the different members of the family connection; but no bridal +trip was taken, neither bride nor groom caring for it, and Hugh's business +requiring his presence at home.</p> + +<p>A few weeks later Calhoun Conly went North for his bride. Some festivities +followed his return; then all settled down for the winter, Harold and +Herbert Travilla taking up their medical studies with Dr. Conly, and +Captain Raymond's pupils resuming such of their lessons as had been +dropped for the time, though the wedding festivities had been allowed to +interfere but little with them, as—with the exception of Marian, now Mrs. +Conly—they were considered too young to attend the parties. A matter of +regret to none of them except Rosie Travilla and Lucilla Raymond, and even +they, though they would have been glad to be permitted to go, made no +remonstrance or complaint, but submitted cheerfully to the decision of +their elders.</p> + +<p>A busy, happy winter and spring followed, bringing no unusual event to any +branch of the family.</p> + +<p>Max was frequently heard from, his father continuing to send him daily +letters, several of which would be replied to together by one from the +lad—always frank, candid, and affectionate, sometimes expressing a great +longing for a sight of home and the dear ones there.</p> + +<p>After receiving such a letter the captain was very apt to pay a flying +visit to the Academy, in case there were no special reasons for remaining +closely at home, sometimes going alone, at others taking one or more +members of the family with him; his wife, if she could make it convenient +to go, or one or more of his daughters, by whom the little trip and the +sight of their brother were esteemed a great reward for good conduct and +perfect recitations.</p> + +<p>Both they and the lad himself looked forward with ardent desire and joyous +anticipation to the June commencement, after which would begin the one +long holiday Max would have during the six years of his course at the +Academy.</p> + +<p>The holidays for the home pupils began a day or two earlier, and a merry +party, including, besides the captain and his immediate family, the rest +of his pupils, with Grandma Elsie, her father and his wife, boarded the +<i>Dolphin</i> and set sail for Annapolis to attend the commencement at the +Naval Academy.</p> + +<p>The weather was delightful, and all greatly enjoyed the little trip. On +their arrival they found Max well and in fine spirits. The reports of both +his studies and conduct were all that could be desired, and the home +friends—his father in especial—regarded him with both pride and +affection, and expressed much pleasure in the fact that he was to +accompany them on the return trip.</p> + +<p>Max dearly loved his home, and during the nearly two years of his absence +from it had had occasional fits of excessive homesickness; more, however, +for the dear ones dwelling there than for the place. So that he was full +of joy on learning that every one of the family was on board the +<i>Dolphin</i>.</p> + +<p>No one cared to tarry long at Annapolis, and they set out on the return +trip as soon as Max was free to go with them.</p> + +<p>The lovely weather continued, there was nothing to mar the pleasure of the +short voyage, the drive and ride that succeeded it—for the carriages and +Max's pony, Rex, which he hailed with almost a shout of delight and +hastened to mount, were found awaiting them at the wharf—or the arrival +at their homes, Ion and Woodburn, which seemed to the young cadet to be +looking even more beautiful than ever before.</p> + +<p>"Oh, was there ever a lovelier place!" was his delighted exclamation as +the carriage, closely followed by Rex, turned in at the great gates giving +admission to the Woodburn driveway. "I thought that of it before I left, +but it is vastly improved; almost an earthly paradise."</p> + +<p>"So I think," said Violet. "It does credit to your father's taste."</p> + +<p>"And yours," added her husband, with a pleased smile; "for have I not +always consulted with my wife before making any alteration or adding what +I thought would be an improvement? And has not the first suggestion come +from her more than once?"</p> + +<p>"Quite true," she returned, giving him a look of loving appreciation; "in +fact, my dear, you are so ready to humor and indulge me in every possible +way that I am half afraid to make a suggestion."</p> + +<p>"Lest I should have too much pleasure in carrying it out?" he queried, +with playful look and tone.</p> + +<p>"Oh, certainly!" she replied with a musical laugh; "it would be a sad pity +to spoil so good a husband."</p> + +<p>"Father, may I ride over the grounds before alighting?" asked Max's voice +in eager tones, just at that moment.</p> + +<p>"If you wish, my son," the captain answered pleasantly. "But suppose you +delay a little and let some of us accompany you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; that will be better," was the prompt, cheerful rejoinder, and +in another minute Max had dismounted at the door of the mansion, and stood +ready to assist the occupants of the carriage to alight.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I see you have been making some changes and improvements here, +father," he said, glancing about as he entered the hall door.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and in other parts of the house," said Violet. "Perhaps you might as +well go over it before visiting the grounds."</p> + +<p>"I am at liberty to go everywhere, as of old?" he returned, half in +assertion, half enquiringly and turning from her to his father.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my son; it is as truly your father's house, therefore open in +every part to you, as it was before you left its shelter for Uncle Sam's +Naval Academy," replied the captain, regarding the lad with mingled +fatherly affection, pride, and amusement.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," returned Max heartily. "Ah, Christine!" as the +housekeeper, whom something had detained in another part of the house at +the moment of their arrival, now appeared among them, "I'm pleased to see +you again; looking so well, too. I really don't think you have changed in +the least in all the time I have been away," shaking her hand warmly as he +spoke.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Master Max, sir, I can't say the same of you," she returned with a +pleasant smile into the bright young face. "You are growing up fast and +looking more than ever like your father."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," laughed Max, his eyes shining, "you couldn't possibly give me +a higher compliment than that, Christine."</p> + +<p>"Ah, who shall say that I am not the complimented one, Max?" laughed the +captain.</p> + +<p>"I, papa," cried Lulu. "O Maxie, come upstairs and see the improvements +there. You can look at the downstairs rooms and grounds afterward."</p> + +<p>"Yes, run along, children," said their father, "and make yourselves ready +for the tea table before you come down again."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," they answered in cheerful tones, Max catching up little Ned as +he spoke, and setting him on his shoulder. "Hold on tight, laddie, and +your big brother will carry you up," he said, and one chubby arm instantly +went round his neck, a gleeful laugh accompanying it as Max began the +ascent, his sisters following, Violet and the captain presently bringing +up the rear.</p> + +<p>"Into our rooms first, Max," said Violet. "You, too, Lulu and Gracie, that +you may hear what he has to say about things there."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mamma Vi," returned Max. "I want to visit every room in the +house and have all the family go with me if they like."</p> + +<p>"You will find a few additions here and there to the furnishings, but no +great changes anywhere, Max," said his father.</p> + +<p>"I should hope not, sir, as things seemed to me pretty nearly perfect +before I went away," returned Max in a lively tone, "I only wish every one +of my mates had as sweet a home to spend his long vacation in, and as kind +a father and friends to help him enjoy it."</p> + +<p>"Ah, we may well pity the lad who lacks the blessings of a good home and +affectionate parents," said the captain. "I can never forget how much they +were to me in my boyhood."</p> + +<p>"I think you must have forgotten how long I have been away, papa," laughed +Max as they finished the circuit of the rooms on that floor, "for I have +come upon a good many new things."</p> + +<p>"Ah! well, they have been added so gradually that I did not realize how +numerous they were," returned his father, adding, "Now you may as well go +on to the upper rooms and tarry long enough in your own to make yourself +neat for the tea table."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir;" and the lad hurried up the stairs, the captain, Lulu, and +Grace following.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" he cried joyously as he reached the open door of his own room, +"why, this is lovely! prettier than ever, and it was like a room in a +palace before compared to the one I share with Hunt at the Academy."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you walk in and take a nearer view," said his father, and Max +obeyed with alacrity, the others following.</p> + +<p>"Mamma and papa said there was nothing too good for you, and so we all +thought, Maxie," said Grace, Lulu adding, "Indeed we do all think so."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I'm afraid it is," returned Max, gazing admiringly at the +beautiful carpet, the lace curtains looped back with wreaths of flowers, +the fine engravings on the walls, the easy chairs, tasteful mantel +ornaments, and the many other articles of adornment and convenience.</p> + +<p>"Your mamma and I have made some changes, improvements, as we thought," +the captain said in gratified and affectionate tones, "hoping you would be +pleased with then; and I rather think you are."</p> + +<p>"Pleased, papa? I'm delighted!" cried Max. "The only drawback to my +pleasure is the thought of the very short time I can stay to enjoy all +this beauty and luxury."</p> + +<p>"Yet I am sure my boy does not want to settle down here to a life of +inglorious ease," remarked the captain in a tone of mingled assertion and +enquiry. "I rejoice in the firm conviction that his great desire is to +serve God and his country to the best of his ability."</p> + +<p>"Yes, father, it is," said Max earnestly. "But," he added with a smile, +"if you don't want me to love to be with you in this sweet home you should +not make it so attractive and be so very kind and affectionate to me."</p> + +<p>"My boy," the captain said with emotion and laying a hand affectionately +on his son's shoulder, "there is never a day when I do not thank my +heavenly Father for his gift to me of so good and dutiful a son."</p> + +<p>"I don't know how any fellow could help being dutiful and affectionate to +such a father as mine, sir," returned Max, his eyes shining.</p> + +<p>By his own desire Max's vacation was spent at home and in its vicinity, +with the occasional variety of a short voyage in his father's yacht, the +<i>Dolphin</i>, which gave the lad opportunities for the display of the +seafaring knowledge gained in the past two years, and adding to it from +his father's store of the same, under that father's instruction.</p> + +<p>They were generally accompanied by the whole Woodburn family, always by +Lulu and Grace, Grandma Elsie, Rose, Walter, and Evelyn Leland.</p> + +<p>Thus the weeks flew by very enjoyably and on swift wings, and the time +came for Max's return to Annapolis. So the <i>Dolphin</i> was headed for that +port and presently steamed away again, leaving the lad behind with a +rather sad heart at the thought that years must pass before he could again +spend even a brief season under his father's roof.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II" />CHAPTER II.</h2> + + +<p>It is summer again, the summer of 1893, for two years have passed away +since the occurrence of the events related in our former chapter. There +have been few changes among our friends at Ion, Woodburn, and the other +plantations belonging to the family connection, except such as time brings +to all. The elder ones seem scarcely any older, but the younger ones are +growing up. Elsie's sons, Harold and Herbert, are now practising +physicians, still making their home at Ion, but having an office in a +neighboring village; Rosie has attained her twentieth year and entered +society; but Walter is still one of Captain Raymond's pupils, as are Lulu +and Grace, now blooming girls of fifteen and seventeen, their father's joy +and pride and as devotedly attached to him as ever.</p> + +<p>Max is still a cadet in the Naval Academy, pursuing his course there in a +manner altogether satisfactory to his father and friends. The captain +thinks no man ever had a brighter, better son than his first-born, or one +more likely to do good service to his country in his chosen profession. It +seems hard at times, a sad thing to have to do without his boy, yet he +never really regrets that Max has made choice of the naval service as his +life work. He did, however, regret that Max would not be able to go to +Chicago to visit the World's Fair, in which they were all much interested.</p> + +<p>Some of the connection had attended the dedication ceremonies of the +previous autumn, and nearly all talked of going to the formal opening, +appointed for the first of May; among them Grandma Elsie, her father and +his wife, Captain Raymond and his wife and family. The captain's plan was +to go by water—in his yacht—up along the coast to the Gulf of St. +Lawrence, through that up the river of the same name, through the Welland +Canal and round Michigan by the great lakes to Chicago, and he invited as +many as his vessel could well accommodate—including, of course, his +wife's mother and grandparents—to be his guests for the trip.</p> + +<p>The younger gentlemen and their wives all preferred going by rail as the +speedier way, but Mr. Dinsmore, having no longer any business to attend +to, and both he and his wife being fond of the sea and desirous of keeping +with his eldest daughter, accepted the invitation promptly and with +pleasure.</p> + +<p>Mr. Ronald Lilburn, too, having a like taste as to his mode of travel, +and no business engagements to hurry him, availed himself of the +opportunity to make the journey by water. The other passengers were Evelyn +Leland and Rosie and Walter Travilla.</p> + +<p>Something, however, occurred to change their plans, and it was the latter +part of June when they left home for their trip to the North. They had a +pleasant voyage, making few pauses by the way, and reached their +destination on Monday, the second day of July.</p> + +<p>It was early in the evening when the <i>Dolphin</i> neared the White City; the +little ones were already in bed and sweetly sleeping, but all the others +had gathered on deck to catch the first glimpse of the fairy-like scene. +They had passed the mouth of the Chicago River and were steaming on down +the lake.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, what is that?" asked Grace, pointing to a bright light in the +water.</p> + +<p>"A lighted buoy," he replied; "a spar buoy with an incandescent lamp of +one hundred candle power. It is a wrought-iron cage at the end of a spar +which is held in place by a heavy cast-iron anchor. You will see another +presently, for there are thirteen between the river and the White City."</p> + +<p>"To warn vessels to keep off shoals?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, and went on to explain how the electrical current was +supplied, winding up with a promise to take her, and anyone else who +wished to go, to the Electrical Building to gaze upon its wonders, and +also for a ride in the electric launches. "But," he added, "I think there +is nothing you will enjoy more than the sight of the electric lights which +you will get presently in the Peristyle and the Court of Honor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am very eager to see it all, papa!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"As we all are," said Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Well, my dears, I think we can all go there at once and spend an hour or +two; all but the little ones, who can be left in the care of their nurse." +He turned enquiringly toward his wife and her mother as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," said Violet; "they will not be likely to wake, and Agnes will +take good care of them."</p> + +<p>"I think we are all probably ready to accept your invitation with +pleasure, captain," Elsie said. "Surely none of us are fatigued—unless +with lack of exercise."</p> + +<p>"No, surely not," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, "and I, as well as Grace, am +eager to see the beauties of that much talked of Court of Honor."</p> + +<p>"I think we will find some other objects worthy of our attention before we +reach even the Peristyle," remarked Captain Raymond.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Lulu, "there is another of those lights."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad you brought us in the yacht, captain," said Evelyn; "for we +can start out at once to see the sights—not being in the least fatigued +with our long journey."</p> + +<p>"And we have already a beautiful view of water and sky," remarked Grandma +Elsie; "those sunset clouds are certainly lovelier than any work of man's +hands."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma; and they are beautifully reflected in the water," said +Violet.</p> + +<p>"But such things can be seen at home," Rosie remarked in a sprightly tone, +"and I propose to give my particular attention to such as are to be found +only in this part of the world and at the present time."</p> + +<p>"What will there be worth looking at before we reach the Peristyle?" asked +Walter, apparently addressing his query to no one in particular.</p> + +<p>It was Captain Raymond who replied, "I hope to be able to point out to you +presently some exhibits worthy of your attention," he said.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; the battleship <i>Illinois</i> for one, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Yes; she will come into sight presently and we will have an outside view +of her. Some day I hope to take all of you who may desire to go on board +to have a look at her internal arrangements."</p> + +<p>"You may put my name into that list, captain," said Mr. Lilburn. "I'm a +bit too auld to take part in a fight, even in a righteous cause, but not +for taking an interest in the means provided for ither folk."</p> + +<p>"And I want to see it, too, though I hardly expect to ever make one of the +crew of such a vessel," said Walter.</p> + +<p>"And we girls will want to visit her also," laughed Rosie, "though I am +very sure no one of us will ever form part of such a crew."</p> + +<p>"Well, as my father has and my brother expects to, I shall be very much +interested," said Grace.</p> + +<p>"Especially as we shall have a retired officer to explain everything to +us," added Lulu with a smiling look up into her father's face.</p> + +<p>He returned the smile, then pointing southward, "Yonder it is," he said, +"still too distant for a critical survey, but a better view will be +afforded us presently, as we pass it."</p> + +<p>As he spoke all eyes turned in that direction.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a big vessel she is!" exclaimed Grace, as they drew near enough +to obtain a good idea of her size.</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned the captain, "she is a full sized model, above water line, +of our coast line battleships <i>Oregon</i>, <i>Massachusetts</i>, <i>Indiana</i>."</p> + +<p>"Not a real ship, papa?"</p> + +<p>"No; only a model: she is built of brick, on the bottom of the lake, and +merely simulates a man-of-war."</p> + +<p>"Only a model!" repeated Walter. "And how about her guns, sir? are they +real?"</p> + +<p>"Some of them are wood; but there are enough genuine machines on board to +destroy almost anything of ordinary resisting power within three miles +range. But I expect to go more into particulars when we pay our +contemplated visit."</p> + +<p>"I suppose she must have cost a good deal?"</p> + +<p>"One hundred thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"How much this Fair is costing!" remarked Evelyn. "Do you think it will +pay, captain?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so," he returned cheerfully. "What is worth doing at all is worth +doing well."</p> + +<p>But they were drawing near their port, and there was much on both land and +water to attract their attention. Presently they were in front of the +beautiful Peristyle, gazing in awed admiration upon its grand Arch of +Triumph, its noble colonnade and statuary, and catching glimpses here and +there between its pillars of the beauties beyond.</p> + +<p>It was impetuous Lulu who broke the silence with an exclamation of +delighted admiration and an eager request that they might land at once and +get a nearer view of the fairy scenes that lay before them on the farther +side.</p> + +<p>The other members of their party, old and young, seemed scarcely less +eager, and in a very few moments they were all pacing that grand colonnade +to and fro, and gazing out delightedly now upon the blue waters of the +lake and anon upon the fairy scene—the Court of Honor—on the inner side. +And soon they hurried their steps thitherward.</p> + +<p>"Oh, there," cried Lulu, "is the statue of our great republic! Is she not +magnificent?"</p> + +<p>"She is, indeed!" replied Grandma Elsie. "See in one hand she holds a pole +bearing a liberty cap, in the other a globe, an eagle with outstretched +wings resting upon it; that symbolizes protection, which she has ever been +ready to extend to the oppressed of all the earth."</p> + +<p>"She is a large woman," remarked Walter; "as she should be to adequately +represent our great country. Grandpa, do you know her size?"</p> + +<p>"I saw it stated the other day," replied Mr. Dinsmore. "Her face is +fifteen feet long, her arms thirty feet, forefingers forty-five inches, +and ten inches in diameter. Her cost was twenty-five thousand dollars; the +gilding alone amounting to fourteen hundred dollars; quite an expensive +dress for my lady."</p> + +<p>"But we don't grudge it to her, papa," remarked Grandma Elsie pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"No," he said; "nor anything else the liberty she represents has cost—in +money or in life and limb."</p> + +<p>"But what is her height, grandpa?" asked Rosie; "it should be very +considerable to go with a face fifteen feet long."</p> + +<p>"Sixty-five feet, and the pedestal on which she stands is thirty feet +above water. There is a stairway inside which you can climb one of these +days if you wish."</p> + +<p>All were gazing with great admiration and interest upon the beautiful +statue, though seeing it somewhat dimly through the gathering shades of +evening, when suddenly the electric lights blazed out from all sides, +causing an exclamation of surprise and delight from almost everyone in our +party and from others who witnessed the wonderful and inspiring sight; +words failed them to express their sense of the loveliness of the scene; +that mighty statue of the Republic dominating the eastern end of the +lagoon, that grandly beautiful Macmonie's Fountain at the other, its +Goddess of Liberty seated aloft in her chair on the deck of her bark, +erect and beautiful, with her eight maiden gondoliers plying the oars at +the sides, while old Father Time steered the vessel, his scythe fastened +to the tiller, Fame as a trumpet-herald stood on the prow with her trumpet +in her hand, while in the gushing waters below sported the tritons with +their plunging horses, the terraced fountain still lower with its clouds +of spray showing all the colors of the rainbow, as did that of the smaller +ones to the right and left.</p> + +<p>And what a ravishing sight was that of the Administration Building with +its corona of light, its dome, arches, and angles outlined with those +brilliant lights, as were those of the Peristyle also, and of the grand +structures between—Manufactures, Electricity, and Arts on the north side, +Machinery and Agriculture on the south—and the beautiful fountains +throwing spray of all the colors of the rainbow.</p> + +<p>"What a magnificent sight!" "How lovely!" "How beautiful!" exclaimed one +and another as they moved slowly onward, gazing from side to side.</p> + +<p>"Let us go into the Administration Building," said Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>All were willing, and they sauntered on toward it, still gazing +delightedly as they went.</p> + +<p>Reaching its doorway they paused for a few moments to look at the statue +of Columbus, represented as landing with the Spanish flag in his hand, and +to listen to the inspiring music of the bands; then passed on into the +interior which they found as artistic and wondrously beautiful as the +outside.</p> + +<p>After feasting their eyes upon the lower part they took an elevator—of +which there were six—and went up to the upper promenade, which they found +also very beautiful, giving lovely views of the surrounding grounds. The +vault of the dome was ornamented with allegorical paintings, some of them +commemorating Columbus' discovery of America.</p> + +<p>Looking out from the promenade under the dome they saw the Ferris Wheel, +upon which they gazed with a good deal of interest.</p> + +<p>"I must have a ride in that," said Walter emphatically, "and mamma, you +will go with me, will you not?"</p> + +<p>"Is it quite safe?" she asked, looking from her father to the captain.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," they both replied, Mr. Dinsmore adding, "and I think we will +all want to go once if not oftener."</p> + +<p>"Go where, grandpa?" asked a familiar voice, and turning quickly about +they found Harold and Herbert close at hand.</p> + +<p>Then there was an exchange of joyous greetings, and enquiries were made +concerning some others of the family connection who had come by rail.</p> + +<p>The answer was that some of the little ones were in bed at the hotel where +boarding had been taken by the party, and in charge of the faithful +attendants brought from home, while the older ones were scattered about +the Court of Honor and other portions of the Fair.</p> + +<p>"We have been on the lookout for you," continued Harold, "and only a few +minutes ago discovered the <i>Dolphin</i> lying at anchor down yonder on the +lake. We had hoped you would be here sooner."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we thought we should have been here weeks ago," replied his mother, +"but as the delays were providential we did not fret over them."</p> + +<p>"If you had fretted, mother, it would have been truly surprising, as I +never knew you to do so about anything," Herbert said, smiling +affectionately into her eyes.</p> + +<p>"No, that was never one of her faults," remarked Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" exclaimed Rosie. "But Harold, can you take us to the others? +I am sure it would be pleasanter for us all to be together."</p> + +<p>"I cannot promise certainly," he replied, "but if we walk about the Court +of Honor we will come across each other finally, no doubt, as they will +presently discover the <i>Dolphin</i> and look about here for you."</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned his mother, "they will surely know that we could not +persuade ourselves to go farther to-night than this bewitchingly beautiful +Court of Honor."</p> + +<p>Even as she spoke all were moving toward the elevator nearest them, and in +a few moments they were again strolling along the shores of the lagoon, +gazing with delighted eyes upon the fairylike scene—imposing buildings, +playing fountains, the waters of the lagoon dancing in the moonbeams, and +the pretty crafts gliding over them filled with excursionists whose merry +voices and laughter mingled pleasantly with the music of the bands.</p> + +<p>"Oh, this is just delightful, delightful!" exclaimed Lulu. "Father, dear, +I hope you will let us stay a long, long while."</p> + +<p>"I have not thought of fixing the time for departure yet," returned the +captain, "and if our friends intend to go home in the <i>Dolphin</i>, as they +came, there will be a number of voices entitled to a vote on the +question. My wife for one," glancing down fondly upon the beautiful, +graceful lady on his arm.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my dear," returned Violet. "I certainly feel no desire to +start for home yet, dear and lovely as I esteem it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, here they are!" cried a familiar voice at that instant, and the two +sets of relatives had found each other. Glad greetings and kind enquiries +were exchanged. Then they broke up into little groups and sauntered on +through the beautiful scene till it was time to seek their resting places +for the night, when, after making some arrangements for the sight-seeing +of the next day, they bade good-night and hied them to their several +places of temporary abode.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III" />CHAPTER III.</h2> + + +<p>"On, we have a lovely view from here!" remarked Lulu as they reached the +<i>Dolphin's</i> deck. "I'm not at all sleepy, papa; can't I sit here for a +while?"</p> + +<p>Grace was saying, "Good-night, papa."</p> + +<p>He returned it with a fatherly caress, then answered Lulu's query.</p> + +<p>"No, daughter; it is long past your usual hour for retiring, and as I want +you to feel fresh and bright for to-morrow's pleasure, you, too, may bid +me good-night and go at once to your berth."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, sir, that will be the best, I know," she said, rising promptly +from the seat she had taken, and with a loving look up into his face—for +he was close at her side now. "What a happy thing it is for me that I have +such a kind, wise father to take care of me!"</p> + +<p>"A father whose strong desire it certainly is to make you and all his +children as happy as possible," he said, laying a hand on her head and +looking fondly down into her eyes. "Good-night, daughter, and don't +hesitate to call me if anything should go wrong with you or Grace."</p> + +<p>"Am I also under orders to retire, sir?" asked Violet with a mischievous +smile up into his face, as Lulu bade good-night to the rest of the company +and disappeared down the companion-way.</p> + +<p>"Not from me," he said, pleasantly taking a seat at her side as he spoke. +"Have I not told you many times that my wife does what she pleases? At +least, if she fails to do so it is in consequence of no order from me."</p> + +<p>"No; you have never given me one yet, and I believe I should like you to +do so for once that I may see how it feels," she added with a low, musical +laugh, slipping her hand confidingly into his.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you might not find it particularly agreeable," he returned, +pressing the little hand tenderly in his. "But just to satisfy you I may +try it one of these days. You are not disappointed in the Fair so far?"</p> + +<p>"No, no, not in the least! Oh, how lovely it is! and what a beautiful view +we have from here! How delighted our little Elsie and Ned will be with it +all to-morrow. I hardly know how to wait for the time to come when I can +see and share their pleasure."</p> + +<p>But now the others were saying good-night and going down to their +state-rooms, and the captain remarked laughingly that he thought the +longed-for time would seem to come sooner if he and she should follow +their good example.</p> + +<p>"So it will," returned Violet, promptly rising and slipping her hand into +his arm.</p> + +<p>She went first to her mother's state-room, and the door being opened in +answer to her gentle rap, "Are you quite comfortable, mamma, dear?" she +asked. "Is there anything I can do or furnish to make you more so?"</p> + +<p>"I am perfectly comfortable and I need nothing but a good night's rest, +Vi, dear," was the smiling response. "Something which I want you to be +taking as soon as possible. We find ourselves here surrounded by so much +that is wondrously enticing to look at, that I fear we will be tempted to +neglect needed rest, and so make ourselves ill."</p> + +<p>"Ah, mamma, you and my husband are of one mind, as usual," laughed Violet, +and then with a tenderly affectionate good-night they parted.</p> + +<p>Both the captain and Lulu retained their old habit of early rising, and +she joined him upon the deck the next morning just as the sun came peeping +above the horizon.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, papa," she cried, running to him to put her arms about his +neck and give and receive the usual morning caress. "Isn't this a lovely +day? How we shall enjoy it at the Fair—that beautiful Court of Honor is +just like the loveliest of fairylands."</p> + +<p>"With which my eldest daughter is quite familiar, of course," he returned +with amused look and tone, and smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think I can begin to imagine now what fairyland may be like," was +her smiling rejoinder. "Papa, mayn't I keep close at your side, going +wherever you go?"</p> + +<p>"That is exactly what I want you to do," he said. "I should be troubled +indeed by losing sight of any one of my children, unless after putting him +or her in the care of someone whom I could implicitly trust."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be in the care of anyone else, papa," she hastened to +say.</p> + +<p>"But it will be quite impossible to see everything here that is well worth +looking at," he said, "and our tastes may differ greatly in regard to the +things we care to examine."</p> + +<p>"Still I care most of all to be with you, papa. I'm not afraid of getting +lost, because I could easily find my way back to the Peristyle and wait +and watch there for you and the rest, but I want to share in your +enjoyment, and have you share in mine," laying her rosy cheek against his +shoulder and lifting to his, eyes full of ardent affection.</p> + +<p>"That is right," he said, smiling, and patting her cheek.</p> + +<p>"Ah, here come your mamma, Gracie, and the little ones. You are early, my +dear," to Violet as he handed her to a seat, took one at her side, drawing +Grace to his knee for a moment's petting and fondling, then letting her +give place to the younger two, both eagerly waiting for their turn.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Violet replied, "we are all ready for an early start for the Fair."</p> + +<p>"As I expected," he said pleasantly. "I have ordered breakfast to be on +the table an hour earlier than usual, and if our guests appear in season +we will have prayers before eating; so that we may be able to start soon +after leaving the table."</p> + +<p>"Judging by some slight sounds I have heard, I think they are all up and +will join us presently," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma, I do believe we are all in a great hurry to get to the Fair," +remarked her little Elsie. "Oh, papa, is that it over there where that +arch is with all those pillars on each side of it?"</p> + +<p>"And, oh, papa, what big ship is that?" cried Ned, catching sight of the +<i>Illinois</i>. "I like ships, and I want to go there. Can't I?"</p> + +<p>"I intend to take you there one of these days," his father answered.</p> + +<p>Just then the rest of the party came trooping up from the cabin. Morning +salutations were exchanged, family worship followed, and then breakfast, +during which plans for the day were again discussed and further +arrangements made.</p> + +<p>They had scarcely left the table when Harold and Herbert appeared, +bringing further plans and suggestions in regard to the sight-seeing, for +they were anxious to help the newer arrivals—particularly their +mother—to the greatest possible enjoyment of the day.</p> + +<p>After a little discussion it was finally decided that they would go first +to the Ferris Wheel, from which they would have a fine view of the whole +extent of the White City. "Then to the Wooded Island, where we will +probably find enough to keep us busy until dinner time," said Harold; +"perhaps even longer."</p> + +<p>"No matter if it should," said his grandfather; "since we are not hurried +for time, we may as well let all get their fill of everything; and if some +want to tarry longer than others we can break up into smaller parties."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I rather think we will find that the better plan, as our party +is so uncommonly large."</p> + +<p>It was large, but they were congenial and greatly enjoyed being together, +sharing the same pleasures of sight and sound.</p> + +<p>In another half hour they were all on shore enjoying a second view of the +lovely Peristyle and Court of Honor, through which they passed on their +way to the Ferris Wheel, the ride in which they found so delightful that +at the earnest solicitation of little Ned they retained their seats during +a second revolution. Then they left it and walked on to the Wooded Island.</p> + +<p>"I want to take you to the Hunter's Cabin," said Harold. "See, yonder it +is."</p> + +<p>"What! that old log building?" exclaimed his sister Rose, catching sight +of it among the trees. "Who cares to look at such a thing as that?"</p> + +<p>"I do," he returned lightly, "since it is a museum and memorial of Daniel +Boone and Davy Crockett,—two historical characters who were very +interesting to me in my youth,—and also gives one a very good idea of the +manner of life of our Western pioneers forty or more years ago."</p> + +<p>He led the way as he spoke, the others following. They found that the +building consisted of one large room divided by a rope into two +apartments, a public and a private one. There was a broad fireplace such +as belonged to the dwellings of the pioneers of fifty or more years ago; +there were beds and settees made of stretched skins, and skins of wild +animals covered the floor; there were also tin dishes, candles, a stool +made of a section of a log, and such cooking apparatus as was used in the +kind of dwelling represented.</p> + +<p>The cabin was occupied by a hunter who wore long hair and a wide-brimmed +felt hat.</p> + +<p>He was ready to answer questions, many of which were asked by the younger +members of our party, who, as well as their elders, seemed much interested +in this representation of pioneer life in the olden times.</p> + +<p>"Where now?" asked Mr. Dinsmore as they left the Hunter's Cabin.</p> + +<p>"I think Master Neddie here would enjoy a look at the ostriches," remarked +Herbert, with a smiling glance at the rosy, happy face of his little +nephew, who was trudging along with his hand in that of his father.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" cried the child in a tone of eager delight. "I should like to +see them ever so much!"</p> + +<p>"Then if no one objects, that is where we will go," said Harold, and as +the only rejoinders from the other members of the party were those of +assent, he led the way.</p> + +<p>"Is it a very expensive entertainment?" asked Walter soberly.</p> + +<p>"Costs all of ten cents apiece," replied Herbert. "An enormous sum, but +one cannot expect to see Old Abe, General Grant, Jim Blaine, and Grover +Cleveland for just nothing at all."</p> + +<p>"Oh, uncle!" cried little Elsie, "are all those great men there? Oh, no, +of course they can't be—'cause some of them are dead. I know it was dear, +good Mr. Lincoln they called Old Abe, and that a wicked man shot him long, +long ago; and that General Grant was sick and died."</p> + +<p>"That is all true," returned her uncle, "but these fellows still wear +their feathers, and are very much alive."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know now," laughed the little girl. "You mean the ostrich man has +named some of his birds after those famous men." They were now on the +northern side of Midway Plaisance, and presently reached the enclosure +where the ostriches were. There were twenty-three, full-grown, all from +California. The sight was an interesting one to both the grown people and +the children, and all listened attentively to the remarks of the +exhibitor, delivered in solemn tones, in regard to the habits of the +birds. He spoke of the male bird as most kind and self-forgetful in his +treatment of his mate, or mates, saying it was he who built the nest and +obtained the food; also that he would sit on the eggs in the nest for +sixteen hours at a stretch, while the mother did the same for only eight +hours. He had other things also to tell of the domineering of the female +over the male, which caused some merriment among the ladies and girls of +our party; to the gentlemen also, though they pretended to highly +disapprove. But all laughed together over the ridiculous movements of the +flock in passing from one side of the grounds to another.</p> + +<p>"What do they eat, papa?" asked Ned.</p> + +<p>"Corn, grasses, seeds of various kinds," replied his father. "They swallow +large stones too, as smaller birds swallow sand to help grind up the food +in the gizzard, and, indeed, ostriches have been known to swallow bits of +iron, shoes, copper coins, glass, bricks, and other things such as you +would think no living creature would want to eat."</p> + +<p>"They look very big and strong, papa," remarked the little boy, gazing at +them with great interest.</p> + +<p>"Yes; they are so strong that one can easily carry two men on his back."</p> + +<p>"Is that what they are good for, papa?"</p> + +<p>"That is one thing; and their feathers are very valuable. For that reason +ostrich farms have been established for the raising of the birds, and have +proved very profitable."</p> + +<p>"Don't folks eat ostriches, papa?" asked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes a young one; and their eggs are eaten too. They are so large +that each one is about equal to two dozen ordinary hen's eggs; to cook one +they usually set it up on end over a fire, and having first broken a hole +in the top, they stir it with a forked stick while it is cooking. The +shells are very thick and strong and the Africans use them for water +vessels."</p> + +<p>"Do they have nests to lay their eggs in, like our chickens?" asked Ned.</p> + +<p>"They do not take the pains in building a nest that most other birds do," +replied his father, "but merely scoop a hole in the sand. One male usually +appropriates to himself from two to seven females and each hen lays ten +eggs—so it is supposed—all in the same nest, and each egg is stood up on +end."</p> + +<p>"It must take a big, big nest to hold them; such great big eggs as you say +they are, papa!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and generally there are some to be found lying on the sand outside +of the nest; perhaps laid there by hens who came to lay in it but found +another in possession; one who had got there before them."</p> + +<p>"I have often heard or read that the ostrich leaves her eggs lying in the +sand to be hatched by the heat of the sun," remarked Evelyn.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she does in those very hot countries," said the exhibitor, "but +not in California; though, as I've been telling you, she makes the male +bird do the most of the setting."</p> + +<p>"Maybe that's because the eggs are all his, but don't all belong to any of +the females," laughed Walter.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps that is it, sir," returned the man.</p> + +<p>"Can they run very fast?" asked Neddie. "I should think they could with +such great long legs."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said his father, "the ostrich is supposed to be able to run at the +rate of sixty miles an hour when it first sets out, but is not able to +keep up that rate of speed very long. And it has a habit of running in a +curve instead of a straight line. It is thus possible for men on horseback +to meet it and get a shot at it."</p> + +<p>"I think it's a great pity to shoot them when they are not even good to +eat," remarked the little fellow in indignant tones. "Besides, they might +save them to grow feathers."</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned the exhibitor, "that's what we're raising them for in +California."</p> + +<p>"Papa, I'd like to have some," said Neddie as they walked away.</p> + +<p>"Some what, son?"</p> + +<p>"Ostriches, papa."</p> + +<p>"About how many?"</p> + +<p>"Couldn't we have an ostrich farm?" asked the little fellow after a +moment's consideration of the question.</p> + +<p>"Well, not to-day, my son," returned his father with an amused look. +"There will be plenty of time to talk it over before we are ready to go +into the business."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV" />CHAPTER IV.</h2> + + +<p>"I think the little folks are getting tired," said Harold. "and yonder on +the lagoon is a gondola waiting for passengers. Shall we take it?"</p> + +<p>Everybody seemed pleased with the suggestion, and presently they were in +the gondola gliding over the water. They found it both restful and +enjoyable.</p> + +<p>It was past noon when they stepped ashore again, and Ned announced that he +was hungry and wanted something to eat.</p> + +<p>"You shall have it, my son," said his father.</p> + +<p>"And suppose we go to the New England Cabin for it," suggested Grandma +Elsie.</p> + +<p>They did so and were served with an excellent repast, handsome young +Puritan ladies in colonial costumes acting as waitresses.</p> + +<p>After satisfying their appetites they visited the other room of the cabin, +which was fitted up as the living room of a family of the olden time. It +had log walls, bare rafters overhead, a tall old-fashioned clock in a +corner, a canoe cradle, a great spinning-wheel on which the ladies, +dressed like the women of the olden times, spun yarn, and gourds used for +drinking vessels. Some of the ladies were knitting socks, some carding +wool, while they talked together, after the fashion of the good, +industrious dames of the olden time they represented.</p> + +<p>Our friends, especially the young girls, were greatly interested and +amused.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we visit some of the State buildings now," said Mrs. Dinsmore, as +they left the cabin.</p> + +<p>"Pennsylvania's in particular, my dear?" returned her husband. "Well, it +is a grand old State; we could hardly do better than to show to these +little great-grandchildren the famous old bell that proclaimed liberty to +this land and all its inhabitants."</p> + +<p>"So I think," she said. "Do not you agree with us, captain?"</p> + +<p>"I do, indeed," he replied; "my older ones have seen the bell, but I want +to show it to Elsie and Ned."</p> + +<p>"It won't hurt any of us to look again at that old relic of the +Revolution," remarked Walter, "and of course we want to see the building."</p> + +<p>So the whole party at once turned their steps in that direction.</p> + +<p>Arrived in front of the building they paused there and scanned the +outside. All pronounced it very handsome.</p> + +<p>"Its front seems to be a reproduction of Independence Hall," remarked Mr. +Dinsmore; "it has its entrances and tower."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said his wife, "I like that and the quarter-circling in of those +front corners; those balconies, too."</p> + +<p>"Is that the State coat-of-arms above the pediment over the front doors, +papa?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the reply; "and the statues on the sides are those of Penn and +Franklin."</p> + +<p>Just at that moment two women, evidently from the country, came sauntering +along and halted near our party.</p> + +<p>"What building 's that?" asked one of the other. "It's right nice-lookin', +isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and don't you see the name there up over the door?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, to be sure! Pennsylvany! Goin' in, Elmiry?"</p> + +<p>"Of course; that's the thing to do. Do you see? There's the old bell, at +the door there, that they talk so much about. What they make such a fuss +over it fur I don't know; it's ugly as can be and has a great crack in it; +but it's quite the thing to talk about it and say you've seen it; so we +must do like the rest."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose we must, though I don't see why anybody should, any more +than you do," returned her companion. "It's ugly enough and certainly +wouldn't bring first price if 'twas put up for sale. But just see what +handsome fellows those policemen are that's got charge of it! Enough sight +better-lookin' than it is."</p> + +<p>With that the two went nearer, looked the old bell carefully over, then +walked on into the building. While they talked merry, mischievous glances +had been exchanged among the young people of our party.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where they have lived all their days," laughed Walter, looking +after them as they disappeared through the doorway.</p> + +<p>"I hope they are not Americans! I'm ashamed of them if they are!" +exclaimed Lulu. "The very idea of such ignorance!"</p> + +<p>"Descendants of Tories, perhaps," said Rosie, laughing. "Do you know its +story, Elsie? that of the old bell, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, Aunt Rosie! We've got a picture of it at home, and papa and +mamma, and Lu and Gracie have all told me the story about it—how when +those brave men had signed their names to that paper, it proclaimed +liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; for it +rang out to let the people know they had done it. Oh, papa, please show +me those words on it."</p> + +<p>"Yes," the captain said, "come nearer and you can see and read them for +yourself."</p> + +<p>The little girl obeyed with alacrity, and when she had read the +inscription, "Wasn't it very strange, papa," she said, "that those words +were put on it when nobody knew that it was going to proclaim liberty?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, very strange indeed; and that proclamation has made it a very famous +old bell."</p> + +<p>"Is that the reason why they brought it here, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, for many people will see it here who will never get to Philadelphia +to look at it."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad for them that they can see it," she said with satisfaction. "Do +they ring it when it's at its home in Philadelphia, papa?"</p> + +<p>"No, my child; that great crack you see there has spoiled it for ringing, +but it is highly valued and cherished for what it did in those days when +our fathers had to risk everything to secure freedom for themselves and +their children."</p> + +<p>"They were good and brave men to do it; weren't they, papa?"</p> + +<p>"They were, indeed, and deserve to be kept in loving remembrance because +of their brave deed."</p> + +<p>The rest of the party were standing near listening to the talk between the +captain and his little girl; also regarding the old bell with interest, +though nearly all of them had seen it before. But it was time for them to +move on, for others were coming to view the old relic of Revolutionary +days, and Mr. Dinsmore led the way into the interior of the building, the +rest closely following.</p> + +<p>They went all over it, finding much to admire, and Mrs. Dinsmore expressed +herself as entirely satisfied with the building of her native State.</p> + +<p>From there they went to the Woman's Building, hoping to find in it some, +if not all the relatives who had come with Harold and Herbert to the Fair. +And they were not disappointed, for Zoe and Edward hastened to meet them +immediately on their entrance and led them into the nursery, saying they +had their little ones there with their nurse, and intended leaving them in +that pleasant place for a time while they themselves should be going about +from one building to another.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Horace is here with his wife and children; the Lelands also with +theirs," added Zoe, as she led the way to where were gathered the group of +little folks from Ion and its vicinity.</p> + +<p>Pleasant greetings were quickly exchanged; the children were full of +delight at sight of their relatives, whom they had not seen on the +previous day—Grandma Elsie in especial, for they all loved her dearly.</p> + +<p>But time pressed—there was so much to see—and after viewing with +approval and admiration the arrangements for the comfort of its young +occupants the older people left that apartment for others in the building; +reconciling the little ones to a temporary separation by the promise that +on their return all should go aboard the <i>Dolphin</i> and have their supper +there; for the captain and Violet had given them all a cordial invitation +to do so.</p> + +<p>Taking with them those who were old enough to appreciate and enjoy the +sight, they went into the Gymnasium, which they found furnished with every +kind of machine and mechanical means for developing the muscles and +increasing the strength of both boys and girls.</p> + +<p>There were many children of both sexes engaged in the various exercises, +and with evident enjoyment. Our friends, both older and younger, watched +them for some time with interest.</p> + +<p>Leaving there they visited in turn the court of the Woman's Building, the +main hall, the east vestibule, the library, the Cincinnati parlor, the +invention room, the nursing section, the scientific department, and the +ethnological room.</p> + +<p>All this took a good while, there was so much to see, examine, and admire.</p> + +<p>The ladies showed a deep interest in the various exhibits of needlework, +the embroideries from Siam, table covers and rugs from Norway, and the +dolls dressed as brides; the fine lace-work and wood-carving from Sweden. +There was needlework from France too, and there were large and very pretty +vases from the same country.</p> + +<p>Zoe was much interested in the dainty needlework for infant's clothes, the +beautiful laces and ribbon flowers; and famous paintings reproduced in +silk.</p> + +<p>They found the Italian exhibits also, especially the laces of the +queen,—valued at one hundred thousand dollars,—worthy of particular +attention. Yet perhaps not more so than some from Mexico, including a +lace-edged handkerchief crocheted out of pineapple fibre; and the very +delicately beautiful wood-carving, so delicate as to be called etching.</p> + +<p>There were embroideries and laces from other countries also—Austria, +Spain, Belgium, Ceylon.</p> + +<p>As they came near the exhibit from Germany Lulu exclaimed in an undertone.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, what is that woman doing?"</p> + +<p>"We will go nearer and see if we can find out," replied the captain. The +woman sat at a table and they found that she was making bent iron-work +into candle-holders, inkstands, hanging lamps, etc., and it was very +interesting to watch her as she did so.</p> + +<p>There was a good deal of leather work also in Germany's exhibit, shown in +screens and tables.</p> + +<p>But when they had all looked their fill they found it was nearly tea time, +so they hurried back to the nursery, where they had left their little +ones, and soon they were all on the <i>Dolphin</i>, where an excellent supper +was awaiting them.</p> + +<p>They were hungry enough to enjoy it greatly. Everyone was weary with the +day's excitement and exertion, poor Grace—still far from strong, though +perfectly healthy—so much so that by her father's advice she went +directly from the table to her bed.</p> + +<p>The others sat for an hour or more upon the deck enjoying a friendly chat +and a view of some of the beauties of both the lake and the Fair; then +were about to bid good-night and return with their little folks and nurses +to their hotel.</p> + +<p>"Wait a little," said the captain. "I am sorry I cannot furnish +comfortable lodgings for the night for so many, but I can take you to the +city, and so shorten your journey by land to your hotel. I have ordered +steam gotten up and we can start in another half hour."</p> + +<p>His offer was received with hearty thanks and the plan carried out to the +great contentment of all concerned. The <i>Dolphin</i> then returned to her old +anchorage.</p> + +<p>Violet had gone down into the cabin to put her little ones in bed and Lulu +promptly seized the opportunity to take possession of the vacated seat by +her father's side. He smiled and stroked her hair with caressing hand. "I +fear my little girl must be very tired with all the standing, walking, and +sight-seeing of the day," he said.</p> + +<p>"Pretty tired, papa, yet I should like to go back to that lovely Peristyle +for an hour or two if you would let me."</p> + +<p>"Not to-night, daughter; as soon as we have had prayers you must go +immediately to bed."</p> + +<p>"Your father is wise, Lulu; I think we are all weary enough to obey such +an order as that," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"And I found out years ago that papa always knows what is best for me," +returned Lulu cheerfully. "Besides he's so dear and kind that it is just +a pleasure to be controlled by him," she added, laying her head against +his shoulder and lifting to his, eyes full of ardent affection.</p> + +<p>"I agree with you, Lu," said Evelyn, "for in all the years that he has +been my teacher I have always found that he knew what was best for me."</p> + +<p>"Take care, girls, that you don't make my biggest and oldest brother +conceited," laughed Rosie.</p> + +<p>"There's not the least bit of danger. Nothing could make papa that!" +exclaimed Lulu rather indignantly.</p> + +<p>"Hush, hush!" her father said, laying a finger on her lips. "Rosie does +but jest, and your father is by no means sure to be proof against the evil +effects of flattery."</p> + +<p>"I think he is," said Rosie, "and I was only jesting, Lu; so don't take my +nonsense to heart."</p> + +<p>"No, I will not, Rosie; I ought to have known you were but jesting, and I +beg your pardon," Lulu said, and her father smiled approvingly upon her.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ronald," said Walter, "can't you make some fun for us to-morrow +with your ventriloquism?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, do, Cousin Ronald, do!" cried the girls in eager chorus.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, bairns," returned the old gentleman good-humoredly, "I'll be +on the lookout for an opportunity for so doing without harming or +frightening anyone—unless there might be some rascal deserving of a +fright," he added with a low chuckle, as if enjoying the thought of +discomfiting such an one.</p> + +<p>"Which I don't believe there will be," said Walter, "for everybody I saw +to-day looked the picture of good nature."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said his mother, "and no wonder; the thought has come to me again +and again, when gazing upon the beauties of that wonderful Court of Honor, +especially at night when we have the added charm of the electric lights +and the fountains in full play, if earthly scenes can be made so lovely +what must the glories of heaven be! Ah, it makes one long for the sight of +them."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mamma, don't, don't say that," murmured Rosie in low, tremulous +tones; taking her mother's hand in a tender clasp, for they were sitting +side by side, "we can't spare you yet."</p> + +<p>"The longing is not likely to hasten my departure, dear," replied the +sweet voice of her mother, "and I am well content to stay a while longer +with my dear ones here if the will of God be so."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Lulu, suddenly breaking the momentary silence, "to-morrow +is the Fourth, the glorious Fourth! I wonder what is going to be done here +to celebrate it?"</p> + +<p>"I presume it will be celebrated in much the usual way," replied Mr. +Dinsmore. "To-day's papers say there have been great preparations on the +part of Exposition officials and exhibitors, and that there are to be a +number of patriotic addresses delivered in different parts of the grounds. +Also there will be, without doubt, a great display of bunting, abundance +of fire crackers, the thunder of cannon and so forth."</p> + +<p>"And we, I suppose, will pass the day on shore doing our part in the +business of celebrating our nation's birthday," remarked Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Why, of course," said Walter. "Such patriotic Americans as we are would +never think of neglecting our duty in that line."</p> + +<p>"No, certainly not," replied his mother, with a smile; "we are all too +patriotic not to do our full share to show our many foreign guests how we +love this free land of ours, and how highly we value her liberties."</p> + +<p>"I propose," said the captain, "that we spend the day on shore, first +consulting the morning papers as to where we will be likely to find the +smallest crowd or the best speaker, and after hearing the oration we will +doubtless find abundance of amusement in the Court of Honor and Midway +Plaisance."</p> + +<p>"And perhaps Cousin Ronald can and will make some fun for us," remarked +Walter, giving the old gentleman a laughing, persuasive look.</p> + +<p>"Ah, laddie, you must not expect or ask too much of your auld kinsman," +returned Mr. Lilburn with a slight smile and a dubious shake of the head.</p> + +<p>At that moment Violet rejoined them, the short evening service was held, +and then all retired to rest, leaving further discussion of the morrow's +doings to be carried on in the morning.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V" />CHAPTER V.</h2> + + +<p>Everybody was ready for an early start the next morning and Harold and +Herbert were waiting for them in the Peristyle. Some time was spent there +and in the Court of Honor, then in the Midway Plaisance. Watching the +crowds was very amusing—the wild people from Dahomey wearing American +flags around their dusky thighs, the Turks, the Arabs, and men, women, and +children of many other nations all in their peculiar costumes, so +different from the dress of our own people.</p> + +<p>Then the hundred thousand flags, very many of our own with their stripes +and stars, and those of perhaps every other nation that has one to +display—were flung to the breeze, while bands from Cincinnati and Iowa, +from Vienna, Suabia, and Arabia had all got together and were playing +Yankee Doodle.</p> + +<p>There were besides many curious bands of Oriental musicians—some of them +making great but futile efforts to play our national airs—producing +sounds that were by no means delightsome to the American ear; not half so +pleasing as the sight of the multi-colored flags decorating the huts and +castles of foreign architecture.</p> + +<p>It turned out to be a day of pleasant surprises. As they neared the end of +the Plaisance they came suddenly and unexpectedly upon Chester and Frank +Dinsmore and Will Croley, the old college mate of Harold and Herbert, whom +none of them had seen since the summer spent together on the New England +coast several years before.</p> + +<p>All were delighted; cordial greetings on both sides were exchanged, and +scarcely were these over when in a lady passing by Grandma Elsie +recognized, with a little cry of joyous surprise, her old time friend and +cousin, Annis Keith.</p> + +<p>"Annis! oh, how glad I am to see you!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Elsie! my dear, dearest cousin!" cried Annis in return, as they grasped +each other's hands and looked with ardent affection each into the other's +eyes. "Oh, how delightful to have come upon you so quickly! I was +wondering if I could ever find you in all this crowd, and to have fairly +stumbled upon you almost the first thing after leaving the cars is most +fortunate."</p> + +<p>"Yes; for us as well as you, Annis," Mr. Dinsmore said with a smile, +offering his hand as he spoke. "Are you just from Pleasant Plains?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; we left there this morning, and but a moment since stepped off +the train that brought us—nearly all the family of brothers and sisters +with their children."</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, to be sure, here are Mildred and the doctor and—well, really +Charley,"—shaking hands with Mildred and her husband—"I will have to be +introduced to all these younger folks."</p> + +<p>There was quite a crowd of them—young, middle-aged, and elderly, for the +families had been increasing in numbers, the younger ones growing in size, +and all in years.</p> + +<p>All wanted to be together for a time, the older ones to be able to talk +freely of absent dear ones and other family matters, the younger to make +acquaintance with each other.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we take a car in the Ferris Wheel," suggested Harold Travilla; +"we can then have a ride, a grand view of the Fair grounds, and a chat, +all at one and the same time."</p> + +<p>Everyone seemed to favor the proposition and without further discussion +they all started in that direction.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the place they climbed a broad stairway very much like the +approach to an Elevated station.</p> + +<p>"This way, ladies and gentleman," said a man in a blue coat, pointing to a +doorway between two knotted beams, and they passed into a sunshiny room +with two rows of chairs at each side. There were windows all about it +barred with iron.</p> + +<p>"This is one of the cars," remarked Captain Raymond, in answer to an +enquiring look from Annis, and he and the other gentlemen of the party +busied themselves in seeing the ladies comfortably seated, then took +possession of chairs as near them as might be.</p> + +<p>Other people were coming in, and in a very few moments the car was in +motion, the click of a latch having told that they were locked in.</p> + +<p>Some of our party who were trying the wheel for the first time looked a +trifle pale and alarmed as the movement began, and one or two of the girls +asked low and tremulously if it were certainly quite safe.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am entirely sure of that," replied Harold with his pleasant smile; +"but don't look out of the windows just yet."</p> + +<p>"You are not at all frightened, I see," said Chester Dinsmore in a low +tone to Lulu, having contrived to secure a seat close at her side.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, indeed!" she returned. "This is my second trip and I hardly felt +at all timid even the first time, because my father had assured us it was +perfectly safe, and I have entire confidence in his opinion and his word."</p> + +<p>"I don't know any man whose word or opinion I would be more ready to +take," returned Chester, giving her a look that seemed to say he would be +no less willing to take the captain's daughter, were the opportunity +afforded him.</p> + +<p>But Lucilla did not notice the look, for she was already gazing out of the +window and thinking of nothing but the prospect from it.</p> + +<p>"Oh, look, Chester!" she said eagerly, "This gives us such a grand view of +the Plaisance. It is the second time our party have made this trip—no, +not that—the second time we have been in these cars; we went round twice +that day, and I hope will go at least as often to-day. Presently, when we +get to the highest part the people down below will look like the merest +black dots and the houses like toy ones."</p> + +<p>"Yes," he returned, "it is a trip worth taking. I should not have liked to +miss it."</p> + +<p>"Nor should I," said Lucilla. "I think of asking papa to bring us here +several times more."</p> + +<p>"In that case I hope I may be permitted to be one of the party every time, +for it is a fine sight indeed."</p> + +<p>"Are you and Frank new arrivals?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we got into the city last evening. We would have hunted up your +party at once, but did not know just where to look for you."</p> + +<p>"We are making the yacht our home," she returned, "and it is anchored for +the greater part of the time at no great distance from the Peristyle. We +spend our nights on it, but so far our days have been passed in visiting +different parts of the Fair."</p> + +<p>"And you haven't seen everything in it yet?" he queried laughingly.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! I heard someone estimate the other day that it would take +more than forty years to do that."</p> + +<p>"And in a few months the vast majority of the sights will be withdrawn," +he said with a half sigh; "so we will have to content ourselves with +seeing a few of such things as interest us most. How long will you stay?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; that depends upon the decisions of the higher powers; in +other words of the older people. How long do you?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps two or three weeks. It will depend probably upon how we enjoy +ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Then you will be likely to stay a good while, I think," she returned. +"There! we are at the top of the wheel, and is not the view magnificent?"</p> + +<p>They made the circuit a second time, then seeing that very many people +were awaiting an opportunity to fill their places in the car, they vacated +them and wandered elsewhere about the Fair grounds for a little.</p> + +<p>Then Grandma Elsie expressed a desire to visit the building of her native +State—Louisiana—and invited all in the party to go with her and dine +there as her guests. All accepted the invitation with apparent pleasure +and immediately turned their steps thitherward.</p> + +<p>"Where is it?" someone asked, and Harold answered: "At the northern curve +of the horseshoe formed by the State sites around the Fine Art Galleries +and just west of the Missouri building. It is not a long walk."</p> + +<p>"Ah," exclaimed Grandma Elsie when they caught sight of their destination, +"see those trees in front laden with moss from our Southern bayous! The +sight almost carries one back to the old days at Viamede."</p> + +<p>"Yes; that and the foliage generally, which is of the tropical order," +remarked her father in reply; "see, the cacti are conspicuous. And I like +the simple style of the building with its galleries and verandas."</p> + +<p>"And the site is a fine one," remarked the captain, "not far from the +cable car entrance and fronting the Art Palace."</p> + +<p>"Shall we dine first and then look at the exhibits?" asked Grandma Elsie. +"I want to give you all a real Southern dinner, hoping it may prove +agreeable to your palates."</p> + +<p>"I presume we can stand it for once, mother dear," returned Herbert, and +the rest of the party seemed equally willing.</p> + +<p>They passed in and were presently regaling themselves with gumbo soup, +opossum, and various other dishes peculiar to the part of the country +represented by the building and its appurtenances, being served by cooks +and waiters directly from the plantations of the river country.</p> + +<p>Then, having satisfied their appetites, they spent some time in examining +the relics on exhibit in the building.</p> + +<p>One of these was a picture of the Madonna by Raphael. There was also an +exhibition of carvings done by women, which excited both admiration and +surprise, and in one of the rooms was some richly carved furniture from +the State museum at Baton Rouge, which had once belonged to Governor +Galvez.</p> + +<p>They went next to the Florida building, which was a reproduction of old +Fort Marion, whose foundations were laid in 1620, the year of the landing +of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts.</p> + +<p>The captain mentioned that fact, then asked: "Do you know, Grace, how long +that fort was in building?"</p> + +<p>"No, papa," she replied, "can you tell us?"</p> + +<p>"It took one hundred and fifty years of toil by exiles, convicts, and +slaves to construct the heavy walls, curtains, bastions, and towers of +defence. Its bloodiest days were more than a century before our Civil War, +in which it did not take a very prominent part."</p> + +<p>"Where are the curtains, papa?" asked little Elsie. "I don't see any."</p> + +<p>"It is the name given to that part of the rampart which connects the +flanks of two bastions," replied her father.</p> + +<p>"And it was here that the Apaches were imprisoned," remarked Walter.</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned his mother, "and a most gloomy prison it must have proved +to them, used as they were to the free life of the mountains, prairies, +and forests."</p> + +<p>Some little time longer was spent in viewing the tropical plants and trees +that adorned the exterior of the fort, then they passed inside and +examined the many beautiful things to be seen there.</p> + +<p>Their next visit was to the headquarters of the State of Washington, +where they were much interested in the display of her native woods and the +rockery built of native ores, showing pure streaks of gold and silver, so +illustrating the mineral wealth of the State.</p> + +<p>"Where next?" asked Mr. Dinsmore as they passed out.</p> + +<p>"Papa, I'm so tired," little Elsie was saying at the same moment, in a low +aside to her father.</p> + +<p>"I, too," added Ned, overhearing her. "Please can't we take a ride now?"</p> + +<p>"Surely," said Grandpa Dinsmore, overhearing the request. "I invite you +all to try an electric boat on the lagoon."</p> + +<p>No one seemed disposed to decline the invitation; some time was spent on +the water, then on the Intramural Railway. After that the whole party, at +the invitation of Violet and the captain, went aboard the yacht, still +lying in the lake at no great distance from the Peristyle, and partook of +a supper which was no unpleasant contrast to the enjoyable dinner with +which Grandma Elsie had provided them.</p> + +<p>The little folks were ready for bed, on leaving the table; the older ones +rested for a time on the <i>Dolphin's</i> deck, chatting together while +enjoying the sunset, then they returned to the Court of Honor, to revel in +its beauties as seen by the witchery of the electric light.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI" />CHAPTER VI.</h2> + + +<p>Morning found them all rested, refreshed, and eager to spend another day +amid the beauties of the Fair. They started early, as on the previous day, +found Harold and Herbert with the other young gentlemen friends waiting +for them in the Peristyle, spent a little time enjoying its beauties and +the never wearying view it afforded of the lake on the one side, and the +Court of Honor on the other, then at the earnest solicitation of the +little ones they again entered an electric launch and glided swiftly along +the quiet waters of the lagoon.</p> + +<p>"Let us go to the Transportation Building," proposed Rosie as they landed +again. "I want to see that golden doorway, and have not the least +objection to passing through it and examining things inside."</p> + +<p>"As no one else has, I presume," said her grandfather. "No doubt we shall +find a great deal there worthy of examination."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; much more than we can attend to in one visit," replied Harold, +leading the way, as everyone seemed well pleased to carry out Rosie's +suggestion.</p> + +<p>They had heard and read of the beautiful golden doorway and viewed it with +interest and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"It is very, very beautiful," said Grandma Elsie, "a nest of arches +covered with silver and gold."</p> + +<p>"And that border is lovely, lovely!" exclaimed Rosie; "such delicate +tracery!"</p> + +<p>"Papa, is it solid gold?" asked little Elsie, who was clinging to her +father's hand on one side, while Ned had fast hold of the other.</p> + +<p>"No, daughter," the captain replied, "not solid, though there is a good +deal of both gold and silver covering the other and cheaper materials." +Then he called her attention to a relief on the left side of the arch, +showing an ox-cart with its clumsy wheels dragging slowly along through +heavy sand, the travellers in it looking most uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>"That, children," he said, "is the way people used to travel years ago +when I was a little fellow, such as you are now, Neddie boy; and +this"—going to the other side of the arch and pointing to the contrasting +relief—"shows how we travel now. See, it is a section of a palace-car; +some of the people reading, others gazing from its plate-glass windows, +and a porter serving them with luncheon."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; that's the way we travel when we don't go in the <i>Dolphin</i> or +in our carriage, and it's a great deal nicer than that ox-cart," said +Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, there are some words up there!" exclaimed Ned, pointing up to a +higher part of the arch. "Please read them."</p> + +<p>"I will, son," replied the captain, "though I think you are hardly old +enough to fully understand them. This"—pointing it out—"was written by +Macaulay, of whom you will learn more when you are older: 'Of all +inventions, the alphabet and the printing-press alone excepted, those +inventions which abridge distance have done the most for civilization.' +This other is by Lord Bacon: 'There are three things which make a nation +great and prosperous: a fertile soil, busy workshops, and easy conveyance +for men and goods from place to place.' Those words are put upon this +building because in it are shown the different modes of travel in +different countries—on the sea also—at different times."</p> + +<p>They stood for some little time longer examining into the details of that +wondrously beautiful doorway, noticing the splendor of the arches and +pylon, the stairway on each side, the roof of the pavilion and all the +other beauties.</p> + +<p>"It is very beautiful, and a great satisfaction to have seen it," remarked +Mr. Dinsmore at length, "but perhaps it would be as well for us to go on +into the inside of the building now, reserving further examination of this +golden doorway for some future time."</p> + +<p>With that he passed in, the others following.</p> + +<p>Many of the exhibits there were more interesting to the older members of +the party, especially the gentlemen, than to the ladies and younger +people; locomotives and trains of cars such as were in use at different +periods of time, showing the vast improvement in their construction since +steam was first put to that use, models of vessels teaching the same +lesson in regard to increased convenience and comfort of travel upon the +water.</p> + +<p>"Oh, there is the <i>Victoria</i>—that grandest of battleships, sunk only the +other day in collision with her sister ship, the <i>Camperdown</i>!" exclaimed +Herbert. "See what a crowd of men and women are gazing upon it!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," said Rosie, "I remember reading a description of it in the +papers. One of England's finest battleships, was she not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Captain Raymond, drawing near and examining the model with +interest; "she was a grand vessel, the pride of the British navy. I should +like to have seen her and am glad to have the opportunity to examine even +a model. Ah, what a sad accident it was! especially considering that it +sent to the bottom of the sea her entire crew of nearly four hundred men +and officers."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it was dreadful, dreadful!" said Grace in tearful tones. "Especially +because they had no time to think and prepare for death."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is the saddest part of all," sighed Grandma Elsie.</p> + +<p>Our friends presently moved on, and all, from Grandpa Dinsmore down to +little Ned, found many objects that interested them greatly. But the most +attractive thing of all to the young folks—because of the story connected +with it—was Grace Darling's boat. It was the captain who pointed it out +to his children.</p> + +<p>"Who was she, papa? and what did they put her boat here for?" asked little +Elsie.</p> + +<p>"She was the daughter of William Darling, the lighthouse keeper on +Longstone, one of the Fame Islands."</p> + +<p>"Where are they, papa?"</p> + +<p>"In the North Sea, on the coast of Northumberland, the most northern +county of England. They form, a group of seventeen islets and rocks, some +of them so small and low-lying as to be covered with water and not visible +except when the tide is low; and the passage between them is very +dangerous in rough weather.</p> + +<p>"Two of the islands have each a lighthouse, and it was in one of those +that Grace Darling and her father lived.</p> + +<p>"In 1838 a vessel called the <i>Forfarshire</i> was wrecked among those +islands. William Darling, from his lighthouse, saw it lying broken on the +rocks, and sixty-three persons on it in danger of drowning. His daughter +Grace, a girl of twenty-two, begged him to go and try to rescue them. It +was a very dangerous thing to attempt, but he did it, she going with him.</p> + +<p>"Both father and daughter were very strong and skilful, and by exerting +themselves to the utmost they succeeded in saving nine of the poor wrecked +creatures who were crouching there on the rocks in momentary expectation +of being washed off by the raging waves and drowned. They bore them safely +to Longstone."</p> + +<p>"And that made Grace Darling famous," remarked Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her father. "Many people, many of the great and wealthy, went +to see the brave girl who had thus risked her own life to save others, and +they heaped upon her money and valuable presents; so that she was no +longer poor. But she did not live long to enjoy the good things bestowed +upon her. She died of consumption about four years after her famous +adventure."</p> + +<p>"What a pity, papa! wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"For those who loved her, yes; but not for her, if she was ready for +heaven. Do you think it was?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, 'cause it is the happy land where Jesus is, and nobody is ever +sick or sorry or in pain. But I don't want to go there yet; I'd rather +stay a good while longer here with you and mamma."</p> + +<p>"I want you to, darling, if such be God's will," he returned low and +tenderly, bending down to press a fatherly kiss on her round, rosy cheek. +"Your father would hardly know how to do without his little Elsie."</p> + +<p>She looked up into his face with shining eyes. "We love each other, don't +we, papa?" she said with satisfaction. "Mamma too, and brothers and +sisters, and grandma, and—oh, all the folks."</p> + +<p>"Where now?" asked Grandma Elsie as they left the Transportation Building.</p> + +<p>"I want to show you the German castle," answered Harold. "It is here on +the Midway Plaisance, and is a reproduction of a castle of the middle +centuries. It is viewed by most people who have read of moat-surrounded +castles with great curiosity and interest."</p> + +<p>"There is a German village connected with it, is there not?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"There is, mamma, and I think you will all enjoy looking at both it and +the castle."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am sure we shall if it is a faithful reproduction of the old +castles of feudal times that we have read of!" exclaimed Rosie.</p> + +<p>"It is said to be," returned Harold, "and is considered very curious and +interesting."</p> + +<p>"Is there a moat about it, Uncle Harold?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and a drawbridge and portcullis."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what is that?" asked little Elsie.</p> + +<p>"A framework of timbers crossing each other, pointed on the lower edge +with iron and hung by chains in grooves in the chief gateway of the +castle, so that on the sudden appearance of an enemy it could be let down +to keep him out more quickly than the drawbridge could be raised to +prevent his crossing the moat, or the gates shut."</p> + +<p>"And what is a moat?"</p> + +<p>"A ditch or canal. But you shall see one presently, and a portcullis +also."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so glad we came here to the White City!" cried Elsie, skipping +along by her father's side; "it's so lovely and there are so many curious +things to see."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is a pleasant way of gaining knowledge; pleasanter than learning +lessons and reciting them to papa; is it not, daughter?" asked the +captain, smiling down into the bright little face.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but that's not a hard way, either, 'cause my papa is so kind, +and loves me and makes the lessons easy."</p> + +<p>They soon reached the castle, crossed the moat by the drawbridge, passed +through the arched gateway, under the portcullis, the young folks, and +indeed the older ones also, gazing at it with much curiosity, and entered +a spacious hall, the walls of which were hung with bows and ancient +weapons, and armor such as was worn by warriors of feudal times.</p> + +<p>From the hall was an entrance to a museum, where were shown many articles +interesting as having belonged to those old times when the homes of +knights and barons were such castles as this.</p> + +<p>When they had looked their fill at all these they left the castle for the +village surrounding it, which consisted of reproductions of very old +German houses with small porticos and sharp gables.</p> + +<p>These covered three or four acres of ground and were built around a court, +in the centre of which was a music stand where a band of twenty musicians, +in white uniforms and military caps, were almost constantly playing upon +their instruments, making such delightful music that crowds of people +flocked to hear them.</p> + +<p>Our friends enjoyed it greatly, and for a time did nothing but stay there +and listen while watching the players and the crowd.</p> + +<p>But the children began to show signs of weariness and the captain, Violet, +Grandma Elsie, and several of the others rose and moved on with them into +a cottage which stood in the back part of the grounds.</p> + +<p>It was a picturesque-looking building and there were a number of Germans +in and about it, many of them evidently sight-seers like our friends. It +was furnished in truly German style, with quaint old-fashioned mantels, +holding old pieces of bric-a-brac, and quaint dishes and cabinets hanging +on the walls.</p> + +<p>One room on the left as they entered seemed to be attracting particular +attention, and they presently turned to it, paused an instant at the open +door, then walked in, the captain and Violet with their two little ones +leading the way.</p> + +<p>The principal objects in the apartment were two wax figures, life size, +representing a man and woman seated at a table apparently dining +together.</p> + +<p>Our party stood for a moment silently gazing, then Mr. Lilburn and Walter +Travilla followed them into the room, though hardly seeming to belong to +their party.</p> + +<p>Catching sight of the figures at the table, Walter nudged the old +gentleman, gave him a significant, laughing glance, then stepping forward +addressed the waxen man in a serious tone as though he thought him a +living person.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, sir, but I am a stranger here and would like to ask a little +information in regard to what may be seen that is really worth looking +at."</p> + +<p>At that there was a general laugh among the other spectators, and an +exchange of glances that seemed to say he must be either very blind or +extremely simple.</p> + +<p>Walter did not seem to notice, however, but went on: "Are the upper floors +open to visitors, sir? and are there refreshments served there, or in any +other part of the building?"</p> + +<p>At that the laugh among the people in the room and about the doorway grew +louder,—it seemed so good a joke that anyone should take those wax +figures for living people—and a burly German, taking pity on Walter's +stupidity, said; "Mine frient, dose vos vax beobles, ha, ha, ha! dey don't +can't say nodings."</p> + +<p>With that the laughter grew louder, and another German, evidently +good-naturedly desirous to relieve Walter's embarrassment, spoke, turning +as he did so to the first speaker:</p> + +<p>"Dat vasn't no sign de young shentlemans vas dumb; he don't can't help it; +he t'ot dey vas life beoples."</p> + +<p>"Nefer you mine dose silly fellows, young shentleman, dey doan' know +noddings."</p> + +<p>The words seemed to come from the lips of the waxen man, and struck the +crowd with astonishment. "I would tell you vat you vants to know," he +added, "but I pees von stranger in dose barts mineself."</p> + +<p>Then the woman seemed to speak: "Come to de dable, mine frient, and eat +somedings mit us."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, very much," returned Walter, "you are most kind and +hospitable, but I cannot think of intruding upon your hospitality." And +with a bow directed toward her and her spouse, he turned and left the +room, the rest of his party following and leaving the little crowd of +Germans gazing at each other and the waxen figures in wide-eyed, +open-mouthed astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Papa," complained little Ned as they left the German quarter, "I'm so +tired and sleepy."</p> + +<p>"Hungry, too, papa's boy, aren't you?" was the kindly enquiring rejoinder. +"Well, papa will take you back to our floating home, and leave you there +with your nurse to be fed and have a good, long nap. I think Elsie would +like to go too. Wouldn't you, daughter?"</p> + +<p>The little girl gave a glad assent, and arranging with his wife and older +daughters where to meet them on his return, the captain set off with the +two little ones for the <i>Dolphin</i>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII" />CHAPTER VII.</h2> + + +<p>Captain Raymond was not gone very long, and on his return found the others +sitting quietly listening to the music of the German band. But they were +ready to go at his invitation and test the excellence of the fare to be +obtained at the Woman's Building.</p> + +<p>"There are <i>cafés</i> at each end of the roof covered with Oriental awnings," +he said, "and surely we may expect as good fare at a woman's establishment +as anywhere else."</p> + +<p>"I think we certainly should," said Rosie in a sprightly tone; "and there +must be a lovely view or views from that roof and the loggias."</p> + +<p>"Doubtless," returned the captain, "and though we visited all the lower +apartments of the building the other day, we did not go up to the roof; so +that a visit to it will have for us the charm of novelty."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Grandma Elsie; "let us go by boat up the lagoon. Gracie looks +as if she needed a rest from walking, and I confess I should not object to +it myself."</p> + +<p>The words had scarcely left her lips before Harold had signalled a boat, +and the whole party was presently seated in it.</p> + +<p>A short but delightful row brought them to the landing in front of the +Woman's Building, and climbing the stone stairway that led up to the +terrace, they passed through the triple-arched colonnade that led into the +interior of the building, nor paused till they had reached one of the +<i>cafés</i>, where they might rest and also satisfy their appetites with the +good things abundantly provided.</p> + +<p>Those important matters duly attended to, some minutes were given to the +enjoyment of the fine views to be obtained from the loggias, and looking +at the statues of Miss Rideout, representing Sacrifice, Charity, Virtue, +and Wisdom. They then spent a short time over the exhibit in the lower +part of the building; and there Captain Raymond and Lucilla met with a +pleasant surprise in coming suddenly and unexpectedly upon Mr. Austin and +his son Albert, the English gentleman whose acquaintance they had made in +their visit to Minersville some years before.</p> + +<p>The pleasure was evidently mutual; very hearty greetings were exchanged, +then Captain Raymond introduced his accompanying friends, and Mr. Austin a +daughter who was with him.</p> + +<p>A few moments were spent in conversation, in the course of which an +invitation was extended to the Austins to take supper upon the yacht that +evening, and they parted for a time; the Austins having an engagement to +meet some friends in the meanwhile in another part of the Fair.</p> + +<p>"Shall we go now to the Electrical Building?" asked Captain Raymond, +addressing his party, and receiving a hearty assent from all, he led the +way.</p> + +<p>They found much in the building to greatly interest them; great electric +lenses used in lighthouses, the Edison electric column—covered with five +thousand electric globes—and many other wonderful things; a beautiful +scene in the daytime, but far more gorgeous at night, as they readily +perceived that it would be; so they decided to pay a second visit after +the lighting up that evening. Still their present visit was so prolonged +that on leaving they found it time to return to the yacht. They met the +Austins again at the Peristyle, and took them on board in the first boat +load.</p> + +<p>The guests were numerous, including all the cousins from Pleasant Plains, +and the three young gentlemen friends—Chester and Frank Dinsmore and Will +Croly. The meal to which they presently sat down, though Captain Raymond +had called it supper, was an excellent dinner of several courses, and +enlivened by pleasant chat, proved most enjoyable to the entire company.</p> + +<p>At its conclusion they adjourned to the deck. A pleasant air was stirring, +the sun drawing near his setting, the western sky glowing with brilliant +hues, while the sounds of life on water and land came softly to the ear.</p> + +<p>The young people formed one group, the older ones another, conversing +among themselves, mostly in rather subdued tones.</p> + +<p>"You have hardly been in America ever since I saw you last?" Lucilla said +enquiringly, addressing Albert Austin.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; we went home shortly upon bidding you good-by after our brief +acquaintance in Minersville," he replied; adding, "And I presume you had +very nearly forgotten us?"</p> + +<p>"No," she said; "we have spoken of you occasionally,—papa, Max, and +I,—and I recognized your father the moment I saw him to-day; you also, +though I am not sure that I should have done so had you been alone; for of +course you have changed much more than he has."</p> + +<p>"Not more than you have, Miss Raymond," he returned with a look of +undisguised admiration; "yet I knew you instantly, though I saw you before +I perceived that the captain made one of the company you were in."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" she said with a merry little laugh. "I am afraid I hoped I had +grown and improved more than that would seem to imply."</p> + +<p>"But you are still as proud as ever of being an American, and as proud of +your Stripes and Stars?" he remarked enquiringly and with an amused smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes, most emphatically, yes," she replied, lifting her eyes to the flag +floating overhead, "I still think it the most beautiful banner ever flung +to the breeze."</p> + +<p>"And I suppose—from its constant display here, there, and +everywhere—that that must be the idea of Americans in general," remarked +Miss Austin in a slightly sneering tone. "I must say I have—naturally, I +suppose,—a far greater admiration for England's flag, yet I should not +want to see it so ostentatiously displayed on all occasions as yours is."</p> + +<p>Lucilla colored, but was silent, fearing she might speak too warmly in +defence of her favorite banner should she attempt a reply; but Chester +took it up.</p> + +<p>"Miss Austin must remember," he said, speaking in calm, polite tones, +"that ours is a very large country, to which immigrants from other lands +are constantly flocking; and they, as well as the ignorant among +ourselves, need to have constantly kept before them the fact that we, +though spread over so many States, form but one nation; for otherwise our +Union could not be maintained; we must continually impress upon all our +people that this one glorious nation is never to be separated into parts; +and the flag is the emblem of our Union; a symbol that is unmistakable; +and so it is displayed as the chief glory of our nation; and therefore we +love it and cannot see too much of it."</p> + +<p>Even as he spoke the sun neared the horizon, all on the <i>Dolphin's</i> deck +rose to their feet, and as he sank out of sight, the firing of a gun from +the <i>Illinois</i> announcing the fact, saluted the flag as, at the same +moment, it came fluttering down from its lofty perch.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, for your explanation, Mr. Dinsmore," Miss Austin said +pleasantly, as they resumed their seats; "it has given me an entirely new +view of the matter, so that I now think you Americans are quite right in +your devotion to your flag, and your constant display of it. And this +Fair," she went on, "is wonderful—the White City a perfect fairyland; +especially at night, with its blaze of electrical lights and its many +colored electric fountains."</p> + +<p>"So we all think," said Harold Travilla. "Have you been in the Electric +Building yet?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet," she replied, and her brother added: "But we intend going. The +evening is the best time for a sight of its wonders, I presume?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we have planned to go to-night, and would be glad to have you +accompany us."</p> + +<p>The invitation, overheard by the older people and cordially endorsed by +the captain, was promptly accepted by the three Austins, and as the shades +of evening began to fall, all but the little ones, already in their nests, +returned to the shore and were presently in the Electrical Building, +enjoying to the full its magical splendor.</p> + +<p>Croly was devoting himself to Rosie Travilla, Frank Dinsmore endeavoring +to make himself useful and entertaining to Grace Raymond and Evelyn +Leland, while his brother and Percy Landreth, Jr., vied with each other +and Albert Austin in attentions to Lucilla, leaving Miss Austin to the +charge of Harold and Herbert, who were careful to make sure that she +should have no cause to feel herself neglected.</p> + +<p>They spent some time in viewing the marvels of the Electric Building, +finding the lights giving it a truly magical splendor not perceptible by +day. It seemed full of enchantment, a veritable hall of marvels; they were +delighted and fascinated with the glories of the displays, and lingered +there longer than they had intended.</p> + +<p>On passing out, the party broke up, the Austins bidding good-by and going +in one direction, Croly carrying off Rosie in another, the Pleasant Plains +people vanishing in still another.</p> + +<p>"Will you take a boat ride with me, Lucilla?" asked Chester in a rather +low aside.</p> + +<p>"If the rest are going," she returned laughingly. "I'm such a baby that I +cling to my father and don't want to go anywhere without him."</p> + +<p>"You mean the captain does not allow it?" Chester said enquiringly, and +with a look of slight vexation.</p> + +<p>"Oh," she laughed, "I'm not apt to ask for what I don't want, and I never +want to be without papa's companionship."</p> + +<p>"Humph! I had really labored under the delusion that you were grown up."</p> + +<p>"Does that mean, ready to dispense with my father's society? In that case +I don't mean ever to be grown up," she returned with spirit.</p> + +<p>"Well, really!" laughed Chester, "if I am not mistaken, my sisters +considered themselves about grown up, and altogether their own mistresses +when they were no older than you are now; though, to be sure, I don't +profess to know your age exactly."</p> + +<p>"You may look at the record in the family Bible the next time you visit +Woodburn, if you care to," Lucilla said, with a careless little toss of +her head. "Yon will find the date of my birth there in papa's handwriting, +from which your knowledge of arithmetic will enable you to compute my +present age."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he said, laughing, but with a look of slight embarrassment, +"I am entirely satisfied with the amount of knowledge I already possess on +that subject."</p> + +<p>"Ah, what subject is that upon which you are so well informed, Chester?" +queried Captain Raymond pleasantly, overhearing the last remark, and +turning toward the young couple.</p> + +<p>"Your daughter's age, sir. I invited her to take a ride with me upon the +lagoon, in one of those electrical launches; but find she is but a young +thing and cannot leave her father."</p> + +<p>"Ah?" laughed the captain, "then suppose we all go together."</p> + +<p>"Willingly, sir, if that will suit her better," answered Chester, turning +enquiringly to Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"I think nothing could be pleasanter," she said, and the others being of +like opinion, they were presently gliding over the waters of the lagoon +intensely enjoying the swift easy movement and the fairylike scenes +through which they were passing.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII" />CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + + +<p>It was late when at last all the <i>Dolphin's</i> passengers were gathered in. +The party to which the Raymonds belonged were the first, the young men who +had accompanied them in the electric launch bidding good-night at the +Peristyle, and all had retired to their respective state-rooms before the +coming of the others; all except the captain, who was pacing the deck +while awaiting their arrival.</p> + +<p>His thoughts seemed not altogether agreeable, for he walked with drooping +head and downcast eyes and sighed rather heavily once or twice.</p> + +<p>"Papa dear, what is the matter? Oh, have I done anything to vex or trouble +you?" asked Lucilla's voice close at his side.</p> + +<p>"Why, daughter, are you there?" he exclaimed, turning toward her with a +fatherly smile, then taking her hand and drawing her into his arms, +stroking her hair, patting her cheeks, and pressing a fond kiss upon her +lips. "No, I have no fault to find with my eldest daughter, and yet——" +He paused, gazing searchingly and somewhat sadly into the bright young +face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, what is it?" she asked, putting her arms about his neck and +gazing with ardent affection and questioning anxiety up into his eyes. +"You looked at me so strangely two or three times to-night, and I so +feared you were displeased with me that I could not go to my bed without +first coming to ask you about it, and get a kiss of forgiveness if I have +displeased you in any way."</p> + +<p>"No, daughter, you have not displeased me, but—your father is so +selfish," he sighed, "that he can scarce brook the thought that someone +else may some day oust him from the first place in his dear child's +heart."</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa!" she exclaimed in half reproachful tones, "how can you be +troubled with any such idea as that? don't you know that I love <i>you</i> ten +thousand times better than anybody else in the whole wide world? I just +<i>love</i> to belong to you, and I always shall," she added, laying her head +on his breast and gazing with ardent affection up into his eyes. "Besides, +I am only a little girl yet, as you've told me over and over again, and +must not think about beaux and lovers for at least five or six years to +come; and I'm sure I don't want to think of them at all so long as I have +my own dear father to love and care for me."</p> + +<p>"That is right," he said, holding her close; "I think I can say with truth +that I love my dear daughter much too well ever to intentionally stand in +the way of her happiness, but I feel sure that the best place for her, for +the next six or eight years at least, will be in her father's house, +trusting in his love and care."</p> + +<p>"I haven't a doubt of it, father," she said, lifting loving, laughing eyes +to his, "and really I don't believe Chester or anybody else cares half so +much about me as you do, or wants to get me away from you. I like right +well to laugh and talk with him and the others just as I do with the +girls, but I'm, oh, so glad I belong to you, and will for years to come, +if not always. Yes, I do hope it will be always, while we both live. And +Gracie feels just the same. We had a little talk about it not very long +ago, and agreed that we could not bear to think the time would ever come +when we would have to leave our dear father, and the sweet home he has +made for us, to live with anybody else in the loveliest that could be +imagined."</p> + +<p>"That pleases me well," he said, his eyes shining; "Gracie is no less dear +to me than you are, and so frail that I should be far from willing to +resign the care of her to another. But now, dear child, it is high time +you were resting in your bed; so give me another good-night kiss and go at +once."</p> + +<p>"I will, papa, and are not you going too? for I am sure you must be +needing rest as well as I."</p> + +<p>"Presently," he replied, glancing toward the pier. "I have been waiting to +see the last of our party on board, and here they come."</p> + +<p>Lucilla went to her bed a very happy girl, her heart full of love to her +father and singing for joy in the thought of his love for her. She had a +long dreamless sleep, but woke at her usual early hour and, when morning +duties had been attended to, went noiselessly up to the deck where, as she +had expected, the captain had preceded her by a moment or more. She ran to +him to claim the usual morning caress.</p> + +<p>"You look bright and well, dear child," he said, holding her close for a +moment, then a little further off to gaze searchingly into the smiling, +happy face.</p> + +<p>"As I feel, father," she said, laying her head against his breast. "I went +to sleep last night thinking of all you had been saying to me and feeling +so glad of your dear love and that you want to keep me all your own for +ever so long." Then she added, with an arch look up into his face, "Don't +you think, papa, it will be best for you to have me under eye all the +time wherever we go?"</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid to trust you, my darling," he answered with a smile, "but +of course I want you near me that I may take the very best care of you +always and all the time."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, I'll get and keep just as close to you as I can," she +answered with a merry look and smile. "But, papa——"</p> + +<p>"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked, as she paused and hesitated, as if +fearful that he might be displeased with what she was about to say.</p> + +<p>"I was just thinking,—please don't be vexed with me,—but wasn't Mamma Vi +only nineteen when you married her?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, with a slight smile, "but circumstances alter cases, and I +have changed my views somewhat since then."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said, reflectively; "she had no father, and it was you she +married, you who know so well how to take care of both her and your +daughters."</p> + +<p>At that her father merely smiled again and patted her cheek, saying. "I am +glad you are so well content with my guardianship."</p> + +<p>He did not think it necessary to tell her of a talk with Violet the night +before, in which he had expressed his determination to keep his daughters +single for some years to come,—certainly not less than five or six,—and +his fear that Chester and one or two others had already begun to perceive +their charms, and might succeed all too soon in winning their affections; +in reply to which Violet had, with a very mirthful look, reminded him how +young she herself was at the time of their marriage, and that he did not +seem to think it at all necessary to wait for her to grow older.</p> + +<p>In answer to that he had laughingly insisted that she was far more mature +than his daughters bid fair to be at the same age; adding that besides he +certainly ought to have gained something in wisdom in the years which had +passed since their marriage.</p> + +<p>"Ah," said Violet giving him a look of ardent affection, "after all I am +glad you had not attained to all that wisdom some years earlier, my dear +husband, for my life with you has been such a happy, happy one. Your dear +love is my greatest earthly treasure, our little son and daughter scarcely +less a joy of heart to me."</p> + +<p>"To me also," he said, drawing her into his arms and giving her tenderest +caresses, "yet not quite so dear as their mother; for you, my love, have +the very first place in my heart."</p> + +<p>"And you in mine," she returned, her eyes dewy with happy tears; "and I +love your daughters dearly, dearly; I could hardly bear to part with them, +and I am glad to perceive that they, as yet, care nothing for beaux, but +are devoted to their father and happy in his love."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think they are, and fondly hope they will continue to be, for a +number of years to come," was his pleased response. "I have no doubt they +will," said Violet, and there the conversation ended.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"More than content, papa; for as I have often said, I just delight in +belonging to you," was Lucilla's glad response to his last remark in that +morning talk.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know you do, and so we are a very happy father and daughter," he +said. "I often think no man was ever more blest in his children than I am +in mine."</p> + +<p>The talk about the breakfast table that morning was of the places it might +be most desirable to visit that day, and the final conclusion that they +would go first to the battleship <i>Illinois</i>, then to the lighthouse and +life-saving station, both near at hand.</p> + +<p>"I am glad we are going aboard a battleship—or rather the model of one, I +presume I should say, and especially in company with a naval officer who +can explain everything to us," remarked Rosie in a lively tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are very fortunate in that," said Mrs. Dinsmore, giving Captain +Raymond an appreciative look and smile.</p> + +<p>"Papa, didn't you say she wasn't a real ship?" asked little Elsie, looking +up enquiringly into her father's face.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my child, but in all you could perceive in going aboard of her she +is exactly like one—a fac-simile of the coast-line battleship <i>Illinois</i>, +which is a very powerful vessel."</p> + +<p>"And are her guns real, papa? Mightn't they go off and shoot us?"</p> + +<p>"No, daughter, there is no danger of that. The largest ones are wooden +models, and though quite a number are real and capable of doing terrible +execution, there is not the slightest danger of their being used on us."</p> + +<p>"I'm not one bit afraid of them!" cried little Ned, straightening himself +up with a very brave, defiant air. "Not with papa along, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"No, you needn't be, Ned," laughed Walter, "for most assuredly nobody +would dare to shoot Captain Raymond or anybody under his care."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, I should think not," chuckled the little fellow, with a +proudly affectionate look up into his father's face.</p> + +<p>"No, nor any other visitor to the ship," said the captain. "We may go +there without feeling the least apprehension of such a reception."</p> + +<p>"So we will start for the <i>Illinois</i> as soon as we are ready for the day's +pleasures," said Violet, smiling into the bright little face of her boy.</p> + +<p>Harold and Herbert joined them at the usual early hour, bringing Chester +and Frank Dinsmore with them, and in a few minutes they were all upon the +deck of the model battleship.</p> + +<p>They were treated very politely and shown every department from sleeping +quarters to gun-deck. They were told that she was steel armor-plated below +the berth-deck, and were shown that above the decks were steel turrets, +through portholes of which deep-mouthed wooden guns projected. Also that +she was fully manned and officered with a crew of two hundred men, who +gave daily drills and performed all the duties required of them when in +actual service on the high seas.</p> + +<p>From the battleship they went to the lighthouse and life-saving station.</p> + +<p>On the plaza in front of the Government Building was the camp of the +life-saving corps. It was neat and pretty, and close beside it was the +model of a government lighthouse. Some of our party went to the top of +that, and all of them viewed the paraphernalia used in the saving of life +when a vessel is wrecked within sight of the shore. Some of them had +already seen it on the Eastern shore, but were sufficiently interested to +care to look at it again, while to the others it was altogether new, as +was the drill through which the company of life guards were presently put, +for both the benefit to themselves of the practice, and the edification of +visitors.</p> + +<p>That over Grandma Elsie asked, "Shall we not, now we are here, go into the +Government Building and look at the military exhibit?"</p> + +<p>"I should like to do so," said Mr. Dinsmore. "In what part of the building +is it, Harold?"</p> + +<p>"The southeastern, sir. I have been in once, and found many things well +worth looking at more than once."</p> + +<p>Harold led the way as he spoke, the others following.</p> + +<p>The first department they entered contained exhibits of metal work, gun +and cartridge-making machines, campaign materials, and battleflags.</p> + +<p>All were interesting to the gentlemen, and to some of the ladies also, but +to the others and the children the battleflags were far more so than +anything else. It was the greatest collection ever seen outside of a +government museum; for they were mementoes of all the wars our country +has passed through since the settlement of Jamestown, Va.</p> + +<p>There were also mountain howitzers mounted on mules, forage wagons, +propeller torpedoes, and every kind of camp appliance, garrison equipage, +pack saddles, etc. Famous relics, too, such as a beautifully carved bronze +cannon captured from the British at Yorktown in 1781, and a great gun +called "Long Tom," with which the privateer <i>General Armstrong</i> repelled a +British squadron off the shores of the Azores in 1814, and many other +souvenirs of American history.</p> + +<p>"'Long Tom,'" repeated little Elsie, gazing curiously at the great gun, +about which some remark had been made a moment before, "I s'pose there's a +story to it. I wish somebody would tell it to Neddie and me."</p> + +<p>"You shall hear it one of these times," said her father, "but not here and +now;" and with that she was content, for papa's promises were sure to be +kept.</p> + +<p>"Don't refrain on my account from telling it here and now, captain," said +Cousin Ronald with a humorous look and smile. "I'm not so patriotic as to +endorse wrong-doing even on the part of Britons."</p> + +<p>"We are all sure of that, sir," returned the captain, "but this time and +place are not the most favorable for the telling of a story of that +length."</p> + +<p>"And grandma will sit down somewhere with the children presently for a +rest, in some quiet place, and tell them the story of the gun should they +wish to hear it," said Mrs. Travilla; and with that promise the children +seemed well content.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX" />CHAPTER IX.</h2> + + +<p>By the middle of the afternoon Grandma Elsie, Grace, and the little ones +were all weary enough to be glad to return to the <i>Dolphin</i> for a rest.</p> + +<p>After a refreshing nap Grace and the children gathered about Mrs. Travilla +and begged for the fulfilment of her promise to tell the story of "Long +Tom," and she kindly complied.</p> + +<p>"The <i>General Armstrong</i> was a privateer, and the fight I am now going to +tell about was one of the most famous of the war of 1812-14," she said. +"The vessel was commanded by Captain Samuel C. Reid, a native of +Connecticut. He went to sea when only eleven years old and was a +midshipman with Commodore Truxton. He was still a young man—only +thirty—when the event of which we are talking occurred. That was on the +26th of September, 1814, in the harbor of Fayal, one of the Azores islands +belonging to Portugal.</p> + +<p>"While lying there at anchor the <i>Armstrong</i> was attacked by a large +British squadron. That was in flagrant violation of the laws of +neutrality. Commodore Lloyd was the commander of the squadron. At eight +o'clock in the evening he sent four large well-armed launches, each manned +by about forty men, to attack the American vessel.</p> + +<p>"The moon shone brightly, and Captain Reid, who had noticed the movements +of the British and suspecting that their design was to attack him, was +getting his vessel under the guns of the castle. Those guns and his own +opened fire at almost the same instant and drove off the launches with +heavy loss."</p> + +<p>"That means a great many men killed, grandma?" queried little Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, a great many of the British; on our side there was one man +killed, and a lieutenant was wounded. But that was not the end of the +affair. At midnight another attack was made with fourteen launches and +about five hundred men.</p> + +<p>"A terrible fight ensued, but at length the British were driven off with a +hundred and twenty killed and one hundred and eighty wounded."</p> + +<p>"That was a great many," commented the little girl. "Did they give it up +then, grandma?"</p> + +<p>"No; at daybreak one of the British vessels, the <i>Carnation</i>, made another +attempt. She began with a heavy fire, but the gunners of the <i>Armstrong</i> +fired shots at her so rapidly and so well directed that she was soon so +badly cut up that she hastened to get out of their range.</p> + +<p>"In all this fighting the British had lost over three hundred in killed +and wounded, while only two Americans were killed and seven wounded. But +the <i>Armstrong</i> was a good deal damaged and Captain Reid saw that he could +not stand another fight such as she had just gone through, so he directed +her to be scuttled to prevent her from falling into the hands of the +enemy."</p> + +<p>"Scuttled? What's that, grandma?" asked little Ned.</p> + +<p>"Making holes in the bottom or sides of a vessel, so that the water can +get in and sink her, is called scuttling. It was done to prevent the +British from taking possession of her. After our men had left her, +however, they boarded, and set her on fire."</p> + +<p>"Grandma Elsie," said Grace, "I think I remember reading that that victory +of Reid's—or perhaps I should say successful resistance—had much to do +with the saving of New Orleans."</p> + +<p>"Yes; that British squadron was on its way to Jamaica, where the British +vessels were gathering for the expedition to move against and take New +Orleans, and their object in attacking the <i>Armstrong</i> was to secure her +for themselves and make her useful in that work. Had they succeeded in +taking her they would have reached New Orleans while it was utterly +defenceless, General Jackson having not yet arrived there. But Reid, in +his splendid defence of his vessel, so crippled those of the enemy that +they did not reach Jamaica until fully ten days later than the time when +the expedition was expected to sail from there; Lloyd was waited for and +the expedition thus delayed until Jackson had reached the city and was +making haste with arrangements for its defence."</p> + +<p>"Yes, grandma, I've heard the story about that," said little Elsie; "how +the British tried to take that city and General Jackson and his soldiers +killed so very many of them, and drove the rest away."</p> + +<p>Neddie was looking very grave and thoughtful. "Isn't it wicked to kill +folks, grandma?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, unless it is necessary to prevent them from killing or badly +injuring us or someone else. The British were terribly abusing our poor +sailors and it was right for our government to fight them, because they +would not stop it until they were forced to do so."</p> + +<p>"But you haven't told about 'Long Tom' yet, grandma," said Elsie; "that +big gun, you know, that we saw to-day."</p> + +<p>"Yes; it was one of those on the <i>Armstrong</i> with which Captain Reid +defended his ship."</p> + +<p>"Weren't the Americans glad when they heard about it, grandma? and didn't +they praise Captain Reid?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed they did! and also made him many handsome presents. The State of +New York thanked him and gave him a sword."</p> + +<p>"Hadn't he afterward something to do with a change in our flag, Grandma +Elsie?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Yes; our flag at first bore thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, and as +new States were admitted another star and stripe were added for each one. +But it was soon found that that was making the flag very large unless the +stripes became narrower and narrower, while there was nothing to show what +had been the original number of States. Captain Reid suggested the plan of +retaining the thirteen stripes to indicate that, and the adding of a new +star every time a new State was admitted, and Congress adopted that plan. +He was certainly a talented man. He invented and erected the signal +telegraphs at the Battery and the Narrows."</p> + +<p>"I'm proud of him, Grandma Elsie!" said Grace, her face lighting up with +enthusiasm. "His defence at Fayal against such overwhelming numbers was +wonderful. And so was Jackson's at New Orleans. England was a great and +powerful nation while ours was but small and weak, but we were in the +right—fighting against dreadful wrongs done to our sailors—and God +helped us to drive away our haughty, powerful foe, and deliver our brave +tars from her unendurable oppression."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear; and to Him let us ever give all the glory and the praise. Oh, +may our nation always serve God and trust in him! then no foe shall ever +prevail against her."</p> + +<p>"I hope we do, grandma," said little Elsie, "for on a quarter papa gave me +the other day, I saw the words, 'In God we trust.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Ned at that moment, "the folks are coming! I see them there on +the Peristyle—papa and mamma, Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore, Lu and the +others."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and the boat is waiting for them," added Elsie "and see, they are +getting in."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am so glad," said Grace, "though they are earlier than usual."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, "I suppose because it is Saturday evening and +we are all so tired with going and sight-seeing that we need to get early +to bed and rest that we may not be too weary to enjoy the coming Sabbath +day."</p> + +<p>"I 'spect so," said Ned, and running forward as his father and the others +stepped upon the deck, "Papa," he asked, "did you come home soon to get +ready to keep Sunday?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the reply; "we all need a good rest that we may be able to +enjoy God's holy day and spend it in his service."</p> + +<p>"Where have you been since we left you, Lu?" asked Grace, as her sister +took a seat by her side.</p> + +<p>"Papa took us to look at the Krupp gun," was the reply. "It is a wonderful +one; weighs two hundred and forty-eight thousand pounds; just think! one +hundred and twenty-four tons! It was certainly a great undertaking to +bring it all the way from Essen, Germany, to Chicago. They told us that at +Hamburg and at Baltimore great cranes were used, one of which could lift a +sixty-five ton locomotive, to lift the gun to the trucks that were to +carry it on the railroad; they had to put eight trucks under it, fastening +two together, then the two pair together, and so on till they had the +eight all well fastened to each other, when they laid the gun on them and +started it off.</p> + +<p>"And only think, Gracie, it takes half a ton of powder and costs one +thousand two hundred and fifty dollars to fire that great gun once. We +saw the steel plate, sixteen inches thick, through which a twelve-inch +shot had been fired. It had cracked the plate and thrown the upper corner +half a yard away. I forgot to say the projectile fired from that gun +weighs a ton, and goes sixteen miles."</p> + +<p>"Oh," cried Grace, "that's just dreadful! I hope there will never be a war +where such terrible guns will be used—never any more at all; but that +very soon, as the Bible says, the people 'shall beat their swords into +plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift +up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, overhearing her, "that will be a blessed time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed!" said Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Where else did you go?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we have been promenading along the lake shore, sitting down now and +then on the seats to watch the many boats of various sorts and sizes, our +own among the rest; and now, here we are to stay for the night, I suppose. +I must, at least, for papa has said so."</p> + +<p>She looked smilingly up into his face as she spoke, for he was now +standing by her side.</p> + +<p>"I think that will be best for each of my children, and hope that my dear +eldest daughter does not feel at all rebellious in regard to the matter," +he said in his pleasant, fatherly way.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, papa!" she responded heartily, "though the beautiful Court of +Honor is so fascinating—especially at night—that if you had given me +permission to go back there after tea I should have been very glad to do +so."</p> + +<p>"And I should take pleasure in allowing you that gratification if I +thought it best and right."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt that in the least, papa, and I am very glad to have you to +decide all such questions for me," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Will we go over there, to the Court of Honor, to-morrow, papa?" asked +little Elsie.</p> + +<p>"No, daughter, we must keep the Sabbath day holy, and if we go anywhere it +will be to church."</p> + +<p>"And if we don't, we'll have a meeting here on our own deck as we have on +some other Sundays; won't we, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and the Lord Jesus will be with us; for he has said, 'Where two or +three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, I shall like to think of that—that the dear Lord Jesus is here +with us—but I do wish I could see him."</p> + +<p>"I too," said little Ned. "Please, papa, sit down now and let your baby +boy sit on your knee a little while. You have been gone so long away from +me."</p> + +<p>"So long, papa's dear boy!" the captain repeated with a smile of fatherly +affection into the bright, coaxing little face, then seating himself, he +took the little fellow in his arms, and petted and caressed him to his +heart's content. "Papa missed his dear little boy," he said, "but hoped he +was having a good time here with dear grandma."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa, so I was. Grandma's ever so nice, but I want my papa and +mamma, too."</p> + +<p>"That's right, darling! mamma and papa would never know how to do without +their dear baby boy," Violet said, adding her caresses to those of his +father, the captain having taken a seat close at her side.</p> + +<p>"Nor me either, mamma?" asked Elsie, drawing near, putting one hand into +that of her mother and laying the other on her father's knee, her look and +tones a trifle wistful, as if she were half fearful that she was less +highly appreciated than her brother.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, dear child!" they replied, speaking together, "we love you +just the same."</p> + +<p>"Gracie also," the captain added, turning toward her with a tenderly +appreciative smile. "You were looking very weary, daughter, when you left +us some hours ago. Are you feeling better now?</p> + +<p>"Yes, thank you, papa," she replied with a sweet, glad smile. "How kindly +careful of me you always are!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he returned, "one is apt to be careful of his choicest treasures."</p> + +<p>"It is so delightful to be one of your treasures, you dear papa," she +said, going to his side in response to an inviting gesture, as Neddie got +down from his knee to run to the side of the vessel to look at a passing +boat.</p> + +<p>"And so delightful to have you for one," he said, drawing her to the seat +Neddie had vacated. "Papa feels that he must be very careful to see that +the strength and endurance of his feeble little girl are not overtaxed."</p> + +<p>"Mamma too," said Violet. "Dear child, I hope the rest of to-night, +to-morrow, and the following night may entirely relieve your fatigue."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, mamma, I hope and believe that it will," responded Grace in +cheerful tones. "We will go to church to-morrow, I suppose, papa?" turning +enquiringly to him.</p> + +<p>"Those of us who feel able and wish to," he replied. "I intend moving on +up the lake to Chicago when you have all retired to your state-rooms, and +to lie at anchor there until the Sabbath is past. We will have our Bible +lesson as usual in the afternoon, and service on board in the evening."</p> + +<p>"I am glad of that, papa," said Grace, "for I always greatly enjoy a Bible +lesson with you for my teacher."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X" />CHAPTER X.</h2> + + +<p>Most of the <i>Dolphin's</i> passengers went into the city to attend church the +next morning, but Grandma Elsie and Grace, not yet entirely recovered from +their fatigue, remained behind with the little ones. They watched the +departure of the others, then Elsie, taking a seat close at her grandma's +side, asked for a Bible story. "I like so much better to hear you or papa +or mamma read or tell it than to have to read it for myself," she said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, and I always enjoy reading or telling those sweet stories to +you," replied Mrs. Travilla, turning over the leaves of her Bible.</p> + +<p>"Please read 'bout Jesus walking on the water, grandma," pleaded Neddie.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said. "Here in this chapter Mark tells about Jesus feeding the +multitude—five thousand men—with five loaves and two fishes; making so +much of that small quantity of food that they all ate and were filled, and +there were twelve baskets full of fragments left. Then he constrained his +disciples to get into the ship and go to the other side before unto +Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. Now, do you remember what he +did after the disciples and the people were gone?"</p> + +<p>"Went up into a mountain to pray," answered Elsie. "Grandma, why did he +pray when he was God and could do everything?"</p> + +<p>"We cannot fully understand it, dear, but he was both God and man and +loved to talk with his Father, God."</p> + +<p>"Yes, grandma, I love to talk to my father," said Ned.</p> + +<p>"So do I," said Elsie; "he is such a dear, kind papa, and we all love him +so much."</p> + +<p>"That is right," grandma said with her sweet smile; "and I hope you +sometimes thank God, our heavenly Father, for giving you such a good, kind +papa."</p> + +<p>"Yes, grandma, yes indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Now listen while I read," she said, and began: "'And when even was come, +the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw +them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the +fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and +would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, +they supposed it had been a spirit, and they cried out: (For they all saw +him, and were troubled.) And immediately he talked with them, and saith +unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto +them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in +themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the +miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, grandma, I don't want my heart to be hardened like that—so that I +won't believe in Jesus and love and trust him," Elsie said earnestly.</p> + +<p>"No, dear child; ask God very often not to let it ever be so hardened; but +to give you strong and abiding faith; faith that will never for an instant +doubt his power or love. Remember he says, 'I love them that love me, and +those that seek me early shall find me.'"</p> + +<p>"Early in the morning, grandma?" asked. Ned.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear; and early in life—while you are a little child."</p> + +<p>"How, grandma? What's the way to do it?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you may sometimes want papa when you do riot know exactly where +he is, and you go about the house and grounds looking for him; that is +seeking him; and when you have found papa you say to him what you wish to +say. But Jesus, being God, is every where; he sees you and hears all you +say, knows all your thoughts; so if you speak to him only in your heart +he will know it—know all you want and listen to your prayer; for he is so +good, so kind, so condescending that he will not turn away from anyone who +really prays—asks with all his heart to be cleansed from his sins and +made truly good—such an one as will be pleasing in the sight of God."</p> + +<p>"Yes, grandma," said Elsie, "that's what papa and mamma, too, have told +Neddie and me many times; and I do ask God earnestly very, very often to +give me a new heart and make me his own dear child. Grandma, papa often +tells me he loves me very dearly, but that Jesus loves me still more."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear child, the Bible tells us so and it is very sweet and +comforting to think of. Jesus loves to have us carry our troubles to him +and he feels for us in them all. He says, 'As one whom his mother +comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted.'"</p> + +<p>"And mamma is such a dear comforter when we are in any trouble or +suffering pain," remarked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, your mamma loves you very dearly, but Jesus' love is still stronger. +Now I will read of another time when Jesus stilled the waves with a word. +"'Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his +disciples: and he said unto them, let us go over unto the other side of +the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and +there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with +water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, +Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind, and the +raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said +unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one +to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds +and water, and they obey him.'"</p> + +<p>"Nobody but God could do that," Neddie remarked, half in assertion, half +enquiringly.</p> + +<p>"No, dear child, it is only the voice of God the winds and waters will +obey, or the dead when summoned to come forth from their graves. Jesus is +God; and he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God, by +him. The Bible tells us so; the Bible which from beginning to end is God's +own holy word. Listen to its closing words;" and again she read aloud from +the Bible in her hands.</p> + +<p>"'I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the +churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and +morning star. And the spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that +heareth say Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, +let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that +heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto +these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this +book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this +prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of +the holy city and from the things which are written in this book. He which +testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, +Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.'"</p> + +<p>"Is it Jesus who says, 'Surely I come quickly, grandma?" asked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear; and he says to each one of us: 'Take ye heed, watch and pray: +for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a +far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and +to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye +therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, +or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming +suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, +Watch.'"</p> + +<p>"Watch," repeated Neddie. "What for, grandma?"</p> + +<p>"That we may be ready to meet him with joy; our hearts full of love to him +and his cause, caring little for the things of earth, but very much for +things heavenly and divine; setting our affections on things above."</p> + +<p>"Oh, there they come!" cried Neddie the next moment; "papa and mamma and +all the rest," and he ran to the side of the vessel to give them a joyous +greeting as they presently stepped upon the deck. In the afternoon the +captain gathered his young people together for a Bible lesson, which all +liked as he was sure to make it both interesting and instructive. The +subject was the miracle of Christ wrought in the healing of the paralytic +as related in Mark II. 1-12. "'Seeing their faith?' How did they show +their faith, Lucilla?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"By their works, papa. I think that if they had not believed that Jesus +could and would heal their friend they would hardly have taken the trouble +to break up the roof that they might let him down before the Lord. And the +paralytic too must have had faith in the power and willingness of Jesus to +heal him or surely he would have objected to being moved so much—carried +from this house along the street to the place where Jesus was, then up to +the roof, and let down from there in his bed."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he, too, surely must have had faith in the power and willingness of +Christ to heal him, and is included in the number of those spoken of as +having faith. Let it never be forgotten that faith in Christ is necessary +to salvation; for without faith it is impossible to please him'; but, 'all +things are possible to him that believeth.' 'Ye believe in God, believe +also in me,' Jesus said to his disciples in his farewell talk with them +the night before his crucifixion. If we would be saved we must have 'the +righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon +all them that believe.' None can be justified by works, 'for all have +sinned and come short of the glory of God,' and if we are justified it +must be 'freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ +Jesus.' Ah, let us all pray as did the disciples, 'Lord, increase our +faith.'"</p> + +<p>"Why did Jesus say to the man 'Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,' papa?" +asked little Elsie. "I thought it was to be cured of his sickness the man +came."</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter, but sin is the cause of all sickness and disease; if man +had not sinned there would never have been any sickness or pain, and +there will be none in heaven where all are holy.</p> + +<p>"And in pronouncing the man's sins forgiven Jesus asserted himself to be +God. The Scribes sitting there understood it to be so, and said in their +hearts, 'Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins +but God only?' And Jesus knew their thoughts, for he asked, 'Why reason ye +these things in your hearts?'"</p> + +<p>"That he could see their thoughts I should think was another proof that he +was God," remarked Walter, "and when that was followed by the +instantaneous healing of the man, it seems to me wondrous strange that +they were not convinced beyond the possibility of a doubt."</p> + +<p>"The trouble with them was the same with that of many in these days," +returned the captain; "their hearts were more in the wrong than their +heads; they did not want to be convinced."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI" />CHAPTER XI.</h2> + + +<p>Monday morning found all on board the <i>Dolphin</i> feeling well, bright, and +ready to enjoy a further examination of the wonders and beauties of the +White City beside the lake. As usual the question which of them all should +claim attention first, came up for discussion at the breakfast table.</p> + +<p>"I for one would like extremely to pay a visit to Buffalo Bill's Wild West +Show," said Walter. "I think my little nephew and niece would enjoy it +too, and possibly older folks might find some amusement there also."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what is it, Uncle Walter?" asked Ned eagerly. "I'd like to see some +buffaloes."</p> + +<p>"Well, so you will if we go," replied Walter, "for there's a herd of them +to be seen there. It is outside the Exposition grounds, but worth going to +see, I should think. There are rifle experts, bucking ponies, dancing +dervishes, athletes, female riders, besides American, German, French, +English, Cossack, Mexican, and Arabian cavalry, to say nothing of cowboys, +and other attractions too many to mention."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Ned, "I want to go. Can't I, papa?"</p> + +<p>"All alone?" asked his father laughingly. "No, my son, I fear you are +rather young for that."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, papa; I didn't mean all alone. But won't you take mamma and Elsie +and all the rest, and me too?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if mamma and all the rest want to go."</p> + +<p>"There are two hundred Indians there, Ned. Won't you be afraid of them?" +asked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"No, Lu; not with our papa along to take care of us. If you're afraid, I +s'pose you can stay on the <i>Dolphin</i> here till we come back."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Ned," she said laughing; "but I believe I feel quite as safe +where papa is as you do. And I think I should like to see that show +myself, though I'm neither a baby boy like you, nor a sixteen year old +laddie like Walter."</p> + +<p>"No, not a boy at all; only a girl. I'm glad I was made a boy so I can +grow up into a man like papa."</p> + +<p>"I'd rather be a woman like mamma and Grandma Elsie," said his little +sister. "But I'd like to see the buffaloes and all the rest of it. Can't +we go, papa?"</p> + +<p>"I will go and take my little girl and boy," replied her father, "and will +be glad of the company of anyone else who feels inclined to go with us."</p> + +<p>No one seemed disinclined, and finally all decided to go.</p> + +<p>They were well entertained, and, when the exhibition was over, passed out +upon the elevated platform at the entrance.</p> + +<p>The crowd moved slowly, and as they stood awaiting an opportunity to +descend to the street below, there arose a sudden cry of "Fire!" and at +the same instant they perceived a flame creeping up within the centre +tower of the Cold Storage Building near at hand.</p> + +<p>Scarcely was the cry raised before twenty-five brave and experienced +firemen were on the scene, and ascending to the platform of observation +that had been built near the summit. The tower was built of pine wood and +plaster, which had been dried by the sun without and hot sheet-iron +chimneys within, so that it burned fiercely. The firemen saw that it was a +very dangerous place for anyone to venture into, therefore they hesitated +and drew back; but their leader swore at them, calling them cowards, and +at once they climbed to the perilous place; but scarcely had they reached +it when there was an explosion of gases; the roof heaved and fell in, +carrying with it sixteen men down into a pit of gaseous flame, and a +shriek of horror went up from the fifty thousand people who stood looking +on, unable to give the least assistance to the poor perishing men.</p> + +<p>The party from the <i>Dolphin</i> saw it all and were sick with horror. Grace +fainted, and but for the support of her father's arm, quickly thrown about +her, would have fallen to the floor of the platform where they stood. He +held her up, and with the help of Harold and Herbert, hastily pushed his +way through the crowd.</p> + +<p>"Lay her down as quickly as you can, captain!" exclaimed Harold; "it is +important."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," returned Captain Raymond, glancing down at the white, +unconscious face of his precious burden.</p> + +<p>But at that instant Grace's eyes opened, and looking up in a bewildered +way into her father's eyes, "Papa, I'm too heavy for you to carry," she +said faintly.</p> + +<p>"No, my darling, not at all," he replied. "There, Uncle Harold has +summoned a boat and we will take you back at once to our floating home."</p> + +<p>"Am I sick? did I faint, papa?" she asked. "Oh,"—with a burst of tears +and sobs—"I remember now! Oh, those poor, poor men! Papa, were they all +killed?"</p> + +<p>"Don't be so distressed, dear child," he said with emotion. "I think they +must have been almost instantly suffocated by the gas, and did not feel +anything that followed."</p> + +<p>"Your father is right," said Harold, close at her side; "and though it was +a very dreadful thing for them to be sacrificed in that way, and hurried +into eternity without a moment's warning, they are not suffering pain of +body now, and we can only hope that with their last breath they cried to +the God of all grace for pardon and salvation." As he concluded his +sentence the boat he had signalled was close at hands the rest of their +party came up at that moment, all embarked, and they were soon on board +the <i>Dolphin</i>, where they remained for the rest of that day, feeling too +much shocked over the dreadful catastrophe at the Storage Building to care +to go anywhere else.</p> + +<p>Poor, feeble Grace was almost overwhelmed with pity and horror, weeping +bitterly much of the time. The others, especially her father, did all in +their power to comfort her with the hope that at least some of the killed +were prepared for heaven, and with plans for giving aid and consolation to +their bereaved wives, children, and other relatives who had been dependent +upon their exertions for support.</p> + +<p>The next day brought a very pleasant surprise in the arrival among them of +their cousin, Dr. Conly, with his wife and her brother, Sandy McAlpin. +The sight of her old physician, and Marian, of whom she was very fond, did +much to restore Grace to her usual spirits, and all went together to view +various interesting exhibits.</p> + +<p>The first to which they gave their attention was that of the relics of the +Cliff Dwellers. It was in the southeastern part of the grounds, and was a +reproduction of Battle Rock Mountain, Colorado. As you neared it you +seemed to see before you a cliff, for though built of timbers, iron, +stone, staff, and boards, it wore the appearance of rock and earth. There +was a cavernous opening which had the effect of a canyon, and in niches +high up were the dwellings, in miniature, of the ancient people who once +lived among the tablelands of our southwestern territories; but portions +of the real houses were shown in order to give a perfectly truthful +impression to visitors; also there were relics of the old cliff dwellers +shown, such as weapons wrought from bones, stone, and wood; pottery, and +cloths and mattings woven from blades of the alfalfa plant.</p> + +<p>There were to be seen also ledges of fallen rock with houses crushed +beneath and other houses built over them. Also winding paths led up the +cliffs and through to the outer air, and up these our friends climbed to +the summit, where they stood for a little enjoying the prospect now on +this side, now on that.</p> + +<p>"Papa," asked little Elsie, "how long ago did people live in those houses +so high up among the rocks?"</p> + +<p>"Nobody knows just how long ago, my child," he replied, "but probably +hundreds of years before Columbus discovered America."</p> + +<p>The rest of the day was spent in the Midway Plaisance, a street three +hundred feet wide, beginning at the rear of the Woman's Building, +extending about a mile in length, and so full of interesting sights that +one might tarry there many hours, and go again day after day, without +wearying of them, but always finding something by which to be greatly +entertained.</p> + +<p>"A good and most entertaining place for the study of mankind," as Mr. +Dinsmore remarked.</p> + +<p>As they entered it the sound of the sweetly piercing music of a bagpipe +smote upon their ears. "Ah," exclaimed Mr. Lilburn, "that sound is sweetly +homelike to my ear. Let us see, my friends, to what sight it summons us."</p> + +<p>"The Beauty Show, sir," said Herbert. "Probably you have all heard of +it—some thirty or forty belles collected from different parts of the +world and dressed in their national costumes."</p> + +<p>They went in, passing the handsome Highlander playing the bagpipes at the +door. They found the women who were on exhibition ranged in pens around a +large room.</p> + +<p>"Beauties!" sniffed Rosie as she glanced about upon them, "there is +scarcely one who I should have selected as such."</p> + +<p>"Hush, hush, Rosie!" said her mother warningly; "we do not know but some +of them may understand English, and surely you would be sorry to hurt +their feelings."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I should indeed, mamma," she returned in a regretful tone, and they +passed out.</p> + +<p>"That countryman of yours has much the handsomest face about that +establishment. Cousin Ronald," remarked Lucilla, with a smile, as they +proceeded on their way.</p> + +<p>"I agree with you in that opinion, lassie," laughed the old gentleman, +"and I have no doubt that he would also, had he heard you express it."</p> + +<p>"How very much there is to see here!" remarked Dr. Conly—"men, women, and +children from all parts of the world, clad in their own odd, native +attire; Chinese, Japanese, Dahomeyans, Nubians, wild Arabs, Persians, +Soudanese, Algerians, Javanese, and Cingalese."</p> + +<p>"And some of the buildings are as singular in appearance as the people who +occupy them," added his wife.</p> + +<p>"Let us visit the village and castle of Blarney," said Rosie.</p> + +<p>"You want to kiss the Blarney Stone, do you?" asked Herbert laughingly.</p> + +<p>"No need of that," said Walter; "she can blarney fast enough if she wants +to, and that without ever having seen the stone."</p> + +<p>"What is blarney, papa?" asked little Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Coaxing, wheedling, and flattering," he replied. "The village we are +going to see is said to be a fair representation of one of that name in +Ireland, about four miles from the city of Cork, in which there is a +castle called Blarney Castle, which has stood there for more than four +hundred years. The castle has a tower, as you will see, and on the top of +it is a stone the kissing of which is said to confer the gift of ability +to wheedle and flatter. But the true stone is said to be another in a wall +where it can be kissed only by a person held over the parapet."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I shouldn't like that at all, papa!" Elsie exclaimed. "I'd be afraid +of falling, and I shouldn't like to kiss a dirty stone."</p> + +<p>"Well, daughter, I shall never ask you to do so," he answered, with a +kindly smile down into the bright, rosy little face.</p> + +<p>They were entering the village as he spoke. Some little time was spent +there very agreeably, after which they returned to the <i>Dolphin</i> for the +night.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII" />CHAPTER XII.</h2> + + +<p>There was a gathering of friends and relatives on the <i>Dolphin</i> that +evening: all from Pleasant Plains were there; Chester and Frank Dinsmore +also and the Ion family. The brother and sister of Grandma Elsie, and her +eldest daughter with her husband and children, had paid their visit to the +Fair at an earlier date and returned home.</p> + +<p>Expecting to do a good deal of entertaining Captain Raymond had taken care +to have his boat well provisioned, and all were cordially invited to stay +and take dinner on board.</p> + +<p>No one declined, and they were a pleasant, lively party, each having +something interesting to tell of the experiences of the day, and all +agreeing that the Fair was well worth the trouble and expense of the +journey to reach it, and the hundred and one demands upon the purse while +there. Grace alone was very quiet, seeming to have little or nothing to +say, and looking at times both sad and distressed. Her father noticed it +and seizing the first opportunity to speak with her in private, asked in +tenderly solicitous tones if she were feeling perfectly well, adding: "I +fear I have allowed you to exert yourself too much in the past few days, +my darling."</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether or not I have gone about too much, papa, but it was +very kind in you to let me," she replied, laying her head on his shoulder, +for they were sitting side by side on a sofa in the cabin, while the +others had all gone up to the deck, "but oh, I can't forget those poor men +who perished in the flames yesterday, or their wives and children, perhaps +left very poor and helpless. Papa, if you are willing, I'd like to give +all my pocket money to help them. My own dear father pays my way all the +time and I don't need to buy any of the fine things I see for sale here +and there."</p> + +<p>"My dear child," he said, with emotion, "you may do just as you please +about that. I am very glad that my little girl is so willing to deny +herself to help others, and I must tell you for your comfort that a good +deal of money has already been raised for the benefit of those sadly +bereaved ones."</p> + +<p>"You gave some, papa? Oh, I know you did!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter, I gave out of the abundance of means which God has put +into my hands, certainly not that it may all be spent upon myself and +dearest ones, but entrusted to me that some of it may be used for the +relief of suffering humanity; and it is a very great pleasure—an +inestimable privilege—to be permitted thus to ally to some extent the +woes of poverty and bereavement."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; I feel it so, and am thankful that you approve of my doing +what I can to help those poor, bereaved ones."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad my little girl is unselfish enough to desire to do so," he +responded. He passed a hand tenderly over her golden curls as he spoke, +and kissed her again and again with warmth of affection.</p> + +<p>"Do you want to join the others on the deck?" he asked presently, "or +would you rather go at once to your bed and rest? You are looking very +weary."</p> + +<p>"I am tired, papa," she replied, "but I think that to lie in one of the +steamer chairs on deck, and listen to the talk, will rest me nicely."</p> + +<p>"You may do so for an hour or two," he said. "I will help you up there; +but when the others scatter—as they probably will by that time—I want +you to go to your bed and try to get a good, long night's sleep. I must +take good care of my feeble, delicate little girl that she may gain, and +not lose, by this trip to the North and visit to the World's Fair."</p> + +<p>He took her in his arms as he spoke, carried her to the deck and deposited +her in a vacant lounging chair, then seated himself by her side and took +Neddie on his knee.</p> + +<p>Violet was on her husband's other side, and Dr. Conly and his Marian near +at hand on the farther side of Grace.</p> + +<p>"You are looking weary, little cousin," he remarked, giving her a +searching look; "so weary that were I asked for a prescription it should +be an early retirement to your berth, to be followed by a long night's +rest. However, I suppose you are Harold's patient now."</p> + +<p>"Yours too, Cousin Arthur," she said with a smile; "also papa's, and he +has already given me the very same prescription."</p> + +<p>"As I do, if I am consulted," said Harold, "and when three such physicians +agree, you surely will not venture to disregard their advice."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" she returned, with her own sweet smile again, "nor would I, +if any of the three had given it. I do really feel the need of rest for +to-night, but hope you will all agree to let me go at least as far as the +Court of Honor to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"That will depend upon how you are feeling in the morning," returned her +father, Violet adding: "And if you should have to stay here and rest for +a day or two you need not feel so very badly about it, Gracie, because our +time for remaining in and about the White City is not limited like that of +some less fortunate people."</p> + +<p>"No, mamma, and that is something to be thankful for. Oh, I do think +myself a most fortunate girl," Grace said in reply, directing a look of +ardent affection toward her father as she spoke. The other young folks +were chatting together near by, principally of the beauties of the Fair, +and indulging in many a merry jest and much light laughter.</p> + +<p>"The Court of Honor is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in the +world," remarked Rosie; "at least the most beautiful I have ever seen or +can imagine; especially at night, when the magnificent MacMonnie's +fountain, and the electric fountains are all at play. What beautiful +rainbow-colored showers they send up! I never dreamed of anything so +lovely and can never weary of looking at them."</p> + +<p>"Nor have I," said Croly. "I move that we all go over there presently; in +time to witness the lighting up."</p> + +<p>There was a general assent, and young Percy Landreth, who had managed to +secure a seat close at Lucilla's side, said to her in an undertone: "You +will go surely, and may I have the pleasure of acting as your escort?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," she returned with a slight laugh and an arch look at +Chester Dinsmore, who, sitting near on her other side, had overheard the +request, and was looking slightly vexed and disappointed; "papa hasn't +told me yet whether I may go to-night or not; and I'm 'a young thing who +cannot leave her father' or go anywhere without his knowledge and consent. +I'll ask him, however," she concluded, jumping up and hastening to the +captain's side. "Papa," she asked, "can I go presently to the Court of +Honor with the others—and you? for I suppose you are going?"</p> + +<p>"I think it likely that your mamma and I will be going after a little," he +said in reply; "but Grace is too weary to return there to-night, and you +too would be the better able to enjoy yourself at the Fair to-morrow +should you go early to bed to-night; so that is what I wish you to do."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, papa, I am not so very tired," she said half imploringly, half in +vexation. "Mayn't I go?"</p> + +<p>"You have my answer to that question, daughter," he replied in a tone so +low that the words scarce reached any ear but hers. "I think it best for +both you and Grace that you should stay here with her, and surely you love +your sister well enough to do so willingly, even if you had your father's +consent to your going ashore for the evening?"</p> + +<p>"Papa," said Grace, overhearing the last sentence, "I would not have Lu +miss the pleasant evening on shore on my account. I will go directly to +bed and probably fall asleep at once."</p> + +<p>"As I hope and believe Lucilla will also," he returned, with a glance of +grieved displeasure bestowed upon his eldest daughter, which sent a +remorseful pang to her heart.</p> + +<p>"Oh, father, don't be vexed with me," she entreated low and tremulously, +putting a hand into his as she spoke; "I am glad that I am under your +orders; I am, indeed, and would not for anything leave dear Gracie alone."</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it, daughter," he returned, pressing the hand affectionately +as he spoke. "Also I think that to-morrow you will be thankful to me that +you have had a rest from exertion and excitement."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa, I always find that your way is best, and I am very glad and +thankful that I have such a kind, wise father."</p> + +<p>"Well, Lu, did you get leave to go?" asked Rosie as Lucilla rejoined the +circle of young people. "No; papa wishes me to stay here and get to bed +early that I may be well rested for to-morrow's exertion in seeing the +sights of the White City," Lucilla answered in a lively, cheerful tone, +that seemed to indicate entire satisfaction with her father's decision. +She was in fact so remorseful over her momentary exhibition of wilfulness +that she felt as if she no longer cared for anything but to convince her +dearly loved father of her penitence on account of it, and her desire to +do exactly as he directed.</p> + +<p>"A wise and kind decision, Lu," remarked Herbert Travilla, overhearing +what she said. "A rest now may save you from a serious break-down some +days or weeks hence."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Uncle Herbert, I am well aware that such a father as mine is a very +great blessing," she returned with a smile. "I only wish I were as good a +daughter."</p> + +<p>Just at that moment the guns announced the setting of the sun, and the +flags on the <i>Dolphin</i> and other vessels came down with the usual +ceremonies. That over, those who intended going ashore for the evening or +the night began their preparations, which were such as to occupy but a few +minutes. Violet put her little ones to bed, and the captain, who had +carried sleepy little Ned down to the state-room, on coming out into the +saloon found Lucilla there waiting to speak to him.</p> + +<p>"Papa," she said humbly, "have you quite forgiven my crossness to-night +when you refused to let me go ashore? I am very, very sorry for it, but I +am perfectly satisfied now with your decision; I was, the next minute, and +oh, I do love you dearly, dearly, though I can hardly expect you to +believe it when—when I'm so ready to be rebellious," she added, hiding +her face on his breast, for he had taken her into his arms the moment she +began to speak.</p> + +<p>"Yet I do believe it, my own darling," he replied in tender tones, +smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. "I fully believe that you love +me devotedly, though for a moment you indulged in the old rebellious +spirit that used to cause so much pain to both you and me. However, this +is almost the first time I have seen any show of it for two or three +years. In all that time you have been as willingly and cheerfully obedient +as anyone could ask or expect a daughter to be."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, my dear father, for saying that!" she responded, lifting +to his, eyes beaming with happiness, "and I do intend that it shall be my +very last failure to be as promptly and cheerfully obedient as possible, +for I know you never deny me anything, unless you see that it is for my +good, and I have never known you to make a mistake about that. Do you want +Grace and me to go to bed as soon as you and the others are gone?"</p> + +<p>"I think it would be well for you to do so, but if you both prefer it you +may stay on deck for another half hour."</p> + +<p>"Then I will get ready for bed at once, papa, for I want to do exactly as +you think best, and I know Gracie does also."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know she does; and, by the way, I must carry her down before I go; +she is so weary, poor child," he said, hurrying up to the deck.</p> + +<p>Lucilla waited only to see the others off, then joined her sister in their +state-room.</p> + +<p>"You poor dear, you are so tired!" she exclaimed, noticing Grace's weary +expression and heavy eyes. "You must let me help you with your +preparations for bed."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Lu," returned Grace; "you are such a dear sister—always so +kind and helpful to me; but I am sorry that for my sake you should lose +the pleasure of going to the Court of Honor with the others to-night."</p> + +<p>"O Gracie, you know we always find out in the end that papa's way is the +best for us both, and he refused my request for my own sake as well as +yours."</p> + +<p>"Yes; he is the very kindest and best of fathers," said Grace; "he never +refuses any one of his children anything he can give them when he thinks +it good for them."</p> + +<p>"But now I must stop talking and go to sleep as quickly as possible, as he +bade me when he brought me down here."</p> + +<p>Both she and Lucilla were asleep in a few minutes and awoke the next +morning feeling greatly refreshed and rested.</p> + +<p>"Shall we visit the Turkish village to-day?" asked Violet at the breakfast +table.</p> + +<p>"I say aye to that," said Walter. "I want to see it and make some +purchases there. I've heard that there is a street there with booths along +on the side and a bazaar where one can buy various kinds of Turkish goods. +I want to get some if only for curiosities."</p> + +<p>"And for a quarter you can go up in the restaurant and see the girls +dance," said his sister Rosie; "or into the theatre to look at a +representation of Mohammedan home life and adventure. So Mr. Will Croly +told me."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know about going to the theatre," returned Walter, "but I'd +like to see their mosque with its minaret, at noon or sunset, when a real +muezzin comes out and calls upon the faithful to remember Allah and give +him glory."</p> + +<p>"He does it at sunrise too, doesn't he?" asked Evelyn Leland.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but we'll never get over there in time for that. Some of our +American folks don't know what he is about,—not understanding his +language—and imagine that he's selling popcorn or advertising the +dance-house, or maybe calling for somebody to come and help him down."</p> + +<p>"How, Uncle Wal?" asked Neddie.</p> + +<p>"With a ladder, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Do they bring it to him?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think they have yet, Neddie; at least I haven't heard of it. But +wouldn't you like to go and see it all?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; if papa will take me; and mamma will go too."</p> + +<p>"How many would like to go?" asked the captain, and everyone responding in +favor of so doing the question was considered settled.</p> + +<p>They set out at their usual early hour, met Harold and Herbert in the +Peristyle, lingered a little in the Court of Honor, then made their way to +the Turkish village, went through the booths and bazaar, making a number +of purchases, looked at the mosque and heard the noon cry of the muezzin.</p> + +<p>Then they visited an Arabian tent and the fac-simile of a house in +Damascus. In the tent there were male and female Arabs sitting +cross-legged; some of them boiling coffee, or making thin wafer cakes, +while others played on odd looking instruments and chanted in monotonous +tones.</p> + +<p>The party went into the house, found that it contained but one room, +oblong in shape, with high ceiling, and windows just beneath the cornice.</p> + +<p>"That would hardly do for Americans," remarked Walter, gazing up at them, +"for we could not see into the street."</p> + +<p>"We could go to the door, Uncle Walter," said Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Or have a step-ladder to carry about from one window to another," laughed +Rosie.</p> + +<p>"I like the festooned walls, the fountain in the centre, and the thick +rugs on the floors," remarked Violet; "the hanging lamps too, and +ornaments of rich woods inlaid with ivory; also the divans that look like +such comfortable resting-places."</p> + +<p>"Yes, madame would find them pleasant to rest upon," responded a young +Turk in excellent, but quaintly intoned, English; then he went on to +explain everything in the same tongue.</p> + +<p>Their next visit was to Cairo Street, at the gate of which ten cents was +asked for the admission of each one of the party; a small sum they +thought, to give in payment for a sight of all that was on exhibition +inside. Having passed through the gate they found themselves in a street +square, with a cafe opening into it on one side. Entering it they sat down +and looked about them.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond, who had been more than once in Cairo itself, pronounced +the scene an exact copy of what was to be found there, and they presently +learned that the doors and wooden-grated windows had been brought bodily +from that city.</p> + +<p>They could see projecting balconies, mysterious archways, airy loggias, +and tiny shops filled to overflowing with such things as many a one would +want to buy, and being in easy circumstances they bought a number of +articles such as were not too heavy or cumbersome to be easily carried.</p> + +<p>Soon, however, their attention was turned to the crowds in the streets. +Near by was a donkey and camel stand—donkeys standing and camels lying +down in their own peculiar fashion.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what funny fellows!" laughed little Ned.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said his father, "those are camels. Would you like to take a ride +on one?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I might fall off."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ned, and hurt yourself; maybe break your leg; and it would take +even Cousin Arthur a good while to mend it; so that you would miss the +pleasure of going about with the rest of us," said Walter.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to ride just now," said Ned, "but if I did I'd rather try +one of those little horses."</p> + +<p>"Donkeys, Ned," corrected his sister Lucilla, "and what little fellows +they are! no bigger than Max's dog Prince!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, see!" cried Rosie with a merry laugh, "that one going down the street +knocked against that big fat man and almost upset him."</p> + +<p>"Notice the drivers," said Evelyn, "all so swarthy and with such black +eyes, naked feet, long caftans, fez, and turbans. And what a keen watch +they keep for customers. Evidently they do not despise American dollars, +dimes, or cents."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! not they," said Walter. "Oh, there are a couple who evidently +contemplate taking a ride on a camel; see, the young fellow seems to be +bargaining with one of the drivers; and how the people are crowding round +to look and listen!"</p> + +<p>"What's the price?" they heard the young man ask. They did not catch the +reply, but he went on with his questions: "Will he bite? Is he quite tame? +Is there any danger at all?"</p> + +<p>"No-a bite," returned the driver; "good camel," and as he spoke he reached +for the girl, who shrank back a little. But he quickly lifted her to the +saddle and showed her how to hold on.</p> + +<p>Then the young man climbed up behind her, reached around her waist and +seized the hand-hold as if determined that nothing should tear it from his +grasp.</p> + +<p>The girl noticed it and grew more frightened, turning a trifle paler and +asking: "Is there any danger?"</p> + +<p>But the driver was already tugging at the halter and striking the camel +over the neck with his stick, and slowly it spread out its hind legs, +rising on them first, and throwing its riders forward till it seemed as if +they must slide down his sloping neck and fall to the ground.</p> + +<p>The girl screamed, as her hat fell over her eyes, but both she and her +escort held on with a deathlike grip.</p> + +<p>The camel paused for a moment, then swayed back and forth sideways; the +girl screamed again, but the camel was only untangling his legs, and the +next instant settled himself on them in a way that threw his riders +backward so that they would have fallen off behind but for their firm +grasp of the ropes.</p> + +<p>But now the camel was fairly upon his four feet, and slowly turning round +with a wobbling motion like a boat caught in a trough of waves; the riders +had recovered from their fright, and were both laughing. All this time the +crowd had been standing round watching the two, and laughing and +tittering, for, risky as the whole proceeding looked, there was really +very little, if any, danger.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII" />CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + + +<p>"Let us go now to the Guatemala Building," said Harold as they left Cairo +Street. "I should like you all to see the grotto with its specimens of the +fauna of the country, among which is a remarkable bird called the gavila, +which sings the half-hours with unvarying regularity, showing itself as +correct as a sundial, and almost as useful as a government observatory."</p> + +<p>"Is it sure to wake and sing every half-hour in the night, uncle?" asked +little Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! It is only a day clock; stops attending to the business at +sundown and begins again in the morning."</p> + +<p>They were interested in the strange bird; the older people in a map also, +showing the locations of the principal towns and railways, and in the +exhibit, in an open court and about a fountain, of the flora of the +country; also some pictures hung about the balcony, showing the principal +places in the city of Guatemala and other large towns.</p> + +<p>"I feel a particular interest in Korea just at present," remarked Grandma +Elsie as they left the Guatemalan Building, "and if entirely agreeable to +the rest of you, I should like, now, to look at their exhibit in the +Manufacturers' Building."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mother; it is in the southwestern part," returned Harold, leading +the way. "The booth is small, but crowded with exhibits. The Korean Royal +Commissioner—with the singular name of Jeung Kiung Wow—has charge of it.</p> + +<p>"That is a funny name, uncle," laughed Ned.</p> + +<p>"And yet our names may have just as funny a sound to him," Violet said, +smiling down at her little son.</p> + +<p>When they reached the Korean booth the first thing that attracted their +attention was the flag hanging from it. The captain was able to explain +its design, and did so, the others listening with interest.</p> + +<p>"It represents the male and female elements of nature," he said. "You see +it is blue and yellow: the blue represents the heavenly, or male element, +the yellow the earthly, or female. You see the heavens across the eastern +sea and they seem to lap over and embrace the earth, while the earth to +landward rises in lofty mountains and folds the heavens in its embrace, +so making a harmonious whole. The four characters around the central +figure represent the four points of the compass."</p> + +<p>They passed in and found a good many sights which interested them—banners +and lanterns, and bronze table and dinner set for one person, a cupboard +with dishes, a fire pot and tools, boots and shoes of leather, wood, and +straw; a kite and reel, a board on which is played a game resembling +chess, white and blue vases, and a very old brass cannon used in the +American attack on Korean forts in the seventies. Also there were banners +hanging on the walls of the booth, and here and there stood screens, one +of which was hand-embroidered by the ladies of the palace.</p> + +<p>On dummies in the centre of the room were shown ancient warriors' +costumes, the court dress of both a military and a civil official, and a +lady's dress for the dance. And in an upright glass case were shown an +embroidered silk cushion, various dress fabrics, a lady's dress and a +lady's court dress and various articles of footgear.</p> + +<p>There was a map showing Korea and adjacent countries, and attached to it +was a paper headed, "Questions Answered."</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore stood before it and read of them aloud:</p> + +<p>"Korea and Corea are both correct, but the former is preferred.</p> + +<p>"Korea is not a part of China, but is independent.</p> + +<p>"The Koreans do not speak the Chinese language, and their language +resembles neither the Chinese nor the Japanese.</p> + +<p>"Korea made treaties in 1882.</p> + +<p>"All the articles are owned by the government.</p> + +<p>"Korea has electric lights, steamships, telegraph, but no railroads.</p> + +<p>"Koreans live in comfortable houses, heated by flues under the floor.</p> + +<p>"Korean civilization is ancient and high; area one hundred thousand square +miles; population sixteen million; climate like that of Chicago, country +mountainous, mineral wealth undeveloped, agricultural products chiefly +rice, beans, wheat, and corn."</p> + +<p>"I am glad we came," remarked Rosie as they passed out of the booth, "for +I know a good deal more about Korea than I did before, and find it a far +more interesting country than I had any idea that it was."</p> + +<p>The next visit was to the rotunda of the Government Building, where they +found many mural paintings of famous incidents in American history and +scenes in our largest cities, so that it was a good representation of our +whole country.</p> + +<p>In the rotunda was a hollow section of one of the largest trees that grow +in the Maraposa grove of red woods in California. The interior was +brilliantly lighted by means of incandescent lights, and a platform at the +top of the trunk was reached by an inside, winding stairway. The chamber +walls were covered with photographs showing the grove from which the tree +trunk was cut, and how it was conveyed to the Fair and set up.</p> + +<p>There were besides eight alcoves in the rotunda, in which were many +articles, Colonial relics—such as the pipe which Miles Standish smoked, +the first Bible brought to this country, in 1620, the year of the landing +of the Pilgrims—a piece of the torch Putnam used when he entered the +wolf's cave, the fife of Benedict Arnold, and many another scarcely less +interesting.</p> + +<p>"I think my two elder daughters have borne well the exertions of the day," +the captain remarked, with a smiling glance at them, as again they stood +upon the deck of the <i>Dolphin</i>.</p> + +<p>"Yes, father; thanks to your kind thoughtfulness in sending us so early to +bed last night," returned Lucilla, with a grateful, loving look up into +his face. "The longer I live the more thoroughly convinced I am that you +always know what is best for me."</p> + +<p>"That is just my experience, Lu," laughed Violet, standing near, "and I'll +venture to assert that Grace can say the same."</p> + +<p>"Indeed I can!" responded Grace heartily, "and it is a great satisfaction +to have one so wise, kind, and good almost always at hand to decide +doubtful questions for you."</p> + +<p>"Tut! tut! I wonder if any other man was ever tried with so much gross +flattery," exclaimed the captain in feigned displeasure.</p> + +<p>But at that moment others stepped upon the deck and their presence put an +end to the bit of familiar family chat, Violet and her husband hastening +to welcome their guests; for among the arrivals were Annis and several +others from Pleasant Plains, whom they had not seen for some days—it +being an easy matter for friends to miss each other among the crowds and +the various buildings at the Fair; also Chester and Frank Dinsmore and Mr. +Hugh Milburn, who had not been seen there before.</p> + +<p>"Why, how do you do, cousin? I did not know you had arrived in the city," +said Violet, offering her hand.</p> + +<p>"Very well, thank you. I arrived only last night," he said, "and was not +able to hunt you up till now. Ah, father, Cousin Elsie, +captain,"—shaking hands with each in turn—"it does one good to see all +your kind, pleasant faces."</p> + +<p>"And us to see yours," returned Violet. "But where are Ella and the boy?"</p> + +<p>"At home," he answered; "at least that's where I left them."</p> + +<p>"But why didn't you bring them along?" asked his father; "the bit laddie +is not likely to have another chance to look at such sights as one may see +here to-day."</p> + +<p>"His mother thought him rather young for that, seeing he is not very far +along in his second year," replied Hugh, "nor could she be persuaded to +leave him behind. He is a person of consequence in his mother's eyes, is +my little Ronald, if in no other."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I can understand that," laughed Violet. "But now, Cousin Hugh, you +must let me have the pleasure of introducing you to the cousins from +Pleasant Plains."</p> + +<p>It was quite a gathering of relatives and friends, all weary enough with +the day's exertions in sight-seeing to enjoy resting in comfortable chairs +on the vessel's deck, while comparing notes as to their experiences since +coming to the Fair; what each had seen and heard, what they were planning +yet to see, some caring more especially for one class of curiosities, +some for another.</p> + +<p>But hardly a half hour had passed when they were summoned to an excellent +repast, after which they again repaired to the deck, where they gathered +in groups and indulged in further chat.</p> + +<p>Grace was a little apart from the others, reclining in a steamer chair.</p> + +<p>"Are you very, very tired, Gracie?" asked Walter, coming to her side.</p> + +<p>"Pretty tired," she answered, smiling up into his face. "Why? did you want +me to do anything?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! no, indeed! but I was just thinking that now that we have two +ventriloquists here, we might have some fun—for so far as I know the +folks from Pleasant Plains don't know anything about the extraordinary +powers of Cousins Ronald and Hugh—and I hoped you weren't too tired to +enjoy it."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I am," she laughed; "and I think I shall enjoy it if papa +doesn't send me to bed too soon. It was very good in you to think of me, +Walter."</p> + +<p>"Was it, when you are the girl that always thinks of everybody else?"</p> + +<p>"Not always, Walter. I am afraid I very often think of myself first."</p> + +<p>"Do you? I never knew it before," he laughed; then hurrying to old Mr. +Lilburn's side, whispered something in his ear.</p> + +<p>The old gentleman smiled, and gave a nod of assent. "I like to please you, +laddie," he said in an undertone. "So does Hugh, and mayhap atween us we +can accomplish something worth while."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you," returned Walter. "I do think, cousin, that a little fun +would do us all good. We've been dining heartily—at least I have—and I +think a good laugh assists digestion."</p> + +<p>Hugh sat near, chatting with Captain Raymond. Walter now turned to him +with a whispered request which he seemed to grant as readily as his father +had the one made of him.</p> + +<p>At that Rosie and Lucilla, who were watching Walter with apparent interest +in his proceedings, exchanged a glance of mingled amusement and +satisfaction, while Grace, whose eyes were following his movements, +laughed softly to herself; for she was in the mood for a bit of fun, and +saw in all this the promise of some.</p> + +<p>"Dear me, what a lot o' folks! and all lookin' so comfortable-like. +They've had a good dinner,—or supper, whichever they call it—you bet, +Joe, while we're as hungry as bears," said a rough, masculine voice which +seemed to come from a spot close in Captain Raymond's rear.</p> + +<p>Before the sentence was half finished every other voice was hushed and all +eyes were turned in the direction from which the sound seemed to come. +Everyone was startled for an instant, but by the time the sentence was +finished the captain looked perfectly calm and cool.</p> + +<p>"Who are you? and how did you come aboard the vessel?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"In the boat, sir; same as the rest o'e company," was the reply in the +same voice.</p> + +<p>"Without waiting for an invitation, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Humph! might 'a' missed it if we'd waited. Say, capting, are you mean +enough to let us fellows go hungry when you have a vessel full o' good +things for eatin'? To say nothing of a pocket full o' tin?"</p> + +<p>"If any would not work, neither should he eat," quoted the captain. "What +work have you two been about to-day?"</p> + +<p>"Same as yerself, sir; lookin' at the exhibits in this here big World's +Fair."</p> + +<p>"Very well; you may go and ask the steward for some supper."</p> + +<p>A sound of retreating footsteps followed, and those of the guests who were +not in the secret looked about here and there in blank astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Well, really! am I going blind?" ejaculated young Percy Landreth, passing +his hand over his eyes in a bewildered way. "I couldn't see those fellows +at all."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" said Lucilla, "one can sometimes hear what one cannot see."</p> + +<p>But at that instant there was a "cluck, cluck," as of a hen which seemed +to come from Annis' lap, and at which she sprang to her feet with a slight +cry of astonishment and dismay, but seeing nothing, "Why, where is it?" +she asked half breathlessly, and the "cluck, cluck," was repeated +apparently from behind the chair of her next neighbor, and immediately +followed by a loud barking as if a dog were in chase of the chicken.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Annis, turning her eyes upon the elder Mr. Lilburn, "I +think I know—I've heard——"</p> + +<p>But a warning gesture from Violet, whose face was full of amusement, +stopped her, and she dropped into her chair again with a slight, mirthful +laugh and a look of relief and diversion.</p> + +<p>Percy saw it and suddenly comprehended pretty accurately what was going +on. Yet at the same moment he was startled and annoyed by a loud buzzing +about his ears as though a bee were flying round and round his head. He +put up his hand and tried to knock it away. Then it seemed to fly to +Chester and though he was not wholly unacquainted with the powers of +Cousin Ronald and Hugh, he too involuntarily made an effort to dodge and +drive it away.</p> + +<p>Then the squeak of a mouse came from a reticule on Lucilla's lap, and that +so unexpectedly that she gave a little scream, at the same time springing +to her feet, and throwing the reticule from her.</p> + +<p>At that her father laughed, and she picked it up again and reseated +herself with a slightly mortified air.</p> + +<p>"Let me get that mouse out for you, Lu," said Herbert, holding out his +hand for the reticule; but scarcely were the words out of his mouth when +the meow of a kitten, coming from his coat pocket, caused him to suddenly +and almost involuntarily clap his hand upon it.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Uncle Herbert, take the mouse out and give it to the cat," returned +Lulu quickly, handing the reticule to him as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he returned laughingly, "but I really don't believe the +creature is hungry."</p> + +<p>"Oh, uncle, let me see that pussy!" cried Ned, running to him.</p> + +<p>"Put your hand into my pocket and try if you can find it," was the +good-humored reply, and Neddie at once availed himself of the permission.</p> + +<p>"Why, it isn't there!" he exclaimed. "How do you s'pose it got out?"</p> + +<p>"I'm inclined to think it never got in, Ned," said his uncle.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's in mine!" cried the little fellow excitedly, and clapping his +hand upon his pocket, as a pitiful meow seemed to come from it. "Why, I +can't feel it. Papa,"—running to him,—"please take it out, I can't."</p> + +<p>The captain took hold of the pocket. "You made a mistake, son; it isn't +there. I feel nothing but your handkerchief and a few other little soft +articles."</p> + +<p>"Why—why, how queer!" exclaimed the little fellow, "I was sure I heard it +in there, papa. Oh, what is that?" as the squeal of a young pig seemed to +come from his father's pocket; but at that instant the loud and furious +bark of a big dog seemed to come from some place in his rear very near at +hand, and with a little cry of affright he made haste to climb upon his +father's knee for protection, putting his arms about his neck and clinging +tightly to him.</p> + +<p>But just then a loud cry came from below: "Help! help! these rascally +fellows are stealing the silver! Captain Raymond, sir, help, or they'll +throttle me!"</p> + +<p>At that the captain sprang to his feet, set Ned in his mother's lap, and +hurried below, while the young men rose hastily to go to his assistance, +even those of them who were well acquainted with Cousin Ronald's powers, +thinking for an instant that the alarm was real. But a laugh of amusement +from him and his son let them into the secret that it was but a false +alarm, the trick of a ventriloquist, and they resumed their seats as +hastily as they had arisen from them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh," cried Ned, "I'm so afraid my dear papa will get hurt! Uncle +Harold and Uncle Herbert, won't you go and help papa fight those bad men? +Please go quick! Oh, please do!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Neddie, papa is so big and strong that he doesn't need any help +to make such fellows behave themselves," said Lucilla. "And here he comes +all safe and sound," as the captain stepped upon the deck again.</p> + +<p>"Well, captain," said Grandma Elsie, looking up smilingly into his face as +he drew near, "did you catch the rogues?"</p> + +<p>"No, mother, I could not find the least trace of them," he answered +gravely. Then, turning to the elder Mr. Lilburn: "Cousin Ronald," he +asked, "do you think you would know them if you were to see them?"</p> + +<p>"I know them, cousin captain!" exclaimed the old gentleman in well-feigned +astonishment. "Can it be possible you mean to insinuate that I am the +associate of beggars and thieves?"</p> + +<p>"I mean no offence, sir," returned the captain with a twinkle of fun in +his eye, "but it sometimes happens that a very honest and honorable man +may be well acquainted with the appearance of some dastardly villain."</p> + +<p>"I'm no sich a character as that," snarled a rough voice that seemingly +came from a part of the deck in Mr. Lilburn's rear, and sounded very much +like the one which had demanded some supper a short time before, "an' I +hope it isn't me you're ameanin', fer I'm as honest an' decent a man as +any in this crowd, ef I do say it, that shouldn't."</p> + +<p>"Who is that man? I couldn't see him the other time, and I can't see him +now," exclaimed little Elsie, gazing round in wide-eyed wonder; for she +had never quite understood Cousin Ronald's performances, and was much +puzzled to comprehend all that was now being done and said.</p> + +<p>"I say, capting," cried another strange voice, it also coming apparently +from an invisible speaker, "why upon airth don't you put that impident +critter off the boat? I'd do it in a jiffy if 'twas me."</p> + +<p>"You have my permission to do so, sir," returned the captain, "but perhaps +he will go presently of his own accord."</p> + +<p>"Hollo!" shouted a strange voice that seemed to come from the water near +at hand, and was followed immediately by the dip of an oar, "I say, what's +the matter up there on that deck? If I was capting o' that yacht, there +shouldn't be no such goings on aboard it."</p> + +<p>"The impudence of the fellow!" exclaimed Lucilla, forgetting for the +moment the presence of two ventriloquists, and, springing up, she was +about to rush to the side of the vessel to get a sight of the boatman; but +her father, turning toward her with a smile, laid a detaining hand on her +arm, while at the same time he called out in good-humored tones:</p> + +<p>"Suppose you board us then, sir, and show what you can do."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" snarled the voice that seemed so near at hand, "you'd better try +it, old feller, whomsoever you be, but I bet you'll find me an' Joe here +more'n a match fer you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Bill, I say, let's git out o' this!" exclaimed a third voice, +apparently close at hand; "we've had our fill o' grub and might as well +make ourselves scarce now."</p> + +<p>"All right, Joe," returned the voice of the first speaker; "we'll git +inter that feller's boat, and no doubt he'll take us ashore to git rid of +us."</p> + +<p>A sound as of retreating footsteps followed, then all was quiet.</p> + +<p>"Very well done, Cousin Ronald; one could almost see those fellows," +laughed the captain.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't see them, papa," said little Elsie. "I could only hear them. +What was the reason?"</p> + +<p>"Suppose you ask Cousin Ronald," was her father's reply.</p> + +<p>"So you are a ventriloquist, sir?" remarked Percy Landreth, in a tone +between assertion and enquiry, and giving the old gentleman a look of +mingled curiosity and amusement.</p> + +<p>"You think so, do you, sir? But why should I be suspected more than anyone +else in this company of friends and relatives?" asked Cousin Ronald in a +quiet tone.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, it seems to me evident from all I have seen and heard. All +appear to look to you as one who is probably at the bottom of all these +mysterious doings."</p> + +<p>"No, not quite all, Percy," Violet said with a smile.</p> + +<p>"So there are two, are there?" queried Percy. "Then the other, I presume, +is Mr. Hugh Lilburn."</p> + +<p>"O Percy!" cried Lucilla in half reproachful tones, "I wish you hadn't +found out quite so soon; because it spoils the fun."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, not quite, I think," he returned, "for I noticed that even those +who must have been in the secret were occasionally taken by surprise."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she admitted with a laugh, "I did think for a moment that there was +a man calling to us from a boat down there on the lake, and that there was +a mouse in my reticule."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV" />CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + + +<p>Sight-seeing was resumed again the next day, much time being spent in the +Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, the marvel of the Exposition, +covering more than forty acres of ground, and filled with curious and +beautiful things from almost every quarter of the globe. Hours were spent +there, then a ride in an electric boat on the lagoon was taken as a +restful form of recreation.</p> + +<p>The greater part of the afternoon was spent in the ever-fascinating Midway +Plaisance, then they returned to the yacht for their evening meal and an +hour or two of restful chat in the easy-chairs on its deck, and with the +setting of the sun the older ones returned to the Court of Honor, leaving +the children in bed and under the ever-watchful care of their nurse.</p> + +<p>Much the same sort of life continued for a week or more; then many of the +friends found it necessary to return to their homes. The cousins from +Pleasant Plains were among that number, and the day before leaving young +Percy seized a rare opportunity for a word in private with Captain +Raymond.</p> + +<p>"I have been coveting such a chance as this, sir," he said, coloring with +embarrassment, "but—but couldn't find it till now. I—I—want——"</p> + +<p>"Speak out, my young friend," said the captain kindly, "I am ready to +listen to whatever you may have to say, and if in my power to assist you +in any way, shall feel it a pleasure to do so; particularly as you are a +relative of my wife."</p> + +<p>Percy had had but little opportunity for showing his penchant for Lucilla, +and the young girl's father was not thinking of her, but imagined there +might be some business venture in which the young man desired his +assistance.</p> + +<p>"You have perhaps something to tell me of your plans and prospects for the +future," he said enquiringly, "and if so, possibly I may be able to exert +influence, or render assistance, in some way; it will give me pleasure, I +assure you, to do anything in my power; so do not be afraid to speak out."</p> + +<p>"You are very kind, captain, very kind indeed," stammered Percy, flushing +more hotly than before, "but that—that is not it exactly. I hope you +won't be angry, but I have been trying to screw up my courage to ask +for—something far more valuable than money, influence, or anything else +that could be thought of. I—I love your daughter, sir,—Miss +Lucilla—and—and I hope you won't forbid me to tell her so."</p> + +<p>He drew a sigh of relief that at last the Rubicon was crossed—his desire +and purpose made known; but a glance at the captain's grave and troubled +face dashed his hopes to the ground.</p> + +<p>A moment of silence followed, then Captain Raymond spoke in gentle, +sympathetic tones.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, very sorry to disappoint you, my young friend; but I cannot +grant your request. Lucilla is but a child yet—a mere school-girl; and +such I intend to keep her for some six years or more to come. I have no +objection to you more than to any other man, but cannot consent to +allowing her to be approached on that subject until she reaches much more +mature years."</p> + +<p>"And in the meantime somebody else will in all probability get ahead of +me," sighed Percy. "Oh, sir, can I not persuade you to revoke that +decision and let me at least learn from her own lips whether or not she +cares for me?"</p> + +<p>"I think I can furnish all the information you wish in that line," +returned the captain, laying a kindly hand on the young man's shoulder, +"for hardly an hour ago she told me—as she has many times before—that +she loved no one else in the wide world half so dearly as her father."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, I am glad of it, since you won't let me speak yet," said Percy +with a rueful sort of smile. "But—please don't blame me for it—but I +can't feel satisfied to be forbidden to speak a word, considering how very +far apart our homes are, and that we may not meet again for years—if +ever—and that—Chester Dinsmore, who is, I can see plainly enough, over +head and ears in love with her—will be near her all the time and have +every chance to cut me out."</p> + +<p>"No," said the captain, "I shall give him no chance either. I fully intend +keeping my little girl to myself—as I have already told you—for at least +six or eight years to come."</p> + +<p>"And you have no objection to me personally, sir?"</p> + +<p>"None whatever; in fact, from all I have seen and heard I am inclined to +think you a fine fellow; almost equal to my own boy, Max," Captain Raymond +said with a smile: "and if my daughter were of the right age, and quite +ready and willing to leave her father, I should have but one objection to +your suit—that you would take her so far away from me."</p> + +<p>"Possibly I might not, sir, should there be an opening for me near where +you reside. I think the Bible says it is the man who is to leave father +and mother and cleave to his wife."</p> + +<p>"True, my young friend," returned the captain; "but the time I have set is +too far away to make it worth our while to consider that question at +present."</p> + +<p>With that the interview closed, and the two parted, the captain to be +confronted a few minutes later by Chester Dinsmore, with a like request to +that just denied to Percy.</p> + +<p>"No, no, Chester," he said, "it is not to be thought of; Lucilla is +entirely too young to leave her father's fostering care and take up the +duties and trials of married life. I cannot consent to your saying a word +to her on the subject for years to come."</p> + +<p>"You have no objection to me personally, I trust, sir?" returned the young +man, looking chagrined and mortified.</p> + +<p>"None whatever," Captain Raymond hastened to say. "I have just given the +same answer to another suitor, and there is one consideration which +inclines me to prefer you to him; namely, that you are a near neighbor to +us at Woodburn; so that in giving up my daughter to you I should feel the +parting much less than if she were about to make her home so far North as +this."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, that's a crumb of comfort, though to be often in her +company—seeing her lovely face and watching her pretty ways—will make it +all the more difficult to refrain from showing my esteem, admiration, +love. In fact, I don't know how to stand it. Excuse me, captain, but what +harm could there be in telling her my story and trying to win my way to +her heart, provided—I spoke of marriage only as something to be looked +for in the far-off future?"</p> + +<p>"No, I cannot consent to that," returned the captain with decision. "It +would only put mischief into her head and rob her of her child-like +simplicity. She is still too young to know her own mind on that subject +and might fancy that she had given her heart to one who would, a few years +later, be entirely distasteful to her. But I trust you, Chester, not to +breathe a word to her of your—what shall I call it?—admiration until you +have my consent."</p> + +<p>"It is more than admiration, sir!" exclaimed Chester. "I love her as I +never loved anything before in my life, and it would just about kill me to +see her in the possession of another."</p> + +<p>"Then comfort yourself that for years to come no one's suit will be +listened to any more favorably than yours," returned the father of the +girl he so coveted, and with that the interview came to an end.</p> + +<p>Their conversation had been held at one end of the deck while the rest of +the party sat chatting together at the other. The captain and Chester +joined them now and entered into the talk, which ran principally upon the +fact that all the relatives from Pleasant Plains must leave for home the +next day.</p> + +<p>"How would you all like to go by water?" asked Captain Raymond, as if the +thought of such a possibility had just struck him.</p> + +<p>"I do not believe the idea has occurred to any of us," replied Annis, "and +since the building of the railroad so few make the journey by water that +the boats running on our river are few, small, and I presume not +remarkably comfortable."</p> + +<p>"How would this one answer?" he asked. "It is but thirty-eight miles +across the lake; I think we would find your river navigable nearly or +quite up to your town, and to reach it from here would not take more than +six or eight hours."</p> + +<p>"Then they could all go, as they need not all spend the night, or any part +of it, on board," exclaimed Violet in tones of delight. "Oh, Cousin Annis, +and all of you, do agree to it, and we will have a charming little trip!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, so far as I am concerned nothing could be pleasanter, I am sure," +said Annis, looking highly pleased; "but—I fear it would be giving you a +great deal of trouble, captain."</p> + +<p>"Not at all," he returned, "but on the contrary it will, I think, be a +very enjoyable little trip to me and my wife and children."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I should like it very much!" exclaimed Lucilla; "there would be such +a nice large party of us all the way to Pleasant Plains—supposing your +river is navigable so far for a vessel of this size—and then the trip up +the lake, a little visit to Mackinaw, and the sail back again, would be a +restful and enjoyable break in the visit here to the Fair."</p> + +<p>"What do you say to the plan, Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore, and mother?" +asked the captain, turning toward them. "And you, Cousin Ronald?"</p> + +<p>All expressed themselves as well pleased with the idea, and it was decided +to carry it out.</p> + +<p>"We will be happy to have you accompany us also, Chester and Frank, should +you care to do so," said the captain cordially, "though I fear it will rob +you of some of the time you had planned to spend at the Fair."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, captain," said Frank, "I, for one, accept your very kind +invitation with great pleasure. It will give me a glimpse of a part of our +big country that I have never seen—in the pleasantest of company, too; +and as to our visit to the Fair, we can prolong it by another week, if we +choose."</p> + +<p>"So we can," said his brother, "and I, too, accept your kind invitation, +captain, with cordial thanks."</p> + +<p>"Then let me advise you of Pleasant Plains to be on board here, bag and +baggage, by eight, or at the latest nine, o'clock to-morrow morning," said +Captain Raymond. "We will be happy to have you take breakfast here with +us, and we may as well be on our way across the lake while eating. Then I +hope to have you at your destination by seven or eight in the evening, +and, leaving you there, steam on down the river and up the lake, the rest +of my passengers resting in their berths as usual."</p> + +<p>"Then it will take about all of the next day to get to Mackinaw, won't it, +papa?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Probably."</p> + +<p>"And how long will we stay there?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose that will depend upon how we enjoy ourselves. I think it likely +you will all be satisfied with a day or two, as there is so much that will +interest you here which you have not yet seen."</p> + +<p>"Cousin Annis," said Violet, "would you not be willing to make one of our +party? I am sure that with a little crowding we could accommodate you very +easily."</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much, cousin," replied Annis, "but I fear my company would +not repay you for the necessary crowding."</p> + +<p>At that several voices exclaimed that it certainly would; the young girls +adding that they could crowd a little closer together without feeling it +any inconvenience, and the captain saying laughingly that impromptu beds +would have to be provided in the saloon for Chester and Frank, and he +would join them there, so leaving a vacant place for her with his wife; +and with a little more persuasion Annis accepted the invitation, knowing +that she could be well spared for a time from the large circle of brothers +and sisters, nephews and nieces: the dear old father and mother having +been taken, some years before, to their heavenly home.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could take Cousin Arthur, Marian, and Hugh with us," said +Violet; "though they are not here to-night, they must still be in the +city, I think."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her husband, "and I think we might manage to accommodate them +also, should they care to go; but probably they will prefer having that +much more time to spend at the Fair."</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful moonlight evening, and after a little more chat in +regard to the arrangements to be made for the morrow's journey, all +except the children, who were already in bed, went together to the Court +of Honor: from there to the Midway Plaisance, then to the Ferris Wheel, in +which everyone was desirous to take a ride by moonlight; nor were they by +any means disappointed in it.</p> + +<p>On leaving the Wheel they bade each other good-night and scattered to +their several resting places—the cousins to their boarding-house, the +others to the yacht.</p> + +<p>A little before eight o'clock the next morning there was a cheerful bustle +on board the <i>Dolphin</i>. The extra passengers arrived safely and in good +season, with their luggage, and found everything on the boat in good trim, +and an excellent breakfast awaiting them and the others.</p> + +<p>The weather was all that could be desired; they were congenial spirits, +and the day passed most delightfully. But though the young people were +very sociable, no one seeming to be under any restraint, neither Chester +nor Percy found an opportunity for any private chat with Lucilla. The fact +was that the captain had had a bit of private talk with his wife and her +mother, in which he gave them an inkling into the state of affairs as +concerned the two young men and his eldest daughter, and requested their +assistance in preventing either one from so far monopolizing the young +girl as to be tempted into letting her into the secret of his feelings +toward her.</p> + +<p>They reached Pleasant Plains early in the evening, landed the cousins +belonging there, with the single exception of Miss Annis Keith, then +turned immediately and went down the river again, reaching the lake about +the usual time for retiring to their berths.</p> + +<p>The rest of their voyage was as delightful as that of the first day had +been, and spent in a similar manner. As they sat together on the deck, +toward evening, Grace asked her father if Mackinaw had not been the scene +of something interesting in history.</p> + +<p>"There was a dreadful massacre there many years ago," he replied; "it was +in 1763, by the Indians under Pontiac, an Indian chief. It was at the time +of his attack on Detroit. There is a cave shown on the island in which the +whites took refuge, but the Indians kindled a fire at its mouth and smoked +them—men, women, and children—to death."</p> + +<p>"Oh, how dreadful, papa! how very dreadful!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, "those were dreadful times; but often the poor Indians +were really less to blame than the whites, who urged them on—the French +against the English and the English against the Americans.</p> + +<p>"Pontiac was the son of an Ojibway woman, and chief of that tribe, also of +the Ottawas and the Pottawattamies, who were in alliance with the +Ojibways. In 1746 he and his warriors defended the French at Detroit +against an attack by some of the northern tribes, and in 1755 he took part +in their fight with Braddock, acting as the leader of the Ottawas."</p> + +<p>"I wonder," said Grace, as her father paused for a moment in his +narrative, "if he was the Indian who, in that fight, aimed so many times +at Washington, yet failed to hit him, and at last gave up the attempt to +kill him, concluding that he must be under the special protection of the +Great Spirit."</p> + +<p>"That I cannot tell," her father said. "But whoever that Indian may have +been I think he was right in his conclusion—that God protected and +preserved our Washington that he might play the important part he did in +securing his country's freedom.</p> + +<p>"But to return to my story. Pontiac hated the English, though after the +surrender of Quebec, some years after Braddock's defeat—finding that the +French had been driven from Canada, he acquiesced in the surrender of +Detroit to the English, and persuaded four hundred Detroit Indians, who +were lying in ambush, intending to cut off the English there, to +relinquish their design.</p> + +<p>"But he hated the English, and in 1762 he sent messengers to every tribe +between the Ottawa and the Mississippi to engage them all in a war of +extermination against the English."</p> + +<p>"Americans too, papa?" asked little Elsie, who, sitting upon his knee, was +listening very attentively to his narrative.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied, "our States were English colonies then, for the War of +the Revolution did not begin until about thirteen years later. The +messengers of Pontiac carried with them the red-stained tomahawk and a +wampum war-belt, the Indian fashion of indicating that war was purposed, +and those to whom the articles were sent were invited to take part in the +conflict.</p> + +<p>"All the tribes to whom they were sent joined in the conspiracy, and the +end of May was decided upon as the time when their bloody purpose should +be carried out, each tribe disposing of the garrison of the nearest fort; +then all were to act together in an attack upon the settlements.</p> + +<p>"On the 27th of April, 1763, a great council was held near Detroit, at +which Pontiac made an oration detailing the wrongs and indignities the +Indians had suffered at the hands of the English, and prophesying their +extermination.</p> + +<p>"He told also of a tradition that a Delaware Indian had been admitted into +the presence of the Great Spirit, who told him that his race must return +to the customs and weapons of their ancestors, throw away those they had +gotten from the white men, abjure whiskey, and take up the hatchet against +the English. 'These dogs dressed in red,' he called them, 'who have come +to rob you of your hunting-grounds and drive away the game.'</p> + +<p>"Pontiac's own particular task was the taking of Detroit. The attack was +to be made on the 7th of May. But the commander of the fort was warned of +their intentions by an Indian girl, and in consequence when Pontiac and +his warriors arrived on the scene they found the garrison prepared to +receive them. Yet on the 12th he surrounded the fort with his Indians, but +was not able to keep a close siege, and the garrison was provided with +food by the Canadian settlers."</p> + +<p>"They supplied the Indians also, did they not, my dear?" asked Violet.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the captain, "receiving in return promissory notes drawn on +birch bark and signed with the figure of an otter, and it is said that +all of them were afterward redeemed by Pontiac, who had issued them."</p> + +<p>"That speaks well for the honesty of the Indians if they were savage and +cruel," remarked Walter; "and in fact they were hardly more cruel than +some of the whites have been to them, and to other whites with whom they +were at war."</p> + +<p>"Quite true," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"But didn't the rest of the English try to help those folks in that fort +at Detroit, papa?" asked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Yes; supplies and reinforcements were sent in schooners, by way of Lake +Erie, but they were captured by the Indians, who then compelled their +prisoners to row them to Detroit, concealed in the bottom of the boat, +hoping in that way to take the fort by stratagem; but, fortunately for the +besieged, they were discovered before they could land.</p> + +<p>"Afterward another schooner, filled with supplies and ammunition, +succeeded in reaching the fort, though the Indians repeatedly tried to +destroy it by fire-rafts.</p> + +<p>"Now the English thought themselves strong enough to attack the Indians, +and in the night of July 31 two hundred and fifty men set out for that +purpose.</p> + +<p>"But the Canadians had learned their intention and told the Indians; so +Pontiac was ready and waiting to make an attack, which he did as soon as +the English were far enough from their fort for him to do so with +advantage, firing upon them from all sides and killing and wounding +fifty-nine of them. That fight is known as the fight of 'Bloody Bridge.'</p> + +<p>"On the 12th of the next October the siege was raised, and the chiefs of +the hostile tribes, with the exception of Pontiac, sued for pardon and +peace. Pontiac was not conquered and retired to the country of the +Illinois. In 1769 he was murdered in Cahokia, a village on the +Mississippi, near St. Louis. The deed was done by an Indian, who had been +bribed to do it by an English trader."</p> + +<p>"Papa, you have not told us yet what happened at Mackinaw," said Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"It, as well as many other forts, was taken by Pontiac's Indians and all +the inhabitants of the island were massacred," replied the captain. "There +is a cave shown in a hill-side some little distance out from the village +in which the French sought refuge, and where they were smoked to death, +the Indians kindling fires at its mouth."</p> + +<p>"Oh," exclaimed Grace, "I am glad I didn't live in those dreadful days!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her father, "we have great reason for gratitude that the lines +have fallen to us in such pleasant places, and times of peace."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV" />CHAPTER XV.</h2> + + +<p>The <i>Dolphin</i> lay at anchor in Mackinaw Bay only a day or two, in which +time her passengers visited the fort, the village, and the cave of which +Captain Raymond had spoken as the scene of that dreadful slaughter of the +French by the Indians; then started on the return voyage to Chicago.</p> + +<p>They were still favored with pleasant weather, and passed most of the time +on deck. Mr. Lilburn seemed to appreciate the society of Miss Annis Keith, +generally contriving to get a seat in her immediate vicinity, and to +engage her in conversation; that did not strike anyone as strange, +however, for Annis was a general favorite with both old and young, she +showing a cousinly regard for all her relatives; especially for Mrs. +Travilla; for the two had been almost lifelong friends. In these few days +that they had been together they had had many private chats in which they +recalled their early experiences at Pleasant Plains and the Oaks, and +Elsie had urged Annis to return with her to Ion and spend the coming +winter there.</p> + +<p>This invitation Annis was considering, and the more she thought upon it +the stronger grew her inclination to accept it. But she must go home first +to make some arrangements and preparations, she said.</p> + +<p>The two were conversing together thus, as they drew near the end of their +little trip, not caring that their talk might be audible to those about +them.</p> + +<p>"Surely it is not necessary that you should take much time for +preparation, Annis," remarked Mr. Dinsmore. "We of Ion and its vicinity +have abundance of stores and dress-makers near at hand. And you would +better see all that you can of the Fair now, for it will soon be a thing +of the past."</p> + +<p>"That is true, Cousin Annis," said the captain; "you would better stay +with us and see as much as possible."</p> + +<p>"You are all very kind, cousins," she answered. "But I fear I am crowding +you."</p> + +<p>"Not at all," he and Violet replied, speaking together; the latter adding, +"We have all slept comfortably, and in the daytime there is certainly +abundance of room."</p> + +<p>"If you don't stay, Cousin Annis," Rosie said, with a merry look, "we will +have to conclude that you have not had room enough to make you quite +comfortable."</p> + +<p>"Then I certainly must stay," returned Annis, with a smile, "if my going +would give so entirely false an impression; since I have had abundance of +room and a most delightful time."</p> + +<p>"Then you will stay on?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, for a while; but I must go home for a day or two at least before +leaving for the South."</p> + +<p>"We will let you know our plans in season for that," the captain promised, +and the thing was considered settled.</p> + +<p>When her passengers awoke the next morning the <i>Dolphin</i> was lying at her +old anchorage near the beautiful Peristyle.</p> + +<p>All had returned rested and refreshed, and were eager to go on shore in +search of further entertainment and instruction.</p> + +<p>The greater part of the day was spent in the Midway Plaisance. They +visited the Lapland family of King Bull, the most prominent character in +that village, and found them all seated beside their odd-looking hut, +which, like the others in the village, was made of skin, tent-like in +shape, and banked up with moss. The entrance was very small, the door made +of a piece of wood. A fire was kept burning in the centre of the house, in +the ground. There was no chimney; some of the smoke escaped through a +little hole in the roof, if the wind was right. But if the wind comes +from the wrong direction the smoke stays in the house, and the people +enjoy it. It does not, however, improve their complexions, which are said +to be, in their native state, not unlike the color of a well-cured ham.</p> + +<p>King Bull they found had the largest house, and a very large family.</p> + +<p>The Laplanders marry young, and it is not unusual for a grandfather to be +under twenty-five years of age. King Bull was one hundred and twelve years +old and had great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren, and every day he +played for a little while with the youngest of those.</p> + +<p>Our friends learned that he had with him a son, Bals Bull, ninety years +old, that he had a son aged seventy-three, he had a daughter aged +fifty-nine, she a son aged forty-one, who had a son aged twenty-nine, who +had a daughter aged fourteen, and she a daughter two years old.</p> + +<p>"Dear me!" exclaimed Rosie, on hearing this, "how old it makes a body +feel! Why, just think! the mother of that two-year-old child is a year +younger than you, Grace Raymond; and you don't consider yourself much more +than a child yet, do you?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! and don't want to be anything but my father's own little +girl," returned Grace, giving him a loving look that said more than her +words.</p> + +<p>"Can you tell us if this looks like the real Lapland village, Harold!" +asked Walter.</p> + +<p>"I am told it does," replied his brother; "that it is as nearly as +possible a reproduction of one, though of course it is not very large, +there being but twenty-four Laplanders here."</p> + +<p>"What do they eat, papa?" asked little Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Fish and reindeer meat, and cheese made of the milk. The reindeer is +their most valuable possession: its skin is used for clothing, the fur is +woven into cloth, they drink the milk, and use the bones in the making of +their sledges. They live entirely on such food during their winters, which +are nine months long."</p> + +<p>"And their summer only three months," said Evelyn, "I shouldn't like +that."</p> + +<p>"No, nor should I," said Herbert. "I think it must be by far the most +enjoyable part of the year, for it is usually spent at the seashore."</p> + +<p>"Are they heathen folks, papa?" asked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Most of them are Lutherans," he answered. "Now let us go to the reindeer +park." They did so, found nine of the gentle creatures there, saw them get +a bath of Lake Michigan water from a hose-pipe, which they were told was +given them three times daily. Then they were harnessed to their sledges +and driven around the park, just as they are driven in their own country. +After that they ran races, then they were fed and milked.</p> + +<p>The children had been deeply interested in the gentle reindeer and seemed +almost loath to leave them when the performance was over. But those with +which they were most delighted were three baby ones, two born on the way +over to this country, and one shortly after they reached Chicago, and +which was named Columbia.</p> + +<p>"Now where shall we go next?" asked Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we try the diving exhibit," said Walter. "It is something I +should like to see." They found it on the south side of Midway Plaisance +in a small building surrounding a huge tank of water. On the balcony of +its second story stood a man turning a force-pump, which seemed to attract +a good deal of attention from the passers-by.</p> + +<p>Each visitor paid ten cents at the door, then passed up a rude stairway by +which he reached the surface of the water. There a lecturer was seated, +who explained how the air was made to enter the diver's armor, and how to +leave it. Then people were invited to throw small coins into the water. +Captain Raymond put a bright dime into the hand of each of his younger +children and they gleefully tossed them in. The diver was in the bubbling +water, they could not see him, but presently, through a telephone, he gave +the dates on the coins. Then he came up to the surface of the water +carrying a dummy that looked like a drowned man and let the visitors see +him in his armor.</p> + +<p>"He looks just like that picture of him that we saw outside," remarked +little Elsie. "Ugh! I don't think I should ever be willing to wear such +clothes."</p> + +<p>"Armor!" corrected her mother in a mirthful tone. "No, dear, I should not +want to see you dressed in that style, unless to save you from drowning."</p> + +<p>But just then Mr. Dinsmore rose and led the way down another rough pine +staircase, the others following.</p> + +<p>Reaching the lower story they found a great many peep-holes through which +they could look in upon the water of the tank. To each of these holes the +diver came in turn, holding up a card on which was printed a farewell +compliment. His hands looked shrivelled and soaked, and Grace and the +other young girls afterward expressed sincere pity for him, saying they +thought his life must be a hard one.</p> + +<p>On leaving the diving exhibit they went to the Fisheries Building, which +they found very beautiful. In its east pavilion was a double row of +grottoed and illuminated aquaria containing the strangest inhabitants of +the deep. Here they saw bluefish, sharks, catfish, bill-fish, goldfish, +rays, trout, eels, sturgeon, anemones, the king-crab, burr-fish, +flounders, toad-fish, and many other beautiful or remarkable inhabitants +of the great deep; and the illuminated and decorated aquaria showed them +to great advantage. It was said that nothing so beautiful had hitherto +been seen west of London.</p> + +<p>The surface of the water in the aquaria was many feet above the heads of +even the gentlemen of the party, but there were nearly six hundred feet of +glass front, so that everybody could have a good view of the strange and +beautiful creatures within. They all watched them for some time with +curiosity and interest, the little folks questioning their papa about one +and another variety, new to them, but old acquaintances to one who had +spent many years upon the sea.</p> + +<p>"Papa," said Elsie, "there is one that looks a good deal like a flower. Is +it a live thing? What is its name?"</p> + +<p>"That is what is called the sea anemone," he replied. "It is not a flower +though, but an animal. It is said to have been called by the name of that +flower about a hundred years ago, by a celebrated investigator in the +department of natural history, named Ellis. He thought it a suitable name +because their tentacles are in regular circles and tinged with bright, +lively colors, nearly representing some of our elegantly fringed flowers, +such as the carnation, marigold, and anemone. And so they do while in the +water, and undisturbed. But when a receding tide leaves them on the shore +they contract into a jelly-like mass with a puckered hole in the top. +There"—pointing it out—"is the most common of the British species of sea +anemone. It attaches itself to rocks and stones from low-water almost to +high-water mark. The tentacula—these feelers that look like the fringe of +a flower—you see are nearly as long as the body is high, and nearly of +the same color. See, there is an azure line around the base, and on the +base are dark green lines converging toward the centre; and around the +edge of the mouth is a circle of azure tubercles, like turquoise beads of +the greatest beauty. I wish I could show them to you, but the mouth must +be expanded in order to make them visible. Ah, that is just the thing!" as +someone standing near threw in a bit of meat which had the desired effect, +the mouth of the anemone opening wide to receive it.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they are very beautiful!" exclaimed Rosie, watching the appearance of +the beadlike tubercles of which the captain had just spoken.</p> + +<p>"Don't they eat anything but meat, papa?" asked Neddie.</p> + +<p>"Yes; crabs, sea-worms, and fish; the tentacula are furnished with minute +spears with which they wound their prey and probably convey poison into +the wounds."</p> + +<p>"I suppose this is salt water they are all in?" Walter said enquiringly, +and was told that he was correct in his conjecture.</p> + +<p>On leaving the building they spent some time in examining its outside, +finding its columns and arches wrought with calamus, fishes, frogs, +serpents, and tortoises, making them very appropriate and beautiful.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI" />CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + + +<p>"Papa, I wish we might go back to the Fair directly after supper and spend +the evening there," Lucilla said, as again they stood on the <i>Dolphin's</i> +deck. "I want so much to see the lighting up of the Court of Honor, then +go to the wooded island to see it with the lamps lighted; after that to +the Ferris Wheel again, to have the view from it by moonlight."</p> + +<p>"Anything more, my child?" returned the captain, with his pleasant smile.</p> + +<p>"I think it likely that may do for one evening, sir," she replied; "unless +my father wants to take me somewhere else."</p> + +<p>"I think we will then come back through the Court of Honor and go to our +beds," he said; "that is, should we make the visits proposed, which will +depend at least somewhat upon the wishes of others. Violet, my dear, how +does that programme suit you?"</p> + +<p>"I really do not know of any way of spending the evening that I should +enjoy more," answered Violet. "Indeed Lu and I were talking together of +our desire to see those sights, not longer ago than yesterday. And you, +mother, would like it, would you not?" she asked, turning to Grandma +Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Very much!" was the reply. "The tired little ones will be left in their +bed of course?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed! they will be ready for that as soon as they have had their +supper," Violet replied, with a loving look into each weary little face. +"Come, dears, we will go to our state-room, wash hands and faces, and +smooth your hair, and by that time supper will be on the table."</p> + +<p>Every one of the company approved of Lucilla's plan for the spending of +the evening, and before the sun had quite set they were again in the Court +of Honor. They were in season to secure seats from which they could get a +good view of the lighting up.</p> + +<p>They found there were thousands of people who seemed as anxious as +themselves to witness the sudden change from deepening twilight to the +grand illumination that made fairyland of the Court of Honor. But they +were there for some minutes, sitting silently in the growing darkness, +finding the buildings taking on a new beauty by the dim, uncertain light, +and feeling it pleasant just to rest, listen to the subdued hum of the +thousands of voices of the multitude thronging about the white railing +guarding the fountains, the doorways, the stone steps leading down to the +water, and every place where a human creature could find room to sit down +and rest while waiting for a sight of the expected lighting up.</p> + +<p>There seemed no ill-humor among the great throng, no loud, angry talk, but +a subdued buzz like many telephone messages coming over the wire at the +same time.</p> + +<p>Our friends sat where they could see both the Administration Dome and the +Golden Statue at the other end of the lagoon. They had sat in silence +there for some minutes, the darkness deepening, when suddenly there was a +blare of music, the fountains threw up a few thin columns of spray, the +front of a dark building was instantly illumined with a thousand +jewel-like lights, then another and another blazed out in the same manner +till all were alight with tiny jets of flame; three rows, the first or +highest following the cornices all round the court: these were of a golden +hue; while some distance lower down was a second silver-colored row, then +the last, ranged just under the parapet of the lagoon, were golden like +the first. The mingled light of all three shone on the dark waters of the +lagoon, the gondolas skimming silently to and fro, and the electric +launches gliding swiftly onward.</p> + +<p>And the great dome of the Administration Building looked grandly beautiful +with its line of flaming torches about its base, its triumphal arches of +glittering fire above, and the golden crown sparkling on its summit. Great +search-lights were flaming out from the ends of the Main Building, making +visible the lovely seated Liberty in the MacMonnie's fountain which was +foaming and rustling; and suddenly the two electric fountains sent up tall +columns of water which changed from white to yellow, from that to purple, +then to crimson, and from that to emerald green.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is just too beautiful!" exclaimed Rosie, "too lovely for anything. +I feel as if I could never weary of gazing upon it."</p> + +<p>"No, nor I," murmured Evelyn in low, moved tones. "I never imagined +anything so grandly beautiful!"</p> + +<p>"No, nor did I; and yet it cannot be anything to compare to heaven," said +Grandma Elsie; "'for eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered +into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that +love him!'"</p> + +<p>They sat for some time gazing upon the enchanting scene, then rose, and +still keeping together, wandered on till they reached the wooded island.</p> + +<p>The scene there was lovelier than in the daylight. Little glass cups of +various colors held tiny lights of wick in oil, giving a charming +appearance to the scene, and there were thousands of visitors moving here +and there among them.</p> + +<p>So did our party from the <i>Dolphin</i>, for a half hour or more; then they +returned to Midway Plaisance, and finding that the moon had risen, sought +the Ferris Wheel, and ascending in it had a beautiful view of the White +City, the lake beyond, and the surrounding country. They made the circuit +several times, then leaving the wheel, wandered slowly through the +fairylike scene that lay between them and the Peristyle, where the young +men who lodged on shore bade good-night and the others entered their +waiting boat and returned for the night to their floating home. All were +weary with the day's sight-seeing and soon retired to their state-rooms; +but Lucilla, noticing that her father had remained on deck, hastened back +again for the bit of private chat with him of which she was so fond, yet +in these days could so seldom get. He welcomed her with a smile, and +drawing her into his arms added a tender caress.</p> + +<p>"And what has my little girl, my dear eldest daughter, to say to her +father to-night?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, not very much of anything, papa," she replied, "but I'm hungry for a +little petting and a chance to hug and kiss my dear father; without +anybody by to criticise," she concluded, with a low, happy laugh.</p> + +<p>"Very well, my darling, you have my full permission to do all you care to +in that line," he said, patting her cheek and pressing his lips to it +again and again. "I haven't lost the first place in my little girl's heart +yet?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, papa; and you need not have the least bit of fear that you +ever will."</p> + +<p>"That is good news; if something I have heard so many times can be +properly called news."</p> + +<p>"Are you tired hearing it, father, dear?" she asked half entreatingly, +half incredulously.</p> + +<p>"Indeed no, my darling," he returned, holding her close. "I can hardly +bear to think there will ever be a time when I shall have to relinquish +the very first place in your heart; though I do not believe the time will +ever come when your love for me will fail entirely or even be very small."</p> + +<p>"I can't believe there is the very least danger of that, my own dear, dear +father," she returned earnestly, "and oh, it would break my heart to think +that you would ever love me any less than you do now."</p> + +<p>"It would take a great deal to lessen my love for you, dear one," he +replied, repeating his caresses. "Has this been a happy and enjoyable day +to you, daughter?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, very, papa! what a delightful time we are having!"</p> + +<p>"You will be almost sorry when the time comes for returning home?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, indeed, sir! we have such a sweet home that I am always glad to +be back to it when we have been away for a few weeks."</p> + +<p>"But then playtime will be over and studies must be renewed."</p> + +<p>"And that, with such a cross, cross teacher whom nobody loves," she +returned sportively, and laying her head on his shoulder, for he had sat +down, drawing her to his side and putting an arm about her waist.</p> + +<p>"Ah, indeed! I had thought it was your father who was to teach you."</p> + +<p>"And you didn't know how cross and tyrannical he was?" she laughed.</p> + +<p>"So cross and tyrannical that he says now that it is time his eldest +daughter was in her bed."</p> + +<p>"Oh, please don't say I must go just yet, papa!" she begged. "There are so +many of us here that I can hardly ever get a word with you in private, and +it is so—so pleasant to get you all to myself for a few minutes."</p> + +<p>"Well," he said, taking out his watch, "you may have five——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa," she interrupted eagerly, "say ten, please do! and I'll try to +be ever so good to-morrow," she concluded, with a merry look and smile.</p> + +<p>"Ten then, but not another one unless you want me to say you must stay +here and rest all day to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, sir, please don't! That would be worse than being sent to bed +immediately. I'll go without a word of objection, whenever you tell me to. +But oh, papa, wasn't it lovely to see the Court of Honor light up +to-night? and what could have been more beautiful than the view from the +Ferris Wheel?"</p> + +<p>"They were fine sights, and I am glad you enjoyed them," he returned. +"To-morrow we will, I think, go into the Manufactures Building, and +perhaps make some purchases. Would you like to do so?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, sir! yes, indeed! I want to get some gifts for Christine and +Alma, and the servants at home."</p> + +<p>"I highly approve of that," he said, "and have no doubt we will be able to +find something for each which will be acceptable. Now the ten minutes are +up, daughter; so bid me good-night and go to your room and get to bed as +quickly as you can."</p> + +<p>"Good-night and pleasant dreams to you, my own dear, dear father," she +returned, hugging him tightly for an instant, then hastened to do his +bidding.</p> + +<p>"I presume you will all be ready to start out early, as usual?" the +captain said at the breakfast table the next morning, adding with a quick +glance about from one to another, "I am happy to see that everyone is +looking well and bright."</p> + +<p>"As we are feeling," said Mr. Dinsmore, "and it is certainly a cause for +gratitude to the Giver of all good. What have you to propose in regard to +our movements for the day, captain?"</p> + +<p>"It makes but little difference to me where we go, so that all are +content," replied Captain Raymond; "but if no one else cares to decide the +question, I propose that our first visit be to the Manufactures Building. +We have been there before, but there are thousands of things well worth +our attention which we have not yet looked at."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; let us go there first," responded several voices, and so it was +decided.</p> + +<p>They set out, as usual, shortly after leaving the table; found their young +gentlemen friends waiting for them in the Peristyle, and all proceeded at +once to the Manufactures Building.</p> + +<p>It was easy to spend a long time there, and they did; visiting one section +after another, admiring all that was worthy of admiration in the +architecture and exhibits—the German pavilion with its towers, domes, and +arches, its Ionic pillars upholding golden eagles, the fountains at the +base, the Germania group in hammered copper surmounting the highest +pedestal, and, most beautiful and impressive of all, the great +wrought-iron gates that form its main entrance, and were considered the +finest and most remarkable specimens of that kind of work ever yet seen in +our country.</p> + +<p>The pavilion of France next challenged their attention, being close at +hand. In front of its arched entrance stood two blue and green vases which +they learned were from the national porcelain factories of Sèvres, both +very handsome. That factory had sent about two thousand pieces of its +beautiful and costly china. Most of them had been already sold, but the +captain and his party secured a few.</p> + +<p>Germany, France, and Great Britain occupied three great squares grouped +around the central circle of the immense building. On the fourth square +were the exhibits of the United States. Three New York firms had accepted +the task of making for their country's section such a pavilion as should +maintain her dignity and reputation, and had succeeded in so doing. It +was of the Doric order of architecture and enriched with a pale color and +a profusion of gold, while from the centre of the façade rose a column to +a height of one hundred feet, having a ball and eagle on the top.</p> + +<p>"Oh, let us go in and look at the exhibits here! those of our own +country," exclaimed Lucilla, after some moments had been spent by their +party in an admiring examination of the outside.</p> + +<p>Such seemed to be the inclination of the others also, and they passed +quietly in and about.</p> + +<p>The exhibit of jewelry there was the one which seemed to have the greatest +attraction for the young girls of the party, Lucilla especially; and her +father presented her with a pin and ring which gave her great delight; nor +was he less liberal to his wife or Grace.</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha! um, hum! ah, ha! I see, captain, that you believe in encouraging +home industries," laughed Mr. Lilburn.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; especially when they are the best," returned the captain +good-humoredly. "I have been examining jewelry in the various foreign +exhibits and find none to excel, few to compare with, those of these +United States."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Harold; "some of our country-men excel in those things, as +they do in the art of the silversmith. Look at those translucent enamels +worked on silver fret-work—there in the Gorham exhibit; and those fine +pitchers and vases made of silver worked into open engraved designs, +having pieces of colored glass blown into it; and those of Rockwood +pottery and silver."</p> + +<p>"And yonder is Tiffany's exhibit," said Evelyn. "He is one of our finest +jewelers, so let us go and look at it."</p> + +<p>There was no objection raised, but all followed her as she led the way to +the pavilion of which she had spoken. They found it well worth +examination, for none of them had ever seen a finer display, or greater +variety of precious stones in costly and beautiful settings.</p> + +<p>Our friends lingered some time longer in what the young people called "our +section." There were other fine collections from other cities and +countries, too numerous to mention, and far too many to be seen and +examined in one day, or even in several.</p> + +<p>After a time, however the little ones grew very weary and indeed all were +ready to enjoy a rest. So an electric boat on the lagoon was entered, and +quite a while spent upon the water.</p> + +<p>After that they had luncheon at a restaurant, then went to see the Spanish +caravels.</p> + +<p>"What are caravels, papa?" asked Elsie, as they went on their way.</p> + +<p>"You'll see presently," he replied. "You have heard the story of the +discovery of America. These little vessels which we are going to see are +made as nearly as possible like those he came over in; the men who built +them looking up old pictures and descriptions and making these vessels as +exact copies of the old ones as they could."</p> + +<p>"Was it in Spain they made them, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; they sailed from Palos in Spain, about a year ago, and exactly four +hundred years from the time when Columbus sailed from there to look for +the land he felt sure was here, on this side of the ocean. They took, as +nearly as they could, just the course he did, and finally came on to New +York, where they had a part in the international review of April, 1893."</p> + +<p>"That's the name of this year isn't it, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; that review took place last April; and after it they sailed for the +St. Lawrence River, came round the lakes as we did, and here into this +harbor."</p> + +<p>"How many are there, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Three: the <i>Santa Maria</i>—in which Columbus himself sailed—the <i>Nina</i>, +and the <i>Pinta</i>. There they are, daughter," as at that moment they came in +sight of the three small vessels.</p> + +<p>"Why, how little they are!" she exclaimed; "not nearly so big as the +<i>Illinois</i> that we see all the time from our deck."</p> + +<p>"You are quite right about that," her father said, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"But what does anybody want with such little bits of ships?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Only to show people with what little vessels Columbus accomplished his +great work of discovering America."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad he discovered it," Elsie said, with satisfaction; "because, if +he hadn't, we couldn't have been here living in it."</p> + +<p>"Unless somebody else had discovered it between that time and this, +Elsie," laughed her uncle Walter, overhearing her last remark.</p> + +<p>All were interested in looking at the little vessels, but their curiosity +was soon satisfied and they returned to the Court of Honor for a time, +then to the <i>Dolphin</i>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII" />CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + + +<p>It was Sunday afternoon. Most of the <i>Dolphin's</i> passengers were in their +own state-rooms enjoying the Sabbath rest, after the fatigue of the +sight-seeing of the past week, but Captain Raymond sat on the deck with +Neddie on his knee and the three girls grouped about him. The father and +daughters had each a Bible, for even little Elsie could read fluently and +had been given one of her own, which she valued highly.</p> + +<p>"Papa," she said, "you know you bade each of us to have a verse to recite +to you to-day. May I say mine now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we will begin with the youngest to-day," he replied.</p> + +<p>"But that's I, papa; your Neddie boy!" exclaimed the little fellow on his +knee.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, to be sure! But I hardly expected him to have one," the captain +returned, with a fatherly smile down into the dear little face upturned to +his. "Let me hear it, son?"</p> + +<p>"It's only a very little one, papa: 'The Son of man hath power on earth to +forgive sins.'"</p> + +<p>"A very sweet verse. Does my little son know who said these words?"</p> + +<p>"Grandma said they were Jesus' words. She taught me the verse."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it was Jesus our Saviour who said it; and do you know whom he meant +by the Son of man?"</p> + +<p>"Grandma said it was himself, and that he can forgive all our sins and +take away the love of sinning and make us truly good, really holy."</p> + +<p>"That is true, a blessed truth; and to him alone, to Jesus who was God and +man both, we must go to get our sins forgiven, and be taught to love +holiness; that holiness without which no man can see the Lord."</p> + +<p>"Now mine, papa," said Elsie: "'He that believeth on the Son hath +everlasting life.' Doesn't that mean that to believe on Jesus will take us +to heaven at last—when we die?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and as soon as we really and truly believe on him—trust and love +him, giving ourselves to him and taking him for our Saviour—he gives us a +life that will last forever, so that we will always be his in this world +and in the next, and dying will be but going home to our Father's house on +high, to be forever there with the Lord, and free from sin and suffering +and death."</p> + +<p>"Never any more naughtiness, and never any more pain or sickness," said +Elsie thoughtfully. "Oh, how delightful that will be!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and to be with Jesus and like him," said Grace softly. "This is my +verse: 'We love him because he first loved us.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, what love it was!" exclaimed her father. "'Beloved, let us love one +another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God. He +that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.'"</p> + +<p>"I have the next three verses, papa," said Lucilla: "'In this was +manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only +begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is +love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be +the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also +to love one another.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her father; "if we would be followers of Christ, he must be +our example; he who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, +when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened +not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously: who his own +self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to +sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."</p> + +<p>"What does that mean?" asked little Ned.</p> + +<p>"That the dear Lord Jesus suffered in our stead; taking the punishment due +to us for our sins, the punishment we deserved, and letting us have the +life bought with his righteousness and his blood."</p> + +<p>"What is righteousness, papa?" asked the little fellow.</p> + +<p>"Holiness, goodness. Jesus was perfectly holy, and those who truly love +him will be ever trying to be like him; will go from strength to strength +till everyone of them in Zion appears before God. That is, till they get +to heaven; and there they will be so like Jesus that they will never sin +any more."</p> + +<p>"And what does that other part, 'by whose stripes ye are healed,' mean, +papa?" asked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"That Jesus suffered for the sins of his people (there was no sin of his +own for him to suffer for), and that because he bore the punishment in +their stead they will not have to bear it, and will be delivered from the +love of it; that is the healing—the being made well of that disease—the +love of sinning, the vile nature that we are all born with, because our +first parents disobeyed God there in the garden of Eden."</p> + +<p>"God teaches his people to hate sin and try bard—asking help of him—to +forsake it and be always good, doing just what is right; doesn't he, +papa? That's what grandma says."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear child, it is what God teaches us in his Word—the Holy Bible."</p> + +<p>"And he will send his Holy Spirit to help us—if we ask him to?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"But how can we know it, papa? we can't see him."</p> + +<p>"No, daughter, but we may know it by the help he gives us, and others will +recognize the fact by the fruit of the Spirit seen in our lives. Lucilla, +can you tell me what is the fruit of the Spirit?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; the Bible says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, +longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and 'against such there is no law.' Jesus has kept the law perfectly +in their stead, and his righteousness being imputed to them, they are +treated as if they had never broken the law—never sinned—but had been +always holy and obedient to all the commands of God, as he was."</p> + +<p>Elsie was looking very thoughtful. "I think I understand it now, papa," +she said. "Jesus has kept God's law in our stead, and borne the punishment +for our breaking it, and gives his goodness to us, so that we are treated +just as if we had been really good when we haven't at all, and that is +what it means where it says, 'by whose stripes ye were healed.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear child, that is just it; and oh, how can we help loving him, who +died and suffered so much for us! Oh, how we ought to love him!"</p> + +<p>"I do love him, papa. I ask him every day to help me to love him more and +serve him better. I ask earnestly for a new heart; for he is the hearer +and answerer of prayer. The Bible tells us so."</p> + +<p>"And it is so sweet to know it," said Grace, speaking low and softly, "for +he is always near and able to help us, no matter what our trouble may be."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her father. "'Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will +deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me.' 'Then shall ye call upon me, and +ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall +seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.' +God looks at the heart, my children, and will not hear and answer us if we +approach him with lip service only, not really wanting what we are asking +for."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa," said Elsie; "but I do really want the new heart I ask him +for. So he will give it to me; won't he?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter, for he has said so, and his promises never fail."</p> + +<p>"I want to go to mamma now," said Neddie, getting down from his father's +knee.</p> + +<p>"Yes, run along," said the captain. "Our lesson has been long enough for +to-day, I think, daughters, and you are all at liberty to go. You, Grace, +are looking weary, and it would be well for both you and Elsie to take a +nap: Lucilla also, if she wishes," he added, with a kindly glance at her.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, papa, but I do not care to," she answered, as the others +hastened away; "the breeze makes it very pleasant here on deck."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and you can rest nicely in one of these steamer chairs." Then, +taking a keener look into her face, "But something seems to be troubling +you, dear child. Tell your father what it is, that he may help and comfort +you," he added, in very tender tones, taking her hands and drawing her to +a seat close at his side.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, it is that I am—I am afraid I have been deceiving myself and +am not really a Christian," she said, with a half sob and hiding her face +on his shoulders. "There is so little, if any, of the fruit of the Spirit +in me—no gentleness, goodness, meekness—though I do love Jesus and long +to be like him."</p> + +<p>"In that case, dear child, I am sure you are one of his," he answered low +and tenderly. "Love is put first in the list and I have seen, to my great +joy, a steady growth in you of longsuffering, gentleness, and meekness. +Jesus said, 'By their fruits ye shall know them,' and I think that, though +far from perfect, yet my dear eldest daughter does show by her life that +she is earnestly striving to bring forth in it the fruit of the Spirit. +'The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more +unto the perfect day.' We are not made perfect in a moment, but are to +grow in grace, becoming more and more like the Master, and when the work +of grace is completed—so that we are made perfect in holiness—we do +immediately pass into glory, to be forever with the Lord."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; and oh, I want you to pray for me that I may grow in grace +every day and hour of my life."</p> + +<p>"I will, I do, daughter; and you must pray for your father too, for he is +by no means perfect yet."</p> + +<p>"Papa, you do seem perfect to me," she said, with a look of reverent love +up into his face. "I never forget you in my prayers; never forget to thank +God for giving me such a dear, kind father. Papa, are you never troubled +with fears that you might be mistaken in thinking yourself a Christian? +Oh, no! I am sure not; for how could you be when you are such a good +Christian that no one who sees you every day, and knows you as your +daughter does, could have the least doubt about it?"</p> + +<p>"My daughter looks at me with the partial eyes of filial love," he +replied, tenderly smoothing her hair, "but I too, in view of my sins and +shortcomings, am sometimes sorely troubled by doubts and fears. But then I +find peace and happiness in just giving myself anew to Jesus, and asking +him to take me for his very own and deliver me from all my sins and fears; +then, knowing that he is a hearer and answerer of prayers, I can go on my +way rejoicing. Can you not do the same?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, papa, I will. I remember now that you told me once to do so—to +come then to Him and he would receive me, and I need not trouble about the +question whether I had really come before. And I did and found, oh, such +rest and peace!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; 'the peace of God which passeth all understanding! May it ever keep +your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.'"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII" />CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + + +<p>"Where are we going to-day, papa?" asked little Elsie the next morning at +the breakfast table.</p> + +<p>"I do not know yet, my child," he replied. "I have been thinking," he +continued, addressing the company in general, "that it would probably be +better for us to break up into quite small parties, each going its own +way, now that the Fair has become so crowded."</p> + +<p>"Yes," Mr. Dinsmore said, "I will take my wife and daughter with me, if +they do not object; you, I presume, will do likewise with your wife and +children, and the others—Rosie, Walter, and Evelyn—can make up a third +party, and dispose of their time and efforts at sight-seeing as they +please."</p> + +<p>At that Mr. Lilburn turned toward Miss Annis Keith and said, with a +humorous look and smile, "You and I seem to be left entirely out of the +calculation, Miss Keith. Shall we compose a fourth party, and see what we +can find to amuse and interest us?"</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," she replied; "but are you sure I might not prove a +hindrance and burden?"</p> + +<p>"Quite sure; and your companionship, if I can secure it, will be +all-sufficient for me."</p> + +<p>"Then we will consider the arrangement made, for I should be sorry indeed +to intrude my companionship upon those who do not desire it," she said, +with a sportive look at the captain.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ronald," said the latter gravely, "I think you owe me a vote of +thanks for leaving Cousin Annis to you. I am sure it should be accounted a +very generous thing for me to do."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, captain, when you have only Cousin Vi, those two half-grown +daughters, and two sweet children for your share," laughed Annis.</p> + +<p>"As many as he can keep together," remarked Walter. "Well, I'm going off +by myself, as I happen to know that my sister Rosie and Evelyn have been +already engaged by other escorts."</p> + +<p>"Walter, you deserve to be left at home," said Rosie severely.</p> + +<p>"At home?" laughed Walter, "you would have to get me there first."</p> + +<p>"You know what I mean; this yacht is home to us while we are living on +it."</p> + +<p>"And a very pleasant one it is; a delightful place to rest in when one is +tired; as I realize every evening, coming back to it from the Fair."</p> + +<p>"Then we won't try to punish you by condemning you to imprisonment in it," +said the captain.</p> + +<p>"Papa, I should like to go to the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building +again to-day, unless the rest of our party prefer some other place," said +Grace.</p> + +<p>"That would suit me as well as any," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"Me also," added Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Then that shall be our destination," returned the captain.</p> + +<p>The young men—Harold and Herbert Travilla, Chester and Frank Dinsmore, +and Will Croly—joined the party from the <i>Dolphin</i>, as usual, in the +Peristyle; good-mornings were exchanged, then they broke up into smaller +parties and scattered in different directions; Captain Raymond with his +wife and children going first into the great Manufactures and Liberal Arts +Building, where they spent some hours in looking at such of the beautiful +and interesting exhibits as they had not examined in former visits; making +a good many purchases of gifts for each other for friends and relatives +and the servants and caretakers left at home.</p> + +<p>Chester was disappointed and chagrined that he was not invited to +accompany them, particularly as it was his and Frank's last day at the +Fair—but he joined Walter and Herbert, while Harold took charge of their +mother, and the other young folks went off in couples.</p> + +<p>"Where shall we betake ourselves, Miss Annis?" asked Mr. Lilburn.</p> + +<p>"I think I should like to look at some of the paintings in the Fine Arts +Building, if you care to do so," replied Annis.</p> + +<p>"I should like nothing better," he returned; "so we will go there first."</p> + +<p>They spent all the morning there—there were so many pictures worthy of +long study that it was difficult to tear themselves away from any one of +them.</p> + +<p>"'The return of the <i>Mayflower</i>,'" read Mr. Lilburn as they paused before +a picture of a young girl standing upon the seashore, looking out eagerly +over the water toward a sail which she sees in the distance; such an +impatience and tender longing in her face that one knew it seemed almost +impossible for her to wait the coming of some dear one she believes to be +on board; one whose love and care are to shelter her from cold and storm +and savage foes who might at any moment come upon and assail her. "Ah, the +dear lass is evidently hoping, expecting, waiting for the coming of her +lover," he said. "Happy man! What a joyous meeting it will be when the +good ship comes to anchor and he steps ashore to meet her loving welcome."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can imagine it," Annis said. "They have doubtless been separated +for months or years, and a glad reunion awaits them if he is really on the +vessel."</p> + +<p>For a moment they gazed in silence, then with a sigh he said, "She's a +bonny lass and doubtless he a brave, well-favored young fellow; both on +the sunny side of life, while I—ah, Miss Annis, if I were but twenty +years younger——"</p> + +<p>"What then, Mr. Lilburn?" she asked sportively. "You would be looking +about for such a sweet young creature and trying to win her heart?"</p> + +<p>"Not if I might hope to win that of the dear lady by my side," he returned +in low, loverlike tones. "She is full young enough and fair enough for me. +Miss Annis, do you think I—I could ever make myself a place in your +heart? I am no longer young, but there's an auld saying that 'it is better +to be 'an auld man's darling than a young man's slave.'"</p> + +<p>"I have not intended to be either," she answered, blushing deeply and +drawing a little away from him. "Single life has its charms, and I am by +no means sure that—that I care to—to give it up."</p> + +<p>"I hope to be able some day to convince you that you do," he returned +entreatingly, as she turned hastily away and moved on toward another +picture.</p> + +<p>She had liked the old gentleman very much indeed; he was so genuinely kind +and polite, so intelligent and well informed; and he had evidently enjoyed +her society too, but she had never dreamed of this—that he would want her +as a wife; she would sooner have thought of looking up to him in a +daughterly way—but as he had said he wanted a wifely affection from her, +could she—could she give it? For a brief space her brain seemed in a +whirl; she saw nothing, heard nothing that was going on about her—could +think of nothing but this surprising, astonishing offer, and could not +decide whether she could ever accept it or not. She could not, at that +moment she rather thought she never could. She kept her face turned away +from him as he stood patiently waiting by her side. Both had lost interest +in the paintings. He was watching her and saw that she was much disturbed, +yet he could not decide whether that disturbance was likely to be +favorable to his suit or not. Presently he drew out his watch. "It is past +noon, Miss Keith," he said; "suppose we take a gondola and cross the pond +to the Japanese Tea House, where we can get a lunch."</p> + +<p>"I am willing if you wish it," returned Annis in low, steady tones, but +without giving him so much as a glimpse of her face. He caught sight of +it, however, as they entered the boat; then their eyes met, and he was +satisfied that she was not altogether indifferent to his suit. But he did +not think it wise to renew it at that moment. They sat in silence for a +little, then he spoke of the scenes about them; and while they took their +lunch, the talking they did ran upon matters of indifference.</p> + +<p>As they left the building they came unexpectedly upon the captain and his +party.</p> + +<p>"Ah! where now, friends?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"That is a question that has not yet been decided," replied Mr. Lilburn. +"Where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"I am about to take Grace, Elsie, and Ned back to our floating home," +returned the captain, "for I fear they have already become more fatigued +than is good for them."</p> + +<p>"And if you will allow it, I will go with you, captain," said Annis.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," he returned; "your company is always acceptable, Cousin +Annis, and I see that you look as though a few hours of rest would not +come amiss to you. Let us take this steam launch, which is just +approaching, and we will be at our destination in a few minutes."</p> + +<p>"Let us all get on board and go as far as the Peristyle, where Lu and I +will wait for you, Levis," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"A good idea," he replied. "Why, there is Walter on the boat, and I can +leave you in his care, if Cousin Ronald does not wish to make one of the +party."</p> + +<p>"Ah! then I will wander along by my ain sel,'" returned the old gentleman +laughingly as he lifted his hat to Annis and the others, then went on his +way, musing as to the best course to pursue to bring about an acceptance +of his suit.</p> + +<p>"I want you and your little brother and sister to retire promptly to your +berths, Grace, and try to get a good nap," the captain said when they had +reached the deck of the <i>Dolphin</i>. "And, Cousin Annis, I hope you'll not +think me impertinent if I advise you to do the same."</p> + +<p>"Not at all," she returned, with a smile, "it is just what I was intending +to do. I have a slight headache, but hope to sleep it off."</p> + +<p>"I hope you may, indeed," he said in a kindly, sympathetic tone. "I +presume it is the result of fatigue and that a few hours of rest and sleep +will make all right again."</p> + +<p>She went at once to her state-room, and changing her dress for a loose +wrapper lay down with the determination to forget everything in sleep. But +thought was too busy in her brain; she was too much excited over the +surprising offer made her that morning. She knew instinctively that Mr. +Lilburn had not given up the hope of securing what he had asked for—that +his suit would be renewed at the first opportunity—and what should +she—what could she say? It was not the first offer she had had, but—no +other suitor was ever so good, so noble, so—oh, he was everything one +could ask or desire (what difference that he was old enough to be her +father), but would his sons welcome her advent into the family? And her +own dear ones—sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews—be willing to part +with her. Perhaps not; but surely they could do very well without her and +he—the dear old gentleman—ought surely to be considered; if she could +make his last days happier and more comfortable—it could not be wrong for +her to do so, for the others could be happy without her. Ah, perhaps they +would soon almost forget her. And there with Elsie Travilla her dear, +dearest friend and cousin; how pleasant to live near enough for almost +daily intercourse with her!</p> + +<p>"I will ask for guidance," she finally said half aloud, and, rising, +knelt beside her couch, earnestly beseeching her best friend to make her +way plain before her face, to lead and guide her all her journey through. +Then, calmed and quieted by casting her burden on the Lord, she lay down +again and presently fell into a deep, sweet sleep. She was awakened by a +gentle tap on the door, then Violet's voice asking:</p> + +<p>"Can I come in for one moment, Cousin Annis?" At that she rose and opened +the door, saying.</p> + +<p>"Indeed you can, Vi. But what—who——?" as Violet handed her a bunch of +Scotch heather, her eyes dancing with mirth and pleasure as she did so, +for at the sight of the flowers a crimson flush had suddenly suffused +Annis' cheek.</p> + +<p>"You see what," she said, "and the who is Cousin Ronald. Oh, Cousin Annis, +I am so glad if only you won't reject him! and he's a dear old man; almost +too old for you, I acknowledge, but don't say no on that account. Be 'an +old man's darling,' there's a dear! for then we'll have you close beside +us in that lovely Beechwood."</p> + +<p>A silent caress was Annis' only reply, and Violet slipped away, leaving +her once more alone. For a brief space Annis stood gazing down at the +flowers in her hand with a tender smile on her lips, the roses coming and +going on her cheek. They seemed to be whispering to her of priceless love +and tenderness; for Mr. Lilburn was a hale, hearty man, looking much +younger than his years: he might outlive her, but years of genial +companionship might well be hoped for in this world, to be eventually +followed by a blissful eternity in another and better land, for they were +followers of the same Master, travelling the same road—toward the city +which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Yes, she did +indeed love the dear old man; she knew it now, and her heart sang for joy +as she hastened to array herself in the most becoming dress she had at +hand and pinned his flowers in the bosom of her gown.</p> + +<p>He was alone in the saloon as she entered it, and turning at the sound of +her light step, came forward to greet her with outstretched hand, his eyes +shining with pleasure at the sight of his flowers and the sweet, blushing +face above them.</p> + +<p>"Ah, my darling! you do not despise my little gift," he said low and +tenderly, taking quiet possession of her hand. "May I hope you will show +equal favor to the giver?"</p> + +<p>"If—if you think—if you are sure, quite sure, you will never repent and +grow weary of your choice," she stammered, speaking scarcely above her +breath.</p> + +<p>"Perfectly sure!" he returned. "My only fear is that I may fail to make +this dear lady as happy as she might be with a younger and more attractive +companion."</p> + +<p>"I have never seen such an one yet," she said, with a half smile, "and I +do not fear to risk it. I shall be only too glad to do so," with a low +half laugh, "if you have no fear of being disappointed in me."</p> + +<p>"Not a ghost of a fear!" he responded.</p> + +<p>As he spoke the door of Mrs. Travilla's state-room opened and she stepped +out upon them. Catching sight of them standing there hand in hand, she was +about to retreat into her room again, but Mr. Lilburn spoke:</p> + +<p>"Congratulate me, Cousin Elsie, upon having won the heart of the sweetest +lady in the land; or if that be too strong, one of the sweetest."</p> + +<p>"I do, I do," Elsie said, coming forward and bestowing a warm embrace upon +Annis, "and I could not have asked anything better, seeing it will bring +one whom I so dearly love into our immediate neighborhood." Even as she +spoke they were joined by other members of the party, the news of the +state of affairs was instantly conjectured by them, and joyful +congratulations were showered upon Cousin Ronald, tender embraces and +words of love upon Annis.</p> + +<p>Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore were there, but the young couples who had left the +older people that morning and gone off to explore other parts of the Fair +had not returned; but presently a slight commotion on deck, followed by +the sound of their voices, told of their arrival; in another minute they +were in the saloon, and Croly, leading Rosie to her mother, said:</p> + +<p>"Will you give this dear girl to me, Mrs. Travilla? She doesn't deny that +she loves me, and she is dearer to me than words can tell."</p> + +<p>"Then I cannot refuse," returned the mother, with emotion, "knowing as I +do that you are all a mother could ask in a suitor for her dear daughter's +hand. But do not ask me to part from her yet; she is—you are both—young +enough to wait at least a year or two longer."</p> + +<p>"So I think," said Rosie's grandfather, coming up and laying a hand on her +shoulder. "It would be hard to rob my dear eldest daughter of the last of +her daughters; to say nothing about grandparents and brothers."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, I thank both her mother and yourself for your willingness to +let her engage herself to me, but I at least shall find it a little hard +to wait," said Croly. "I am well able to support a wife now, and—don't +you think we know each other well enough, and that early marriages are +more likely to prove happy than later ones?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't agree to any such sentiment as that; old folks may as +reasonably look for happiness—perhaps a trifle more reasonably—than +young ones."</p> + +<p>The words seemed to be spoken by someone coming down the cabin stairway, +and everybody turned to look at the speaker; but he was not to be seen.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was Cousin Ronald!" exclaimed Violet, with a merry look at him, +"and no wonder, since he has gone courting again in his latter days."</p> + +<p>"What! is that possible!" exclaimed Mr. Hugh Lilburn, in evident +astonishment. "And who? Ah, I see and am well content," catching sight of +Annis' sweet, blushing face. "Father, I offer my hearty congratulations."</p> + +<p>A merry, lively scene followed, mutual congratulations were exchanged, +jests and badinage and spirited retorts were indulged in, and in the midst +of it all there were other arrivals; Walter returned bringing with him the +two Dinsmores and the Conly brothers and their wives; they were told the +news, and the captain noticed that Chester cast a longing glance at Lulu, +then turned with an entreating, appealing one to him. But the captain +shook his head in silent refusal, and Chester seemed to give it up, and +with another furtive glance at Lucilla, which she did not see, her +attention being fully occupied with the others, he too joined in the +mirthful congratulations and good wishes.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX" />CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + + +<p>Upon leaving the supper table the whole company resorted to the deck, +where most of them spent the evening, being very weary with the +sight-seeing of the day and finding restful seats there and a view of much +that was interesting and enjoyable. Chester and his brother left early to +take an evening train for the South.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry for you that you must leave without having seen everything at +the Fair, Chester," Lucilla said in bidding him good-by, "but we can't any +of us stay the necessary forty-two years. I'll see all I can, though, and +give you a full account of it after I get home; that is, if you care to +come over to Woodburn and hear it."</p> + +<p>"You may be sure I will and thank you, too," he returned, giving the +pretty white hand she had put into his an affectionate squeeze. "Good-by. +I'm glad you have your father to take good care of you."</p> + +<p>"So am I," she said, with a happy laugh; "I'm sure there's no better +caretaker in the world."</p> + +<p>It was somewhat later before the others went and Lucilia, sitting a little +apart from them, watched furtively the behavior toward each other of the +newly engaged couples.</p> + +<p>"A penny for your thoughts, Lu," said Violet, coming up from seeing her +little ones in bed, and taking a seat by Lucilla's side.</p> + +<p>"Really, they are not worth it, Mamma Vi," laughed the young girl. "I was +watching Rosie, and wondering how she could ever think of leaving such a +dear mother as hers to—marry and live with even so good and agreeable a +young man as Mr. Croly."</p> + +<p>"And what do you think of my leaving that very mother (the very best and +dearest of mothers she is, too) for a husband when I was a full year +younger than Rosie is now?" returned Violet, with a mischievous twinkle of +amusement in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was to live with papa—the dearest and best of men! I can see +how one might well forsake father and mother and everybody else to live +with him."</p> + +<p>"I agree with you," said Violet. "I love my mother dearly; it would break +my heart to lose her; and yet I love my husband still more."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I shall ever be able to say that," said Lulu +emphatically. "I feel perfectly sure that I shall never love anybody else +half so well as I do my own dear father."</p> + +<p>"I know it would trouble him sorely to think you did," said Violet; "so I +hope you will not think of such a thing for at least five or six years to +come."</p> + +<p>"Five or six years! Indeed, Mamma Vi, you may be sure I will never leave +him while he lives. I know I could not be happy away from him. I have +always looked to him for loving care and protection, and I hope that if +ever he should grow old and feeble, I may be able to give the same to +him."</p> + +<p>"I can scarcely bear to think that that time will ever come," said Violet, +gazing at her husband with loving, admiring eyes. "But I hope it is far +off, for he really seems to have grown younger of late—since coming here +to the Fair."</p> + +<p>"I think so too, Mamma Vi," said Lucilla; "and indeed it seems as though +everybody was younger—they all look so happy and interested; at least +until they get worn out; as one does with all the walking and the +thousands of things to look at, and feeling all the time in fear that you +may miss the very things you would care most to see."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is the fatiguing part of it. But we had a nice time to-day, +Lu. Aren't you pleased with our purchases?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi! I am sure Christine, Alma, and the servants cannot +fail to be delighted with the gifts we have for them. And papa has been so +very generous in supplying Grace and me with money. I hope Max will be +pleased with all we bought for him. Poor, dear fellow! It is just a shame +he couldn't have been allowed to come here with us."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I regret it very much," said Violet. "It has been one great drawback +upon our pleasure. O Lu, do look at Cousin Annis! She seems to have grown +ten years younger with happiness. I am so glad for her, and that we are to +have her for a near neighbor."</p> + +<p>"I too; but judging from Mr. Lilburn's looks I should say he is gladder +than anybody else. Oh, I wish they would get married at once! Wouldn't it +be fun, Mamma Vi, to have a wedding here on the yacht?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed! Here comes your father," as the captain rose and came toward +them; "we will suggest it to him and see what he thinks of the idea," she +added, making room for him at her side.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my dear," he said, taking the offered seat. "You two seem to +have found some very interesting topic of conversation. May I ask what it +is?"</p> + +<p>"We are ready to let you into the secret without waiting to be +questioned," returned Violet. "We have been planning to have a wedding on +board, should you and the parties more particularly interested give +consent."</p> + +<p>"And who may they be?" he asked lightly. "Not that couple, I hope," +glancing in the direction of Croly and his lady-love. "Rosie is, in my +opinion, rather young to assume the cares and duties of married life."</p> + +<p>"As you said before, quite forgetting how you coaxed and persuaded a still +younger girl to undertake them—under your supervision," laughed Violet. +"Ah, Captain Raymond, have you forgotten that consistency is a jewel?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, my dear, have you forgotten that circumstances alter cases?" he +returned in sportive tone. "But allow me to remind you that you have not +yet answered my question."</p> + +<p>"But I do now; it is the older couple of lovers Lu and I are benevolently +inclined to assist into the bonds of matrimony."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Well, I am pleased with the idea, and have no doubt that it will be +an easy matter to secure the gentleman's consent; as regards that of the +lady I am somewhat doubtful."</p> + +<p>"I presume," said Violet, "she will veto it at first; that is only +natural; but we may succeed in coaxing her into it."</p> + +<p>"I should think that if they are going to get married the sooner the +better," observed Lucilla gravely.</p> + +<p>"Why so, daughter?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"Because neither is very young, you know, papa, so that they can hardly +expect to have many years to live together, and the longer they wait the +shorter the time will be."</p> + +<p>"Of their life together on earth, yes; but being Christians, they may hope +to spend a blessed eternity in each other's society."</p> + +<p>"Shall we make any move in the matter to-night, my dear?" asked Violet.</p> + +<p>"I think not, except to talk it over with your mother and grandparents."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that will be the better plan," said Violet. "And mother will be the +one to make the suggestion to Cousin Annis and persuade her to adopt it."</p> + +<p>"Yes; there will be no need of persuasion as regards the gentleman's share +in the matter."</p> + +<p>"There, the Conlys are making a move as if about to go," said Lucilla. +"And I hope they will, for I do want to know what Grandma Elsie and the +others will think of the plan."</p> + +<p>"Always in a hurry, daughter mine," the captain said, giving her an amused +smile as they rose and went forward to speed the parting guests and +assure them of a hearty welcome whenever they should see fit to return.</p> + +<p>Not long after their departure the others retired to their state-rooms, +Violet, however, going first into that of her mother to tell of her own +and husband's plans concerning the nuptials of their cousins, Mr. Lilburn +and Annis.</p> + +<p>"That would be quite romantic for the youthful pair," Mrs. Travilla said +with her low, sweet laugh, "I doubt very much, however, if you can +persuade Annis to give her consent to so sudden a relinquishment of all +the rights and privileges of maidenhood. Besides she will hardly like to +deprive her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, of the pleasure of +witnessing the ceremony."</p> + +<p>"They might be invited to come and be present at the marriage," Violet +suggested a little doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"I fear there are too many of them," her mother said in reply; "so that +they will think it would be far easier for Aunt Annis to go to them; and +more suitable for her to be married in her own old home."</p> + +<p>"Do you really think so, mamma? Well, please don't suggest it to her. I am +sure that if our plan can be carried out it will be a great saving to +them of both expense and trouble; for of course my husband will provide +the wedding feast."</p> + +<p>"Well, dear, I should like to see your plan carried out, and I must insist +upon sharing the expense. But we will talk it over again in the morning. +We are both weary now and ought to go at once to our beds."</p> + +<p>"Then good-night, mamma, dear. May you sleep sweetly and peacefully and +wake again fully rested," Violet said, giving her mother a fond embrace.</p> + +<p>"And you also, daughter. May He who neither slumbers nor sleeps have you +and yours in his safe keeping through the silent watches of the night," +responded her mother, returning the embrace.</p> + +<p>The captain had lingered on the deck as usual, to give his orders for the +night, and Lucilla waited about for the bit of petting as she termed it, +of which she was so fond.</p> + +<p>"Ah, so you are still here, daughter!" he said in his usual kind, fatherly +tones as he turned and found her at his side. "Have you something to say +to your father?" putting his arm about her and holding her close as +something precious.</p> + +<p>"Only the usual story—that I love my father dearly, dearly, and don't +like to go to bed without telling him so and getting a caress that nobody +else will know anything about."</p> + +<p>"A great secret that doubtless the whole world would be glad to discover!" +he laughed, bestowing them without stint. "Is my little girl unhappy, +about—anything? and wanting her father to comfort her?" he asked, looking +keenly into her face.</p> + +<p>"Unhappy, father? here in your arms and perfectly certain of your dear +love?" she exclaimed, lifting to his eyes full of joy and love. "No, +indeed! I don't believe there is a happier girl in the land or in the +whole world for that matter. Oh, you are so good to me and all your +children! How very generous you were to-day to Grace and me in letting us +buy so many lovely presents to carry home with us! I am often afraid, +papa, that you do without things yourself to give the more to us. Oh, I +hope you don't!"</p> + +<p>"You need not be at all troubled on that score" he said, patting her cheek +and smiling down into her eyes. "I have abundance of means and can well +allow my daughters such pleasures. 'It is more blessed to give than to +receive,' and when I give to you, and you use my gift in procuring +something for another, it gives us both a taste of that blessedness."</p> + +<p>"So it does, papa, and oh, what a good place this is for making +purchases! there are so many, many lovely things to be found in the +various buildings."</p> + +<p>"And we meet so many relatives and friends from various quarters. But that +gives us the pain of a good many partings," and again he looked keenly at +her as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," she said, "but one can always hope to meet again with those +one cares particularly about; so I don't feel that I need to mourn while I +have you, my dear father, and Mamma Vi and the little brother and sisters +left; and I'm content and more than content, except that I miss dear Max +and can't help wishing he were here to see and enjoy all that we do."</p> + +<p>"Yes; dear boy! I wish he could be," sighed the captain. Then, with +another caress, "Go now to your bed, daughter; it is high time you were +there," he said.</p> + +<p>"Just one minute more, please, papa, dear," she entreated, with her arm +about his neck. "Oh, I can't understand how Rosie can think of leaving her +mother for Mr. Croly or any other man. I could never, never want to leave +you for anybody else in the wide world."</p> + +<p>"I am glad and thankful to hear it, dear child," he said, with another +tender caress and good-night.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX" />CHAPTER XX.</h2> + + +<p>Circumstances seemed to favor the scheme of the captain, Violet, and +Lucilla, for the family and their guests had scarcely left the breakfast +table when there was a new arrival, a boat hailing the yacht and +discharging several passengers, who proved to be Annis' sisters, Mildred +and Zillah, and her brother, the Rev. Cyril Keith.</p> + +<p>It was an unexpected arrival, but they were most cordially welcomed and +urgently invited to spend as much of their time on the yacht as could be +spared from sight-seeing on shore. They were of course soon introduced to +Mr. Lilburn—already known to them by reputation—and presently informed +of the state of affairs between him and their sister. They were decidedly +pleased with the old gentleman, yet grieved at the thought of so wide a +separation between their dear youngest sister and themselves.</p> + +<p>Violet afterward, seizing a momentary opportunity when neither Mr. Lilburn +nor Annis was near, told of her plans in regard to the wedding, adding +that the subject had not yet been mentioned to Annis, but that she +herself hoped no objection would be raised; and it seemed to her that +Cyril's arrival, thus providing a minister to perform the ceremony, the +very one Annis would have chosen of course, seemed providential.</p> + +<p>At first both brother and sisters were decidedly opposed to it—they +wanted Annis to be married at home where all the family could be gathered +to witness the ceremony; it was bad enough to lose her without being +deprived of that privilege; besides time and thought must be given to the +preparation of a suitable trousseau. But in the course of a day or two +they were won over to the plan.</p> + +<p>Then the consent of those most particularly interested had to be gained. +There was no difficulty so far as concerned Mr. Lilburn; he was really +delighted with the idea, but Annis at first positively refused. She wished +to be married at home and she must have a trousseau: not that she cared so +much about it for herself, but Mr. Lilburn must not be disgraced by a +bride not suitably adorned.</p> + +<p>"Well, Annis dear," said Mildred, who was the one selected for the task of +obtaining her consent to the proposed plan, "you shall have all that you +desire in the way of dress. I would not have you do without a single +thing you want or think would be suitable and becoming. You shall have +abundance of money to make such purchases without applying to your husband +for any one of them. You have some money of your own, you know, and it +will be a great pleasure to your brothers and sisters to give to the dear +girl who was such a help and comfort to our loved father and mother, +anything and everything she wants, and will accept at our hands."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know I have the best and kindest of brothers and sisters, and oh, +I can hardly keep the tears back when I think of the separation that +awaits us," said Annis with a sob, putting her arms round Mildred's neck +and clinging to her.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, I know. I feel just the same, though I believe you will be +very happy with the kind, genial old gentleman who is stealing you away +from us; but I can see that he is in great haste to get full possession of +his dear little lady-love—at which I do not wonder at all—and I really +think it would be better to take the plunge into matrimony suddenly and +have it over," she added, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Have what over?" asked Annis, smiling faintly.</p> + +<p>"Not the matrimony," laughed her sister, "but the plunge into it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Milly dear, you wouldn't have liked to be hurried so!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, but wasn't I?" laughed Mildred; "and that by this very brother of +ours who expects to perform the ceremony for you."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I don't remember about that," returned Annis, in a tone of enquiry.</p> + +<p>"No, you were such a little girl then that I don't wonder it has slipped +your memory. But Cyril was about starting for college and so determined to +see me married, so fearful that he would miss the sight if he went off +before-hand, that he coaxed, planned, and insisted till he actually gained +his point—hurrying me into wedlock before I had even one wedding dress +made up."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! and you were married in mother's wedding dress, I remember now. +But, Milly, I haven't a single handsome dress with me! I did not think +they would be at all suitable to wear in tramping about the White City and +its buildings, or needed in the hotel, where I spent but little time +except at night. And so far, what I brought with me have answered every +purpose."</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said Mildred; "handsome ready-made dresses can be bought in +Chicago, and it will not take long to procure one. You will of course want +to select one that is well fitting and becoming in color; gray would, I +think, be very becoming and altogether suitable for a—not very young +bride."</p> + +<p>"No, I do not want to be too youthfully dressed, or to look too bridelike +on my wedding tour; so I think I will have a dark navy blue."</p> + +<p>"So she has about consented to the desired arrangement," said Mildred, a +little triumphantly to herself; then aloud: "Yes, that will be quite as +becoming and a trifle more suitable; but let us go and talk it over with +our cousins, Rose, Elsie, and Vi."</p> + +<p>"There is no hurry," said Annis, blushing. "If I should give up to you +enough to consent to have the ceremony performed here on the yacht, I +shall put it off till the very last day of your stay, for I don't intend +to miss seeing all that I possibly can of you, Cyril, and Zillah, and of +the Fair."</p> + +<p>"Very well," Mildred answered. "I incline to think myself that that would +be the best plan; for really I want to see all I can of the dear sister +who is going to leave us. O Annis, dear, whatever shall I do without you!" +she exclaimed, putting an arm about her and kissing her with tears in her +eyes. "Ah, it seems that in this world we cannot have any unalloyed +good!"</p> + +<p>"No, Milly, dear sister; but when we get home to the Father's house on +high, there will be no more partings, no sorrow, no sin—nothing but +everlasting joy and peace and love.</p> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="At Jesus' Feet"> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"'Tis there we'll meet</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">At Jesus' feet,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">When we meet to part no more.</span></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p>"Oh, doesn't it sometimes seem as if you could hardly wait for the time +when you will be there with all the dear ones gone before? There at the +Master's feet, seeing him and bearing his image—like him; for we shall +see him as he is?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, there are times when I do; and yet I am glad to stay a little longer +in this world for the sake of husband and children; and to work for the +Master too, doing what I can to bring others to him. I want some jewels in +the crown I cast at his dear feet."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and so do I." A moment of silence followed;—then Mildred said:</p> + +<p>"Let us go now and have our talk with the cousins, for it will not be very +long before we will be summoned to the supper table."</p> + +<p>Annis made no objection, and they went up to the deck, where they found +the three ladies they sought—Zillah with them too—sitting in a little +group apart from the young girls and gentlemen.</p> + +<p>They joined the group and Mildred quickly and briefly reported Annis' +decision. All approved, saying they would be very glad to keep her to the +last minute, and there was a good deal more well worth looking at in the +Fair than she had already seen; also the delay would give plenty of time +for the selection of a wedding dress and other needed articles of apparel.</p> + +<p>"Now I am going to relieve the anxiety of the gentlemen, particularly the +one belonging especially to me," said Violet, in a lively tone, rising +with the last word and hurrying away in their direction. The others sat +silently watching her and her auditors.</p> + +<p>"Ah," laughed Mildred presently, "they are all well satisfied with the +arrangement except Mr. Lilburn. He wears a dubious, disappointed look. Ah, +Annis, how can you have the heart to disappoint him so?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Annis, he will prize you all the more for not being able to +get possession of you too quickly and easily," said Mrs. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"So I think," returned Annis demurely; "also that it will be quite as well +for him to have a little more time to learn about all my faults and +failings."</p> + +<p>"I do not believe he will be able to find them," said Mrs. Dinsmore, with +an admiring look into the sweet face of the speaker, "since I have not +succeeded in so doing."</p> + +<p>Lucilla and Grace, seated a little apart from the others, had been +watching with keen interest all that passed among both ladies and +gentlemen.</p> + +<p>"There, just look at Cousin Ronald!" exclaimed Lucilla. "He isn't +smiling—looks rather disappointed I think; so I suppose we are not to be +allowed to carry out our plan. And I think it would be just splendid to +have a wedding here on board our yacht."</p> + +<p>"Yes; so did I," returned Grace; "but I suppose she doesn't like the idea +of being married in a hurry. I'm sure I shouldn't. I don't believe Rosie +would mind that though; and Mr. Croly seems to say by his looks that he +would like to take possession of her as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"Yes, no doubt he would. He ought to wait till he can have his father and +mother present, however; and besides Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie +won't consent to let her marry for at least a year. I shouldn't think she +would feel willing to leave her mother even then; unless as Mamma Vi did, +for such a man as our father."</p> + +<p>"But there isn't any other," asserted Grace more positively than she +often spoke. "Papa is just one by himself for lovableness, goodness, +kindness—oh, everything that is admirable!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed he is all that!" responded Lucilla heartily. "Oh, I could never +bear to leave him and cannot help wondering at Rosie—how she can think of +leaving her mother! Her father being dead, she wouldn't be leaving him, +but Grandma Elsie is so sweet and lovable. To be sure, just as I said, +Mamma Vi did leave her, but then it seems all right since it was for love +of papa. But what are you looking so searchingly at me for, Gracie?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, something that Rosie said last night quite astonished me, and I was +wondering if it were possible she could be right."</p> + +<p>"Right about what?"</p> + +<p>"Why, that Chester Dinsmore is deeply in love with you, and that you care +something for him too."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what nonsense!" exclaimed Lucilla with a half vexed, yet mirthful +look. "I am only half grown up, as papa always says, and really I don't +care a continental for that young man. I like him quite well as a +friend—he has always been very polite and kind to me since that time when +he came so near cutting my fingers off with his skates—but it is absurd +to think he wants to be anything more than a friend; besides papa doesn't +want me to think about beaux for years to come, and I don't want to +either."</p> + +<p>"I believe you, Lu," said Grace, "for you are as perfectly truthful a +person as anybody could be. Besides I know I love our father too dearly +ever to want to leave him for the best man that ever lived; there couldn't +be a better one than he is, or one who could have a more unselfish love +for you and me."</p> + +<p>"Exactly what I think," returned Lucilla. "But there's the call to +supper."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI" />CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + + +<p>"Annis, dear, my ain love, my bonny lass," Mr. Lilburn said, when at last +he could get a moment's private chat with her, "why condemn me to wait +longer for my sweet young wife? Is it that you fear to trust your +happiness to my keeping?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, not that," she replied, casting down her eyes, and half turning +away her face to hide the vivid blush that mantled her cheek; "but you +hardly know yet, hardly understand, what a risk you run in asking me to +share your life."</p> + +<p>"Ah," he said, "my only fear is that you may be disappointed in me; and +yet if so, it shall not be for lack of love and tenderest care, for to me +it seems that no dearer, sweeter lass ever trod this earth."</p> + +<p>"Ah, you don't know me!" she repeated, with a slight smile. "I am not +afraid to trust you, and yet I think it would be better for us to wait a +little and enjoy the days of courtship. One reason why I would defer +matters is that we will never again have an opportunity to see this +wonderful Fair, and I have seen but little of it yet; also I would not +willingly miss spending as much time as possible with my dear brother and +sisters whom I am about to leave for a home with you, and I must make some +preparation in the matter of dress too."</p> + +<p>"Ah, well, my bonny lass, 'if a woman will, she will you may depend on't, +and if she won't, she won't and there's an end on't.' So I'll even give up +to you, comforting mysel' that ye'll be mine at last; and that in the mean +time I shall have your dear companionship while together we explore the +streets and buildings of this wonderful White City."</p> + +<p>At that moment others came upon the scene and put an end to the private +talk.</p> + +<p>The next two weeks were those of delightful experience to all our friends, +to Annis in particular, spent in visits to that beautiful Court of Honor, +and to various interesting exhibits to be found in other parts of the +Fair, with an occasional change of scene and occupation by a shopping +excursion to Chicago in search of wedding finery.</p> + +<p>She would not allow herself to anticipate the pain of the partings from +the dear brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, that lay before her, +but gave herself up to the enjoyment of the present; in especial of the +intercourse with him who was the chosen companion of her future life on +earth.</p> + +<p>The yacht could not furnish night accommodations for all, but usually all +the relatives and friends gathered about its supper table and afterward +spent an hour or more upon its deck in rest that was particularly +enjoyable after the day's exertion, and in cheerful chat over their varied +experiences since separating in the morning; for they were now much too +large a company to keep together in their wanderings in and about the +White City.</p> + +<p>But the time approached when they must separate. The trousseau—with the +exception of such articles as it was considered more desirable to purchase +in New York or Philadelphia—was ready, all the arrangements for the +wedding feast had been made, and but a day or two intervened between that +and the one which was to see Annis become a bride and set out upon her +wedding tour.</p> + +<p>The evening meal was over, and leaving the table they assembled upon the +deck.</p> + +<p>"Has anyone seen the evening paper or the morning one either?" asked Mr. +Dinsmore, addressing his query to the company in general.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I have," answered Harold. "There has been an awful railroad +collision, one section of the train running into another; a good many +killed; one lady meeting with a most terrible fate," he added with +emotion, "but she was an earnest, active Christian worker, and no doubt is +now rejoicing before the throne of God."</p> + +<p>"But oh, couldn't they have saved her?" asked his mother, in tones +tremulous with feeling. "How was it? what was the difficulty?"</p> + +<p>"The car was crushed and broken, her limbs caught between broken timbers +in such a way that it was impossible to free her in season to prevent the +flames—for the car was on fire—from burning her to death. The upper part +of her body was free, and she close to a window, so that she could speak +to the gathered crowd who, though greatly distressed by the sight of her +agony, were powerless to help her. She sent messages to her dear ones and +her Sunday-school class and died like a martyr."</p> + +<p>"Poor dear woman!" said Violet, in low, tender tones. "Oh, how well that +her peace was made with God before the accident, for she could do little +thinking in such an agony of pain."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and such sudden calls should make us all careful to be ready at any +moment for the coming of the Master," said Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"Yes," assented the captain, "and we do not know that he may not come at +any moment, for any of us; either by death or in the clouds of heaven. +'Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man +cometh,' is his own warning to us all."</p> + +<p>"Dear Christian woman, how happy she is now!" said Grandma Elsie; "that +agony of pain all over, and an eternity of bliss at God's right hand—an +eternity of the Master's love and presence already hers."</p> + +<p>A moment of deep and solemn silence followed, then from the lake they +seemed to hear two voices sweetly singing:</p> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Hymn"> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"I would not live alway: I ask not to stay</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"I would not live alway, thus fetter'd by sin,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Temptation without and corruption within:</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears.</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb:</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">There, sweet be my rest, till he bid me arise</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">To hail him in triumph descending the skies.</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Who, who would live alway, away from his God;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">And the noontide of glory eternally reigns;</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">Their Saviour and brethren, transported, to greet;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul."</span></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + + + +<p>Hugh Lilburn was present among the guests of the evening, and before the +finishing of the first verse, the voices seemingly coming from the water +had been recognized by more than one of the company as those of his father +and himself. As the last notes died upon the air, a solemn silence again +fell upon them all.</p> + +<p>It was broken by Mrs. Travilla saying softly, and in tones tremulous with +emotion:</p> + +<p>"I have always loved that hymn of Muhlenberg's. Ah, who would wish to live +alway in this world of sin and sorrow, never entering, never seeing, the +many mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love him?"</p> + +<p>As the last word left her lips, the seemingly distant voices again rose in +song, the words coming distinctly to every ear:</p> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Hymn: Jerusalem the Golden"> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Jerusalem the golden,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">With milk and honey blest,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Beneath thy contemplation</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;">Sink heart and voice opprest.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;">I know not, O I know not</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">What joys await us there,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">What radiancy of glory,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">What bliss beyond compare.</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"They stand, those halls of Zion,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">All jubilant with song,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And bright with many an angel,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">And all the martyr throng.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The Prince is ever in them,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">The daylight is serene;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The pastures of the blessèd</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Are decked in glorious sheen,</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"There is the throne of David;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">And there, from care released,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The shout of them that triumph,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">The song of them that feast.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And they, who with their Leader,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Have conquered in the fight,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">For ever and for ever</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Are clad in robes of white.</span><br /><br /></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"O sweet and blessèd country,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">The home of God's elect!</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">O sweet and blessèd country,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">That eager hearts expect!</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Jesus, in mercy bring us</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">To that dear land of rest;</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Who art, with God the Father,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">And Spirit, ever blest,"</span><br /><br /></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + + +<p>"Thank you very much, gentlemen," said Mildred as the last notes died +away. "What lovely words those are! Ah, they make one almost envious of +that dear woman who has already reached that happy land where sin and +sorrow are unknown."</p> + +<p>"And death never enters," added Grandma Elsie low and feelingly. "Oh, +'blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII" />CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + + +<p>The wedding morning dawned bright and clear. All the invited guests who +had passed the night on shore were early arrivals upon the yacht, which +then immediately started across the lake, heading for Michigan City.</p> + +<p>The crew had outdone themselves in making everything about the vessel even +more than ordinarily clean and bright, and everyone was arrayed in holiday +attire. The young men of the party had taken care to provide abundance of +flowers, especially for the saloon where the ceremony was to take place.</p> + +<p>There they all assembled, drawn by the familiar strains of the Bridal +Chorus from "Lohengrin," played by Violet on the small pipe organ which +the captain's thoughtfulness had provided for his wife's amusement and his +own pleasure, as well as that of his daughters.</p> + +<p>A hush fell upon them as Cyril entered and took his appointed place, +followed closely by the bridal party, which consisted of Mr. and Mrs. +Dinsmore and the bride and groom; Annis preferring to be without +bridesmaids, and Mr. Dinsmore having expressed a desire to take a +father's part and give her away.</p> + +<p>The short and simple ceremony was soon over, and after the customary +congratulations and good wishes, all repaired to the dining saloon where +they partook of a delicious breakfast.</p> + +<p>All this time the vessel was speeding on her way, and the lake being calm, +and such breeze as there was favorable, she made excellent headway, +carrying them into their port in good season for catching their trains +without being unpleasantly hurried.</p> + +<p>Then the <i>Dolphin</i> turned and retraced her course, arriving at her old +station near the Peristyle before nightfall; so that the returned +passengers were able to spend their evening, as usual, in the beautiful +Court of Honor.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond and his wife and daughters returned to the yacht rather +earlier than was their wont, and sat on its deck awaiting the coming of +the others.</p> + +<p>"Papa," said Lucilla, breaking a momentary silence, "I have been wondering +why you took the cousins to Michigan City rather than to Pleasant Plains +as you did before."</p> + +<p>"Because it would have taken a good deal longer to go to Pleasant Plains; +for which reason they preferred Michigan City, not wishing to take the +cars here because of the great crowds about the stations, causing much +inconvenience and some peril to those who must push their way through +them."</p> + +<p>"I wondered that the bride and groom were willing to go on the cars at all +after hearing of the many accidents on the trains of late, papa," said +Grace.</p> + +<p>"I trust they will not meet with any," said her father. "The crowds are +coming in this direction, and I think it is on those trains that most of +the accidents occur. But we will all pray for them, asking the Lord to +have them in his kind care and keeping."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, papa!" she replied, in earnest tones. "I am so glad that we +may, and that we know—because he has told us so—that he is the hearer +and answerer of prayer. Still I am glad we are not going home by rail."</p> + +<p>"So am I," he said; "yet yachts are sometimes wrecked; and in fact there +is no place where we could be certain of safety except as our heavenly +Father cares for and protects us; and in his kind care and keeping we are +safe wherever we may be."</p> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 14910-h.txt or 14910-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/9/1/14910">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/1/14910</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Elsie at the World's Fair + +Author: Martha Finley + +Release Date: February 4, 2005 [eBook #14910] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg +Online Distributed Proofreading Team(https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR + +by + + +MARTHA FINLEY + +Author of "The Elsie Books," "The Mildred Books," +_Wanted, A Pedigree_, etc., etc. + +New York +Dodd, Mead & Company +Publishers + +1894 + + + + + + + +NOTE--The author desires to acknowledge her indebtedness to the "_Chicago +Record's_ History of the World's Fair," "The Historical Fine Art Series," +published by H.S. Smith and C.R. Graham, for Historical Publishing +Company, Philadelphia, and the "_World's_ Fine Art Series," published by +N.D. Thompson Publishing Company, St. Louis, Mo., for descriptions and +statistics in regard to the White City and its exhibits. + + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +Hugh Lilburn was very urgent with his betrothed for a speedy marriage, +pleading that as her brother had robbed him and his father of their +expected housekeeper--his cousin Marian--he could not long do without the +wife who was to supply her place. Her sisters, Isadore and Virginia, who +had come up from the far South to be present at the ceremony, joined with +him in his plea for haste. They wanted to see her in her own home, they +said, and that without remaining too long away from theirs. Ella finally +yielded to their wishes so far as to complete her preparations within a +month after the home-coming from the North. + +The wedding was a really brilliant affair, and followed up by parties +given by the different members of the family connection; but no bridal +trip was taken, neither bride nor groom caring for it, and Hugh's business +requiring his presence at home. + +A few weeks later Calhoun Conly went North for his bride. Some festivities +followed his return; then all settled down for the winter, Harold and +Herbert Travilla taking up their medical studies with Dr. Conly, and +Captain Raymond's pupils resuming such of their lessons as had been +dropped for the time, though the wedding festivities had been allowed to +interfere but little with them, as--with the exception of Marian, now Mrs. +Conly--they were considered too young to attend the parties. A matter of +regret to none of them except Rosie Travilla and Lucilla Raymond, and even +they, though they would have been glad to be permitted to go, made no +remonstrance or complaint, but submitted cheerfully to the decision of +their elders. + +A busy, happy winter and spring followed, bringing no unusual event to any +branch of the family. + +Max was frequently heard from, his father continuing to send him daily +letters, several of which would be replied to together by one from the +lad--always frank, candid, and affectionate, sometimes expressing a great +longing for a sight of home and the dear ones there. + +After receiving such a letter the captain was very apt to pay a flying +visit to the Academy, in case there were no special reasons for remaining +closely at home, sometimes going alone, at others taking one or more +members of the family with him; his wife, if she could make it convenient +to go, or one or more of his daughters, by whom the little trip and the +sight of their brother were esteemed a great reward for good conduct and +perfect recitations. + +Both they and the lad himself looked forward with ardent desire and joyous +anticipation to the June commencement, after which would begin the one +long holiday Max would have during the six years of his course at the +Academy. + +The holidays for the home pupils began a day or two earlier, and a merry +party, including, besides the captain and his immediate family, the rest +of his pupils, with Grandma Elsie, her father and his wife, boarded the +_Dolphin_ and set sail for Annapolis to attend the commencement at the +Naval Academy. + +The weather was delightful, and all greatly enjoyed the little trip. On +their arrival they found Max well and in fine spirits. The reports of both +his studies and conduct were all that could be desired, and the home +friends--his father in especial--regarded him with both pride and +affection, and expressed much pleasure in the fact that he was to +accompany them on the return trip. + +Max dearly loved his home, and during the nearly two years of his absence +from it had had occasional fits of excessive homesickness; more, however, +for the dear ones dwelling there than for the place. So that he was full +of joy on learning that every one of the family was on board the +_Dolphin_. + +No one cared to tarry long at Annapolis, and they set out on the return +trip as soon as Max was free to go with them. + +The lovely weather continued, there was nothing to mar the pleasure of the +short voyage, the drive and ride that succeeded it--for the carriages and +Max's pony, Rex, which he hailed with almost a shout of delight and +hastened to mount, were found awaiting them at the wharf--or the arrival +at their homes, Ion and Woodburn, which seemed to the young cadet to be +looking even more beautiful than ever before. + +"Oh, was there ever a lovelier place!" was his delighted exclamation as +the carriage, closely followed by Rex, turned in at the great gates giving +admission to the Woodburn driveway. "I thought that of it before I left, +but it is vastly improved; almost an earthly paradise." + +"So I think," said Violet. "It does credit to your father's taste." + +"And yours," added her husband, with a pleased smile; "for have I not +always consulted with my wife before making any alteration or adding what +I thought would be an improvement? And has not the first suggestion come +from her more than once?" + +"Quite true," she returned, giving him a look of loving appreciation; "in +fact, my dear, you are so ready to humor and indulge me in every possible +way that I am half afraid to make a suggestion." + +"Lest I should have too much pleasure in carrying it out?" he queried, +with playful look and tone. + +"Oh, certainly!" she replied with a musical laugh; "it would be a sad pity +to spoil so good a husband." + +"Father, may I ride over the grounds before alighting?" asked Max's voice +in eager tones, just at that moment. + +"If you wish, my son," the captain answered pleasantly. "But suppose you +delay a little and let some of us accompany you?" + +"Yes, sir; that will be better," was the prompt, cheerful rejoinder, and +in another minute Max had dismounted at the door of the mansion, and stood +ready to assist the occupants of the carriage to alight. + +"Ah, I see you have been making some changes and improvements here, +father," he said, glancing about as he entered the hall door. + +"Yes, and in other parts of the house," said Violet. "Perhaps you might as +well go over it before visiting the grounds." + +"I am at liberty to go everywhere, as of old?" he returned, half in +assertion, half enquiringly and turning from her to his father. + +"Certainly, my son; it is as truly your father's house, therefore open in +every part to you, as it was before you left its shelter for Uncle Sam's +Naval Academy," replied the captain, regarding the lad with mingled +fatherly affection, pride, and amusement. + +"Thank you, sir," returned Max heartily. "Ah, Christine!" as the +housekeeper, whom something had detained in another part of the house at +the moment of their arrival, now appeared among them, "I'm pleased to see +you again; looking so well, too. I really don't think you have changed in +the least in all the time I have been away," shaking her hand warmly as he +spoke. + +"Ah, Master Max, sir, I can't say the same of you," she returned with a +pleasant smile into the bright young face. "You are growing up fast and +looking more than ever like your father." + +"Thank you," laughed Max, his eyes shining, "you couldn't possibly give me +a higher compliment than that, Christine." + +"Ah, who shall say that I am not the complimented one, Max?" laughed the +captain. + +"I, papa," cried Lulu. "O Maxie, come upstairs and see the improvements +there. You can look at the downstairs rooms and grounds afterward." + +"Yes, run along, children," said their father, "and make yourselves ready +for the tea table before you come down again." + +"Yes, sir," they answered in cheerful tones, Max catching up little Ned as +he spoke, and setting him on his shoulder. "Hold on tight, laddie, and +your big brother will carry you up," he said, and one chubby arm instantly +went round his neck, a gleeful laugh accompanying it as Max began the +ascent, his sisters following, Violet and the captain presently bringing +up the rear. + +"Into our rooms first, Max," said Violet. "You, too, Lulu and Gracie, that +you may hear what he has to say about things there." + +"Thank you, Mamma Vi," returned Max. "I want to visit every room in the +house and have all the family go with me if they like." + +"You will find a few additions here and there to the furnishings, but no +great changes anywhere, Max," said his father. + +"I should hope not, sir, as things seemed to me pretty nearly perfect +before I went away," returned Max in a lively tone, "I only wish every one +of my mates had as sweet a home to spend his long vacation in, and as kind +a father and friends to help him enjoy it." + +"Ah, we may well pity the lad who lacks the blessings of a good home and +affectionate parents," said the captain. "I can never forget how much they +were to me in my boyhood." + +"I think you must have forgotten how long I have been away, papa," laughed +Max as they finished the circuit of the rooms on that floor, "for I have +come upon a good many new things." + +"Ah! well, they have been added so gradually that I did not realize how +numerous they were," returned his father, adding, "Now you may as well go +on to the upper rooms and tarry long enough in your own to make yourself +neat for the tea table." + +"Yes, sir;" and the lad hurried up the stairs, the captain, Lulu, and +Grace following. + +"Hurrah!" he cried joyously as he reached the open door of his own room, +"why, this is lovely! prettier than ever, and it was like a room in a +palace before compared to the one I share with Hunt at the Academy." + +"Suppose you walk in and take a nearer view," said his father, and Max +obeyed with alacrity, the others following. + +"Mamma and papa said there was nothing too good for you, and so we all +thought, Maxie," said Grace, Lulu adding, "Indeed we do all think so." + +"Indeed, I'm afraid it is," returned Max, gazing admiringly at the +beautiful carpet, the lace curtains looped back with wreaths of flowers, +the fine engravings on the walls, the easy chairs, tasteful mantel +ornaments, and the many other articles of adornment and convenience. + +"Your mamma and I have made some changes, improvements, as we thought," +the captain said in gratified and affectionate tones, "hoping you would be +pleased with then; and I rather think you are." + +"Pleased, papa? I'm delighted!" cried Max. "The only drawback to my +pleasure is the thought of the very short time I can stay to enjoy all +this beauty and luxury." + +"Yet I am sure my boy does not want to settle down here to a life of +inglorious ease," remarked the captain in a tone of mingled assertion and +enquiry. "I rejoice in the firm conviction that his great desire is to +serve God and his country to the best of his ability." + +"Yes, father, it is," said Max earnestly. "But," he added with a smile, +"if you don't want me to love to be with you in this sweet home you should +not make it so attractive and be so very kind and affectionate to me." + +"My boy," the captain said with emotion and laying a hand affectionately +on his son's shoulder, "there is never a day when I do not thank my +heavenly Father for his gift to me of so good and dutiful a son." + +"I don't know how any fellow could help being dutiful and affectionate to +such a father as mine, sir," returned Max, his eyes shining. + +By his own desire Max's vacation was spent at home and in its vicinity, +with the occasional variety of a short voyage in his father's yacht, the +_Dolphin_, which gave the lad opportunities for the display of the +seafaring knowledge gained in the past two years, and adding to it from +his father's store of the same, under that father's instruction. + +They were generally accompanied by the whole Woodburn family, always by +Lulu and Grace, Grandma Elsie, Rose, Walter, and Evelyn Leland. + +Thus the weeks flew by very enjoyably and on swift wings, and the time +came for Max's return to Annapolis. So the _Dolphin_ was headed for that +port and presently steamed away again, leaving the lad behind with a +rather sad heart at the thought that years must pass before he could again +spend even a brief season under his father's roof. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +It is summer again, the summer of 1893, for two years have passed away +since the occurrence of the events related in our former chapter. There +have been few changes among our friends at Ion, Woodburn, and the other +plantations belonging to the family connection, except such as time brings +to all. The elder ones seem scarcely any older, but the younger ones are +growing up. Elsie's sons, Harold and Herbert, are now practising +physicians, still making their home at Ion, but having an office in a +neighboring village; Rosie has attained her twentieth year and entered +society; but Walter is still one of Captain Raymond's pupils, as are Lulu +and Grace, now blooming girls of fifteen and seventeen, their father's joy +and pride and as devotedly attached to him as ever. + +Max is still a cadet in the Naval Academy, pursuing his course there in a +manner altogether satisfactory to his father and friends. The captain +thinks no man ever had a brighter, better son than his first-born, or one +more likely to do good service to his country in his chosen profession. It +seems hard at times, a sad thing to have to do without his boy, yet he +never really regrets that Max has made choice of the naval service as his +life work. He did, however, regret that Max would not be able to go to +Chicago to visit the World's Fair, in which they were all much interested. + +Some of the connection had attended the dedication ceremonies of the +previous autumn, and nearly all talked of going to the formal opening, +appointed for the first of May; among them Grandma Elsie, her father and +his wife, Captain Raymond and his wife and family. The captain's plan was +to go by water--in his yacht--up along the coast to the Gulf of St. +Lawrence, through that up the river of the same name, through the Welland +Canal and round Michigan by the great lakes to Chicago, and he invited as +many as his vessel could well accommodate--including, of course, his +wife's mother and grandparents--to be his guests for the trip. + +The younger gentlemen and their wives all preferred going by rail as the +speedier way, but Mr. Dinsmore, having no longer any business to attend +to, and both he and his wife being fond of the sea and desirous of keeping +with his eldest daughter, accepted the invitation promptly and with +pleasure. + +Mr. Ronald Lilburn, too, having a like taste as to his mode of travel, +and no business engagements to hurry him, availed himself of the +opportunity to make the journey by water. The other passengers were Evelyn +Leland and Rosie and Walter Travilla. + +Something, however, occurred to change their plans, and it was the latter +part of June when they left home for their trip to the North. They had a +pleasant voyage, making few pauses by the way, and reached their +destination on Monday, the second day of July. + +It was early in the evening when the _Dolphin_ neared the White City; the +little ones were already in bed and sweetly sleeping, but all the others +had gathered on deck to catch the first glimpse of the fairy-like scene. +They had passed the mouth of the Chicago River and were steaming on down +the lake. + +"Oh, papa, what is that?" asked Grace, pointing to a bright light in the +water. + +"A lighted buoy," he replied; "a spar buoy with an incandescent lamp of +one hundred candle power. It is a wrought-iron cage at the end of a spar +which is held in place by a heavy cast-iron anchor. You will see another +presently, for there are thirteen between the river and the White City." + +"To warn vessels to keep off shoals?" she asked. + +"Yes," he said, and went on to explain how the electrical current was +supplied, winding up with a promise to take her, and anyone else who +wished to go, to the Electrical Building to gaze upon its wonders, and +also for a ride in the electric launches. "But," he added, "I think there +is nothing you will enjoy more than the sight of the electric lights which +you will get presently in the Peristyle and the Court of Honor." + +"Oh, I am very eager to see it all, papa!" she exclaimed. + +"As we all are," said Lulu. + +"Well, my dears, I think we can all go there at once and spend an hour or +two; all but the little ones, who can be left in the care of their nurse." +He turned enquiringly toward his wife and her mother as he spoke. + +"Oh, yes," said Violet; "they will not be likely to wake, and Agnes will +take good care of them." + +"I think we are all probably ready to accept your invitation with +pleasure, captain," Elsie said. "Surely none of us are fatigued--unless +with lack of exercise." + +"No, surely not," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, "and I, as well as Grace, am +eager to see the beauties of that much talked of Court of Honor." + +"I think we will find some other objects worthy of our attention before we +reach even the Peristyle," remarked Captain Raymond. + +"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Lulu, "there is another of those lights." + +"I am so glad you brought us in the yacht, captain," said Evelyn; "for we +can start out at once to see the sights--not being in the least fatigued +with our long journey." + +"And we have already a beautiful view of water and sky," remarked Grandma +Elsie; "those sunset clouds are certainly lovelier than any work of man's +hands." + +"Yes, mamma; and they are beautifully reflected in the water," said +Violet. + +"But such things can be seen at home," Rosie remarked in a sprightly tone, +"and I propose to give my particular attention to such as are to be found +only in this part of the world and at the present time." + +"What will there be worth looking at before we reach the Peristyle?" asked +Walter, apparently addressing his query to no one in particular. + +It was Captain Raymond who replied, "I hope to be able to point out to you +presently some exhibits worthy of your attention," he said. + +"Oh, yes; the battleship _Illinois_ for one, I suppose." + +"Yes; she will come into sight presently and we will have an outside view +of her. Some day I hope to take all of you who may desire to go on board +to have a look at her internal arrangements." + +"You may put my name into that list, captain," said Mr. Lilburn. "I'm a +bit too auld to take part in a fight, even in a righteous cause, but not +for taking an interest in the means provided for ither folk." + +"And I want to see it, too, though I hardly expect to ever make one of the +crew of such a vessel," said Walter. + +"And we girls will want to visit her also," laughed Rosie, "though I am +very sure no one of us will ever form part of such a crew." + +"Well, as my father has and my brother expects to, I shall be very much +interested," said Grace. + +"Especially as we shall have a retired officer to explain everything to +us," added Lulu with a smiling look up into her father's face. + +He returned the smile, then pointing southward, "Yonder it is," he said, +"still too distant for a critical survey, but a better view will be +afforded us presently, as we pass it." + +As he spoke all eyes turned in that direction. + +"Oh, what a big vessel she is!" exclaimed Grace, as they drew near enough +to obtain a good idea of her size. + +"Yes," returned the captain, "she is a full sized model, above water line, +of our coast line battleships _Oregon_, _Massachusetts_, _Indiana_." + +"Not a real ship, papa?" + +"No; only a model: she is built of brick, on the bottom of the lake, and +merely simulates a man-of-war." + +"Only a model!" repeated Walter. "And how about her guns, sir? are they +real?" + +"Some of them are wood; but there are enough genuine machines on board to +destroy almost anything of ordinary resisting power within three miles +range. But I expect to go more into particulars when we pay our +contemplated visit." + +"I suppose she must have cost a good deal?" + +"One hundred thousand dollars." + +"How much this Fair is costing!" remarked Evelyn. "Do you think it will +pay, captain?" + +"I hope so," he returned cheerfully. "What is worth doing at all is worth +doing well." + +But they were drawing near their port, and there was much on both land and +water to attract their attention. Presently they were in front of the +beautiful Peristyle, gazing in awed admiration upon its grand Arch of +Triumph, its noble colonnade and statuary, and catching glimpses here and +there between its pillars of the beauties beyond. + +It was impetuous Lulu who broke the silence with an exclamation of +delighted admiration and an eager request that they might land at once and +get a nearer view of the fairy scenes that lay before them on the farther +side. + +The other members of their party, old and young, seemed scarcely less +eager, and in a very few moments they were all pacing that grand colonnade +to and fro, and gazing out delightedly now upon the blue waters of the +lake and anon upon the fairy scene--the Court of Honor--on the inner side. +And soon they hurried their steps thitherward. + +"Oh, there," cried Lulu, "is the statue of our great republic! Is she not +magnificent?" + +"She is, indeed!" replied Grandma Elsie. "See in one hand she holds a pole +bearing a liberty cap, in the other a globe, an eagle with outstretched +wings resting upon it; that symbolizes protection, which she has ever been +ready to extend to the oppressed of all the earth." + +"She is a large woman," remarked Walter; "as she should be to adequately +represent our great country. Grandpa, do you know her size?" + +"I saw it stated the other day," replied Mr. Dinsmore. "Her face is +fifteen feet long, her arms thirty feet, forefingers forty-five inches, +and ten inches in diameter. Her cost was twenty-five thousand dollars; the +gilding alone amounting to fourteen hundred dollars; quite an expensive +dress for my lady." + +"But we don't grudge it to her, papa," remarked Grandma Elsie pleasantly. + +"No," he said; "nor anything else the liberty she represents has cost--in +money or in life and limb." + +"But what is her height, grandpa?" asked Rosie; "it should be very +considerable to go with a face fifteen feet long." + +"Sixty-five feet, and the pedestal on which she stands is thirty feet +above water. There is a stairway inside which you can climb one of these +days if you wish." + +All were gazing with great admiration and interest upon the beautiful +statue, though seeing it somewhat dimly through the gathering shades of +evening, when suddenly the electric lights blazed out from all sides, +causing an exclamation of surprise and delight from almost everyone in our +party and from others who witnessed the wonderful and inspiring sight; +words failed them to express their sense of the loveliness of the scene; +that mighty statue of the Republic dominating the eastern end of the +lagoon, that grandly beautiful Macmonie's Fountain at the other, its +Goddess of Liberty seated aloft in her chair on the deck of her bark, +erect and beautiful, with her eight maiden gondoliers plying the oars at +the sides, while old Father Time steered the vessel, his scythe fastened +to the tiller, Fame as a trumpet-herald stood on the prow with her trumpet +in her hand, while in the gushing waters below sported the tritons with +their plunging horses, the terraced fountain still lower with its clouds +of spray showing all the colors of the rainbow, as did that of the smaller +ones to the right and left. + +And what a ravishing sight was that of the Administration Building with +its corona of light, its dome, arches, and angles outlined with those +brilliant lights, as were those of the Peristyle also, and of the grand +structures between--Manufactures, Electricity, and Arts on the north side, +Machinery and Agriculture on the south--and the beautiful fountains +throwing spray of all the colors of the rainbow. + +"What a magnificent sight!" "How lovely!" "How beautiful!" exclaimed one +and another as they moved slowly onward, gazing from side to side. + +"Let us go into the Administration Building," said Mr. Dinsmore. + +All were willing, and they sauntered on toward it, still gazing +delightedly as they went. + +Reaching its doorway they paused for a few moments to look at the statue +of Columbus, represented as landing with the Spanish flag in his hand, and +to listen to the inspiring music of the bands; then passed on into the +interior which they found as artistic and wondrously beautiful as the +outside. + +After feasting their eyes upon the lower part they took an elevator--of +which there were six--and went up to the upper promenade, which they found +also very beautiful, giving lovely views of the surrounding grounds. The +vault of the dome was ornamented with allegorical paintings, some of them +commemorating Columbus' discovery of America. + +Looking out from the promenade under the dome they saw the Ferris Wheel, +upon which they gazed with a good deal of interest. + +"I must have a ride in that," said Walter emphatically, "and mamma, you +will go with me, will you not?" + +"Is it quite safe?" she asked, looking from her father to the captain. + +"Oh, yes," they both replied, Mr. Dinsmore adding, "and I think we will +all want to go once if not oftener." + +"Go where, grandpa?" asked a familiar voice, and turning quickly about +they found Harold and Herbert close at hand. + +Then there was an exchange of joyous greetings, and enquiries were made +concerning some others of the family connection who had come by rail. + +The answer was that some of the little ones were in bed at the hotel where +boarding had been taken by the party, and in charge of the faithful +attendants brought from home, while the older ones were scattered about +the Court of Honor and other portions of the Fair. + +"We have been on the lookout for you," continued Harold, "and only a few +minutes ago discovered the _Dolphin_ lying at anchor down yonder on the +lake. We had hoped you would be here sooner." + +"Yes, we thought we should have been here weeks ago," replied his mother, +"but as the delays were providential we did not fret over them." + +"If you had fretted, mother, it would have been truly surprising, as I +never knew you to do so about anything," Herbert said, smiling +affectionately into her eyes. + +"No, that was never one of her faults," remarked Mr. Dinsmore. + +"No, indeed!" exclaimed Rosie. "But Harold, can you take us to the others? +I am sure it would be pleasanter for us all to be together." + +"I cannot promise certainly," he replied, "but if we walk about the Court +of Honor we will come across each other finally, no doubt, as they will +presently discover the _Dolphin_ and look about here for you." + +"Yes," returned his mother, "they will surely know that we could not +persuade ourselves to go farther to-night than this bewitchingly beautiful +Court of Honor." + +Even as she spoke all were moving toward the elevator nearest them, and in +a few moments they were again strolling along the shores of the lagoon, +gazing with delighted eyes upon the fairylike scene--imposing buildings, +playing fountains, the waters of the lagoon dancing in the moonbeams, and +the pretty crafts gliding over them filled with excursionists whose merry +voices and laughter mingled pleasantly with the music of the bands. + +"Oh, this is just delightful, delightful!" exclaimed Lulu. "Father, dear, +I hope you will let us stay a long, long while." + +"I have not thought of fixing the time for departure yet," returned the +captain, "and if our friends intend to go home in the _Dolphin_, as they +came, there will be a number of voices entitled to a vote on the +question. My wife for one," glancing down fondly upon the beautiful, +graceful lady on his arm. + +"Thank you, my dear," returned Violet. "I certainly feel no desire to +start for home yet, dear and lovely as I esteem it." + +"Oh, here they are!" cried a familiar voice at that instant, and the two +sets of relatives had found each other. Glad greetings and kind enquiries +were exchanged. Then they broke up into little groups and sauntered on +through the beautiful scene till it was time to seek their resting places +for the night, when, after making some arrangements for the sight-seeing +of the next day, they bade good-night and hied them to their several +places of temporary abode. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +"On, we have a lovely view from here!" remarked Lulu as they reached the +_Dolphin's_ deck. "I'm not at all sleepy, papa; can't I sit here for a +while?" + +Grace was saying, "Good-night, papa." + +He returned it with a fatherly caress, then answered Lulu's query. + +"No, daughter; it is long past your usual hour for retiring, and as I want +you to feel fresh and bright for to-morrow's pleasure, you, too, may bid +me good-night and go at once to your berth." + +"Oh, yes, sir, that will be the best, I know," she said, rising promptly +from the seat she had taken, and with a loving look up into his face--for +he was close at her side now. "What a happy thing it is for me that I have +such a kind, wise father to take care of me!" + +"A father whose strong desire it certainly is to make you and all his +children as happy as possible," he said, laying a hand on her head and +looking fondly down into her eyes. "Good-night, daughter, and don't +hesitate to call me if anything should go wrong with you or Grace." + +"Am I also under orders to retire, sir?" asked Violet with a mischievous +smile up into his face, as Lulu bade good-night to the rest of the company +and disappeared down the companion-way. + +"Not from me," he said, pleasantly taking a seat at her side as he spoke. +"Have I not told you many times that my wife does what she pleases? At +least, if she fails to do so it is in consequence of no order from me." + +"No; you have never given me one yet, and I believe I should like you to +do so for once that I may see how it feels," she added with a low, musical +laugh, slipping her hand confidingly into his. + +"Perhaps you might not find it particularly agreeable," he returned, +pressing the little hand tenderly in his. "But just to satisfy you I may +try it one of these days. You are not disappointed in the Fair so far?" + +"No, no, not in the least! Oh, how lovely it is! and what a beautiful view +we have from here! How delighted our little Elsie and Ned will be with it +all to-morrow. I hardly know how to wait for the time to come when I can +see and share their pleasure." + +But now the others were saying good-night and going down to their +state-rooms, and the captain remarked laughingly that he thought the +longed-for time would seem to come sooner if he and she should follow +their good example. + +"So it will," returned Violet, promptly rising and slipping her hand into +his arm. + +She went first to her mother's state-room, and the door being opened in +answer to her gentle rap, "Are you quite comfortable, mamma, dear?" she +asked. "Is there anything I can do or furnish to make you more so?" + +"I am perfectly comfortable and I need nothing but a good night's rest, +Vi, dear," was the smiling response. "Something which I want you to be +taking as soon as possible. We find ourselves here surrounded by so much +that is wondrously enticing to look at, that I fear we will be tempted to +neglect needed rest, and so make ourselves ill." + +"Ah, mamma, you and my husband are of one mind, as usual," laughed Violet, +and then with a tenderly affectionate good-night they parted. + +Both the captain and Lulu retained their old habit of early rising, and +she joined him upon the deck the next morning just as the sun came peeping +above the horizon. + +"Good-morning, papa," she cried, running to him to put her arms about his +neck and give and receive the usual morning caress. "Isn't this a lovely +day? How we shall enjoy it at the Fair--that beautiful Court of Honor is +just like the loveliest of fairylands." + +"With which my eldest daughter is quite familiar, of course," he returned +with amused look and tone, and smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. + +"Well, I think I can begin to imagine now what fairyland may be like," was +her smiling rejoinder. "Papa, mayn't I keep close at your side, going +wherever you go?" + +"That is exactly what I want you to do," he said. "I should be troubled +indeed by losing sight of any one of my children, unless after putting him +or her in the care of someone whom I could implicitly trust." + +"I don't want to be in the care of anyone else, papa," she hastened to +say. + +"But it will be quite impossible to see everything here that is well worth +looking at," he said, "and our tastes may differ greatly in regard to the +things we care to examine." + +"Still I care most of all to be with you, papa. I'm not afraid of getting +lost, because I could easily find my way back to the Peristyle and wait +and watch there for you and the rest, but I want to share in your +enjoyment, and have you share in mine," laying her rosy cheek against his +shoulder and lifting to his, eyes full of ardent affection. + +"That is right," he said, smiling, and patting her cheek. + +"Ah, here come your mamma, Gracie, and the little ones. You are early, my +dear," to Violet as he handed her to a seat, took one at her side, drawing +Grace to his knee for a moment's petting and fondling, then letting her +give place to the younger two, both eagerly waiting for their turn. + +"Yes," Violet replied, "we are all ready for an early start for the Fair." + +"As I expected," he said pleasantly. "I have ordered breakfast to be on +the table an hour earlier than usual, and if our guests appear in season +we will have prayers before eating; so that we may be able to start soon +after leaving the table." + +"Judging by some slight sounds I have heard, I think they are all up and +will join us presently," said Violet. + +"Yes, mamma, I do believe we are all in a great hurry to get to the Fair," +remarked her little Elsie. "Oh, papa, is that it over there where that +arch is with all those pillars on each side of it?" + +"And, oh, papa, what big ship is that?" cried Ned, catching sight of the +_Illinois_. "I like ships, and I want to go there. Can't I?" + +"I intend to take you there one of these days," his father answered. + +Just then the rest of the party came trooping up from the cabin. Morning +salutations were exchanged, family worship followed, and then breakfast, +during which plans for the day were again discussed and further +arrangements made. + +They had scarcely left the table when Harold and Herbert appeared, +bringing further plans and suggestions in regard to the sight-seeing, for +they were anxious to help the newer arrivals--particularly their +mother--to the greatest possible enjoyment of the day. + +After a little discussion it was finally decided that they would go first +to the Ferris Wheel, from which they would have a fine view of the whole +extent of the White City. "Then to the Wooded Island, where we will +probably find enough to keep us busy until dinner time," said Harold; +"perhaps even longer." + +"No matter if it should," said his grandfather; "since we are not hurried +for time, we may as well let all get their fill of everything; and if some +want to tarry longer than others we can break up into smaller parties." + +"Yes, sir, I rather think we will find that the better plan, as our party +is so uncommonly large." + +It was large, but they were congenial and greatly enjoyed being together, +sharing the same pleasures of sight and sound. + +In another half hour they were all on shore enjoying a second view of the +lovely Peristyle and Court of Honor, through which they passed on their +way to the Ferris Wheel, the ride in which they found so delightful that +at the earnest solicitation of little Ned they retained their seats during +a second revolution. Then they left it and walked on to the Wooded Island. + +"I want to take you to the Hunter's Cabin," said Harold. "See, yonder it +is." + +"What! that old log building?" exclaimed his sister Rose, catching sight +of it among the trees. "Who cares to look at such a thing as that?" + +"I do," he returned lightly, "since it is a museum and memorial of Daniel +Boone and Davy Crockett,--two historical characters who were very +interesting to me in my youth,--and also gives one a very good idea of the +manner of life of our Western pioneers forty or more years ago." + +He led the way as he spoke, the others following. They found that the +building consisted of one large room divided by a rope into two +apartments, a public and a private one. There was a broad fireplace such +as belonged to the dwellings of the pioneers of fifty or more years ago; +there were beds and settees made of stretched skins, and skins of wild +animals covered the floor; there were also tin dishes, candles, a stool +made of a section of a log, and such cooking apparatus as was used in the +kind of dwelling represented. + +The cabin was occupied by a hunter who wore long hair and a wide-brimmed +felt hat. + +He was ready to answer questions, many of which were asked by the younger +members of our party, who, as well as their elders, seemed much interested +in this representation of pioneer life in the olden times. + +"Where now?" asked Mr. Dinsmore as they left the Hunter's Cabin. + +"I think Master Neddie here would enjoy a look at the ostriches," remarked +Herbert, with a smiling glance at the rosy, happy face of his little +nephew, who was trudging along with his hand in that of his father. + +"Oh, yes!" cried the child in a tone of eager delight. "I should like to +see them ever so much!" + +"Then if no one objects, that is where we will go," said Harold, and as +the only rejoinders from the other members of the party were those of +assent, he led the way. + +"Is it a very expensive entertainment?" asked Walter soberly. + +"Costs all of ten cents apiece," replied Herbert. "An enormous sum, but +one cannot expect to see Old Abe, General Grant, Jim Blaine, and Grover +Cleveland for just nothing at all." + +"Oh, uncle!" cried little Elsie, "are all those great men there? Oh, no, +of course they can't be--'cause some of them are dead. I know it was dear, +good Mr. Lincoln they called Old Abe, and that a wicked man shot him long, +long ago; and that General Grant was sick and died." + +"That is all true," returned her uncle, "but these fellows still wear +their feathers, and are very much alive." + +"Oh, I know now," laughed the little girl. "You mean the ostrich man has +named some of his birds after those famous men." They were now on the +northern side of Midway Plaisance, and presently reached the enclosure +where the ostriches were. There were twenty-three, full-grown, all from +California. The sight was an interesting one to both the grown people and +the children, and all listened attentively to the remarks of the +exhibitor, delivered in solemn tones, in regard to the habits of the +birds. He spoke of the male bird as most kind and self-forgetful in his +treatment of his mate, or mates, saying it was he who built the nest and +obtained the food; also that he would sit on the eggs in the nest for +sixteen hours at a stretch, while the mother did the same for only eight +hours. He had other things also to tell of the domineering of the female +over the male, which caused some merriment among the ladies and girls of +our party; to the gentlemen also, though they pretended to highly +disapprove. But all laughed together over the ridiculous movements of the +flock in passing from one side of the grounds to another. + +"What do they eat, papa?" asked Ned. + +"Corn, grasses, seeds of various kinds," replied his father. "They swallow +large stones too, as smaller birds swallow sand to help grind up the food +in the gizzard, and, indeed, ostriches have been known to swallow bits of +iron, shoes, copper coins, glass, bricks, and other things such as you +would think no living creature would want to eat." + +"They look very big and strong, papa," remarked the little boy, gazing at +them with great interest. + +"Yes; they are so strong that one can easily carry two men on his back." + +"Is that what they are good for, papa?" + +"That is one thing; and their feathers are very valuable. For that reason +ostrich farms have been established for the raising of the birds, and have +proved very profitable." + +"Don't folks eat ostriches, papa?" asked Elsie. + +"Sometimes a young one; and their eggs are eaten too. They are so large +that each one is about equal to two dozen ordinary hen's eggs; to cook one +they usually set it up on end over a fire, and having first broken a hole +in the top, they stir it with a forked stick while it is cooking. The +shells are very thick and strong and the Africans use them for water +vessels." + +"Do they have nests to lay their eggs in, like our chickens?" asked Ned. + +"They do not take the pains in building a nest that most other birds do," +replied his father, "but merely scoop a hole in the sand. One male usually +appropriates to himself from two to seven females and each hen lays ten +eggs--so it is supposed--all in the same nest, and each egg is stood up on +end." + +"It must take a big, big nest to hold them; such great big eggs as you say +they are, papa!" + +"Yes, and generally there are some to be found lying on the sand outside +of the nest; perhaps laid there by hens who came to lay in it but found +another in possession; one who had got there before them." + +"I have often heard or read that the ostrich leaves her eggs lying in the +sand to be hatched by the heat of the sun," remarked Evelyn. + +"Perhaps she does in those very hot countries," said the exhibitor, "but +not in California; though, as I've been telling you, she makes the male +bird do the most of the setting." + +"Maybe that's because the eggs are all his, but don't all belong to any of +the females," laughed Walter. + +"Perhaps that is it, sir," returned the man. + +"Can they run very fast?" asked Neddie. "I should think they could with +such great long legs." + +"Yes," said his father, "the ostrich is supposed to be able to run at the +rate of sixty miles an hour when it first sets out, but is not able to +keep up that rate of speed very long. And it has a habit of running in a +curve instead of a straight line. It is thus possible for men on horseback +to meet it and get a shot at it." + +"I think it's a great pity to shoot them when they are not even good to +eat," remarked the little fellow in indignant tones. "Besides, they might +save them to grow feathers." + +"Yes," returned the exhibitor, "that's what we're raising them for in +California." + +"Papa, I'd like to have some," said Neddie as they walked away. + +"Some what, son?" + +"Ostriches, papa." + +"About how many?" + +"Couldn't we have an ostrich farm?" asked the little fellow after a +moment's consideration of the question. + +"Well, not to-day, my son," returned his father with an amused look. +"There will be plenty of time to talk it over before we are ready to go +into the business." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +"I think the little folks are getting tired," said Harold. "and yonder on +the lagoon is a gondola waiting for passengers. Shall we take it?" + +Everybody seemed pleased with the suggestion, and presently they were in +the gondola gliding over the water. They found it both restful and +enjoyable. + +It was past noon when they stepped ashore again, and Ned announced that he +was hungry and wanted something to eat. + +"You shall have it, my son," said his father. + +"And suppose we go to the New England Cabin for it," suggested Grandma +Elsie. + +They did so and were served with an excellent repast, handsome young +Puritan ladies in colonial costumes acting as waitresses. + +After satisfying their appetites they visited the other room of the cabin, +which was fitted up as the living room of a family of the olden time. It +had log walls, bare rafters overhead, a tall old-fashioned clock in a +corner, a canoe cradle, a great spinning-wheel on which the ladies, +dressed like the women of the olden times, spun yarn, and gourds used for +drinking vessels. Some of the ladies were knitting socks, some carding +wool, while they talked together, after the fashion of the good, +industrious dames of the olden time they represented. + +Our friends, especially the young girls, were greatly interested and +amused. + +"Suppose we visit some of the State buildings now," said Mrs. Dinsmore, as +they left the cabin. + +"Pennsylvania's in particular, my dear?" returned her husband. "Well, it +is a grand old State; we could hardly do better than to show to these +little great-grandchildren the famous old bell that proclaimed liberty to +this land and all its inhabitants." + +"So I think," she said. "Do not you agree with us, captain?" + +"I do, indeed," he replied; "my older ones have seen the bell, but I want +to show it to Elsie and Ned." + +"It won't hurt any of us to look again at that old relic of the +Revolution," remarked Walter, "and of course we want to see the building." + +So the whole party at once turned their steps in that direction. + +Arrived in front of the building they paused there and scanned the +outside. All pronounced it very handsome. + +"Its front seems to be a reproduction of Independence Hall," remarked Mr. +Dinsmore; "it has its entrances and tower." + +"Yes," said his wife, "I like that and the quarter-circling in of those +front corners; those balconies, too." + +"Is that the State coat-of-arms above the pediment over the front doors, +papa?" asked Grace. + +"Yes," was the reply; "and the statues on the sides are those of Penn and +Franklin." + +Just at that moment two women, evidently from the country, came sauntering +along and halted near our party. + +"What building 's that?" asked one of the other. "It's right nice-lookin', +isn't it?" + +"Yes; and don't you see the name there up over the door?" + +"Oh, yes, to be sure! Pennsylvany! Goin' in, Elmiry?" + +"Of course; that's the thing to do. Do you see? There's the old bell, at +the door there, that they talk so much about. What they make such a fuss +over it fur I don't know; it's ugly as can be and has a great crack in it; +but it's quite the thing to talk about it and say you've seen it; so we +must do like the rest." + +"Yes, I suppose we must, though I don't see why anybody should, any more +than you do," returned her companion. "It's ugly enough and certainly +wouldn't bring first price if 'twas put up for sale. But just see what +handsome fellows those policemen are that's got charge of it! Enough sight +better-lookin' than it is." + +With that the two went nearer, looked the old bell carefully over, then +walked on into the building. While they talked merry, mischievous glances +had been exchanged among the young people of our party. + +"I wonder where they have lived all their days," laughed Walter, looking +after them as they disappeared through the doorway. + +"I hope they are not Americans! I'm ashamed of them if they are!" +exclaimed Lulu. "The very idea of such ignorance!" + +"Descendants of Tories, perhaps," said Rosie, laughing. "Do you know its +story, Elsie? that of the old bell, I mean." + +"Yes, indeed, Aunt Rosie! We've got a picture of it at home, and papa and +mamma, and Lu and Gracie have all told me the story about it--how when +those brave men had signed their names to that paper, it proclaimed +liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; for it +rang out to let the people know they had done it. Oh, papa, please show +me those words on it." + +"Yes," the captain said, "come nearer and you can see and read them for +yourself." + +The little girl obeyed with alacrity, and when she had read the +inscription, "Wasn't it very strange, papa," she said, "that those words +were put on it when nobody knew that it was going to proclaim liberty?" + +"Yes, very strange indeed; and that proclamation has made it a very famous +old bell." + +"Is that the reason why they brought it here, papa?" + +"Yes, for many people will see it here who will never get to Philadelphia +to look at it." + +"I'm glad for them that they can see it," she said with satisfaction. "Do +they ring it when it's at its home in Philadelphia, papa?" + +"No, my child; that great crack you see there has spoiled it for ringing, +but it is highly valued and cherished for what it did in those days when +our fathers had to risk everything to secure freedom for themselves and +their children." + +"They were good and brave men to do it; weren't they, papa?" + +"They were, indeed, and deserve to be kept in loving remembrance because +of their brave deed." + +The rest of the party were standing near listening to the talk between the +captain and his little girl; also regarding the old bell with interest, +though nearly all of them had seen it before. But it was time for them to +move on, for others were coming to view the old relic of Revolutionary +days, and Mr. Dinsmore led the way into the interior of the building, the +rest closely following. + +They went all over it, finding much to admire, and Mrs. Dinsmore expressed +herself as entirely satisfied with the building of her native State. + +From there they went to the Woman's Building, hoping to find in it some, +if not all the relatives who had come with Harold and Herbert to the Fair. +And they were not disappointed, for Zoe and Edward hastened to meet them +immediately on their entrance and led them into the nursery, saying they +had their little ones there with their nurse, and intended leaving them in +that pleasant place for a time while they themselves should be going about +from one building to another. + +"Uncle Horace is here with his wife and children; the Lelands also with +theirs," added Zoe, as she led the way to where were gathered the group of +little folks from Ion and its vicinity. + +Pleasant greetings were quickly exchanged; the children were full of +delight at sight of their relatives, whom they had not seen on the +previous day--Grandma Elsie in especial, for they all loved her dearly. + +But time pressed--there was so much to see--and after viewing with +approval and admiration the arrangements for the comfort of its young +occupants the older people left that apartment for others in the building; +reconciling the little ones to a temporary separation by the promise that +on their return all should go aboard the _Dolphin_ and have their supper +there; for the captain and Violet had given them all a cordial invitation +to do so. + +Taking with them those who were old enough to appreciate and enjoy the +sight, they went into the Gymnasium, which they found furnished with every +kind of machine and mechanical means for developing the muscles and +increasing the strength of both boys and girls. + +There were many children of both sexes engaged in the various exercises, +and with evident enjoyment. Our friends, both older and younger, watched +them for some time with interest. + +Leaving there they visited in turn the court of the Woman's Building, the +main hall, the east vestibule, the library, the Cincinnati parlor, the +invention room, the nursing section, the scientific department, and the +ethnological room. + +All this took a good while, there was so much to see, examine, and admire. + +The ladies showed a deep interest in the various exhibits of needlework, +the embroideries from Siam, table covers and rugs from Norway, and the +dolls dressed as brides; the fine lace-work and wood-carving from Sweden. +There was needlework from France too, and there were large and very pretty +vases from the same country. + +Zoe was much interested in the dainty needlework for infant's clothes, the +beautiful laces and ribbon flowers; and famous paintings reproduced in +silk. + +They found the Italian exhibits also, especially the laces of the +queen,--valued at one hundred thousand dollars,--worthy of particular +attention. Yet perhaps not more so than some from Mexico, including a +lace-edged handkerchief crocheted out of pineapple fibre; and the very +delicately beautiful wood-carving, so delicate as to be called etching. + +There were embroideries and laces from other countries also--Austria, +Spain, Belgium, Ceylon. + +As they came near the exhibit from Germany Lulu exclaimed in an undertone. + +"Oh, papa, what is that woman doing?" + +"We will go nearer and see if we can find out," replied the captain. The +woman sat at a table and they found that she was making bent iron-work +into candle-holders, inkstands, hanging lamps, etc., and it was very +interesting to watch her as she did so. + +There was a good deal of leather work also in Germany's exhibit, shown in +screens and tables. + +But when they had all looked their fill they found it was nearly tea time, +so they hurried back to the nursery, where they had left their little +ones, and soon they were all on the _Dolphin_, where an excellent supper +was awaiting them. + +They were hungry enough to enjoy it greatly. Everyone was weary with the +day's excitement and exertion, poor Grace--still far from strong, though +perfectly healthy--so much so that by her father's advice she went +directly from the table to her bed. + +The others sat for an hour or more upon the deck enjoying a friendly chat +and a view of some of the beauties of both the lake and the Fair; then +were about to bid good-night and return with their little folks and nurses +to their hotel. + +"Wait a little," said the captain. "I am sorry I cannot furnish +comfortable lodgings for the night for so many, but I can take you to the +city, and so shorten your journey by land to your hotel. I have ordered +steam gotten up and we can start in another half hour." + +His offer was received with hearty thanks and the plan carried out to the +great contentment of all concerned. The _Dolphin_ then returned to her old +anchorage. + +Violet had gone down into the cabin to put her little ones in bed and Lulu +promptly seized the opportunity to take possession of the vacated seat by +her father's side. He smiled and stroked her hair with caressing hand. "I +fear my little girl must be very tired with all the standing, walking, and +sight-seeing of the day," he said. + +"Pretty tired, papa, yet I should like to go back to that lovely Peristyle +for an hour or two if you would let me." + +"Not to-night, daughter; as soon as we have had prayers you must go +immediately to bed." + +"Your father is wise, Lulu; I think we are all weary enough to obey such +an order as that," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore. + +"And I found out years ago that papa always knows what is best for me," +returned Lulu cheerfully. "Besides he's so dear and kind that it is just +a pleasure to be controlled by him," she added, laying her head against +his shoulder and lifting to his, eyes full of ardent affection. + +"I agree with you, Lu," said Evelyn, "for in all the years that he has +been my teacher I have always found that he knew what was best for me." + +"Take care, girls, that you don't make my biggest and oldest brother +conceited," laughed Rosie. + +"There's not the least bit of danger. Nothing could make papa that!" +exclaimed Lulu rather indignantly. + +"Hush, hush!" her father said, laying a finger on her lips. "Rosie does +but jest, and your father is by no means sure to be proof against the evil +effects of flattery." + +"I think he is," said Rosie, "and I was only jesting, Lu; so don't take my +nonsense to heart." + +"No, I will not, Rosie; I ought to have known you were but jesting, and I +beg your pardon," Lulu said, and her father smiled approvingly upon her. + +"Cousin Ronald," said Walter, "can't you make some fun for us to-morrow +with your ventriloquism?" + +"Oh, do, Cousin Ronald, do!" cried the girls in eager chorus. + +"Well, well, bairns," returned the old gentleman good-humoredly, "I'll be +on the lookout for an opportunity for so doing without harming or +frightening anyone--unless there might be some rascal deserving of a +fright," he added with a low chuckle, as if enjoying the thought of +discomfiting such an one. + +"Which I don't believe there will be," said Walter, "for everybody I saw +to-day looked the picture of good nature." + +"Yes," said his mother, "and no wonder; the thought has come to me again +and again, when gazing upon the beauties of that wonderful Court of Honor, +especially at night when we have the added charm of the electric lights +and the fountains in full play, if earthly scenes can be made so lovely +what must the glories of heaven be! Ah, it makes one long for the sight of +them." + +"Oh, mamma, don't, don't say that," murmured Rosie in low, tremulous +tones; taking her mother's hand in a tender clasp, for they were sitting +side by side, "we can't spare you yet." + +"The longing is not likely to hasten my departure, dear," replied the +sweet voice of her mother, "and I am well content to stay a while longer +with my dear ones here if the will of God be so." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Lulu, suddenly breaking the momentary silence, "to-morrow +is the Fourth, the glorious Fourth! I wonder what is going to be done here +to celebrate it?" + +"I presume it will be celebrated in much the usual way," replied Mr. +Dinsmore. "To-day's papers say there have been great preparations on the +part of Exposition officials and exhibitors, and that there are to be a +number of patriotic addresses delivered in different parts of the grounds. +Also there will be, without doubt, a great display of bunting, abundance +of fire crackers, the thunder of cannon and so forth." + +"And we, I suppose, will pass the day on shore doing our part in the +business of celebrating our nation's birthday," remarked Rosie. + +"Why, of course," said Walter. "Such patriotic Americans as we are would +never think of neglecting our duty in that line." + +"No, certainly not," replied his mother, with a smile; "we are all too +patriotic not to do our full share to show our many foreign guests how we +love this free land of ours, and how highly we value her liberties." + +"I propose," said the captain, "that we spend the day on shore, first +consulting the morning papers as to where we will be likely to find the +smallest crowd or the best speaker, and after hearing the oration we will +doubtless find abundance of amusement in the Court of Honor and Midway +Plaisance." + +"And perhaps Cousin Ronald can and will make some fun for us," remarked +Walter, giving the old gentleman a laughing, persuasive look. + +"Ah, laddie, you must not expect or ask too much of your auld kinsman," +returned Mr. Lilburn with a slight smile and a dubious shake of the head. + +At that moment Violet rejoined them, the short evening service was held, +and then all retired to rest, leaving further discussion of the morrow's +doings to be carried on in the morning. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +Everybody was ready for an early start the next morning and Harold and +Herbert were waiting for them in the Peristyle. Some time was spent there +and in the Court of Honor, then in the Midway Plaisance. Watching the +crowds was very amusing--the wild people from Dahomey wearing American +flags around their dusky thighs, the Turks, the Arabs, and men, women, and +children of many other nations all in their peculiar costumes, so +different from the dress of our own people. + +Then the hundred thousand flags, very many of our own with their stripes +and stars, and those of perhaps every other nation that has one to +display--were flung to the breeze, while bands from Cincinnati and Iowa, +from Vienna, Suabia, and Arabia had all got together and were playing +Yankee Doodle. + +There were besides many curious bands of Oriental musicians--some of them +making great but futile efforts to play our national airs--producing +sounds that were by no means delightsome to the American ear; not half so +pleasing as the sight of the multi-colored flags decorating the huts and +castles of foreign architecture. + +It turned out to be a day of pleasant surprises. As they neared the end of +the Plaisance they came suddenly and unexpectedly upon Chester and Frank +Dinsmore and Will Croley, the old college mate of Harold and Herbert, whom +none of them had seen since the summer spent together on the New England +coast several years before. + +All were delighted; cordial greetings on both sides were exchanged, and +scarcely were these over when in a lady passing by Grandma Elsie +recognized, with a little cry of joyous surprise, her old time friend and +cousin, Annis Keith. + +"Annis! oh, how glad I am to see you!" she exclaimed. + +"Elsie! my dear, dearest cousin!" cried Annis in return, as they grasped +each other's hands and looked with ardent affection each into the other's +eyes. "Oh, how delightful to have come upon you so quickly! I was +wondering if I could ever find you in all this crowd, and to have fairly +stumbled upon you almost the first thing after leaving the cars is most +fortunate." + +"Yes; for us as well as you, Annis," Mr. Dinsmore said with a smile, +offering his hand as he spoke. "Are you just from Pleasant Plains?" + +"Yes, sir; we left there this morning, and but a moment since stepped off +the train that brought us--nearly all the family of brothers and sisters +with their children." + +"Why, yes, to be sure, here are Mildred and the doctor and--well, really +Charley,"--shaking hands with Mildred and her husband--"I will have to be +introduced to all these younger folks." + +There was quite a crowd of them--young, middle-aged, and elderly, for the +families had been increasing in numbers, the younger ones growing in size, +and all in years. + +All wanted to be together for a time, the older ones to be able to talk +freely of absent dear ones and other family matters, the younger to make +acquaintance with each other. + +"Suppose we take a car in the Ferris Wheel," suggested Harold Travilla; +"we can then have a ride, a grand view of the Fair grounds, and a chat, +all at one and the same time." + +Everyone seemed to favor the proposition and without further discussion +they all started in that direction. + +Arriving at the place they climbed a broad stairway very much like the +approach to an Elevated station. + +"This way, ladies and gentleman," said a man in a blue coat, pointing to a +doorway between two knotted beams, and they passed into a sunshiny room +with two rows of chairs at each side. There were windows all about it +barred with iron. + +"This is one of the cars," remarked Captain Raymond, in answer to an +enquiring look from Annis, and he and the other gentlemen of the party +busied themselves in seeing the ladies comfortably seated, then took +possession of chairs as near them as might be. + +Other people were coming in, and in a very few moments the car was in +motion, the click of a latch having told that they were locked in. + +Some of our party who were trying the wheel for the first time looked a +trifle pale and alarmed as the movement began, and one or two of the girls +asked low and tremulously if it were certainly quite safe. + +"Yes, I am entirely sure of that," replied Harold with his pleasant smile; +"but don't look out of the windows just yet." + +"You are not at all frightened, I see," said Chester Dinsmore in a low +tone to Lulu, having contrived to secure a seat close at her side. + +"Oh, no, indeed!" she returned. "This is my second trip and I hardly felt +at all timid even the first time, because my father had assured us it was +perfectly safe, and I have entire confidence in his opinion and his word." + +"I don't know any man whose word or opinion I would be more ready to +take," returned Chester, giving her a look that seemed to say he would be +no less willing to take the captain's daughter, were the opportunity +afforded him. + +But Lucilla did not notice the look, for she was already gazing out of the +window and thinking of nothing but the prospect from it. + +"Oh, look, Chester!" she said eagerly, "This gives us such a grand view of +the Plaisance. It is the second time our party have made this trip--no, +not that--the second time we have been in these cars; we went round twice +that day, and I hope will go at least as often to-day. Presently, when we +get to the highest part the people down below will look like the merest +black dots and the houses like toy ones." + +"Yes," he returned, "it is a trip worth taking. I should not have liked to +miss it." + +"Nor should I," said Lucilla. "I think of asking papa to bring us here +several times more." + +"In that case I hope I may be permitted to be one of the party every time, +for it is a fine sight indeed." + +"Are you and Frank new arrivals?" she asked. + +"Yes, we got into the city last evening. We would have hunted up your +party at once, but did not know just where to look for you." + +"We are making the yacht our home," she returned, "and it is anchored for +the greater part of the time at no great distance from the Peristyle. We +spend our nights on it, but so far our days have been passed in visiting +different parts of the Fair." + +"And you haven't seen everything in it yet?" he queried laughingly. + +"No, indeed! I heard someone estimate the other day that it would take +more than forty years to do that." + +"And in a few months the vast majority of the sights will be withdrawn," +he said with a half sigh; "so we will have to content ourselves with +seeing a few of such things as interest us most. How long will you stay?" + +"I don't know; that depends upon the decisions of the higher powers; in +other words of the older people. How long do you?" + +"Perhaps two or three weeks. It will depend probably upon how we enjoy +ourselves." + +"Then you will be likely to stay a good while, I think," she returned. +"There! we are at the top of the wheel, and is not the view magnificent?" + +They made the circuit a second time, then seeing that very many people +were awaiting an opportunity to fill their places in the car, they vacated +them and wandered elsewhere about the Fair grounds for a little. + +Then Grandma Elsie expressed a desire to visit the building of her native +State--Louisiana--and invited all in the party to go with her and dine +there as her guests. All accepted the invitation with apparent pleasure +and immediately turned their steps thitherward. + +"Where is it?" someone asked, and Harold answered: "At the northern curve +of the horseshoe formed by the State sites around the Fine Art Galleries +and just west of the Missouri building. It is not a long walk." + +"Ah," exclaimed Grandma Elsie when they caught sight of their destination, +"see those trees in front laden with moss from our Southern bayous! The +sight almost carries one back to the old days at Viamede." + +"Yes; that and the foliage generally, which is of the tropical order," +remarked her father in reply; "see, the cacti are conspicuous. And I like +the simple style of the building with its galleries and verandas." + +"And the site is a fine one," remarked the captain, "not far from the +cable car entrance and fronting the Art Palace." + +"Shall we dine first and then look at the exhibits?" asked Grandma Elsie. +"I want to give you all a real Southern dinner, hoping it may prove +agreeable to your palates." + +"I presume we can stand it for once, mother dear," returned Herbert, and +the rest of the party seemed equally willing. + +They passed in and were presently regaling themselves with gumbo soup, +opossum, and various other dishes peculiar to the part of the country +represented by the building and its appurtenances, being served by cooks +and waiters directly from the plantations of the river country. + +Then, having satisfied their appetites, they spent some time in examining +the relics on exhibit in the building. + +One of these was a picture of the Madonna by Raphael. There was also an +exhibition of carvings done by women, which excited both admiration and +surprise, and in one of the rooms was some richly carved furniture from +the State museum at Baton Rouge, which had once belonged to Governor +Galvez. + +They went next to the Florida building, which was a reproduction of old +Fort Marion, whose foundations were laid in 1620, the year of the landing +of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts. + +The captain mentioned that fact, then asked: "Do you know, Grace, how long +that fort was in building?" + +"No, papa," she replied, "can you tell us?" + +"It took one hundred and fifty years of toil by exiles, convicts, and +slaves to construct the heavy walls, curtains, bastions, and towers of +defence. Its bloodiest days were more than a century before our Civil War, +in which it did not take a very prominent part." + +"Where are the curtains, papa?" asked little Elsie. "I don't see any." + +"It is the name given to that part of the rampart which connects the +flanks of two bastions," replied her father. + +"And it was here that the Apaches were imprisoned," remarked Walter. + +"Yes," returned his mother, "and a most gloomy prison it must have proved +to them, used as they were to the free life of the mountains, prairies, +and forests." + +Some little time longer was spent in viewing the tropical plants and trees +that adorned the exterior of the fort, then they passed inside and +examined the many beautiful things to be seen there. + +Their next visit was to the headquarters of the State of Washington, +where they were much interested in the display of her native woods and the +rockery built of native ores, showing pure streaks of gold and silver, so +illustrating the mineral wealth of the State. + +"Where next?" asked Mr. Dinsmore as they passed out. + +"Papa, I'm so tired," little Elsie was saying at the same moment, in a low +aside to her father. + +"I, too," added Ned, overhearing her. "Please can't we take a ride now?" + +"Surely," said Grandpa Dinsmore, overhearing the request. "I invite you +all to try an electric boat on the lagoon." + +No one seemed disposed to decline the invitation; some time was spent on +the water, then on the Intramural Railway. After that the whole party, at +the invitation of Violet and the captain, went aboard the yacht, still +lying in the lake at no great distance from the Peristyle, and partook of +a supper which was no unpleasant contrast to the enjoyable dinner with +which Grandma Elsie had provided them. + +The little folks were ready for bed, on leaving the table; the older ones +rested for a time on the _Dolphin's_ deck, chatting together while +enjoying the sunset, then they returned to the Court of Honor, to revel in +its beauties as seen by the witchery of the electric light. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +Morning found them all rested, refreshed, and eager to spend another day +amid the beauties of the Fair. They started early, as on the previous day, +found Harold and Herbert with the other young gentlemen friends waiting +for them in the Peristyle, spent a little time enjoying its beauties and +the never wearying view it afforded of the lake on the one side, and the +Court of Honor on the other, then at the earnest solicitation of the +little ones they again entered an electric launch and glided swiftly along +the quiet waters of the lagoon. + +"Let us go to the Transportation Building," proposed Rosie as they landed +again. "I want to see that golden doorway, and have not the least +objection to passing through it and examining things inside." + +"As no one else has, I presume," said her grandfather. "No doubt we shall +find a great deal there worthy of examination." + +"Yes, sir; much more than we can attend to in one visit," replied Harold, +leading the way, as everyone seemed well pleased to carry out Rosie's +suggestion. + +They had heard and read of the beautiful golden doorway and viewed it with +interest and satisfaction. + +"It is very, very beautiful," said Grandma Elsie, "a nest of arches +covered with silver and gold." + +"And that border is lovely, lovely!" exclaimed Rosie; "such delicate +tracery!" + +"Papa, is it solid gold?" asked little Elsie, who was clinging to her +father's hand on one side, while Ned had fast hold of the other. + +"No, daughter," the captain replied, "not solid, though there is a good +deal of both gold and silver covering the other and cheaper materials." +Then he called her attention to a relief on the left side of the arch, +showing an ox-cart with its clumsy wheels dragging slowly along through +heavy sand, the travellers in it looking most uncomfortable. + +"That, children," he said, "is the way people used to travel years ago +when I was a little fellow, such as you are now, Neddie boy; and +this"--going to the other side of the arch and pointing to the contrasting +relief--"shows how we travel now. See, it is a section of a palace-car; +some of the people reading, others gazing from its plate-glass windows, +and a porter serving them with luncheon." + +"Yes, papa; that's the way we travel when we don't go in the _Dolphin_ or +in our carriage, and it's a great deal nicer than that ox-cart," said +Elsie. + +"Oh, papa, there are some words up there!" exclaimed Ned, pointing up to a +higher part of the arch. "Please read them." + +"I will, son," replied the captain, "though I think you are hardly old +enough to fully understand them. This"--pointing it out--"was written by +Macaulay, of whom you will learn more when you are older: 'Of all +inventions, the alphabet and the printing-press alone excepted, those +inventions which abridge distance have done the most for civilization.' +This other is by Lord Bacon: 'There are three things which make a nation +great and prosperous: a fertile soil, busy workshops, and easy conveyance +for men and goods from place to place.' Those words are put upon this +building because in it are shown the different modes of travel in +different countries--on the sea also--at different times." + +They stood for some little time longer examining into the details of that +wondrously beautiful doorway, noticing the splendor of the arches and +pylon, the stairway on each side, the roof of the pavilion and all the +other beauties. + +"It is very beautiful, and a great satisfaction to have seen it," remarked +Mr. Dinsmore at length, "but perhaps it would be as well for us to go on +into the inside of the building now, reserving further examination of this +golden doorway for some future time." + +With that he passed in, the others following. + +Many of the exhibits there were more interesting to the older members of +the party, especially the gentlemen, than to the ladies and younger +people; locomotives and trains of cars such as were in use at different +periods of time, showing the vast improvement in their construction since +steam was first put to that use, models of vessels teaching the same +lesson in regard to increased convenience and comfort of travel upon the +water. + +"Oh, there is the _Victoria_--that grandest of battleships, sunk only the +other day in collision with her sister ship, the _Camperdown_!" exclaimed +Herbert. "See what a crowd of men and women are gazing upon it!" + +"Oh, yes," said Rosie, "I remember reading a description of it in the +papers. One of England's finest battleships, was she not?" + +"Yes," said Captain Raymond, drawing near and examining the model with +interest; "she was a grand vessel, the pride of the British navy. I should +like to have seen her and am glad to have the opportunity to examine even +a model. Ah, what a sad accident it was! especially considering that it +sent to the bottom of the sea her entire crew of nearly four hundred men +and officers." + +"Oh, it was dreadful, dreadful!" said Grace in tearful tones. "Especially +because they had no time to think and prepare for death." + +"Yes, that is the saddest part of all," sighed Grandma Elsie. + +Our friends presently moved on, and all, from Grandpa Dinsmore down to +little Ned, found many objects that interested them greatly. But the most +attractive thing of all to the young folks--because of the story connected +with it--was Grace Darling's boat. It was the captain who pointed it out +to his children. + +"Who was she, papa? and what did they put her boat here for?" asked little +Elsie. + +"She was the daughter of William Darling, the lighthouse keeper on +Longstone, one of the Fame Islands." + +"Where are they, papa?" + +"In the North Sea, on the coast of Northumberland, the most northern +county of England. They form, a group of seventeen islets and rocks, some +of them so small and low-lying as to be covered with water and not visible +except when the tide is low; and the passage between them is very +dangerous in rough weather. + +"Two of the islands have each a lighthouse, and it was in one of those +that Grace Darling and her father lived. + +"In 1838 a vessel called the _Forfarshire_ was wrecked among those +islands. William Darling, from his lighthouse, saw it lying broken on the +rocks, and sixty-three persons on it in danger of drowning. His daughter +Grace, a girl of twenty-two, begged him to go and try to rescue them. It +was a very dangerous thing to attempt, but he did it, she going with him. + +"Both father and daughter were very strong and skilful, and by exerting +themselves to the utmost they succeeded in saving nine of the poor wrecked +creatures who were crouching there on the rocks in momentary expectation +of being washed off by the raging waves and drowned. They bore them safely +to Longstone." + +"And that made Grace Darling famous," remarked Lulu. + +"Yes," said her father. "Many people, many of the great and wealthy, went +to see the brave girl who had thus risked her own life to save others, and +they heaped upon her money and valuable presents; so that she was no +longer poor. But she did not live long to enjoy the good things bestowed +upon her. She died of consumption about four years after her famous +adventure." + +"What a pity, papa! wasn't it?" + +"For those who loved her, yes; but not for her, if she was ready for +heaven. Do you think it was?" + +"No, sir, 'cause it is the happy land where Jesus is, and nobody is ever +sick or sorry or in pain. But I don't want to go there yet; I'd rather +stay a good while longer here with you and mamma." + +"I want you to, darling, if such be God's will," he returned low and +tenderly, bending down to press a fatherly kiss on her round, rosy cheek. +"Your father would hardly know how to do without his little Elsie." + +She looked up into his face with shining eyes. "We love each other, don't +we, papa?" she said with satisfaction. "Mamma too, and brothers and +sisters, and grandma, and--oh, all the folks." + +"Where now?" asked Grandma Elsie as they left the Transportation Building. + +"I want to show you the German castle," answered Harold. "It is here on +the Midway Plaisance, and is a reproduction of a castle of the middle +centuries. It is viewed by most people who have read of moat-surrounded +castles with great curiosity and interest." + +"There is a German village connected with it, is there not?" she asked. + +"There is, mamma, and I think you will all enjoy looking at both it and +the castle." + +"Oh, I am sure we shall if it is a faithful reproduction of the old +castles of feudal times that we have read of!" exclaimed Rosie. + +"It is said to be," returned Harold, "and is considered very curious and +interesting." + +"Is there a moat about it, Uncle Harold?" asked Grace. + +"Yes; and a drawbridge and portcullis." + +"Oh, what is that?" asked little Elsie. + +"A framework of timbers crossing each other, pointed on the lower edge +with iron and hung by chains in grooves in the chief gateway of the +castle, so that on the sudden appearance of an enemy it could be let down +to keep him out more quickly than the drawbridge could be raised to +prevent his crossing the moat, or the gates shut." + +"And what is a moat?" + +"A ditch or canal. But you shall see one presently, and a portcullis +also." + +"Oh, I'm so glad we came here to the White City!" cried Elsie, skipping +along by her father's side; "it's so lovely and there are so many curious +things to see." + +"Yes, it is a pleasant way of gaining knowledge; pleasanter than learning +lessons and reciting them to papa; is it not, daughter?" asked the +captain, smiling down into the bright little face. + +"Yes, sir; but that's not a hard way, either, 'cause my papa is so kind, +and loves me and makes the lessons easy." + +They soon reached the castle, crossed the moat by the drawbridge, passed +through the arched gateway, under the portcullis, the young folks, and +indeed the older ones also, gazing at it with much curiosity, and entered +a spacious hall, the walls of which were hung with bows and ancient +weapons, and armor such as was worn by warriors of feudal times. + +From the hall was an entrance to a museum, where were shown many articles +interesting as having belonged to those old times when the homes of +knights and barons were such castles as this. + +When they had looked their fill at all these they left the castle for the +village surrounding it, which consisted of reproductions of very old +German houses with small porticos and sharp gables. + +These covered three or four acres of ground and were built around a court, +in the centre of which was a music stand where a band of twenty musicians, +in white uniforms and military caps, were almost constantly playing upon +their instruments, making such delightful music that crowds of people +flocked to hear them. + +Our friends enjoyed it greatly, and for a time did nothing but stay there +and listen while watching the players and the crowd. + +But the children began to show signs of weariness and the captain, Violet, +Grandma Elsie, and several of the others rose and moved on with them into +a cottage which stood in the back part of the grounds. + +It was a picturesque-looking building and there were a number of Germans +in and about it, many of them evidently sight-seers like our friends. It +was furnished in truly German style, with quaint old-fashioned mantels, +holding old pieces of bric-a-brac, and quaint dishes and cabinets hanging +on the walls. + +One room on the left as they entered seemed to be attracting particular +attention, and they presently turned to it, paused an instant at the open +door, then walked in, the captain and Violet with their two little ones +leading the way. + +The principal objects in the apartment were two wax figures, life size, +representing a man and woman seated at a table apparently dining +together. + +Our party stood for a moment silently gazing, then Mr. Lilburn and Walter +Travilla followed them into the room, though hardly seeming to belong to +their party. + +Catching sight of the figures at the table, Walter nudged the old +gentleman, gave him a significant, laughing glance, then stepping forward +addressed the waxen man in a serious tone as though he thought him a +living person. + +"Excuse me, sir, but I am a stranger here and would like to ask a little +information in regard to what may be seen that is really worth looking +at." + +At that there was a general laugh among the other spectators, and an +exchange of glances that seemed to say he must be either very blind or +extremely simple. + +Walter did not seem to notice, however, but went on: "Are the upper floors +open to visitors, sir? and are there refreshments served there, or in any +other part of the building?" + +At that the laugh among the people in the room and about the doorway grew +louder,--it seemed so good a joke that anyone should take those wax +figures for living people--and a burly German, taking pity on Walter's +stupidity, said; "Mine frient, dose vos vax beobles, ha, ha, ha! dey don't +can't say nodings." + +With that the laughter grew louder, and another German, evidently +good-naturedly desirous to relieve Walter's embarrassment, spoke, turning +as he did so to the first speaker: + +"Dat vasn't no sign de young shentlemans vas dumb; he don't can't help it; +he t'ot dey vas life beoples." + +"Nefer you mine dose silly fellows, young shentleman, dey doan' know +noddings." + +The words seemed to come from the lips of the waxen man, and struck the +crowd with astonishment. "I would tell you vat you vants to know," he +added, "but I pees von stranger in dose barts mineself." + +Then the woman seemed to speak: "Come to de dable, mine frient, and eat +somedings mit us." + +"Thank you, very much," returned Walter, "you are most kind and +hospitable, but I cannot think of intruding upon your hospitality." And +with a bow directed toward her and her spouse, he turned and left the +room, the rest of his party following and leaving the little crowd of +Germans gazing at each other and the waxen figures in wide-eyed, +open-mouthed astonishment. + +"Papa," complained little Ned as they left the German quarter, "I'm so +tired and sleepy." + +"Hungry, too, papa's boy, aren't you?" was the kindly enquiring rejoinder. +"Well, papa will take you back to our floating home, and leave you there +with your nurse to be fed and have a good, long nap. I think Elsie would +like to go too. Wouldn't you, daughter?" + +The little girl gave a glad assent, and arranging with his wife and older +daughters where to meet them on his return, the captain set off with the +two little ones for the _Dolphin_. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +Captain Raymond was not gone very long, and on his return found the others +sitting quietly listening to the music of the German band. But they were +ready to go at his invitation and test the excellence of the fare to be +obtained at the Woman's Building. + +"There are _cafes_ at each end of the roof covered with Oriental awnings," +he said, "and surely we may expect as good fare at a woman's establishment +as anywhere else." + +"I think we certainly should," said Rosie in a sprightly tone; "and there +must be a lovely view or views from that roof and the loggias." + +"Doubtless," returned the captain, "and though we visited all the lower +apartments of the building the other day, we did not go up to the roof; so +that a visit to it will have for us the charm of novelty." + +"Yes," said Grandma Elsie; "let us go by boat up the lagoon. Gracie looks +as if she needed a rest from walking, and I confess I should not object to +it myself." + +The words had scarcely left her lips before Harold had signalled a boat, +and the whole party was presently seated in it. + +A short but delightful row brought them to the landing in front of the +Woman's Building, and climbing the stone stairway that led up to the +terrace, they passed through the triple-arched colonnade that led into the +interior of the building, nor paused till they had reached one of the +_cafes_, where they might rest and also satisfy their appetites with the +good things abundantly provided. + +Those important matters duly attended to, some minutes were given to the +enjoyment of the fine views to be obtained from the loggias, and looking +at the statues of Miss Rideout, representing Sacrifice, Charity, Virtue, +and Wisdom. They then spent a short time over the exhibit in the lower +part of the building; and there Captain Raymond and Lucilla met with a +pleasant surprise in coming suddenly and unexpectedly upon Mr. Austin and +his son Albert, the English gentleman whose acquaintance they had made in +their visit to Minersville some years before. + +The pleasure was evidently mutual; very hearty greetings were exchanged, +then Captain Raymond introduced his accompanying friends, and Mr. Austin a +daughter who was with him. + +A few moments were spent in conversation, in the course of which an +invitation was extended to the Austins to take supper upon the yacht that +evening, and they parted for a time; the Austins having an engagement to +meet some friends in the meanwhile in another part of the Fair. + +"Shall we go now to the Electrical Building?" asked Captain Raymond, +addressing his party, and receiving a hearty assent from all, he led the +way. + +They found much in the building to greatly interest them; great electric +lenses used in lighthouses, the Edison electric column--covered with five +thousand electric globes--and many other wonderful things; a beautiful +scene in the daytime, but far more gorgeous at night, as they readily +perceived that it would be; so they decided to pay a second visit after +the lighting up that evening. Still their present visit was so prolonged +that on leaving they found it time to return to the yacht. They met the +Austins again at the Peristyle, and took them on board in the first boat +load. + +The guests were numerous, including all the cousins from Pleasant Plains, +and the three young gentlemen friends--Chester and Frank Dinsmore and Will +Croly. The meal to which they presently sat down, though Captain Raymond +had called it supper, was an excellent dinner of several courses, and +enlivened by pleasant chat, proved most enjoyable to the entire company. + +At its conclusion they adjourned to the deck. A pleasant air was stirring, +the sun drawing near his setting, the western sky glowing with brilliant +hues, while the sounds of life on water and land came softly to the ear. + +The young people formed one group, the older ones another, conversing +among themselves, mostly in rather subdued tones. + +"You have hardly been in America ever since I saw you last?" Lucilla said +enquiringly, addressing Albert Austin. + +"Oh, no; we went home shortly upon bidding you good-by after our brief +acquaintance in Minersville," he replied; adding, "And I presume you had +very nearly forgotten us?" + +"No," she said; "we have spoken of you occasionally,--papa, Max, and +I,--and I recognized your father the moment I saw him to-day; you also, +though I am not sure that I should have done so had you been alone; for of +course you have changed much more than he has." + +"Not more than you have, Miss Raymond," he returned with a look of +undisguised admiration; "yet I knew you instantly, though I saw you before +I perceived that the captain made one of the company you were in." + +"Indeed!" she said with a merry little laugh. "I am afraid I hoped I had +grown and improved more than that would seem to imply." + +"But you are still as proud as ever of being an American, and as proud of +your Stripes and Stars?" he remarked enquiringly and with an amused smile. + +"Yes, most emphatically, yes," she replied, lifting her eyes to the flag +floating overhead, "I still think it the most beautiful banner ever flung +to the breeze." + +"And I suppose--from its constant display here, there, and +everywhere--that that must be the idea of Americans in general," remarked +Miss Austin in a slightly sneering tone. "I must say I have--naturally, I +suppose,--a far greater admiration for England's flag, yet I should not +want to see it so ostentatiously displayed on all occasions as yours is." + +Lucilla colored, but was silent, fearing she might speak too warmly in +defence of her favorite banner should she attempt a reply; but Chester +took it up. + +"Miss Austin must remember," he said, speaking in calm, polite tones, +"that ours is a very large country, to which immigrants from other lands +are constantly flocking; and they, as well as the ignorant among +ourselves, need to have constantly kept before them the fact that we, +though spread over so many States, form but one nation; for otherwise our +Union could not be maintained; we must continually impress upon all our +people that this one glorious nation is never to be separated into parts; +and the flag is the emblem of our Union; a symbol that is unmistakable; +and so it is displayed as the chief glory of our nation; and therefore we +love it and cannot see too much of it." + +Even as he spoke the sun neared the horizon, all on the _Dolphin's_ deck +rose to their feet, and as he sank out of sight, the firing of a gun from +the _Illinois_ announcing the fact, saluted the flag as, at the same +moment, it came fluttering down from its lofty perch. + +"Thank you, for your explanation, Mr. Dinsmore," Miss Austin said +pleasantly, as they resumed their seats; "it has given me an entirely new +view of the matter, so that I now think you Americans are quite right in +your devotion to your flag, and your constant display of it. And this +Fair," she went on, "is wonderful--the White City a perfect fairyland; +especially at night, with its blaze of electrical lights and its many +colored electric fountains." + +"So we all think," said Harold Travilla. "Have you been in the Electric +Building yet?" + +"Not yet," she replied, and her brother added: "But we intend going. The +evening is the best time for a sight of its wonders, I presume?" + +"Yes; we have planned to go to-night, and would be glad to have you +accompany us." + +The invitation, overheard by the older people and cordially endorsed by +the captain, was promptly accepted by the three Austins, and as the shades +of evening began to fall, all but the little ones, already in their nests, +returned to the shore and were presently in the Electrical Building, +enjoying to the full its magical splendor. + +Croly was devoting himself to Rosie Travilla, Frank Dinsmore endeavoring +to make himself useful and entertaining to Grace Raymond and Evelyn +Leland, while his brother and Percy Landreth, Jr., vied with each other +and Albert Austin in attentions to Lucilla, leaving Miss Austin to the +charge of Harold and Herbert, who were careful to make sure that she +should have no cause to feel herself neglected. + +They spent some time in viewing the marvels of the Electric Building, +finding the lights giving it a truly magical splendor not perceptible by +day. It seemed full of enchantment, a veritable hall of marvels; they were +delighted and fascinated with the glories of the displays, and lingered +there longer than they had intended. + +On passing out, the party broke up, the Austins bidding good-by and going +in one direction, Croly carrying off Rosie in another, the Pleasant Plains +people vanishing in still another. + +"Will you take a boat ride with me, Lucilla?" asked Chester in a rather +low aside. + +"If the rest are going," she returned laughingly. "I'm such a baby that I +cling to my father and don't want to go anywhere without him." + +"You mean the captain does not allow it?" Chester said enquiringly, and +with a look of slight vexation. + +"Oh," she laughed, "I'm not apt to ask for what I don't want, and I never +want to be without papa's companionship." + +"Humph! I had really labored under the delusion that you were grown up." + +"Does that mean, ready to dispense with my father's society? In that case +I don't mean ever to be grown up," she returned with spirit. + +"Well, really!" laughed Chester, "if I am not mistaken, my sisters +considered themselves about grown up, and altogether their own mistresses +when they were no older than you are now; though, to be sure, I don't +profess to know your age exactly." + +"You may look at the record in the family Bible the next time you visit +Woodburn, if you care to," Lucilla said, with a careless little toss of +her head. "Yon will find the date of my birth there in papa's handwriting, +from which your knowledge of arithmetic will enable you to compute my +present age." + +"Thank you," he said, laughing, but with a look of slight embarrassment, +"I am entirely satisfied with the amount of knowledge I already possess on +that subject." + +"Ah, what subject is that upon which you are so well informed, Chester?" +queried Captain Raymond pleasantly, overhearing the last remark, and +turning toward the young couple. + +"Your daughter's age, sir. I invited her to take a ride with me upon the +lagoon, in one of those electrical launches; but find she is but a young +thing and cannot leave her father." + +"Ah?" laughed the captain, "then suppose we all go together." + +"Willingly, sir, if that will suit her better," answered Chester, turning +enquiringly to Lucilla. + +"I think nothing could be pleasanter," she said, and the others being of +like opinion, they were presently gliding over the waters of the lagoon +intensely enjoying the swift easy movement and the fairylike scenes +through which they were passing. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +It was late when at last all the _Dolphin's_ passengers were gathered in. +The party to which the Raymonds belonged were the first, the young men who +had accompanied them in the electric launch bidding good-night at the +Peristyle, and all had retired to their respective state-rooms before the +coming of the others; all except the captain, who was pacing the deck +while awaiting their arrival. + +His thoughts seemed not altogether agreeable, for he walked with drooping +head and downcast eyes and sighed rather heavily once or twice. + +"Papa dear, what is the matter? Oh, have I done anything to vex or trouble +you?" asked Lucilla's voice close at his side. + +"Why, daughter, are you there?" he exclaimed, turning toward her with a +fatherly smile, then taking her hand and drawing her into his arms, +stroking her hair, patting her cheeks, and pressing a fond kiss upon her +lips. "No, I have no fault to find with my eldest daughter, and yet----" +He paused, gazing searchingly and somewhat sadly into the bright young +face. + +"Oh, papa, what is it?" she asked, putting her arms about his neck and +gazing with ardent affection and questioning anxiety up into his eyes. +"You looked at me so strangely two or three times to-night, and I so +feared you were displeased with me that I could not go to my bed without +first coming to ask you about it, and get a kiss of forgiveness if I have +displeased you in any way." + +"No, daughter, you have not displeased me, but--your father is so +selfish," he sighed, "that he can scarce brook the thought that someone +else may some day oust him from the first place in his dear child's +heart." + +"Oh, papa!" she exclaimed in half reproachful tones, "how can you be +troubled with any such idea as that? don't you know that I love _you_ ten +thousand times better than anybody else in the whole wide world? I just +_love_ to belong to you, and I always shall," she added, laying her head +on his breast and gazing with ardent affection up into his eyes. "Besides, +I am only a little girl yet, as you've told me over and over again, and +must not think about beaux and lovers for at least five or six years to +come; and I'm sure I don't want to think of them at all so long as I have +my own dear father to love and care for me." + +"That is right," he said, holding her close; "I think I can say with truth +that I love my dear daughter much too well ever to intentionally stand in +the way of her happiness, but I feel sure that the best place for her, for +the next six or eight years at least, will be in her father's house, +trusting in his love and care." + +"I haven't a doubt of it, father," she said, lifting loving, laughing eyes +to his, "and really I don't believe Chester or anybody else cares half so +much about me as you do, or wants to get me away from you. I like right +well to laugh and talk with him and the others just as I do with the +girls, but I'm, oh, so glad I belong to you, and will for years to come, +if not always. Yes, I do hope it will be always, while we both live. And +Gracie feels just the same. We had a little talk about it not very long +ago, and agreed that we could not bear to think the time would ever come +when we would have to leave our dear father, and the sweet home he has +made for us, to live with anybody else in the loveliest that could be +imagined." + +"That pleases me well," he said, his eyes shining; "Gracie is no less dear +to me than you are, and so frail that I should be far from willing to +resign the care of her to another. But now, dear child, it is high time +you were resting in your bed; so give me another good-night kiss and go at +once." + +"I will, papa, and are not you going too? for I am sure you must be +needing rest as well as I." + +"Presently," he replied, glancing toward the pier. "I have been waiting to +see the last of our party on board, and here they come." + +Lucilla went to her bed a very happy girl, her heart full of love to her +father and singing for joy in the thought of his love for her. She had a +long dreamless sleep, but woke at her usual early hour and, when morning +duties had been attended to, went noiselessly up to the deck where, as she +had expected, the captain had preceded her by a moment or more. She ran to +him to claim the usual morning caress. + +"You look bright and well, dear child," he said, holding her close for a +moment, then a little further off to gaze searchingly into the smiling, +happy face. + +"As I feel, father," she said, laying her head against his breast. "I went +to sleep last night thinking of all you had been saying to me and feeling +so glad of your dear love and that you want to keep me all your own for +ever so long." Then she added, with an arch look up into his face, "Don't +you think, papa, it will be best for you to have me under eye all the +time wherever we go?" + +"I am not afraid to trust you, my darling," he answered with a smile, "but +of course I want you near me that I may take the very best care of you +always and all the time." + +"Well, then, I'll get and keep just as close to you as I can," she +answered with a merry look and smile. "But, papa----" + +"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked, as she paused and hesitated, as if +fearful that he might be displeased with what she was about to say. + +"I was just thinking,--please don't be vexed with me,--but wasn't Mamma Vi +only nineteen when you married her?" + +"Yes," he said, with a slight smile, "but circumstances alter cases, and I +have changed my views somewhat since then." + +"Yes," she said, reflectively; "she had no father, and it was you she +married, you who know so well how to take care of both her and your +daughters." + +At that her father merely smiled again and patted her cheek, saying. "I am +glad you are so well content with my guardianship." + +He did not think it necessary to tell her of a talk with Violet the night +before, in which he had expressed his determination to keep his daughters +single for some years to come,--certainly not less than five or six,--and +his fear that Chester and one or two others had already begun to perceive +their charms, and might succeed all too soon in winning their affections; +in reply to which Violet had, with a very mirthful look, reminded him how +young she herself was at the time of their marriage, and that he did not +seem to think it at all necessary to wait for her to grow older. + +In answer to that he had laughingly insisted that she was far more mature +than his daughters bid fair to be at the same age; adding that besides he +certainly ought to have gained something in wisdom in the years which had +passed since their marriage. + +"Ah," said Violet giving him a look of ardent affection, "after all I am +glad you had not attained to all that wisdom some years earlier, my dear +husband, for my life with you has been such a happy, happy one. Your dear +love is my greatest earthly treasure, our little son and daughter scarcely +less a joy of heart to me." + +"To me also," he said, drawing her into his arms and giving her tenderest +caresses, "yet not quite so dear as their mother; for you, my love, have +the very first place in my heart." + +"And you in mine," she returned, her eyes dewy with happy tears; "and I +love your daughters dearly, dearly; I could hardly bear to part with them, +and I am glad to perceive that they, as yet, care nothing for beaux, but +are devoted to their father and happy in his love." + +"Yes, I think they are, and fondly hope they will continue to be, for a +number of years to come," was his pleased response. "I have no doubt they +will," said Violet, and there the conversation ended. + + * * * * * + +"More than content, papa; for as I have often said, I just delight in +belonging to you," was Lucilla's glad response to his last remark in that +morning talk. + +"Yes, I know you do, and so we are a very happy father and daughter," he +said. "I often think no man was ever more blest in his children than I am +in mine." + +The talk about the breakfast table that morning was of the places it might +be most desirable to visit that day, and the final conclusion that they +would go first to the battleship _Illinois_, then to the lighthouse and +life-saving station, both near at hand. + +"I am glad we are going aboard a battleship--or rather the model of one, I +presume I should say, and especially in company with a naval officer who +can explain everything to us," remarked Rosie in a lively tone. + +"Yes, we are very fortunate in that," said Mrs. Dinsmore, giving Captain +Raymond an appreciative look and smile. + +"Papa, didn't you say she wasn't a real ship?" asked little Elsie, looking +up enquiringly into her father's face. + +"Yes, my child, but in all you could perceive in going aboard of her she +is exactly like one--a fac-simile of the coast-line battleship _Illinois_, +which is a very powerful vessel." + +"And are her guns real, papa? Mightn't they go off and shoot us?" + +"No, daughter, there is no danger of that. The largest ones are wooden +models, and though quite a number are real and capable of doing terrible +execution, there is not the slightest danger of their being used on us." + +"I'm not one bit afraid of them!" cried little Ned, straightening himself +up with a very brave, defiant air. "Not with papa along, anyhow." + +"No, you needn't be, Ned," laughed Walter, "for most assuredly nobody +would dare to shoot Captain Raymond or anybody under his care." + +"No, indeed, I should think not," chuckled the little fellow, with a +proudly affectionate look up into his father's face. + +"No, nor any other visitor to the ship," said the captain. "We may go +there without feeling the least apprehension of such a reception." + +"So we will start for the _Illinois_ as soon as we are ready for the day's +pleasures," said Violet, smiling into the bright little face of her boy. + +Harold and Herbert joined them at the usual early hour, bringing Chester +and Frank Dinsmore with them, and in a few minutes they were all upon the +deck of the model battleship. + +They were treated very politely and shown every department from sleeping +quarters to gun-deck. They were told that she was steel armor-plated below +the berth-deck, and were shown that above the decks were steel turrets, +through portholes of which deep-mouthed wooden guns projected. Also that +she was fully manned and officered with a crew of two hundred men, who +gave daily drills and performed all the duties required of them when in +actual service on the high seas. + +From the battleship they went to the lighthouse and life-saving station. + +On the plaza in front of the Government Building was the camp of the +life-saving corps. It was neat and pretty, and close beside it was the +model of a government lighthouse. Some of our party went to the top of +that, and all of them viewed the paraphernalia used in the saving of life +when a vessel is wrecked within sight of the shore. Some of them had +already seen it on the Eastern shore, but were sufficiently interested to +care to look at it again, while to the others it was altogether new, as +was the drill through which the company of life guards were presently put, +for both the benefit to themselves of the practice, and the edification of +visitors. + +That over Grandma Elsie asked, "Shall we not, now we are here, go into the +Government Building and look at the military exhibit?" + +"I should like to do so," said Mr. Dinsmore. "In what part of the building +is it, Harold?" + +"The southeastern, sir. I have been in once, and found many things well +worth looking at more than once." + +Harold led the way as he spoke, the others following. + +The first department they entered contained exhibits of metal work, gun +and cartridge-making machines, campaign materials, and battleflags. + +All were interesting to the gentlemen, and to some of the ladies also, but +to the others and the children the battleflags were far more so than +anything else. It was the greatest collection ever seen outside of a +government museum; for they were mementoes of all the wars our country +has passed through since the settlement of Jamestown, Va. + +There were also mountain howitzers mounted on mules, forage wagons, +propeller torpedoes, and every kind of camp appliance, garrison equipage, +pack saddles, etc. Famous relics, too, such as a beautifully carved bronze +cannon captured from the British at Yorktown in 1781, and a great gun +called "Long Tom," with which the privateer _General Armstrong_ repelled a +British squadron off the shores of the Azores in 1814, and many other +souvenirs of American history. + +"'Long Tom,'" repeated little Elsie, gazing curiously at the great gun, +about which some remark had been made a moment before, "I s'pose there's a +story to it. I wish somebody would tell it to Neddie and me." + +"You shall hear it one of these times," said her father, "but not here and +now;" and with that she was content, for papa's promises were sure to be +kept. + +"Don't refrain on my account from telling it here and now, captain," said +Cousin Ronald with a humorous look and smile. "I'm not so patriotic as to +endorse wrong-doing even on the part of Britons." + +"We are all sure of that, sir," returned the captain, "but this time and +place are not the most favorable for the telling of a story of that +length." + +"And grandma will sit down somewhere with the children presently for a +rest, in some quiet place, and tell them the story of the gun should they +wish to hear it," said Mrs. Travilla; and with that promise the children +seemed well content. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +By the middle of the afternoon Grandma Elsie, Grace, and the little ones +were all weary enough to be glad to return to the _Dolphin_ for a rest. + +After a refreshing nap Grace and the children gathered about Mrs. Travilla +and begged for the fulfilment of her promise to tell the story of "Long +Tom," and she kindly complied. + +"The _General Armstrong_ was a privateer, and the fight I am now going to +tell about was one of the most famous of the war of 1812-14," she said. +"The vessel was commanded by Captain Samuel C. Reid, a native of +Connecticut. He went to sea when only eleven years old and was a +midshipman with Commodore Truxton. He was still a young man--only +thirty--when the event of which we are talking occurred. That was on the +26th of September, 1814, in the harbor of Fayal, one of the Azores islands +belonging to Portugal. + +"While lying there at anchor the _Armstrong_ was attacked by a large +British squadron. That was in flagrant violation of the laws of +neutrality. Commodore Lloyd was the commander of the squadron. At eight +o'clock in the evening he sent four large well-armed launches, each manned +by about forty men, to attack the American vessel. + +"The moon shone brightly, and Captain Reid, who had noticed the movements +of the British and suspecting that their design was to attack him, was +getting his vessel under the guns of the castle. Those guns and his own +opened fire at almost the same instant and drove off the launches with +heavy loss." + +"That means a great many men killed, grandma?" queried little Elsie. + +"Yes, dear, a great many of the British; on our side there was one man +killed, and a lieutenant was wounded. But that was not the end of the +affair. At midnight another attack was made with fourteen launches and +about five hundred men. + +"A terrible fight ensued, but at length the British were driven off with a +hundred and twenty killed and one hundred and eighty wounded." + +"That was a great many," commented the little girl. "Did they give it up +then, grandma?" + +"No; at daybreak one of the British vessels, the _Carnation_, made another +attempt. She began with a heavy fire, but the gunners of the _Armstrong_ +fired shots at her so rapidly and so well directed that she was soon so +badly cut up that she hastened to get out of their range. + +"In all this fighting the British had lost over three hundred in killed +and wounded, while only two Americans were killed and seven wounded. But +the _Armstrong_ was a good deal damaged and Captain Reid saw that he could +not stand another fight such as she had just gone through, so he directed +her to be scuttled to prevent her from falling into the hands of the +enemy." + +"Scuttled? What's that, grandma?" asked little Ned. + +"Making holes in the bottom or sides of a vessel, so that the water can +get in and sink her, is called scuttling. It was done to prevent the +British from taking possession of her. After our men had left her, +however, they boarded, and set her on fire." + +"Grandma Elsie," said Grace, "I think I remember reading that that victory +of Reid's--or perhaps I should say successful resistance--had much to do +with the saving of New Orleans." + +"Yes; that British squadron was on its way to Jamaica, where the British +vessels were gathering for the expedition to move against and take New +Orleans, and their object in attacking the _Armstrong_ was to secure her +for themselves and make her useful in that work. Had they succeeded in +taking her they would have reached New Orleans while it was utterly +defenceless, General Jackson having not yet arrived there. But Reid, in +his splendid defence of his vessel, so crippled those of the enemy that +they did not reach Jamaica until fully ten days later than the time when +the expedition was expected to sail from there; Lloyd was waited for and +the expedition thus delayed until Jackson had reached the city and was +making haste with arrangements for its defence." + +"Yes, grandma, I've heard the story about that," said little Elsie; "how +the British tried to take that city and General Jackson and his soldiers +killed so very many of them, and drove the rest away." + +Neddie was looking very grave and thoughtful. "Isn't it wicked to kill +folks, grandma?" he asked. + +"Yes, dear, unless it is necessary to prevent them from killing or badly +injuring us or someone else. The British were terribly abusing our poor +sailors and it was right for our government to fight them, because they +would not stop it until they were forced to do so." + +"But you haven't told about 'Long Tom' yet, grandma," said Elsie; "that +big gun, you know, that we saw to-day." + +"Yes; it was one of those on the _Armstrong_ with which Captain Reid +defended his ship." + +"Weren't the Americans glad when they heard about it, grandma? and didn't +they praise Captain Reid?" + +"Indeed they did! and also made him many handsome presents. The State of +New York thanked him and gave him a sword." + +"Hadn't he afterward something to do with a change in our flag, Grandma +Elsie?" asked Grace. + +"Yes; our flag at first bore thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, and as +new States were admitted another star and stripe were added for each one. +But it was soon found that that was making the flag very large unless the +stripes became narrower and narrower, while there was nothing to show what +had been the original number of States. Captain Reid suggested the plan of +retaining the thirteen stripes to indicate that, and the adding of a new +star every time a new State was admitted, and Congress adopted that plan. +He was certainly a talented man. He invented and erected the signal +telegraphs at the Battery and the Narrows." + +"I'm proud of him, Grandma Elsie!" said Grace, her face lighting up with +enthusiasm. "His defence at Fayal against such overwhelming numbers was +wonderful. And so was Jackson's at New Orleans. England was a great and +powerful nation while ours was but small and weak, but we were in the +right--fighting against dreadful wrongs done to our sailors--and God +helped us to drive away our haughty, powerful foe, and deliver our brave +tars from her unendurable oppression." + +"Yes, dear; and to Him let us ever give all the glory and the praise. Oh, +may our nation always serve God and trust in him! then no foe shall ever +prevail against her." + +"I hope we do, grandma," said little Elsie, "for on a quarter papa gave me +the other day, I saw the words, 'In God we trust.'" + +"Oh!" cried Ned at that moment, "the folks are coming! I see them there on +the Peristyle--papa and mamma, Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore, Lu and the +others." + +"Yes, and the boat is waiting for them," added Elsie "and see, they are +getting in." + +"Oh, I am so glad," said Grace, "though they are earlier than usual." + +"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, "I suppose because it is Saturday evening and +we are all so tired with going and sight-seeing that we need to get early +to bed and rest that we may not be too weary to enjoy the coming Sabbath +day." + +"I 'spect so," said Ned, and running forward as his father and the others +stepped upon the deck, "Papa," he asked, "did you come home soon to get +ready to keep Sunday?" + +"Yes," was the reply; "we all need a good rest that we may be able to +enjoy God's holy day and spend it in his service." + +"Where have you been since we left you, Lu?" asked Grace, as her sister +took a seat by her side. + +"Papa took us to look at the Krupp gun," was the reply. "It is a wonderful +one; weighs two hundred and forty-eight thousand pounds; just think! one +hundred and twenty-four tons! It was certainly a great undertaking to +bring it all the way from Essen, Germany, to Chicago. They told us that at +Hamburg and at Baltimore great cranes were used, one of which could lift a +sixty-five ton locomotive, to lift the gun to the trucks that were to +carry it on the railroad; they had to put eight trucks under it, fastening +two together, then the two pair together, and so on till they had the +eight all well fastened to each other, when they laid the gun on them and +started it off. + +"And only think, Gracie, it takes half a ton of powder and costs one +thousand two hundred and fifty dollars to fire that great gun once. We +saw the steel plate, sixteen inches thick, through which a twelve-inch +shot had been fired. It had cracked the plate and thrown the upper corner +half a yard away. I forgot to say the projectile fired from that gun +weighs a ton, and goes sixteen miles." + +"Oh," cried Grace, "that's just dreadful! I hope there will never be a war +where such terrible guns will be used--never any more at all; but that +very soon, as the Bible says, the people 'shall beat their swords into +plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift +up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.'" + +"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, overhearing her, "that will be a blessed time." + +"Yes, indeed!" said Lucilla. + +"Where else did you go?" asked Grace. + +"Oh, we have been promenading along the lake shore, sitting down now and +then on the seats to watch the many boats of various sorts and sizes, our +own among the rest; and now, here we are to stay for the night, I suppose. +I must, at least, for papa has said so." + +She looked smilingly up into his face as she spoke, for he was now +standing by her side. + +"I think that will be best for each of my children, and hope that my dear +eldest daughter does not feel at all rebellious in regard to the matter," +he said in his pleasant, fatherly way. + +"No, indeed, papa!" she responded heartily, "though the beautiful Court of +Honor is so fascinating--especially at night--that if you had given me +permission to go back there after tea I should have been very glad to do +so." + +"And I should take pleasure in allowing you that gratification if I +thought it best and right." + +"I don't doubt that in the least, papa, and I am very glad to have you to +decide all such questions for me," she replied. + +"Will we go over there, to the Court of Honor, to-morrow, papa?" asked +little Elsie. + +"No, daughter, we must keep the Sabbath day holy, and if we go anywhere it +will be to church." + +"And if we don't, we'll have a meeting here on our own deck as we have on +some other Sundays; won't we, papa?" + +"Yes; and the Lord Jesus will be with us; for he has said, 'Where two or +three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.'" + +"Oh, papa, I shall like to think of that--that the dear Lord Jesus is here +with us--but I do wish I could see him." + +"I too," said little Ned. "Please, papa, sit down now and let your baby +boy sit on your knee a little while. You have been gone so long away from +me." + +"So long, papa's dear boy!" the captain repeated with a smile of fatherly +affection into the bright, coaxing little face, then seating himself, he +took the little fellow in his arms, and petted and caressed him to his +heart's content. "Papa missed his dear little boy," he said, "but hoped he +was having a good time here with dear grandma." + +"Yes, papa, so I was. Grandma's ever so nice, but I want my papa and +mamma, too." + +"That's right, darling! mamma and papa would never know how to do without +their dear baby boy," Violet said, adding her caresses to those of his +father, the captain having taken a seat close at her side. + +"Nor me either, mamma?" asked Elsie, drawing near, putting one hand into +that of her mother and laying the other on her father's knee, her look and +tones a trifle wistful, as if she were half fearful that she was less +highly appreciated than her brother. + +"No, indeed, dear child!" they replied, speaking together, "we love you +just the same." + +"Gracie also," the captain added, turning toward her with a tenderly +appreciative smile. "You were looking very weary, daughter, when you left +us some hours ago. Are you feeling better now? + +"Yes, thank you, papa," she replied with a sweet, glad smile. "How kindly +careful of me you always are!" + +"Yes," he returned, "one is apt to be careful of his choicest treasures." + +"It is so delightful to be one of your treasures, you dear papa," she +said, going to his side in response to an inviting gesture, as Neddie got +down from his knee to run to the side of the vessel to look at a passing +boat. + +"And so delightful to have you for one," he said, drawing her to the seat +Neddie had vacated. "Papa feels that he must be very careful to see that +the strength and endurance of his feeble little girl are not overtaxed." + +"Mamma too," said Violet. "Dear child, I hope the rest of to-night, +to-morrow, and the following night may entirely relieve your fatigue." + +"Thank you, mamma, I hope and believe that it will," responded Grace in +cheerful tones. "We will go to church to-morrow, I suppose, papa?" turning +enquiringly to him. + +"Those of us who feel able and wish to," he replied. "I intend moving on +up the lake to Chicago when you have all retired to your state-rooms, and +to lie at anchor there until the Sabbath is past. We will have our Bible +lesson as usual in the afternoon, and service on board in the evening." + +"I am glad of that, papa," said Grace, "for I always greatly enjoy a Bible +lesson with you for my teacher." + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +Most of the _Dolphin's_ passengers went into the city to attend church the +next morning, but Grandma Elsie and Grace, not yet entirely recovered from +their fatigue, remained behind with the little ones. They watched the +departure of the others, then Elsie, taking a seat close at her grandma's +side, asked for a Bible story. "I like so much better to hear you or papa +or mamma read or tell it than to have to read it for myself," she said. + +"Yes, dear, and I always enjoy reading or telling those sweet stories to +you," replied Mrs. Travilla, turning over the leaves of her Bible. + +"Please read 'bout Jesus walking on the water, grandma," pleaded Neddie. + +"Yes," she said. "Here in this chapter Mark tells about Jesus feeding the +multitude--five thousand men--with five loaves and two fishes; making so +much of that small quantity of food that they all ate and were filled, and +there were twelve baskets full of fragments left. Then he constrained his +disciples to get into the ship and go to the other side before unto +Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. Now, do you remember what he +did after the disciples and the people were gone?" + +"Went up into a mountain to pray," answered Elsie. "Grandma, why did he +pray when he was God and could do everything?" + +"We cannot fully understand it, dear, but he was both God and man and +loved to talk with his Father, God." + +"Yes, grandma, I love to talk to my father," said Ned. + +"So do I," said Elsie; "he is such a dear, kind papa, and we all love him +so much." + +"That is right," grandma said with her sweet smile; "and I hope you +sometimes thank God, our heavenly Father, for giving you such a good, kind +papa." + +"Yes, grandma, yes indeed!" + +"Now listen while I read," she said, and began: "'And when even was come, +the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw +them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the +fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and +would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, +they supposed it had been a spirit, and they cried out: (For they all saw +him, and were troubled.) And immediately he talked with them, and saith +unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto +them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in +themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the +miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.'" + +"Oh, grandma, I don't want my heart to be hardened like that--so that I +won't believe in Jesus and love and trust him," Elsie said earnestly. + +"No, dear child; ask God very often not to let it ever be so hardened; but +to give you strong and abiding faith; faith that will never for an instant +doubt his power or love. Remember he says, 'I love them that love me, and +those that seek me early shall find me.'" + +"Early in the morning, grandma?" asked. Ned. + +"Yes, dear; and early in life--while you are a little child." + +"How, grandma? What's the way to do it?" + +"Perhaps you may sometimes want papa when you do riot know exactly where +he is, and you go about the house and grounds looking for him; that is +seeking him; and when you have found papa you say to him what you wish to +say. But Jesus, being God, is every where; he sees you and hears all you +say, knows all your thoughts; so if you speak to him only in your heart +he will know it--know all you want and listen to your prayer; for he is so +good, so kind, so condescending that he will not turn away from anyone who +really prays--asks with all his heart to be cleansed from his sins and +made truly good--such an one as will be pleasing in the sight of God." + +"Yes, grandma," said Elsie, "that's what papa and mamma, too, have told +Neddie and me many times; and I do ask God earnestly very, very often to +give me a new heart and make me his own dear child. Grandma, papa often +tells me he loves me very dearly, but that Jesus loves me still more." + +"Yes, dear child, the Bible tells us so and it is very sweet and +comforting to think of. Jesus loves to have us carry our troubles to him +and he feels for us in them all. He says, 'As one whom his mother +comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted.'" + +"And mamma is such a dear comforter when we are in any trouble or +suffering pain," remarked Elsie. + +"Yes, your mamma loves you very dearly, but Jesus' love is still stronger. +Now I will read of another time when Jesus stilled the waves with a word. +"'Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his +disciples: and he said unto them, let us go over unto the other side of +the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and +there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with +water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, +Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind, and the +raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said +unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one +to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds +and water, and they obey him.'" + +"Nobody but God could do that," Neddie remarked, half in assertion, half +enquiringly. + +"No, dear child, it is only the voice of God the winds and waters will +obey, or the dead when summoned to come forth from their graves. Jesus is +God; and he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God, by +him. The Bible tells us so; the Bible which from beginning to end is God's +own holy word. Listen to its closing words;" and again she read aloud from +the Bible in her hands. + +"'I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the +churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and +morning star. And the spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that +heareth say Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, +let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that +heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto +these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this +book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this +prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of +the holy city and from the things which are written in this book. He which +testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, +Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.'" + +"Is it Jesus who says, 'Surely I come quickly, grandma?" asked Elsie. + +"Yes, dear; and he says to each one of us: 'Take ye heed, watch and pray: +for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a +far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and +to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye +therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, +or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming +suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, +Watch.'" + +"Watch," repeated Neddie. "What for, grandma?" + +"That we may be ready to meet him with joy; our hearts full of love to him +and his cause, caring little for the things of earth, but very much for +things heavenly and divine; setting our affections on things above." + +"Oh, there they come!" cried Neddie the next moment; "papa and mamma and +all the rest," and he ran to the side of the vessel to give them a joyous +greeting as they presently stepped upon the deck. In the afternoon the +captain gathered his young people together for a Bible lesson, which all +liked as he was sure to make it both interesting and instructive. The +subject was the miracle of Christ wrought in the healing of the paralytic +as related in Mark II. 1-12. "'Seeing their faith?' How did they show +their faith, Lucilla?" asked the captain. + +"By their works, papa. I think that if they had not believed that Jesus +could and would heal their friend they would hardly have taken the trouble +to break up the roof that they might let him down before the Lord. And the +paralytic too must have had faith in the power and willingness of Jesus to +heal him or surely he would have objected to being moved so much--carried +from this house along the street to the place where Jesus was, then up to +the roof, and let down from there in his bed." + +"Yes, he, too, surely must have had faith in the power and willingness of +Christ to heal him, and is included in the number of those spoken of as +having faith. Let it never be forgotten that faith in Christ is necessary +to salvation; for without faith it is impossible to please him'; but, 'all +things are possible to him that believeth.' 'Ye believe in God, believe +also in me,' Jesus said to his disciples in his farewell talk with them +the night before his crucifixion. If we would be saved we must have 'the +righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon +all them that believe.' None can be justified by works, 'for all have +sinned and come short of the glory of God,' and if we are justified it +must be 'freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ +Jesus.' Ah, let us all pray as did the disciples, 'Lord, increase our +faith.'" + +"Why did Jesus say to the man 'Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,' papa?" +asked little Elsie. "I thought it was to be cured of his sickness the man +came." + +"Yes, daughter, but sin is the cause of all sickness and disease; if man +had not sinned there would never have been any sickness or pain, and +there will be none in heaven where all are holy. + +"And in pronouncing the man's sins forgiven Jesus asserted himself to be +God. The Scribes sitting there understood it to be so, and said in their +hearts, 'Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins +but God only?' And Jesus knew their thoughts, for he asked, 'Why reason ye +these things in your hearts?'" + +"That he could see their thoughts I should think was another proof that he +was God," remarked Walter, "and when that was followed by the +instantaneous healing of the man, it seems to me wondrous strange that +they were not convinced beyond the possibility of a doubt." + +"The trouble with them was the same with that of many in these days," +returned the captain; "their hearts were more in the wrong than their +heads; they did not want to be convinced." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + +Monday morning found all on board the _Dolphin_ feeling well, bright, and +ready to enjoy a further examination of the wonders and beauties of the +White City beside the lake. As usual the question which of them all should +claim attention first, came up for discussion at the breakfast table. + +"I for one would like extremely to pay a visit to Buffalo Bill's Wild West +Show," said Walter. "I think my little nephew and niece would enjoy it +too, and possibly older folks might find some amusement there also." + +"Oh, what is it, Uncle Walter?" asked Ned eagerly. "I'd like to see some +buffaloes." + +"Well, so you will if we go," replied Walter, "for there's a herd of them +to be seen there. It is outside the Exposition grounds, but worth going to +see, I should think. There are rifle experts, bucking ponies, dancing +dervishes, athletes, female riders, besides American, German, French, +English, Cossack, Mexican, and Arabian cavalry, to say nothing of cowboys, +and other attractions too many to mention." + +"Oh!" cried Ned, "I want to go. Can't I, papa?" + +"All alone?" asked his father laughingly. "No, my son, I fear you are +rather young for that." + +"Oh, no, papa; I didn't mean all alone. But won't you take mamma and Elsie +and all the rest, and me too?" + +"Yes, if mamma and all the rest want to go." + +"There are two hundred Indians there, Ned. Won't you be afraid of them?" +asked Lucilla. + +"No, Lu; not with our papa along to take care of us. If you're afraid, I +s'pose you can stay on the _Dolphin_ here till we come back." + +"Thank you, Ned," she said laughing; "but I believe I feel quite as safe +where papa is as you do. And I think I should like to see that show +myself, though I'm neither a baby boy like you, nor a sixteen year old +laddie like Walter." + +"No, not a boy at all; only a girl. I'm glad I was made a boy so I can +grow up into a man like papa." + +"I'd rather be a woman like mamma and Grandma Elsie," said his little +sister. "But I'd like to see the buffaloes and all the rest of it. Can't +we go, papa?" + +"I will go and take my little girl and boy," replied her father, "and will +be glad of the company of anyone else who feels inclined to go with us." + +No one seemed disinclined, and finally all decided to go. + +They were well entertained, and, when the exhibition was over, passed out +upon the elevated platform at the entrance. + +The crowd moved slowly, and as they stood awaiting an opportunity to +descend to the street below, there arose a sudden cry of "Fire!" and at +the same instant they perceived a flame creeping up within the centre +tower of the Cold Storage Building near at hand. + +Scarcely was the cry raised before twenty-five brave and experienced +firemen were on the scene, and ascending to the platform of observation +that had been built near the summit. The tower was built of pine wood and +plaster, which had been dried by the sun without and hot sheet-iron +chimneys within, so that it burned fiercely. The firemen saw that it was a +very dangerous place for anyone to venture into, therefore they hesitated +and drew back; but their leader swore at them, calling them cowards, and +at once they climbed to the perilous place; but scarcely had they reached +it when there was an explosion of gases; the roof heaved and fell in, +carrying with it sixteen men down into a pit of gaseous flame, and a +shriek of horror went up from the fifty thousand people who stood looking +on, unable to give the least assistance to the poor perishing men. + +The party from the _Dolphin_ saw it all and were sick with horror. Grace +fainted, and but for the support of her father's arm, quickly thrown about +her, would have fallen to the floor of the platform where they stood. He +held her up, and with the help of Harold and Herbert, hastily pushed his +way through the crowd. + +"Lay her down as quickly as you can, captain!" exclaimed Harold; "it is +important." + +"Yes, I know," returned Captain Raymond, glancing down at the white, +unconscious face of his precious burden. + +But at that instant Grace's eyes opened, and looking up in a bewildered +way into her father's eyes, "Papa, I'm too heavy for you to carry," she +said faintly. + +"No, my darling, not at all," he replied. "There, Uncle Harold has +summoned a boat and we will take you back at once to our floating home." + +"Am I sick? did I faint, papa?" she asked. "Oh,"--with a burst of tears +and sobs--"I remember now! Oh, those poor, poor men! Papa, were they all +killed?" + +"Don't be so distressed, dear child," he said with emotion. "I think they +must have been almost instantly suffocated by the gas, and did not feel +anything that followed." + +"Your father is right," said Harold, close at her side; "and though it was +a very dreadful thing for them to be sacrificed in that way, and hurried +into eternity without a moment's warning, they are not suffering pain of +body now, and we can only hope that with their last breath they cried to +the God of all grace for pardon and salvation." As he concluded his +sentence the boat he had signalled was close at hands the rest of their +party came up at that moment, all embarked, and they were soon on board +the _Dolphin_, where they remained for the rest of that day, feeling too +much shocked over the dreadful catastrophe at the Storage Building to care +to go anywhere else. + +Poor, feeble Grace was almost overwhelmed with pity and horror, weeping +bitterly much of the time. The others, especially her father, did all in +their power to comfort her with the hope that at least some of the killed +were prepared for heaven, and with plans for giving aid and consolation to +their bereaved wives, children, and other relatives who had been dependent +upon their exertions for support. + +The next day brought a very pleasant surprise in the arrival among them of +their cousin, Dr. Conly, with his wife and her brother, Sandy McAlpin. +The sight of her old physician, and Marian, of whom she was very fond, did +much to restore Grace to her usual spirits, and all went together to view +various interesting exhibits. + +The first to which they gave their attention was that of the relics of the +Cliff Dwellers. It was in the southeastern part of the grounds, and was a +reproduction of Battle Rock Mountain, Colorado. As you neared it you +seemed to see before you a cliff, for though built of timbers, iron, +stone, staff, and boards, it wore the appearance of rock and earth. There +was a cavernous opening which had the effect of a canyon, and in niches +high up were the dwellings, in miniature, of the ancient people who once +lived among the tablelands of our southwestern territories; but portions +of the real houses were shown in order to give a perfectly truthful +impression to visitors; also there were relics of the old cliff dwellers +shown, such as weapons wrought from bones, stone, and wood; pottery, and +cloths and mattings woven from blades of the alfalfa plant. + +There were to be seen also ledges of fallen rock with houses crushed +beneath and other houses built over them. Also winding paths led up the +cliffs and through to the outer air, and up these our friends climbed to +the summit, where they stood for a little enjoying the prospect now on +this side, now on that. + +"Papa," asked little Elsie, "how long ago did people live in those houses +so high up among the rocks?" + +"Nobody knows just how long ago, my child," he replied, "but probably +hundreds of years before Columbus discovered America." + +The rest of the day was spent in the Midway Plaisance, a street three +hundred feet wide, beginning at the rear of the Woman's Building, +extending about a mile in length, and so full of interesting sights that +one might tarry there many hours, and go again day after day, without +wearying of them, but always finding something by which to be greatly +entertained. + +"A good and most entertaining place for the study of mankind," as Mr. +Dinsmore remarked. + +As they entered it the sound of the sweetly piercing music of a bagpipe +smote upon their ears. "Ah," exclaimed Mr. Lilburn, "that sound is sweetly +homelike to my ear. Let us see, my friends, to what sight it summons us." + +"The Beauty Show, sir," said Herbert. "Probably you have all heard of +it--some thirty or forty belles collected from different parts of the +world and dressed in their national costumes." + +They went in, passing the handsome Highlander playing the bagpipes at the +door. They found the women who were on exhibition ranged in pens around a +large room. + +"Beauties!" sniffed Rosie as she glanced about upon them, "there is +scarcely one who I should have selected as such." + +"Hush, hush, Rosie!" said her mother warningly; "we do not know but some +of them may understand English, and surely you would be sorry to hurt +their feelings." + +"Yes, I should indeed, mamma," she returned in a regretful tone, and they +passed out. + +"That countryman of yours has much the handsomest face about that +establishment. Cousin Ronald," remarked Lucilla, with a smile, as they +proceeded on their way. + +"I agree with you in that opinion, lassie," laughed the old gentleman, +"and I have no doubt that he would also, had he heard you express it." + +"How very much there is to see here!" remarked Dr. Conly--"men, women, and +children from all parts of the world, clad in their own odd, native +attire; Chinese, Japanese, Dahomeyans, Nubians, wild Arabs, Persians, +Soudanese, Algerians, Javanese, and Cingalese." + +"And some of the buildings are as singular in appearance as the people who +occupy them," added his wife. + +"Let us visit the village and castle of Blarney," said Rosie. + +"You want to kiss the Blarney Stone, do you?" asked Herbert laughingly. + +"No need of that," said Walter; "she can blarney fast enough if she wants +to, and that without ever having seen the stone." + +"What is blarney, papa?" asked little Elsie. + +"Coaxing, wheedling, and flattering," he replied. "The village we are +going to see is said to be a fair representation of one of that name in +Ireland, about four miles from the city of Cork, in which there is a +castle called Blarney Castle, which has stood there for more than four +hundred years. The castle has a tower, as you will see, and on the top of +it is a stone the kissing of which is said to confer the gift of ability +to wheedle and flatter. But the true stone is said to be another in a wall +where it can be kissed only by a person held over the parapet." + +"Oh, I shouldn't like that at all, papa!" Elsie exclaimed. "I'd be afraid +of falling, and I shouldn't like to kiss a dirty stone." + +"Well, daughter, I shall never ask you to do so," he answered, with a +kindly smile down into the bright, rosy little face. + +They were entering the village as he spoke. Some little time was spent +there very agreeably, after which they returned to the _Dolphin_ for the +night. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +There was a gathering of friends and relatives on the _Dolphin_ that +evening: all from Pleasant Plains were there; Chester and Frank Dinsmore +also and the Ion family. The brother and sister of Grandma Elsie, and her +eldest daughter with her husband and children, had paid their visit to the +Fair at an earlier date and returned home. + +Expecting to do a good deal of entertaining Captain Raymond had taken care +to have his boat well provisioned, and all were cordially invited to stay +and take dinner on board. + +No one declined, and they were a pleasant, lively party, each having +something interesting to tell of the experiences of the day, and all +agreeing that the Fair was well worth the trouble and expense of the +journey to reach it, and the hundred and one demands upon the purse while +there. Grace alone was very quiet, seeming to have little or nothing to +say, and looking at times both sad and distressed. Her father noticed it +and seizing the first opportunity to speak with her in private, asked in +tenderly solicitous tones if she were feeling perfectly well, adding: "I +fear I have allowed you to exert yourself too much in the past few days, +my darling." + +"I don't know whether or not I have gone about too much, papa, but it was +very kind in you to let me," she replied, laying her head on his shoulder, +for they were sitting side by side on a sofa in the cabin, while the +others had all gone up to the deck, "but oh, I can't forget those poor men +who perished in the flames yesterday, or their wives and children, perhaps +left very poor and helpless. Papa, if you are willing, I'd like to give +all my pocket money to help them. My own dear father pays my way all the +time and I don't need to buy any of the fine things I see for sale here +and there." + +"My dear child," he said, with emotion, "you may do just as you please +about that. I am very glad that my little girl is so willing to deny +herself to help others, and I must tell you for your comfort that a good +deal of money has already been raised for the benefit of those sadly +bereaved ones." + +"You gave some, papa? Oh, I know you did!" + +"Yes, daughter, I gave out of the abundance of means which God has put +into my hands, certainly not that it may all be spent upon myself and +dearest ones, but entrusted to me that some of it may be used for the +relief of suffering humanity; and it is a very great pleasure--an +inestimable privilege--to be permitted thus to ally to some extent the +woes of poverty and bereavement." + +"Yes, papa; I feel it so, and am thankful that you approve of my doing +what I can to help those poor, bereaved ones." + +"I am very glad my little girl is unselfish enough to desire to do so," he +responded. He passed a hand tenderly over her golden curls as he spoke, +and kissed her again and again with warmth of affection. + +"Do you want to join the others on the deck?" he asked presently, "or +would you rather go at once to your bed and rest? You are looking very +weary." + +"I am tired, papa," she replied, "but I think that to lie in one of the +steamer chairs on deck, and listen to the talk, will rest me nicely." + +"You may do so for an hour or two," he said. "I will help you up there; +but when the others scatter--as they probably will by that time--I want +you to go to your bed and try to get a good, long night's sleep. I must +take good care of my feeble, delicate little girl that she may gain, and +not lose, by this trip to the North and visit to the World's Fair." + +He took her in his arms as he spoke, carried her to the deck and deposited +her in a vacant lounging chair, then seated himself by her side and took +Neddie on his knee. + +Violet was on her husband's other side, and Dr. Conly and his Marian near +at hand on the farther side of Grace. + +"You are looking weary, little cousin," he remarked, giving her a +searching look; "so weary that were I asked for a prescription it should +be an early retirement to your berth, to be followed by a long night's +rest. However, I suppose you are Harold's patient now." + +"Yours too, Cousin Arthur," she said with a smile; "also papa's, and he +has already given me the very same prescription." + +"As I do, if I am consulted," said Harold, "and when three such physicians +agree, you surely will not venture to disregard their advice." + +"No, indeed!" she returned, with her own sweet smile again, "nor would I, +if any of the three had given it. I do really feel the need of rest for +to-night, but hope you will all agree to let me go at least as far as the +Court of Honor to-morrow." + +"That will depend upon how you are feeling in the morning," returned her +father, Violet adding: "And if you should have to stay here and rest for +a day or two you need not feel so very badly about it, Gracie, because our +time for remaining in and about the White City is not limited like that of +some less fortunate people." + +"No, mamma, and that is something to be thankful for. Oh, I do think +myself a most fortunate girl," Grace said in reply, directing a look of +ardent affection toward her father as she spoke. The other young folks +were chatting together near by, principally of the beauties of the Fair, +and indulging in many a merry jest and much light laughter. + +"The Court of Honor is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in the +world," remarked Rosie; "at least the most beautiful I have ever seen or +can imagine; especially at night, when the magnificent MacMonnie's +fountain, and the electric fountains are all at play. What beautiful +rainbow-colored showers they send up! I never dreamed of anything so +lovely and can never weary of looking at them." + +"Nor have I," said Croly. "I move that we all go over there presently; in +time to witness the lighting up." + +There was a general assent, and young Percy Landreth, who had managed to +secure a seat close at Lucilla's side, said to her in an undertone: "You +will go surely, and may I have the pleasure of acting as your escort?" + +"I don't know," she returned with a slight laugh and an arch look at +Chester Dinsmore, who, sitting near on her other side, had overheard the +request, and was looking slightly vexed and disappointed; "papa hasn't +told me yet whether I may go to-night or not; and I'm 'a young thing who +cannot leave her father' or go anywhere without his knowledge and consent. +I'll ask him, however," she concluded, jumping up and hastening to the +captain's side. "Papa," she asked, "can I go presently to the Court of +Honor with the others--and you? for I suppose you are going?" + +"I think it likely that your mamma and I will be going after a little," he +said in reply; "but Grace is too weary to return there to-night, and you +too would be the better able to enjoy yourself at the Fair to-morrow +should you go early to bed to-night; so that is what I wish you to do." + +"Indeed, papa, I am not so very tired," she said half imploringly, half in +vexation. "Mayn't I go?" + +"You have my answer to that question, daughter," he replied in a tone so +low that the words scarce reached any ear but hers. "I think it best for +both you and Grace that you should stay here with her, and surely you love +your sister well enough to do so willingly, even if you had your father's +consent to your going ashore for the evening?" + +"Papa," said Grace, overhearing the last sentence, "I would not have Lu +miss the pleasant evening on shore on my account. I will go directly to +bed and probably fall asleep at once." + +"As I hope and believe Lucilla will also," he returned, with a glance of +grieved displeasure bestowed upon his eldest daughter, which sent a +remorseful pang to her heart. + +"Oh, father, don't be vexed with me," she entreated low and tremulously, +putting a hand into his as she spoke; "I am glad that I am under your +orders; I am, indeed, and would not for anything leave dear Gracie alone." + +"I am sure of it, daughter," he returned, pressing the hand affectionately +as he spoke. "Also I think that to-morrow you will be thankful to me that +you have had a rest from exertion and excitement." + +"Yes, papa, I always find that your way is best, and I am very glad and +thankful that I have such a kind, wise father." + +"Well, Lu, did you get leave to go?" asked Rosie as Lucilla rejoined the +circle of young people. "No; papa wishes me to stay here and get to bed +early that I may be well rested for to-morrow's exertion in seeing the +sights of the White City," Lucilla answered in a lively, cheerful tone, +that seemed to indicate entire satisfaction with her father's decision. +She was in fact so remorseful over her momentary exhibition of wilfulness +that she felt as if she no longer cared for anything but to convince her +dearly loved father of her penitence on account of it, and her desire to +do exactly as he directed. + +"A wise and kind decision, Lu," remarked Herbert Travilla, overhearing +what she said. "A rest now may save you from a serious break-down some +days or weeks hence." + +"Yes, Uncle Herbert, I am well aware that such a father as mine is a very +great blessing," she returned with a smile. "I only wish I were as good a +daughter." + +Just at that moment the guns announced the setting of the sun, and the +flags on the _Dolphin_ and other vessels came down with the usual +ceremonies. That over, those who intended going ashore for the evening or +the night began their preparations, which were such as to occupy but a few +minutes. Violet put her little ones to bed, and the captain, who had +carried sleepy little Ned down to the state-room, on coming out into the +saloon found Lucilla there waiting to speak to him. + +"Papa," she said humbly, "have you quite forgiven my crossness to-night +when you refused to let me go ashore? I am very, very sorry for it, but I +am perfectly satisfied now with your decision; I was, the next minute, and +oh, I do love you dearly, dearly, though I can hardly expect you to +believe it when--when I'm so ready to be rebellious," she added, hiding +her face on his breast, for he had taken her into his arms the moment she +began to speak. + +"Yet I do believe it, my own darling," he replied in tender tones, +smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. "I fully believe that you love +me devotedly, though for a moment you indulged in the old rebellious +spirit that used to cause so much pain to both you and me. However, this +is almost the first time I have seen any show of it for two or three +years. In all that time you have been as willingly and cheerfully obedient +as anyone could ask or expect a daughter to be." + +"Oh, thank you, my dear father, for saying that!" she responded, lifting +to his, eyes beaming with happiness, "and I do intend that it shall be my +very last failure to be as promptly and cheerfully obedient as possible, +for I know you never deny me anything, unless you see that it is for my +good, and I have never known you to make a mistake about that. Do you want +Grace and me to go to bed as soon as you and the others are gone?" + +"I think it would be well for you to do so, but if you both prefer it you +may stay on deck for another half hour." + +"Then I will get ready for bed at once, papa, for I want to do exactly as +you think best, and I know Gracie does also." + +"Yes, I know she does; and, by the way, I must carry her down before I go; +she is so weary, poor child," he said, hurrying up to the deck. + +Lucilla waited only to see the others off, then joined her sister in their +state-room. + +"You poor dear, you are so tired!" she exclaimed, noticing Grace's weary +expression and heavy eyes. "You must let me help you with your +preparations for bed." + +"Thank you, Lu," returned Grace; "you are such a dear sister--always so +kind and helpful to me; but I am sorry that for my sake you should lose +the pleasure of going to the Court of Honor with the others to-night." + +"O Gracie, you know we always find out in the end that papa's way is the +best for us both, and he refused my request for my own sake as well as +yours." + +"Yes; he is the very kindest and best of fathers," said Grace; "he never +refuses any one of his children anything he can give them when he thinks +it good for them." + +"But now I must stop talking and go to sleep as quickly as possible, as he +bade me when he brought me down here." + +Both she and Lucilla were asleep in a few minutes and awoke the next +morning feeling greatly refreshed and rested. + +"Shall we visit the Turkish village to-day?" asked Violet at the breakfast +table. + +"I say aye to that," said Walter. "I want to see it and make some +purchases there. I've heard that there is a street there with booths along +on the side and a bazaar where one can buy various kinds of Turkish goods. +I want to get some if only for curiosities." + +"And for a quarter you can go up in the restaurant and see the girls +dance," said his sister Rosie; "or into the theatre to look at a +representation of Mohammedan home life and adventure. So Mr. Will Croly +told me." + +"Well, I don't know about going to the theatre," returned Walter, "but I'd +like to see their mosque with its minaret, at noon or sunset, when a real +muezzin comes out and calls upon the faithful to remember Allah and give +him glory." + +"He does it at sunrise too, doesn't he?" asked Evelyn Leland. + +"Yes; but we'll never get over there in time for that. Some of our +American folks don't know what he is about,--not understanding his +language--and imagine that he's selling popcorn or advertising the +dance-house, or maybe calling for somebody to come and help him down." + +"How, Uncle Wal?" asked Neddie. + +"With a ladder, I suppose." + +"Do they bring it to him?" + +"I don't think they have yet, Neddie; at least I haven't heard of it. But +wouldn't you like to go and see it all?" + +"Yes; if papa will take me; and mamma will go too." + +"How many would like to go?" asked the captain, and everyone responding in +favor of so doing the question was considered settled. + +They set out at their usual early hour, met Harold and Herbert in the +Peristyle, lingered a little in the Court of Honor, then made their way to +the Turkish village, went through the booths and bazaar, making a number +of purchases, looked at the mosque and heard the noon cry of the muezzin. + +Then they visited an Arabian tent and the fac-simile of a house in +Damascus. In the tent there were male and female Arabs sitting +cross-legged; some of them boiling coffee, or making thin wafer cakes, +while others played on odd looking instruments and chanted in monotonous +tones. + +The party went into the house, found that it contained but one room, +oblong in shape, with high ceiling, and windows just beneath the cornice. + +"That would hardly do for Americans," remarked Walter, gazing up at them, +"for we could not see into the street." + +"We could go to the door, Uncle Walter," said Elsie. + +"Or have a step-ladder to carry about from one window to another," laughed +Rosie. + +"I like the festooned walls, the fountain in the centre, and the thick +rugs on the floors," remarked Violet; "the hanging lamps too, and +ornaments of rich woods inlaid with ivory; also the divans that look like +such comfortable resting-places." + +"Yes, madame would find them pleasant to rest upon," responded a young +Turk in excellent, but quaintly intoned, English; then he went on to +explain everything in the same tongue. + +Their next visit was to Cairo Street, at the gate of which ten cents was +asked for the admission of each one of the party; a small sum they +thought, to give in payment for a sight of all that was on exhibition +inside. Having passed through the gate they found themselves in a street +square, with a cafe opening into it on one side. Entering it they sat down +and looked about them. + +Captain Raymond, who had been more than once in Cairo itself, pronounced +the scene an exact copy of what was to be found there, and they presently +learned that the doors and wooden-grated windows had been brought bodily +from that city. + +They could see projecting balconies, mysterious archways, airy loggias, +and tiny shops filled to overflowing with such things as many a one would +want to buy, and being in easy circumstances they bought a number of +articles such as were not too heavy or cumbersome to be easily carried. + +Soon, however, their attention was turned to the crowds in the streets. +Near by was a donkey and camel stand--donkeys standing and camels lying +down in their own peculiar fashion. + +"Oh, what funny fellows!" laughed little Ned. + +"Yes," said his father, "those are camels. Would you like to take a ride +on one?" + +"No, sir; I might fall off." + +"Yes, Ned, and hurt yourself; maybe break your leg; and it would take +even Cousin Arthur a good while to mend it; so that you would miss the +pleasure of going about with the rest of us," said Walter. + +"I don't want to ride just now," said Ned, "but if I did I'd rather try +one of those little horses." + +"Donkeys, Ned," corrected his sister Lucilla, "and what little fellows +they are! no bigger than Max's dog Prince!" + +"Oh, see!" cried Rosie with a merry laugh, "that one going down the street +knocked against that big fat man and almost upset him." + +"Notice the drivers," said Evelyn, "all so swarthy and with such black +eyes, naked feet, long caftans, fez, and turbans. And what a keen watch +they keep for customers. Evidently they do not despise American dollars, +dimes, or cents." + +"No, indeed! not they," said Walter. "Oh, there are a couple who evidently +contemplate taking a ride on a camel; see, the young fellow seems to be +bargaining with one of the drivers; and how the people are crowding round +to look and listen!" + +"What's the price?" they heard the young man ask. They did not catch the +reply, but he went on with his questions: "Will he bite? Is he quite tame? +Is there any danger at all?" + +"No-a bite," returned the driver; "good camel," and as he spoke he reached +for the girl, who shrank back a little. But he quickly lifted her to the +saddle and showed her how to hold on. + +Then the young man climbed up behind her, reached around her waist and +seized the hand-hold as if determined that nothing should tear it from his +grasp. + +The girl noticed it and grew more frightened, turning a trifle paler and +asking: "Is there any danger?" + +But the driver was already tugging at the halter and striking the camel +over the neck with his stick, and slowly it spread out its hind legs, +rising on them first, and throwing its riders forward till it seemed as if +they must slide down his sloping neck and fall to the ground. + +The girl screamed, as her hat fell over her eyes, but both she and her +escort held on with a deathlike grip. + +The camel paused for a moment, then swayed back and forth sideways; the +girl screamed again, but the camel was only untangling his legs, and the +next instant settled himself on them in a way that threw his riders +backward so that they would have fallen off behind but for their firm +grasp of the ropes. + +But now the camel was fairly upon his four feet, and slowly turning round +with a wobbling motion like a boat caught in a trough of waves; the riders +had recovered from their fright, and were both laughing. All this time the +crowd had been standing round watching the two, and laughing and +tittering, for, risky as the whole proceeding looked, there was really +very little, if any, danger. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +"Let us go now to the Guatemala Building," said Harold as they left Cairo +Street. "I should like you all to see the grotto with its specimens of the +fauna of the country, among which is a remarkable bird called the gavila, +which sings the half-hours with unvarying regularity, showing itself as +correct as a sundial, and almost as useful as a government observatory." + +"Is it sure to wake and sing every half-hour in the night, uncle?" asked +little Elsie. + +"Oh, no! It is only a day clock; stops attending to the business at +sundown and begins again in the morning." + +They were interested in the strange bird; the older people in a map also, +showing the locations of the principal towns and railways, and in the +exhibit, in an open court and about a fountain, of the flora of the +country; also some pictures hung about the balcony, showing the principal +places in the city of Guatemala and other large towns. + +"I feel a particular interest in Korea just at present," remarked Grandma +Elsie as they left the Guatemalan Building, "and if entirely agreeable to +the rest of you, I should like, now, to look at their exhibit in the +Manufacturers' Building." + +"Yes, mother; it is in the southwestern part," returned Harold, leading +the way. "The booth is small, but crowded with exhibits. The Korean Royal +Commissioner--with the singular name of Jeung Kiung Wow--has charge of it. + +"That is a funny name, uncle," laughed Ned. + +"And yet our names may have just as funny a sound to him," Violet said, +smiling down at her little son. + +When they reached the Korean booth the first thing that attracted their +attention was the flag hanging from it. The captain was able to explain +its design, and did so, the others listening with interest. + +"It represents the male and female elements of nature," he said. "You see +it is blue and yellow: the blue represents the heavenly, or male element, +the yellow the earthly, or female. You see the heavens across the eastern +sea and they seem to lap over and embrace the earth, while the earth to +landward rises in lofty mountains and folds the heavens in its embrace, +so making a harmonious whole. The four characters around the central +figure represent the four points of the compass." + +They passed in and found a good many sights which interested them--banners +and lanterns, and bronze table and dinner set for one person, a cupboard +with dishes, a fire pot and tools, boots and shoes of leather, wood, and +straw; a kite and reel, a board on which is played a game resembling +chess, white and blue vases, and a very old brass cannon used in the +American attack on Korean forts in the seventies. Also there were banners +hanging on the walls of the booth, and here and there stood screens, one +of which was hand-embroidered by the ladies of the palace. + +On dummies in the centre of the room were shown ancient warriors' +costumes, the court dress of both a military and a civil official, and a +lady's dress for the dance. And in an upright glass case were shown an +embroidered silk cushion, various dress fabrics, a lady's dress and a +lady's court dress and various articles of footgear. + +There was a map showing Korea and adjacent countries, and attached to it +was a paper headed, "Questions Answered." + +Mr. Dinsmore stood before it and read of them aloud: + +"Korea and Corea are both correct, but the former is preferred. + +"Korea is not a part of China, but is independent. + +"The Koreans do not speak the Chinese language, and their language +resembles neither the Chinese nor the Japanese. + +"Korea made treaties in 1882. + +"All the articles are owned by the government. + +"Korea has electric lights, steamships, telegraph, but no railroads. + +"Koreans live in comfortable houses, heated by flues under the floor. + +"Korean civilization is ancient and high; area one hundred thousand square +miles; population sixteen million; climate like that of Chicago, country +mountainous, mineral wealth undeveloped, agricultural products chiefly +rice, beans, wheat, and corn." + +"I am glad we came," remarked Rosie as they passed out of the booth, "for +I know a good deal more about Korea than I did before, and find it a far +more interesting country than I had any idea that it was." + +The next visit was to the rotunda of the Government Building, where they +found many mural paintings of famous incidents in American history and +scenes in our largest cities, so that it was a good representation of our +whole country. + +In the rotunda was a hollow section of one of the largest trees that grow +in the Maraposa grove of red woods in California. The interior was +brilliantly lighted by means of incandescent lights, and a platform at the +top of the trunk was reached by an inside, winding stairway. The chamber +walls were covered with photographs showing the grove from which the tree +trunk was cut, and how it was conveyed to the Fair and set up. + +There were besides eight alcoves in the rotunda, in which were many +articles, Colonial relics--such as the pipe which Miles Standish smoked, +the first Bible brought to this country, in 1620, the year of the landing +of the Pilgrims--a piece of the torch Putnam used when he entered the +wolf's cave, the fife of Benedict Arnold, and many another scarcely less +interesting. + +"I think my two elder daughters have borne well the exertions of the day," +the captain remarked, with a smiling glance at them, as again they stood +upon the deck of the _Dolphin_. + +"Yes, father; thanks to your kind thoughtfulness in sending us so early to +bed last night," returned Lucilla, with a grateful, loving look up into +his face. "The longer I live the more thoroughly convinced I am that you +always know what is best for me." + +"That is just my experience, Lu," laughed Violet, standing near, "and I'll +venture to assert that Grace can say the same." + +"Indeed I can!" responded Grace heartily, "and it is a great satisfaction +to have one so wise, kind, and good almost always at hand to decide +doubtful questions for you." + +"Tut! tut! I wonder if any other man was ever tried with so much gross +flattery," exclaimed the captain in feigned displeasure. + +But at that moment others stepped upon the deck and their presence put an +end to the bit of familiar family chat, Violet and her husband hastening +to welcome their guests; for among the arrivals were Annis and several +others from Pleasant Plains, whom they had not seen for some days--it +being an easy matter for friends to miss each other among the crowds and +the various buildings at the Fair; also Chester and Frank Dinsmore and Mr. +Hugh Milburn, who had not been seen there before. + +"Why, how do you do, cousin? I did not know you had arrived in the city," +said Violet, offering her hand. + +"Very well, thank you. I arrived only last night," he said, "and was not +able to hunt you up till now. Ah, father, Cousin Elsie, +captain,"--shaking hands with each in turn--"it does one good to see all +your kind, pleasant faces." + +"And us to see yours," returned Violet. "But where are Ella and the boy?" + +"At home," he answered; "at least that's where I left them." + +"But why didn't you bring them along?" asked his father; "the bit laddie +is not likely to have another chance to look at such sights as one may see +here to-day." + +"His mother thought him rather young for that, seeing he is not very far +along in his second year," replied Hugh, "nor could she be persuaded to +leave him behind. He is a person of consequence in his mother's eyes, is +my little Ronald, if in no other." + +"Ah, I can understand that," laughed Violet. "But now, Cousin Hugh, you +must let me have the pleasure of introducing you to the cousins from +Pleasant Plains." + +It was quite a gathering of relatives and friends, all weary enough with +the day's exertions in sight-seeing to enjoy resting in comfortable chairs +on the vessel's deck, while comparing notes as to their experiences since +coming to the Fair; what each had seen and heard, what they were planning +yet to see, some caring more especially for one class of curiosities, +some for another. + +But hardly a half hour had passed when they were summoned to an excellent +repast, after which they again repaired to the deck, where they gathered +in groups and indulged in further chat. + +Grace was a little apart from the others, reclining in a steamer chair. + +"Are you very, very tired, Gracie?" asked Walter, coming to her side. + +"Pretty tired," she answered, smiling up into his face. "Why? did you want +me to do anything?" + +"Oh, no! no, indeed! but I was just thinking that now that we have two +ventriloquists here, we might have some fun--for so far as I know the +folks from Pleasant Plains don't know anything about the extraordinary +powers of Cousins Ronald and Hugh--and I hoped you weren't too tired to +enjoy it." + +"I don't believe I am," she laughed; "and I think I shall enjoy it if papa +doesn't send me to bed too soon. It was very good in you to think of me, +Walter." + +"Was it, when you are the girl that always thinks of everybody else?" + +"Not always, Walter. I am afraid I very often think of myself first." + +"Do you? I never knew it before," he laughed; then hurrying to old Mr. +Lilburn's side, whispered something in his ear. + +The old gentleman smiled, and gave a nod of assent. "I like to please you, +laddie," he said in an undertone. "So does Hugh, and mayhap atween us we +can accomplish something worth while." + +"Oh, thank you," returned Walter. "I do think, cousin, that a little fun +would do us all good. We've been dining heartily--at least I have--and I +think a good laugh assists digestion." + +Hugh sat near, chatting with Captain Raymond. Walter now turned to him +with a whispered request which he seemed to grant as readily as his father +had the one made of him. + +At that Rosie and Lucilla, who were watching Walter with apparent interest +in his proceedings, exchanged a glance of mingled amusement and +satisfaction, while Grace, whose eyes were following his movements, +laughed softly to herself; for she was in the mood for a bit of fun, and +saw in all this the promise of some. + +"Dear me, what a lot o' folks! and all lookin' so comfortable-like. +They've had a good dinner,--or supper, whichever they call it--you bet, +Joe, while we're as hungry as bears," said a rough, masculine voice which +seemed to come from a spot close in Captain Raymond's rear. + +Before the sentence was half finished every other voice was hushed and all +eyes were turned in the direction from which the sound seemed to come. +Everyone was startled for an instant, but by the time the sentence was +finished the captain looked perfectly calm and cool. + +"Who are you? and how did you come aboard the vessel?" he asked. + +"In the boat, sir; same as the rest o'e company," was the reply in the +same voice. + +"Without waiting for an invitation, eh?" + +"Humph! might 'a' missed it if we'd waited. Say, capting, are you mean +enough to let us fellows go hungry when you have a vessel full o' good +things for eatin'? To say nothing of a pocket full o' tin?" + +"If any would not work, neither should he eat," quoted the captain. "What +work have you two been about to-day?" + +"Same as yerself, sir; lookin' at the exhibits in this here big World's +Fair." + +"Very well; you may go and ask the steward for some supper." + +A sound of retreating footsteps followed, and those of the guests who were +not in the secret looked about here and there in blank astonishment. + +"Well, really! am I going blind?" ejaculated young Percy Landreth, passing +his hand over his eyes in a bewildered way. "I couldn't see those fellows +at all." + +"Oh, no!" said Lucilla, "one can sometimes hear what one cannot see." + +But at that instant there was a "cluck, cluck," as of a hen which seemed +to come from Annis' lap, and at which she sprang to her feet with a slight +cry of astonishment and dismay, but seeing nothing, "Why, where is it?" +she asked half breathlessly, and the "cluck, cluck," was repeated +apparently from behind the chair of her next neighbor, and immediately +followed by a loud barking as if a dog were in chase of the chicken. + +"Oh!" exclaimed Annis, turning her eyes upon the elder Mr. Lilburn, "I +think I know--I've heard----" + +But a warning gesture from Violet, whose face was full of amusement, +stopped her, and she dropped into her chair again with a slight, mirthful +laugh and a look of relief and diversion. + +Percy saw it and suddenly comprehended pretty accurately what was going +on. Yet at the same moment he was startled and annoyed by a loud buzzing +about his ears as though a bee were flying round and round his head. He +put up his hand and tried to knock it away. Then it seemed to fly to +Chester and though he was not wholly unacquainted with the powers of +Cousin Ronald and Hugh, he too involuntarily made an effort to dodge and +drive it away. + +Then the squeak of a mouse came from a reticule on Lucilla's lap, and that +so unexpectedly that she gave a little scream, at the same time springing +to her feet, and throwing the reticule from her. + +At that her father laughed, and she picked it up again and reseated +herself with a slightly mortified air. + +"Let me get that mouse out for you, Lu," said Herbert, holding out his +hand for the reticule; but scarcely were the words out of his mouth when +the meow of a kitten, coming from his coat pocket, caused him to suddenly +and almost involuntarily clap his hand upon it. + +"Yes, Uncle Herbert, take the mouse out and give it to the cat," returned +Lulu quickly, handing the reticule to him as she spoke. + +"Thank you," he returned laughingly, "but I really don't believe the +creature is hungry." + +"Oh, uncle, let me see that pussy!" cried Ned, running to him. + +"Put your hand into my pocket and try if you can find it," was the +good-humored reply, and Neddie at once availed himself of the permission. + +"Why, it isn't there!" he exclaimed. "How do you s'pose it got out?" + +"I'm inclined to think it never got in, Ned," said his uncle. + +"Oh, it's in mine!" cried the little fellow excitedly, and clapping his +hand upon his pocket, as a pitiful meow seemed to come from it. "Why, I +can't feel it. Papa,"--running to him,--"please take it out, I can't." + +The captain took hold of the pocket. "You made a mistake, son; it isn't +there. I feel nothing but your handkerchief and a few other little soft +articles." + +"Why--why, how queer!" exclaimed the little fellow, "I was sure I heard it +in there, papa. Oh, what is that?" as the squeal of a young pig seemed to +come from his father's pocket; but at that instant the loud and furious +bark of a big dog seemed to come from some place in his rear very near at +hand, and with a little cry of affright he made haste to climb upon his +father's knee for protection, putting his arms about his neck and clinging +tightly to him. + +But just then a loud cry came from below: "Help! help! these rascally +fellows are stealing the silver! Captain Raymond, sir, help, or they'll +throttle me!" + +At that the captain sprang to his feet, set Ned in his mother's lap, and +hurried below, while the young men rose hastily to go to his assistance, +even those of them who were well acquainted with Cousin Ronald's powers, +thinking for an instant that the alarm was real. But a laugh of amusement +from him and his son let them into the secret that it was but a false +alarm, the trick of a ventriloquist, and they resumed their seats as +hastily as they had arisen from them. + +"Oh, oh," cried Ned, "I'm so afraid my dear papa will get hurt! Uncle +Harold and Uncle Herbert, won't you go and help papa fight those bad men? +Please go quick! Oh, please do!" + +"Oh, no, Neddie, papa is so big and strong that he doesn't need any help +to make such fellows behave themselves," said Lucilla. "And here he comes +all safe and sound," as the captain stepped upon the deck again. + +"Well, captain," said Grandma Elsie, looking up smilingly into his face as +he drew near, "did you catch the rogues?" + +"No, mother, I could not find the least trace of them," he answered +gravely. Then, turning to the elder Mr. Lilburn: "Cousin Ronald," he +asked, "do you think you would know them if you were to see them?" + +"I know them, cousin captain!" exclaimed the old gentleman in well-feigned +astonishment. "Can it be possible you mean to insinuate that I am the +associate of beggars and thieves?" + +"I mean no offence, sir," returned the captain with a twinkle of fun in +his eye, "but it sometimes happens that a very honest and honorable man +may be well acquainted with the appearance of some dastardly villain." + +"I'm no sich a character as that," snarled a rough voice that seemingly +came from a part of the deck in Mr. Lilburn's rear, and sounded very much +like the one which had demanded some supper a short time before, "an' I +hope it isn't me you're ameanin', fer I'm as honest an' decent a man as +any in this crowd, ef I do say it, that shouldn't." + +"Who is that man? I couldn't see him the other time, and I can't see him +now," exclaimed little Elsie, gazing round in wide-eyed wonder; for she +had never quite understood Cousin Ronald's performances, and was much +puzzled to comprehend all that was now being done and said. + +"I say, capting," cried another strange voice, it also coming apparently +from an invisible speaker, "why upon airth don't you put that impident +critter off the boat? I'd do it in a jiffy if 'twas me." + +"You have my permission to do so, sir," returned the captain, "but perhaps +he will go presently of his own accord." + +"Hollo!" shouted a strange voice that seemed to come from the water near +at hand, and was followed immediately by the dip of an oar, "I say, what's +the matter up there on that deck? If I was capting o' that yacht, there +shouldn't be no such goings on aboard it." + +"The impudence of the fellow!" exclaimed Lucilla, forgetting for the +moment the presence of two ventriloquists, and, springing up, she was +about to rush to the side of the vessel to get a sight of the boatman; but +her father, turning toward her with a smile, laid a detaining hand on her +arm, while at the same time he called out in good-humored tones: + +"Suppose you board us then, sir, and show what you can do." + +"Humph!" snarled the voice that seemed so near at hand, "you'd better try +it, old feller, whomsoever you be, but I bet you'll find me an' Joe here +more'n a match fer you." + +"Oh, Bill, I say, let's git out o' this!" exclaimed a third voice, +apparently close at hand; "we've had our fill o' grub and might as well +make ourselves scarce now." + +"All right, Joe," returned the voice of the first speaker; "we'll git +inter that feller's boat, and no doubt he'll take us ashore to git rid of +us." + +A sound as of retreating footsteps followed, then all was quiet. + +"Very well done, Cousin Ronald; one could almost see those fellows," +laughed the captain. + +"I couldn't see them, papa," said little Elsie. "I could only hear them. +What was the reason?" + +"Suppose you ask Cousin Ronald," was her father's reply. + +"So you are a ventriloquist, sir?" remarked Percy Landreth, in a tone +between assertion and enquiry, and giving the old gentleman a look of +mingled curiosity and amusement. + +"You think so, do you, sir? But why should I be suspected more than anyone +else in this company of friends and relatives?" asked Cousin Ronald in a +quiet tone. + +"Well, sir, it seems to me evident from all I have seen and heard. All +appear to look to you as one who is probably at the bottom of all these +mysterious doings." + +"No, not quite all, Percy," Violet said with a smile. + +"So there are two, are there?" queried Percy. "Then the other, I presume, +is Mr. Hugh Lilburn." + +"O Percy!" cried Lucilla in half reproachful tones, "I wish you hadn't +found out quite so soon; because it spoils the fun." + +"Oh, no, not quite, I think," he returned, "for I noticed that even those +who must have been in the secret were occasionally taken by surprise." + +"Yes," she admitted with a laugh, "I did think for a moment that there was +a man calling to us from a boat down there on the lake, and that there was +a mouse in my reticule." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +Sight-seeing was resumed again the next day, much time being spent in the +Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, the marvel of the Exposition, +covering more than forty acres of ground, and filled with curious and +beautiful things from almost every quarter of the globe. Hours were spent +there, then a ride in an electric boat on the lagoon was taken as a +restful form of recreation. + +The greater part of the afternoon was spent in the ever-fascinating Midway +Plaisance, then they returned to the yacht for their evening meal and an +hour or two of restful chat in the easy-chairs on its deck, and with the +setting of the sun the older ones returned to the Court of Honor, leaving +the children in bed and under the ever-watchful care of their nurse. + +Much the same sort of life continued for a week or more; then many of the +friends found it necessary to return to their homes. The cousins from +Pleasant Plains were among that number, and the day before leaving young +Percy seized a rare opportunity for a word in private with Captain +Raymond. + +"I have been coveting such a chance as this, sir," he said, coloring with +embarrassment, "but--but couldn't find it till now. I--I--want----" + +"Speak out, my young friend," said the captain kindly, "I am ready to +listen to whatever you may have to say, and if in my power to assist you +in any way, shall feel it a pleasure to do so; particularly as you are a +relative of my wife." + +Percy had had but little opportunity for showing his penchant for Lucilla, +and the young girl's father was not thinking of her, but imagined there +might be some business venture in which the young man desired his +assistance. + +"You have perhaps something to tell me of your plans and prospects for the +future," he said enquiringly, "and if so, possibly I may be able to exert +influence, or render assistance, in some way; it will give me pleasure, I +assure you, to do anything in my power; so do not be afraid to speak out." + +"You are very kind, captain, very kind indeed," stammered Percy, flushing +more hotly than before, "but that--that is not it exactly. I hope you +won't be angry, but I have been trying to screw up my courage to ask +for--something far more valuable than money, influence, or anything else +that could be thought of. I--I love your daughter, sir,--Miss +Lucilla--and--and I hope you won't forbid me to tell her so." + +He drew a sigh of relief that at last the Rubicon was crossed--his desire +and purpose made known; but a glance at the captain's grave and troubled +face dashed his hopes to the ground. + +A moment of silence followed, then Captain Raymond spoke in gentle, +sympathetic tones. + +"I am sorry, very sorry to disappoint you, my young friend; but I cannot +grant your request. Lucilla is but a child yet--a mere school-girl; and +such I intend to keep her for some six years or more to come. I have no +objection to you more than to any other man, but cannot consent to +allowing her to be approached on that subject until she reaches much more +mature years." + +"And in the meantime somebody else will in all probability get ahead of +me," sighed Percy. "Oh, sir, can I not persuade you to revoke that +decision and let me at least learn from her own lips whether or not she +cares for me?" + +"I think I can furnish all the information you wish in that line," +returned the captain, laying a kindly hand on the young man's shoulder, +"for hardly an hour ago she told me--as she has many times before--that +she loved no one else in the wide world half so dearly as her father." + +"Well, sir, I am glad of it, since you won't let me speak yet," said Percy +with a rueful sort of smile. "But--please don't blame me for it--but I +can't feel satisfied to be forbidden to speak a word, considering how very +far apart our homes are, and that we may not meet again for years--if +ever--and that--Chester Dinsmore, who is, I can see plainly enough, over +head and ears in love with her--will be near her all the time and have +every chance to cut me out." + +"No," said the captain, "I shall give him no chance either. I fully intend +keeping my little girl to myself--as I have already told you--for at least +six or eight years to come." + +"And you have no objection to me personally, sir?" + +"None whatever; in fact, from all I have seen and heard I am inclined to +think you a fine fellow; almost equal to my own boy, Max," Captain Raymond +said with a smile: "and if my daughter were of the right age, and quite +ready and willing to leave her father, I should have but one objection to +your suit--that you would take her so far away from me." + +"Possibly I might not, sir, should there be an opening for me near where +you reside. I think the Bible says it is the man who is to leave father +and mother and cleave to his wife." + +"True, my young friend," returned the captain; "but the time I have set is +too far away to make it worth our while to consider that question at +present." + +With that the interview closed, and the two parted, the captain to be +confronted a few minutes later by Chester Dinsmore, with a like request to +that just denied to Percy. + +"No, no, Chester," he said, "it is not to be thought of; Lucilla is +entirely too young to leave her father's fostering care and take up the +duties and trials of married life. I cannot consent to your saying a word +to her on the subject for years to come." + +"You have no objection to me personally, I trust, sir?" returned the young +man, looking chagrined and mortified. + +"None whatever," Captain Raymond hastened to say. "I have just given the +same answer to another suitor, and there is one consideration which +inclines me to prefer you to him; namely, that you are a near neighbor to +us at Woodburn; so that in giving up my daughter to you I should feel the +parting much less than if she were about to make her home so far North as +this." + +"Well, sir, that's a crumb of comfort, though to be often in her +company--seeing her lovely face and watching her pretty ways--will make it +all the more difficult to refrain from showing my esteem, admiration, +love. In fact, I don't know how to stand it. Excuse me, captain, but what +harm could there be in telling her my story and trying to win my way to +her heart, provided--I spoke of marriage only as something to be looked +for in the far-off future?" + +"No, I cannot consent to that," returned the captain with decision. "It +would only put mischief into her head and rob her of her child-like +simplicity. She is still too young to know her own mind on that subject +and might fancy that she had given her heart to one who would, a few years +later, be entirely distasteful to her. But I trust you, Chester, not to +breathe a word to her of your--what shall I call it?--admiration until you +have my consent." + +"It is more than admiration, sir!" exclaimed Chester. "I love her as I +never loved anything before in my life, and it would just about kill me to +see her in the possession of another." + +"Then comfort yourself that for years to come no one's suit will be +listened to any more favorably than yours," returned the father of the +girl he so coveted, and with that the interview came to an end. + +Their conversation had been held at one end of the deck while the rest of +the party sat chatting together at the other. The captain and Chester +joined them now and entered into the talk, which ran principally upon the +fact that all the relatives from Pleasant Plains must leave for home the +next day. + +"How would you all like to go by water?" asked Captain Raymond, as if the +thought of such a possibility had just struck him. + +"I do not believe the idea has occurred to any of us," replied Annis, "and +since the building of the railroad so few make the journey by water that +the boats running on our river are few, small, and I presume not +remarkably comfortable." + +"How would this one answer?" he asked. "It is but thirty-eight miles +across the lake; I think we would find your river navigable nearly or +quite up to your town, and to reach it from here would not take more than +six or eight hours." + +"Then they could all go, as they need not all spend the night, or any part +of it, on board," exclaimed Violet in tones of delight. "Oh, Cousin Annis, +and all of you, do agree to it, and we will have a charming little trip!" + +"Indeed, so far as I am concerned nothing could be pleasanter, I am sure," +said Annis, looking highly pleased; "but--I fear it would be giving you a +great deal of trouble, captain." + +"Not at all," he returned, "but on the contrary it will, I think, be a +very enjoyable little trip to me and my wife and children." + +"Oh, I should like it very much!" exclaimed Lucilla; "there would be such +a nice large party of us all the way to Pleasant Plains--supposing your +river is navigable so far for a vessel of this size--and then the trip up +the lake, a little visit to Mackinaw, and the sail back again, would be a +restful and enjoyable break in the visit here to the Fair." + +"What do you say to the plan, Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore, and mother?" +asked the captain, turning toward them. "And you, Cousin Ronald?" + +All expressed themselves as well pleased with the idea, and it was decided +to carry it out. + +"We will be happy to have you accompany us also, Chester and Frank, should +you care to do so," said the captain cordially, "though I fear it will rob +you of some of the time you had planned to spend at the Fair." + +"Thank you, captain," said Frank, "I, for one, accept your very kind +invitation with great pleasure. It will give me a glimpse of a part of our +big country that I have never seen--in the pleasantest of company, too; +and as to our visit to the Fair, we can prolong it by another week, if we +choose." + +"So we can," said his brother, "and I, too, accept your kind invitation, +captain, with cordial thanks." + +"Then let me advise you of Pleasant Plains to be on board here, bag and +baggage, by eight, or at the latest nine, o'clock to-morrow morning," said +Captain Raymond. "We will be happy to have you take breakfast here with +us, and we may as well be on our way across the lake while eating. Then I +hope to have you at your destination by seven or eight in the evening, +and, leaving you there, steam on down the river and up the lake, the rest +of my passengers resting in their berths as usual." + +"Then it will take about all of the next day to get to Mackinaw, won't it, +papa?" asked Grace. + +"Probably." + +"And how long will we stay there?" + +"I suppose that will depend upon how we enjoy ourselves. I think it likely +you will all be satisfied with a day or two, as there is so much that will +interest you here which you have not yet seen." + +"Cousin Annis," said Violet, "would you not be willing to make one of our +party? I am sure that with a little crowding we could accommodate you very +easily." + +"Thank you very much, cousin," replied Annis, "but I fear my company would +not repay you for the necessary crowding." + +At that several voices exclaimed that it certainly would; the young girls +adding that they could crowd a little closer together without feeling it +any inconvenience, and the captain saying laughingly that impromptu beds +would have to be provided in the saloon for Chester and Frank, and he +would join them there, so leaving a vacant place for her with his wife; +and with a little more persuasion Annis accepted the invitation, knowing +that she could be well spared for a time from the large circle of brothers +and sisters, nephews and nieces: the dear old father and mother having +been taken, some years before, to their heavenly home. + +"I wish we could take Cousin Arthur, Marian, and Hugh with us," said +Violet; "though they are not here to-night, they must still be in the +city, I think." + +"Yes," said her husband, "and I think we might manage to accommodate them +also, should they care to go; but probably they will prefer having that +much more time to spend at the Fair." + +It was a beautiful moonlight evening, and after a little more chat in +regard to the arrangements to be made for the morrow's journey, all +except the children, who were already in bed, went together to the Court +of Honor: from there to the Midway Plaisance, then to the Ferris Wheel, in +which everyone was desirous to take a ride by moonlight; nor were they by +any means disappointed in it. + +On leaving the Wheel they bade each other good-night and scattered to +their several resting places--the cousins to their boarding-house, the +others to the yacht. + +A little before eight o'clock the next morning there was a cheerful bustle +on board the _Dolphin_. The extra passengers arrived safely and in good +season, with their luggage, and found everything on the boat in good trim, +and an excellent breakfast awaiting them and the others. + +The weather was all that could be desired; they were congenial spirits, +and the day passed most delightfully. But though the young people were +very sociable, no one seeming to be under any restraint, neither Chester +nor Percy found an opportunity for any private chat with Lucilla. The fact +was that the captain had had a bit of private talk with his wife and her +mother, in which he gave them an inkling into the state of affairs as +concerned the two young men and his eldest daughter, and requested their +assistance in preventing either one from so far monopolizing the young +girl as to be tempted into letting her into the secret of his feelings +toward her. + +They reached Pleasant Plains early in the evening, landed the cousins +belonging there, with the single exception of Miss Annis Keith, then +turned immediately and went down the river again, reaching the lake about +the usual time for retiring to their berths. + +The rest of their voyage was as delightful as that of the first day had +been, and spent in a similar manner. As they sat together on the deck, +toward evening, Grace asked her father if Mackinaw had not been the scene +of something interesting in history. + +"There was a dreadful massacre there many years ago," he replied; "it was +in 1763, by the Indians under Pontiac, an Indian chief. It was at the time +of his attack on Detroit. There is a cave shown on the island in which the +whites took refuge, but the Indians kindled a fire at its mouth and smoked +them--men, women, and children--to death." + +"Oh, how dreadful, papa! how very dreadful!" she exclaimed. + +"Yes," he said, "those were dreadful times; but often the poor Indians +were really less to blame than the whites, who urged them on--the French +against the English and the English against the Americans. + +"Pontiac was the son of an Ojibway woman, and chief of that tribe, also of +the Ottawas and the Pottawattamies, who were in alliance with the +Ojibways. In 1746 he and his warriors defended the French at Detroit +against an attack by some of the northern tribes, and in 1755 he took part +in their fight with Braddock, acting as the leader of the Ottawas." + +"I wonder," said Grace, as her father paused for a moment in his +narrative, "if he was the Indian who, in that fight, aimed so many times +at Washington, yet failed to hit him, and at last gave up the attempt to +kill him, concluding that he must be under the special protection of the +Great Spirit." + +"That I cannot tell," her father said. "But whoever that Indian may have +been I think he was right in his conclusion--that God protected and +preserved our Washington that he might play the important part he did in +securing his country's freedom. + +"But to return to my story. Pontiac hated the English, though after the +surrender of Quebec, some years after Braddock's defeat--finding that the +French had been driven from Canada, he acquiesced in the surrender of +Detroit to the English, and persuaded four hundred Detroit Indians, who +were lying in ambush, intending to cut off the English there, to +relinquish their design. + +"But he hated the English, and in 1762 he sent messengers to every tribe +between the Ottawa and the Mississippi to engage them all in a war of +extermination against the English." + +"Americans too, papa?" asked little Elsie, who, sitting upon his knee, was +listening very attentively to his narrative. + +"Yes," he replied, "our States were English colonies then, for the War of +the Revolution did not begin until about thirteen years later. The +messengers of Pontiac carried with them the red-stained tomahawk and a +wampum war-belt, the Indian fashion of indicating that war was purposed, +and those to whom the articles were sent were invited to take part in the +conflict. + +"All the tribes to whom they were sent joined in the conspiracy, and the +end of May was decided upon as the time when their bloody purpose should +be carried out, each tribe disposing of the garrison of the nearest fort; +then all were to act together in an attack upon the settlements. + +"On the 27th of April, 1763, a great council was held near Detroit, at +which Pontiac made an oration detailing the wrongs and indignities the +Indians had suffered at the hands of the English, and prophesying their +extermination. + +"He told also of a tradition that a Delaware Indian had been admitted into +the presence of the Great Spirit, who told him that his race must return +to the customs and weapons of their ancestors, throw away those they had +gotten from the white men, abjure whiskey, and take up the hatchet against +the English. 'These dogs dressed in red,' he called them, 'who have come +to rob you of your hunting-grounds and drive away the game.' + +"Pontiac's own particular task was the taking of Detroit. The attack was +to be made on the 7th of May. But the commander of the fort was warned of +their intentions by an Indian girl, and in consequence when Pontiac and +his warriors arrived on the scene they found the garrison prepared to +receive them. Yet on the 12th he surrounded the fort with his Indians, but +was not able to keep a close siege, and the garrison was provided with +food by the Canadian settlers." + +"They supplied the Indians also, did they not, my dear?" asked Violet. + +"Yes," replied the captain, "receiving in return promissory notes drawn on +birch bark and signed with the figure of an otter, and it is said that +all of them were afterward redeemed by Pontiac, who had issued them." + +"That speaks well for the honesty of the Indians if they were savage and +cruel," remarked Walter; "and in fact they were hardly more cruel than +some of the whites have been to them, and to other whites with whom they +were at war." + +"Quite true," said the captain. + +"But didn't the rest of the English try to help those folks in that fort +at Detroit, papa?" asked Elsie. + +"Yes; supplies and reinforcements were sent in schooners, by way of Lake +Erie, but they were captured by the Indians, who then compelled their +prisoners to row them to Detroit, concealed in the bottom of the boat, +hoping in that way to take the fort by stratagem; but, fortunately for the +besieged, they were discovered before they could land. + +"Afterward another schooner, filled with supplies and ammunition, +succeeded in reaching the fort, though the Indians repeatedly tried to +destroy it by fire-rafts. + +"Now the English thought themselves strong enough to attack the Indians, +and in the night of July 31 two hundred and fifty men set out for that +purpose. + +"But the Canadians had learned their intention and told the Indians; so +Pontiac was ready and waiting to make an attack, which he did as soon as +the English were far enough from their fort for him to do so with +advantage, firing upon them from all sides and killing and wounding +fifty-nine of them. That fight is known as the fight of 'Bloody Bridge.' + +"On the 12th of the next October the siege was raised, and the chiefs of +the hostile tribes, with the exception of Pontiac, sued for pardon and +peace. Pontiac was not conquered and retired to the country of the +Illinois. In 1769 he was murdered in Cahokia, a village on the +Mississippi, near St. Louis. The deed was done by an Indian, who had been +bribed to do it by an English trader." + +"Papa, you have not told us yet what happened at Mackinaw," said Lucilla. + +"It, as well as many other forts, was taken by Pontiac's Indians and all +the inhabitants of the island were massacred," replied the captain. "There +is a cave shown in a hill-side some little distance out from the village +in which the French sought refuge, and where they were smoked to death, +the Indians kindling fires at its mouth." + +"Oh," exclaimed Grace, "I am glad I didn't live in those dreadful days!" + +"Yes," said her father, "we have great reason for gratitude that the lines +have fallen to us in such pleasant places, and times of peace." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +The _Dolphin_ lay at anchor in Mackinaw Bay only a day or two, in which +time her passengers visited the fort, the village, and the cave of which +Captain Raymond had spoken as the scene of that dreadful slaughter of the +French by the Indians; then started on the return voyage to Chicago. + +They were still favored with pleasant weather, and passed most of the time +on deck. Mr. Lilburn seemed to appreciate the society of Miss Annis Keith, +generally contriving to get a seat in her immediate vicinity, and to +engage her in conversation; that did not strike anyone as strange, +however, for Annis was a general favorite with both old and young, she +showing a cousinly regard for all her relatives; especially for Mrs. +Travilla; for the two had been almost lifelong friends. In these few days +that they had been together they had had many private chats in which they +recalled their early experiences at Pleasant Plains and the Oaks, and +Elsie had urged Annis to return with her to Ion and spend the coming +winter there. + +This invitation Annis was considering, and the more she thought upon it +the stronger grew her inclination to accept it. But she must go home first +to make some arrangements and preparations, she said. + +The two were conversing together thus, as they drew near the end of their +little trip, not caring that their talk might be audible to those about +them. + +"Surely it is not necessary that you should take much time for +preparation, Annis," remarked Mr. Dinsmore. "We of Ion and its vicinity +have abundance of stores and dress-makers near at hand. And you would +better see all that you can of the Fair now, for it will soon be a thing +of the past." + +"That is true, Cousin Annis," said the captain; "you would better stay +with us and see as much as possible." + +"You are all very kind, cousins," she answered. "But I fear I am crowding +you." + +"Not at all," he and Violet replied, speaking together; the latter adding, +"We have all slept comfortably, and in the daytime there is certainly +abundance of room." + +"If you don't stay, Cousin Annis," Rosie said, with a merry look, "we will +have to conclude that you have not had room enough to make you quite +comfortable." + +"Then I certainly must stay," returned Annis, with a smile, "if my going +would give so entirely false an impression; since I have had abundance of +room and a most delightful time." + +"Then you will stay on?" + +"Yes, for a while; but I must go home for a day or two at least before +leaving for the South." + +"We will let you know our plans in season for that," the captain promised, +and the thing was considered settled. + +When her passengers awoke the next morning the _Dolphin_ was lying at her +old anchorage near the beautiful Peristyle. + +All had returned rested and refreshed, and were eager to go on shore in +search of further entertainment and instruction. + +The greater part of the day was spent in the Midway Plaisance. They +visited the Lapland family of King Bull, the most prominent character in +that village, and found them all seated beside their odd-looking hut, +which, like the others in the village, was made of skin, tent-like in +shape, and banked up with moss. The entrance was very small, the door made +of a piece of wood. A fire was kept burning in the centre of the house, in +the ground. There was no chimney; some of the smoke escaped through a +little hole in the roof, if the wind was right. But if the wind comes +from the wrong direction the smoke stays in the house, and the people +enjoy it. It does not, however, improve their complexions, which are said +to be, in their native state, not unlike the color of a well-cured ham. + +King Bull they found had the largest house, and a very large family. + +The Laplanders marry young, and it is not unusual for a grandfather to be +under twenty-five years of age. King Bull was one hundred and twelve years +old and had great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren, and every day he +played for a little while with the youngest of those. + +Our friends learned that he had with him a son, Bals Bull, ninety years +old, that he had a son aged seventy-three, he had a daughter aged +fifty-nine, she a son aged forty-one, who had a son aged twenty-nine, who +had a daughter aged fourteen, and she a daughter two years old. + +"Dear me!" exclaimed Rosie, on hearing this, "how old it makes a body +feel! Why, just think! the mother of that two-year-old child is a year +younger than you, Grace Raymond; and you don't consider yourself much more +than a child yet, do you?" + +"No, indeed! and don't want to be anything but my father's own little +girl," returned Grace, giving him a loving look that said more than her +words. + +"Can you tell us if this looks like the real Lapland village, Harold!" +asked Walter. + +"I am told it does," replied his brother; "that it is as nearly as +possible a reproduction of one, though of course it is not very large, +there being but twenty-four Laplanders here." + +"What do they eat, papa?" asked little Elsie. + +"Fish and reindeer meat, and cheese made of the milk. The reindeer is +their most valuable possession: its skin is used for clothing, the fur is +woven into cloth, they drink the milk, and use the bones in the making of +their sledges. They live entirely on such food during their winters, which +are nine months long." + +"And their summer only three months," said Evelyn, "I shouldn't like +that." + +"No, nor should I," said Herbert. "I think it must be by far the most +enjoyable part of the year, for it is usually spent at the seashore." + +"Are they heathen folks, papa?" asked Elsie. + +"Most of them are Lutherans," he answered. "Now let us go to the reindeer +park." They did so, found nine of the gentle creatures there, saw them get +a bath of Lake Michigan water from a hose-pipe, which they were told was +given them three times daily. Then they were harnessed to their sledges +and driven around the park, just as they are driven in their own country. +After that they ran races, then they were fed and milked. + +The children had been deeply interested in the gentle reindeer and seemed +almost loath to leave them when the performance was over. But those with +which they were most delighted were three baby ones, two born on the way +over to this country, and one shortly after they reached Chicago, and +which was named Columbia. + +"Now where shall we go next?" asked Rosie. + +"Suppose we try the diving exhibit," said Walter. "It is something I +should like to see." They found it on the south side of Midway Plaisance +in a small building surrounding a huge tank of water. On the balcony of +its second story stood a man turning a force-pump, which seemed to attract +a good deal of attention from the passers-by. + +Each visitor paid ten cents at the door, then passed up a rude stairway by +which he reached the surface of the water. There a lecturer was seated, +who explained how the air was made to enter the diver's armor, and how to +leave it. Then people were invited to throw small coins into the water. +Captain Raymond put a bright dime into the hand of each of his younger +children and they gleefully tossed them in. The diver was in the bubbling +water, they could not see him, but presently, through a telephone, he gave +the dates on the coins. Then he came up to the surface of the water +carrying a dummy that looked like a drowned man and let the visitors see +him in his armor. + +"He looks just like that picture of him that we saw outside," remarked +little Elsie. "Ugh! I don't think I should ever be willing to wear such +clothes." + +"Armor!" corrected her mother in a mirthful tone. "No, dear, I should not +want to see you dressed in that style, unless to save you from drowning." + +But just then Mr. Dinsmore rose and led the way down another rough pine +staircase, the others following. + +Reaching the lower story they found a great many peep-holes through which +they could look in upon the water of the tank. To each of these holes the +diver came in turn, holding up a card on which was printed a farewell +compliment. His hands looked shrivelled and soaked, and Grace and the +other young girls afterward expressed sincere pity for him, saying they +thought his life must be a hard one. + +On leaving the diving exhibit they went to the Fisheries Building, which +they found very beautiful. In its east pavilion was a double row of +grottoed and illuminated aquaria containing the strangest inhabitants of +the deep. Here they saw bluefish, sharks, catfish, bill-fish, goldfish, +rays, trout, eels, sturgeon, anemones, the king-crab, burr-fish, +flounders, toad-fish, and many other beautiful or remarkable inhabitants +of the great deep; and the illuminated and decorated aquaria showed them +to great advantage. It was said that nothing so beautiful had hitherto +been seen west of London. + +The surface of the water in the aquaria was many feet above the heads of +even the gentlemen of the party, but there were nearly six hundred feet of +glass front, so that everybody could have a good view of the strange and +beautiful creatures within. They all watched them for some time with +curiosity and interest, the little folks questioning their papa about one +and another variety, new to them, but old acquaintances to one who had +spent many years upon the sea. + +"Papa," said Elsie, "there is one that looks a good deal like a flower. Is +it a live thing? What is its name?" + +"That is what is called the sea anemone," he replied. "It is not a flower +though, but an animal. It is said to have been called by the name of that +flower about a hundred years ago, by a celebrated investigator in the +department of natural history, named Ellis. He thought it a suitable name +because their tentacles are in regular circles and tinged with bright, +lively colors, nearly representing some of our elegantly fringed flowers, +such as the carnation, marigold, and anemone. And so they do while in the +water, and undisturbed. But when a receding tide leaves them on the shore +they contract into a jelly-like mass with a puckered hole in the top. +There"--pointing it out--"is the most common of the British species of sea +anemone. It attaches itself to rocks and stones from low-water almost to +high-water mark. The tentacula--these feelers that look like the fringe of +a flower--you see are nearly as long as the body is high, and nearly of +the same color. See, there is an azure line around the base, and on the +base are dark green lines converging toward the centre; and around the +edge of the mouth is a circle of azure tubercles, like turquoise beads of +the greatest beauty. I wish I could show them to you, but the mouth must +be expanded in order to make them visible. Ah, that is just the thing!" as +someone standing near threw in a bit of meat which had the desired effect, +the mouth of the anemone opening wide to receive it. + +"Oh, they are very beautiful!" exclaimed Rosie, watching the appearance of +the beadlike tubercles of which the captain had just spoken. + +"Don't they eat anything but meat, papa?" asked Neddie. + +"Yes; crabs, sea-worms, and fish; the tentacula are furnished with minute +spears with which they wound their prey and probably convey poison into +the wounds." + +"I suppose this is salt water they are all in?" Walter said enquiringly, +and was told that he was correct in his conjecture. + +On leaving the building they spent some time in examining its outside, +finding its columns and arches wrought with calamus, fishes, frogs, +serpents, and tortoises, making them very appropriate and beautiful. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + +"Papa, I wish we might go back to the Fair directly after supper and spend +the evening there," Lucilla said, as again they stood on the _Dolphin's_ +deck. "I want so much to see the lighting up of the Court of Honor, then +go to the wooded island to see it with the lamps lighted; after that to +the Ferris Wheel again, to have the view from it by moonlight." + +"Anything more, my child?" returned the captain, with his pleasant smile. + +"I think it likely that may do for one evening, sir," she replied; "unless +my father wants to take me somewhere else." + +"I think we will then come back through the Court of Honor and go to our +beds," he said; "that is, should we make the visits proposed, which will +depend at least somewhat upon the wishes of others. Violet, my dear, how +does that programme suit you?" + +"I really do not know of any way of spending the evening that I should +enjoy more," answered Violet. "Indeed Lu and I were talking together of +our desire to see those sights, not longer ago than yesterday. And you, +mother, would like it, would you not?" she asked, turning to Grandma +Elsie. + +"Very much!" was the reply. "The tired little ones will be left in their +bed of course?" + +"Yes, indeed! they will be ready for that as soon as they have had their +supper," Violet replied, with a loving look into each weary little face. +"Come, dears, we will go to our state-room, wash hands and faces, and +smooth your hair, and by that time supper will be on the table." + +Every one of the company approved of Lucilla's plan for the spending of +the evening, and before the sun had quite set they were again in the Court +of Honor. They were in season to secure seats from which they could get a +good view of the lighting up. + +They found there were thousands of people who seemed as anxious as +themselves to witness the sudden change from deepening twilight to the +grand illumination that made fairyland of the Court of Honor. But they +were there for some minutes, sitting silently in the growing darkness, +finding the buildings taking on a new beauty by the dim, uncertain light, +and feeling it pleasant just to rest, listen to the subdued hum of the +thousands of voices of the multitude thronging about the white railing +guarding the fountains, the doorways, the stone steps leading down to the +water, and every place where a human creature could find room to sit down +and rest while waiting for a sight of the expected lighting up. + +There seemed no ill-humor among the great throng, no loud, angry talk, but +a subdued buzz like many telephone messages coming over the wire at the +same time. + +Our friends sat where they could see both the Administration Dome and the +Golden Statue at the other end of the lagoon. They had sat in silence +there for some minutes, the darkness deepening, when suddenly there was a +blare of music, the fountains threw up a few thin columns of spray, the +front of a dark building was instantly illumined with a thousand +jewel-like lights, then another and another blazed out in the same manner +till all were alight with tiny jets of flame; three rows, the first or +highest following the cornices all round the court: these were of a golden +hue; while some distance lower down was a second silver-colored row, then +the last, ranged just under the parapet of the lagoon, were golden like +the first. The mingled light of all three shone on the dark waters of the +lagoon, the gondolas skimming silently to and fro, and the electric +launches gliding swiftly onward. + +And the great dome of the Administration Building looked grandly beautiful +with its line of flaming torches about its base, its triumphal arches of +glittering fire above, and the golden crown sparkling on its summit. Great +search-lights were flaming out from the ends of the Main Building, making +visible the lovely seated Liberty in the MacMonnie's fountain which was +foaming and rustling; and suddenly the two electric fountains sent up tall +columns of water which changed from white to yellow, from that to purple, +then to crimson, and from that to emerald green. + +"Oh, it is just too beautiful!" exclaimed Rosie, "too lovely for anything. +I feel as if I could never weary of gazing upon it." + +"No, nor I," murmured Evelyn in low, moved tones. "I never imagined +anything so grandly beautiful!" + +"No, nor did I; and yet it cannot be anything to compare to heaven," said +Grandma Elsie; "'for eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered +into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that +love him!'" + +They sat for some time gazing upon the enchanting scene, then rose, and +still keeping together, wandered on till they reached the wooded island. + +The scene there was lovelier than in the daylight. Little glass cups of +various colors held tiny lights of wick in oil, giving a charming +appearance to the scene, and there were thousands of visitors moving here +and there among them. + +So did our party from the _Dolphin_, for a half hour or more; then they +returned to Midway Plaisance, and finding that the moon had risen, sought +the Ferris Wheel, and ascending in it had a beautiful view of the White +City, the lake beyond, and the surrounding country. They made the circuit +several times, then leaving the wheel, wandered slowly through the +fairylike scene that lay between them and the Peristyle, where the young +men who lodged on shore bade good-night and the others entered their +waiting boat and returned for the night to their floating home. All were +weary with the day's sight-seeing and soon retired to their state-rooms; +but Lucilla, noticing that her father had remained on deck, hastened back +again for the bit of private chat with him of which she was so fond, yet +in these days could so seldom get. He welcomed her with a smile, and +drawing her into his arms added a tender caress. + +"And what has my little girl, my dear eldest daughter, to say to her +father to-night?" he asked. + +"Oh, not very much of anything, papa," she replied, "but I'm hungry for a +little petting and a chance to hug and kiss my dear father; without +anybody by to criticise," she concluded, with a low, happy laugh. + +"Very well, my darling, you have my full permission to do all you care to +in that line," he said, patting her cheek and pressing his lips to it +again and again. "I haven't lost the first place in my little girl's heart +yet?" + +"No, indeed, papa; and you need not have the least bit of fear that you +ever will." + +"That is good news; if something I have heard so many times can be +properly called news." + +"Are you tired hearing it, father, dear?" she asked half entreatingly, +half incredulously. + +"Indeed no, my darling," he returned, holding her close. "I can hardly +bear to think there will ever be a time when I shall have to relinquish +the very first place in your heart; though I do not believe the time will +ever come when your love for me will fail entirely or even be very small." + +"I can't believe there is the very least danger of that, my own dear, dear +father," she returned earnestly, "and oh, it would break my heart to think +that you would ever love me any less than you do now." + +"It would take a great deal to lessen my love for you, dear one," he +replied, repeating his caresses. "Has this been a happy and enjoyable day +to you, daughter?" + +"Oh, very, papa! what a delightful time we are having!" + +"You will be almost sorry when the time comes for returning home?" + +"Oh, no, indeed, sir! we have such a sweet home that I am always glad to +be back to it when we have been away for a few weeks." + +"But then playtime will be over and studies must be renewed." + +"And that, with such a cross, cross teacher whom nobody loves," she +returned sportively, and laying her head on his shoulder, for he had sat +down, drawing her to his side and putting an arm about her waist. + +"Ah, indeed! I had thought it was your father who was to teach you." + +"And you didn't know how cross and tyrannical he was?" she laughed. + +"So cross and tyrannical that he says now that it is time his eldest +daughter was in her bed." + +"Oh, please don't say I must go just yet, papa!" she begged. "There are so +many of us here that I can hardly ever get a word with you in private, and +it is so--so pleasant to get you all to myself for a few minutes." + +"Well," he said, taking out his watch, "you may have five----" + +"Oh, papa," she interrupted eagerly, "say ten, please do! and I'll try to +be ever so good to-morrow," she concluded, with a merry look and smile. + +"Ten then, but not another one unless you want me to say you must stay +here and rest all day to-morrow." + +"Oh, no, sir, please don't! That would be worse than being sent to bed +immediately. I'll go without a word of objection, whenever you tell me to. +But oh, papa, wasn't it lovely to see the Court of Honor light up +to-night? and what could have been more beautiful than the view from the +Ferris Wheel?" + +"They were fine sights, and I am glad you enjoyed them," he returned. +"To-morrow we will, I think, go into the Manufactures Building, and +perhaps make some purchases. Would you like to do so?" + +"Oh, yes, sir! yes, indeed! I want to get some gifts for Christine and +Alma, and the servants at home." + +"I highly approve of that," he said, "and have no doubt we will be able to +find something for each which will be acceptable. Now the ten minutes are +up, daughter; so bid me good-night and go to your room and get to bed as +quickly as you can." + +"Good-night and pleasant dreams to you, my own dear, dear father," she +returned, hugging him tightly for an instant, then hastened to do his +bidding. + +"I presume you will all be ready to start out early, as usual?" the +captain said at the breakfast table the next morning, adding with a quick +glance about from one to another, "I am happy to see that everyone is +looking well and bright." + +"As we are feeling," said Mr. Dinsmore, "and it is certainly a cause for +gratitude to the Giver of all good. What have you to propose in regard to +our movements for the day, captain?" + +"It makes but little difference to me where we go, so that all are +content," replied Captain Raymond; "but if no one else cares to decide the +question, I propose that our first visit be to the Manufactures Building. +We have been there before, but there are thousands of things well worth +our attention which we have not yet looked at." + +"Oh, yes; let us go there first," responded several voices, and so it was +decided. + +They set out, as usual, shortly after leaving the table; found their young +gentlemen friends waiting for them in the Peristyle, and all proceeded at +once to the Manufactures Building. + +It was easy to spend a long time there, and they did; visiting one section +after another, admiring all that was worthy of admiration in the +architecture and exhibits--the German pavilion with its towers, domes, and +arches, its Ionic pillars upholding golden eagles, the fountains at the +base, the Germania group in hammered copper surmounting the highest +pedestal, and, most beautiful and impressive of all, the great +wrought-iron gates that form its main entrance, and were considered the +finest and most remarkable specimens of that kind of work ever yet seen in +our country. + +The pavilion of France next challenged their attention, being close at +hand. In front of its arched entrance stood two blue and green vases which +they learned were from the national porcelain factories of Sevres, both +very handsome. That factory had sent about two thousand pieces of its +beautiful and costly china. Most of them had been already sold, but the +captain and his party secured a few. + +Germany, France, and Great Britain occupied three great squares grouped +around the central circle of the immense building. On the fourth square +were the exhibits of the United States. Three New York firms had accepted +the task of making for their country's section such a pavilion as should +maintain her dignity and reputation, and had succeeded in so doing. It +was of the Doric order of architecture and enriched with a pale color and +a profusion of gold, while from the centre of the facade rose a column to +a height of one hundred feet, having a ball and eagle on the top. + +"Oh, let us go in and look at the exhibits here! those of our own +country," exclaimed Lucilla, after some moments had been spent by their +party in an admiring examination of the outside. + +Such seemed to be the inclination of the others also, and they passed +quietly in and about. + +The exhibit of jewelry there was the one which seemed to have the greatest +attraction for the young girls of the party, Lucilla especially; and her +father presented her with a pin and ring which gave her great delight; nor +was he less liberal to his wife or Grace. + +"Ah, ha! um, hum! ah, ha! I see, captain, that you believe in encouraging +home industries," laughed Mr. Lilburn. + +"Yes, sir; especially when they are the best," returned the captain +good-humoredly. "I have been examining jewelry in the various foreign +exhibits and find none to excel, few to compare with, those of these +United States." + +"Yes," said Harold; "some of our country-men excel in those things, as +they do in the art of the silversmith. Look at those translucent enamels +worked on silver fret-work--there in the Gorham exhibit; and those fine +pitchers and vases made of silver worked into open engraved designs, +having pieces of colored glass blown into it; and those of Rockwood +pottery and silver." + +"And yonder is Tiffany's exhibit," said Evelyn. "He is one of our finest +jewelers, so let us go and look at it." + +There was no objection raised, but all followed her as she led the way to +the pavilion of which she had spoken. They found it well worth +examination, for none of them had ever seen a finer display, or greater +variety of precious stones in costly and beautiful settings. + +Our friends lingered some time longer in what the young people called "our +section." There were other fine collections from other cities and +countries, too numerous to mention, and far too many to be seen and +examined in one day, or even in several. + +After a time, however the little ones grew very weary and indeed all were +ready to enjoy a rest. So an electric boat on the lagoon was entered, and +quite a while spent upon the water. + +After that they had luncheon at a restaurant, then went to see the Spanish +caravels. + +"What are caravels, papa?" asked Elsie, as they went on their way. + +"You'll see presently," he replied. "You have heard the story of the +discovery of America. These little vessels which we are going to see are +made as nearly as possible like those he came over in; the men who built +them looking up old pictures and descriptions and making these vessels as +exact copies of the old ones as they could." + +"Was it in Spain they made them, papa?" + +"Yes; they sailed from Palos in Spain, about a year ago, and exactly four +hundred years from the time when Columbus sailed from there to look for +the land he felt sure was here, on this side of the ocean. They took, as +nearly as they could, just the course he did, and finally came on to New +York, where they had a part in the international review of April, 1893." + +"That's the name of this year isn't it, papa?" + +"Yes; that review took place last April; and after it they sailed for the +St. Lawrence River, came round the lakes as we did, and here into this +harbor." + +"How many are there, papa?" + +"Three: the _Santa Maria_--in which Columbus himself sailed--the _Nina_, +and the _Pinta_. There they are, daughter," as at that moment they came in +sight of the three small vessels. + +"Why, how little they are!" she exclaimed; "not nearly so big as the +_Illinois_ that we see all the time from our deck." + +"You are quite right about that," her father said, with a smile. + +"But what does anybody want with such little bits of ships?" she asked. + +"Only to show people with what little vessels Columbus accomplished his +great work of discovering America." + +"I'm glad he discovered it," Elsie said, with satisfaction; "because, if +he hadn't, we couldn't have been here living in it." + +"Unless somebody else had discovered it between that time and this, +Elsie," laughed her uncle Walter, overhearing her last remark. + +All were interested in looking at the little vessels, but their curiosity +was soon satisfied and they returned to the Court of Honor for a time, +then to the _Dolphin_. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + +It was Sunday afternoon. Most of the _Dolphin's_ passengers were in their +own state-rooms enjoying the Sabbath rest, after the fatigue of the +sight-seeing of the past week, but Captain Raymond sat on the deck with +Neddie on his knee and the three girls grouped about him. The father and +daughters had each a Bible, for even little Elsie could read fluently and +had been given one of her own, which she valued highly. + +"Papa," she said, "you know you bade each of us to have a verse to recite +to you to-day. May I say mine now?" + +"Yes; we will begin with the youngest to-day," he replied. + +"But that's I, papa; your Neddie boy!" exclaimed the little fellow on his +knee. + +"Why, yes, to be sure! But I hardly expected him to have one," the captain +returned, with a fatherly smile down into the dear little face upturned to +his. "Let me hear it, son?" + +"It's only a very little one, papa: 'The Son of man hath power on earth to +forgive sins.'" + +"A very sweet verse. Does my little son know who said these words?" + +"Grandma said they were Jesus' words. She taught me the verse." + +"Yes, it was Jesus our Saviour who said it; and do you know whom he meant +by the Son of man?" + +"Grandma said it was himself, and that he can forgive all our sins and +take away the love of sinning and make us truly good, really holy." + +"That is true, a blessed truth; and to him alone, to Jesus who was God and +man both, we must go to get our sins forgiven, and be taught to love +holiness; that holiness without which no man can see the Lord." + +"Now mine, papa," said Elsie: "'He that believeth on the Son hath +everlasting life.' Doesn't that mean that to believe on Jesus will take us +to heaven at last--when we die?" + +"Yes; and as soon as we really and truly believe on him--trust and love +him, giving ourselves to him and taking him for our Saviour--he gives us a +life that will last forever, so that we will always be his in this world +and in the next, and dying will be but going home to our Father's house on +high, to be forever there with the Lord, and free from sin and suffering +and death." + +"Never any more naughtiness, and never any more pain or sickness," said +Elsie thoughtfully. "Oh, how delightful that will be!" + +"Yes, and to be with Jesus and like him," said Grace softly. "This is my +verse: 'We love him because he first loved us.'" + +"Oh, what love it was!" exclaimed her father. "'Beloved, let us love one +another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God. He +that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.'" + +"I have the next three verses, papa," said Lucilla: "'In this was +manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only +begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is +love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be +the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also +to love one another.'" + +"Yes," said her father; "if we would be followers of Christ, he must be +our example; he who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, +when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened +not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously: who his own +self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to +sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." + +"What does that mean?" asked little Ned. + +"That the dear Lord Jesus suffered in our stead; taking the punishment due +to us for our sins, the punishment we deserved, and letting us have the +life bought with his righteousness and his blood." + +"What is righteousness, papa?" asked the little fellow. + +"Holiness, goodness. Jesus was perfectly holy, and those who truly love +him will be ever trying to be like him; will go from strength to strength +till everyone of them in Zion appears before God. That is, till they get +to heaven; and there they will be so like Jesus that they will never sin +any more." + +"And what does that other part, 'by whose stripes ye are healed,' mean, +papa?" asked Elsie. + +"That Jesus suffered for the sins of his people (there was no sin of his +own for him to suffer for), and that because he bore the punishment in +their stead they will not have to bear it, and will be delivered from the +love of it; that is the healing--the being made well of that disease--the +love of sinning, the vile nature that we are all born with, because our +first parents disobeyed God there in the garden of Eden." + +"God teaches his people to hate sin and try bard--asking help of him--to +forsake it and be always good, doing just what is right; doesn't he, +papa? That's what grandma says." + +"Yes, dear child, it is what God teaches us in his Word--the Holy Bible." + +"And he will send his Holy Spirit to help us--if we ask him to?" + +"Yes." + +"But how can we know it, papa? we can't see him." + +"No, daughter, but we may know it by the help he gives us, and others will +recognize the fact by the fruit of the Spirit seen in our lives. Lucilla, +can you tell me what is the fruit of the Spirit?" + +"Yes, sir; the Bible says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, +longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." + +"Yes; and 'against such there is no law.' Jesus has kept the law perfectly +in their stead, and his righteousness being imputed to them, they are +treated as if they had never broken the law--never sinned--but had been +always holy and obedient to all the commands of God, as he was." + +Elsie was looking very thoughtful. "I think I understand it now, papa," +she said. "Jesus has kept God's law in our stead, and borne the punishment +for our breaking it, and gives his goodness to us, so that we are treated +just as if we had been really good when we haven't at all, and that is +what it means where it says, 'by whose stripes ye were healed.'" + +"Yes, dear child, that is just it; and oh, how can we help loving him, who +died and suffered so much for us! Oh, how we ought to love him!" + +"I do love him, papa. I ask him every day to help me to love him more and +serve him better. I ask earnestly for a new heart; for he is the hearer +and answerer of prayer. The Bible tells us so." + +"And it is so sweet to know it," said Grace, speaking low and softly, "for +he is always near and able to help us, no matter what our trouble may be." + +"Yes," said her father. "'Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will +deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me.' 'Then shall ye call upon me, and +ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall +seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.' +God looks at the heart, my children, and will not hear and answer us if we +approach him with lip service only, not really wanting what we are asking +for." + +"Yes, papa," said Elsie; "but I do really want the new heart I ask him +for. So he will give it to me; won't he?" + +"Yes, daughter, for he has said so, and his promises never fail." + +"I want to go to mamma now," said Neddie, getting down from his father's +knee. + +"Yes, run along," said the captain. "Our lesson has been long enough for +to-day, I think, daughters, and you are all at liberty to go. You, Grace, +are looking weary, and it would be well for both you and Elsie to take a +nap: Lucilla also, if she wishes," he added, with a kindly glance at her. + +"Thank you, papa, but I do not care to," she answered, as the others +hastened away; "the breeze makes it very pleasant here on deck." + +"Yes, and you can rest nicely in one of these steamer chairs." Then, +taking a keener look into her face, "But something seems to be troubling +you, dear child. Tell your father what it is, that he may help and comfort +you," he added, in very tender tones, taking her hands and drawing her to +a seat close at his side. + +"Oh, papa, it is that I am--I am afraid I have been deceiving myself and +am not really a Christian," she said, with a half sob and hiding her face +on his shoulders. "There is so little, if any, of the fruit of the Spirit +in me--no gentleness, goodness, meekness--though I do love Jesus and long +to be like him." + +"In that case, dear child, I am sure you are one of his," he answered low +and tenderly. "Love is put first in the list and I have seen, to my great +joy, a steady growth in you of longsuffering, gentleness, and meekness. +Jesus said, 'By their fruits ye shall know them,' and I think that, though +far from perfect, yet my dear eldest daughter does show by her life that +she is earnestly striving to bring forth in it the fruit of the Spirit. +'The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more +unto the perfect day.' We are not made perfect in a moment, but are to +grow in grace, becoming more and more like the Master, and when the work +of grace is completed--so that we are made perfect in holiness--we do +immediately pass into glory, to be forever with the Lord." + +"Yes, papa; and oh, I want you to pray for me that I may grow in grace +every day and hour of my life." + +"I will, I do, daughter; and you must pray for your father too, for he is +by no means perfect yet." + +"Papa, you do seem perfect to me," she said, with a look of reverent love +up into his face. "I never forget you in my prayers; never forget to thank +God for giving me such a dear, kind father. Papa, are you never troubled +with fears that you might be mistaken in thinking yourself a Christian? +Oh, no! I am sure not; for how could you be when you are such a good +Christian that no one who sees you every day, and knows you as your +daughter does, could have the least doubt about it?" + +"My daughter looks at me with the partial eyes of filial love," he +replied, tenderly smoothing her hair, "but I too, in view of my sins and +shortcomings, am sometimes sorely troubled by doubts and fears. But then I +find peace and happiness in just giving myself anew to Jesus, and asking +him to take me for his very own and deliver me from all my sins and fears; +then, knowing that he is a hearer and answerer of prayers, I can go on my +way rejoicing. Can you not do the same?" + +"Oh, yes, papa, I will. I remember now that you told me once to do so--to +come then to Him and he would receive me, and I need not trouble about the +question whether I had really come before. And I did and found, oh, such +rest and peace!" + +"Yes; 'the peace of God which passeth all understanding! May it ever keep +your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + +"Where are we going to-day, papa?" asked little Elsie the next morning at +the breakfast table. + +"I do not know yet, my child," he replied. "I have been thinking," he +continued, addressing the company in general, "that it would probably be +better for us to break up into quite small parties, each going its own +way, now that the Fair has become so crowded." + +"Yes," Mr. Dinsmore said, "I will take my wife and daughter with me, if +they do not object; you, I presume, will do likewise with your wife and +children, and the others--Rosie, Walter, and Evelyn--can make up a third +party, and dispose of their time and efforts at sight-seeing as they +please." + +At that Mr. Lilburn turned toward Miss Annis Keith and said, with a +humorous look and smile, "You and I seem to be left entirely out of the +calculation, Miss Keith. Shall we compose a fourth party, and see what we +can find to amuse and interest us?" + +"Thank you, sir," she replied; "but are you sure I might not prove a +hindrance and burden?" + +"Quite sure; and your companionship, if I can secure it, will be +all-sufficient for me." + +"Then we will consider the arrangement made, for I should be sorry indeed +to intrude my companionship upon those who do not desire it," she said, +with a sportive look at the captain. + +"Cousin Ronald," said the latter gravely, "I think you owe me a vote of +thanks for leaving Cousin Annis to you. I am sure it should be accounted a +very generous thing for me to do." + +"Certainly, captain, when you have only Cousin Vi, those two half-grown +daughters, and two sweet children for your share," laughed Annis. + +"As many as he can keep together," remarked Walter. "Well, I'm going off +by myself, as I happen to know that my sister Rosie and Evelyn have been +already engaged by other escorts." + +"Walter, you deserve to be left at home," said Rosie severely. + +"At home?" laughed Walter, "you would have to get me there first." + +"You know what I mean; this yacht is home to us while we are living on +it." + +"And a very pleasant one it is; a delightful place to rest in when one is +tired; as I realize every evening, coming back to it from the Fair." + +"Then we won't try to punish you by condemning you to imprisonment in it," +said the captain. + +"Papa, I should like to go to the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building +again to-day, unless the rest of our party prefer some other place," said +Grace. + +"That would suit me as well as any," said Violet. + +"Me also," added Lucilla. + +"Then that shall be our destination," returned the captain. + +The young men--Harold and Herbert Travilla, Chester and Frank Dinsmore, +and Will Croly--joined the party from the _Dolphin_, as usual, in the +Peristyle; good-mornings were exchanged, then they broke up into smaller +parties and scattered in different directions; Captain Raymond with his +wife and children going first into the great Manufactures and Liberal Arts +Building, where they spent some hours in looking at such of the beautiful +and interesting exhibits as they had not examined in former visits; making +a good many purchases of gifts for each other for friends and relatives +and the servants and caretakers left at home. + +Chester was disappointed and chagrined that he was not invited to +accompany them, particularly as it was his and Frank's last day at the +Fair--but he joined Walter and Herbert, while Harold took charge of their +mother, and the other young folks went off in couples. + +"Where shall we betake ourselves, Miss Annis?" asked Mr. Lilburn. + +"I think I should like to look at some of the paintings in the Fine Arts +Building, if you care to do so," replied Annis. + +"I should like nothing better," he returned; "so we will go there first." + +They spent all the morning there--there were so many pictures worthy of +long study that it was difficult to tear themselves away from any one of +them. + +"'The return of the _Mayflower_,'" read Mr. Lilburn as they paused before +a picture of a young girl standing upon the seashore, looking out eagerly +over the water toward a sail which she sees in the distance; such an +impatience and tender longing in her face that one knew it seemed almost +impossible for her to wait the coming of some dear one she believes to be +on board; one whose love and care are to shelter her from cold and storm +and savage foes who might at any moment come upon and assail her. "Ah, the +dear lass is evidently hoping, expecting, waiting for the coming of her +lover," he said. "Happy man! What a joyous meeting it will be when the +good ship comes to anchor and he steps ashore to meet her loving welcome." + +"Yes, I can imagine it," Annis said. "They have doubtless been separated +for months or years, and a glad reunion awaits them if he is really on the +vessel." + +For a moment they gazed in silence, then with a sigh he said, "She's a +bonny lass and doubtless he a brave, well-favored young fellow; both on +the sunny side of life, while I--ah, Miss Annis, if I were but twenty +years younger----" + +"What then, Mr. Lilburn?" she asked sportively. "You would be looking +about for such a sweet young creature and trying to win her heart?" + +"Not if I might hope to win that of the dear lady by my side," he returned +in low, loverlike tones. "She is full young enough and fair enough for me. +Miss Annis, do you think I--I could ever make myself a place in your +heart? I am no longer young, but there's an auld saying that 'it is better +to be 'an auld man's darling than a young man's slave.'" + +"I have not intended to be either," she answered, blushing deeply and +drawing a little away from him. "Single life has its charms, and I am by +no means sure that--that I care to--to give it up." + +"I hope to be able some day to convince you that you do," he returned +entreatingly, as she turned hastily away and moved on toward another +picture. + +She had liked the old gentleman very much indeed; he was so genuinely kind +and polite, so intelligent and well informed; and he had evidently enjoyed +her society too, but she had never dreamed of this--that he would want her +as a wife; she would sooner have thought of looking up to him in a +daughterly way--but as he had said he wanted a wifely affection from her, +could she--could she give it? For a brief space her brain seemed in a +whirl; she saw nothing, heard nothing that was going on about her--could +think of nothing but this surprising, astonishing offer, and could not +decide whether she could ever accept it or not. She could not, at that +moment she rather thought she never could. She kept her face turned away +from him as he stood patiently waiting by her side. Both had lost interest +in the paintings. He was watching her and saw that she was much disturbed, +yet he could not decide whether that disturbance was likely to be +favorable to his suit or not. Presently he drew out his watch. "It is past +noon, Miss Keith," he said; "suppose we take a gondola and cross the pond +to the Japanese Tea House, where we can get a lunch." + +"I am willing if you wish it," returned Annis in low, steady tones, but +without giving him so much as a glimpse of her face. He caught sight of +it, however, as they entered the boat; then their eyes met, and he was +satisfied that she was not altogether indifferent to his suit. But he did +not think it wise to renew it at that moment. They sat in silence for a +little, then he spoke of the scenes about them; and while they took their +lunch, the talking they did ran upon matters of indifference. + +As they left the building they came unexpectedly upon the captain and his +party. + +"Ah! where now, friends?" he asked. + +"That is a question that has not yet been decided," replied Mr. Lilburn. +"Where are you going?" + +"I am about to take Grace, Elsie, and Ned back to our floating home," +returned the captain, "for I fear they have already become more fatigued +than is good for them." + +"And if you will allow it, I will go with you, captain," said Annis. + +"Certainly," he returned; "your company is always acceptable, Cousin +Annis, and I see that you look as though a few hours of rest would not +come amiss to you. Let us take this steam launch, which is just +approaching, and we will be at our destination in a few minutes." + +"Let us all get on board and go as far as the Peristyle, where Lu and I +will wait for you, Levis," said Violet. + +"A good idea," he replied. "Why, there is Walter on the boat, and I can +leave you in his care, if Cousin Ronald does not wish to make one of the +party." + +"Ah! then I will wander along by my ain sel,'" returned the old gentleman +laughingly as he lifted his hat to Annis and the others, then went on his +way, musing as to the best course to pursue to bring about an acceptance +of his suit. + +"I want you and your little brother and sister to retire promptly to your +berths, Grace, and try to get a good nap," the captain said when they had +reached the deck of the _Dolphin_. "And, Cousin Annis, I hope you'll not +think me impertinent if I advise you to do the same." + +"Not at all," she returned, with a smile, "it is just what I was intending +to do. I have a slight headache, but hope to sleep it off." + +"I hope you may, indeed," he said in a kindly, sympathetic tone. "I +presume it is the result of fatigue and that a few hours of rest and sleep +will make all right again." + +She went at once to her state-room, and changing her dress for a loose +wrapper lay down with the determination to forget everything in sleep. But +thought was too busy in her brain; she was too much excited over the +surprising offer made her that morning. She knew instinctively that Mr. +Lilburn had not given up the hope of securing what he had asked for--that +his suit would be renewed at the first opportunity--and what should +she--what could she say? It was not the first offer she had had, but--no +other suitor was ever so good, so noble, so--oh, he was everything one +could ask or desire (what difference that he was old enough to be her +father), but would his sons welcome her advent into the family? And her +own dear ones--sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews--be willing to part +with her. Perhaps not; but surely they could do very well without her and +he--the dear old gentleman--ought surely to be considered; if she could +make his last days happier and more comfortable--it could not be wrong for +her to do so, for the others could be happy without her. Ah, perhaps they +would soon almost forget her. And there with Elsie Travilla her dear, +dearest friend and cousin; how pleasant to live near enough for almost +daily intercourse with her! + +"I will ask for guidance," she finally said half aloud, and, rising, +knelt beside her couch, earnestly beseeching her best friend to make her +way plain before her face, to lead and guide her all her journey through. +Then, calmed and quieted by casting her burden on the Lord, she lay down +again and presently fell into a deep, sweet sleep. She was awakened by a +gentle tap on the door, then Violet's voice asking: + +"Can I come in for one moment, Cousin Annis?" At that she rose and opened +the door, saying. + +"Indeed you can, Vi. But what--who----?" as Violet handed her a bunch of +Scotch heather, her eyes dancing with mirth and pleasure as she did so, +for at the sight of the flowers a crimson flush had suddenly suffused +Annis' cheek. + +"You see what," she said, "and the who is Cousin Ronald. Oh, Cousin Annis, +I am so glad if only you won't reject him! and he's a dear old man; almost +too old for you, I acknowledge, but don't say no on that account. Be 'an +old man's darling,' there's a dear! for then we'll have you close beside +us in that lovely Beechwood." + +A silent caress was Annis' only reply, and Violet slipped away, leaving +her once more alone. For a brief space Annis stood gazing down at the +flowers in her hand with a tender smile on her lips, the roses coming and +going on her cheek. They seemed to be whispering to her of priceless love +and tenderness; for Mr. Lilburn was a hale, hearty man, looking much +younger than his years: he might outlive her, but years of genial +companionship might well be hoped for in this world, to be eventually +followed by a blissful eternity in another and better land, for they were +followers of the same Master, travelling the same road--toward the city +which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Yes, she did +indeed love the dear old man; she knew it now, and her heart sang for joy +as she hastened to array herself in the most becoming dress she had at +hand and pinned his flowers in the bosom of her gown. + +He was alone in the saloon as she entered it, and turning at the sound of +her light step, came forward to greet her with outstretched hand, his eyes +shining with pleasure at the sight of his flowers and the sweet, blushing +face above them. + +"Ah, my darling! you do not despise my little gift," he said low and +tenderly, taking quiet possession of her hand. "May I hope you will show +equal favor to the giver?" + +"If--if you think--if you are sure, quite sure, you will never repent and +grow weary of your choice," she stammered, speaking scarcely above her +breath. + +"Perfectly sure!" he returned. "My only fear is that I may fail to make +this dear lady as happy as she might be with a younger and more attractive +companion." + +"I have never seen such an one yet," she said, with a half smile, "and I +do not fear to risk it. I shall be only too glad to do so," with a low +half laugh, "if you have no fear of being disappointed in me." + +"Not a ghost of a fear!" he responded. + +As he spoke the door of Mrs. Travilla's state-room opened and she stepped +out upon them. Catching sight of them standing there hand in hand, she was +about to retreat into her room again, but Mr. Lilburn spoke: + +"Congratulate me, Cousin Elsie, upon having won the heart of the sweetest +lady in the land; or if that be too strong, one of the sweetest." + +"I do, I do," Elsie said, coming forward and bestowing a warm embrace upon +Annis, "and I could not have asked anything better, seeing it will bring +one whom I so dearly love into our immediate neighborhood." Even as she +spoke they were joined by other members of the party, the news of the +state of affairs was instantly conjectured by them, and joyful +congratulations were showered upon Cousin Ronald, tender embraces and +words of love upon Annis. + +Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore were there, but the young couples who had left the +older people that morning and gone off to explore other parts of the Fair +had not returned; but presently a slight commotion on deck, followed by +the sound of their voices, told of their arrival; in another minute they +were in the saloon, and Croly, leading Rosie to her mother, said: + +"Will you give this dear girl to me, Mrs. Travilla? She doesn't deny that +she loves me, and she is dearer to me than words can tell." + +"Then I cannot refuse," returned the mother, with emotion, "knowing as I +do that you are all a mother could ask in a suitor for her dear daughter's +hand. But do not ask me to part from her yet; she is--you are both--young +enough to wait at least a year or two longer." + +"So I think," said Rosie's grandfather, coming up and laying a hand on her +shoulder. "It would be hard to rob my dear eldest daughter of the last of +her daughters; to say nothing about grandparents and brothers." + +"Well, sir, I thank both her mother and yourself for your willingness to +let her engage herself to me, but I at least shall find it a little hard +to wait," said Croly. "I am well able to support a wife now, and--don't +you think we know each other well enough, and that early marriages are +more likely to prove happy than later ones?" + +"No, I don't agree to any such sentiment as that; old folks may as +reasonably look for happiness--perhaps a trifle more reasonably--than +young ones." + +The words seemed to be spoken by someone coming down the cabin stairway, +and everybody turned to look at the speaker; but he was not to be seen. + +"Oh, that was Cousin Ronald!" exclaimed Violet, with a merry look at him, +"and no wonder, since he has gone courting again in his latter days." + +"What! is that possible!" exclaimed Mr. Hugh Lilburn, in evident +astonishment. "And who? Ah, I see and am well content," catching sight of +Annis' sweet, blushing face. "Father, I offer my hearty congratulations." + +A merry, lively scene followed, mutual congratulations were exchanged, +jests and badinage and spirited retorts were indulged in, and in the midst +of it all there were other arrivals; Walter returned bringing with him the +two Dinsmores and the Conly brothers and their wives; they were told the +news, and the captain noticed that Chester cast a longing glance at Lulu, +then turned with an entreating, appealing one to him. But the captain +shook his head in silent refusal, and Chester seemed to give it up, and +with another furtive glance at Lucilla, which she did not see, her +attention being fully occupied with the others, he too joined in the +mirthful congratulations and good wishes. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + +Upon leaving the supper table the whole company resorted to the deck, +where most of them spent the evening, being very weary with the +sight-seeing of the day and finding restful seats there and a view of much +that was interesting and enjoyable. Chester and his brother left early to +take an evening train for the South. + +"I am sorry for you that you must leave without having seen everything at +the Fair, Chester," Lucilla said in bidding him good-by, "but we can't any +of us stay the necessary forty-two years. I'll see all I can, though, and +give you a full account of it after I get home; that is, if you care to +come over to Woodburn and hear it." + +"You may be sure I will and thank you, too," he returned, giving the +pretty white hand she had put into his an affectionate squeeze. "Good-by. +I'm glad you have your father to take good care of you." + +"So am I," she said, with a happy laugh; "I'm sure there's no better +caretaker in the world." + +It was somewhat later before the others went and Lucilia, sitting a little +apart from them, watched furtively the behavior toward each other of the +newly engaged couples. + +"A penny for your thoughts, Lu," said Violet, coming up from seeing her +little ones in bed, and taking a seat by Lucilla's side. + +"Really, they are not worth it, Mamma Vi," laughed the young girl. "I was +watching Rosie, and wondering how she could ever think of leaving such a +dear mother as hers to--marry and live with even so good and agreeable a +young man as Mr. Croly." + +"And what do you think of my leaving that very mother (the very best and +dearest of mothers she is, too) for a husband when I was a full year +younger than Rosie is now?" returned Violet, with a mischievous twinkle of +amusement in her eyes. + +"Oh, that was to live with papa--the dearest and best of men! I can see +how one might well forsake father and mother and everybody else to live +with him." + +"I agree with you," said Violet. "I love my mother dearly; it would break +my heart to lose her; and yet I love my husband still more." + +"I don't believe I shall ever be able to say that," said Lulu +emphatically. "I feel perfectly sure that I shall never love anybody else +half so well as I do my own dear father." + +"I know it would trouble him sorely to think you did," said Violet; "so I +hope you will not think of such a thing for at least five or six years to +come." + +"Five or six years! Indeed, Mamma Vi, you may be sure I will never leave +him while he lives. I know I could not be happy away from him. I have +always looked to him for loving care and protection, and I hope that if +ever he should grow old and feeble, I may be able to give the same to +him." + +"I can scarcely bear to think that that time will ever come," said Violet, +gazing at her husband with loving, admiring eyes. "But I hope it is far +off, for he really seems to have grown younger of late--since coming here +to the Fair." + +"I think so too, Mamma Vi," said Lucilla; "and indeed it seems as though +everybody was younger--they all look so happy and interested; at least +until they get worn out; as one does with all the walking and the +thousands of things to look at, and feeling all the time in fear that you +may miss the very things you would care most to see." + +"Yes, that is the fatiguing part of it. But we had a nice time to-day, +Lu. Aren't you pleased with our purchases?" + +"Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi! I am sure Christine, Alma, and the servants cannot +fail to be delighted with the gifts we have for them. And papa has been so +very generous in supplying Grace and me with money. I hope Max will be +pleased with all we bought for him. Poor, dear fellow! It is just a shame +he couldn't have been allowed to come here with us." + +"Yes, I regret it very much," said Violet. "It has been one great drawback +upon our pleasure. O Lu, do look at Cousin Annis! She seems to have grown +ten years younger with happiness. I am so glad for her, and that we are to +have her for a near neighbor." + +"I too; but judging from Mr. Lilburn's looks I should say he is gladder +than anybody else. Oh, I wish they would get married at once! Wouldn't it +be fun, Mamma Vi, to have a wedding here on the yacht?" + +"Yes, indeed! Here comes your father," as the captain rose and came toward +them; "we will suggest it to him and see what he thinks of the idea," she +added, making room for him at her side. + +"Thank you, my dear," he said, taking the offered seat. "You two seem to +have found some very interesting topic of conversation. May I ask what it +is?" + +"We are ready to let you into the secret without waiting to be +questioned," returned Violet. "We have been planning to have a wedding on +board, should you and the parties more particularly interested give +consent." + +"And who may they be?" he asked lightly. "Not that couple, I hope," +glancing in the direction of Croly and his lady-love. "Rosie is, in my +opinion, rather young to assume the cares and duties of married life." + +"As you said before, quite forgetting how you coaxed and persuaded a still +younger girl to undertake them--under your supervision," laughed Violet. +"Ah, Captain Raymond, have you forgotten that consistency is a jewel?" + +"Ah, my dear, have you forgotten that circumstances alter cases?" he +returned in sportive tone. "But allow me to remind you that you have not +yet answered my question." + +"But I do now; it is the older couple of lovers Lu and I are benevolently +inclined to assist into the bonds of matrimony." + +"Ah! Well, I am pleased with the idea, and have no doubt that it will be +an easy matter to secure the gentleman's consent; as regards that of the +lady I am somewhat doubtful." + +"I presume," said Violet, "she will veto it at first; that is only +natural; but we may succeed in coaxing her into it." + +"I should think that if they are going to get married the sooner the +better," observed Lucilla gravely. + +"Why so, daughter?" asked the captain. + +"Because neither is very young, you know, papa, so that they can hardly +expect to have many years to live together, and the longer they wait the +shorter the time will be." + +"Of their life together on earth, yes; but being Christians, they may hope +to spend a blessed eternity in each other's society." + +"Shall we make any move in the matter to-night, my dear?" asked Violet. + +"I think not, except to talk it over with your mother and grandparents." + +"Yes, that will be the better plan," said Violet. "And mother will be the +one to make the suggestion to Cousin Annis and persuade her to adopt it." + +"Yes; there will be no need of persuasion as regards the gentleman's share +in the matter." + +"There, the Conlys are making a move as if about to go," said Lucilla. +"And I hope they will, for I do want to know what Grandma Elsie and the +others will think of the plan." + +"Always in a hurry, daughter mine," the captain said, giving her an amused +smile as they rose and went forward to speed the parting guests and +assure them of a hearty welcome whenever they should see fit to return. + +Not long after their departure the others retired to their state-rooms, +Violet, however, going first into that of her mother to tell of her own +and husband's plans concerning the nuptials of their cousins, Mr. Lilburn +and Annis. + +"That would be quite romantic for the youthful pair," Mrs. Travilla said +with her low, sweet laugh, "I doubt very much, however, if you can +persuade Annis to give her consent to so sudden a relinquishment of all +the rights and privileges of maidenhood. Besides she will hardly like to +deprive her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, of the pleasure of +witnessing the ceremony." + +"They might be invited to come and be present at the marriage," Violet +suggested a little doubtfully. + +"I fear there are too many of them," her mother said in reply; "so that +they will think it would be far easier for Aunt Annis to go to them; and +more suitable for her to be married in her own old home." + +"Do you really think so, mamma? Well, please don't suggest it to her. I am +sure that if our plan can be carried out it will be a great saving to +them of both expense and trouble; for of course my husband will provide +the wedding feast." + +"Well, dear, I should like to see your plan carried out, and I must insist +upon sharing the expense. But we will talk it over again in the morning. +We are both weary now and ought to go at once to our beds." + +"Then good-night, mamma, dear. May you sleep sweetly and peacefully and +wake again fully rested," Violet said, giving her mother a fond embrace. + +"And you also, daughter. May He who neither slumbers nor sleeps have you +and yours in his safe keeping through the silent watches of the night," +responded her mother, returning the embrace. + +The captain had lingered on the deck as usual, to give his orders for the +night, and Lucilla waited about for the bit of petting as she termed it, +of which she was so fond. + +"Ah, so you are still here, daughter!" he said in his usual kind, fatherly +tones as he turned and found her at his side. "Have you something to say +to your father?" putting his arm about her and holding her close as +something precious. + +"Only the usual story--that I love my father dearly, dearly, and don't +like to go to bed without telling him so and getting a caress that nobody +else will know anything about." + +"A great secret that doubtless the whole world would be glad to discover!" +he laughed, bestowing them without stint. "Is my little girl unhappy, +about--anything? and wanting her father to comfort her?" he asked, looking +keenly into her face. + +"Unhappy, father? here in your arms and perfectly certain of your dear +love?" she exclaimed, lifting to his eyes full of joy and love. "No, +indeed! I don't believe there is a happier girl in the land or in the +whole world for that matter. Oh, you are so good to me and all your +children! How very generous you were to-day to Grace and me in letting us +buy so many lovely presents to carry home with us! I am often afraid, +papa, that you do without things yourself to give the more to us. Oh, I +hope you don't!" + +"You need not be at all troubled on that score" he said, patting her cheek +and smiling down into her eyes. "I have abundance of means and can well +allow my daughters such pleasures. 'It is more blessed to give than to +receive,' and when I give to you, and you use my gift in procuring +something for another, it gives us both a taste of that blessedness." + +"So it does, papa, and oh, what a good place this is for making +purchases! there are so many, many lovely things to be found in the +various buildings." + +"And we meet so many relatives and friends from various quarters. But that +gives us the pain of a good many partings," and again he looked keenly at +her as he spoke. + +"Yes, sir," she said, "but one can always hope to meet again with those +one cares particularly about; so I don't feel that I need to mourn while I +have you, my dear father, and Mamma Vi and the little brother and sisters +left; and I'm content and more than content, except that I miss dear Max +and can't help wishing he were here to see and enjoy all that we do." + +"Yes; dear boy! I wish he could be," sighed the captain. Then, with +another caress, "Go now to your bed, daughter; it is high time you were +there," he said. + +"Just one minute more, please, papa, dear," she entreated, with her arm +about his neck. "Oh, I can't understand how Rosie can think of leaving her +mother for Mr. Croly or any other man. I could never, never want to leave +you for anybody else in the wide world." + +"I am glad and thankful to hear it, dear child," he said, with another +tender caress and good-night. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + +Circumstances seemed to favor the scheme of the captain, Violet, and +Lucilla, for the family and their guests had scarcely left the breakfast +table when there was a new arrival, a boat hailing the yacht and +discharging several passengers, who proved to be Annis' sisters, Mildred +and Zillah, and her brother, the Rev. Cyril Keith. + +It was an unexpected arrival, but they were most cordially welcomed and +urgently invited to spend as much of their time on the yacht as could be +spared from sight-seeing on shore. They were of course soon introduced to +Mr. Lilburn--already known to them by reputation--and presently informed +of the state of affairs between him and their sister. They were decidedly +pleased with the old gentleman, yet grieved at the thought of so wide a +separation between their dear youngest sister and themselves. + +Violet afterward, seizing a momentary opportunity when neither Mr. Lilburn +nor Annis was near, told of her plans in regard to the wedding, adding +that the subject had not yet been mentioned to Annis, but that she +herself hoped no objection would be raised; and it seemed to her that +Cyril's arrival, thus providing a minister to perform the ceremony, the +very one Annis would have chosen of course, seemed providential. + +At first both brother and sisters were decidedly opposed to it--they +wanted Annis to be married at home where all the family could be gathered +to witness the ceremony; it was bad enough to lose her without being +deprived of that privilege; besides time and thought must be given to the +preparation of a suitable trousseau. But in the course of a day or two +they were won over to the plan. + +Then the consent of those most particularly interested had to be gained. +There was no difficulty so far as concerned Mr. Lilburn; he was really +delighted with the idea, but Annis at first positively refused. She wished +to be married at home and she must have a trousseau: not that she cared so +much about it for herself, but Mr. Lilburn must not be disgraced by a +bride not suitably adorned. + +"Well, Annis dear," said Mildred, who was the one selected for the task of +obtaining her consent to the proposed plan, "you shall have all that you +desire in the way of dress. I would not have you do without a single +thing you want or think would be suitable and becoming. You shall have +abundance of money to make such purchases without applying to your husband +for any one of them. You have some money of your own, you know, and it +will be a great pleasure to your brothers and sisters to give to the dear +girl who was such a help and comfort to our loved father and mother, +anything and everything she wants, and will accept at our hands." + +"Yes, I know I have the best and kindest of brothers and sisters, and oh, +I can hardly keep the tears back when I think of the separation that +awaits us," said Annis with a sob, putting her arms round Mildred's neck +and clinging to her. + +"Yes, dear, I know. I feel just the same, though I believe you will be +very happy with the kind, genial old gentleman who is stealing you away +from us; but I can see that he is in great haste to get full possession of +his dear little lady-love--at which I do not wonder at all--and I really +think it would be better to take the plunge into matrimony suddenly and +have it over," she added, with a smile. + +"Have what over?" asked Annis, smiling faintly. + +"Not the matrimony," laughed her sister, "but the plunge into it." + +"Oh, Milly dear, you wouldn't have liked to be hurried so!" + +"Ah, but wasn't I?" laughed Mildred; "and that by this very brother of +ours who expects to perform the ceremony for you." + +"Ah, I don't remember about that," returned Annis, in a tone of enquiry. + +"No, you were such a little girl then that I don't wonder it has slipped +your memory. But Cyril was about starting for college and so determined to +see me married, so fearful that he would miss the sight if he went off +before-hand, that he coaxed, planned, and insisted till he actually gained +his point--hurrying me into wedlock before I had even one wedding dress +made up." + +"Oh, yes! and you were married in mother's wedding dress, I remember now. +But, Milly, I haven't a single handsome dress with me! I did not think +they would be at all suitable to wear in tramping about the White City and +its buildings, or needed in the hotel, where I spent but little time +except at night. And so far, what I brought with me have answered every +purpose." + +"Never mind," said Mildred; "handsome ready-made dresses can be bought in +Chicago, and it will not take long to procure one. You will of course want +to select one that is well fitting and becoming in color; gray would, I +think, be very becoming and altogether suitable for a--not very young +bride." + +"No, I do not want to be too youthfully dressed, or to look too bridelike +on my wedding tour; so I think I will have a dark navy blue." + +"So she has about consented to the desired arrangement," said Mildred, a +little triumphantly to herself; then aloud: "Yes, that will be quite as +becoming and a trifle more suitable; but let us go and talk it over with +our cousins, Rose, Elsie, and Vi." + +"There is no hurry," said Annis, blushing. "If I should give up to you +enough to consent to have the ceremony performed here on the yacht, I +shall put it off till the very last day of your stay, for I don't intend +to miss seeing all that I possibly can of you, Cyril, and Zillah, and of +the Fair." + +"Very well," Mildred answered. "I incline to think myself that that would +be the best plan; for really I want to see all I can of the dear sister +who is going to leave us. O Annis, dear, whatever shall I do without you!" +she exclaimed, putting an arm about her and kissing her with tears in her +eyes. "Ah, it seems that in this world we cannot have any unalloyed +good!" + +"No, Milly, dear sister; but when we get home to the Father's house on +high, there will be no more partings, no sorrow, no sin--nothing but +everlasting joy and peace and love. + + "'Tis there we'll meet + At Jesus' feet, + When we meet to part no more. + +"Oh, doesn't it sometimes seem as if you could hardly wait for the time +when you will be there with all the dear ones gone before? There at the +Master's feet, seeing him and bearing his image--like him; for we shall +see him as he is?" + +"Yes, there are times when I do; and yet I am glad to stay a little longer +in this world for the sake of husband and children; and to work for the +Master too, doing what I can to bring others to him. I want some jewels in +the crown I cast at his dear feet." + +"Yes; and so do I." A moment of silence followed;--then Mildred said: + +"Let us go now and have our talk with the cousins, for it will not be very +long before we will be summoned to the supper table." + +Annis made no objection, and they went up to the deck, where they found +the three ladies they sought--Zillah with them too--sitting in a little +group apart from the young girls and gentlemen. + +They joined the group and Mildred quickly and briefly reported Annis' +decision. All approved, saying they would be very glad to keep her to the +last minute, and there was a good deal more well worth looking at in the +Fair than she had already seen; also the delay would give plenty of time +for the selection of a wedding dress and other needed articles of apparel. + +"Now I am going to relieve the anxiety of the gentlemen, particularly the +one belonging especially to me," said Violet, in a lively tone, rising +with the last word and hurrying away in their direction. The others sat +silently watching her and her auditors. + +"Ah," laughed Mildred presently, "they are all well satisfied with the +arrangement except Mr. Lilburn. He wears a dubious, disappointed look. Ah, +Annis, how can you have the heart to disappoint him so?" + +"Never mind, Annis, he will prize you all the more for not being able to +get possession of you too quickly and easily," said Mrs. Dinsmore. + +"So I think," returned Annis demurely; "also that it will be quite as well +for him to have a little more time to learn about all my faults and +failings." + +"I do not believe he will be able to find them," said Mrs. Dinsmore, with +an admiring look into the sweet face of the speaker, "since I have not +succeeded in so doing." + +Lucilla and Grace, seated a little apart from the others, had been +watching with keen interest all that passed among both ladies and +gentlemen. + +"There, just look at Cousin Ronald!" exclaimed Lucilla. "He isn't +smiling--looks rather disappointed I think; so I suppose we are not to be +allowed to carry out our plan. And I think it would be just splendid to +have a wedding here on board our yacht." + +"Yes; so did I," returned Grace; "but I suppose she doesn't like the idea +of being married in a hurry. I'm sure I shouldn't. I don't believe Rosie +would mind that though; and Mr. Croly seems to say by his looks that he +would like to take possession of her as soon as possible." + +"Yes, no doubt he would. He ought to wait till he can have his father and +mother present, however; and besides Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie +won't consent to let her marry for at least a year. I shouldn't think she +would feel willing to leave her mother even then; unless as Mamma Vi did, +for such a man as our father." + +"But there isn't any other," asserted Grace more positively than she +often spoke. "Papa is just one by himself for lovableness, goodness, +kindness--oh, everything that is admirable!" + +"Indeed he is all that!" responded Lucilla heartily. "Oh, I could never +bear to leave him and cannot help wondering at Rosie--how she can think of +leaving her mother! Her father being dead, she wouldn't be leaving him, +but Grandma Elsie is so sweet and lovable. To be sure, just as I said, +Mamma Vi did leave her, but then it seems all right since it was for love +of papa. But what are you looking so searchingly at me for, Gracie?" + +"Oh, something that Rosie said last night quite astonished me, and I was +wondering if it were possible she could be right." + +"Right about what?" + +"Why, that Chester Dinsmore is deeply in love with you, and that you care +something for him too." + +"Oh, what nonsense!" exclaimed Lucilla with a half vexed, yet mirthful +look. "I am only half grown up, as papa always says, and really I don't +care a continental for that young man. I like him quite well as a +friend--he has always been very polite and kind to me since that time when +he came so near cutting my fingers off with his skates--but it is absurd +to think he wants to be anything more than a friend; besides papa doesn't +want me to think about beaux for years to come, and I don't want to +either." + +"I believe you, Lu," said Grace, "for you are as perfectly truthful a +person as anybody could be. Besides I know I love our father too dearly +ever to want to leave him for the best man that ever lived; there couldn't +be a better one than he is, or one who could have a more unselfish love +for you and me." + +"Exactly what I think," returned Lucilla. "But there's the call to +supper." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + +"Annis, dear, my ain love, my bonny lass," Mr. Lilburn said, when at last +he could get a moment's private chat with her, "why condemn me to wait +longer for my sweet young wife? Is it that you fear to trust your +happiness to my keeping?" + +"Oh, no, not that," she replied, casting down her eyes, and half turning +away her face to hide the vivid blush that mantled her cheek; "but you +hardly know yet, hardly understand, what a risk you run in asking me to +share your life." + +"Ah," he said, "my only fear is that you may be disappointed in me; and +yet if so, it shall not be for lack of love and tenderest care, for to me +it seems that no dearer, sweeter lass ever trod this earth." + +"Ah, you don't know me!" she repeated, with a slight smile. "I am not +afraid to trust you, and yet I think it would be better for us to wait a +little and enjoy the days of courtship. One reason why I would defer +matters is that we will never again have an opportunity to see this +wonderful Fair, and I have seen but little of it yet; also I would not +willingly miss spending as much time as possible with my dear brother and +sisters whom I am about to leave for a home with you, and I must make some +preparation in the matter of dress too." + +"Ah, well, my bonny lass, 'if a woman will, she will you may depend on't, +and if she won't, she won't and there's an end on't.' So I'll even give up +to you, comforting mysel' that ye'll be mine at last; and that in the mean +time I shall have your dear companionship while together we explore the +streets and buildings of this wonderful White City." + +At that moment others came upon the scene and put an end to the private +talk. + +The next two weeks were those of delightful experience to all our friends, +to Annis in particular, spent in visits to that beautiful Court of Honor, +and to various interesting exhibits to be found in other parts of the +Fair, with an occasional change of scene and occupation by a shopping +excursion to Chicago in search of wedding finery. + +She would not allow herself to anticipate the pain of the partings from +the dear brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, that lay before her, +but gave herself up to the enjoyment of the present; in especial of the +intercourse with him who was the chosen companion of her future life on +earth. + +The yacht could not furnish night accommodations for all, but usually all +the relatives and friends gathered about its supper table and afterward +spent an hour or more upon its deck in rest that was particularly +enjoyable after the day's exertion, and in cheerful chat over their varied +experiences since separating in the morning; for they were now much too +large a company to keep together in their wanderings in and about the +White City. + +But the time approached when they must separate. The trousseau--with the +exception of such articles as it was considered more desirable to purchase +in New York or Philadelphia--was ready, all the arrangements for the +wedding feast had been made, and but a day or two intervened between that +and the one which was to see Annis become a bride and set out upon her +wedding tour. + +The evening meal was over, and leaving the table they assembled upon the +deck. + +"Has anyone seen the evening paper or the morning one either?" asked Mr. +Dinsmore, addressing his query to the company in general. + +"Yes, sir; I have," answered Harold. "There has been an awful railroad +collision, one section of the train running into another; a good many +killed; one lady meeting with a most terrible fate," he added with +emotion, "but she was an earnest, active Christian worker, and no doubt is +now rejoicing before the throne of God." + +"But oh, couldn't they have saved her?" asked his mother, in tones +tremulous with feeling. "How was it? what was the difficulty?" + +"The car was crushed and broken, her limbs caught between broken timbers +in such a way that it was impossible to free her in season to prevent the +flames--for the car was on fire--from burning her to death. The upper part +of her body was free, and she close to a window, so that she could speak +to the gathered crowd who, though greatly distressed by the sight of her +agony, were powerless to help her. She sent messages to her dear ones and +her Sunday-school class and died like a martyr." + +"Poor dear woman!" said Violet, in low, tender tones. "Oh, how well that +her peace was made with God before the accident, for she could do little +thinking in such an agony of pain." + +"Yes; and such sudden calls should make us all careful to be ready at any +moment for the coming of the Master," said Mr. Dinsmore. + +"Yes," assented the captain, "and we do not know that he may not come at +any moment, for any of us; either by death or in the clouds of heaven. +'Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man +cometh,' is his own warning to us all." + +"Dear Christian woman, how happy she is now!" said Grandma Elsie; "that +agony of pain all over, and an eternity of bliss at God's right hand--an +eternity of the Master's love and presence already hers." + +A moment of deep and solemn silence followed, then from the lake they +seemed to hear two voices sweetly singing: + + "I would not live alway: I ask not to stay + Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way; + The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here, + Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer. + + "I would not live alway, thus fetter'd by sin, + Temptation without and corruption within: + E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears, + And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears. + + "I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb: + Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom; + There, sweet be my rest, till he bid me arise + To hail him in triumph descending the skies. + + "Who, who would live alway, away from his God; + Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode, + Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, + And the noontide of glory eternally reigns; + + "Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, + Their Saviour and brethren, transported, to greet; + While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, + And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul." + + +Hugh Lilburn was present among the guests of the evening, and before the +finishing of the first verse, the voices seemingly coming from the water +had been recognized by more than one of the company as those of his father +and himself. As the last notes died upon the air, a solemn silence again +fell upon them all. + +It was broken by Mrs. Travilla saying softly, and in tones tremulous with +emotion: + +"I have always loved that hymn of Muhlenberg's. Ah, who would wish to live +alway in this world of sin and sorrow, never entering, never seeing, the +many mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love him?" + +As the last word left her lips, the seemingly distant voices again rose in +song, the words coming distinctly to every ear: + + "Jerusalem the golden, + With milk and honey blest, + Beneath thy contemplation + Sink heart and voice opprest. + I know not, O I know not + What joys await us there, + What radiancy of glory, + What bliss beyond compare. + + "They stand, those halls of Zion, + All jubilant with song, + And bright with many an angel, + And all the martyr throng. + The Prince is ever in them, + The daylight is serene; + The pastures of the blessed + Are decked in glorious sheen, + + "There is the throne of David; + And there, from care released, + The shout of them that triumph, + The song of them that feast. + And they, who with their Leader, + Have conquered in the fight, + For ever and for ever + Are clad in robes of white. + + "O sweet and blessed country, + The home of God's elect! + O sweet and blessed country, + That eager hearts expect! + Jesus, in mercy bring us + To that dear land of rest; + Who art, with God the Father, + And Spirit, ever blest," + + +"Thank you very much, gentlemen," said Mildred as the last notes died +away. "What lovely words those are! Ah, they make one almost envious of +that dear woman who has already reached that happy land where sin and +sorrow are unknown." + +"And death never enters," added Grandma Elsie low and feelingly. "Oh, +'blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + +The wedding morning dawned bright and clear. All the invited guests who +had passed the night on shore were early arrivals upon the yacht, which +then immediately started across the lake, heading for Michigan City. + +The crew had outdone themselves in making everything about the vessel even +more than ordinarily clean and bright, and everyone was arrayed in holiday +attire. The young men of the party had taken care to provide abundance of +flowers, especially for the saloon where the ceremony was to take place. + +There they all assembled, drawn by the familiar strains of the Bridal +Chorus from "Lohengrin," played by Violet on the small pipe organ which +the captain's thoughtfulness had provided for his wife's amusement and his +own pleasure, as well as that of his daughters. + +A hush fell upon them as Cyril entered and took his appointed place, +followed closely by the bridal party, which consisted of Mr. and Mrs. +Dinsmore and the bride and groom; Annis preferring to be without +bridesmaids, and Mr. Dinsmore having expressed a desire to take a +father's part and give her away. + +The short and simple ceremony was soon over, and after the customary +congratulations and good wishes, all repaired to the dining saloon where +they partook of a delicious breakfast. + +All this time the vessel was speeding on her way, and the lake being calm, +and such breeze as there was favorable, she made excellent headway, +carrying them into their port in good season for catching their trains +without being unpleasantly hurried. + +Then the _Dolphin_ turned and retraced her course, arriving at her old +station near the Peristyle before nightfall; so that the returned +passengers were able to spend their evening, as usual, in the beautiful +Court of Honor. + +Captain Raymond and his wife and daughters returned to the yacht rather +earlier than was their wont, and sat on its deck awaiting the coming of +the others. + +"Papa," said Lucilla, breaking a momentary silence, "I have been wondering +why you took the cousins to Michigan City rather than to Pleasant Plains +as you did before." + +"Because it would have taken a good deal longer to go to Pleasant Plains; +for which reason they preferred Michigan City, not wishing to take the +cars here because of the great crowds about the stations, causing much +inconvenience and some peril to those who must push their way through +them." + +"I wondered that the bride and groom were willing to go on the cars at all +after hearing of the many accidents on the trains of late, papa," said +Grace. + +"I trust they will not meet with any," said her father. "The crowds are +coming in this direction, and I think it is on those trains that most of +the accidents occur. But we will all pray for them, asking the Lord to +have them in his kind care and keeping." + +"Yes, indeed, papa!" she replied, in earnest tones. "I am so glad that we +may, and that we know--because he has told us so--that he is the hearer +and answerer of prayer. Still I am glad we are not going home by rail." + +"So am I," he said; "yet yachts are sometimes wrecked; and in fact there +is no place where we could be certain of safety except as our heavenly +Father cares for and protects us; and in his kind care and keeping we are +safe wherever we may be." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR*** + + +******* This file should be named 14910.txt or 14910.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/9/1/14910 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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