ps,
looking with interested eyes on the groups of people, who, despite the
rain and darkness, were evidently on their way to Chautauqua. Marion had
gone to the other side of the boat and was looking over into the water,
rested and interested in spite of herself by the novelty of the scene
around her. The fellow-passengers seemed not to be novices like
themselves, for as their talk floated to the girls it had sentences like
these:

"Last year we stopped in the village, but this time we are going to be
right on the ground."

"Last year it rained, too; but rain makes no difference at Chautauqua."

"They are all last year's people," said Marion, coming over to Flossy's
side. "That speaks well for the interest, or the fun, doesn't it? Now
what do you suppose takes all these people to this place?"

"I don't know," Flossy said thoughtfully, "I never thought much about
it. Perhaps some of them came just as I did, because the girls were
coming and asked me to. I'm sure I haven't the least idea what else I
came for."

Marion looked down on the little creature done up in water-proof, with a
half-pitying laugh.

"You are a good little mouse," she said patronizingly. "I never remember
doing _anything_ without a motive somewhere. It must be refreshing to
forget that important individual now and then."

"Oh, I don't," Flossy said, simply. "Of course I came for the good time
I would have. But then, you know, I would never have thought of coming
if the rest of you hadn't."

Another laugh from Marion.

"You let others do your thinking for you," she said, with just a touch
of contempt, covered by the gayety of the tone. "Well, it is much the
easier way. If I could find anyone to undertake the task, I should like
to try it for myself."

Flossy's answer was a little scream of delight, for they were coming
upon fairy-land; the lights of Fairpoint were gleaming in the soft
distance, and very fairy-like they looked shining among the trees. The
sound of music on the steamer mingled charmingly with the peal of the
bells from the shore. Marion looked on the scene with quiet interest.
Flossy's face took a pink glow; she liked pretty things. As for those
who had been at Chautauqua the year before, they gathered at the
vessel's side as those gather who, after a long and tiresome journey,
realize that they are nearing home. They were eager and excited.

"The dock is better," said one.

"Yes, and the passage way is larger," chimed in h