, of my trip to Europe.
We started October twenty-fifth, from Rockport, Texas. How many days we
were upon the water I cannot tell, as Sarah, my sister, was very ill on
the way, and I devoted myself constantly to her. Nevertheless we at last
arrived at our destination, which was Brussels, where Eva Irving was
awaiting us. Near our hotel was a shop owned by Gustav Narheisen, whose
sign bore this--'Oysters To Sell.'

Every member of the family appeared in the window as our carriage
stopped at the hotel, but auntie explained to us that their neighbors
were particular friends of hers, and it was out of compliment to us that
they were watching our advent so eagerly. Eleven heads we counted before
we entered our hotel, the Meisterschaft, where we ate a hearty supper,
and I retired at once.

Next day Gustav called, bringing his wife, Irene, and his two daughters,
Nerissa and Dorcas. Our first impression, I must say, was not favorable;
but Nerissa was really a beautiful girl. Genuine worth, however, cannot
long conceal itself, and we were not slow to discover the noble
qualities of Eva's friends. Auntie took us out next day. Coming home, we
found auntie's maid packing her trunk, and learned that we were to start
for Havre that afternoon. Delighted at the thought of new scenes were
we. After discussion we decided to go by an overland route as far as the
river Yonne, down which we sailed until we reached the mouth. Then from
there we sailed to Havre.

As we were tired out we were glad to rest at the Thiers house. Going out
next day, we met an old friend, Olive Easton, who had married and
settled in a small village on the Seine, near Beauveau. Yet we were glad
to leave this lively seaport town behind us and sail up the Seine again.
Our destination this time was Marseilles. Entering it, we purchased a
copy of the _Literary Idler_. This we hastened to peruse, reading very
eagerly the news from Toulon and Tameraque. Lest inquiries should be
made respecting this paper, let me say that it is one of the few English
papers published in foreign cities.

Gustav sent us a letter containing an invitation to the wedding of his
daughter Olivia, which was to take place in October, and as this was
December, he thought that we might be there in time. Nerissa also sent
us a note, telling us in confidence that her marriage was to follow
Olivia's, as soon as her Theodore was able to provide a cozy home for
her. I was anxious to attend the wedding