line, I preferred to give
dates, data and all important facts.

I had moved with the young ladies through several galleries, now
consulting the guidebook, which I carried in my right hand, now pointing
with my left to this or that conspicuous example of the genius of a
Rubens, a Rembrandt or a Titian, and, I presume, had been thus engaged
for the better part of two hours, when a sudden subconscious instinct
subtly warned me that I was alone. Astonished, I spun on my heel. My
youthful companions were no longer with me. Five minutes before they had
been at my skirts; of that I was sure; in fact, it seemed but a few
moments since I had heard the prattle of their voices, yet now the whole
train had vanished, as it were, into thin air, leaving no trace behind
them.

I shall not deny that I was alarmed. I hurried this way and that,
seeking them--even calling their names aloud. All was in vain. My
agitated and rapid movements but served to attract the attention of a
considerable number of idlers of various nationalities, many of whom
persistently followed me about until a functionary in uniform
interfered, thus bringing my search to an end for the time being.
Whether my helpless charges, deprived now of the guiding hand and brain
of a responsible and vigilant protector, were yet wandering about,
without leadership, without guardianship, in the complex and mystifying
ramifications of that vast pile, or, worse still, were lost in the great
city, I had no way of knowing. I could but fear the worst. My brain
became a prey to increasing dread.

In great distress of spirit, I hurried from the edifice and set out
afoot for our hotel, meaning on my arrival there to enlist the aid of
the proprietor in notifying the police department and inaugurating a
general search for those poor young ladies through the proper channels.
However, owing to a striking similarity in the appearance of the various
streets of the town, I myself became slightly confused. I must have
wandered on and on for miles. The shades of night were falling when at
last, footsore, despondent and exhausted, I reached my goal.

To my inexpressible relief, I found all eight gathered at the hotel
dining table, discussing the various viands provided for their
delectation, and chattering as gaily as though nothing untoward had
occurred. I came to a halt in the doorway, panting. Explanations
followed. It would appear that, having been seized with a simultaneous
desire to v