y flowers, and
the lawn of velvet, Minnie suddenly broke out, 'What a beautiful place
to dry our handkerchiefs, girls!'"

"How ridiculous!" cried Faith. "I hope no such practical thought will
mar the romance of our visit to Lisbon, to-day."

"Oh, nothing could take your romance away," said Hope. "A little more
practicality wouldn't hurt you. But come, I'm ready. Let's go up and
see the blessed land, even if it is only Portuguese soil."

Thus talking and laughing they hastened deckwards, and many eyes turned
upon them with pleasure as they appeared, so bright and rosy, and
unconscious of anything but the enjoyment in hand. Even Lady Moreham's
face relaxed, and her eyes followed them with a wistful expression, as
she remarked, _sotto voce_, "How sweetly they look!"

"Sweet, you mean," hinted Mrs. Poinsett at her elbow, with a
deferential air, yet decided tone.

The other turned with a quick, impatient sigh, and half-resentful
manner, but in a moment moved closer and said humbly,

"Thank you for the correction! Do not let my smallest errors escape
you."

Mrs. Poinsett bent her dignified head.

"I obey you, my lady, though it is hard for both of us."

"Yes, everything is hard, but no matter."

And now all eyes were gazing shorewards, for Lisbon presents a
beautiful appearance when approached from the water, rising, as she
does, in terraces which overlook the noble Tagus, and are in turn
overlooked by the Sierras, ending in the Peak of Lisbon, at its mouth.
Arriving thus, one does not see the filth and squalor, the tumble-down
buildings, unpaved streets, or many poor mean houses tucked in among
the grander ones. Lisbon has sometimes been called "The Sultana of the
West," and the comparison is apt enough, for like many a sultana her
first appearance is conspicuously beautiful, but she will not bear too
close inspection. Her jewels are often mere colored glass, her
embroideries tawdry, and her garments not over clean.

But in the brilliant sunshine of this glowing noon Portugal's capital
sat throned in majesty, and the passengers were enthusiastic in their
praises.

"Come!" cried Dwight, appearing like a bombshell in their midst. "Are
you ready, girls? We're going ashore together, and while the captain
runs about on his affairs, uncle and mother are going to trot us around
wherever we want to go. Then, by and by, we're to meet him in the
Place of Commerce, and go for dinner at the Braganza. He and un