o 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! bu