"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! but I was just thinking that now that we have two ventriloquists here, we might have some fun--for so far as I know the folks from Pleasant Plains don't know anything about the extraordinary powers of Cousins Ronald and Hugh--and I hoped you weren't too tired to enjoy it." "I don't believe I am," she laughed; "and I think I shall enjoy it if papa doesn't send me to bed too soon.

It was very good in you to think of me, Walter." "Was it, when you are the girl that always thinks of everybody else ?" "Not always, Walter.