r.

"You're an American," announced the minister, turning to Chester.

"Yes."

"A western American, too."

"Right again; how can you tell?"

"Easily enough. How far west?"

"My home is in Chicago."

"Well, Lucy and I can beat you. We came from Kansas City. Ever been
there?"

"I've passed through twice."

"Through the Union Depot only?" asked Lucy.

"You must have received a very unpleasant impression of our city."

"Well, happily I did get away from that depot. I took a ride on the cars
out to Independence, and I saw a good part of the city besides. It's
beautiful out towards Swope Park--"

"There's where we live," exclaimed the girl. "I think the park's just
grand. I live in it nearly all summer."

At this point of the conversation, a party to windward, among whom were
the two Catholic Fathers, lighted their pipes, and the smoke streamed
like from so many chimneys into the faces of those sitting near. The
minister looked sharply towards the puffing men, while Lucy tried to
push the denser clouds away with her hands; but no notice was taken of
such gentle remonstrances.

"I'll speak to them," suggested Chester.

"No; don't. It would only offend them," said the minister. "They think
they are strictly within their rights, and it does not dawn on their
nicotine poisoned wits that they are taking away other peoples'
rights,--that of breathing the uncontaminated air. We'll just move our
chairs a bit," which they did.

"You don't smoke, I take it," continued the clergyman, addressing
Chester.

"No; I quit two years ago."

"Good for you. It's a vile habit, and I sometimes think the worst effect
smoking has on people is that it dulls the nice gentlemanlyness of a
man's character. Now, those men over there, even the Catholic Fathers,
are, no doubt gentlemen in all respects but one; it's a pity that the
tobacco habit should make the one exception."

Chester agreed in words, Lucy in looks.

"You say you have passed through Kansas City," continued the father.
"How far west have you been?"

"To the Pacific Coast."

"Lucy and I should have made this trip westward, but the doctor said we
must not cross the mountains, because of her heart. So an ocean voyage
was advised."

"And I did want so much to see the Rockies," added the young woman. "I
have always had a longing to see our own mountains as well as those of
Switzerland. Next summer we'll take that western trip."

"I hope so, daughter."

"I assur