rings--"Time's up--Come, take
your places!"

* * * * *

The "Folkestone Express" sped on like a dream,
And there lay the steamer fast getting up steam.

[Illustration]

Then at the Folkestone harbour, down they go
Across the gangway to the boat below;
Mabel and Rose just crossing you can see,
Each holding her new doll most carefully.

Nellie, Miss Earle, and Bertie too appear,
Whilst Dennis, with the rugs, brings up the rear.
May looks behind her with an anxious air,
Lest Father, at the last, should not be there.

Our children once on board, all safe and sound,
Watch with delight the busy scene around.
The noisy steam-pipe blows and blows away,--
"Now this is just the noise we like," they say.

But while the turmoil loud and louder grows,
"I'm glad the wind blows gently," whispers Rose.
And as the steamer swiftly leaves the quay,
Mabel and Dennis almost dance with glee.

[Illustration]

CROSSING THE CHANNEL.

The sea is calm, and clear the sky--only a few clouds scudding by:
The Passengers look bright, and say, "Are we not lucky in the day!"
The Mate stands in the wheelhouse there, and turns the wheel with
watchful care:
Steering to-day is work enough; what must it be when weather's rough?
Look at him in his sheltered place--_he_ hasn't got a merry face--
'Tis not such fun for _him_, you know, he goes so often to and fro.
Nellie and Father, looking back, glance at the vessel's lengthening
track--
"How far," says Nellie, "we have come! good-bye, good-bye, dear
English home!"
Dennis and Rose and Mabel, walking upon the deck, are gaily talking--
Says Mabel, "No one must forget to call my new doll 'Antoinette';
Travelling in France, 'twould be a shame for her to have an English
name."
Says Dennis, "Call her what you will, so you be English 'Mabel' still."
Says Rose, to Dennis drawing nigher, "I think the wind is getting
higher;"
"If a gale blows, do you suppose, we shall be wrecked?" asks little Rose.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

While chatting with Dennis, Rose lost all her fear;
And the swift Albert Victor came safe to the pier
At Boulogne, where they landed, and there was the train
In waiting to take up the travellers again.
But to travel so quickly was not their intent:
On a little refreshment our party was bent.
Here they are at the Buffet--for dinner they