once under
their spell, and could scarcely be persuaded to talk, so busy were her
eyes noting the rich verdure and picturesqueness of the wooded scene.
As they neared Cowes she pointed to a massive tower, which loomed up
amid the thick verdure, and observed,

"See, Hope, there's Osborne House, one of our queen's castles, isn't it
beautiful?"

"Yes," said Hope, "and there's a sloop flying an American flag--see?
Ah! it's saluting--now watch our colors, Faith; isn't that pretty? And
aren't you glad we sail under both? There's a book named 'Under Two
Flags,' and I've wondered what it is about. Our father's steamer sails
under both the American and British, and I'm so proud of both I want to
huzza every time I see them!"

The breeze was freshening by this, so that they felt the need of more
wraps, and decided to go below for them. As they slowly paced across
the broad deck their eyes roved from group to group, and they began
already to decide which would, and would not, be desirable
acquaintances. In turn, many eyes followed them, and they caught such
expressions as--"Did you ever see such a resemblance? How beautiful
they are, and how exactly alike," and the whisper, "Who are they?"
passed from lip to lip, for, having roamed all over this great ocean
hotel more than once, when "visiting papa," the twins now went about
with an assurance few passengers had yet attained to.

Besides the sight of two mere girls apparently unattended, is a most
unusual thing abroad, and so our sisters seemed, this morning, for
their father was too busy with his many duties to attend upon them when
he knew they were perfectly at home, here. As they entered their
pretty cabin, for so the English oftenest designate a first-class
stateroom, a pitiful "miew," long drawn out, and at once answered by a
hoarse "Shut up!" greeted their ears. The poor kitten was evidently
suffering, and the naughty parrot scolding her for complaining.

"It's a wicked shame to keep my fine Angora in that cage!" cried Faith,
with unusual spirit, "And you must teach that rude fellow not to scold
at her."

Hope smiled good-naturedly.

"How can I help his talking, dear? But why can't we let kitty out,
now? Shut the door and have her get used to it here, first. How
pretty this room is! Wasn't it lovely of father to fit it up freshly
for us?"

"Of course it was!" cried a well-known bass voice, and a blue-capped
head appeared at the inner door. "Going to