was disappointed and chagrined that he was not invited to
accompany them, particularly as it was his and Frank's last day at the
Fair--but he joined Walter and Herbert, while Harold took charge of their
mother, and the other young folks went off in couples.

"Where shall we betake ourselves, Miss Annis?" asked Mr. Lilburn.

"I think I should like to look at some of the paintings in the Fine Arts
Building, if you care to do so," replied Annis.

"I should like nothing better," he returned; "so we will go there first."

They spent all the morning there--there were so many pictures worthy of
long study that it was difficult to tear themselves away from any one of
them.

"'The return of the _Mayflower_,'" read Mr. Lilburn as they paused before
a picture of a young girl standing upon the seashore, looking out eagerly
over the water toward a sail which she sees in the distance; such an
impatience and tender longing in her face that one knew it seemed almost
impossible for her to wait the coming of some dear one she believes to be
on board; one whose love and care are to shelter her from cold and storm
and savage foes who might at any moment come upon and assail her. "Ah, the
dear lass is evidently hoping, expecting, waiting for the coming of her
lover," he said. "Happy man! What a joyous meeting it will be when the
good ship comes to anchor and he steps ashore to meet her loving welcome."

"Yes, I can imagine it," Annis said. "They have doubtless been separated
for months or years, and a glad reunion awaits them if he is really on the
vessel."

For a moment they gazed in silence, then with a sigh he said, "She's a
bonny lass and doubtless he a brave, well-favored young fellow; both on
the sunny side of life, while I--ah, Miss Annis, if I were but twenty
years younger----"

"What then, Mr. Lilburn?" she asked sportively. "You would be looking
about for such a sweet young creature and trying to win her heart?"

"Not if I might hope to win that of the dear lady by my side," he returned
in low, loverlike tones. "She is full young enough and fair enough for me.
Miss Annis, do you think I--I could ever make myself a place in your
heart? I am no longer young, but there's an auld saying that 'it is better
to be 'an auld man's darling than a young man's slave.'"

"I have not intended to be either," she answered, blushing deeply and
drawing a little away from him. "Single life has its charms, and I am by
no means sure that--t