hat I care to--to give it up."

"I hope to be able some day to convince you that you do," he returned
entreatingly, as she turned hastily away and moved on toward another
picture.

She had liked the old gentleman very much indeed; he was so genuinely kind
and polite, so intelligent and well informed; and he had evidently enjoyed
her society too, but she had never dreamed of this--that he would want her
as a wife; she would sooner have thought of looking up to him in a
daughterly way--but as he had said he wanted a wifely affection from her,
could she--could she give it? For a brief space her brain seemed in a
whirl; she saw nothing, heard nothing that was going on about her--could
think of nothing but this surprising, astonishing offer, and could not
decide whether she could ever accept it or not. She could not, at that
moment she rather thought she never could. She kept her face turned away
from him as he stood patiently waiting by her side. Both had lost interest
in the paintings. He was watching her and saw that she was much disturbed,
yet he could not decide whether that disturbance was likely to be
favorable to his suit or not. Presently he drew out his watch. "It is past
noon, Miss Keith," he said; "suppose we take a gondola and cross the pond
to the Japanese Tea House, where we can get a lunch."

"I am willing if you wish it," returned Annis in low, steady tones, but
without giving him so much as a glimpse of her face. He caught sight of
it, however, as they entered the boat; then their eyes met, and he was
satisfied that she was not altogether indifferent to his suit. But he did
not think it wise to renew it at that moment. They sat in silence for a
little, then he spoke of the scenes about them; and while they took their
lunch, the talking they did ran upon matters of indifference.

As they left the building they came unexpectedly upon the captain and his
party.

"Ah! where now, friends?" he asked.

"That is a question that has not yet been decided," replied Mr. Lilburn.
"Where are you going?"

"I am about to take Grace, Elsie, and Ned back to our floating home,"
returned the captain, "for I fear they have already become more fatigued
than is good for them."

"And if you will allow it, I will go with you, captain," said Annis.

"Certainly," he returned; "your company is always acceptable, Cousin
Annis, and I see that you look as though a few hours of rest would not
come amiss to you. Let us take this