a
fright," he added with a low chuckle, as if enjoying the thought of
discomfiting such an one.

"Which I don't believe there will be," said Walter, "for everybody I saw
to-day looked the picture of good nature."

"Yes," said his mother, "and no wonder; the thought has come to me again
and again, when gazing upon the beauties of that wonderful Court of Honor,
especially at night when we have the added charm of the electric lights
and the fountains in full play, if earthly scenes can be made so lovely
what must the glories of heaven be! Ah, it makes one long for the sight of
them."

"Oh, mamma, don't, don't say that," murmured Rosie in low, tremulous
tones; taking her mother's hand in a tender clasp, for they were sitting
side by side, "we can't spare you yet."

"The longing is not likely to hasten my departure, dear," replied the
sweet voice of her mother, "and I am well content to stay a while longer
with my dear ones here if the will of God be so."

"Oh!" exclaimed Lulu, suddenly breaking the momentary silence, "to-morrow
is the Fourth, the glorious Fourth! I wonder what is going to be done here
to celebrate it?"

"I presume it will be celebrated in much the usual way," replied Mr.
Dinsmore. "To-day's papers say there have been great preparations on the
part of Exposition officials and exhibitors, and that there are to be a
number of patriotic addresses delivered in different parts of the grounds.
Also there will be, without doubt, a great display of bunting, abundance
of fire crackers, the thunder of cannon and so forth."

"And we, I suppose, will pass the day on shore doing our part in the
business of celebrating our nation's birthday," remarked Rosie.

"Why, of course," said Walter. "Such patriotic Americans as we are would
never think of neglecting our duty in that line."

"No, certainly not," replied his mother, with a smile; "we are all too
patriotic not to do our full share to show our many foreign guests how we
love this free land of ours, and how highly we value her liberties."

"I propose," said the captain, "that we spend the day on shore, first
consulting the morning papers as to where we will be likely to find the
smallest crowd or the best speaker, and after hearing the oration we will
doubtless find abundance of amusement in the Court of Honor and Midway
Plaisance."

"And perhaps Cousin Ronald can and will make some fun for us," remarked
Walter, giving the old gentleman a laughing, persuas