“Yes, we had an idea, and believed every word she said:  in fact, we would rather have felt less convinced on the subject.  Even Annie seemed to think that traveling alone might present some disagreeable features, and looked quite unhappy, notwithstanding her love of adventure.  But before our mental anguish had time to become unbearable a young girl, a niece of Miss Rodgers, spoke:  ’Auntie, if the young ladies would like, I know of just the place that would suit them.’  Then turning to us, she continued:  ’I am at school a few miles out of the city, and madame told me that if I knew of any one, she had room for a few parlor-boarders.  It is a lovely spot, and no end of trains coming and going all day; so that it would be just as convenient as living here, and you would have excellent accommodation.  Then, too, I could speak English to you sometimes.  I am so tired of talking for ever without half knowing what I am saying.’

“I could have embraced the chatterbox on the spot for this opportune proposal, but controlled my feelings and looked at Nan to see if she approved.  She was consenting with every one of her expressive features, and did not appear at all anxious to enjoy one of her fourteen delightful panics this evening if it could be avoided.  Being spokesman, I said, ’I would willingly try the school on your recommendation, Miss Ada, if you think madame could be ready for us this evening.’

“’Of course she could:  come out with me now and see her.  I must go at one, and can show you the way.  Will you meet me at the station? or shall we call for you at your hotel?’

“‘We will meet at the station,’ I replied, glad to settle it so quickly, ’if you are quite sure that your madame will like our unceremonious arrival.’

“’That will be all right, I know.  She has several empty rooms, and will be happy to have them filled.  You can leave your trunks until to-morrow if you don’t like to come bag and baggage.’

“We needed no further pressing.  Here was deliverance and safety, and we bade good-morning to the party with light hearts.

“We found the school all that Miss Ada had promised, and thus ended the nearest approach to an adventure that we had during the two weeks that we remained.”

“And now tell me about the Exposition.”

“Well, we saw it.”

“Saw what?”

“Why, everything.”

“Describe it to me.”

“Certainly.  In the first place, it was very big, and everybody was there, so it was crowded; and you met your friends and you talked; and—­and you got fearfully tired; and it was wonderful; and there were ever so many restaurants, and a soda-water fountain, and queer things that you never expected to see there, like the Mexican techcatl and Russian horses; and everything was real—­real lace and cashmeres and diamonds, and nothing but what was very nice.  But, after all, I think you had better get a file of old newspapers and read about it, for I really have no talent for description—­or, better still, go and see the one in Vienna this summer.”