But time pressed—­there was so much to see—­and after viewing with approval and admiration the arrangements for the comfort of its young occupants the older people left that apartment for others in the building; reconciling the little ones to a temporary separation by the promise that on their return all should go aboard the Dolphin and have their supper there; for the captain and Violet had given them all a cordial invitation to do so.

Taking with them those who were old enough to appreciate and enjoy the sight, they went into the Gymnasium, which they found furnished with every kind of machine and mechanical means for developing the muscles and increasing the strength of both boys and girls.

There were many children of both sexes engaged in the various exercises, and with evident enjoyment.  Our friends, both older and younger, watched them for some time with interest.

Leaving there they visited in turn the court of the Woman’s Building, the main hall, the east vestibule, the library, the Cincinnati parlor, the invention room, the nursing section, the scientific department, and the ethnological room.

All this took a good while, there was so much to see, examine, and admire.

The ladies showed a deep interest in the various exhibits of needlework, the embroideries from Siam, table covers and rugs from Norway, and the dolls dressed as brides; the fine lace-work and wood-carving from Sweden.  There was needlework from France too, and there were large and very pretty vases from the same country.

Zoe was much interested in the dainty needlework for infant’s clothes, the beautiful laces and ribbon flowers; and famous paintings reproduced in silk.

They found the Italian exhibits also, especially the laces of the queen,—­valued at one hundred thousand dollars,—­worthy of particular attention.  Yet perhaps not more so than some from Mexico, including a lace-edged handkerchief crocheted out of pineapple fibre; and the very delicately beautiful wood-carving, so delicate as to be called etching.

There were embroideries and laces from other countries also—­Austria, Spain, Belgium, Ceylon.

As they came near the exhibit from Germany Lulu exclaimed in an undertone.

“Oh, papa, what is that woman doing?”

“We will go nearer and see if we can find out,” replied the captain.  The woman sat at a table and they found that she was making bent iron-work into candle-holders, inkstands, hanging lamps, etc., and it was very interesting to watch her as she did so.

There was a good deal of leather work also in Germany’s exhibit, shown in screens and tables.

But when they had all looked their fill they found it was nearly tea time, so they hurried back to the nursery, where they had left their little ones, and soon they were all on the Dolphin, where an excellent supper was awaiting them.

They were hungry enough to enjoy it greatly.  Everyone was weary with the day’s excitement and exertion, poor Grace—­still far from strong, though perfectly healthy—­so much so that by her father’s advice she went directly from the table to her bed.