He took her in his arms as he spoke, carried her to the deck and deposited her in a vacant lounging chair, then seated himself by her side and took Neddie on his knee.

Violet was on her husband’s other side, and Dr. Conly and his Marian near at hand on the farther side of Grace.

“You are looking weary, little cousin,” he remarked, giving her a searching look; “so weary that were I asked for a prescription it should be an early retirement to your berth, to be followed by a long night’s rest.  However, I suppose you are Harold’s patient now.”

“Yours too, Cousin Arthur,” she said with a smile; “also papa’s, and he has already given me the very same prescription.”

“As I do, if I am consulted,” said Harold, “and when three such physicians agree, you surely will not venture to disregard their advice.”

“No, indeed!” she returned, with her own sweet smile again, “nor would I, if any of the three had given it.  I do really feel the need of rest for to-night, but hope you will all agree to let me go at least as far as the Court of Honor to-morrow.”

“That will depend upon how you are feeling in the morning,” returned her father, Violet adding:  “And if you should have to stay here and rest for a day or two you need not feel so very badly about it, Gracie, because our time for remaining in and about the White City is not limited like that of some less fortunate people.”

“No, mamma, and that is something to be thankful for.  Oh, I do think myself a most fortunate girl,” Grace said in reply, directing a look of ardent affection toward her father as she spoke.  The other young folks were chatting together near by, principally of the beauties of the Fair, and indulging in many a merry jest and much light laughter.

“The Court of Honor is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in the world,” remarked Rosie; “at least the most beautiful I have ever seen or can imagine; especially at night, when the magnificent MacMonnie’s fountain, and the electric fountains are all at play.  What beautiful rainbow-colored showers they send up!  I never dreamed of anything so lovely and can never weary of looking at them.”

“Nor have I,” said Croly.  “I move that we all go over there presently; in time to witness the lighting up.”

There was a general assent, and young Percy Landreth, who had managed to secure a seat close at Lucilla’s side, said to her in an undertone:  “You will go surely, and may I have the pleasure of acting as your escort?”

“I don’t know,” she returned with a slight laugh and an arch look at Chester Dinsmore, who, sitting near on her other side, had overheard the request, and was looking slightly vexed and disappointed; “papa hasn’t told me yet whether I may go to-night or not; and I’m ’a young thing who cannot leave her father’ or go anywhere without his knowledge and consent.  I’ll ask him, however,” she concluded, jumping up and hastening to the captain’s side.  “Papa,” she asked, “can I go presently to the Court of Honor with the others—­and you? for I suppose you are going?”