“I have not intended to be either,” she answered, blushing deeply and drawing a little away from him.  “Single life has its charms, and I am by no means sure that—­that 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 steam launch, which is just approaching, and we will be at our destination in a few minutes.”

“Let us all get on board and go as far as the Peristyle, where Lu and I will wait for you, Levis,” said Violet.

“A good idea,” he replied.  “Why, there is Walter on the boat, and I can leave you in his care, if Cousin Ronald does not wish to make one of the party.”