A silent caress was Annis’ only reply, and Violet slipped away, leaving her once more alone.  For a brief space Annis stood gazing down at the flowers in her hand with a tender smile on her lips, the roses coming and going on her cheek.  They seemed to be whispering to her of priceless love and tenderness; for Mr. Lilburn was a hale, hearty man, looking much younger than his years:  he might outlive her, but years of genial companionship might well be hoped for in this world, to be eventually followed by a blissful eternity in another and better land, for they were followers of the same Master, travelling the same road—­toward the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  Yes, she did indeed love the dear old man; she knew it now, and her heart sang for joy as she hastened to array herself in the most becoming dress she had at hand and pinned his flowers in the bosom of her gown.

He was alone in the saloon as she entered it, and turning at the sound of her light step, came forward to greet her with outstretched hand, his eyes shining with pleasure at the sight of his flowers and the sweet, blushing face above them.

“Ah, my darling! you do not despise my little gift,” he said low and tenderly, taking quiet possession of her hand.  “May I hope you will show equal favor to the giver?”

“If—­if you think—­if you are sure, quite sure, you will never repent and grow weary of your choice,” she stammered, speaking scarcely above her breath.

“Perfectly sure!” he returned.  “My only fear is that I may fail to make this dear lady as happy as she might be with a younger and more attractive companion.”

“I have never seen such an one yet,” she said, with a half smile, “and I do not fear to risk it.  I shall be only too glad to do so,” with a low half laugh, “if you have no fear of being disappointed in me.”

“Not a ghost of a fear!” he responded.

As he spoke the door of Mrs. Travilla’s state-room opened and she stepped out upon them.  Catching sight of them standing there hand in hand, she was about to retreat into her room again, but Mr. Lilburn spoke: 

“Congratulate me, Cousin Elsie, upon having won the heart of the sweetest lady in the land; or if that be too strong, one of the sweetest.”

“I do, I do,” Elsie said, coming forward and bestowing a warm embrace upon Annis, “and I could not have asked anything better, seeing it will bring one whom I so dearly love into our immediate neighborhood.”  Even as she spoke they were joined by other members of the party, the news of the state of affairs was instantly conjectured by them, and joyful congratulations were showered upon Cousin Ronald, tender embraces and words of love upon Annis.

Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore were there, but the young couples who had left the older people that morning and gone off to explore other parts of the Fair had not returned; but presently a slight commotion on deck, followed by the sound of their voices, told of their arrival; in another minute they were in the saloon, and Croly, leading Rosie to her mother, said: