And what a ravishing sight was that of the Administration Building with its corona of light, its dome, arches, and angles outlined with those brilliant lights, as were those of the Peristyle also, and of the grand structures between—­Manufactures, Electricity, and Arts on the north side, Machinery and Agriculture on the south—­and the beautiful fountains throwing spray of all the colors of the rainbow.

“What a magnificent sight!” “How lovely!” “How beautiful!” exclaimed one and another as they moved slowly onward, gazing from side to side.

“Let us go into the Administration Building,” said Mr. Dinsmore.

All were willing, and they sauntered on toward it, still gazing delightedly as they went.

Reaching its doorway they paused for a few moments to look at the statue of Columbus, represented as landing with the Spanish flag in his hand, and to listen to the inspiring music of the bands; then passed on into the interior which they found as artistic and wondrously beautiful as the outside.

After feasting their eyes upon the lower part they took an elevator—­of which there were six—­and went up to the upper promenade, which they found also very beautiful, giving lovely views of the surrounding grounds.  The vault of the dome was ornamented with allegorical paintings, some of them commemorating Columbus’ discovery of America.

Looking out from the promenade under the dome they saw the Ferris Wheel, upon which they gazed with a good deal of interest.

“I must have a ride in that,” said Walter emphatically, “and mamma, you will go with me, will you not?”

“Is it quite safe?” she asked, looking from her father to the captain.

“Oh, yes,” they both replied, Mr. Dinsmore adding, “and I think we will all want to go once if not oftener.”

“Go where, grandpa?” asked a familiar voice, and turning quickly about they found Harold and Herbert close at hand.

Then there was an exchange of joyous greetings, and enquiries were made concerning some others of the family connection who had come by rail.

The answer was that some of the little ones were in bed at the hotel where boarding had been taken by the party, and in charge of the faithful attendants brought from home, while the older ones were scattered about the Court of Honor and other portions of the Fair.

“We have been on the lookout for you,” continued Harold, “and only a few minutes ago discovered the Dolphin lying at anchor down yonder on the lake.  We had hoped you would be here sooner.”

“Yes, we thought we should have been here weeks ago,” replied his mother, “but as the delays were providential we did not fret over them.”

“If you had fretted, mother, it would have been truly surprising, as I never knew you to do so about anything,” Herbert said, smiling affectionately into her eyes.

“No, that was never one of her faults,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore.