“Presidents don’t make decrees,” said Flo; “you sound more like a Roman Emperor. But I’d as lieve go to St. Peter’s as anywhere.”

“You’re a careless lot,” said Peter Homer, “now I’ll be the director-in-chief of this expedition, and we’ll go first to the Church of the Capuchins.”

What for?” said Milly Mills, so suddenly that Patty fairly jumped.

Milly had a queer little habit of saying “What for?” with a strong emphasis on the “what,” and the aggressive way in which she fairly exploded the words always annoyed Patty.

But Mr. Homer answered Milly very gently, and said:

“To see some mural decorations that I’m sure you will enjoy for their oddity and strange effects.”

“I hate mural paintings,” said Milly, in a resigned tone, as if her wishes made little difference, as indeed was the case.

“But these aren’t paintings.”

“Oh, stucco, I suppose. Well, that’s worse.”