"Hurry her by the chocolate houses, Jack," said Clover; "that is, if you can."
"He can't," returned Mildred. "I have my eye on Baker's now."
She insisted that they all stop and partake of the cup, more potent than tea to cheer when the east wind blows, served by the pretty, uniformed girls, who by this time in the evening were inclined to be pessimistic and severe, small blame to them. They must easily believe that the human body is largely liquid.
Leaving the little circular temple, the quartette started up the lake shore on the stone walk. The dark waves were tumbling and dashing, tipped with foam in the sudden gale. The battle-ship and large excursion boats were gay with electric lights.
"Oh, Mrs. Van Tassel!" exclaimed Page. "See the search light on the Quadriga." They turned to view the group with its mounted heralds and champing, prancing horses, distinct and unearthly fair in the surrounding blackness.
"Could we walk home backward, do you think?" he asked.
"No," replied Clover. "I can answer with certainty, for I've tried it more than once."
"I suppose we do in course of time get past the Manufactures Building? What an incomprehensible, colossal thing it is."
"Yes, a good deal more so to me now than it was a month ago."
"Have mercy!" exclaimed Page with a groan.