“As you have been to the Fair yourself, my dear Lena, I need not dwell on its glories, but only remind you that among the hurrying throngs that filled the immense palaces on every hand, it was utterly impossible for such a large party to keep close together. Mrs. Maynard realized this the first day, and directed her young charges that in the event of getting separated from each other, we should all meet her at the closing hour at the Virginia Building, in order to go home together. We found this plan worked nicely, affording each a better opportunity to inspect the buildings that appealed most strongly to our individual tastes.
“On the ninth day of our attendance at the Fair we separated into parties. Mrs. Maynard and three girls decided to spend that day at the Woman’s Building, two girls went to the Midway Plaisance, two more to the Electric Building, and two more to the Building of Liberal Arts and Manufactures. I found myself alone in the eager desire for a whole day in the magnificent Art Gallery.
“There seemed no possible harm in leaving me there alone, and Mrs. Maynard consented to my wish, saying, kindly:
“‘I can trust you, Violet, I know, to meet me at the Virginia State Building at six o’clock.’
“‘Surely,’ I replied, and she kissed me and turned away with the three girls toward the Woman’s Building, while I ran lightly up the steps of the magnificent Art Palace, thrilling with anticipations of the pleasures in store for me in the contemplation of the wonders of art. Securing a catalogue at the door, I plunged into the eddying throng that filled the rooms, and gave myself up to the keenest delight.
“The hours passed like minutes, and I never even remembered the luncheon hour in the feast of pictures and statuary spread before my appreciative eyes. Oh, how sorry I was that I should have but the one day for viewing all the wonders of this building!
“But you have seen and enjoyed the Art Palace, Lena, so let me hurry on,” cried Violet, as she continued:
“Quite late in the afternoon I observed that a very handsome and elegant young man seemed to be making the tour of the same rooms as myself, and even seemed attracted by the same pictures, so that he kept near me almost all the time. I was a little annoyed at first, fancying he wished to strike up a flirtation with me, but by completely ignoring him, I kept my suspected admirer at a distance, and finally I saw him turn aside into another room and supposed myself rid of his polite but admiring espionage.
“Relieved at the thought, I continued my tour of the rooms until it grew late, and I hastily looked at my watch. But, after the careless habits of womankind, I had neglected to wind it that morning, and it had run down.
“Turning to an old lady near me, I inquired the time, and was told it was half-past five o’clock. I thanked her and decided that I could remain some little time longer, as it would not take me over ten minutes to walk to the Virginia Building.