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We approached the White City the first time from the lake side, and got our first impression of the Fair from the peristyle. It was a bright, clear day; the sky and water were a perfect blue, making a most beautiful setting for the Dream City, crowned by the glistening dome of the Administration Building. Then we moved slowly up the Court of Honor, pausing every now and then while the teacher described the beautiful scene to me: the groups of noble buildings; the lagoons dotted with fast-moving boats; the stately statue of the Republic; the fluted columns of the peristyle; and, beyond, the deep, deep blue lake. Oh, how wonderful it all was! Our day was most delightfully spent in getting a general idea of the Fair, and trying to understand the new world in which we found ourselves. Late in the afternoon, when the day was almost done, we stepped into a gondola, and made the trip through the lagoons. The burning sun, as he sank westward in his golden car, threw a soft rosy light over the White City, making it seem more than ever like Fairyland. When it was quite dark the illuminations began, and the fountains were all lighted up. Teacher described everything to me so vividly and clearly that it seemed as if I could really see the wonderful showers of light dart up into the sky, tremble there for an instant, sink and fall, like stars, into the depths of the lake. But, dear friend, the most delightful days must end; for little girls will get sleepy and tired, even in Fairyland. While the White City was yet crowded with eager sight-seers, we returned to our hotel through the Midway Plaisance, a most bewildering and fascinating place, the Home of the Nations. We were greatly pleased to see all those foreign people we had read about in history, gathered together in one place, at peace with one another, and apparently happy in their new homes. At the entrance to the Arabian house we saw a dear little baby boy in his mother's arms, and we stopped a moment to speak to him. He greeted us with a bright smile, and looked up at the strange faces with surprised pleasure. "Where was the baby born?" we asked the mother. "In Damascus," was the reply. Those words made me start. That far-away city, with its strange Oriental life, seemed very near indeed. I felt like sitting down beside the gentle woman who had the lovely baby, for there were many questions which I wished to ask her; but it was late, and tomorrow with new opportunities and delights was hastening toward us. So I bade the little Oriental good-by, and went away, feeling as if I had really been to Damascus.

In the days that followed we spent many most enjoyable hours in the Plaisance. Old Vienna, and the Japanese and Irish villages, were very interesting and instructive. I did not like the Turks very well, but the Japanese were gay and amusing. Of course we rode in the Ferris Wheel. Just think of being swung two hundred and fifty feet in the air! No, I was not at all afraid. I liked it. I also rode on the ice-railway, and had a sail in the great Whaleback, and enjoyed them both very much; but I must not stop to tell you about these things when there is so much of greater interest which I wish to tell you, for I saw a great many of the most wonderful and beautiful things at the Fair. Every one was very kind to me. The president of the Fair gave me permission to examine all the exhibits. Was not that exceedingly kind? Nearly all the exhibitors seemed perfectly willing to let me touch the most delicate things, and were good about explaining everything to me. A French gentleman showed me the wonderful French bronzes. I think they gave me more pleasure than anything else at the Fair: they were so lifelike and beautiful to my touch. Dear Mr. Bell went with us himself to the Electrical Building, and showed us some of the historic telephones. Dr. Gillett went with us to the Liberal Arts and Woman's Buildings. In the former I visited Tiffany's exhibit, and held the beautiful Tiffany diamond, and touched many other costly and rare things. I sat in King Ludwig's arm-chair, and felt quite like a queen when Dr. Gillett told me that I had many dutiful subjects. At the Woman's Building we met the Princess Maria Schaovsky, of Russia -- a very kind lady. We also met a lovely dark-eyed Syrian lady. She had such a beautiful soft hand, and spoke English perfectly. Mr. Bell and Professor Putnam explained the curious and interesting things in the Anthropological department to me. I was especially interested in the Peruvian relics and all that was told to me about them. At the time of the discovery of America, it seems, Peru, like Mexico, was inhabited by Indians who were considerably advanced in civilization, and who were governed by a race of princes called Incas, whose dominions extended along the Andes from the United States to the southern part of Chile. The life and achievements of this strange and almost forgotten people, as they are revealed to us by their pottery, implements, and sacred altars, are very interesting, and I should like to know more about them.