A London Picnic 143

to-day, and as the rain prevented that, we
came here, and invite you to join us.”

The cloth was laid. The tea came, and
Doris was waited on with care.

“| see,” said the Visitor, presently, “that
you are looking at the Artist’s pictures.
Now, the Artist has more secrets than any
man you ever heard of. His experiences
would make a whole bookshelf full of
fairy-tales, if only he would tell them. But
_he never will. Ask him about the City

Beautiful and the Wonderful Bird. He
won't tell you.”

“Please do!” pleaded the child, regard-
ing her new acquaintance.

“T’d be very pleased,” said the Artist,
looking most unhappy, “ but e

“Vou see, I was right,” interrupted the
Visitor. Then, turning to the Artist, “At
least you'll show her the pictures.”

The Artist produced some drawings, and
Doris looked at them with grave, interested
face. Most of them showed a city such as
you may see sometimes when the sun sets