small tumults in little lakes below, hysteric ebullitions on mild,
melancholy inland seas, boisterous passages of nearly half an hour with
landings on tempestuous miniature quays. All this seen through wonderful
aqueous vapor, against a background of sky darkened at times to the
depths of an India ink washed sketch, but more usually blurred
and confused on the surface like the gray silhouette of a child's
slate-pencil drawing, half rubbed from the slate by soft palms.
Occasionally a rare glinting of real sunshine on a distant fringe of
dripping larches made some frowning crest appear to smile as through wet
lashes.

Miss Elsie tucked her little feet under the mackintosh. "I know," she
said sadly, "I should get web-footed if I stayed here long, Why, it's
like coming down from Ararat just after the deluge cleared up."

Mrs. Kirkby suggested that if the sun would only shine squarely and
decently, like a Christian, for a few moments, they could see the
prospect better.

The consul here pointed out that the admirers of Scotch scenery thought
that this was its greatest charm. It was this misty effect which made it
so superior to what they called the vulgar chromos and sun-pictures of
less favored lands.

"You mean because it prevents folks from seeing how poor the view really
is."

The consul remarked that perhaps distance was lacking. As to the sun
shining in a Christian way, this might depend upon the local idea of
Christianity.