Elsie at Nantucket

E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, and the Project
Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
A Sequel to Elsie's New Relations
1884
Three years ago I spent some six weeks on Nantucket Island, making the town of the same name my headquarters, but visiting other points of interest, to which I take the characters of my story; so that in describing the pleasures of a sojourn there during our heated term, I write from experience; though, in addition to my own notes, I have made use of Northrup's 'Sconset Cottage Life to refresh my memory and assist me in giving a correct idea of the life led by summer visitors who take up their abode for the season in one of those odd little dwellings which form the original 'Sconset.
Should my account of the delights of Nantucket as a summer resort lead any of my readers to try it for themselves, I trust they will not meet with disappointment or find my picture overdrawn.
How happy they, Who from the toil and tumult of their lives Steal to look down where naught but ocean strives.
— Byron.
Well, captain, for how long have you Uncle Sam's permission to stay on shore this time? asked Mr. Dinsmore, as the family at Ion sat about the breakfast-table on the morning after Captain Raymond's arrival.
Just one month certain, sir, with the possibility that the leave of absence may be extended, was the reply, in a cheery tone; and as I want to make the very most of it, I propose that our plans for a summer outing be at once discussed, decided upon, and carried out.
I second the motion, said Mr. Dinsmore. Are all the grown people agreed? The consent of the younger ones may safely be taken for granted, he added, with a smiling glance from one to another.
I am agreed and ready for suggestions, replied his wife.