“Yes; very much?” asked Harold.
“Enough for a stroll around this great building to note its size and architectural features. ’Tis an immense pile and well arranged for comfort and convenience.”
“And in a delightful situation,” supplemented Mr. Lilburn.
“I agree with you both and am entirely willing to spend some days or weeks in it if you wish,” returned Harold; “provided the situation agrees with my patients, as I hope and expect it will,” he added.
Just then Lucilla, Evelyn and Grace added themselves to the little group, and pleasant morning greetings were exchanged, the captain bestowing a fatherly caress upon each daughter—Evelyn being as affectionately greeted as either of the other two.
A few moments later they were joined by the rest of their party, and all descended together to the dining-room to partake of an excellent breakfast. Soon after leaving the table they were out for the day’s sight-seeing and adventures. They visited parks, gardens, a museum, an ostrich farm, and a number of other attractive places, then took a fine drive along the beach, returning in time for the evening meal at their pleasant house of entertainment.
So delightful did they find Hotel del Coronado that they lingered there for a week.
Then they left it for San Diego, which they found wonderfully beautiful, with one of the finest harbors in the world. It was delightful to sit and gaze upon the blue, sunlit bay, and breathe the delicious sea breeze.
Then there were most enjoyable drives to be taken, visiting various attractive spots within a few miles’ distance.
One day they drove to Lakeside, twenty-two miles away, where they ate a good dinner at the hotel, then wandered across the mesa in its rear, and had a lovely view of its little lake.