The voices of those on the porch had been somewhat raised by excitement, attracting the attention of those of the family who were within doors, and bringing them out to learn what was going on. There were questions and answers, expressions of grief and horror and queries as to what had and would be done with the assassin, what hope might be entertained of the President’s recovery, and should he die, would Roosevelt make a good and competent successor?—that last query coming from the ladies. The gentlemen at once expressed the opinion that he would, but also the hope that McKinley would be spared and restored to health and strength.
CHAPTER XII
The next eight days were with the older people at Crag Cottage, as with the rest of the nation, days of anxiety and alternating hope and fear with regard to the dastardly attack upon the President of the United States. After that came the sad news of his death, and there was mourning all over the land, but mourning mingled with gladness that so good and capable a successor had been provided that the country seemed in no danger.
Eva was able to sit up now a part of each day, and her baby growing fairer, beginning to smile and to coo very prettily, thought her young mother and aunts—to say nothing of her proud and happy father. Max wanted to see wife and baby safe in their Sunnyside home, and all began to talk gaily of soon starting on their often-made southward trip in the Dolphin.
Grandma Elsie, doing all in her power for every one’s welfare and enjoyment, seemed content to go or to stay, as did her son Harold and his Grace; it mattered little to them where they were if only they might be together. The two couples—Captain Raymond and Violet, and Mr. and Mrs. Leland—seemed to enjoy themselves and to feel indifferent in regard to the exact time of leaving.
The days passed very pleasantly; there were walks and drives, trips up and down the river in the Dolphin, hours passed upon the porch, if the weather were fine, or the parlor, if it happened to be stormy, in cheerful chat, amusing games, or listening to interesting stories from Grandma Elsie or the captain.
And so the days and weeks rolled on until September was gone and October had come in. Then they felt that they must go—the calls from the loved southern homes were so many and so loud and re-echoed by their own hearts. They wanted to go, yet it seemed a trifle saddening to think of leaving this sweet place on the grand old Hudson River.
The last evening of their stay was lovely and warm for the season, and until the children’s bedtime they passed it on the front porch, where they had a view of the river.