"I am ready to start for them to-morrow, mother, if you wish it," the captain said in his pleasant way. "I presume you have all seen enough, for the present at least, of this part of our country."
He looked inquiringly at Annis as he spoke.
"I am ready to go or stay, as the others wish," she said. "It is now late in September, and the excessive summer heat will surely be over by the time we reach our journey's end. What are your opinions and feelings on the subject, my dear?" turning to her husband.
"I care but little one way or the other, so that I have my wife with me, and she is satisfied," returned Mr. Lilburn gallantly.
"And that, I presume, is about the way with these younger folk," remarked the captain, glancing around in a kindly way upon them.
"Yes, captain," said Evelyn; "we are all ready, I am sure, to go or stay, as seems best to you."
"One can always find enjoyment wherever you are, father," said
Lucilla.
"Yes, indeed," said Grace. "But now, good folks, please all come down to the saloon and see our preparations for your arrival." She led the way, the others following, and on reaching the saloon and seeing its wealth of adornment, they gave such meed of praise as greatly gratified the young decorators.
"Ah, it is nearly tea-time," said Grandma Elsie at length, consulting her watch; "and I at least need to make some preparation in the way of ridding myself of the dust of travel by rail," and with that all the returned travellers retired to their staterooms for the few minutes that remained ere the summons to the tea table.
On leaving the table, all repaired to the deck, where they spent the evening in pleasant chat, finding much to tell each other of the doings and happenings of the days of their separation.