"Perfectly—if we may have a few minutes to go up to the house and make some slight preparation. You see, I have come down without hat or bonnet," she added with merry look and tone.
"Oh, yes, anyone who wishes may do that," he replied pleasantly. "And
I must give orders to my cook."
"Oh, no, captain," exclaimed Evelyn, overhearing him; "I have arranged for dinner at the house, and——"
"Then, my dear girl, hurry up and rescind your orders; for we will not be back in season to take that meal here; and the Dolphin is well supplied with provisions," was his smiling rejoinder. And with a hasty "Oh, thank you, sir! You are very, very kind and thoughtful," accompanied by a pleased and grateful look, she hurried away after the others, who were already making rapid progress toward Crag Cottage.
It did not take long to gather up the few articles wanted and return to the yacht, which immediately started for Newburgh.
The weather was all that could be desired—a gentle breeze blowing from the north, and light, fleecy white clouds tempering the heat of the sun.
"How far from New York is Newburgh, papa?" asked Grace.
"Sixty miles," he replied. "It is on the western bank of the river and in the midst of some of the finest scenery in the world, Lossing says, and I entirely agree with him. Are you not of the same opinion, mother?" turning to Grandma Elsie.
"Yes," she said heartily; "and we will have a fine view of it from the piazza of the Hasbrouck House."
"Is that where we are going?" asked Little Elsie.