"And then we will start on our return journey, I suppose?" said
Walter.
"Yes," said the captain, "that seems best, and I believe is according to the desire of all my passengers. It is your wish, mother, is it not?" turning to Grandma Elsie.
"I should like to get home soon now," she replied; "but shall not fret if we are still providentially detained."
The rain had ceased by the time they left the table, so that they were able to go on deck, take some exercise, and get a view of their surroundings.
By noon the indications were such that the captain considered it entirely safe to continue their journey. So steam was gotten up, and they were presently out of the harbor and making their way across the lake in the direction of the Welland Canal. Before sunset all the clouds had cleared away; the evening was beautiful, and so were the days that followed while they passed down the St. Lawrence River and out through the Gulf, then along the Atlantic coast, stopping only once, to let Walter leave them for Princeton.
It was quite a long voyage, and a very pleasant one; but everyone was glad when at length they reached the harbor of the city near their homes. They were expected, and found friends and carriages awaiting their coming.
Mr. Hugh Lilburn had come for his father and Annis, Edward Travilla for his mother and Evelyn, and the Woodburn carriage was there to take the captain and his family to their home.
"It is delightful to have you at home again, mother," Edward said as they drove off; "we have all been looking forward to your coming—from grandpa down to the babies that can hardly lisp your name."
"It is most pleasant to be so loved," she said with a joyful smile, "especially by those who are so dear as my father, children, and grandchildren are to me. Are all well at Fairview?"
"Yes, and looking forward, not to your return only, but to Evelyn's also. Lester was very busy, so asked me to bring her home to them; which I was very ready to do."