"It would be still pleasanter to go up and down the river in a boat though," remarked Ned, taking possession of his father's hand as they all moved on toward the house. "Papa, can't you have our yacht brought here for us to go in?"
"I suppose that might be possible," was the smiling rejoinder.
"Oh, that would be splendid, uncle," exclaimed the two Leland boys in a breath.
"Yes," said Ned; "for then we could go every day, and all day, if we wanted to. I mean, if papa and the rest of the grown folks thought best."
But now they had reached the house, and morning greetings were the order of the moment. Everyone was well, in good spirits, and ready to answer with alacrity the summons of the breakfast bell which presently sounded out.
Naturally, their talk turned principally upon the plans for the best manner of spending the next few weeks, in order to gain all possible pleasure and information from their brief sojourn in that part of the country.
"Papa," said Grace, "I should like to see every place along this river that can boast of any Revolutionary incident occurring there. I wish we had our yacht here to travel up and down in. Won't you please send for it?"
"No, daughter," he said gravely; "I have a particular reason for not doing so; though I should like to gratify you."
"Yes, I know you would, father, and so I am quite satisfied with your decision," she returned pleasantly, though with a little sigh of regret.
Violet gave her husband a look of surprise, but made no remark, and the talk went on.