They ascended to the cupola also, and gazed with delight upon the beautiful landscape spread out at their feet,—Max manifesting great interest in the vessels lying in the harbour, particularly the practice-ship "Constellation" and the school-ship "Santee," and scarcely less in the monitor "Passaic" and the steam-sloop "Wyoming," swinging at their anchorage in the river.
"Papa, can I visit them?" he asked.
"Yes, my boy, I hope to take you to see them all," was the pleasant-toned reply. "I intend that you and all the party shall see everything that is worth their attention."
"That's very kind of you, Captain," remarked Evelyn in a lively tone. "I for one am very desirous to see the Naval Academy, its grounds and the drills,—one at least. I so enjoyed seeing those on Gardiner's Island."
"You shall," replied the Captain, with his pleasant smile. "It will give me pleasure to take any of you who wish to go."
"I think that will be all of us," remarked Violet, with a bright and happy glance up into her husband's face.
They were descending the stairs as they talked, and presently had all passed out into the State House grounds. There they met a gentleman in undress naval uniform who, coming forward with a look of extreme pleasure, warmly grasped the hand of Captain Raymond, calling him by name, and saying, "I do not know when I have had so agreeable a surprise."
The Captain returned the salutation as warmly as it was given, then introduced the rest of his party, telling them that this friend of his was commander-commandant of cadets.
At that Max's eyes opened very wide and fixed themselves upon the gentleman with as eager interest as if he had been a king.
Captain Raymond noted it with a look of mingled amusement and pride in the lad.