As he spoke he drew her hand within his arm, and they paced the deck
to and fro for some time; then it began to rain again, and he bade her
go below.

"Still raining, I believe," remarked Mr. Lilburn as they sat at the
breakfast table.

"Yes," replied the captain; "but I think it will probably clear by
noon."

"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."

"And for which I feel very much obliged," said Evelyn. "I shall be
very glad to get home, though I have had a delightful time while
away."

The