"Oh, is it, papa?" she asked eagerly. "Did you order it brought here?" "I did; and thought it might arrive some time to-day." "And it is--it is the _Dolphin_! I'm so glad! How nice in you, papa, to have it come to us so soon; for now we can supplement Eva's sleeping accommodations and take delightful little trips up and down the river." "Yes; that was my idea in having the vessel brought here. There are a number of historical scenes along the Hudson's banks which I have no doubt you and the others would like to visit." "Oh, yes, indeed, papa! and the very pleasantest way to do it will be in our own yacht--with Captain Raymond to take charge of us and it," she added with a bright smile up into his face. "Oh, the yacht seems to be heading for the little landing down at the foot of the hill! Can't we run down and get aboard of her just to take a peep, here and there, and see that all is right for us to move into the staterooms whenever we will?" "Yes, come along, daughter. I think we can go and come back again before the summons to breakfast," he replied, leading the way as he spoke. They reached the landing just as the _Dolphin_ had anchored and thrown out a plank to the shore. "Oh, how bright and fresh she looks!" exclaimed Lulu. "Yes--outside," laughed her father. "We will go aboard and see whether the same can be said of the inside," he added, leading her carefully onward till they reached the deck. "Lovely!" she exclaimed as they stepped upon it; "everything is as spick-and-span as possible." "I am glad indeed that it pleases you, Miss Raymond," said the man in charge, coming hastily forward to greet and welcome them. "I hope you too are satisfied, sir?" "Perfectly, so far as I have yet examined," returned Captain Raymond in a cheery tone. "You had good weather for your trip up the coast. Mr. Bailey?" "Yes, sir, yes; indeed, couldn't have asked finer. Hope you all arrived safely and well?" "Yes, thank you, and I expect to make pretty constant and good use of the yacht. There could hardly be a better place for it than this river." "No, sir; I think not." With Lucilla by his side, the captain went here and there, satisfying himself that everything was in perfect order, exchanging kindly greetings with the sailors, and bestowing words of praise upon their care of the vessel. "She seems in excellent condition," he said, "and I perceive no dirt or disorder. I should not blush to show her to the highest dignitary in the land." "I hope not, sir," returned Mr. Bailey with a gratified smile; "and I think if anything were wrong no eyes would detect it sooner than those of her owner." "Now let us go below, papa," said Lucilla. "I quite want to take a peep into my own cosey stateroom." "Yes, so you shall," he returned, leading the way. "Oh!" cried Lulu as they stepped into the saloon; "I see you have been making some changes here, father; and they are all improvements. What lovely carpets and curtains!"