We got a good place at the end of the pier to watch the big boat swing out into the river.  She went very slowly at first, then with astonishing quickness.  Charles Edward and Lorraine were standing on the hurricane-deck, Peggy close beside them.  Dane had given her his walking-stick, and she had tied her handkerchief to the handle.  She was standing up on a chair, with one of his hands to steady her.  Her hat had slipped back on her head.  The last thing that we could distinguish on the ship was that brave little girl, her red hair like an aureole, waving her flag of victory and peace.  “And now,” said Maria, as we turned away, “I have a lovely plan.  We are all going together to our hotel to have lunch, and after that to the matinee at—­”

I knew it was rude to interrupt, but I could not help it.

“Pardon me, dear Maria,” I said, “but you have not got it quite right.  You and Tom are going to escort Alice and Billy to Eastridge, with such diversions by the way as seem to you appropriate.  Your father and mother are going to lunch with me at Delmonico’s—­but we don’t want the whole family.”

*** End of the project gutenberg EBOOK, the whole family ***

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