CHAPTER IX.

THE RETURN TO CRAMERVILLE.

Earty the next morning the little party
were on their way homeward. The good
steamer Knickerbocker had made her way
among the ships, steamers, sloops, and other
craft, crowding about the docks, and was
careering over the free waters of the East
River.

“ What a glorious sight!” exclaimed George,
with proud exultation. ‘ Miles and miles of
splendid houses!—spires, domes, cupolas !—
forests of masts !—beautiful harbor, with its
fortified islands! No, no; don’t talk to me
of black, old London. Give me bright, busy
New York.”

“ George, George, I beg of you not to make
invidious comparisons,” said Mrs. Cramer,