Whether or not the dining room service was extraordinary because of
the day, Percy was soon convinced that the only way to travel was by
boat. He regretted only that his mother was not with him to enjoy
that day. For hours they coasted southward within easy view of the
New Jersey shore, dotted here and there with cities, towns, and
villages. Light houses marked the rocky points where danger once
lurked for the men of the sea.

The sea itself was of constant interest; and hundreds of craft were
passed or met. Here a full-rigged sailing vessel lazily drifting
with the wind; there a giant little tug puffing in the opposite
direction with a string of barges in tow loaded almost to the
water's edge.

Norfolk was reached early the next morning, and before noon Percy
passed through Petersburg on his way to Montplain. He changed cars
at Lynchburg and arrived at Montplain before dark. In accordance
with a promise to Mr. West he had notified him of his plans.

Would Adelaide met him, and if so would she have the family carriage
and again insist upon his riding in the rear seat? He had found
these questions in his mind repeatedly since he left New London,
with no very definite purpose before him except to arrive at
Montplain at the appointed time.

Yes, it was the family carriage. He saw the farm team tied across
the street from the depot. As he left the train he caught a glimpse
of Adelaide standing with the group of people who were waiting to
board the train. She extended her hand as he reached her side.