ty at first thought she, too, would remain behind, but after
lunch she was feeling in such unusually good spirits that she
announced her intention of going, if only to have an old-time chat
with the Judge.

"Auntie, you are getting younger every day," cried Dorothy, pleased
that her relative was so spry at her advanced age.

"And I intend to continue to grow younger as long as I may, dear. It
is a privilege not given many women, and I shall make the most of it.
If I have the opportunity I may even set my cap for a beau."

"Oh, Aunt Betty, how can you say such a thing!"

"'Such a thing,' as you call it, would be perfectly proper. Would it
not, Judge Breckenridge?"

"Quite proper, madame--quite proper," responded the judge
gallantly--"in fact, judging by the evidence of my eyes, I see no
other solution of the matter."

"What a gallant speech," laughed Molly. "You may be a semi-invalid,
papa, but you will never, never lose your courtly ways."

"An example which all young men should emulate," said Aunt Betty,
looking pointedly at Jim, who grinned broadly.

It was a merry party that boarded the trim gasoline yacht _Nautilus_
at one of the wharves an hour later. Aunt Betty, assisted by the
Judge and Jim, was the first aboard. Doctor Sterling, with Dorothy
and Molly followed.

The owner of the yacht was introduced by Dr. Sterling, and when all
were comfortably seated in the deck chairs forward, Mr. Ronald
signaled the man in the wheelhouse, who in turn signaled the
engine-room to go ahead.

"Ah, this is my style of boating," sighed the Judge, as, with a deep
sigh of satisfaction he dropped into one of the comfortable chairs on
the forward deck. "When a boy I used to sail a little sloop, but
after all, it is better to have something to push you besides the
wind."

The steamer whistle screeched hoarsely.

"We're off!" cried Dr. Sterling.

Though a strong breeze, in which there was a tinge of dampness, came
in from the ocean as the yacht went spinning down the bay, no one
chose to retire to the cabin, even Aunt Betty protesting that the
fresh air was doing her good.

A heavy swell was running, but the _Nautilus_ weathered the waves in
true ocean style, only a slight rocking movement being perceptible.

When they were well started down the bay, Mr. Ronald came to ask if
they cared to visit the Statue of Liberty.

"I think that's an excellent idea," said Dr. Sterling. "Judge
Breckenridge and Mrs. Calvert canno