ten o'clock
`` Very far from it , my dear boy , '' was the captain 's kindly rejoinder ; `` the account given me to-day by the commandant , of your conduct and attention to your studies , was most gratifying to my pride in my eldest son . '' Those words , and also the warm praise bestowed upon his recitations when they had been heard , filled the boy 's heart with happiness . His father returned to the Academy with him at the hour for drill , but the others witnessed it from the deck of the _ Dolphin _ . At its conclusion , Captain Raymond and his son returned to the yacht , Max having permission to remain there until near ten o'clock on Sunday night . A trip up the river had been planned for the afternoon , and anchor was weighed and the yacht started as soon as her commander and his son had come aboard . All were seated upon the deck under an awning , greatly enjoying a delicious breeze , the dancing and sparkling of the water , and the distant view of the shore arrayed in the lovely verdure of spring . Mrs. Dinsmore , Mrs. Travilla , and Mrs. Raymond sat together , busy with fancy work and chatting cheerily , while the younger ones had their drawing materials or books -- except Grace , who was dressing a doll for little Elsie .