I found my chief amusement in reading novels and playing chess with a British officer on his way to Canada.

When it was possible I walked on deck with the captain, or sat in some sheltered corner, watching the waves.

We arrived in New York, by rail, the day before Christmas.
Everything looked bright and gay in our streets.

It seemed to me that the sky was clearer, the air more refreshing, and the sunlight more brilliant than in any other land!.