"New York is called one of the largest foreign cities in the world," laughed Roger, whose spirits had risen although he was having difficulties again with his camera and its persistent desire to take everything that came within its range, "whether the girls are pretty or not!" he complained.
"They say that New York is the second largest German city in the world, and that there are more Hebrews of different nationalities gathered here than anywhere else," said Tom.
"Here are a lot of people wearing peasant costumes that I never saw in any geography," cried Dorothy.
"When otherwise not accounted for you can generally put them among the Balkan states," laughed Della.
"Look at that girl over there in peasant costume and right side of her is a girl in the latest New York style! That's a tremendous contrast."
"I suppose the American-dressed girl thinks she is very fashionable, but the other looks much more sensibly dressed and more attractive, too," said James gravely.
"She's a great deal prettier girl for one reason," smiled his sister. "She would look better whatever she wore."
They all laughed at James who insisted that he preferred peasant dress, but they all exclaimed with delight at the gorgeous costumes worn by a group of Hungarian men. Some of them were riding in carriages and they seemed very self-conscious but greatly pleased at the attention they attracted.
"This is a great day for the Italians," said Helen as band after band, and society after society, bearing the Italian red, white and green passed them.
"Well, Columbus was an Italian. They ought to feel comfortable about it. He discovered us."
They all shouted at James's way of putting his defense of Columbus's countrymen.
"If we're going to hear any of the speeches at Columbus Circle we'd better hop into the subway and speed to 59th Street," urged Tom.
They were in plenty of time, and watched the placing around the Columbus monument of numberless wreaths and emblems which the societies brought with them, chiefly at the ends of tall poles and deposited at the feet of the statue of the great explorer.
As soon as they reached home the Mortons all went over to Sweetbrier Lodge to help with the final decorations. The attic they had set in order the day before. This was necessary for they had to have a curtain and they wanted to put it through a rehearsal as well as themselves. Extra chairs had been brought in for the occasion and they were now unfolded so that the little audience room was ready for its opening performance.