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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:35:41 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:35:41 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/10958-0.txt b/10958-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a5135a --- /dev/null +++ b/10958-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5505 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10958 *** + +AN UNWILLING MAID + + +Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in +the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott + +By Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" + + +1897 + + + +TO A NINETEENTH CENTURY GIRL. + +A great-grandmother's bewitching face, + Looks forth from this olden story, +For Love is a master who laughs at place, + And scoffs at both Whig and Tory. + +To-day if he comes, as a conqueror may, + To a heart untouched by his flame, +Be loyal as she of the olden day, + That Eighteenth Century dame! + + + +CONTENTS + + +I. MISS MOPPET + +II. BULLETS FOR DEFENSE + +III. OLIVER'S PRISONER + +IV. FRIEND OR FOE + +V. A LOYAL TRAITOR + +VI. BY COURIER POST + +VII. WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER + +VIII. INSIDE BRITISH LINES + +IX. BETTY'S JOURNEY + +X. A MAID'S CAPRICE + +XI. ON THE COLLECT + +XII. A FACE ON THE WALL + +XIII. AT THE VLY MARKET + +XIV. THE DE LANCEY BALL + +XV. LOVE OR LOYALTY + +XVI. MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY + +XVII. A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MISS MOPPET + + +It was a warm summer day. Not too warm, for away up in the Connecticut +hills the sun seemed to temper its rays, and down among the shadows of +the trees surrounding Great Pond there were cool, shady glades where one +could almost fancy it was May instead of hot July. + +At a point not far from the water, leaning against the trunk of a +stately maple, stood a young man. His head, from which he had raised a +somewhat old and weather-beaten hat, was finely formed, and covered with +chestnut curls; his clothes, also shabby and worn, were homespun and +ill-fitting, but his erect military carriage, with an indescribable air +of polish and fine breeding, seemed strangely incongruous in connection +with his apparel and travel-worn appearance. + +"I wonder where I am," he said half aloud, as he surveyed the pretty +sheet of water sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Faith, 'tis hard enough +to be half starved and foot-sore, without being lost in an enemy's +country. The woman who gave me that glass of milk at five o'clock this +morning said I was within a mile of Goshen. I must have walked ten miles +since then, and am apparently no nearer the line than I was +yesterday--Hark! what's that?"--as a sound of voices struck his ear +faintly, coming from some distance on his right. "Some one comes this +direction. I had best conceal myself in these friendly bushes until I +ascertain whether 'tis friend or foe." + +So saying, he plunged hastily into a thicket of low-lying shrubs close +at hand, and, throwing himself flat upon the ground under them, was +comparatively secure from observation as long as he remained perfectly +still. The next sound he heard was horses' feet, moving at a walk, and +presently there came in view a spirited-looking bay mare and a gray +pony, the riders being engaged in merry conversation. + +"No, no, Betty," said the little girl of about nine years, who rode the +pony; "it is just here, or a few rods farther on, where we had the +Maypole set last year, and I know I can find the herbs which Chloe wants +near by on the shore of the pond. Let's dismount and tie the horses +here, and you and I can search for them." + +"It's well I did not let you come alone," said the rider of the bay +mare, laughing as she spoke. "Truly, Miss Moppet, you are a courageous +little maid to wish to venture in these woods. Not that I am afraid," +said Betty Wolcott suddenly, remembering the weight and dignity of her +sixteen years as compared with her little sister, "but in these +troublous times father says it were well to be careful." + +"Since when have you grown so staid?" said Miss Moppet, shaking her long +yellow hair back from her shoulders as she jumped off her pony and led +him up to a young ash-tree, whose branches allowed of her securing him +by the bridle to one of them, "Of all people in the world, Betty, you to +read me a lecture on care-taking," and with a mischievous laugh the +child fled around the tree in pretended dismay, as Betty sprang to the +ground and shook her riding-whip playfully in her direction. + +"Ungrateful Moppet," she said, as she tied both horses to the tree +beside her, "did I not rescue you from punishment for dire naughtiness +in the pantry and beg Aunt Euphemia to pardon you, and then go for the +horses, which Reuben was too busy to saddle. + +"Yes, my own dear Betty," cried the small sinner, emerging suddenly from +the shelter and seizing her round the waist, "but you know this +soberness is but 'skin-deep,' as Chloe says, and you need not cease to +be merry because you are sixteen since yesterday. Come, let's find the +herbs," and joining hands the two ran swiftly off to the shore, Betty +tucking up her habit with easy grace as she went. The occupant of the +covert raised his head carefully and looked after the pair, the sound of +their voices growing faint as they pushed their way through the +undergrowth which intercepted their progress. + +"What a lovely creature!" he ejaculated, raising himself on one elbow. +"I wonder who she is, and how she comes in this wild neighborhood. +Perhaps I am not so very far off my road after all; they must have come +from a not very distant home, for the horses are not even wet this warm +day. Egad, that mare looks as if she had plenty of speed in her; 't +would not be a bad idea to throw my leg over her back and be off, and so +distance those who even now may be pursuing me." He half rose as the +thought occurred to him, but in an instant sank back under the leaves. + +"How would her mistress fare without her?" he said ruefully "'Tis not to +be thought of; they may be miles from home, even here, and I am too much +a squire of dames to take such unkind advantage. There must be some +other way out of my present dilemma than this," and rolling over on the +mixture of grass and dry leaves which formed his resting-place he lay +still and began to ponder. + +Half an hour passed; the shadows began to deepen as the sun crept down +in the sky, and the horses whinnied at each other as if to remind their +absent riders that supper-time was approaching. But the girls did not +return, and the thoughts which occupied the young wanderer were so +engrossing that he did not hear a cry which began faintly and then rose +to a shriek agonized enough to pierce his reverie. + +"Good heavens!" he cried, springing to his feet, as borne on the summer +wind the frantic supplication came to him-- + +"Help, help! oh, will nobody come!" and then the sobbing cry +again--"help!" + +Tim tall muscular form straightened itself and sped through the bushes, +crushing them down on either side with a strong arm, as he went rapidly +in the direction of the cries. + +"Courage! I am coming," he cried, as, gaining the shore of the pond, he +saw what had happened. Just beyond his halting-place there was a jutting +bank, and overhanging it a large tree, whose branches almost touched the +water beneath. At the top of the bank stood the elder of the two girls; +she had torn off the skirt of her riding-habit, and was about to leap +down into the water where a mass of floating yellow hair and a wisp of +white gown told their story of disaster. As he ran the stranger flung +off his coat, but there was no time to divest himself of his heavy +riding-boots, so in he plunged and struck out boldly with the air of a +strong and competent swimmer. + +The pond, like many of our small inland lakes, was shallow for some +distance from the shore, and then suddenly shelved in unexpected +quarters, developing deep holes where the water was so cold that its +effect on a swimmer was almost dangerous. Into one of these depths the +little girl had evidently plunged, and realizing the cause of her sudden +disappearance the stranger dived with great rapidity at the spot where +the golden hair had gone down. His first attempt failed; but as the +child partially rose for the second time, he caught the little figure +and with skillful hand supported her against his shoulder, as he struck +out for the shore, which he reached quickly, but chilled almost to the +bone from the coldness of the water. + +"Do not be so alarmed," he said, as Betty, with pallid cheeks and +trembling hands, knelt beside the unconscious child on the grass; "she +will revive; her heart beats and she is not very cold. Let me find my +coat," and he stumbled as he rose to go in search of it. + +"It is here," gasped Betty; "I fetched it on my way down the slope; oh, +sir, do you think she lives?" + +For answer the young man produced from an inner pocket of his shabby +garment a small flask, which he uncorked and held toward her. + +"It is cognac," he said; "put a drop or two between her lips while I +chafe her hands--so; see, she revives," as the white lids quivered for a +second, and then the pretty blue eyes opened. + +"Moppet, Moppet, my darling," cried her sister, "are you hurt? Did you +strike anything in your fall?" + +"Why, Betty!" ejaculated the child, "why are you giving me nasty stuff; +here are the tansy leaves," and she held up her left hand, where tightly +clenched she had kept the herbs, whose gathering on the edge of the +treacherous bank had been her undoing. + +"You are a brave little maid," said the stranger, as he put the flask to +his own lips. "The shock will be all you have to guard against, and even +that is passing;" for Miss Moppet had staggered upon her feet and was +looking with astonished eyes at her dripping clothing. + +"Did I fall, Betty?" she said. "Why my gown is sopping wet,--oh! have I +been at the bottom of the pond?" + +"You had stopped there, sweetheart, but for this good gentleman," said +Betty, holding out a small, trembling hand to the stranger, a lovely +smile dimpling her cheeks as she spoke. "Sir, with all my heart I thank +you. My little sister had drowned but for your promptness and skill; I +do not know how to express my gratitude." + +"I am more than rewarded for my simple service," replied the young man, +raising the pretty hand to his lips with a profound bow and easy grace, +"but I am afraid your sister may get a chill, as the sun is so low in +the sky: and if I may venture upon a suggestion, it would be well to +ride speedily to some shelter where she can obtain dry clothing. If you +will permit me to offer you the cape of my riding-coat (which is near at +hand) I will wrap her in it at once, and then I think she will he safe +from any after-effects of her cold bath in the pond." + +"Oh, you are too kind," cried Betty, as the stranger disappeared in the +underbrush. "Moppet, Moppet, what can we say to prove our gratitude? You +had been drowned twice over but for him." + +"Ask him to come to the manor," said Miss Moppet, much less agitated +than her sister, and being always a small person of many resources. +"Father will be glad to bid him welcome, and you know"-- + +"Yes," interrupted Betty, as their new friend appeared at her elbow with +a cape of dark blue cloth over his arm. + +"Here is my cape," he said, "and though not very large it will cover her +sufficiently. Let me untie your horses and help you to mount." + +"Oh, we can mount alone," said Miss Moppet, who had by this time +recovered her spirits, "but you must come home with us; you are dripping +wet yourself; and if you like, you may ride my pony. He has carried +double before now, and I am but a light weight, as my father says." + +"Will you not come home with us?" asked Betty wistfully. "My father, +General Wolcott is away just now from the manor, but he will have warm +welcome and hearty thanks, believe me, for the strength and courage +which have rescued his youngest child from yonder grave," and Betty +shuddered and grew pale again at the very thought of what Miss Moppet +had escaped. + +"General Wolcott," said the stranger, with a start. "Ah, then you are +his daughters. And he is away?" + +"Yes," said Betty, as they walked toward the tree where the horses were +tied. "There has been a raid upon our coast by Governor Tryon and his +Hessians; we got news three days ago of the movement of the Loyalists, +and my father, with my brother Oliver, has gone to the aid of the poor +people at Fairfield. Do you know of it, sir? Have you met any of our +troops?" + +"I have seen them," said the stranger briefly, with a half smile curving +his handsome mouth, "but they are not near this point"--and beneath his +breath he added, "I devoutly hope not." + +"Which way are you traveling?" asked Betty, as she stood beside her bay +mare. "Surely you will not refuse to come to the manor? Aunt Euphemia +and my elder sister are there, and we will give you warm welcome." + +"I thank you," said the stranger, with great courtesy, "but I must be on +my way westward before night overtakes me. Can you tell me how many +miles I am from Goshen, which I left this morning?" + +"You are within Litchfield township," said Betty. "We are some four +miles from my father's house. Pray, sir, come with us; I fear for your +health from that sudden plunge into the icy waters of our pond." + +"Oh, no," said the stranger, laughing. "I were less than man to mind a +bath of this sort. With all my heart I thank you for your solicitude; +that I am unable to accept your hospitality you must lay at the door of +circumstances which neither you nor I can control." + +"But your cape, sir," faltered Betty, her eyes dropping, as she blushed +under the ardent yet respectful gaze which sought hers; "how are we to +return that? And you may need it; I am sorely afraid you will yet suffer +for your kindness." + +"Not I," said the stranger, pressing her hand, as he gave the reins into +her fingers; "as for the cape, keep it until we meet again, +and--farewell!" + +But Miss Moppet threw her arms around his neck as he bent over the gray +pony and secured the cape more tightly around her small shoulders. + +"I haven't half thanked you," she said, "but I will do so properly some +day, when you come to Wolcott Manor. Farewell," and waving her little +hand in adieu, the horses moved away, and were presently lost to sight +in the underbrush. + +"Egad!" said the stranger, gazing after thorn, as he picked up his coat +and started for the spot where he had left his hat. "What a marvelous +country it is! The soldiers are uncouth farmer lads, yet they fight and +die like heroes, and the country maids have the speech and air of court +ladies. Geoffrey Yorke, you have wandered far afield; I would you had +time and chance to meet that lovely rebel again!" and with a deep-drawn +sigh he plunged farther into the woods. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BULLETS FOE DEFENSE + + +"Oh, Betty, Betty," cried Miss Moppet, as the pair gained the more +frequented road and cantered briskly on their homeward way, "what an +adventure we have had! Aunt Euphemia will no doubt bestow a sound rating +on me, for, alas!"--with a doleful glance downward--"see the draggled +condition of my habit." + +"Never mind your habit, Moppet," said Betty. "Thank Heaven instead that +you are not lying stiff and cold at the bottom of the pond. You can +never know the agony I suffered when I saw you fall; I should have +plunged in after you in another second." + +"Dearest Betty," said the child, looking lovingly at her, "I know you +can swim, but you never could have held me up as that stranger did. Oh!" +with sudden recollection, "we did not ask his name! Did you forget?" + +"No," said Betty, "but when I told him ours and he did not give his name +in return, I thought perhaps he did not care to be known, and of course +forbore to press him." + +"How handsome he was," said Moppet; "did you see his hair? And how +tightly it curled, wet as it was? And his eyes--surely you noted his +eyes, Betty?" + +"Yes," replied Betty, blushing with remembrance of the parting glance +the hazel eyes had bestowed upon her; "he is a personable fellow +enough." + +"Far handsomer than Josiah Huntington," said Moppet mischievously, "or +even Francis Plunkett." + +"What does a little maid like you know of looks?" said Betty +reprovingly, "and what would Aunt Euphemia say to such comments, I +wonder?" + +"You'll never tell tales of me," said Moppet, with the easy confidence +of a spoiled child. "Do you think he was a soldier--perhaps an officer +from Fort Trumbull, like the one Oliver brought home last April?" + +"Very likely," said Betty. "Are you cold, Moppet? I am so afraid you may +suffer; stop talking so fast and muffle yourself more closely in the +cape. We must be hastening home," and giving her horse the whip, they +rode rapidly down hill. + +Wolcott Manor, the house of which Betty spoke, was a fine, spacious +house situated on top of the hills, where run a broad plateau which +later in its history developed into a long and broad street, on either +side of which were erected dwellings which have since been interwoven +with the stateliest names in old Connecticut. The house was double, +built in the style of the day, with a hall running through it, and large +rooms on either side, the kitchen, bakery, and well-house all at the +back, and forming with the buttery a sort of L, near but not connecting +the different outhouses. It was shingled from top to bottom, and the +dormer windows, with their quaint panes, rendered it both stately and +picturesque. As the girls drew rein at the small porch, on the south +side of the mansion, a tall, fine-looking woman of middle age, her gray +gown tucked neatly up, and a snowy white apron tied around her shapely +waist, appeared at the threshold of the door. + +"Why, Betty," she said in a surprised voice, "you have been absent so +long that I was about to send Reuben in search of you. The boxes are +undone, and we need your help; Moppet--why, what ails the child?" and +Miss Euphemia Wolcott paused in dismay us she surveyed Miss Moppet's +still damp habit and disheveled hair. + +"I've been at the very bottom of Great Pond." announced the child, +enjoying the situation with true dramatic instinct, "and Betty has all +the herbs for Chloe safe in her basket." + +"What does the child mean" asked her bewildered aunt, unfastening the +heavy cloth cape from the small shoulders, and perceiving that she had +had a thorough wetting. + +"It is true, Aunt Euphemia," said Betty, springing off her mare and +throwing the reins to Reuben as he came slowly around the house. "We +were on one of the hillocks overlooking the pond, and somehow--it all +happened so swiftly that I cannot tell how--but Moppet must have +ventured too near the edge, for the treacherous soil gave way, and down +she pitched into the water before I could put out hand to stay her. I +think I screamed, and then I was pulling off my habit-skirt to plunge +after her when a young man ran hastily along the below and cried out to +me, 'Courage!' and he threw off his coat and dived down, down,"--Betty +shuddered and turned pale,--"and then he caught Moppet's skirt and held +her up until he swam safely to shore with her. She was quite +unconscious, but by chafing her hands and giving her some spirits (which +the young stranger had in his flask) we recovered her, and, indeed, I +think she is none the worse for her experience," and Betty put both arms +around her little sister and hugged her warmly, bursting into tears, +which until now had been so carefully restrained. + +"Thank Heaven!" cried Miss Euphemia, kissing them both. "You could never +have rescued her alone, Betty; perhaps you might both have drowned. +Where is the brave young man who came to your aid? I trust you gave him +clear directions how to reach the house." + +"He would not come," answered Betty simply; "he said he was traveling +westward, and I thought he seemed anxious to be off." + +"But we pressed him, Aunt Euphemia," put in Moppet, "and I told him my +pony could carry double. And I do not know how we will return his cape; +do you?" + +"You must come indoors at once and get dry clothing," said her aunt, +"and I will tell Chloe to make you a hot posset lest you get a chill; +run quickly, Moppet, and do not stand a moment longer in those wet +clothes. Now, Betty," as the child disappeared inside, "have you any +idea who this stranger can be, or whence he came?" + +"I have not," said Betty, blushing rosy red (though she could not have +told why) under her aunt's clone scrutiny. + +"What did he look like?" questioned Miss Euphemia. + +"Like a young man of spirit," said Betty, mischief getting the better of +her, "and he had a soldierly air to boot and spoke with command." + +"I trust with all due respect as well," said Miss Euphemia gravely. + +"Truly, he both spoke and behaved as a gentleman should." + +"Do you think it could be Oliver's friend, young Otis from Boston?" said +Miss Euphemia. "He was to arrive in these parts this week." + +"It may be he," said Betty, "ask Pamela, she has met him;" and as she +turned to enter she almost fell into the arms of a tall, slender girl +who was hurrying forth to meet her. + +At first glance there was enough of likeness between the girls to say +that they might be sisters, but the next made the resemblance less, and +their dissimilarity of expression and coloring increased with +acquaintance. Both had the same slender, graceful figure, but while +Betty was of medium height, Pamela was distinctly taller than her +sister, and her pretty head was covered with golden hair, while Betty's +luxuriant locks were that peculiar shade which is neither auburn nor +golden, but a combination of both, and her eyes were hazel-gray, with +long lashes much darker than her hair. Both girls wore their hair piled +on top of the head, as was the fashion of the time, and both were +guiltless of powder, but Pamela's rebellious waves were trained to lie +as close as she could make them, while Betty's would crop out into +little dainty saucy curls over her forehead and down the nape of her +slender neck in a most bewildering fashion. Their complexions, like Miss +Moppet's, were exquisitely satin-like in texture, but there was no break +in Pamela's smooth cheeks, whereas Betty's dimples lurked not only +around her willful mouth, but perched high in her right cheek, and you +found yourself unconsciously watching to see them come and go at the +tricksy maid's changing will. There was but little more than a year's +difference in their ages, yet Betty seemed almost a child beside +Pamela's gracious stateliness. + +"What is it all about?" asked the bewildered Pamela, catching hold of +Betty. "Moppet dashes into the kitchen, damp and moist, and says she has +been at the bottom of the pond, and orders hot posset, and you, Betty, +have an air of fright"-- + +"I should think she might well," interrupted Miss Euphemia; "I will tell +you, Pamela--Betty, go upstairs and change your habit for a gown, and +then come down to assist me. We are about to mould the bullets." + +"Oh, Aunt Euphemia!" cried Betty, interrupting in her turn, "I beg your +pardon, but did those huge boxes contain the leaden statue of King +George, as my father's letter advised us?" + +"It was cut in pieces, Betty," said Pamela demurely. + +"As if I didn't know that," flashed out Betty; "and that it disappeared +after the patriots hauled it down in Bowling Green, and that General +Washington recommended it should be used for the cause of Freedom, and +that we are all to help transform it into bullets far our +soldiers,--truly, Pamela, I have not forgot my father's account of it," +and Betty vanished inside the door with a rebellious toss of her head, +resenting the implied air of older sister which Pamela sometimes +indulged in. + +"Our little Moppet has come perilously near death," said Miss Euphemia, +following Pamela into the house. "She has been rescued from drowning in +Great Pond by a gentleman whom Betty had never seen before. She +describes him as a fine personable youth, and I think it maybe Oliver's +friend, young Otis, who in expected at the Tracys' on a visit from +Boston." + +"It can hardly be he, aunt," said Pamela, "for Sally Tracy has just told +me that he will not arrive for two days, and moreover he comes with Mrs. +Footer and Patty Warren, who are glad to take him as escort in these +troublous times, I will run up to Moppet, for the girls are waiting for +you; the lead got somewhat overheated, and they want your advice as to +using it." + +Miss Euphemia went slowly down the hall and through the large +dining-room, pausing as she passed to knock at a small door opening off +the hall into a sitting-room. + +"Are you there, Miss Bidwell?" she said, as a small elderly woman, with +bent figure and pleasant, shrewd face, rose from her chair in response. +"Will you kindly go up and see that Miss Moppet be properly rubbed and +made dry, and let her take her hot posset, and then, if not too tired, +she may come to me in the kitchen." + +Miss Bidwell, who was at once house-keeper, manager, and confidential +servant to the Wolcott household, gave a cheerful affirmative; and as +she laid down the stocking she was carefully darning, and prepared to +leave the room, Miss Euphemia resumed her interrupted walk toward the +kitchen. + +Standing and sitting around the great kitchen fireplace were a group of +young people, whose voices rose in a lively chorus as she entered. Over +the fire, on a crane, hung a large kettle, from the top of which issued +sounds of spluttering and boiling, and a young man was in the act of +endeavoring to lift it amid cries of remonstrance. + +"Have a care, Francis," cried a pretty, roguish-looking girl in a gray +homespun gown, brandishing a wet towel as she spoke; "hot lead will be +your portion if you dare trifle with that boiling pot. What are we to do +with it, Miss Euphemia?" as that lady came forward in haste; "a few +drops of water flirted out of my towel and must have fallen inside, for +'t is spluttering in terrific fashion." + +"Shall I lift it off the fire?" asked the young man, whose name was +Francis Plunkett. + +"Certainly," said Miss Euphemia, inspecting the now tranquil kettle; +"here are the moulds all greased; gently, now," as she put a small ladle +inside the pot; "now move it slowly, and put the pot here beside me on +the table." + +"Will they really turn out bullets?" asked another girl in a whisper, as +Sally Tracy moved a second big pot with the intention of hanging it on +the fire, but was prevented by a tall, silent young man, who stopped his +occupation of sorting out bits of lead to assist her. + +"Thank you, Josiah," said Sally. "Turn out bullets, Dolly?--why, of +course, when they come out of the moulds. What did you suppose we were +all about?" + +Dolly Trumbull (who was on a visit to the Wolcotts') looked shy and +somewhat distressed, and promptly retired into a corner, where she +resumed her conversation with her cousin, Josiah Huntington; and +presently Betty came flying into the kitchen, her gown tucked up ready +for work, and full of apologies for her tardy appearance. Sally Tracy, +who was Betty's sworn friend and companion in all her fun and frolics, +pounced upon her at once; but Miss Euphemia called them both to assist +her with the moulds, Betty had to reserve the story of her adventure +until a more propitious moment. + +"Has there been any news from Oliver when he set forth on this last +expedition?" asked Dolly. + +"It is too soon yet to hear," said Josiah, "though possibly by to-morrow +some intelligence may reach us. Francis and I did not reach here from +New Haven for four days, and we return there on Saturday. As it was, I +left only in obedience to my father's command, and brought news of +Lyon's ravaging the city to General Wolcott, dodging Hessians and +outlying marauders by the way. Do you stop here long, Dolly, or will +you have my escort back to Lebanon?" + +"I came for a month," answered Dolly; "I was ill of spring fever, and +since then my mother thinks this mountain air benefits me. But you go +back to your duties at Yale College, though it's early yet for them." + +"My students and I have spent our vacation handling cartridges," said +Josiah grimly, for he was a tutor at Yale, and had done yeoman service +in the defense of New Haven. "'Tis a sorry sight to see our beautiful +city now laid waste; but that our faith is strong in the Continental +Congress and General Washington, I know not how heart could bear it." + +"Who speaks of faith?" said Pamela's gentle voice, as she slipped into a +chair on Dolly's right. "I think hope is ever a better watchword." + +"Aye," murmured Huntington, as Dolly summoned courage to cross the room, +"it is one I will carry ever with me, Pamela, if _you_ bid me do so." + +"I did not mean," faltered Pamela, casting down her dove-like eyes, but +not so quickly that she did not see the ardent glance of her lover, +"I--that is--oh yes, Aunt Euphemia," with sudden change of tone, "it is +growing somewhat dark, and we had better leave the moulds to harden. +Shall I tell Miss Bidwell that you are ready for supper?" + +To which Miss Euphemia returned an affirmative, and the whole party +trooped back to the dining-room, Pamela leading the way, and Huntington +following her with a half-mischievous smile curving his usually grave +mouth. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +OLIVER'S PRISONER + + +"I don't care anything about it," said Miss Moppet with decision. "It's +a nasty, horrid letter, and I've made it over and over, and it will not +get one bit plainer. Count one, two, jump one; then two stitches plain; +it's no use at all, Miss Bidwell, I cannot make it any better." And with +a deep sigh Miss Moppet surveyed her sampler, where she had for six +weeks been laboriously trying to inscribe "Faith Wolcott, her sampler, +aged nine," with little success and much loss of temper. + +"W is a hard letter," said Miss Bidwell, laying down one of the +perpetual stockings with which she seemed always supplied for mending +purposes; "you will have to rip this out again; the first stroke is too +near the letter before it;" and she handed the unhappy sampler back to +the child. + +"It's always like that," said Miss Moppet in a tone of exasperation. "I +think a sampler is the very _devil_!" + +"Oh," said Miss Bidwell in a shocked voice, "I shall have to report you +as a naughty chit if you use such language." + +"Well, it just _is_" said Moppet; "that's what the minister said in his +sermon Sunday week, and you know, Miss Bidwell, that you admired it +extremely, because I heard you tell Pamela so." + +"Admired the devil?" said Miss Bidwell. "Child, what are you talking +about?" + +"The sermon," said Miss Moppet, breaking her silk for the fourth time; +"the minister said the devil went roaring up and down the earth seeking +whom he might devour. Wouldn't I like to hear him roar. Do you conceive +it is like a bull or a lion's roar?" + +"The Bible says a lion," said Miss Bidwell, looking all the more severe +because she was so amused. + +"I am truly sorry for that poor devil," said Miss Moppet, heaving a deep +sigh. "Just think how tired he must become, and how much work he must +have to do. O--o--oh!"--a prolonged scream--"he certainly has possession +of my sampler"--dancing up and down with pain--"for that needle has +gone one inch into my thumb!" + +"Come here and let me bind it up," said Miss Bidwell, seizing the small +sinner as she whirled past her. "How often must I tell you not to give +way to such sinful temper? And talking about the devil is not proper for +little girls." + +"Why not just as well as for older folk?" said Moppet, submitting to +have a soft bit of rag bound around the bleeding thumb. "I think the +devil ought to be prayed for if he's such an abominable sinner--yes, I +do." And Moppet, whose belief in a personal devil was evidently large, +surveyed Miss Bidwell with uncompromising eyes. + +"Tut!" said Miss Bidwell, to whom this novel idea savored of +ungodliness, but wishing to be lenient toward the child whose adoring +slave she was. "Miss Euphemia would be shocked to hear you." + +"I shall not tell her," said the child shrewdly, "but I am going to pray +for the devil each night, whether any one else does or not." + +"As you cannot work any longer on the sampler, you had best go to Miss +Pamela for your writing lesson," said Miss Bidwell. + +"Pamela is out in the orchard with Josiah Huntington," said Moppet, +"and she would send me forthwith into the house if I went near her." + +"Then find Miss Betty and read her a page in the primer. You know you +promised your father you would learn to read it correctly against his +return." + +"Betty is gossiping in the garret chamber with Sally Tracy; surely I +must stop with you, Biddy, dear;" and Moppet twined her arms around Miss +Bidwell's neck, with her little coaxing face upraised for a kiss. When +Moppet said "Biddy dear" (which was her baby abbreviation for the old +servant), she became irresistible; so Miss Bidwell, much relieved at +dropping so puzzling a theological question as the propriety of +supplications for the well-being of his Satanic majesty, proposed that +she should tell Miss Moppet "a story," which met with delighted assent +from the little girl. + +Miss Bidwell's stories, which dated back for many years and always began +with "when I was a little maid," were never failing in interest besides +being somewhat lengthy, as Moppet insisted upon minute detail, and +invariably corrected her when she chanced to omit the smallest +particular. That the story had been often told did not make it lose any +of its interest, and the shadows of the great elm which overhung the +sitting-room windows grew longer, while the sun sank lower and lower +unheeded, until Miss Bidwell, at the most thrilling part of her tale, +where a bloodthirsty and evil-minded Indian was about to appear, +suddenly laid down her work and exclaimed:-- + +"Hark! surely there is some one coming up the back path," and rising as +she spoke, she hurried out to the side porch, closely followed by +Moppet, who said to herself, with all a child's vivid and dramatic +imagination, "Perhaps it's an Indian coming to tomahawk us in our beds!" +which thought caused her to seize a fold of Miss Bidwell's gown tightly +in her hand. + +As they came into the hall they were joined by Miss Euphemia, who had +also heard the sounds of approach; and as they emerged from the house +two tall figures, dusty and travel-worn, confronted them, with Reuben +following in their rear. + +"Oliver!" exclaimed Miss Euphemia, as she recognized her youngest nephew +in one of the wayfarers, "whence come you, and what news? Where is your +honored father?" + +[Illustration: MISS EUPHEMIA MEETS OLIVER AND HIS PRISONER] + +"My father, madam," said Oliver Wolcott, uncovering his head as he +motioned to Reuben to take his place near his companion, "my father is +some thirty miles behind me, but hastening in this direction. What +news?--Fairfield burnt, half its inhabitants homeless, but Tryon's +marauders put to flight and our men in pursuit." + +"And who is this gentleman?" said Miss Euphemia, as Oliver kissed her +cheek and stepped back. + +"'Tis more than I can answer," said Oliver, "for not one word concerning +himself can I obtain from him. He is my prisoner, Aunt Euphemia; I found +him lurking in the woods ten miles away this morning, and should perhaps +have let him pass had not a low-lying branch of a tree knocked off his +hat, when I recognized him for one of Tryon's crew." + +"Speak more respectfully, sir," said the stranger suddenly, "to me, if +not to those whom you term 'Tryon's crew.'" + +"I grant the respect due your arm and strength," said Oliver, "for you +came near leaving me in the smoke and din of Fairfield when you gave me +this blow," and he touched the left side of his head, where could be +seen some clotted blood among his hair. "Come, sir, my aunt has asked +the question. Do you not reply to a lady?" + +"The gibe is unworthy of you," said the other, lifting the hat which had +been drawn down closely over his brow; "and I"-- + +"Oh, Oliver, 'tis my good kind gentleman!" cried Moppet, darting forward +and seizing the stranger by the hand; "he plunged into Great Pond last +night and pulled me forth when I was nearly drowning, and we begged him +to come home with us, did we not, Betty?"--seeing her sister standing in +the doorway. "Betty, Betty, come and tell Oliver he has made a mistake." + +A smile lit up the stranger's handsome face as he bowed low to Betty, +who came swiftly to his side as she recognized him. + +"Will you not bring the gentleman in, Oliver?" she said. "The thanks +which are his due can hardly be well spoken on our doorstep," and Betty +drew herself up, and waved her hand like the proud little maid she was, +her eyes sparkling, her breast heaving with the excitement she strove to +suppress. + +Oliver looked from Moppet to Betty, in bewilderment then back at his +prisoner, who seemed the most unconcerned of the group. + +"You are right, Betty," said Miss Euphemia, beginning to understand the +situation. "Will you walk in, sir, and let me explain to my nephew how +greatly we are indebted to you?" And she led the way into the mansion, +the others following, and opened the door of the parlor on the left, +Reuben, obedient to a sign from Oliver, remaining with Miss Bidwell in +the hall. + +The stranger declined the chair which Oliver courteously offered him, +and remained standing near Betty, Moppet clinging to his hand and +looking up gratefully into his face while Miss Euphemia related to her +nephew the story of Moppet's rescue from her perilous accident of the +previous day. + +"A brave deed!" cried Oliver impetuously, as he advanced with +outstretched hand toward his prisoner, "and with all my heart, sir, I +thank you. Forgive my pettish speech of a moment since; you were right +to reprove me. No one appreciates a gallant foe more than I; and though +the fortune of war has to-day made you my prisoner, to-morrow may make +me yours." + +"I thank you," said the stranger, giving his hand as frankly in return. +"Believe me, my plunge in the pond was hardly worth the stress you are +kind enough to lay upon it, and but for the mischance to my little +friend here," smiling at Miss Moppet, who regarded him with affectionate +eyes, "is an affair of little moment. May I ask where you will bestow me +for the night, and also the privilege of a dip in cold water, as I am +too soiled and travel-worn to sit in the presence of ladies, even though +your prisoner." + +"Prisoner!" echoed Betty, with a start. "Surely, Oliver, you will not +hold as a prisoner the man who saved our little Moppet's life, and that, +too (though he makes so light of it) at the risk of his own?" + +"You will let him go free, brother Oliver," cried Moppet, flying to the +young officer's side; "you surely will not clap him into jail?" + +"It was my purpose," said Oliver, looking from one to the other, "to +confine you until to-morrow and then carry you to headquarters, where +General Putnam will determine your ultimate fate. I certainly recognize +you as the author of this cut on my head. Do you belong to the British +army or are you a volunteer accompanying Tryon in his raid upon our +innocent and unoffending neighbors at Fairfield?" + +"Sir," said the other haughtily, "I pardon much to your youthful +patriotism, which looks upon us as invaders. My name is Geoffrey Yorke, +and I have the honor to bear his majesty's commission as captain in the +Sixty-fourth Regiment of Foot." + +Betty gave a faint exclamation. Oliver Wolcott stepped forward. + +"Captain Yorke," he said, "I regret more than I can say my inability, +which you yourself will recognize, to bid you go forth free and in +safety. My duty is unfortunately but too plain. I, sir, serve the +Continental Congress, and like you hold a captain's commission. I should +be false alike to my country and my oath of allegiance did I permit you +to escape; but there is one favor I can offer you; give me your parole, +and allow me and my family the pleasure of holding you as a guest, not +prisoner, while under our roof." + +Geoffrey Yorke hesitated; he opened his lips to speak, when some +instinct made him glance at Betty, who stood directly behind her +brother. Her large, soft eyes were fixed on his with most beseeching +warning, and she raised her dainty finger to her lips as she slowly, +almost imperceptibly, shook her head. + +"Captain Wolcott," he said, "I fully appreciate your kindness and the +motive which prompts it. I have landed on these shores but one short +month ago, and Sir Henry Clinton ordered me--but these particulars will +not interest you. I thank you for your offer, but I decline to take +parole, and prefer instead the fortunes of war." + +"Then, sir, I have no choice," said Oliver. "Aunt Euphemia, will you +permit me to use the north chamber? I will conduct you there, Captain +Yorke, and shall see that you are well guarded for the night." And with +a courtly bow to the ladies Geoffrey Yorke followed his captain from the +room, as Moppet threw herself into Betty's arms and sobbed bitterly. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +FRIEND OR FOE + + +Betty Wolcott sat alone in her own room, thinking intently. The windows +were all open, and the soft night air blew the dainty curls off her +white forehead and disclosed the fact of her very recent tears. Never, +in all her short, happy life, had Betty been so moved as now, for the +twin passions of gratitude and loyalty were at war within her, and she +realized, with a feeling akin to dismay, that she must meet the +responsibility alone, that those of her household were all arrayed +against her. + +"If my father were but at home," said Betty to herself, "he would know +and understand, but Oliver will not listen, no, not even when I implored +him to keep Captain Yorke close prisoner here for two days by which time +my father is sure to arrive. Aunt Euphemia is too timid and Pamela is +much the same; as Josiah happens to agree perfectly with Oliver, Pamela +could never be induced to see how cruel it is to repay our debt in this +way. Oliver is but a boy,"--and Betty's lips curved in scorn over her +brother's four years' seniority,--"and--and--oh! I am, indeed, astray. +What, here I am, one of the loyal Wolcotts,--a family known all through +the land as true to the cause of Freedom and the Declaration,--and here +I sit planning how to let a British officer, foe to my country, escape +from my father's house. I wonder the walls do not open and fall on me," +and poor Betty gazed half fearfully overhead, as if she expected the +rafters would descend upon the author of such treasonable sentiments. +"But something must be done," she thought rapidly. "I care not whether +he be friend or foe, I take the consequences; be mine the blame," and +she lifted her pretty head with an air of determination, as a soft knock +fell upon her chamber door; but before she could rise to open it, the +latch was raised and a little figure, all in white, crept inside. + +"I can't sleep, Betty," sobbed Moppet, as her sister gathered the child +in her arms; "it's too, too dreadful. Will General Putnam hang my dear, +kind gentleman as the British hanged Captain Nathan Hale, and shall we +never, never see him more?" + +"Dear heart," said Betty, smoothing the yellow hair, and tears springing +again to her eyes as she thought of the brave, manly face of her +country's foe. "No, Moppet, Captain Yorke is not a spy, as, alas! was +poor Nathan Hale, but"-- + +"Betty," whispered Moppet, so low that she was evidently alarmed at her +own daring, "why can't we let him go free and never tell Oliver a word +about it?" + +"How did you come to think of that?" said Betty, astonished. + +"I am afraid it is the devil prompting me," said Moppet, with a sigh, +partly over her own iniquity, and part in wonderment as to whether that +overworked personage was somewhere soaring in the air near at hand; "but +I always thought the British were big ogres, with fierce eyes and red +whiskers, and I am sure my good, kind gentleman is very like ourselves." + +Betty was betrayed into a low laugh. Moppet was always original, but +this was delicious. + +"No, child," she said softly, "the British are some bad, some good, and +there are no doubt cruel men to be found in all wars. Moppet, as you +came by the north door, whom did you see on guard in the hall?" + +"Josiah Huntington," said Moppet promptly; "but you heard what Oliver +said at supper?" + +"Yes," answered Betty, "Oliver was so weary that Josiah was to watch +until twelve o'clock; then, at midnight, Reuben was to guard the hall +until four in the morning, when Oliver would take his place until +breakfast. Did you note the time on the hall clock?" + +"It was half past eleven," said Moppet; "the half hour sounded as I +rapped." + +Betty sat pondering for a moment, then she slid Moppet gently from her +lap to the floor and rose. + +"Moppet," she said gravely, "you are a little maid, but you have a true +heart, and I believe you can keep a secret. I am going to try to release +Captain Yorke, and I think you can help me. I bind you to keep silent, +except to our dear and honored father, and even to him you shall not +speak until I permit you. Promise me, dear heart?" + +"I promise," said Moppet solemnly, and Betty knew that, no matter what +happened, she could depend on her devoted little sister. + +"Moppet," said Betty, "I have a plan, but 'tis a slender one. Do you +recollect how close the great elm-tree boughs come to your window?" + +"I can put out my hand and nearly reach them," said Moppet; "you +remember Reuben cut the bough nearest, but oh, Betty, the tree has a +limb which runs an arm's length only from the north chamber." + +"So I thought," answered Betty, who was busily engaged in changing her +light summer gown for one of homespun gray; "and now, Moppet, you and I +must go into your room for the next part of my plot. I must speak to +Captain Yorke, and can you guess how I shall manage to do it?" + +Moppet's eyes grew large and round with excitement. "I know," she +whispered breathlessly, "through my doll's dungeon. Oh, Betty, how lucky +'tis that Oliver never once dreamed of that!" + +"I doubt if he even knows its existence," said Betty. "There goes the +clock," as the slow, solemn voice of the timepiece sounded out on the +night, "It is twelve o'clock, and Reuben will be coming upstairs from +the kitchen. Hark!"--extinguishing her candle and opening her door +softly. "Josiah has gone to the turn on the stairs, and is speaking to +Reuben; quick, Moppet, if you come still as a mouse they will not see us +before we can gain your door," and with swift, soft steps the two small +figures stole across the hall in the semi-darkness which the night lamp +standing near the great clock but served to make visible, and in another +second, panting and eager, they stood safely within Moppet's chamber, +clinging to each other, as they quickly fastened the latch. + +Moppet's chamber was a small one, and occupied the center of the house, +Miss Euphemia's being upon one side, and the north chamber (as one of +the great rooms was called) upon the other. The great chimney of the +mansion ran up between the large and small room, and what Moppet called +her "doll's dungeon" was a hollow place, just high enough for the child +to reach, in the back of the chimney. For some purpose of ventilation +there was an opening from this aperture into the north chamber. It was +covered with a piece of movable iron; and in summer, when no fire was +used in that part of the house, Moppet took great delight in consigning +her contumacious doll (a rag baby of large size and much plainness of +feature) to what she was pleased to call her "dungeon." To-night Betty's +quick wit had divined what an important factor the aperture might prove +to her, and directly she had secured the door, she walked softly toward +the chimney, and felt in the darkness for the movable bit of iron which +filled the back. + +When Geoffrey Yorke had finished the ample and delicious supper with +which Miss Euphemia's hospitable and pitying soul had furnished him, he +lighted his candle and made thorough search of his temporary prison to +ascertain whether he could escape therefrom. Betty's gesture of +disapproval when he was about to give his parole had seemed to promise +him assistance; could it be possible that the lovely little rebel's +heart was so moved with pity?" + +"Sweet Betty," thought Geoffrey, "was ever maid so grateful for a small +service! I wish with all my soul I might have chance and opportunity to +do her a great one, for never have I seen so bewitching and dainty a +creature," and Geoffrey's heart gave a mad leap as he remembered the +tearful, beseeching glance which Betty had bestowed upon him as Oliver +had conducted him from her presence. + +The windows, of which there were two, looking north, received his first +attention, but he found them amply secured; and although a strong arm +might wrench them open, it would be attended by such noise as could not +fail to attract the attention of his guard posted outside the door. This +reflection prompted him to inspect the door; and discovering an inside +bolt as well as the outer one, he drew it, thus assuring his privacy +from intrusion. The large chimney was his next point of investigation; +and although the flue seemed somewhat narrow, Geoffrey decided that it +afforded some slight chance, provided he had the means of descent when +once he reached the roof. Back to the windows again; yes, the great elm +of which Moppet had spoken stood like a tall sentinel guarding the +mansion, and Geoffrey felt confident that he could crawl from roof to +tree and thus reach the ground. To be sure, it was most hazardous; there +was the chance of some one sleeping in the chambers near who might hear +even so slight a noise; he might become wedged in the chimney, +or--pshaw! one must risk life, if need be, for liberty; and here +Geoffrey smiled, as it occurred to him that this was what these very +colonists were engaged in doing, and for a moment the British officer +felt a throb of sympathy hitherto unknown to him. He had landed at New +York but a month before, filled with insular prejudices and contempt for +these country lads and farmers, whom he imagined composed the +Continental army; but the fight at Fairfield, which was carried on by +the Hessians with a brutality that disgusted him, and the encounter with +such a family as this under whose roof he was, began to open his eyes, +and he acknowledged frankly to himself that young Oliver Wolcott was both +a soldier and a gentleman. + +"The boy looked every inch a soldier," thought Geoffrey, "when he +refused his sister's pleading; faith, he is made of firm stuff to +withstand her. Oh, Betty, Betty! I wonder if the fortunes of war will +ever let me see your face again," and with a sigh compounded of many +things, Geoffrey picked up a book that was lying on the table, and +resolved to read until it should be far on into the night, when he +would make a bold attempt to escape. + +The clock on the stairs struck twelve and Geoffrey, roused from the +light slumber into which he had fallen, heard the steps outside his door +as Josiah Huntington was joined by Reuben, who was to relieve his guard, +and straightened himself, with a long breath, as he rose from his chair. +As he did so, he became conscious of a slight, very slight, noise in the +direction of the chimney; and turning his eyes toward it, a soft whisper +reached his ear. + +"Captain Yorke," murmured the sweetest voice in the world; and as the +slight grating noise ceased, to his amazement a little white hand +beckoned him to approach a small aperture, which he now perceived in the +bricks about four feet from the floor. Very softly Geoffrey obeyed the +summons, and cautiously made his way to the chimney. + +"Kneel down and put your ear near me," said Betty, and the tall soldier +dropped on one knee obediently; "be very careful, for though Aunt +Euphemia's chamber is on this side, and she is usually a sound sleeper, +it might be our ill fortune that to-night she would wake. I have made up +my mind, sir; I cannot keep you prisoner under a roof that but for you +might be mourning my little sister dead." + +"I pray you say no more of that," interrupted Geoffrey softly. "I am +more than repaid by your interest in my unhappy condition." + +"It may be wrong, it doubtless is," said Betty, sighing, "but I have two +plans for your escape. Tell me, are your windows securely fastened?" + +"Too strongly to be tampered with except by making noise that is certain +to be overheard," returned Geoffrey. + +"Then we must try other means; if you can but manage to scale the +chimney,--and I think there are still some pegs inside which Reuben put +there in the spring when he went up after burning it out,--if you can +reach the roof by the chimney you will find on the south side, close to +the chimney itself, a trap-door which lets down by a ladder into our +garret. The ladder is stationary, and I will meet you there at its foot, +and from the garret there is a back stairway, down which you may creep +to the buttery, and once there 'tis but a step outside when I open the +door." + +"God bless you," whispered Geoffrey, feeling a mad desire to kiss the +pretty pink ear and soft cheek which he could just see by the dim light +of Miss Moppet's candle; "shall I start at once?" + +"No," returned Betty, "Josiah Huntington has just sought his chamber, +and he will be watchful. Wait until you hear the old clock on the +staircase strike three; that is the hour, I have been told, when all +sleep most soundly. Then Moppet will tell you if all goes right, for I +shall be waiting for you, as I said, above;" and with a soft "be very, +very careful to make no noise," Betty moved away from the "doll's +dungeon" and Yorke bounded to his feet. + +"Now, Moppet," said Betty softly, "let me wrap you well in your woolen +habit, lest you take cold." + +"Oh, Betty darling," whispered the child, "how will you ever gain the +garret stairs when Reuben is watching? He will be sure to think it +strange; can I not go for you?" + +"No, never," said Betty tenderly. "I will slip by Reuben, and you must +not fret. Sit here on my knee and go fast asleep until I wake you." + +Moppet nestled her little head down obediently on Betty's shoulder; but +try hard though she did to keep her eyes wide open, sleep at last +overcame her,--sleep so profound after all this excitement that Betty +was able to lay her softly upon her bed without awaking, and for the +remainder of those long hours Betty kept her vigil alone. It was nervous +work: for determined though she was to release Yorke, Betty possessed a +most sensitive and tender conscience, and love for her country and her +people was as the air she breathed. It proved the tenacity of her +purpose and the strength of her will that, notwithstanding her many +misgivings, when she heard the clock sound the quarter she rose from her +low seat by the window, where she had been gazing out into the night, +and whispered softly to Moppet that it was time to wake. The child +sprang up, alert and quick as Betty herself, and listened to her +sister's last warning instructions to have no fear, but wait quietly for +her return, and when the clock struck the hour to whisper through the +hole in the chimney to Yorke that she had gone. + +Very softly, her slippers held tightly in her hand, Betty pulled up the +latch of the bedroom door and stepped into the almost dark hall. The +night lamp had partly died out, but there was still enough of its +flickering light to permit her, when her eyes grew accustomed to it, to +see the dim outline of Reuben's figure sitting on a stool at the door of +the north chamber. In order to reach the garret from this part of the +house she must go directly down the hall to where it parted at the L, +where the stairs reaching the garret were shut off by a door, on the +other aide of which was a square landing, where you could turn down and +descend directly from the garret to the buttery. Once past Reuben, she +would feel comparatively safe, for although Oliver's room was opposite +he was too weary to be wakeful. It took scarcely a minute to creep +toward Reuben, and Betty drew a quick breath of relief when she +perceived that the farmer-bred lad, unaccustomed to night watches, and +feeling that his prisoner was secure behind the bolted door, had fallen +fast asleep. Another minute and she had fairly flown through the hall +and reached the door of the garret stairs; she recollected that the +latch had a troublesome creak occasionally; indeed, she had noticed it +only that very day, as she and Sally Tracy had mounted to their eyrie +in the big dormer window of the garret, where safe from all ears they +were wont to confide their girlish secrets to each other. + +"Pray Heaven it creak not to-night," said Betty to herself as she gently +and steadily pulled the handle of the latch and saw the dreaded door +open to her hand. Inside stepped Betty, and made breathless pause while +she closed it, and the amiable latch fell softly down again into its +place. Swift as a flash the girlish figure flitted up the winding narrow +stairs, and gasping but triumphant Betty seated herself on the lowest +step of the trap-ladder to await the coming of Geoffrey Yorke. + +In the bedroom below, Miss Moppet, whose soul was thrilling with mingled +delight and terror at being an actor in a "real story," waited as she +was told until she heard the deep voice of the clock, sounding rather +more awful than usual, say "one, two, three!" and then tiptoeing over +the bare floor she opened with small trembling fingers the tiny aperture +and whispered, "Are you there?" starting back half frightened as the +instant answer came, close beside her: + +"Yes, is it time?" + +"Betty is in the garret by now," she faltered. "Oh, sir, be careful and +fare you well!" + +For answer Geoffrey Yorke bent down, and taking the small cold fingers +extended to him, pressed a kiss on them, and with a soft "farewell" +began his passage up the chimney. + +It was no such very difficult task he found, to his satisfaction, for +Betty was right, and by feeling carefully with his hands he perceived +the friendly pegs which Reuben had inserted, and of which Oliver had no +knowledge, else he would not have trusted so agile and strong a prisoner +within their reach. Geoffrey's broad shoulders were the only sufferers, +but the rough homespun which covered them was a better protection than +his uniform would have been, and he again blessed the good fortune which +had thrown the disguise in his way as he left Fairfield four days +before. + +Betty, sitting on the ladder step, straining her ears to catch the first +sound, became conscious of a light sound as Geoffrey swung himself from +the chimney top to the roof, and she sped up the ladder to unhook the +door of the trap just as he reached it. + +"Speak not a word," she said in his ear, as he set his foot on the +ladder, "but fasten the hook lest they discover that the door has been +opened. Now, give me your hand," and in the darkness the strong, manly +hand closed firmly over her dainty fingers with a clasp which, strangely +enough, inspired her with fresh courage. + +"Stop," said Betty suddenly, as they were at the top stair, "you must +remove your boots: the slightest creak might wake the sleepers at the +end of the hall." + +It took but a second of time to follow her directions; and then very +softly, with many pauses, the pair crept down the winding stairs, and +Betty involuntarily held her breath until the last step was safely +passed and she raised the latch of the buttery door. + +"If Miss Bidwell has locked it," came the swift thought,--but, no! like +everything else that dreadful night, fortune seemed to favor Betty, and +with a long-drawn sigh she drew her companion across the threshold and +instantly shot the bolt behind her. + +A faint glow of dawn crept through the pantry windows, and Betty paused +a moment and regarded the rows of milk pans which adorned the shelves +of the small room with grave intentness. + +"Had you not better take a glass of milk?" she said. "You may have to +travel far without food, although I am sure that should you ask for it +at any of our Connecticut farmhouses you would be cheerfully supplied," +and raising the neat dipper she filled it and handed it to Geoffrey, who +took it gratefully from her hand. + +"And now put on your boots, for freedom lies beyond that door," she +said, still in softest tones, as she unbolted the other door which led +directly outside. "I must go with you as far as the barn, for you will +need my mare to take you out of danger of pursuit." + +"No, no," answered Geoffrey, speaking for the first time as they sped +rapidly over the grass, "I will not take her; you have dared much for +me, and I fear censure and harm may come to you for releasing me should +you be discovered." + +"Censure," said Betty, throwing back her small head haughtily, +"wherefore? Do you think I shall conceal my share in this night's work? +Oliver is but a hot-headed boy; had my father been at home it would have +been different, and to him I shall make my confession, that I have +given liberty to--oh, I cannot say a foe, after what you have done for +me--to a British officer who comes to slay my countrymen!" + +"Never your foe, Betty," cried Yorke, confronting her with face as pale +as her own, and in his admiration of her spirit and nobility forgetting +all else. "Say, rather, your adoring friend, who one day, God willing, +hopes to prove to you that there are British hearts which are true and +honest as yours, and that none will be more loyal to you than mine own." + +A hot wave of color flashed up over Betty's charming face; her lips +trembled, but no words came from them. What was this impetuous young man +daring to say to her? + +"The dawn is breaking over yonder hills," Geoffrey rushed on, "and +before the sun rises I must be as many miles away as my feet can carry +me. Farewell, farewell!--may God bless and keep you always. Go back +straightway into the mansion; I shall not stir step until I see you +safe." And through her brimming tears Betty realized that his kisses +were falling on her hands, as without a word she turned and fled toward +the open door. But when she reached it some new-born impulse tearing +madly at her heart made her pause, and looking back she saw Geoffrey +lift something from the grass at his feet which he waved toward her as +he sped down the path, and raising her hand to her gown she knew that he +had carried with him her breast-knot of rose-colored ribbon. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A LOYAL TRAITOR + + +Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers +secured the outer bolt of the buttery door. Her head was whirling, and +she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary +adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; +and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought +herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she +must take it to her. So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to +go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in +hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, +rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the +garret stairway. And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so +determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, +she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely +down upon her. + +"Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she +reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver." + +"Where have you been?" asked her brother. + +"To the buttery," said Betty; "this is milk for Moppet. The child is +wakeful, and needs it." + +"Why did you not send Reuben?" asked Oliver, who was always kind and +attentive to his sisters. + +"Reuben?" echoed Betty. "Did you not set him as guard to your prisoner?" +and then, her heart smiting her for the gibe, "Miss Bidwell lets no one +meddle with her milk pans, and I knew best which were last night's +milk," and she went up the hall with a naughty little throb of mingled +mischief and triumph, as she thought how she had outwitted him, while +the unsuspecting Oliver seated himself near the north chamber door. + +Moppet, sitting up in bed, welcomed her sister with open arms, and drank +the milk thirstily, as Betty told her that all was safe, and that +Captain Yorke was now well on his way. + +"I'm as glad as can be," said Moppet, who was troubled with no +conscientious scruples whatsoever, and was now beginning to enjoy +herself intensely at sharing a mystery with Betty; "I told him you were +gone, after the big clock struck three, and oh, Betty, he kissed my hand +through the hole in the chimney." + +"Did he?" said Betty, flushing brightly under Moppet's keen glance. + +"And I sat there and shivered," went on Moppet, discreetly dropping that +branch of the subject, "for I could hear his feet as he climbed, and +once he slipped and I was so frightened lest he should come tumbling +down and our fine plot be discovered. Betty, Betty, what a fine flutter +Oliver and Josiah will be in at breakfast!" + +"Don't talk of it," said Betty, shivering in her turn; "go to sleep, +Moppet, and I will fly to my chamber, for it is not well that I should +be discovered here, dressed. Oliver is not one to notice; now lie still +until you are called for rising;" and Betty tripped back to her own +room, where, tearing off her dress, she threw her tired little self on +the bed to rest, if not to sleep, for the short hours that remained +before breakfast. + +The Wolcott household was one that was early astir, however, and Chloe, +the old colored cook, was out in the barn searching for eggs, and Miss +Bidwell had laid the breakfast cloth and polished the silver by half +past six, when Miss Euphemia knocked briskly at the door where Pamela +and Dolly Trumbull were slumbering sweetly, and resolved that she would +request Oliver to permit Captain Yorke to come down and breakfast with +the family. "For," mused Miss Euphemia, "our obligations to that young +man should make some difference, I think, in his treatment; I must try +to persuade Oliver to detain him here until my brother's return, for +although I did not think it prudent to say so, I confess I am no more +anxious to keep him prisoner than Betty was." + +But Miss Euphemia had not more than descended at half past seven +precisely (her usual hour) when Oliver came hastily into the room, +demanding a hammer and chisel, and with such evident dismay upon his +countenance that Miss Euphemia asked if anything was the matter. + +"I do not know," said Oliver, searching the drawer for the desired +implements; "I called and knocked smartly at Captain Yorke's door to +ask him if he desired hot water, and to offer him a change of clean +linen (as we are much the same size and build); but although I made +sufficient noise to wake the hardest sleeper, no response did I receive. +Then I unbolted the door, intending to enter, but he has fastened it on +the inside, and"-- + +"He is ill," cried Miss Euphemia, in alarm. "I noted he looked pale last +night." + +"Much more likely 'tis some device to alarm us," said Oliver, seizing +the chisel, and Miss Euphemia followed him as he went hurriedly up the +front staircase. At its top stood Huntington. + +"Captain Yorke is a sound sleeper," he said, addressing Oliver. "I have +knocked at his door several times and get no response." + +"My mind misgives me," said Oliver, fitting his chisel in the door and +striking vigorously with the hammer; "and yet I made sure there was no +chance for escape,--ha!" as the door swung open and discovered the +closed shutters and the last flickering gleams of the dying candle upon +the table. "Good heavens, Huntington, he has flown!" + +"Flown!" cried Josiah, rushing after Oliver, as Miss Euphemia joined +the party, and Pamela, with Dolly, opened her door across the hall, +hearing the commotion. "And how? Surely not by the chimney?" + +"I wish you had suggested that earlier," said Oliver bitterly. "I am a +dolt and a fool's head not to have thoroughly examined it last night," +and he rushed across into Betty's chamber to find a candle with which to +investigate the treacherous exit. + +"Have a care, Oliver," cried Betty, as her brother entered without +knocking, to find her with her hair over her shoulders, brush in hand. +"What do you please to want?" + +"Your candle," said Oliver, catching up the one upon her table, and then +pausing, as he was about to rush out again. "Did you hear any noises +last night, Betty?" + +"Noises?" answered Betty, facing him calmly, "of what nature?" + +"In the great chimney," said Oliver, eying her sternly. + +"I did not," said Betty, with truth, returning inward thanks that to +that question she could reply without falsehood. "Why did you ask?" + +"You will find out soon enough," said Oliver, dashing down the hall, +without closing the door, and hurrying to the kitchen for a light. By +the time he returned, he found Josiah half way up the chimney. + +"Here are pegs," he called out, as Oliver sent the ray of the lighted +candle upward. "'Tis easy enough to see how our prisoner escaped. Fool +that I was not to have searched this place," and he let himself down +again, where the bewildered group stood around the chimney-piece. + +"The fault is mine alone," cried Oliver furiously; "let us get out on +the roof and see if we can discover how he made his descent to the +ground." + +"By the great elm," exclaimed Pamela, who had unfastened the shutters +with Josiah's help; "see, the branches overhang the roof just here, and +I think there are some pieces of the bark on the ground below." All of +which was true, and quick-witted of Pamela; but Moppet could have +explained the presence of the bits of bark, for, as it happened, the +child had emptied her apron under the elm the day before, and the bark +was some she had gathered in the orchard for the bits of fungus which, +at night, were phosphorescent, and which Moppet called "fairy lamps." + +"True," said Josiah, leaning out of the window, "and there are +footsteps in the tall grass yonder," pointing westward, where his keen +eye perceived a fresh path broken in the meadow. "I must follow Oliver +to the roof; this will be a dire blow to him, as he thought his prisoner +so carefully guarded." + +"How clever of him to escape under our very ears," said Dolly to Pamela; +"how could Captain Yorke contrive to climb down so softly that no one +heard him? Is not Miss Euphemia's chamber on this side?" + +"Yes," said Pamela, turning away from the window, "and so is Moppet's; +where is Aunt Euphemia?" and running out into the hall, she encountered +both Betty and her aunt on the way to Moppet's apartment. + +"Hush!" whispered Betty, with hand on the latch, "I hope she is still +sleeping. Moppet came into my room in the night, Aunt Euphemia, and was +so cold and shivering that I went back with her and put her to bed. I +got a drink of milk for her, and it seemed to quiet her." + +"That was quite right," said Miss Euphemia. "I have been afraid that the +plunge in the pond did her some injury," and she opened the door +softly, only to see Miss Moppet's curly head rise up from her pillow, +and to hear her say with a sleepy yawn:-- + +"What is it all about? Where's Betty?" + +"Here I am," said Betty, giving her a kiss. "Did you sleep soundly after +the milk?" + +"Yes, and I want some more," said Moppet, seizing the situation with +such alacrity that Betty suspected on the instant that the keen little +ears had been on the alert for more minutes than Moppet cared to +acknowledge. "What are you all coming in for? Is it dinner-time?" + +"No," interrupted Pamela, "we have not even had breakfast. Captain Yorke +has escaped in the night"-- + +"Escaped!" cried Moppet, the liveliest curiosity in her tone. "Oh, I'm +so glad! Aren't you, Betty?" + +"Better not let Oliver hear you say that," said Pamela in an undertone +as Miss Euphemia drew Betty aside. + +"How did he get out?" said Moppet, giving way to laughter. "Oh, what a +ruffle Oliver must be in." + +"Naughty child," said Pamela, but unable to help smiling at Moppet's +view of the situation. "Did you happen to hear any noises on the roof or +in the big elm last night?" + +"Not a sound," said Moppet, like Betty rejoicing inwardly that she could +reply truthfully, for the little maid had never told a lie in her short +life, and had indeed spent a wakeful half hour that very morning +wondering how she would be able to evade any questions that might be put +to her. "Did Captain Yorke climb out of his window and go down the big +elm, Pamela? Do you know I thought of that at supper." + +"He could not open the window, Moppet," answered Pamela, "but he did go +down the tree from the roof, whence he climbed from the chimney here." + +"Moppet, you must instantly dress or you will lake cold," said Miss +Euphemia, interrupting, to Betty's relief, "and I will be glad if Betty +will assist you, for I must go down and see if breakfast be still hot, +as no one is ready yet to eat it," and out went Miss Euphemia, calling +the others to follow her. + +"What do you think of all this?" asked Pamela of Betty. + +"What do you suppose?" flashed out Betty, whose quick tongue had been +so long restrained that it was absolute relief to her to speak her mind. +"I am as glad as I can possibly be that Captain Yorke has escaped, and +if that be disloyal"--finished the spirited little maid, mindful of +Patrick Henry--"make the most of it!" + +"Oh, Betty!" cried Pamela, shocked beyond expression. + +"It is I that should be shocked, not you," went on Betty. "Do you hold +Moppet's dear life as nothing? Do you not wish to acknowledge an +obligation when it is doubly due? I am ashamed of you, Pamela,--you and +Oliver. I would my father were here to make you see both sides of a +question clearly." + +"Betty, Betty," implored Pamela, bursting into tears, "do I not love our +little sister as well as you? You do mistake me; I did not dare go +counterwise to Oliver and Josiah, but indeed I love you for your +courage." + +"There, say no more," said Betty, dropping the brush with which she was +reducing Moppet's rebellious locks to order, and rushing into Pamela's +arms with quick repentance. "I am cross and upset this morning, and not +fit to talk to you, my gentle Pamela, so go down and make the coffee and +forgive my petulance." + +Dolly, who had witnessed this little sisterly passage of arms in shy +fright, put her hand in Pamela's and whispered, as they gained the +staircase:-- + +"Dry your eyes, Pamela dear; Betty is most forward to speak thus to her +elder sister." + +"There you mistake," said Pamela, changing front with true feminine +inconsistency. "Betty is quite right, and I am displeased,--yes +downright displeased with myself that I did not side with her last +night," and with unwonted color flushing her usually pale cheeks Pamela +walked into the breakfast-room, Dolly following meekly behind her. + +Meanwhile, Oliver and Josiah were upon the roof of the mansion +conducting most careful investigation. They had decided that it was +useless to pursue Yorke, for he might have many hours in advance of +them, and they must take the chances that he would be recaptured by some +of Putnam's men, especially if he again mistook the country and went +west instead of north. They climbed through the trap-door, but as the +heavy dews had not yet begun there was no trace of footsteps upon the +roof beyond a faint mark, which might be the spot where the prisoner had +dropped from the chimney. It was quite possible for an agile fellow, +accustomed to use his muscle, to clamber down the sloping roof to the +elm and escape to the ground by its branches, and that he was not heard +was partly due to his own care and the unusually heavy slumbers of the +inmates of the mansion. Having reached this conclusion, Oliver was fain +to make the best of it, and in much chagrin descended to the +breakfast-table. + +Try as she did to look demure and avoid speaking upon the subject which +all were discussing, Betty could not keep her dancing eyes in order, and +before the meal was over she flashed so roguish a glance at Oliver that, +irritated at her mute opposition, he could not refrain from saying:-- + +"There sits Betty looking fairly pleased because she has her own way, +and apparently cares nothing for the escape of an enemy to her country." + +"Fie, Oliver," spoke up Pamela with unusual fire, "Betty is as loyal as +you or I, and you are unfair to tax her because she heartily +disapproves of your course in regard to Captain Yorke's detention after +the signal service he has rendered to all us Wolcotts." + +"Pamela!" cried Oliver, good temper returning, and gazing in comic +dismay at his favorite sister, much as he would at a dove who had +ruffled its plumes. "This from you, Pamela? If Betty be allowed to +demoralize the family in this wise, I think it were well my father takes +you all in hand." + +"Heyday?" said a kindly voice from the door of the sitting-room, as a +fine-looking man dressed in the Continental uniform entered the room. +"Who is it that requires my parental hand, Oliver, and why do you so +lament my absence?" + +"Father, father!" shrieked Miss Moppet, tumbling out of her chair and +flinging her arms around General Wolcott's neck as he stooped down to +embrace her. "Oh, we're so glad you are come. Why didn't you get here +last night?" + +"Because I lay over at General Putnam's headquarters," said her father. +"Oliver, you will find Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Hillhouse on the +porch. See that their horses be taken and fed, and bid them come to +breakfast." + +Oliver disappeared in haste, and Josiah, with an apology to Miss +Euphemia, followed him; while General Wolcott, casting off his hat and +gloves, seated himself with Moppet on his knee, and Miss Bidwell +appeared from the kitchen with fresh reinforcements of breakfast for the +newcomers. Betty, busying herself by fetching cups and saucers from the +china pantry, caught fragments of the conversation, and became aware +that Miss Moppet was telling the story of her adventure at Great Pond, +in the child's most dramatic fashion, and that Miss Euphemia was also +adding her testimony to the tale as it went on. They were presently +interrupted by the entrance of Oliver with his father's two aids, and +the large mahogany table was surrounded by guests, whose appetites bid +fair to do justice to Miss Bidwell's breakfast. + +No sooner was the meal fairly under way than Oliver, eager to hear his +father's opinion, began the story of his capture of the day before, and +related how and where he had found Captain Yorke, and how safely he +supposed he had imprisoned him in the north chamber, from which his +clever and ready escape had been made. Oliver's narrative was +interrupted by exclamations from the officers and questions from his +father, who displayed keen interest in the matter. + +"Father," said Moppet, seeing that the most important point had been +omitted in Oliver's story, and venturing to join in the conversation, as +few children of that period would have done, "Oliver's prisoner was my +good kind gentleman who pulled me out of the pond, and I am very, very +glad he has got away--aren't you?" + +"I was indeed hard bestead, sir," burst in Oliver. "Here were Betty and +Moppet insisting that I must let Captain Yorke go free because of his +gallant act (which I fully appreciate), and the gentleman refusing his +parole because he preferred to take the chances of war, while I felt it +my sworn duty to detain him and to forward him to General Putnam without +delay, as I know we are in need of exchange for several of our officers +now held by Sir Henry Clinton, and this man is of Clinton's staff, and +therefore a most valuable capture. Was I to blame for retaining him?" + +General Wolcott hesitated, but as he was about to make reply his eye +fell upon Betty, who confronted him across the table with parted lips +and large, beseeching eyes so full of entreaty that he changed the words +almost upon his lips. + +"It is a delicate question, my son," he said gravely, "and one I would +rather not discuss at the present moment. More especially"--and a +half-quizzical smile lit up his grave but kindly face as he turned +toward Miss Moppet and gently pinched her little ear,--"more especially +as the gentleman has taken the law in his own hands and escaped from +Wolcott Manor despite the fact that as it is the residence of a +Continental officer and the sheriff of Litchfield County it might be +supposed to have exceptional reasons for detaining him. Captain Seymour, +I will be glad to sign the papers of which General Putnam has need, and +we will go at once to my library, for you must be off by noon." + +Some two hours later, as Betty sat watching in her chamber window, she +saw the horses led around to the front door, and shortly after knew from +the sounds below that Pamela and Dolly wore bidding the young officers +good-by; so, waiting until the sound of their horses' feet had died +away in the distance, Betty, with outward composure but much inward +dismay, tripped softly downstairs and knocked at the door of the +library. + +"Pray Heaven he be alone," she sighed as she heard her father's voice +bid her enter, and then she crossed the threshold and confronted him. + +"Father," she said, steadying herself by one small hand pressed downward +on the table behind which he sat, "I--that is--I have something to tell +you." + +General Wolcott raised his head from the paper which he had been +carefully reading and looked kindly at her. + +"What is it, my child?" he asked reassuringly, motioning her to a chair. +"I thought at breakfast that you had the air of being in distress." + +"Nay, I am hardly that," replied Betty, clinging to the table, "except +so far as I may have incurred your censure, though I hope not your +displeasure. Father, Oliver has told you of the escape of Captain Yorke, +which causes him much chagrin and anger. Blame no one but me, for I +myself released him." + +"You!" exclaimed General Wolcott. + +"Yes, I," said Betty, growing paler. "If you had but been here or I +known that you were so near us, there had been no such need for haste, +and I would have been spared this confession." + +"How did you arrange the escape?" said her father quietly. + +"It was this way," faltered Betty, but gaining courage as she proceeded. +"Oliver would not listen, though I begged and plead with him to delay +until your arrival. He was so eager to deliver his captive to General +Putnam that I made no impression. Father, the Englishman had saved our +Moppet's life at the risk of his own; _he_ did not pause to ask whether +she was friend or foe when he rushed to her rescue--could we he less +humane? I do not know what they do to prisoners,"--and Betty strangled a +swift sob,--"but I could not bear to think of a gallant gentleman, be he +British or American, confined in a prison, and so I resolved I would +assist his escape. I waited until midnight, and then I spoke to him +through the aperture in the great chimney and instructed him how to +climb up through it by the pegs Reuben had left there, and I stole to +the garret and waited until he came. Ruben did not see me pass the door +of the north chamber, for he was asleep (do not tell this to Oliver, as +it might bring reproof upon poor Reuben, who was too weary to be of much +service as a sentinel), and I brought Captain Yorke safely down the +stairs which lead from the garret to the buttery. Once there, all was +easy; I opened the door, and--and--I even offered him the mare, father, +I was in such fear of his recapture; but he stoutly refused to take her. +This is all. If I am a traitor, dear father, punish me as I deserve, but +never think me disloyal to you or to my country." + +There was a pause, as Betty's sweet, passionate tones ceased; she stood +with head thrown back, but downcast eyes, as fair a picture us ever +greeted father's eye. + +"A loyal traitor, Betty," said General Wolcott slowly; "and I think that +it were well I should look after the condition of my chimneys." + +Scarcely daring to believe her ears, Betty looked up, and in another +second she had thrown her arms around her father's neck, sobbing softly +as he caressed her. + +"'Twas a daring, mad scheme, my child," said General Wolcott, his own +eyes not quite guiltless of moisture; "but bravely carried out; and +looking at the matter much as you do, I cannot find it in my heart to +censure you. Captain Yorke is doubtless a manly foe, and of such I have +no fear. It shall be our secret, yours and mine, Betty; we will not even +tell Oliver just now, else it might make sore feeling between you. For +Oliver was right, and"--smiling kindly, "so were you. Everything depends +upon the point of view, my daughter; but let me beg you never to try +your hand again to assist the escape of a British officer, or it might +cost me the friendship of General Washington." + +"Father, dear father!" cried Betty, overjoyed to find judgment so +lenient accorded her, "I crave your pardon; 'twas alone for Moppet's +sake." + +"Aye," said General Wolcott, and then paused a brief second, for his +wife's death, had been the forfeit paid for Moppet's birth, and this was +one reason why the child had become the family idol. "Now run away, for +I must close these papers in time for Oliver, who rides dispatch to Fort +Trumbull to-night. And, Betty," as she stood glowing and smiling before +him "my child, you grow more like your mother every day." and with a +hasty movement General Wolcott turned away to conceal his emotion, as +Betty went quickly from the room. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +BY COURIER POST + + +It had been a wild night, find the morning wind sobbed and sighed +through the elms, which, denuded of their leaves, stood out tall and +bare against the leaden sky, and there was a chill in the air that might +betoken snow. Pamela Wolcott stood in the sitting-room window and sighed +softly, as she gazed out at the November landscape, letting her fingers +beat soft tattoo against the lozenge-shaped pane. + +"Pamela," said Betty from the depths of a big chair, where she sat +busily knitting a little stocking whose proportions suggested Miss +Moppet, "I wish you would stop that devil's march. Believe me, you had +much better come and talk to me, and so drive away the vapors, rather +than stand there and worry over the whereabouts of Josiah." + +"It will take more than that to drive away the thoughts I cannot help," +said Pamela, coming back from the window and seating herself on the +wide settle, for Pamela was somewhat given to seeking the warmest +corner, and dreaded a New England winter. "It is full time I had some +intelligence, for Josiah promised that he would take advantage of any +courier who started for New London to dispatch me a letter, and you know +that father had news two days since from Morristown, but nothing came +for me. Betty, I am sore afraid of evil tidings." + +"You are ever faint-hearted," said Betty, glancing compassionately at +her sister. + +"And I dreamed last night of a wedding," went on Pamela, "and that, you +know, is an evil sign." + +"Best not let Aunt Euphemia hear you," Replied Betty, with a smile. "You +have been consulting Chloe, I am sure, as to the portents of dreams. +Fie, Pamela; Josiah is strong and well, and there is not likely to be a +movement of the troops just now, father says, so why worry? I am anxious +because we hear nothing of Clarissa, and I think Aunt Euphemia is the +same, for I heard her talking and sighing last night when Miss Bidwell +carried up the night light. Dear Clarissa, how I wish I could see her +again; I wonder if she be quite, quite happy shut up in New York among +the Tories." + +"No doubt; though when she married Gulian Verplanck we had little +thought of the occupation of New York by the British. Do you recollect +how pretty she looked on her wedding-day, Betty, and the little caps you +and I wore,--mine with a knot of blue, and yours of rose-color? I found +that ribbon one day last week, tucked away in a little box. Have you +kept yours?" + +"No," returned Betty, with a sudden blush and a quick, half-guilty throb +of her heart, as she remembered in whose hand she had last seen that +same bow of rose-color; "that is, I had it until last summer, when--I +lost it." And Betty dropped two stitches in her confusion, which +fortunately Pamela was too much engrossed in her own thoughts to notice. + +"It is five years last May," said Pamela. "You and I were tiny things of +ten and eleven years, and Oliver strutted about grand and dignified in a +new coat. The first wedding in our family--I wonder whose be the next?" + +"Yours, of course." said Betty quickly. "That is if you and Josiah can +ever make up your minds. I will not be like you, Pamela, trust me, when +my turn comes I'll know full well whether I will or I won't." And Betty +tossed her saucy head with a mischievous laugh as there came a rap on +the front door which caused both girls to start up and fly to the +window. + +"Why, 'tis Sally Tracy," cried Betty. "I did not know she had returned +from her visit to Lebanon." And she ran rapidly along the hall, and +opening the door, embraced her friend with all a girl's enthusiasm. + +"Welcome, Sally," said Pamela, as the pair came hand in hand towards +her, "Betty has been moping ever since you left, and had a desperate fit +of industry from sheer loneliness. I really believe she has made a +stocking and a half for Moppet--or was it a pair, Betty?" + +"The second pair, if you please," retorted Betty, rejoiced to see Pamela +smile, even if at her own expense; "and Miss Bidwell says they are every +bit as fine as yours." + +"They may well be that," said Pamela, whose pet detestation was the +manufacture of woolen stockings (then considered one of the component +parts of a girl's education in New England). "But Sally is such a +marvelous knitter that she will no doubt rejoice at your success. Had +you as severe weather in Lebanon as this? I am fearful that we will have +a hard winter, the cold has set in so early." + +"They have had one flurry of snow already," Sally answered, "but not so +much wind as we of Litchfield rejoice in. But I had a merry visit and +saw much company. Dolly bemoaned daily that you could not come, Pamela." + +"I am to go later, after or about the day set apart for Thanksgiving. +But you and Betty have much to say to each other, and I will not +interrupt you; Miss Bidwell has something for me to do, I'll warrant; +so, farewell for the present, Sally." And Pamela left the room. + +"Come, sit beside me on the settle," said Betty, putting Sally in the +warmest seat. "Your fingers are cold, and the room is not yet +sufficiently warm. Well,"--with a significant smile,--"what have you to +tell me?" + +"Not what you think," with a smiling nod, "for Francis Plunkett is far +too pressing for my taste,'' answered Sally. + +"Ha, ha," quoth Betty, much amused, "is that the way you take it? Then I +foresee that Francis will win for his much speaking." + +"Indeed he will not; I teased him well the last evening, and he dare not +resume the subject for a while at least." + +"Then there is some one else," said Betty. "Can it be that Oliver"-- + +"Oh, no," cried Sally hastily; "Oliver has not such an idea, believe me, +Betty." + +"How can you answer for him?" retorted Betty, laughing. "But your tone +answers for yourself, so I must guess again. I think I have heard +something of a handsome young lawyer from Branford"-- + +"Fie!" cried Sally, in her turn averting her face quickly, but not +before Betty had perceived her heightened color, "I have but met him +three times, and there are plenty of other personable men as well as he, +for while one stops with Dolly the officers from Fort Trumbull are ever +coming and going, you know." + +"Ah, Sally, you are growing giddy, I fear," continued Betty with comical +pretense of solemnity. "I think it behooves me to caution you." + +"Caution me, indeed!" laughed Sally. "Wait until we both go, as we all +are invited to Hartford with Dolly this winter when the Assembly meets, +and then see if you be not fully as giddy as I am." + +"I do not believe that I can go to Hartford, Sally; you know Pamela is +more Dolly's friend than mine, and I think she needs some diversion, for +ever since Josiah had his commission and joined the Continental army, +she has nearly moped herself to death. And Pamela is like my mother, not +very strong; I can see that Aunt Euphemia is somewhat troubled about her +even now, so perhaps our fine schemes for a trip to Hartford may have to +be given up, at least so far as my going is concerned." + +Sally's face fell; the visit to Hartford had been so long talked of, and +Betty's presence so much desired, that this was a dash of the coldest +possible water. + +"Oh, Betty, how truly sorry I shall be. But let us hope for the best. It +will be a sad breaking up of all my plans for the winter if you cannot +come. I was also to stop at Fairfield with Mrs. Sherman, but since the +raid of last summer her health has been so shattered that all thoughts +of visitors have to be abandoned, and therefore I was counting upon our +merry visit to Dolly as compensation." + +Sally looked so melancholy at this point that Betty took her hand and +was about to take a rather more hopeful view of things, but the words +died on her lips as the clatter of a horse's feet was heard outside, and +both girls ran to the window in time to see the rider draw rein at the +south door of the mansion and dismount in apparent haste. + +"It is some dispatch," said Betty breathlessly. "Did you not see the bag +he carried at the saddle? And there is my father--oh, Sally, I wonder if +there be news from General Washington and the army?" and struck by the +sudden fear of ill-tidings the girls ran hastily from the room. + +In the wide hall stood Miss Bidwell, and beside her the stranger, +saddle-bag in hand, as Miss Euphemia emerged from the dining-room, +whence General Wolcott had preceded her. + +"From the commander-in-chief, general," said the courier, touching his +battered hat in salute, "and special dispatches from General Steuben. +Also this private packet, which was lying waiting at King's Bridge Inn; +I have been four days on the road, owing to my horse having lamed +himself when near Chatham, and I could not make time on the nag which +stands at your door." + +"King's Bridge," murmured Miss Euphemia; "then there is news of +Clarissa. Brother, have I your permission?"--as General Wolcott gave the +small packet into her hand. + +"Break the seals," said the general briefly, "and bring me the letters +presently to my study. See that the horse and man be well taken care of; +I may have to dispatch instant answer to these," and he went quickly +down the hall, closing the door behind him. + +With fingers that trembled somewhat, Miss Euphemia opened the cover, and +disclosed three letters to the eager eyes of the girls, who stood +breathless beside her. + +"One for your father (it is Gulian Verplanck's hand), this for me, from +Clarissa, and the smaller one for you, Betty; let us go into the +sitting-room and read ours together." + +"None for me?" said Pamela's despairing voice, with a sob treading on +the words; "oh, I fear me some evil has befallen Josiah." + +"No, no," whispered Betty, stealing her hand lovingly into her sister's, +as she pulled her gently into the room; "father has the dispatches; +these are but the long-looked-for letters from New York, Pamela, and +I'll wager there is something from Josiah among father's packets. Let us +see what my letter says," and Betty, having seated Pamela and Sally on +the settle, placed herself on a convenient cricket, and broke the seal +of her letter. But before her eyes had time to see more than "Dearest +Betty," she was interrupted by a sudden exclamation from her aunt. + +"Clarissa has been at death's door," cried Miss Euphemia, startled out +of her usual composure. "I knew this long silence boded no good. Listen, +I will read it," and the three girls gathered round her chair at once. + +"Dear and Honored Aunt" (ran the letter), "I take up my pen, after many +days of pain and dire distress, to send loving greetings to you, my +Beloved father, and my dear sisters. For the hand of death was nearly +upon me; thank God that I am still preserved to my dear Husband and to +you. + +"It was a very malignant and severe attack of Fever, and Gulian procured +the services of no less than three Physicians, as for days I laid +unconscious. My little baby died at two hours old, and I never saw him. +Alas, how I have suffered! I am now very weak, altho' able to be dressed +and sit up each day. This is my first letter; and I pine so sorely for +you, my dear ones, that my dear Husband permits me to write, and begs +with me that you will permit one of my sisters to come to me and cheer +my heart"-- + +"Come to her! Good lack!" cried impetuous Betty, interrupting the +reader, "how is one to go when the British are in occupation?"-- + +"How, indeed," sighed Miss Euphemia; "but perhaps the letter will tell," +and she resumed her reading, after wiping her eyes softly. "Where was +I?--oh"-- + +"Father will no doubt be able to procure a pass from General Washington, +which will admit the bearer into the City, and Gulian will himself be +ready when you advise us, and will await you at King's Bridge Inn. Dear +Aunt, send me some one soon, and let me see a dear home face, else I +shall die of grief and homesickness, far from my own people. + +"Your loving and obedient niece, + +"CLARISSA VERPLANCK." + +By this time Pamela was sobbing aloud, and tears flowed down Miss +Euphemia's cheeks, but Betty sprang to her feet with a little impatient +stamp, crying,-- + +"Aunt, aunt, which of us shall go? Pamela, you are a gentle and charming +nurse; shall it be you?" + +"I!" sighed Pamela; "oh, I would go to the world's end for Clarissa." + +"But this is to go to New York," cried Betty, with unconscious irony; +"and as we can neither of us go alone, why could not my father arrange +for one of us to accompany Mrs. Seymour, who leaves shortly to be near +her brother for the winter? Did you not tell me, Sally, that she was +going to New York?" + +"Yes," answered Sally Tracy, "she has been making all manner of +preparations, for, as you know, her brother is imprisoned in the city; +and since her acceptance of the pleasure coach from the Mayor of New +York (which he presented her with when he was released from Litchfield +gaol), she has been pining to go to him. And, beside, she travels in her +coach as far as possible; and my mother said last night that General +Washington was to send her safe-conduct through our lines to the city." + +"We must first consult your father," said Miss Euphemia gravely, much +upset by the suggestion of making up her mind to do anything in haste, +for she was a very deliberate person, and despised hurried decisions. "I +will find him as soon as he has finished the dispatches, and, moreover, +this letter to him from Gulian may have directions. I incline to think +that you, Betty, will be the one to go. Pamela can scarce bear the +journey in this weather," and gathering her papers carefully in her +hand, Miss Euphemia left the room, and the girls gazed blankly at each +other with startled eyes and throbbing hearts. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER + + +"It was all decided last night," said Betty, tucking her little feet +carefully under her gown and clasping her knees with her hands to keep +them warm, as she sat in Moppet's chair, which stood close by the fire, +where a log burned and crackled in the big chimney--a most unusual +luxury for those days, and granted only to Moppet's youth and slight +delicacy of constitution. "Father found the pass from General Washington +among his dispatches brought by the courier; and as it includes Mrs. +Seymour's maid, he arranged with her that I go instead, as Mrs. Seymour +kindly says she can procure another attendant in New York. I can scarce +believe it possible, Sally. Oh, fancy my having to live in a city +occupied by the British!" + +"Ah," sighed Miss Moppet, pressing her head against Betty's knee, and a +spark of interest lighting up her doleful little face, "if only some of +them be like my good"-- + +"Oh, some of the Tories may be passably amusing," said Betty hastily, +giving Moppet a warning glance, as she checked the words on the child's +lips by a soft touch of her hand. "I doubt not that Gulian, my +brother-in-law, has fine qualities, else Clarissa had not been so fond +of him as to leave us all and go so far from us. But I trust that even +Gulian may not see fit to talk loyalist to me; my naughty tongue would +get me into trouble straightway." + +"You must learn to control your tongue, Betty," said Moppet primly, with +a roguish twinkle of her eyes upward. "Miss Bidwell says mine is an +unruly member, and told me a most dire tale of a little girl whose +mother for punishment pricked her tongue with a hot bodkin." + +"Ugh!" cried Sally, with a shudder, "that was in Puritan days, truly." + +"I do not crave the hot bodkin," said Betty, laughing. "Miss Bidwell's +tales are a trifle gruesome, Moppet." + +"But I always do love a flimming tale, Betty" (this was Moppet's +invariable rendering of the word "thrilling," which her lips had never +yet conquered), "and some of them are most bloody ones, I assure you. +Oh, Betty, Betty, what _shall_ I do when you are gone!" and with a +sudden realization of her loss, Moppet gave a quick sob which went to +Betty's heart. + +"Nay, sweetheart, be a brave little maid," she answered, fighting a +small lump in her own throat. "I would I could take you with me; but as +I cannot, you must hasten to learn how to make better pot-hooks and +write me letters, which Aunt Euphemia will forward with hers. And, +Moppet, I think I shall give you in special charge to Sally; how will +that please you?" + +"I love Sally," said the child simply, as the tender-hearted Sally knelt +down beside her. "Will you help console me with my primer and that +altogether dreadful sampler when my Betty is away?" + +"Indeed will I," replied Sally, much amused with Moppet's view of the +sampler; "and you shall come and see me every fine day, and the wet ones +I am sure to be here with Pamela, who has proclaimed her intention of +adopting me when Betty goes. And now I must be going, for it is nearly +the dinner hour, and my mother says as I have dined here three days she +bespeaks my presence for one out of four. So farewell until to-morrow, +Betty, when I shall be here to see you start upon your travels." + +Betty was busy enough all that day; indeed, nothing more than a confused +recollection remained with her afterward of trunk and two small boxes to +be packed; of Pamela's urging her acceptance of a new lute-string slip, +rose-colored, which had recently come to her from Boston; of Miss +Bidwell's innumerable stockings all tucked carefully away in one corner +of the hair-covered brass-nailed box, and even Miss Moppet's tenderly +cherished blue bag embroidered in steel beads, which had belonged to +their mother, but which Moppet insisted could be used by Betty with +great effect for her handkerchief at a ball. + +"Ball, indeed," sighed Betty, whose brave heart was beginning to quail +at thought of an untold length of separation from her beloved family. "I +should think the hearts of the patriots imprisoned in New York would +scarce be occupied with balls in such times as these." + +"You mistake," said Pamela, who, truth to tell, half longed for Betty's +opportunities, for was not her sister going somewhere near Josiah's +post? "I am sure Clarissa's letter which you read me bade you bring all +your best gowns and finery, and we have all heard how gay the army of +occupation make the city." + +"Aye, to those who are Tories," said Betty, with curling red lips, "but +for me--oh, Miss Bidwell, if you put in another pair of stockings I +shall require as many feet as a centipede, who I read has hundreds of +them." + +"Hundreds of feet?" echoed Miss Moppet. "Oh, Betty, do I live to hear +you tell a fairy tale as if it were real?" + +"Read your primer, and you will learn many wonderful things," quoth +Betty, snatching up the child in her arms. "I shall take you straightway +to bed, for we must be up betimes in the morning, you know." + +Very carefully and tenderly did Betty bathe Moppet's sweet little face, +comb and smooth the pretty curling hair, so like her own save in color, +and then run the brass warming-pan, heated by live coals, through the +sheets lest her tender body suffer even a slight chill. And when Moppet +was safely lodged in bed Betty sat down beside her to hold her hand +until she dropped asleep. But between excitement and grief the child's +eyes would not close, and she asked question after question, until Betty +finally announced she should answer no more. + +Moppet lay still for some moments, and just as Betty was beginning to +fancy that the long, dark eyelashes worn curling downward in sleepy +comfort the dark blue eyes opened, and a dancing imp of mischief gleamed +from their depths in Betty's face. + +"When you meet Captain Yorke, Betty," whispered Moppet, "be sure you +tell him how Oliver and Josiah hunted and hunted that morning, and how I +never, never told"-- + +"Moppet," said Betty, turning a vivid pink in the firelight, "how can +you!"-- + +"Yes," pursued Moppet relentlessly, "and you give him my love--heaps of +it--and I just hope he may never get taken a prisoner during the whole +war again." + +"Go to sleep, dear," answered Betty, biting her lip; but her cheeks did +not grow cool until long after the soft, regular breathing told that her +little sister had gone into the land of dreams. + +The Wolcott household was up early that cold winter morning, when Mrs. +Seymour's coach, with its pair of sturdy, strong gray horses, drew up at +the front door. It took some twenty minutes to bestow Betty's trunk and +boxes on the rumble behind, during which time Mrs. Seymour alighted and +received all manner of charges and advice from Miss Euphemia, who, now +that Betty was fairly on the wing, felt much sinking of heart over her +departure. Mrs. Seymour, a pretty young matron, whose natural gayety of +spirit was only subdued by the anxiety she was suffering in regard to +her only brother, now a prisoner in New York (and for whose exchange she +was bringing great influence to bear in all directions), listened with +much outward deference and inward impatience to the stately dame, and +turned with an air of relief to General Wolcott when he announced that +all was ready for their departure, and with much courtliness offered his +hand to conduct her to her coach. + +"That you will take the best care of my daughter I am assured, madam," +said the gallant gentleman. "It is our great good fortune to have found +this opportunity and your kind escort, for owing to the shortness of +time I have not been able to notify my son-in-law of Betty's coming. But +as you are going into the city yourself, I depend upon you to keep her +with you until you can place her safely in Gulian Verplanck's hands. I +trust that you have General Washington's pass close by you? It is quite +possible that you may need it even before you reach White Plains; there +are many marauding parties who infest the country beyond us." + +"It is here, general," replied Mrs. Seymour, touching the breast of her +gown. "I thought it well to carry it about my person, as I am told that +even the Hessians respect General Washington's safe-conduct to enter New +York." + +Betty, with crimson cheeks, but brave smiling eyes, threw her arms +fondly around Miss Euphemia, Pamela, Sally, and Miss Bidwell, all in +turn, but Moppet's soft cry as she buried her face in her hands made her +lip quiver, and as she bent her head for her father's farewell, a +reluctant tear forced itself down her cheek. + +"The God of our fathers be with you, my daughter," he said, taking her +in his arms; "my love and blessing to Clarissa and her husband. Remain +with them until I find safe opportunity to have you return to us; advise +us often of your health and, I trust, continued well-being; keep a brave +heart as befits your name and lineage; fare you well, fare you well!" + +Betty sank back trembling into her seat beside Mrs. Seymour, the door +was closed, and as the coach rolled off she caught a parting glimpse of +Miss Moppet lifted high in General Wolcott's arms, kissing her hand +fondly as she waved good-by. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +INSIDE BRITISH LINES + + +"Drat that knocker!" said Peter Provoost. + +The house stood on Wall Street, and to the fact that it like a few +others has been built of brick, it owed its escape from the fire which +ravaged, the city in 1776, the fire which also destroyed old Trinity +Church, leaving the unsightly ruin standing for some years in what was +aristocratic New York of the period. It was a square, +comfortable-looking mansion, with the Dutch _stoep_ in front, and the +half-arch of small-paned glass above the front door, which was painted +white and bore a massive brass knocker. That same knocker was a source +of much irritation to Peter Provoost; for although he was of fair size +for his thirteen years, he could barely reach it when mounted on the +very tips of his toes, and even then never dared touch its shining +surface unless his fingers were clean--a desirable state of neatness +which, alas! did not often adorn the luckless Peter. For though tidy and +careful enough when appearing before his guardians, Mr. and Mrs. +Verplanck, it must be confessed that going to and from school Peter was +prone to lay down both books and hat, oftentimes in the mud, and square +himself pugnaciously if he chanced to meet one of the boys of the "Vly +Market," who were wont to scoff and tease the Broadway boys +unmercifully; and fierce battles were the frequent outcome of the +feeling between the two sections, and in those Peter invariably took +part. + +The family was a small one, and consisted of Gulian Verplanck and his +wife, his grandmother, Mrs. Effingham, a lovely old Quakeress, and +Peter, who, having lost both parents at an early age, had remained in +Albany with his other guardian, Mr. Abram Lansing, until some six months +before, when it was decided that he should go to New York and be under +the Verplanck eye; and although Peter had rebelled much against the plan +in the first place, he found himself much happier under Clarissa's +gentle rule, and positively adored her in consequence. The only lion in +Peter's path at present was the strong Tory proclivity of the head of +the house; and although he had been warned by his Albany friends to be +prudent and respectful, the boy had inherited a sturdy patriotism which +burned all the more hotly for its repression. + +On this cold December afternoon Peter stood, books in hand, and surveyed +that aggravating knocker from his stand on the sidewalk. He was +painfully conscious that his feet were muddy, and his chubby fingers +certainly needed soap and water; it was Friday, and Pompey, one of the +black servants, had evidently been scrubbing the front steps. Therefore +Peter debated whether it would be wiser to skirt around the mansion and +gain entrance by the area steps, where no doubt he would encounter +Dinah, the cook (who objected to invasions of unclean shoes), or boldly +ascend the front steps, struggle with that balefully glittering knocker, +and trust to Pompey's somewhat dim eyes to escape remonstrance before he +could gain his own room and make himself presentable. The chances of a +scolding seemed pretty equally balanced to Peter, and he heaved a deep +sigh and put his foot on the first immaculate step before him as a hand +fell on his shoulder and a merry voice said behind him:-- + +"What in the world are you pondering, Peter? I have watched you since I +turned the corner of Broadway, and truly for once have seen you stand +absolutely still. In some scrape with the Vly boys, I'll warrant; do you +wish me to come in and plead for you?" and Kitty Cruger tripped lightly +up the steps as she beckoned Peter to follow. + +"Now you have done it--not I!" said Peter, with a mischievous chuckle, +as he tore up after her. + +"Done what?" asked mystified Kitty. She and Peter were fast friends. + +"Muddied the clean steps," quoth Peter with gleeful brevity. + +"Have I?" glancing down carelessly until she saw each dainty footprint +plainly depicted on the white marble, side by side with Peter's heavier +tracks. "Oh, what a shame," reaching up successfully to the brass +knocker; "but I am sure Pompey will forgive me, and you can"--stopping +short as the door opened and Pompey himself stood bowing low in the +hall. + +"Good-day, missy," said he, for Kitty Cruger was a frequent and welcome +visitor at the Verplancks'. "Miss Clarissa is pretty well to-day, thank +you, and ole madam is in the drawing-room--Law!" catching sight of +Peter, who was skillfully slipping down the hall in Kitty's wake. "Dat +you, Massa Peter? Reckon you better hurry, for it's mos' time for +dinner, sah." + +But Peter, with great discretion, paused not for reply as he vanished up +a back stair-case and reached his own chamber, panting but triumphant. + +"Good-day, dear grandma," said Kitty, crossing the hall as Pompey held +open the door of the drawing-room; "I was detained by reason of the +sewing-bee at the Morrises', and have barely time to see you and ask for +Clarissa." + +"How does thee do?" said Grandma Effingham, drawing her little drab +shawl more closely around her shapely shoulders as she laid down her +knitting. "I am pleased to see thee. Clarissa is somewhat stronger +to-day; thee knows she has been more like her old self since Gulian +dispatched the letters asking that one of her sisters be allowed to come +to her. The poor child pines for a home face; it is natural; thee sees +she has been long absent from her people." + +"Surely it is almost time to get some reply," said Kitty, as she kissed +the dear old Quakeress, for Kitty was one of Mrs. Effingham's +grandchildren, although her mother had been read out of meeting for +having married one of the "world's people." "I doubt that Clarissa will +shortly begin to worry and grow ill again unless kind Providence sends +some tidings." + +"Nay, nay," said grandma gently. "If thee had half Clarissa's patience +it would be thy gain, Kitty." + +Grandma was such a quaint, pretty picture, as she sat in her +straight-backed chair, with her Quaker cap and steel-gray silk gown, her +sleeves elbow-cut, displaying still plump and rounded arms (although she +was nearly seventy), and her smooth white fingers flew rapidly in and +out of the blue yarn as she resumed her knitting of Peter's stocking. +Peter was rather a godsend to grandma in the matter of stockings; no +wool that was ever carded could resist his vigorous onslaughts, and it +kept grandma busy all her spare moments to supply his restless feet with +warm covering. + +"Patience," echoed Kitty, with a comical sigh. "Nay, grandma, give me a +few more years without it." + +"Fie," said grandma, gazing at the bright face with her indulgent eye; +"eighteen is full late to begin to learn to conform to thy elders. I was +married and the twins were born at thy age, Kitty." + +"Good lack," quoth Kitty. "Where are the men nowadays, grandma? Save for +the redcoats, and I am not so daft over Sir Henry Clinton's gay officers +as some--no doubt't is my Quaker blood--except for the officers, where +are our gallants? Some of mine are up the Hudson beyond the neutral +ground, others with the rebels at Morristown." + +"Hush," said grandma, with an uneasy glance toward the door; "do not +talk of rebels in this house; hadn't thee better run up and see +Clarissa?" + +"If Miss Kitty pleases," spoke the voice of Pompey at the door, "will +she walk upstairs? Young madam wants to see her." + +"Coming," said Kitty, kissing grandma fondly, and then following Pompey +as he marched gravely up to open the door of Mrs. Verplanck's +morning-room. It was a tiny apartment; for when Gulian Verplanck brought +his young bride home he had added a room to the wing below, and as it +greatly enlarged their bedroom, the happy idea had struck him to throw +up a partition, corner-ways, which formed an irregularly shaped room +opening on the passage, and gave Clarissa her own cherished den in that +great house of square rooms and high ceilings. In it she had placed all +her home belongings; her spinnet, which had been her mother's (brought +by sloop to New York from New Haven), found the largest space there, and +her grandmother's small spinning-wheel was in the corner near the +chimney-piece which Gulian had contrived to have put in lest his +delicate wife might suffer with cold. + +Near the small log which blazed brightly on the hearth, in a low chair +made somewhat easy with cushions, sat a fair, fragile-looking, girlish +figure, in whose mournful dark eyes was something so pathetic that it +suggested the old-time prophecy that such "die young." Clarissa +Verplanck in that resembled none of her family, and the one reason for +her father's and aunt's anxiety about her was that she was thought the +image of a sister of her mother who fulfilled the prophecy. Be that as +it may, Clarissa was anything but a mournful person in general; her +spirits were somewhat prone to outrun her physical strength, and +therefore her sad little appeal for one of her sisters to cheer her had +come in the light of a demand to the Litchfield home, and alarmed them +more than anything else could have done. + +"Kitty, Kitty," said Clarissa, holding out a welcoming hand to her +visitor, who seated herself on a cricket beside her, "why have you not +been in this four days? I am truly glad to see you, for ever since +Gulian and I dispatched our letters to my father I have been so cross +and impatient that I fear my good husband is beginning to tire of his +bargain, and lament a peevish wife." + +"Heaven forgive you for the slander," retorted Kitty, laughing; "if ever +there was a husband who adored the ground you walk on, Gulian is"-- + +"Thank you," said a quiet voice, as a tall dark man entered from the +bedroom. + +"Let me finish my sentence--Gulian is that benighted swain," burst in +Kitty. + +"Again, my thanks," answered Gillian gravely. To none but Clarissa was +he ever seen to relax his serious manner; perhaps hers were the only +eyes who saw the tenderness behind the stern, reserved exterior. He +really liked his cousin; but although Kitty was not, like most people, +afraid of him, it must be confessed that he wearied her, and she much +preferred to have her gossip with Clarissa, when Gulian was safely out +of the house. + +"And now tell me about the letters," pursued Kitty. "You sent for your +sister, grandma told me. Which one, Clarissa?" + +"Indeed, I do not know; I left the choice to my father, but I think--I +hope it may be Betty. I only wish I might have Moppet as well," and the +quickly checked sigh told Gulian's keen ears what the unuttered thought +had been. + +"Betty--let me see--is that the sister next yourself?" + +"Oh, no; the sister next to me in age died in infancy. Then comes +Oliver, and then Pamela, who is seventeen now, and next my Betty. How I +wonder if the girls have changed; five years makes a long gap, you know, +and even my imagination can scarce fill it. Do you fancy we will hear +soon, Gulian?" + +"I cannot tell," he said gently, thinking how often he had sought reply +to the same question in the past week, and longing tenderly to give her +the expected pleasure. + +"It may be that General Wolcott may find some chance opportunity to +send his daughter at once, in which event you know there would scarce be +time to hear before she would reach us." + +"Oh, Gulian," cried Clarissa, clasping her hands, as a faint pink glow +lit her pale face, "you did not say that before. If it were only +possible"-- + +"Why not?" said Kitty encouragingly. + +"But, Gulian, you said in the letter that you would await my sister at +King's Bridge Inn. Surely you cannot go there and stop, waiting at the +Inn for days?" + +"I can ride out to-morrow, and, in fact, I hastened through some +business at the wharf to-day which enabled me to have the day free. I +can easily go to King's Bridge and inquire at the Inn for dispatches; +you will not mind my being absent all day? Perhaps Kitty will come and +bear you company while I am gone?" + +"Right gladly," replied Kitty; "will you ride alone, Gulian?" + +"I might, easily," said Gulian; "but when I procured a pass from Sir +Henry Clinton yesterday (it is an eight days' pass, Clarissa) I found +that Captain Yorke goes to-morrow to the neutral ground to inspect +troops, and I think I shall take advantage of his company." + +"I am glad of that," said Clarissa, putting her slender hand in Gulian's +and looking with grateful eyes up at him, as he stood beside her chair. +"Is he the aide-de-camp you told me of, Gulian, for whom you had taken a +liking?" + +"The same; a fine, manly fellow, the second son of Lord Herbert Yorke, +one of my father's old friends in England. You were dancing with him at +the De Lanceys' 'small and early,' were you not, Kitty, last week?" + +"Yes," said Kitty, with a quick nod and a half frown, "he has the usual +airs and graces of a newly arrived officer from the mother-country." + +"Perhaps you find the colonists more to your mind," responded Gulian +somewhat severely; but Clarissa gave his sleeve a warning twitch, as +Kitty made answer with heightened color:-- + +"My own countrymen are ever first with me, as you know full well, +Gulian, but one must dance sometimes to keep up one's heart in those +times, and Captain Yorke has a passably good step which suits with +mine." + +What Gulian would have replied to this was never known, for at that +moment an outcry arose in the hall, followed by the bump, bump of some +heavy body rolling down the staircase, and Peter's boyish voice shouting +out, between gasps of laughter,-- + +"Pompey, Pompey, I say!--it's nobody but me; oh, what a proper old goose +it is; do, somebody come and thrash him." + +In a second Gulian and Kitty were outside the door, and beheld at the +foot of the winding stairs poor Pompey, picking himself up, with many +groans and much rubbing of his shins, while Peter, rolling himself +nearly double with laughter, stood midway of the flight, with a queer +object in his hand which Gulian seized hastily. + +"It's only a gourd," gasped Peter between paroxysms. "I kept it in my +closet for a week, and half an hour ago I stole a bit of wick out of +Dinah's pantry and dipped it well in melted tallow, and than stuck it +inside, when, as you see, having carved out two eyes and a slit for the +nose, it looks somewhat ghastly when the light comes forth." + +"It's a debbil, debbil," cried Pompey. "Massa Peter sent me to find his +skates, and dat awful face"--Pompey's teeth chattered, and Peter went +off in a fresh burst of laughter. + +"It soured him properly, Uncle Gulian; and though I ran after him and +shook it (it only looks gruesome in the dark, you know) he never +stopped, and he stumbled on the first step, and then he rolled--My! how +he did bump"--and naughty Peter sat down on the stalls and held his +sides for very merriment. + +"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," said Gulian sternly, to whom +practical jokes were an utter abomination, "and you deserve to be well +punished. Pompey, stop groaning, and inform me at once whether you have +sustained any injury by your fall." + +"Law, Massa Gulian, you tink falling down dat stair gwine to hurt dis +chile?" began Pompey, who entertained a warm affection for the +mischievous Peter and dreaded nothing so much as a scolding from his +master. "Dose stairs don't 'mount to nuffin; ef it had been de area +steps dey moughten be dangerous. Massa knows boys mus' have dey fun: +please 'cuse me for makin' such a bobbery." + +"Well, I did it," said Peter sturdily, instantly sobered by the +expression of his uncle's face, and his generous heart touched with +Pompey's defense of his prank, "and nobody helped me, so let's have the +whipping right off before dinner, please, Uncle Gulian, and then I can +eat in peace--even if I am a trifle sore," wound up the sinner ruefully. + +Gulian Verplanck's sense of humor was not keen, but the situation was +too much for him, and a queer, grim smile lit up his eyes, as he said +slowly:-- + +"As Pompey seems more frightened than hurt, and has interceded for you, +I shall not punish you this time, Peter; but recollect that the very +first occasion after this that you see fit to practice a joke on any +member of my household, your skates will be confiscated for the +remainder of the winter," and with a warning glance he followed Kitty +back into his wife's room, leaving Pompey on the staircase, still +rubbing his bruised shins, while the irrepressible Peter indulged once +more in a convulsion of silent laughter which bent him double and +threatened to burst every button off his tightly fitting jacket. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +BETTY'S JOURNEY + + +Mrs. Seymour, having had the advantage of some weeks to form her plans, +had carefully arranged everything for her own comfort, so far as was +possible, and Betty Wolcott, after the first pang of parting was over, +began to enjoy the novelty of the journey most thoroughly. Except for a +few days spent at Lebanon, Betty had never been from home in her life, +and being, as we have seen, a bit of a philosopher in her own quaint +fashion, after the first day spent in Mrs. Seymour's cheerful society +she found herself much less homesick than she had expected. To begin +with, the coach was, for those times, very comfortable. It was +English-built, and had been provided with capacious pockets in +unexpected places; it amused Betty exceedingly to find that she was +seated over the turkey, ham, cake, and even a goodly pat of butter, +carefully packed in a small stone jar, while another compartment held +several changes of linen, powder, a small mirror, a rouge pot, and some +brushes. Mrs. Seymour had been born and bred in New York, and many of +her people were Tories; therefore she hoped to assist the brother who, +breaking apart from the others, had taken up arms for the colonists. + +Caesar, Mrs. Seymour's coachman, was a colored man of middle age, a +slave of her father's, and, having been brought from New York to +Connecticut, knew the route fairly well. They broke the journey first at +a small roadside tavern, where the horses were baited, while Betty and +Mrs. Seymour gladly descended, and warmed themselves well by the kitchen +fire, taking a drink of warm milk, for which the good woman who had +invited them inside refused payment. She was deeply interested when Mrs. +Seymour told her of their errand, and followed them out to the door of +the coach, bringing with her own hands the soapstone which she had +carefully warmed for their feet, and she waved a kindly good-by as they +rode off, delighted at seeing, for the first time in her life, a +"pleasure coach." + +The first night was spent by the travelers in Danbury, where they +proceeded to the house of Mrs. Seymour's cousin, Mrs. Beebe, and were +most warmly welcomed. The Beebe household, which consisted of Mrs. Beebe +and seven children (Captain Beebe being with the Connecticut Rangers), +trooped out, one and all, to meet them, to inspect the coach, interview +Caesar, and admire the horses. Billy, the second boy, fraternized with +Betty at once; and after learning all the mysteries of the coach +pockets, helping Caesar to unharness, and superintending the fetching of +an extra large log for the fireplace, he roasted chestnuts in the ashes +as they sat around the chimney-piece, and told Betty thrilling stories +of the attack on Danbury by the British. + +"We dragged the feather-beds up to the window," said Billy, "and mother +stuffed a pillow or two in the cracks. My, how the bullets did fly! The +children were all bid to stay in the attic; but as the roof shelves, you +know, it became pretty hot, especially when the fires began, and then +mother did get frightened, more especially when she saw the blaze of the +Woolford house, down the street. Didn't I just wish I was a man, to go +and help father that day! Luckily for us, the wind was in the other +direction; father said that was all that saved us." + +"And Divine Providence, my son," said Mrs. Beebe's soft voice, as she +laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Billy's only experience of war was a +sharp one for a few hours. He has been longing ever since to join his +father, but I can only find it in my mother's heart to rejoice that he +is too young to do so. Now, Billy, light the candles; for if our friends +must resume their journey to-morrow, it is full time to retire." + +Betty found the little room assigned to her, with Billy's assistance, +but before he left her he pointed out two small holes near the window +frame, where bullets had entered and remained buried in the woodwork; +and as Betty curled herself up in the centre of the great feather-bed, +she thought, with a throb of her girlish heart, that perhaps she, too, +might see some of the terrors of war before she returned to the shelter +of her dear Litchfield home. + +The next morning dawned cold and chilly; a few flakes of snow floated +through the air, and Mrs. Beebe urged strongly the wisdom of lying over +for twenty-four hours, lest a storm should come and render the roads +impassable. But Mrs. Seymour, after a consultation with Caesar, decided +that it was best to push on; winter was approaching, and each day made +the journey less feasible. There was a fairly good road between them and +White Plains, and now that she had started she was impatient to reach +the city. Betty, too, was eager to be off, so with many warm thanks, +they again packed the coach and said farewell to the hospitable Beebes, +who had insisted on adding fresh stores of provisions to their hamper; +and Billy's last act of friendliness was to slip into Betty's hand a +package of taffy, of his own manufacture, which he assured her "was not +over-sticky, provided you use care in biting it." + +This part of the journey was cold and cheerless enough. The road wound +somewhat, and the settlements were few, even the houses were far apart +from each other; and although the hills were fewer, they heard Caesar +admonish his horses more frequently than usual, and about four o'clock +in the day they came to a full stop. The snow of the morning had turned +into a sort of drizzling rain; and Caesar, dismounting from his seat, +announced to his mistress that one of the horses had cast a shoe. + +"What shall we do?" cried Mrs. Seymour in dismay, preparing to jump +down into the mud and investigate matters. + +"Dey's no use at all of madam's gettin' out," said Caesar, holding the +door of the coach,--"no use at all. I'se done got de shoe, 'cause I saw +it a-comin' off, an' here it is. De horse will do well enuf, 'caise I'll +drive wif care; but what I wants to say is that, 'cordin' to my +judgment, we had oughter take a turn to de right, just hyar, which am in +de direction ob Ridgefield, whar I ken fin' a blacksmith's shop, shuh. +Ef madam pleases, it's goin' somewhat out of de direct way to White +Plains, but what wid de weather, which madam can see is obstreperous an' +onsartain, I'm ob de opinion dat Ridgefield am de best stoppin' place +for dis night, anyhow;" and having delivered himself of this +exhortation, Caesar touched his hat respectfully, but with an air of +having settled the question. + +"Very well," said Mrs. Seymour, for she knew Caesar and Caesar's ways, +and moreover had much confidence in his ability to take care of her, as +well as of his horses. "Then take the turn to the right, as you propose. +Are you quite sure you are familiar with the road here, Caesar? It will +be dark soon, and I confess I should not like to lose our way." + +"Not gwine to lose de road wid dis chile on de box," said Caesar with +fine disdain, as he climbed to his seat and rolled himself up warmly +again, his teeth chattering as he did so. But he said to himself, as the +horses started slowly, "Pray de Lord I ain't mistooken; don't want to +fall into none ob dem old redcoats' han's, Caesar don't, dat's sartain." + +Inside the coach, which lumbered on so slowly that it almost seemed to +crawl, Mrs. Seymour and Betty tried to keep up their spirits by an +occasional remark of cheerful character, and Betty suggested that +perhaps some bread and cheese from the Beebe larder would prove +satisfactory to Caesar; but on asking the question Caesar only shook his +head, and responded that he was too busy looking after the horses to +eat; and the long hours dragged on as it grew darker and darker. Betty +rested her head against the door and peered out at the dripping trees, +whose bare limbs stood like skeletons against the leaden sky. Mrs. +Seymour had sunk into a fitful doze by her side. Suddenly the off horse +gave a plunge, the coach tilted far to one side, and then righted +itself as Caesar's loud "Whoa, dar! Steady! steady!" was heard. Then +Betty saw half a dozen shadowy forms surround them, and a voice said +sharply, "Who goes there? Halt!" and a hand was laid roughly on the door +of the coach. + +"Pray who are you who detain ladies on a journey?" said Mrs. Seymour, +addressing the man nearest her. "I am in my own coach with a maid on our +way to New York, and one of my horses has cast a shoe." + +"Stand aside there," said another voice impatiently, as an officer +dismounted from his horse, and flung the rein to one of the men. "If you +are bound to a city occupied by the British, you must have safe-conduct, +madam, else we are compelled to search and detain you." + +For answer, Mrs. Seymour drew out a folded paper, which the officer, +straining his eyes in the fast-fading daylight, read aloud, as +follows:-- + +"After the expiration of eight days from the date hereof, Mrs. Seymour +and maid have permission to go into the city of New York and to return +again." + +"Given at Morristown this second day of December. + +"G. WASHINGTON." + + +"From the commander-in-chief," said the officer, raising his hat, as he +motioned his men to stand back. "Madam, permit me to present myself as +Lieutenant Hillhouse of the Connecticut Rangers, and pray command my +services." + +"Oh," gasped Betty, from the other side, "our own troops, thank Heaven!" + +"Truly you are a welcome arrival," said Mrs. Seymour, with a +light-hearted laugh. "Betty and I have passed a bad five minutes, +fancying you were Hessians. I am on my way to the city to intercede for +my brother, Captain Seymour's exchange, and, for the once, I do not mind +telling you that my companion is Mistress Betty Wolcott, consigned to my +care by her father, General Wolcott, as her sister, Mrs. Verplanck, lies +ill in New York, and she goes there to see her, but she travels as my +maid." + +"I met Lieutenant Hillhouse last summer at my father's house," said +Betty, as the young officer came around to her side of the coach, "and +right glad I am to see you now, sir, instead of the redcoats whom +Caesar, our coachman, has been imagining would start from every bush as +we near White Plains." + +"You are not above a mile from a little settlement called Ridgefield," +answered the officer; "and while there is no tavern there, my men and I +found fairly comfortable quarters to-day. If I may suggest, you should +get there as soon as may be." + +"We would be glad to," said Mrs. Seymour ruefully, "but one of my horses +has cast a shoe, hence our slow progress. I am more than glad my servant +has not mistaken the way." + +"Madam oughter to know Caesar better," grumbled that worthy from the +box. + +"How long will it take you to drive the remaining mile?" said his +mistress soothingly. "We may perhaps have your escort, lieutenant?" + +"I am on my return there, madam; permit me to send my men in advance to +arrange for your comfort, and I will with pleasure ride beside you until +we arrive. Ridgefield lies beyond that turn," raising his whip to direct +Caesar. "If it were not for the growing darkness, you would see the +smoke from the chimney of the house where I am quartered;" and closing +the door of the coach, the officer gave directions to his men, who +marched quickly down the road, as he mounted and pursued his way with +the ladies. + +Just beyond the farmhouse which Lieutenant Hillhouse had pointed out as +his temporary quarters stood a low, wooden structure, with a lean-to in +the rear, and there Caesar drew up his tired horses. A rather +cross-looking spinster stood in the door of the house, and as Betty and +Mrs. Seymour alighted she said snappishly:-- + +"I don't own much room, as I told your men, Mister Lieutenant, but so +long as you're not Hessians I'm willing to open my door for you. It +won't be for long, will it?" + +"Oh, no," replied Mrs. Seymour, with her pretty, gracious smile, "we are +simply in need of a night's lodging. I think we have food enough in our +hampers, and if you can give us hot milk I have coffee ready for +making." + +"I don't begrudge you nothing," said the woman in a softened tone, as +Betty bade her a pleasant good-day, "but it's a poor place, anyhow," +gazing up at the bare rafters, "and as I live here all alone I have to +be precious careful of my few things." + +"But it so neat and clean," said Betty, pulling a three-legged stool +toward the fire, and surveying the recently scrubbed floor; "we are cold +and weary, and you are very good to take us in." + +Evidently the woman was amenable to politeness, for she bustled around +and insisted upon making the coffee, which Caesar produced in due time +from his hamper under the box-seat, and she laid a cloth on the +pine-wood table, and at last, after disappearing for a few minutes into +the darkness of a small inner room, reappeared with three silver spoons +and two forks in her hand, which she laid carefully down beside the +pewter plates on the table with an air of pride as she remarked, +addressing no one in particular:-- + +"The forks was my grandmother's, and my father fetched the spoons from a +voyage he made on the Spanish main, and he always said they was made of +real Spanish dollars." + +Thereupon Mrs. Seymour and Betty fell to admiring the queer-looking +articles (which from their workmanship were really worthy of +admiration), and the spinster relaxed her severe air sufficiently to +accept a cup of the coffee they were drinking. And then Mrs. Seymour +induced her to give consent that Caesar should have a shake-down in a +corner of the kitchen, and although the bed which Betty and the pretty +matron had to share was hard, it was clean, and the pillows soft, and +they slept soundly and well amid their rough surroundings, and, to +confess the truth, enjoyed the novelty of the situation. + +Lieutenant Hillhouse aroused them early in the morning by a message; and +as Mrs. Seymour was not ready to receive him, Betty ran out and met him +at the door. + +"You look so fresh and bright that I am sure your night spent upon the +roadside has not harmed you," said the officer, bidding her +good-morning. "I am off at once, as I carry an order to General Wolcott +for quartermaster's stores in Litchfield. What shall I say to your +father for you?" + +"Oh," cried Betty, rejoiced at this chance to send word of mouth to her +beloved ones, "how truly fortunate! Tell my father we are well and in +good spirits, and hope to reach the neutral ground to-night at +farthest." + +"You may easily do that; the storm has passed, as you see, and if my +friend Caesar can urge his horses somewhat, you are not likely to meet +with detentions. One of my men has assisted in shoeing the horse, and if +you can, you should start at once." + +The coach and Mrs. Seymour appeared at this moment simultaneously, and +the lieutenant insisted upon seeing the ladies safely started. Betty +seized the opportunity to ask for news of Josiah Huntington, and was +told of his having rendered good service, and that he gained in +popularity daily. + +"And Oliver--my brother," said Betty, leaning from the coach as they +were about to move off: "what tidings of him?" + +"He has not been with me," replied Hillhouse with some constraint; +"indeed, I think he was to be sent on some special service." + +"Give him my best affection," said Betty. "And oh, sir, to my little +sister at home pray deliver my fondest love," and tears were brimming in +Betty's eyes as Caesar flicked his whip at the horses' heads and the +coach started. + +The road being somewhat better than that already traveled, the miles +which intervened between Ridgefield and White Plains were more briskly +done, and Caesar had the satisfaction of pulling up his horses in good +condition before the well-known tavern at the latter place in time for +dinner. The somewhat pretentious sign hanging out over the door had been +changed to suit the times and the tempers of the guests, for what had +previously read "The King's Arms, Accommodations for Man and Beast," was +now "The Washington Inn," and beneath it a picture in Continental +uniform of a man whose rubicund countenance required considerable +imagination to transform into a likeness of the commander-in-chief. As +their happened to be a lack of hostlers, it took some time to get the +horses baited, and it was later than Mrs. Seymour could have wished when +Caesar finally made his appearance and informed his mistress that all +was ready for their departure. The weather had been growing colder +steadily, and greatly to their surprise the travelers learned that in +all probability Harlem River was frozen, and grave doubts were expressed +by mine host of the inn whether the ladies could gain their journey's +end without much discomfort and exposure. But Mrs. Seymour and Betty +were both of the opinion that it was inexpedient to linger longer on the +road, so for the fourth time they climbed into the coach, and, muffling +themselves as closely as possible to keep out the cold, pursued their +onward way. + +Five miles, eight miles, were covered with fair speed, and Betty's +spirits were rising rapidly at the thought that New York and Clarissa +were not far away, when Caesar turned around on his box, and, bringing +his horses to a walk, said in an awestruck whisper,-- + +"'Fore de Lord, madam, I done suspect de redcoats is comin'; d'ye heah +'em from de woods ober dar?" pointing with trembling hand in the +direction of a sound which rang out on the frosty air at first +indistinctly, and then resolved itself into a song. + +"Under the trees in sunny weather, +Just try a cup of ale together. +And if in tempest or in storm, +A couple then, to make you warm,"[1]-- + +sang a rollicking voice, in fairly good time and tune, as a group of men +came in sight. As they neared the coach, the man in advance trolled out +in an accent which betrayed his Teutonic origin,-- + +"But if the day be very cold, +Then take a mug of twelve months old!" + + +[Footnote 1: A topical song then in vogue in New York. (See _Story of +the City of New York_.)] + +"Hello, halt there!" came the command, as the singer seized the horse +by the bridle, and another soldier dragged Caesar roughly from his seat; +"who are you, and whence bound?" + +"Ask my mistress," gasped Caesar, almost convinced that his last hour +had come, but still having firm faith in Mrs. Seymour. "Dun you know how +to speak to a lady?" + +"I have safe-conduct from General Washington to enter New York," said +Mrs. Seymour calmly, extending her hand with the precious paper toward +the first speaker. The man took it, and gazed stupidly at it. Evidently +being German, he could not read it; but having turned it upside down and +gazed at it for some seconds, he gave a drunken leer as he peered inside +the coach. + +"What you got in your hamper? blenty cognac, eh? Give us a pottle; +that's better than mugs of ale, eh, poys?" and he laughed uproariously. + +"I shall give you nothing," said Mrs. Seymour firmly; "if you cannot +read my safe-conduct yourself, is there not one of your men who can?" + +The Hessian was about to make angry reply, when a young fellow, +evidently an Englishman, shoved his way through the men to the coach +door. + +"Stop that, Joris," he said, prodding the corporal with his elbow; "give +me the paper; I can read it." But Joris, who evidently had reached the +stage of ugly intoxication, did not choose to give it up, and stood his +ground. + +"Ve wants cognac," he shouted, "an' you comes out, lady, an' ve'll find +for ourselves vhat you is," and seizing Mrs. Seymour by the arm he +attempted to drag her from her seat with some violence. + +"The pistol, Betty!" cried the plucky little woman as her feet touched +the ground; but as Betty, with equally reckless courage, drew their only +weapon from its hiding-place, the young Englishman rushed at Joris with +an oath, exclaiming,-- + +"Look out, you fool--here comes the officer's patrol," and there was a +clatter of horses' feet, a swift rush, and a voice demanding in stern +fashion, "Stand back, there! Whose coach is this? What do you mean, +fellow, by handling a lady in that manner?" and Geoffrey Yorke struck +Joris a blow with his sheathed sword which nearly sobered him on the +spot. + +Back into the corner of the coach sank Betty, and as she pulled her hood +still farther over her face, she felt as if every drop of blood she +possessed was tingling in her cheeks, as she saw Geoffrey, hat in hand, +dismount and read General Washington's safe-conduct. + +"I deeply regret, madam," he said, with stately courtesy to Mrs. +Seymour, "that a corporal's guard should have caused you such annoyance, +and I shall see that the fellow who treated you so roughly be properly +punished. Meantime, if you intend to enter New York you will be obliged +to leave your coach a mile farther on, and cross the river on horseback. +King's Bridge, as you may know, was fired some months ago by the rebels, +and the flatboat used for ferrying has been abandoned on account of the +ice. It will afford me pleasure to do what I can for your comfort and +that of your companion. But it is my duty, unfortunately, to make +passing search of your coach; will you pardon me if I do so?" + +As he spoke, Captain Yorke advanced to the door and extended his hand to +assist the occupant of the vehicle to alight, but Betty, ignoring +assistance, attempted to spring past him to the ground. As the willful +maiden did so the topknot of her hood caught in a provoking nail of the +open door and was violently pulled from her head: and as her lovely, +rosy face almost brushed his sleeve, Geoffrey started back with a low +cry,-- + +"_Betty!_" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +A MAID'S CAPRICE + + +"Mistress Betty, sir," came the swift whisper in retort, and with so +haughty a gesture that Geoffrey stepped back as if he had been struck, +while Betty, with a slight inclination of her head, passed on to where +Mrs. Seymour stood with Caesar on the other side of the coach. But if +she expected him to follow she was swiftly made aware of her mistake, +for Geoffrey merely pursued his intention of searching the pockets of +the coach, and when he emerged from it he came, hat in hand, toward the +ladies with face more calm and unruffled than Betty's own. + +"If you will resume your seats," he said, addressing Mrs. Seymour, +without a glance at Betty, who (now that her anger born partly of terror +had passed) stole a quick look at him, and as quickly looked away, "I +will ride on before you and be waiting at the river; if it be safe, you +will cross on horseback; if not, on foot, and I shall take great +pleasure in seeing that you reach King's Bridge Inn in safety." +Whereupon he escorted Mrs. Seymour to the coach, and when he turned to +assist Betty found that she was in the act of climbing inside by the +other door, where Caesar stood in attendance. + +"What a provoking child it is!" said Geoffrey to himself as he flung +into his saddle, smiling at the recollection of Betty's rebuke and proud +little toss of her head. "'Mistress Betty'! Very well, so be it; and +thanks to the star of good fortune which guided my steps up the road +to-day. I wonder how she comes here, and why," and Captain Yorke gave +his horse the spur as he galloped on. + +Some distance behind him the coach lumbered forward, and Mrs. Seymour's +tongue rattled on gayly. So engrossed was she with being nearly at her +journey's end, and their good luck at having fallen in with Yorke, that +Betty's silence passed unnoticed. + +"To think that we should meet again," ran Betty's thoughts. "'Betty,' +forsooth! How dare he use my name so freely! What would Mrs. Seymour +have thought had she heard him, and how could I possibly have explained +with any air of truth unless I told her the whole story--which I would +rather die at once than do. He has not changed at all; I should have +known him anywhere, even in that hateful scarlet coat, which becomes him +so mightily. I wonder if my rebuke was too severe"--and here she became +conscious of Mrs. Seymour again. + +"Yorke--did not that handsome young officer say his name was Yorke? Why, +then he must have some kinship with the Earl of Hardwicke; very probably +this young man may be a grandson of the earl. I must ask my sister; she +will have some information about it." + +"Worse and worse," thought Betty. "A British officer--kinsman of an +earl--oh, me, in what a coil am I enveloped! But at least my father +knows all, and he would not hold me disloyal." + +The coach bumped and jolted along, and finally came to a standstill, +while Caesar's voice was heard addressing some one. Betty looked out of +the window and behold a dismal prospect enough. The bank shelved +gradually down to the river, which at this point was narrow, and between +them and the other shore stretched a mixture of snow and ice; she could +distinguish the flat-bottomed boat used for ferrying purposes stuck fast +almost in the middle of the stream. + +"How are we to cross?" said Mrs. Seymour dolefully, looking down at her +feet. "I wish I had an extra pair of woolen stockings to pull over my +shoes; the snow and ice will be cold walking. What are they doing to the +horses?" + +"Will it please you to alight, madam?" said Geoffrey, springing from his +saddle at the door of the coach. "My men are of the opinion that the ice +will not bear so much weight as your coach with you ladies and Caesar in +it, but if you can mount your horses we can lead them and you can cross +in safety. Meanwhile Caesar can remain here to guard your property, and +when my men fetch the horses back they can assist him to transport the +coach to the other side. I hope the plan meets your approbation. It +seems the only feasible one, provided you ladies can ride without a +saddle." + +"Bless me," cried Mrs. Seymour, "I shall surely slip off on the ice! +Betty here is a horsewoman, but, alas! I am not." + +"Then we must contrive a way," replied Geoffrey. "If a blanket be +strapped over my saddle I think you can sit on it.--Caesar, put one of +those blankets on my horse instead of yours." + +"Oh, that will do nicely; how kind you are, Captain Yorke." + +"Will the young lady be able to ride one of your horses?" asked +Geoffrey, addressing Mrs. Seymour. + +"I can ride anything," said Betty hastily, "for my mare is"--and then +she bit her lip and colored brightly as Geoffrey turned toward her. + +"You will be quite safe, for I shall lead your horse myself. Let me +first attend Mrs. Seymour." + +Between terror and small gasps of laughter Mrs. Seymour's mounting was +accomplished, and then Geoffrey (artful fellow!) summoned a tall, +good-looking trooper from the patrol, and, placing the reins in Mrs. +Seymour's hand, gave directions to the man. + +"You will hold the horse by the bridle and guide every step with care, +letting the lady put her hand on your shoulder to steady herself. Be +watchful of the air-holes; I think you know the path well." + +"Yes, captain," said the trooper, saluting respectfully. "Am I to +dismount the lady at the Inn?" + +"Aye; go down the path before me;" and Geoffrey turned toward Betty, but +again the mischievous maid had been too quick for him, and he beheld her +already mounted on one of the coach horses, where she sat demurely and +at ease awaiting him. Geoffrey seized the bridle and walked slowly down +the bank, taking great care of his own steps lest he should by slipping +cause the horse to stumble, and in a few seconds they were slowly +picking their way over the rough ice. The horse's hoofs crunched into +the snow, and Betty held her breath, and a little thrill went over her +as she fancied she heard the ice crack under them. + +"Oh!"--a half-involuntary cry escaped her, and Geoffrey looked up +reassuringly as he stroked the horse's neck and checked him for a brief +second. Mrs. Seymour and the trooper were somewhat in advance and had +almost reached the opposite shore. + +"I--you--that is"--faltered Betty, meekly dropping her eyelids--"Oh, +sir, do you really think we shall gain the Inn safely?" + +"There is no cause for fear," said Geoffrey coldly. "I know the path;" +and he plodded on in silence. Another few rods, a slip, a half halt; but +this time it was Yorke who stumbled and fell on one knee. + +"Confound my sword," he cried, recovering his feet. "But we are nearly +there. See, Mrs. Seymour has gained the road and is riding on to the +Inn." + +No reply from Betty; in truth, if he had but known it, she dared not +trust her voice lest its first sound should be a sob. And Yorke, divided +between amusement and wrath at her perversity, vowed he would say no +more until she grew less capricious. + +The road was well trodden and the snow light as the pair pursued it in +silence. The famous hostelry known as King's Bridge Inn was upon the +highway going up the Hudson, where Spuyten Duyvil Creek ran down to +Harlem River, and many a rendezvous and intrigue had been carried on +within its low, wide rooms since the Colonies had declared their +independence of British rule. As Yorke approached the door, inside which +Mrs. Seymour had already disappeared, a tall, dark man in riding-boots +and long coat came hastily forth, and as Betty dropped the reins of her +horse he was at her side. "Oh, Gulian," cried she, stretching out both +hands, "don't you know me? 'Tis I, Betty Wolcott; have I outgrown your +recollection?" + +"Betty, indeed," replied Gulian Verplanck, lifting her off the horse, +"and right glad am I to welcome you. What good fortune brought you in +contact with Captain Yorke's patrol? Had I known of your near approach, +I should myself have ridden forth with him, but the air was chilly and I +deemed it more prudent to stop at the Inn until to-morrow." + +"Since I see you safe"--began Geoffrey, as Betty half turned toward him. + +"You do not know whom you have so kindly assisted," broke in Verplanck; +"this is Mistress Betty Wolcott, sister to my wife. Betty, I present to +you Captain Geoffrey Yorke, aide to Sir Henry Clinton, and my friend." + +Betty executed her most stately and deepest courtesy, and Yorke swept +his hat gracefully to the very ground; but as she raised her eyes she +said, with a mischievous glance, "I am pleased to learn the name of this +gentleman. Sir, I thank you," and giving him a little gracious nod, +Betty vanished inside the open door of the Inn. + +"Verplanck," called Geoffrey, as his friend was about to follow her, "I +shall go directly back to the city, for Sir Henry has to make ready +dispatches for England and will need me. Mrs. Seymour's coach will be +brought over at once; my men are assisting the negro servant in the +transit. Do you follow me shortly?" + +"Unless the ladies are too weary we will go at once, for I can obtain +fresh horses here and the Inn seems somewhat over-crowded to stop the +night. But if you are in haste, Yorke, do not wait." + +"Very well, then, I will depart at once. But you must have at least two +of my men as escort for the coach and yourself. You know there are +plenty of footpads outlying the city." + +"I accept the escort gladly," said Verplanck. "Farewell, then, and my +hearty thanks." + +Betty and Mrs. Seymour had been ushered into a small bedchamber, where +they were making some slight changes of dress when Gulian Verplanck +knocked at the door and informed them that the coach would shortly be +ready for the continuation of their journey. Betty followed him back +into the waiting-room, where a good fire was burning, and Verplanck +sought to find a seat for her near the hearth. The room was occupied by +perhaps a dozen persons, all men: some troopers, and a group of traders +whose bundles of furs, lying on the floor beside the table where they +were partaking of glasses of home-brewed beer, told their occupation. On +one settle, close by the chimney, sat an old man, somewhat ragged, who +had fallen asleep with his head resting against his bundle and stick, +which shared the bench with him; on the other sat a slight youth dressed +in homespun clothing, who instantly rose as Betty approached, and +offered her his seat. + +"I am warmed enough," he said, as Verplanck gave brief thanks; "besides +there is room here. Wake up, grandfather," and he gave the sleeping man +a gentle push as he squeezed himself down beside him. + +"Stay here till the coach is ready, Betty," said Verplanck. "Mrs. +Seymour will join you presently," and he departed to hasten the +hostlers, who could be heard outside, evidently engaged in harnessing +the horses they were to use. + +Betty looked around her curiously. The room, with its low ceilings, +dark rafters, and sanded floor, was fairly tidy, and, in the light and +shade of the shifting fire, picturesque and strange. A short, thick-set +man, evidently the host, a comfortable-looking Dutchman, bustled in and +out, giving directions in a perfectly audible aside to a maid, who wore +a queer straight cap and brought in trays of beer to the thirsty party +of traders. A little boy in one corner was playing with some nails and a +pewter plate; each time he dropped the nails, making a jingling noise, +the landlord said, "Hush, there, Hans," in a loud whisper, to which the +child paid no attention. Betty wondered if it was his son, and felt as +if she would like to go over and play with him; and then thought, with a +half-homesick longing, of Moppet and the dear New England home. Far, far +away ran Betty's thoughts, as minute after minute sped along and no one +came to disturb her reverie. So engrossed was she that not even a low, +but distinctly spoken "_hist_," which came from the settle near her, +aroused her until it had been given the third time. Then she started; +there was something familiar in the sound--was any one speaking to her? + +"Hist! do not look this way," whispered a voice which came from the +pair opposite her on the other side of the chimney. "Contrive to pass +near me as you go out--be cautious!" + +"All ready, Betty?" said Mrs. Seymour's gay voice, as she came across +the room toward her. "Where is Mr. Verplanck?" + +"Here," answered Gulian, from the other door. "Hasten, Betty; the horses +are eager to be off." + +"I am coming," replied Betty, as she rose hurriedly and dropped her silk +reticule directly in front of the mysterious pair on the settle. The boy +darted up, giving the bag a furtive kick which sent it under the bench. + +"I'll reach it for you, madam," he said aloud, diving down for it as +Betty paused a brief second. The old man stirred sleepily, raised his +head from his bundle, and keen bright eyes that Betty knew well flashed +into hers as he whispered rapidly:-- + +"Show no alarm, Betty, but no matter how or where you see me, make no +sign of recognition." + +"Here's your bag," said the boy, springing to his feet. But Betty, +never stopping to thank him, ran rapidly across the room, out of the +door, and darted into the waiting coach, afraid to even glance behind +her, her heart sinking with dismay, for the voice and eyes of that +ragged old man were those of her brother Oliver! + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +ON THE COLLECT + + +"Peter, Peter," said Grandma Effingham in a tone of gentle remonstrance, +"if thee would only let the ball alone Tabitha would keep quiet." + +"Stop it, Peter," said Betty, from the doorway, as the irrepressible +youngster rolled over and over on the rug, himself, the gray cat, and +the ball of gray yarn hopelessly entangled. "Much you deserve all the +stockings that grandma knits for you so perseveringly; just look at the +condition of that ball"--and by a skillful flank movement she rescued +the yarn as Tabitha's pranks and Peter's tumble came to a hasty +conclusion, and the chief culprit gained his feet and began to apologize +for his frolic, as the cat fled through the door. + +"I was just waiting for you, Betty; you girls take such a long time to +put on your capes and furbelows. I'll warrant Kitty will detain us when +we stop for her, and we must hasten, for the sun will not stay up much +longer. Just let me find my muffler and my skates," and off tore Peter, +while Betty tucked up her gown preparatory to an afternoon on the +Collect Pond, whose frozen surface was the resort of all fashionable New +York, both those who joined the skaters, and others who watched them +from the surrounding banks, making a gay, bright winter scene for the +spectators as well as the participants. + +It was some three weeks since Betty's eventful journey, and as the +strangeness of her new home and surroundings wore off she was beginning +to enjoy herself. First of all, the dear happiness of being once more +with Clarissa, who had brightened and strengthened each day since her +arrival; then Grandma Effingham's storehouse of anecdotes and pleasant +stories, to which Betty listened with delight and the respectful +deference that youth of those days paid to age; and last (though Betty +would have denied it stoutly) the frequent visits to the Verplancks of a +certain tall soldier, whose red coat made her eyes sparkle with disdain, +even while her heart beat quicker at sound of his voice. Truly, Betty's +soul was torn within her, and for every smile that Yorke succeeded in +winning he was sure to receive such dainty snubs, such mischievous +flouting following swiftly after, that he almost despaired of ever +carrying the outworks, much less the citadel of the willful maid's +heart. + +Kitty Cruger had received Betty most cordially, but the acquaintance had +not yet progressed toward intimacy. On several occasions when Betty had +been especially teasing, Yorke had seen fit to retaliate by seeking +Kitty's side, and, although he was far from suspecting it, he had thus +piqued his little lady-love extremely. For Kitty was a reigning belle, +and the toast of the British officers as she had been of the +Continentals, and she liked Yorke and Yorke's attentions. If Betty had +only known whose face came oftenest in Kitty's dreams, and that a blue +sword-knot was her most cherished possession, perhaps the dawning +jealousy which she felt toward her would never have existed. Who can +say? + +The winter had set in with great rigor, and the troops had even crossed +on the ice from Staten Island to the city; sad tales reached Betty's +watchful ears of privations endured in the army of General Washington, +and it made her cheeks burn and tingle to hear the jests and laughter of +the Tory guests who visited the house, at the expense of the so-called +"rebels" against King George. Of Oliver, Betty had no sign; whether he +had been in the city and accomplished whatever mission he had in view, +she knew not. She did not dare to confide in Clarissa, for even had her +sister's health permitted, Betty deemed it scarcely safe to put her to +the test of loyalty as between husband and brother. + +All these thoughts and many more were crowding Betty's brain as she ran +down the steps of the Verplanck mansion and followed Peter toward Queen +Street, where Kitty lived. The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp +and clear; Betty looked charming in her dainty hood, tied with a +rose-colored ribbon which nestled softly under her chin and played at +confining the dancing curls. Contrary to Peter's expectations, Kitty was +watching for them, and they proceeded with some speed along the snowy +streets until they reached the Minetta Water, as the small stream was +called which wound its way across the Lispenard Meadows, and connected +the "Collect" (or Fresh Water Pond) with the Hudson River. At the end of +Great Queen Street was a wooden bridge, and crossing it, the little +party continued up Magazine Street until they reached the Collect Pond, +on two sides of which were low buildings of various kinds, being +rope-walks, furnaces, tanneries, and breweries, all run by water from +the pond. Betty thought she should some day like to come out and +investigate them with Peter; they were not very sightly, but they might +prove interesting. These buildings shut out the view, and until Betty +stood on the very bank she had no idea how brilliant a scene the Collect +presented. The ground on the north side between them and Broadway rose +to the height of a hundred feet, and this hillside was covered with +spectators who were watching the skaters with which the ice was alive. +Among the crowd were many women of fashion, muffled in their furs, +carrying huge muffs to keep their fingers warm, and scarlet uniforms, +dotted here and there, served to heighten the effect of brilliancy and +animation. As they turned the corner of a furnace whose big chimney had +sheltered them for a moment, a young man darted up the bank and greeted +Kitty. + +"How late you are," he said reproachfully. "Philip Livingston and I +have been watching for you this hour. The ice is in fine condition; may +I put on your skates?" + +While young De Lancey was thus engaged Peter and Betty were making ready +also. Up in the Litchfield hills, where the winter set in early and +lasted late, Betty had learned to use her skates well, and she and her +brother Oliver had been the best skaters in the township when she was +hardly more than a child. Even the timid Pamela had gained boldness and +dexterity on the clear, frozen pond; and therefore when Betty, with the +ease of a practiced skater, glided off without assistance, Peter flew +after her in round-eyed amazement. + +"I say, Betty," he exclaimed, breathless with his effort to catch her, +"how you do fly! My eye! there isn't one of these New York dames or +maids who can equal you," and he chuckled with triumph as Betty began to +execute some very difficult motions which she and Oliver had often +practiced together. + +"Give me your hand, Peter; there, now, glide this way, and take the +outside roll--oh! have a care; if you turn like that you will surely +catch your skate in mine. That's better; now cross hands, and go +gently; see, I am cutting a face on the ice." + +Surely enough, as Peter glanced behind he saw a gigantic profile grow on +the smooth surface beneath Betty's little foot, and the skaters around +them paused to wonder and admire. + +"There," said Betty, making a final flourish, "come back to the bank and +let us find Kitty." But as they flew along Betty saw a familiar red coat +appear beside Kitty's advancing figure, so dropping Peter's hand she +dashed off in an opposite direction. She headed for the north bank, +which was less crowded, but slacked her speed a little, fearing an +air-hole, as she debated which way to turn. + +"Mistress Betty," said a voice just behind her, and with a little start +she realized that the obnoxious scarlet coat had reached her side, "will +you skate a turn with me down the pond?" + +"Surely," and Betty's most roguish smile beamed into Yorke's eyes as she +wheeled toward him. "Perhaps you will try a race with me, Captain +Yorke?" + +"With pleasure, and for what stakes?" returned Yorke, bending down to +secure a strap which he felt loosen. + +"I meant but a trial of speed to the bridge there, where we cross the +Minetta Water. A stake? Well, name it." + +"A knot of rose-colored ribbon," said Yorke softly. + +"Another!" cried Betty unguardedly, and could have promptly bitten her +tongue for the betrayal of her thought. + +"Ah, then you do remember?" asked Yorke. "In what have I so deeply +offended that I can scarce gain speech of you! Why do you flout one who +longs to show you his devotion?" + +"You forget, sir," said Betty coldly, "the coat you wear. Do you fancy +that scarlet commends itself to a rebel maid like me, or that the cause +you represent can be aught but hateful to a loyal Wolcott?" + +"Betty, Betty! I do beseech you"-- + +"Nay, we will put entreaty outside the question. A race, I think I said, +Captain Yorke. I will make the stake that self-same bow of +rose-color--if you have kept it so long." + +An indignant flush dyed Yorke's face. "So be it," he said briefly, and +in a flash they were off; she, graceful, and almost like a winged bird, +as she sped along; and he, tall, straight, and muscular, with a long, +staying stroke, which impelled Betty's admiration. The distance to the +bridge was a good half mile, and the spectators on the hill presently +perceived the racing pair, and from the cries and shouts which arose she +learned, to her added chagrin, that they were seen, and their trial of +speed would be eagerly followed. On flew Betty, so intent upon reaching +her goal that she never noticed how Yorke crept closer and closer; they +were almost to the bridge, when his voice sounded at her shoulder:-- + +"You should have the race, sweetheart, but I cannot part with the +ribbon," and with a sudden rush Yorke darted past her and gained the +bridge barely three seconds in advance. + +"Forgive me," he had time to whisper, as Betty stood still, with +flashing eyes and half-quivering lip, while they waited for Peter, +Kitty, and Philip Livingston, who had followed them down the course; +"'twas too dear a stake for me to lose." But as the words left his lips, +to his astonishment and delight, with all a child's frankness, Betty +gave him her hand. + +"Nay, you won the race fairly, and Betty Wolcott craves your pardon." + +"Oh, my eye!" shouted Peter, as he flung himself between them; "'t was +the prettiest race of the season, was it not, Kitty? Do, do try a game +with the rest of us, and I'll be your hurlie myself." + +A hurlie, be it known, was a small boy or man who, in the fashion of a +ball-game of the day, propelled the balls along the icy surface of the +pond with a long, sharp-pointed stick, and the race was accorded to +whoever first caught the ball,--often a trial of both speed and +endurance when the course was a long one. + +"Are you deserting me, Peter?" put in Kitty playfully; "the other +hurlies are busy with the De Lancey party; we must have two or three at +least." + +Yorke moved a step forward; his first impulse was to offer his services +to Kitty, as he had done before, but some fine instinct warned him not +to jeopardize his half-reconciliation with Betty, and before he could +speak, Philip Livingston whistled to a tall, slight lad who was standing +looking at them from the bank close at hand. In response the lad ran +down, leaped on the ice, and said pleasantly,-- + +"Your pleasure, sir. Did you call me?" + +"Can you drive a ball for me?" asked Philip; "if so, I'll promise you a +shilling for an hour of your time." + +"Indeed I will," said the boy; "but let me first go tell Jim Bates, +there, who maybe will be returning to Paulus Hook, and I'll just bid him +wait for me over yonder in the tan-yard until you gentlefolks have had +your game." + +Off darted the new recruit, and was seen to join a man wearing the wide +hat and somewhat greasy garb of a fisherman, who, after a few words, +nodded assent, and with somewhat slouching gait proceeded leisurely +across the bridge in the direction of the tan-yard referred to. Amid +much laughter the game began; some other acquaintances came down the +bank and joined them, and presently Betty found herself darting over the +ice hither and thither, following Peter's purposely erratic course, and +pursuing the ball, determined this time to outdo Yorke, who followed her +every motion, and whom she again began to tease and laugh at. But to +Yorke anything was better than her scorn or displeasure, and when, by a +lucky stroke and a quick turn of her skates, Betty bent down and +captured the elusive ball, he was the first to raise a shout of +triumph, in which the merry party joined with the heartiness of +good-fellowship and breeding. + +It was growing dark and cold as Betty climbed up the bank and seated +herself on a pile of boards, while Peter unstrapped her skates. As she +looked up, she saw Yorke and Philip Livingston talking with the boy who +had been hurlie for Kitty, and it crossed her mind to wonder where Kitty +had vanished. So she rose to her feet and walked leisurely along with +Peter toward the tan-yard and turned the corner of the furnace chimney. +As she did so, she almost stumbled against a man, who drew back +suddenly; on the other side stood Kitty, and Betty distinctly saw a +piece of white paper pass from Kitty's muff into the hand of the +stranger, whom she instantly recognized as the greasy fisherman who had +crossed the bridge half an hour before. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A FACE ON THE WALL + + +Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side +farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day +before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into +small bunches and wreaths. Of these a large hamperful stood at her +elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of +importance. + +"So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his +cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin +obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris +Kringle and his prancing reindeers? My, what fun we boys had up in the +old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the +recollection of past pranks. "Down here in the city it is chiefly New +Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently +Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas." + +"Yes?" murmured Betty, her thoughts far away as she wondered what +Moppet was doing up in the Litchfield hills, and whether Oliver had got +back safely to the army again. Surely, he had cautioned her not to +recognize him, but luckily her fortitude had not been put to proof. And +then she wondered what secret mission Kitty had been engaged upon that +day at Collect Pond. Somehow Kitty and she had been more confidential +since then; and one night, sitting by the fire in Betty's room, Kitty +had confessed that she too was a rebel--yes, a sturdy, unswerving rebel, +true to the Colonies and General Washington, and Betty's warm heart had +gone forth toward her from that very moment. + +"Clarissa has a huge crock full of _olykeoks_ in the pantry," pursued +Peter, to whom the Dutch dainty was sufficiently toothsome; "and Pompey +has orders to brew a fine punch made of cider and lemons for the +servants, and oh! Betty, do you know that Miranda has a new follower? +His name is Sambo, and he comes from Breucklen Heights; he has been +practicing a dance with her, and old Jan Steen, the Dutch fiddler, has +promised to come and play for them and their friends in the kitchen, +and for my part I think there will be more fun there than at Clarissa's +card-party--don't you? Wake up, Betty; I don't believe you've heard one +word I've been saying." + +"Indeed I have," replied Betty, returning to her present surroundings +with a start. "A dance, Peter? Why, it seems to me the servants have +great liberty here." + +"Don't you give yours a holiday up in New England? I thought you had +negro servants as well as we?" + +"So we do; you know that Miranda is the daughter of our old cook, Chloe. +She came here with Clarissa when she was a bride; oh, we have a few +negro servants in dear New England, Peter, but not so many as here. +Gulian told me that there are some three thousand slaves owned in the +city and its environs. But our negroes go to church and pray; they do +not dance, and I know Chloe would be shocked with Miranda's flippant +ways. She was ever opposed to dancing." + +"Don't be prim, Betty." + +"I--prim?"--and Betty went off into a shout of girlish laughter, as she +flung a pine needle at Peter, who dodged it successfully; "that I live +to hear myself called what I have so often dubbed Pamela. Fie, Peter, +let Miranda dance if she will; I should love to see her. It would be far +more amusing than cards." + +"Betty," said Peter, edging nearer her and lowering his voice to a +whisper, "I heard that the Sons of Liberty had another placard up near +the Vly Market last night, and that Sir Henry Clinton is in great wrath +because they are growing daring again. My! wouldn't I just like to see +one of them; but they say (so Pompey told me) that they are all around +us in different disguises. That's why they're so difficult to catch; it +would go hard with them if the Hessians lay hands on the author of the +placards." + +"But they will not; I heard Gulian say only last night that the +cleverness with which the placards are prepared and placed was +wonderful. Who tells you these things, Peter? Do have a care, for we are +under Gulian's roof, and he would be very angry if he knew that your and +my sympathies are all on the side of the Whigs." + +"Oh, I hear things," murmured Peter evasively. Then whispering in +Betty's ear, "Did you ever hear Kitty speak of Billy the fiddler?" + +"There's no one within hearing," said Betty, as she finished her twelfth +wreath and laid it carefully on the floor beside her cricket. "Get the +other big branch outside the door, and sit down here close by me while +you pull the twigs off; then you can tell me safely, for Clarissa is +sleeping, and she will call me when she wakes. Of course I never heard +of the man you mention." + +Peter threw back his howl in a prolonged chuckle, as he followed Betty's +instructions and edged his cricket close to her elbow. + +"Man!--well, he's more like a monkey than anything. He only comes to my +shoulder, and yet he's old enough to be my father." + +"A dwarf, do you mean?" + +"No, not precisely; the boys call him a manikin, for he's not deformed; +only very, very small; not above four feet high. He is Dutch and has +been a drummer, it's whispered, in General Washington's army. They say +he was in the battle of Harlem Lane, and beat the rally for our troops +when Knowlton fell. The Vly boys are great friends with him." + +"But, I thought you were at daggers drawn with the boys of the Vly +Market, Peter? Surely, you told me blood-curdling tales of the fights +between them and you Broadway boys?" + +"Oh, aye, but that's for right of way" and don't mean much except when +we are actually punching each other's heads. Billy can tell great yarns; +how his eyes flash when he speaks of the prison ships, though I only +heard him once, when Jan Steen was talking foolish Tory stuff." + +"Do you think 'Billy the fiddler,' as you call him, is one of the Sons +of Liberty?" + +"H-u-s-h!" and Peter looked fearfully around. "I don't dare say, but I'm +sure he's true and steady. Betty, I wish I was a little taller; if I +were I'd run away some fine morning and go for a drummer boy with +General Washington." + +Betty looked up with affectionate eyes at the sturdy urchin. "I know how +you feel, Peter; but wait a bit. It's sad and disheartening enough now, +God knows, but perhaps better days may dawn for the patriots. My father +says we must keep up our hearts as best we can, and trust in God and the +Continental Congress. Did I tell you how we moulded the bullets last +summer? We kept the tally, and over forty-two thousand cartridges were +made from the statue of King George, so the women of Litchfield have +contributed their aid to the cause in good practical fashion."' + +"Aye, that was fine! It must have been jolly fun, too." + +"It was very hot," said Betty, laughing; "we tried it in our big +kitchen, but finally had to melt the lead in larger kettles hung over a +crane in the shed down in orchard. Aunt Euphemia thought we would fire +the house, and for many nights Miss Bidwell and she, protected by Reuben +with a lantern, paraded the place before closing up, hunting for stray +sparks which she fancied might fly in the wrong direction." + +"What a lot this hamper holds," said Peter, diving down into it. "You've +made enough wreaths to decorate the rooms, I'm sure, and your hands are +getting black." + +"Never mind my hands; soap and water will cleanse them. Clarissa wants a +'real English Christmas,' she said, and poor dear! she shall have it. It +does my heart good to see her brighten and glow like her old pretty +self." + +"You can thank Captain Yorke for putting the 'real English Christmas' +into her head; there's a fine Tory for you, Betty. Sometimes I forget +he's one of our foes--he's almost nice enough to be a patriot." + +"He thinks he is one, Peter; he owes his loyalty to his king, and were +less than a man not to give his services where ordered." + +"Ha, ha!" quoth Peter teasingly; "you'll be as bad as Kitty presently." + +"How so?" returned Betty, biting her lip as she turned her face away +from Peter's roguish eyes. + +"Why, Kitty had a walk-over course with the scarlet coats until you +came, and Captain Yorke was one of her gallants. But now I find him at +your elbow whenever you give him half a chance. But I've seen you snub +him well, too; you girls are such changeable creatures. I'd not have a +scarlet coat dancing around after me if I were you, Betty;" and Peter +endeavored to look sage and wise as he cocked his head on one side like +a conceited sparrow. What reply Betty might have made to his pertness +was uncertain, but at that moment both doors of the room opened and +Clarissa entered by one as Kitty flew in the other. + +"How industrious you are," cried Kitty, as she bade them all good-day; +"the rooms will be a bower of green, such as Captain Yorke tells about. +I came, Clarissa, to beg a note of invitation for Peggy Van Dam. She has +but just returned from Albany, and will be mightily pleased to be bidden +to your card-party." + +"I wondered if she would be in time," said Clarissa, seating herself at +her claw-legged, brass-mounted writing-table. "Has she changed much, +Kitty--not that I mean"--and Clarissa's sentence ended in a laugh. + +"There was room for it," finished Kitty. "No, she is just the same: +aping youth, with the desire to conceal age." + +"Oh, Kitty, that's the severest speech I ever knew you guilty of!" + +"Ill-natured, aye," quoth Kitty, with a comical sigh; "the world's awry +this morning and I must vent my crossness on somebody, so let it be +Peggy. But if I can carry her your note it will atone for my peevish +speech a dozen times, for is not Captain Sir John Faulkner coming, and +you know as well as all of us that Peggy's airs and graces are most +apparent in his company." + +Betty looked quickly up into Kitty's face as she rattled on gayly, and +detected an air of trouble and anxiety that was most unusual. And as +they presently followed Clarissa downstairs, she paused at the landing +and slid her little fingers into Kitty's as she whispered:-- + +"What's amiss? You are worried, I perceive; can I help you?" Kitty +started, and turning her head over her shoulder said softly:-- + +"Not now, but I know that you are true-hearted and quick-witted; I dare +not say one word more," and with an affectionate pressure, she dropped +Betty's hand and ran swiftly down the staircase. + +The drawing-room in the Verplanck mansion was high of ceiling, a +spacious, stately room, and its quaint, straight-backed chairs, stuffed +ottomans, and carved mahogany sofas were the acme of elegance of those +days. The highly polished floor had received extra attention from Pompey +and his assistants, while the mirrors shone brightly and reflected the +candles of the brass sconces on either side of their glittering +surfaces. Betty, at Clarissa's request, superintended the placing of the +card-tables, and also that of a huge silver salver, on which the tiny +cups for chocolate and the tall glasses for mulled wine would be served +from a table in the dining-room early in the evening before supper; also +a famous bowl of Indian china, where hot caudle would appear, caudle +being an English compound with which Betty was not familiar. Peter +explained it to her with due regard to detail; and smacked his lips over +the bottle as it smoked away on Dinah's kitchen table, where he had +invited Betty to come out and see it. + +"Dinah makes a sort of posset first, of oaten-meal, and then she puts in +coriander seeds, and raisins, all carefully stoned (I ought to know +that, for I helped her one mortal hour last night and got my fingers +sticky with the plagued stones), and some cloves in a muslin bag, which +are let lie till the caudle boils, and then removed, and last of all, +just as it's ready to serve, she pops in a good half bottle of +cognac--my! but it's prime!" and Peter cut a pigeon-wing and gave a +regular Mohawk war-whoop, as he danced around the kitchen and +disappeared through the door just in time to avoid Dinah's wet +dishcloth, which she sent spinning at his close-cropped pate. + +Betty stood in her small chamber at six o'clock that evening, +contemplating her gown with critical eye. Parties in those days were +early affairs, and in New York were known to assemble as early as half +past seven. The lanterns which hung outside every seventh house for the +purpose of lighting the streets were lit by the watchmen at half past +six, for the winter days were short, and the denizens of Wall Street +were wont to pick their way most carefully since the great fire, the +débris of which in many instances was still left to disfigure the sites +where had stood stately mansions. Betty deliberated for some minutes; +here were two gowns: one must be worn to-night for her dear Clarissa; +the other kept for the De Lancey ball, an event over which all +fashionable New York was agog, and which would take place on New Year's +night, just one week ahead. + +On the high, four-posted bed lay the gowns; one, which had been her +mother's, was a white satin petticoat, over which was worn a slip of +India muslin covered with fine embroidery, so daintily worked that it +was almost like lace itself. The dames of Connecticut, and, indeed, of +all New England, were much more sober in their dress than those of New +York, where the Dutch love of color still lingered, and the Tories clung +to the powdered heads and gay fashions of the English court circles. The +other gown (which in her secret soul Betty longed to wear) had been +given her by Gulian, who was the most generous of men, and who admired +his pretty sister-in-law far more than he would have told her. A ship +had recently arrived from England bringing him a box of gowns and +gewgaws ordered long since for his wife, and of these Gulian had made +Clarissa happy by bidding her bestow on Betty a gown such as he +considered fitting for a grand festivity like the De Lanceys' New Year +ball. + +"Alack!" sighed the pretty maid to herself, as she contemplated the +white satin, "I will not even raise the paper which contains Clarissa's +present, for both she and Gulian have set their hearts upon my wearing +it on New Year's day, so 't is useless to fill my breast with discontent +when I have so good a gown as this to wear to-night. The skirt is a +little frayed--oh! how vexing!" and Betty flew to her reticule for +needle and thread to set a timely stitch; "now that will not show when +the muslin slip goes over." Another anxious moment, and with a sigh of +relief Betty slipped on the short waist with its puffed sleeves and +essayed to pin the fichu daintily around her neck. Then she dived down +to the very depths of a chest of drawers, whence she produced a small +box, and out of this came a single string of pearls,--the pearls which +her mother had worn upon her wedding-day, and Pamela had pressed into +her hand at parting. Next, Betty with cautious steps, candle in hand, +approached the mirror, which graced the farther end of her tiny chamber, +and holding it at arm's length surveyed herself as far as she could see, +which was not below her dainty waist, as suited the dimensions of the +mirror aforesaid. + +"I am too white," thought Betty, with a little frown, all unconscious of +her lovely coloring and exquisite red-gold hair, which, guiltless of +powder, was massed as usual on top of her head and clustered in wayward +little curls on the nape of her snowy neck and over her white forehead; +"but never mind,"--with childlike philosophy,--"my gown for the New Year +ball has both breast and shoulder knots of rose-color; I wish I dare +steal one for to-night! But perhaps Clarissa would not be pleased, so I +will descend as I am. I hear Peter clattering on the staircase; he is no +doubt superintending the servants' dance," and Betty extinguished her +candle and tripped lightly down past Clarissa's door. + +From the sounds and lights she became aware that she was late, and had +lingered too long over her toilet, so she hesitated for a brief moment +as she reached the door of the drawing-room, where she could see +Clarissa and Grandma Effingham standing with a number of guests, both +dames and gentlemen. As she paused on the threshold a graceful, girlish +picture, a tall form emerged from the dim shades of the hall, and a hand +met hers. + +"Mistress Betty, I salute you," said Geoffrey Yorke, bowing low, "and +may I also beg your acceptance of a bunch of clove pinks? They were +grown by my Dutch landlady in a box kept carefully in her kitchen +window, and I know not whether she or I have watched them the more +carefully, as I wished to be so fortunate as to have them bloom for you +to-night." + +"For me?" said Betty, in a delighted whisper, turning such glowing eyes +upon him that the young man fell more madly in love with her than ever. +"How kind!--and at this season? Oh, they are sweet, and recall the +garden walk at home. Indeed, sir, I thank you," and scarcely thinking +what she did, in her pleasure at his pretty attention, she thrust the +bunch of pinks in her fichu, where they lay close to her white throat +and gave her toilet the one touch of color for which she had longed. +Small wonder that Geoffrey's handsome face lit up with triumph, or that +Clarissa said to herself as the pair approached her, Betty dimpling with +smiles, "What a charming couple they make! I wonder if my father would +object?" + +This was Clarissa's first appearance in society for many months, and the +warmth with which she was greeted showed how large a place the New +England girl had made in the regard of her husband's friends. The party +was given chiefly for Betty, that she might have plenty of partners at +the New Year ball; and although these were mostly young people, there +was also a goodly sprinkling of dames and dowagers, who smiled +approvingly when Betty was presented to them, before seating themselves +at the all-absorbing card-tables. Cards were much the mode of the day, +and an hour or more was given to them; then as the metheglin (a +delicious beverage made of honey) and the mulled wine was passed, the +younger portion of the company began moving through the suite of three +rooms, breaking up into small groups as they did so. + +Peter, who had constituted himself master of ceremonies for the fun in +low life which was going on in the kitchen, darted up to Betty as she +stood talking with Philip Livingston. + +"They're just going to begin to dance," he said. "Miranda is perked out +in a wonderful pink gown, and Aunt Dinah has her best turban on her +head. Do, Betty, persuade some of the company to come out and see the +negroes dance. Don't you hear the music beginning?" + +Surely enough the distant scraping of the violin could be heard, and +Betty, seizing Kitty by the hand, tripped up to Clarissa and repeated +Peter's request. Clarissa hesitated an instant. + +"Oh, Gulian," cried Betty, catching hold of her brother-in-law as he +came forward, "may we not visit the kitchen and see the servants dance? +Captain Yorke tells me that is what is done in England on Christmas Eve, +and I am sure it would afford us all a new amusement." + +Artful Betty! She knew full well that any suggestion of England and +English ways would appeal to Gulian, and Yorke, who followed closely at +her side, threw the potent weight of his opinion in the scale by saying +quietly:-- + +"I am told your slaves have the very poetry of motion, Verplanck; permit +me to escort Mistress Betty to the servants' hall." + +"Servants' hall!" whispered Betty mischievously to Yorke as Gulian led +the way with Clarissa; "we have nothing so fine in our humble colonies, +sir; our kitchens must serve for our dusky retainers." + +"You know I did not mean"--he began reproachfully. But seeing Betty's +laughing eyes, he added, with a smile:-- + +"Nay, you shall not tease me into vexing you to-night if I can avoid it; +I will strive to train my tongue to please you." + +The kitchen presented a quaint and most picturesque appearance. It was +a low, wide room, and around the wall ran shelves and dressers, on which +the pewter plates and copper covers shone with such fine polish that one +could almost see in their surfaces as in a mirror. Between those hung +bunches of herbs and strings of bright-hued peppers, and in and out on +the walls, and above, from the rafters, were Christmas greens, all +arranged by the servants themselves, with that unerring eye for grace +and color which is an attribute of the colored race. Aunt Dinah, the +presiding genius of the kitchen, stood at one end of the room. Her large +and portly person was clothed in a gay cotton print of many colors; and +upon her head was twisted a bright silk handkerchief, with a most +rakish-looking bow which reposed over her left ear. The Verplanck +slaves, some twelve of them, were augmented in numbers by those of the +Ludlow, De Lancey, and De Peyster families, and half filled the spacious +kitchen us they stood back in rows, courtesying and bowing, showing +their white teeth in smiles and low laughter, as they recognized some +"young massa," or "ole madam" among the gentlemen and dames who smiled +back upon their faithful, kindly faces. + +The dance began with a special contra-dance, in which the performers +copied with great exactness the profound bows and deep courtesies of the +period, mimicking their masters and mistresses with curious grotesque +grace. At the extreme end of the room, near Aunt Dinah, sat the fiddler, +wielding his bow with an extra flourish befitting the occasion. Jan +Steen was a well-known character, and his coming was looked upon as a +special favor, only accorded to the servants because they belonged to +the Verplancks, a family greatly honored and beloved among the Dutch +settlers of Manhattan Island. + +After the contra-dance was concluded, amid the applause and laughter of +the spectators, four young slaves were singled out from the others, and +took their places on the floor. Two of these were girls, pretty +mulattoes, and two young, bright-colored negro men as their partners. To +rather slow music they went through with a rhythmic dance, in which +their figures swayed to and fro, chiefly from the waist, a gliding +serpentine dance, evidently copied from the slaves of Martinique, and +brought to New York by the French families. And then, to Peter's great +delight, came the event of the evening, in his eyes,--the dance of +Miranda with her new admirer from Broucklen Heights. + +"Miranda is my maid," explained Clarissa to Madam De Lancey and Mrs. +Morris, as they waited for the performers to take their places. "I +fetched her from Connecticut when I was married, and she is, as you see, +very pretty and most graceful. The dance is a species of Spanish dance, +I fancy, for it is done with two scarfs of red and yellow; I purchased +the stuff a year ago from a Dutch peddler, and Miranda begged it of me +last week." + +"Cousin Clarissa," said Peter, rushing up, "we will want more light to +enable you to see this; the candles are getting low. With your +permission, may Pompey light the big lantern on the wall?" + +About the middle of the kitchen hung a lantern which had once been used +for illuminating purposes outside the mansion. It contained a piece of +tin which acted as a reflector; and Peter, who had never yet had the +pleasure of seeing it lit, had amused himself that very morning by +putting in the candles for which it was prepared, and informed Aunt +Dinah that he meant to light it by way of a climax to the festivities of +Christmas Eve. + +"The big lantern?" replied Clarissa; "it has not been lit this three +years." + +"I made it ready this morning; oh, do say yes." + +"Certainly," said Clarissa, smiling; "but tell Pompey to be careful, +Peter." + +Off flew Peter, and up on a bench mounted Pompey, nothing loth to add +dignity to the scene by illuminating it. Jan Steen drew his bow across +his violin with a long, sweet note, and out on the floor glided Miranda, +holding the hand of a tall, athletic-looking young negro, whose motions +were grace itself. They began at the top of the room, holding the scarfs +aloft, and slowly made their way down until they were in the centre, +when the full light gleamed strongly upon their raised arms, their heads +well up. Soft murmurs of applause began to steal around the room. Betty +stood with Captain Yorke and Kitty directly under the lantern, beating +time with her fan. + +"How graceful they are," said Yorke softly. "See, even their shadows on +the wall opposite are picturesque and wild. How distinct the faces +are!" + +"Silhouettes!" burst in Kitty; "have you seen the pictures made by the +new artist who came from Albany? Some folks like to be done thus, but +for me I do not care for a black profile of my own face. They are cut +skillfully enough in paper, however." + +Betty, wondering what had possessed Kitty to set off on an animated +description of silhouettes, looked up at the wall, and then her heart +almost stood still. That fine, high forehead, the curving lips, the +nose, with its clear-cut nostrils,--not even the disfiguring woolly wig, +stiff collar, and blackened face and hands could disguise them to her. +She gazed with sickening apprehension at the dancers; how often she had +seen Oliver dancing with Miranda when they were children together at +home, the performance usually taking place in the garret, for fear of +scoldings upon the sinfulness of dancing from Chloe, Miranda's mother; +oh, how did he dare do this here, where any moment might bring discovery +and death? Why, why, had she failed to see and recognize him! his +disguise was very perfect, and yet-- + +The applause rang out heartily as the dancers tripped faster and +faster; Betty wondered if her torture would ever end. Perhaps it had +only begun, for Oliver had said-- + +"Mistress Betty," spoke Yorke, and his voice was low and very tender, +"may I offer you my arm? A glass of mulled wine would, I think, be of +service to you." Stumbling a little in her agitation, Betty slipped +through the door with him, on into the dining-room, where he placed her +in a corner of the wide sofa and fetched the wine. + +"Drink it, every drop," he said, smiling down at her with a masterful +look in his dark eyes that Betty had never seen before. "Sweetheart, +trust me, and sit here till I return." + +Betty sipped her wine and the truant color came back to her cheeks, as +she saw him vanish through the door. + +"Have I grown a coward?" she thought indignantly. "I was brave up in the +Litchfield hills--how dare I fail now! Captain Yorke must have seen--and +yet, how could he know Oliver's face sufficiently well? Ah,"--and Betty +almost cried out,--"it is I, miserable I, who have betrayed my brother. +We are so strongly alike that"-- + +"Mistress Betty,"--Yorke was at her side again,--"I left you to bestow +a few shillings on yonder fellow who danced so well, but I could not +find him, and Mistress Kitty Cruger tells me he left at once for +Breucklen Heights, whence he came, as there is a party crossing before +daybreak. I trust you are better; the air was close in your kitchen." + +Betty's two small hands clasped each other mutely; her large eloquent +eyes were raised to his in the sweetest glance that ever maiden gave. + +"God bless you!" she cried impulsively, and, turning, fled through the +open door. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +AT THE VLY MARKET + + +It was a bright sunny morning, but very cold, and snow lay packed hard +and firm in the streets of New York, which, narrow as they were, +afforded little opportunity for the sun's rays to penetrate with +sufficient strength to warm the shivering pedestrians who were hurrying +down Maiden Lane in the direction of the Vly Market. At the farthest end +of the street were the shops, and one of these, "The Sign of the Cross +Swords," stood within a stone's throw of the market itself. It was a +small affair, with little grimy window-panes, where were displayed +knives, scissors, and razors, with locks and keys of many odd sorts. At +the door stood a half-grown boy, stamping his feet to keep warm, as he +droned out in sing-song fashion: "Walk in, gentlefolk, and have your +razors ground; we have all manner of kitchen furniture in cutlery +within, also catgut and fiddle strings at most reasonable rates." + +But these attractions did not appear to bring many customers inside the +little shop, as the passersby seemed chiefly eager to gain the Vly +Market, where the stalls were crowded with purchasers who were getting +the good things there displayed to indulge in keeping New Year's day +with the proper spirit of festivity; and the shop-boy was about to slip +inside for the comfort of warming his fingers and toes, when a tall, +slender fellow in fisherman's dress accosted him. + +"Hey, you there! Have you fish-hooks and nets within?" + +"Aye, sir, in plenty. Will it please you to enter?" And the boy made +room for the stranger to pass through the narrow doorway. The shop was +apparently empty, except for a middle-aged man who rose from his seat on +a high stool near the window, where he was busily engaged in polishing a +pair of razors. As he came forward, the fisherman addressed him:-- + +"Good day, friend. A frosty morning." + +"But the wind will turn to east at sunset," said the other, with a quick +glance from under his heavy eyebrows. + +"A good wind, then, for the Sturdy Beggar," was the reply, as the +fisherman clasped his hands behind his neck with a peculiar gesture. + +"Then all's well," returned the shopkeeper, laying down his razors, and +motioning his customer to come farther inside. "Whom do you seek here, +sir?" + +"Mynheer Wilhelm Hoffmeister, known commonly as 'Billy the fiddler.'" + +"He is off on duty since last Tuesday, but must be here to-night to play +at a grand ball given at one of the Tory houses; there must be news, for +you are the third one who has asked for him since yesterday." + +"News?" said the fisherman eagerly; "perhaps you have a billet for me?" + +"And what may you be called?" asked the other cautiously. + +"Jim Bates, from Breucklen Heights." + +"Then you're all right, sir; why didn't you say so before?" and the man, +casting a swift glance to make sure that the boy at the door was not +looking, pulled a scrap of dirty paper from his pocket, which was +instantly seized and opened by the fisherman. As he read the few words +it contained, the anxious lines on his face grew deeper. + +"It is the only way," he muttered to himself, as he tore the scrap into +tiniest fragments, "but I must know from Kitty the hour." Then aloud, +"Have you a bit of paper, friend, on which I can write a message?" + +"Surely," said the shopkeeper; "wait here a moment until I fetch it," +and he went hurriedly through a small door at the back of the shop, +leaving the fisherman standing near the window, from which he could see +the crowd outside. Suddenly the man uttered an exclamation, and made a +dash for the door, nearly upsetting the boy on the threshold. + +"Tell your master I will return shortly," he said hurriedly, and +disappeared in the direction of the Vly Market. + +It happened that Madam Cruger, thrifty housewife though she was, had +forgotten to order an extra number of the large, flat seedcakes, known +as New Year Cakes (and without which no gathering could be considered +complete for New Year day, when they were handed to all callers with the +accompanying glasses of mulled wine and metheglin), and had therefore +dispatched her daughter, with a colored servant carrying a capacious +basket on his arm, to purchase the dainty from the one stall in the Vly +Market where the aristocratic folk were wont to deal. Truth to tell, +Madam Cruger had made matters somewhat uncomfortable for her portly cook +when she learned that the cakes made by that functionary were too few to +meet her ideas of hospitality; and although Kitty knew that it would +require speed on her part to go to the market and return in time to +dress and be ready to receive their visitors in the drawing-room by +twelve o'clock, she preferred to pour oil on the troubled waters and +procure domestic peace at the expense of a little personal fatigue. +Beside, it was not unpleasant to trip along with the merry crowd, bent +on enjoying themselves, and Kitty knew that she would meet many an +acquaintance, out, like herself, on some belated errand for New Year +day. + +But there was one occurrence for which Kitty had not bargained, and that +befell her as she gained the market door. The fisherman, who had +followed her as swiftly as he dared without creating notice, passed +close at her elbow, then turned and met her face to face. Kitty grew a +little pale as he touched his cap respectfully, but she stopped in +obedience to the glance which met hers. + +"A Happy New Year to you, my good man," she said. "I fear that you and +your brother craftsmen suffer this terribly cold winter. Stand aside out +of the chilly wind which meets us through the market door and I will +speak to you. Cato," to her servant, "go on to Fran Hansel's stall, and +let her weigh out five pounds of seedcakes for my mother; I will join +you there in a moment," and she turned back to the fisherman, knowing +that in the crowd she was comparatively safe, provided her voice was not +loud enough to attract attention. + +"What is it?" she murmured, almost breathless from excitement, yet +striving to maintain a quiet, even careless exterior. "I hoped you had +fulfilled your dangerous errand and gone hence two days ago." + +"I cannot leave until my mission is completed; we have almost certain +news of an incursion by the British across the Kill von Kull, which will +do much injury to the peaceful country folk of Elizabethtown and Newark. +The man they call 'Billy the fiddler' will have a message for me +to-night of the greatest importance, and he plays with others at the De +Lancey ball; are you to be there, and at what hour?" + +"I, Oliver?" said Kitty, and turned rosy red as the incautious word +escaped her; "all New York is going at eight o'clock, but what has that +to do with"-- + +"This," whispered Oliver Wolcott, pulling his hat further down over his +eyes, and motioning Kitty to walk a few steps away from the door: "I +must be there." + +"You are mad!" and Kitty turned pale at the idea. + +"Oh, no, I am coming as one Diedrich Gansevoort, from Albany. Do not +fear for me; my disguise will be very perfect, and I go introduced by +Abram Lansing, from whom I bring a letter to Madam De Lancey. They are +old friends, though he is as stanch a Whig as she a Tory. I tell you, +Kitty, 't is of vital importance that I ascertain the facts of this +rumored raid upon the patriots, and I must risk all to gain it. Warn +Betty, lest she give way to alarm; be brave and fear nothing." + +"A Happy New Year, Mistress Kitty," said a gentleman who approached her, +followed by his negro servant. "I shall do myself the honor to pay my +respects to your mother a little later;" and Mr. Van Brugh raised his +three-cornered hat in courtly salute, staring hard at Kitty and the +fisherman as he passed them. + +"We are noticed," said Oliver calmly; "go on and do your errand." + +"But I am so fearful for you," gasped poor Kitty, whose usual composure +seemed to be deserting her. "You try me too far, unless I may do +something to aid your escape, for a horrible sinking of my heart seems +to bode no good to you." + +"Put no faith in omens," answered Oliver, with a smile. "I shall be off +at daybreak. Farewell, Kitty, and have no fear; I am well protected," +and mingling in the crowd, he passed out of the market door and was +gone. + +With what courage she could summon, Kitty sped on to Fran Hansel's +stand. The seedcakes had been weighed, decked with a handful of +Christmas greens, and placed in the basket, and Kitty, after a few kind +words to the old Dutch market-woman, made her way swiftly through the +crowd and gained the street. + +"I must warn Betty," she thought an she proceeded up Maiden Lane, and as +she came to Queen Street she paused. "Go directly home," she said to her +servant; "tell my mother I have stopped to see Grandma Effingham and +wish her a Happy New Year. I will be back in time to dress," and off she +sped in the direction of Wall Street. + +Betty, who like Kitty, had been spending her morning assisting in +preparations for the New Year callers who would present themselves later +in the day, was dusting the quaint Dresden Shepherdess who presided over +a corner of the drawing-room mantel, when a sharp knock at the front +door announced a visitor; and she fled out of the drawing-room only to +encounter Kitty in the hall. + +"A Happy New Year to you," said Kitty, in a tone of gayety which she was +far from feeling. "I ran over to give greeting to grandma, and as I came +my petticoat gave way; let me mount to your chamber and fasten it before +I go to grandma's." + +"Certainly," said Betty, and seizing hands both girls ran rapidly up the +staircase. Inside the small chamber, Kitty closed the door, and set her +back against it. + +"The petticoat is fast enough, Betty, but I have something grave to say. +Oliver is still in the city--he goes to the De Lanceys' to-night--I was +to warn you." + +"In what disguise?" asked Betty breathlessly. + +"Indeed, I know not, except that he will represent Mynheer Diedrich +Gansevoort, from Albany; oh, Betty, I am sore afraid." + +"Nay, wherefore?" and Betty's eyes sparkled as her color rose. "We +Wolcotts are not wont to fail, and I am now too accustomed to Oliver's +hairbreadth escapes for fright." + +"You were well alarmed at the servants' dance; oh, how rash he is!" + +"We spare nothing in our country's cause," said Betty, with a proud +little toss of her head; "but, Kitty, forgive me if I appear +intrusive--I am puzzled to know how and where you and Oliver"-- + +"You should have known long ago," interrupted Kitty, blushing deeply, +"but, somehow, I never could approach near enough to your heart to +confess that Oliver and I are trothplighted though my mother's consent +is lacking. We met in Albany--again at West Point, and oh, Betty, how I +have longed to tell you. I have seen you look at me with eyes so like +his; with such scornful glance when I laugh and jest with those hateful +redcoats, such kindly smile when I showed you that I am at heart a +patriot. Forgive me, dear, and let us do all we can to help Oliver +to-night, for he is determined to be at the De Lanceys' as by going +there he can obtain certain important information for the cause of +freedom." + +Betty threw her arms around Kitty; why did she feel as if the innocent +words stabbed her? Had the "hateful redcoats" ceased to be hateful to +her? + +"Trothplighted," she whispered, with wide-open eyes of delight; "I hoped +as much--how happy my father will be when Oliver"-- + +"Nay, nay," cried blushing Kitty, "you go too fast; think of madam, my +mother, and her antipathy to the 'rebels,' as she calls them, quite +forgetting that my aunt (where I made my home in Albany for three years) +is one, as well as her naughty daughter. Good lack! my fortunes were +told long ago had I but bowed to her wishes; and at the moment, +Betty,--to let you into a profound secret,--the most desirable husband +for me in her eyes is Captain Yorke." + +"Indeed!" said Betty coldly, but Kitty was too engrossed in her own +discourse to notice. + +"Not that he has such an idea, mind you; he loves to dance and jest +with me, as a score of others do. But, Betty, your confidence in Oliver +is well sustained so far, and it lightens my heart. Beside, there is no +one here who would be apt to recognize him except you and me; though for +the matter of that why Clarissa did not see and know his shadow at the +servants' dance I have not yet ceased to marvel." + +"You forget that she had no knowledge of his presence in New York, and +Oliver has changed greatly since she saw him full three years ago." + +"And now to grandma," said Kitty, releasing the latch of the door, which +she had held carefully in her hand since entering the room, as a +precaution against intruders; "and fare you well, Betty, till we meet at +the ball to-night." + +All through that New Year day Betty's heart throbbed with excitement, as +a steady stream of visitors passed in and out of the mansion, where +Grandma Effingham and Clarissa bade welcome to old friends and young +ones, to stately gentlemen in small clothes and powdered queues, with a +fine selection of British officers, beginning with Sir Henry Clinton, +who arrived in great state and descended from his sleigh, with its +coal-black horses, accompanied by his aides, for the English commander +liked to conciliate the Tories of New York, and, as he was then making +secret preparations to accompany an expedition to South Carolina, +thought best to appear in public even more than usual. + +"Mistress Betty," said Geoffrey Yorke, under cover of sipping a glass of +port wine which she had offered him, "I drink to your very good health;" +then softly, "I have not seen you for a week; have you been quite well +since the Christmas party?" + +"Is it so long?"--willfully; "Clarissa said you called one day." + +"Surely--to ask for you, and you never came inside the room." + +"Because I was busy, sir," replied Betty. Then relenting as a swift +remembrance crossed her mind, "I was skating at the Collect, where I +went with Peter late in the day." + +"Will you dance with me to-night at the ball--promise me all the dances +you can possibly spare?" and Geoffrey's voice took its most tender tone +as he fixed his eyes on Betty's charming face. + +"All my dances? Nay, two, possibly three, are as many as Clarissa would +deem consistent with good manners," returned the maid, unable to forego +the pleasure of teasing him; "indeed, I am bewildered even now +remembering sundry engagements already made." + +"The first dance, Betty," said Yorke pleadingly, as he saw the general +taking leave, and prepared to accompany him. "Surely you will not deny +me that grace?" + +But Betty only gave him the tips of her fingers in reply as she swept a +graceful courtesy. Was it the slight pressure of his hand which +accompanied the farewell that made Geoffrey spring gayly into the sleigh +and drive off with a half-boyish, half-triumphant smile? + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE DE LANCEY BALL + + +The De Lancey mansion, then one of the most famous houses in New York, +was on the Bloomingdale Road, and the drive out Bowery Lane ran through +meadow-land and green trees in summer, but over hard-packed snow and ice +in winter, for it was part of the highroad to Albany. So both Grandma +Effingham and Clarissa ordered the fur muffs and hot-water bottles for +the feet placed carefully in the sleigh, which Pompey brought to the +door just as the night watch went down the street, crying in his slow, +bell-like tones, "Eight o'clock, and all's w-e-ll!" Betty, standing +muffled in long cloak and fur hood, on the steps of the house, said to +herself, with a thrill of excitement, "All's well; please God I may say +as much when midnight sounds to-night." + +The sleigh was a large, roomy one, with back and front seats, and its +big hood was drawn up and extended like a roof over the top, covering +the heads of its occupants, but open at the sides. Clarissa was seated +first, and well wrapped in the bearskin robes which adorned the sleigh, +and then Betty tripped lightly down to have her little feet bestowed in +a capacious foot-muff, as she carefully tucked her new gown around her +and sat beside Clarissa. Gulian, in full evening dress, with small +clothes, plum-colored satin coat and cocked hat, took possession of the +front seat. Pompey cracked his whip, and the spirited horses were off +with a plunge and bound, as Peter, the irrepressible, shouted from the +doorway, where with grandma he had been an interested spectator of +proceedings, "A Happy New Year to us all, and mind, Betty, you only take +the handsomest gallants for partners." De Lancey Place had been the +scene of many festivities, and was famed far and wide for its +hospitality, but (it was whispered) this New Year ball was to excel all +others. The mansion stood in the centre of beautiful meadow-land, with a +background of dark pines, and these showed forth finely against the snow +which covered the lawns and feathered the branches of the tall +oak-trees in front of the door. Lanterns gleamed here and there, up the +drive and across the wide piazza; at the door were the colored servants, +in livery imported direct from England, and from within came sounds of +music. As Pompey swept his horses up to the step with an extra flourish +of his whip, a group of British officers, who had just alighted from +another sleigh, hastened to meet Clarissa and assist her descent. + +"On my word, Clarissa," said Gulian, a few minutes later, as he offered +her his hand to conduct her to the ballroom, "I never saw Betty look so +lovely. Your pink brocade becomes her mightily, and her slender shape +shows forth charmingly. Where did you procure those knots of +rose-colored ribbon which adorn the waist? I do not remember them." + +"That is my secret--and Betty's; she vowed the gown would not be +complete without them, so I indulged the child, and I find her taste in +dress perfect. Captain Sir John Faulkner seems greatly taken with her, +does be not?" + +"Aye, but let us hasten to find our hostess. They will be forming for +the minuet directly, and you must dance it with me, sweet wife,--unless +you prefer another partner." + +Clarissa's response to this lover-like speech was evidently +satisfactory, for presently Betty beheld her sister and Gulian take +places at the head of the room, next Madam De Lancey, who opened her +ball with Sir Henry Clinton. Betty, since her arrival in New York, had +been trained and tutored for the minuet by both Clarissa and Kitty, and +here was Captain Sir John Faulkner, an elderly but gallant beau, +supplicating for the honor of her hand in the opening dance. + +"I am loth to decline," began Betty, a little overpowered by the +compliment, "but I have already promised this dance." + +"To me," said Geoffrey Yorke, at her side, and looking up, Betty, for +the first time, saw her lover in all the bravery of full uniform, +powdered hair, and costly laces. If he had been strikingly handsome in +the old homespun clothes in which he first appeared before her on the +shores of Great Pond, he was ten times more so now. Betty forgot that +his coat was scarlet, that he represented an odious king and all she +had been taught to despise; she only saw the gallant manly form and +loving eyes which met hers so frankly, and the hand she gave him +trembled as he led her out upon the floor. For Betty did not +know--though the realization came to her later, with bitter tears-- +that all unconsciously she had entered that fabled kingdom, the +knowledge of which makes life a mystery, death a glory! + +The music swelled on in slow and stately measure; jewels flashed in the +blaze of wax candles, silken brocades rustled a soft accompaniment to +the steps and courtesies of their fair wearers, as Betty dreamed her +dream of happiness, only half aware that she was dreaming. And when, at +the close of the minuet, Geoffrey led her to Clarissa, there was no lack +of gallants nor partners, and Peter would have chuckled with delight +could he have seen that no one was so eagerly sought for as the lovely, +roguish maid, who wore the knots of rose-colored ribbon. + +It was time for supper, and instruments were being tuned into order for +a grand march, to be led by Madam De Lancey, when Betty, standing near a +large Indian screen, talking with Mr. Van Brugh, who was a dear friend +of her father's, became aware of subdued voices at her elbow, on the +other side of the screen. + +[Illustration: THE MINUET] + +"I tell you I am right," said one of these testily; "I would stake my +sword that he is not what he seems. I saw him exchange a bit of paper +with yonder manikin fiddler, who has been under suspicion for some +weeks, and cleverly they did it, too. It's not the first time, I'll +warrant, that Mynheer von Gam--" + +"No, no, not Von at all; you are safe to be mistaken, Colonel Tarleton; +the gentleman is one Diedrich Gansevoort from the Albany beverwyck. +Madam De Lancey herself made us acquainted; he is no spy." + +Betty's heart sank. She murmured something in reply as Mr. Van Brugh +paused. This was the famous and cruel Colonel Tarleton. If he had traced +Oliver, then all was lost. She strained her ears for further +information, smiling up at Mr. Van Brugh as she waved her fan gently to +and fro. + +"If you are so sure of it, why did he, an apparent stranger, have aught +to communicate to that fiddler yonder? Go quietly through the crowd and +watch the gentleman as he appears at supper; I'll have a word with Yorke +on the subject," and they moved off in the direction of the ballroom. + +"Will he, indeed?" thought Betty, as she saw Geoffrey coming toward her +from the hall; "not while I can hold him at my side," and with somewhat +paler face, but with calm demeanor she moved away, obedient to +Geoffrey's request that she should go to supper. + +Kitty Cruger's evening, unlike Betty's, had been full of dangerous +excitement. Arriving at the ball with her mother, she had been dancing +with her usual spirit, keeping, however, anxious watch for Oliver. But +she perceived no one whom she could possibly imagine was he, even in +disguise, and therefore it was with almost a shock of dismay that she +found herself stopped, as she was passing the supper-room door, by her +hostess, who "craved the favor of presenting a gentleman just arrived +from Albany, who knew her family there." Kitty dropped her most formal +courtesy and raised her eyes to the face of the stranger. Verily, Oliver +possessed positive genius for disguises, and troubled as she was Kitty +could not restrain a smile as she recognized in the rubicund +countenance and somewhat portly form of the gentleman bowing before her +an admirable caricature of no less a person than her respected uncle, +Cornelius Lansing, an antiquated Albany beau. + +Yorke, with Betty, was just inside the door as the pair entered, and as +Kitty perceived them she paused for a moment to say good-evening. + +"Where have you been? I was looking for you. Permit me to present +Mynheer Gansevoort, of Albany. Mistress Betty Wolcott and Captain Yorke. +As for you, sir,"--to Yorke, with a playful tap of her fan to engage his +attention,--"you have not yet claimed my hand for a dance. Pray, what +excuse can you devise for such neglect?" + +Betty seized her opportunity. She must warn Oliver at all hazards. "Have +you lately arrived?" she said, fixing her eyes on him; then, in so low a +whisper that it barely reached him by motion of her lips, "You are +watched; be careful!" + +"I am somewhat deaf," returned Oliver, with great readiness, bending his +ear toward her. "By whom?"--with equal caution. + +"Colonel Tarleton. Escape as speedily as you can." + +"Did you speak?" said Geoffrey, turning suddenly, to Betty's dismay, and +casting a penetrating glance at Oliver, which he returned with the +utmost calmness. + +"This gentleman is somewhat deaf, I find," answered Betty. "It is a sad +affliction, sir; has it troubled you long?" + +"Some years. May I offer Captain Yorke a pinch of snuff?" and the +pretended Mynheer Gansevoort produced a gold snuff-box from his +waistcoat pocket, which he courteously extended to the English officer. + +"You must excuse me; I have not yet acquired the habit," replied +Geoffrey. "A glass of wine with you, sir, instead, if you will do me the +honor." + +"With great pleasure." And as they moved a step onward, Kitty passed +first with Yorke, thereby giving Betty time to whisper to Oliver what +she had overheard behind the screen. + +"Your very good health, sir," said Geoffrey, as he took the glasses of +port wine from a servant standing near the lavishly filled table; "and +if you will not consider me intrusive, do you purpose stopping in New +York?" + +"That is as may be," replied the other. "I am not, however, returning +to Albany immediately. Will you name a toast?" + +"Aye," said Yorke quickly, raising his glass, with a searching look into +Oliver's eyes,--"To your _safe_ return to the Albany beverwyck; the +climate of New York is somewhat unhealthy at present." + +"Yorke," said a young officer, coming hastily up behind the group, +"Colonel Tarleton desires speech with you for a moment; you will find +him and Sir Henry by the screen in the ballroom." + +"You heard?" whispered Betty, as Geoffrey left them; "Captain Yorke has +recognized you--fly, fly, at once!" + +"Is there another exit from this room, Kitty?" asked Oliver, finishing +his glass of wine as he spoke, and handing the empty glass to the +waiting servant. + +"Only the window behind us," gasped Kitty; "quick! they are all too busy +eating and drinking to notice if you slip through the curtains, and the +balcony is but a few feet from the ground." + +"Then I must run for it. Farewell," murmured Oliver, as the heavy damask +curtains dropped back over his vanishing figure. The two girls gazed +into each other's faces with dilated eyes and quivering lips. Would the +alarm be speedily given, and would they see him captured and carried to +certain death? For one breathless moment they listened, and then Kitty +turned sick and faint; her eyes closed as Betty flung an arm around her +waist. + +"Some wine at once," she said aloud, and two gentlemen sprang forward to +assist her to place Kitty in a chair. "She is affected by the heat of +the room; it will pass in a moment," and she gave the reviving girl a +good hard pinch, which made her start in her chair. "Oh, Gulian, I am +glad you are here. Had you not better seek Madam Cruger?" + +"No, no," cried Kitty, struggling to rise, and most heartily ashamed of +herself for her lack of self-control. "My mother is not strong and must +not be alarmed. I am better; will you come into the hall with me, Betty? +It is cooler there." + +"Of course, and you can rest awhile; Gulian will bring us supper." + +But supper and everything connected with it was far from Betty's +thoughts; all she wished was a few words with Kitty alone, which she +knew Gulian's absence would give her. + +"Betty," said Kitty the instant he left them, "you do not know half the +danger. If he has not the means of escape close at hand--if the British +officers arrest the fiddler--Oliver is totally lost. Can you see through +yonder door if the man be there still with the others?" Betty rose from +her chair and stepped inside the ballroom, now nearly deserted, for the +guests were all at supper. She glanced eagerly toward the upper end of +the room; no, the manikin fiddler had disappeared. Then an idea darted +into her quick brain; inaction under the circumstances was maddening; +back she darted to Kitty's side. + +"Kitty, come with me instantly. We will muffle ourselves in our cloaks +and hoods and steal forth for a moment. I'll find Pompey and our sleigh, +and if worst comes, let Oliver fly in that fashion; Gulian's horses are +fleet enough to distance pursuers." + +Without another word both girls flew into the room near the front door +where they had left their wraps. Not a soul was there; the servants had +gone elsewhere, knowing that their services would not be required until +the early morning hours, when the ball broke up. It took but a moment +pounce on their cloaks, and Betty also seized a long dark wrap, which +lay conveniently at her hand, thinking it might be useful. Out into the +hall they dashed swiftly and silently, past the lanterns on the broad +piazza; and as luck had it, Pompey himself, who had come up to witness +the festivities from the outside, popped up at the steps. + +"What you 'so doin' hyar, little missy?" he began wonderingly, but Betty +cut him short. + +"Fetch the sleigh at once, Pompey. Mistress Kitty is ill, and I want to +take her home." + +Pompey, somewhat alarmed at the tone and catching sight of Betty's white +face and burning eyes, vanished on the instant. The girls drew into the +shadow as far as they were able, and holding their breath peered into +the darkness. + +"What is that?" whispered Kitty, as a swift footstep crossed the piazza. +"Oh, 'tis Yorke! Have a care, Betty, or we are discovered," and she +endeavored to drag her farther back against the wall. As she did so, +the crouching figure of a man rose up against the trunk of one of the +oak-trees on the lawn; it was Oliver. His padded coat cast off, they +could dimly distinguish his tall slender form. Some singular instinct +for which he could never account made Yorke pause as he set his foot on +the threshold of the front door; he wheeled just in time to see Betty's +face, as one pale ray from a distant lantern fell across it. + +"Betty, what are you doing here?" he cried, darting to her side. At that +instant a sound of voices broke on the stillness of the night; it came +from behind the mansion in the direction of the pine woods. + +"Kitty is ill," faltered Betty. "I am taking her home--do not, I pray +you, detain me--oh, there is Pompey"--as the welcome sound of +sleigh-bells rang out on the frosty air. "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, let me +go!" + +Her tone of agonized supplication went to Geoffrey's heart. Kitty flew +down the steps into the sleigh, unassisted, and Betty followed, her hand +in Yorke's. There arose a hoarse shout "The spy, the spy--he has escaped +by the road!" and as Betty set her foot on the runner, a dark figure +vaulted over Kitty and buried itself in the robes at the bottom of the +sleigh. + +"At last, sweetheart, I pay my debt," whispered Yorke in her ear, as he +thrust Betty safely into the seat. "Pompey, drive for your life!" The +startled negro needed no second bidding, down came the whip-lash on the +horses' backs, and with a furious plunge, a mad rear, they were off, a +quarter of a mile ahead before their pursuers turned the corner of the +mansion. + +Oh, that wild race through the snow! Even in after years, when long days +of happiness had crowded out much of those stirring times from Betty's +mind, a shudder would creep over her, and closing her eyes she could see +again the tall gaunt trees, the frozen road, the snow that glittered so +still and cold in the cruel starlight, and hear the distant shouts that +she feared told of pursuit. On they flew, Oliver giving occasional +directions to the trembling and excited Pompey. Now that he knew the +danger, the faithful negro would have died sooner than fail to carry the +fugitive into comparative safety. On, through the Lispenard meadows, +on,--until they struck Broadway; no pursuers within sight, and at Crown +Street Oliver bade him turn in the direction of the river, and drive +down until he reached the slip which lay at the foot of the street. All +was still. Save an occasional belated pedestrian, nothing seemed +stirring, and as they neared the dingy old tavern at the Sign of the +Sturdy Beggar, Pompey pulled up his smoking, panting horses. + +"Don't want to got too near dose lights," he said, pointing to the +swinging lantern which adorned the hostelry; "darsen't let nobody see my +young mistress; Massa Gulian would flog Pompey for shuah if dis tale +gets tole." + +"You're right, Pompey," answered Oliver, springing up and flinging the +long dark cloak with which Betty had provided herself around his +shoulders; "take the ladies home slowly. Kitty, my beloved, +farewell--farewell, Betty, brave little soul that you are; I'll tell my +father how your quick wits came to my relief. Here I cross the river on +the ice, and, God willing, reach the commander-in-chief with the tidings +he desires by eight o'clock in the morning." + +A sob from Kitty, a low "God guard you!" from Betty, and Oliver vanished +as Pompey turned his horses and proceeded leisurely back to Broadway. +The girls were literally too spent with emotion to do more than sink +down breathless among the fur robes, and not one word did they exchange +as they drove through Wall Street and finally drew up at the Verplancks' +door. On the steps stood Gulian, a tall and silent figure, awaiting the +truants. + +"What does this mean?" he began sternly, as he lifted Kitty out. "Did +the hue and cry for that wretched, miserable Whig spy frighten the +horses? Clarissa is nearly distracted"-- + +"I will explain all to your satisfaction," interrupted Betty. "Meantime, +listen, and be thankful;" and as she held up a warning hand, they heard +through the stillness of the night the watchman's distant cry float down +the frosty air:-- + +"Half past three o'clock--and all's--well!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +LOVE OR LOYALTY + + +"Do you mean to tell me that you, Clarissa's sister, had anything to do +with the escape of a Whig spy?" + +"Even so," said Betty calmly, though her face was pale and her brilliant +eyes burning with excitement. + +"Damnation!" retorted Gulian angrily. "Even your mistaken ideas of +patriotism could hardly carry a well-behaved maiden so far." + +"Gulian! how _dare_ you!" + +"What am I to conclude?" with a scornful wave of his hand; "your story +is somewhat disjointed. Kitty is taken ill; you suddenly decide to carry +her off in my sleigh without farewell of any kind to your hostess, +without paying your sister or me the respect to ask permission. Then you +state that a man--confound the beggar's impudence!--sprang into the +sleigh, and you were foolish enough to fetch him out of the danger of +pursuit, all because of loyalty to the cause of so-called freedom. I +cannot understand--Stay! Captain Yorke was on the steps as I came out, +hearing the shouts; did he witness this extraordinary occurrence?" + +"I told you the fugitive had concealed himself in the bottom of the +sleigh before I entered it," said Betty, terror seizing her lest a +chance word should implicate Geoffrey in the matter. "Would you have me +turn a helpless man loose among your Hessians? I have too vivid +recollection of Nathan Hale's fate to contribute another victim to +English mercy." + +The taunt stung Verplanck, for, like many of the more liberal Tories, he +had deeply deplored the tragic ending of the gallant Hale, although +forced to regard it as one of the stern necessities of war. He bit his +lip as he answered:-- + +"Thank you, Betty; I am glad Clarissa does not regard me as quite so +bloodthirsty as you evidently deem me." Then, eying her keenly, as if +struck by a sudden thought, "Did you know the man, or was it all pure +patriotism?" + +"Yes," returned Betty, filled with indignation at the sneer, and facing +him with all her native courage; "yes, I know him well." + +"Know him?" echoed the bewildered Gulian, "are you mad or am I +dreaming?" + +"Neither, I trust. The Whig spy, as you are pleased to call him, was my +brother, Oliver Wolcott. Thank God that he has made good his escape, and +congratulate yourself, Gulian, that you aided, even remotely, in it." + +"Betty, Betty, if this be true, I trust Clarissa does not know." + +"Never fear," with a choking sob; "I shall not tell her. She suffers +enough, poor soul, with her husband upon one side and her people upon +the other of this most cruel war." + +"Betty, go to your chamber," said Gulian sternly. "I will myself escort +Kitty to her own door, and impress upon her the necessity of keeping the +matter a close secret. My mortification would be great were it known. +Why, it might even endanger my friendship with Sir Henry Clinton." + +Betty left the room, but her lip curled as she said to herself, "A Tory +to the tips of his fingers; God forbid that I should ever feel what +Clarissa must." + +Very little sleep visited Betty that night (or what remained of it) as +she lay with open eyes that strained into the growing dawn, picturing to +herself Oliver's flight across the North River, and hoping fervently +that she had thrown the pursuit skillfully off his track. When at last +she fell into a doze it was nearly seven o'clock in the morning, and +Miranda, who softly entered the room, bringing fresh water, halted at +the pillow, loth to waken her. + +"Mistress Betty," she whispered. No reply, but the sleeper turned +uneasily, and then opened her eyes. "I certainly do hate to call you, +but jes' look here; what you say for dat, little missy?" and Miranda +held up a letter. "Dat was left wif me at daybreak by de young boy who +came wif Sambo--missy knows who I mean,"--rolling her eyes fearfully +around the room,--"and he said tell you that Jim Bates, of Breucklen +Heights, had tole him to fetch it to you." + +Betty seized the package; it consisted of a half-sheet of paper which +inclosed a letter, doubled over and sealed with wax in the fashion of +the day. + +"I am safely across the river," wrote Oliver on the outer sheet, "and +send this to ease your mind and Kitty's. Moppet's letter came to me +inside one from my father by private hand a few days since, on chance of +my being able to give it you. My service in the city is over, my object +attained; hereafter I shall be on duty with our troops. God be with you +till we meet again." + +Betty broke the seal of her letter and between sobs and laughter +deciphered the queer pot-hooks and printed letters with which Miss +Moppet had covered the pages. Dear little Moppet; Betty could almost see +the frowns and puckered brow with which the child had penned the words. + +"My Betty dear," the letter ran, "we miss you sorely, especially the +Mare and me. She whinnies when I seek the Stable, and I was going to say +I cry too, but never mind." (This was partly erased, but Betty made it +out.) "It is so cold the Chickens are kept in the kitchen at night lest +they freeze. We hope it may thaw soon, as we Desire to get the maple +syrup from the trees. Aunt Euphemia is well. Miss Bidwell is still +knitting Socks for our poor soldiers, and I made Half of one, but the +Devil tempted me with Bad temper and I threw it on the Fire, for which +I was well Punished. Pamela cries much; I do not see why she is so +Silly. Sally Tracy is the only merry one, now you are away; she spends +too much, time, to my thinking, reading and walking with a young +Gentleman who comes from Branford. I have not yet learned how to spell +his Name, but you may Guess who I mean. When are you coming home, Betty? +I want so to see your dear face. My Respects to Gulian and Clarissa, and +Obedience to Grandma--I do not Recollect her whole Name. My Sampler is +more perfectly Evil than ever, but I have completed the Alphabet and I +danced on it, which Miss Bidwell said was Outrageous naughty, but my +temper Felt calmed afterward. It has taken four Days to write this, +farewell, from your lonesome little sister, + +"FAITH WOLCOTT. + +"Nota Bene. I send my Love to You know Who." + +There were others of the Verplanck household who slept late that +morning. Gulian's usually calm and somewhat phlegmatic temper had been +moved to its depths by the startling and most unexpected revelation of +Oliver Wolcott's identity with the spy, whose escape Betty had aided +and in which he was also indirectly implicated by the use of his horses +and servant. Gulian's strict sense of justice told him that Betty was +right in seizing the means at hand to rescue her brother, but that did +not lessen his irritation at being used for anything which appertained +to the Whig cause, for Gulian Verplanck was a Tory to the backbone. +Educated in England, brought up to consider that the divine right of +kings was a sacred principle, he carried his devotion to the Tories to +such an extent that had he foreseen the conflict between King and +Colonies it is safe to say he would never have wedded Clarissa Wolcott. +His love for his wife was too great to permit him to regret his +marriage, and he was too thorough a gentleman to annoy her by alluding +to their political difference of opinion, except occasionally, when his +temper got the better of him, which, to do him justice, was seldom. But +Clarissa's very love for him rendered her too clear-sighted not to +perceive the state of his mind, and the unspoken agitation which she +suffered on this score had been partly the cause of her homesickness and +longing for her sister's companionship. He had been both kind and +considerate in sending for Betty; his conscience approved the action; +and now to have this escapade as the outcome was, to a man of his +somewhat stilted and over-ceremonious ideas, a blow of the most annoying +description. + +When he sallied forth from his house some two hours later than his wont, +on his way to the wharf, where his business was located, he +congratulated himself that he had so far escaped questioning from his +wife on the occurrences of the night before. When Betty left him, he had +taken Kitty home in the sleigh, and refrained from lecturing her except +so far as insisting upon her not mentioning the matter of Oliver's +escape to her mother. Exhausted as she was, mirth-loving Kitty was moved +to a smile as she listened to Gulian's labored sentences, in which he +endeavored to convince his listener and himself that what he considered +almost a crime against the King's majesty--permitting the escape of a +rebel spy--was, so far as Betty was concerned, a meritorious act. So +Kitty promised, with the utmost sincerity, that not one syllable would +she breathe of the matter to her mother, or, in fact, to any human +being, and hugged herself mentally as she thought of Gulian's horror if +he only knew what a personal interest she had in that night's mad race +for freedom. Clarissa, sweet soul, had lain down quietly, when told that +their horses had nearly run away, being badly frightened by the hue and +cry of an escaping rebel; and uttering heartfelt thanksgivings that +Pompey had brought the girls home in safety, she went fast asleep and +remained so long after Gulian had risen, breakfasted, and gone down +Maiden Lane. + +Business was somewhat dull that morning, and Gulian was conscious that +each time his office door opened he feared some one would enter who had +learned, he hardly knew how, of his having been connected with the +hateful affair occupying his thoughts. It was therefore with a genuine +feeling of relief that just as he was preparing to lock up his books he +heard the outer door open, and a familiar voice inquire if he was +within. + +"Pray come in at once, Yorke," he said, throwing open the door of his +private room with alacrity, as he held out a hand of welcome to his +visitor. "Did you rise early this morning? I am ashamed to own how late +I was, but the balls at De Lancey Place are promoters of sleep next day, +I find." + +"I can usually plead guilty to sleep," replied Yorke, throwing off his +military cloak, and taking the chair which Gulian offered him, "but I +had to be stirring early to-day, for Sir Henry had pressing affairs, and +I was at headquarters before seven o'clock." + +"Did you take horse in pursuit of the spy last night?" asked Gulian, +with somewhat heightened color. + +"Not I," answered Yorke carelessly; "the poor devil had luck on his +wide, or doubled marvelously well on his pursuers, for I am told that +not a trace of him nor of his confederate, the little fiddler, did our +men find. It's well for them, as Sir Henry was much enraged and their +shrift would have been short, I fear, had they been captured." + +"These rebels grow bolder than ever," said Gulian, uttering a secret +thanksgiving which spoke better for his kindness of heart than his +loyalty to King and Crown; "I marvel at their adroitness." + +"So do we all;--but, Verplanck, I came on a different errand to-day than +politics. I came"--and Geoffrey hesitated, as a questioning look came +on Gulian's face--"I came--I--In short, am I right in esteeming you for +the present as brother and guardian to Mistress Betty Wolcott?" + +"Aye; in her father's absence, of course, I stand in that relation +toward her. Well, what of Betty?" + +"Only this," and rising, Yorke bowed in courtly fashion: "I have the +honor to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your sister, +Mistress Betty." + +"To Betty?" was Gulian's astonished and delighted response. "You +surprise me. Your acquaintance is but recent, and, I think, somewhat +formal?" + +"Love is hardly a matter of time or formality," returned Yorke, with a +smile, as a remembrance of his first meeting with Betty occurred to him, +"and that I do truly and honestly love her you have my honorable +assurance. Do you give me your permission to proceed in the matter?" + +"With all my heart," said Gulian, this new aspect of things driving all +unpleasantness connected with Betty from his head; "but her father's +consent is, I fear me, quite a different matter." + +"That is not for to-day," cried the lover, as he shook Gulian's hand +with almost boyish delight, "and to-morrow may take care of itself if I +can but gain Betty's ear." + +"But my consent and Clarissa's can be but conditional," proceeded +Gulian, his habitual caution returning to him. "I am not sure that I +should be altogether justified--Nay," seeing Yorke's face cloud with +keen disappointment, "I will myself lay the matter before Betty, and +endeavor to ascertain if she may be well disposed toward you." + +"Heaven forbid!" thought the impetuous lover. But he only said aloud, +"Thank you, Verplanck, I am delighted to receive your sanction. How are +you spending the afternoon?" + +"I have business at Breucklen Heights, but I shall be at home this +evening, when I will approach Betty in the matter, and tell my wife of +the honor you do us. For I have not forgotten my many visits to your +father, Lord Herbert, at Yorke Towers, and the kindness extended me +while in England. Indeed, Yorke, for my personal share in the matter, I +know of no alliance which could gratify me more." + +This was unwonted warmth on Gulian's part, and Yorke, feeling it to be +such, grasped his hand warmly at parting, as he flung himself in his +saddle, and rode gayly up Maiden Lane. + +But the "best laid plans o' mice and men" often meet with unsuspected +hindrances, as both Gulian and Yorke were destined to discover. What +special imp prompted Betty to sally forth for a walk after dinner, +thereby missing a call from Yorke (who came thus early to prevent +Gulian's intended interview), it would be vain to speculate; but when +the maid returned, feeling more like her old happy self than she had +done in weeks, the irony of fate prompted an encounter with her +brother-in-law at the library door. + +"I have somewhat to say to you, Betty," began Gulian, with an air of +importance, which set Betty's nerves on edge at once. If there was one +thing more than another that annoyed her it was Gulian's pompous manner. +"Will you come inside before going upstairs? I will not detain you +long." + +Wondering what could have occurred to wipe out the displeasure with +which he had dismissed her to bed the last time they met, Betty +followed him, and throwing off her hood and cloak seated herself calmly +as Gillian entered and closed the door with the solemnity he considered +befitting the occasion. + +"I had the unhappiness--the very great unhappiness," he began, "to feel +much displeased with you last night; but upon thinking the whole matter +over carefully, I am convinced that in assisting your unfortunate +brother to escape you did your best under the circumstances, and were +justified in yielding to a very natural and proper sisterly impulse." + +"Thank you," said Betty demurely, but with a sparkle of fun in her +liquid eyes as she turned them upon Gulian, secretly amused at this +curiously characteristic apology. + +"We will dismiss that event and endeavor to forget it; I only wish, to +repeat my injunction that I desire Clarissa should know nothing of the +matter." He paused, and Betty made a movement of assent. + +"How old are you, Betty?" came the next remark. + +"I am turned sixteen," replied Betty, somewhat surprised at the +question. + +"So I thought." Gulian paused again to give weight and dignity to the +disclosure. "You are now of a marriageable age. I have this morning +received a proposal for your hand." + +"Indeed," said Betty calmly, "And who, pray, has done me that honor, in +this city, where I am but a recent comer?" + +"Precisely what I remarked; the acquaintance has been, perhaps, unduly +short. But nevertheless a most honorable and distinguished gentleman +intends to offer you, through me, his hand"-- + +"He had been wiser to present _me_ with his heart," interrupted Betty, +with a mischievous laugh. But mirth died on her lips as Gulian, frowning +slightly, proceeded with his story in his own way. + +"His hand, and I presume his heart; do not be flippant, Betty; it ill +becomes you. This young gentleman will be called upon to fill a high +position; he is the son of a man of title and"-- + +"Stay," said Betty coldly. "It is not necessary to rehearse his +advantages. May I ask the name of this somewhat audacious gentleman?" + +"Audacious?" ejaculated Gulian, falling back a step to gaze full at the +haughty face uplifted toward him. "Surely you misunderstand me. Pending +your father, General Wolcott's consent, I trust you are able to perceive +the advantages of this match, for Captain Geoffrey Yorke is a son of +Lord Herbert Yorke, and grandson of the Earl of Hardwicke. It is an +exceptionally good offer, in my opinion, for any colonist, as in this +country, alas, we have no rank. Moreover, Betty, when the war ends it +will be wise to have some affiliation with the mother country, and by so +doing be in a position to ask protection for your unhappy and misguided +relatives who now bear arms against the King." + +Up rose Mistress Betty, her slender form trembling with indignation, her +eyes flashing, and her cheeks scarlet.-- + +"I would to God," she cried passionately, "that my father could hear you +insult his child, his country, and his cause. There is no need for you +to ask his consent to my marriage with Captain Yorke, for here, this +moment, I promptly decline any alliance which possesses the advantages +you so feelingly describe." + +"Betty, Betty "--Gulian saw his mistake, but it was too late; on rushed +the torrent of her indignation. + +"I wish you--and him--to understand that Betty Wolcott is heart and soul +with her 'misguided relatives' in rebellion against British rule; that +nothing--no, nothing, would induce her to wed an enemy to her country." + +"Nothing, Betty?" said a manly voice behind her, as Yorke himself +crossed the threshold, where for the last few seconds he had been an +angry listener to Gulian's blunders. "Surely you will grant me a moment +to plead on my own behalf?" + +"And wherefore?" cried Betty. "You sent your message by him," with a +scornful wave of her hand toward Gulian's retreating figure; "through +him, then, receive my reply." + +"I will not," said Geoffrey firmly, as the door closed behind Verplanck. +"Sweetheart, will you listen to me?" + +"It is useless," murmured Betty, with a choking sob. "I was mad to even +dream it might be possible. Gulian has made it all too plain to me." + +"Nay, you must and shall hear me. I will not leave you until I tell you +that I love you devotedly; ah, why should politics and war come between +our hearts? Consider, Betty, I will do all a gentleman and a man of +honor can to please you"-- + +"But you cannot desert your own people," she said despairingly. "I could +not love you if you did, for, Geoffrey, it is but due you to confess in +this hour of parting that you are very, very dear to me," and the last +words just reached his eager ears as Betty sank, trembling, into a +chair. + +"Dearest," he cried, kissing the little hand which lay in his, "will you +not bid me hope? Think, the tide may turn; we are both young, and who +can predict the fortunes of war? I will not bind you, but to you I must +myself be bound by the passionate love I bear you." + +"Oh, Geoffrey, my beloved, it cannot be! I know what my dear and honored +father would say. God guard you--farewell!" + +He caught the dainty form in his arms, he held her next his heart and +vowed that come what would he defied fate itself to separate her from +him. "See," he cried, snatching the knot of rose-colored ribbon from his +breast, "I will wear this token always as I have done since the day it +dropped from your gown on the grass. If it be twenty years, I will yet +come, with your father's consent, to win you, and then, _then_, +sweetheart, may I claim my reward?" + +"I cannot wed my country's foe," she faltered. "Oh, Geoffrey, be +merciful--let me go." At that moment there came a violent knock upon the +street door, a sound of voices, and Pompey's slow step approaching the +library door. + +"An express for Massa Captain brought by Sir Henry's orderly," said the +faithful old negro, handing a sealed envelope to Yorke, as he closed the +door behind him. Yorke tore it open; it fell from his hand. For a moment +he stood, tall, gallant, and brave, before Betty; his eyes met hers in +long, lingering farewell. + +"Sir Henry leads the expedition to South Carolina to-night, Betty, and I +go with him. Nay, sweetheart, sweetheart, we shall meet again in happier +days." + +She gave a little cry and flung herself into his arms; she kissed him +with all her warm frank heart on her lips, and then she slipped from his +embrace and was gone as Yorke dashed from the house, mounted his horse, +and galloped swiftly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +It was early autumn in Connecticut, and the maples had put on their most +gorgeous robes of red and yellow. The weather had been mild for that +region up to the middle of October, when a sudden light frost had flung +its triumphant banner over hill and dale with a glow and glory seen to +its greatest perfection in New England. The morning air was somewhat +fresh, and Miss Bidwell, hearing Moppet's feet flying along the hall, +opened the door of the sitting-room and called the child. + +"You will need your tippet if you are going beyond the orchard, and I +think perhaps your hood." + +"Hood!" echoed Miss Moppet disdainfully, shaking her yellow curls over +her shoulders until they danced almost of themselves; "I do not need to +be muffled up as if I were a little girl, Miss Bidwell. You forget I was +twelve years old yesterday," and she waltzed around the room, spreading +her short skirt in a courtesy, to Miss Bidwell's admiring gaze. + +"Indeed, I am likely to recollect when I myself arranged the twelve +candles in your birthday cake." + +"To be sure!" cried Moppet, with swift repentance, "and such an +excellent, rich cake as it was, too. Do you think"--insinuatingly--"that +I might have a slice, a very tiny slice, before I go forth with Betty to +gather nuts in the Tracys' woods?" + +"No," replied Miss Bidwell, laughing, "you will assuredly be ill if you +touch one morsel before dinner. Run along, Miss Moppet, I see your +sister waiting for you at the gate," and Moppet, with a jump and a skip, +flew off through the side door and down the path, at the end of which +stood Betty. + +It was a very lovely Betty over whom the October sunshine played that +morning, but to a keenly observant eye a different Betty from her who +had danced at the De Lancey ball, now nearly three years past. This +Betty had grown slightly taller, and there was an air of quiet dignity +about her which suggested Pamela. But the beautiful merry eyes had +deepened in expression, and it was, if anything, a still more attractive +face than of old, although the fair unconsciousness of childhood had +departed; and if mischief still lurked in the dimpled cheeks, that was +because Betty's heart could never grow old; no matter what life might +hold for her of joy or sorrow, she would always be to a certain extent a +child. And well for her that it was so; do we not all know a few rare +natures whose fascination dwells in this very quality? + +The years had gone swiftly for Betty. Shortly after her parting with +Yorke an opportunity had occurred for her return to Litchfield, and +although Clarissa lamented her departure Betty was eager to fly home. +Gulian had done his best to smooth over his ill-judged and ill-tempered +effort to arrange her matrimonial affairs, and one of Betty's minor +annoyances was her sister's evident disappointment at Yorke's rejection. +Only once had she forgotten herself and flashed out upon Clarissa, +peremptorily forbidding further discussion, and Clarissa had been +positively aghast at the impetuous little creature who confronted her +with flashing eyes and quivering lips, and had speedily warned Gulian +never to broach the subject to Betty again. Peter was Betty's closest +friend in those stormy days. The urchin had a shrewd perception of how +matters stood, and many a time had Betty hugged him for very gratitude +when he made a diversion and carried her off to some boyish haunt in the +city or to the Collect, thereby giving her opportunity to regain the +self-control and spirit necessary to appear as usual. For Betty was +formed of gallant stuff. No matter if her heart ached to bursting for +sight of Geoffrey, if her ears longed, oh, so madly, for the sound of +his voice; she could suffer, aye, deeply and long, but she could also be +brave and hide even the appearance of a wound. That Gulian, and even +Clarissa, considered her a heartless coquette troubled her not at all, +and so Betty danced and laughed on to the end of her sojourn in New +York. + +It had always been a source of thankfulness to her that she had been +able to go home before Geoffrey's return from the expedition to South +Carolina, for she sometimes doubted her own ability to withstand his +personal appeal if again exerted. That he had returned and then, shortly +after, gone upon another detail, she had heard incidentally from Oliver +during one of her brother's flying visits to Litchfield on his way to +New London with dispatches. Oliver had been greatly touched by Yorke's +conduct in the matter of his escape, but if he suspected that Betty's +lovely face had anything to do with the British officer's kindly +blindness, he was too clever to hint as much, for which forbearance +Betty thanked him in the depths of her heart. The only way in which he +showed his suspicion was in the occasional bits of news concerning Yorke +with which he favored her. At the battle of Cowpens Yorke had been +wounded and taken prisoner, and it fell to Oliver Wolcott to arrange for +his exchange. Then, for the first time, were Oliver's surmises changed +to certainties, for one night when he had been attending the prisoner, +whose wound was nearly healed, Yorke broke silence and in the frankest, +most manly fashion demanded news of his little sweetheart, and told +Oliver of his hopes and fears. Nothing could have appealed so directly +to the brother as Yorke's avowal that Betty had refused him because of +the coat he wore, and his eyes filled as he said, boyishly enough, +"Egad, Yorke, she has all the Wolcott pluck and patriotism; though were +this vexed question of independence settled, I wish with all my heart +that you may yet conquer this unwilling maid whom I call sister." + +Yorke smiled, but he did not consider it necessary to add that Betty had +once let compassion and gratitude get the better of her loyalty in the +matter of a prisoner, to Oliver's own discomfiture. + +There had been some changes in the Wolcott home: Pamela had gone forth +from the mansion a bride, after Cornwallis had surrendered at Yorktown, +and Josiah Huntington had worn a major's uniform on his wedding-day. +Betty had scarcely recovered from that break in the home circle when +Sally Tracy, with many blushes and much laughter, confessed that she, +too, was about to follow Pamela's example, and that a certain Mr. James +Gould, the gentleman from Branford, of whom Moppet had been so +suspicious, was the lucky individual upon whom she intended to bestow +her hand. Verily, with all these wedding-bells sounding, Betty began to +feel that she was likely to be left alone, but who only laughed gayly +when twitted with her fancy for maidenhood, and danced as merrily at +Sally's wedding as if her heart had lain light in her bosom instead of +aching bitterly for one whom she began to fear she should never see +more. + +Little did Betty guess that bright October morning, when she and Moppet +went forth bent on a nutting excursion, that a courier was even now +speeding on his way whose coming would change the tide of her whole +existence. And when, as noon struck, Oliver Wolcott dismounted at the +door of his home and, walking straight to his father's study, delivered +a packet from General Wolcott to Miss Euphemia, his next move was a +descent upon Miss Bidwell's parlor and a hasty demand for Betty. So when +Moppet and Betty appeared, rosy with success and a fair-sized bag of +nuts as the result of their joint labors, they found the household in a +state of suppressed excitement, and lo! the cause was Oliver's +approaching marriage. + +"You see," explained Oliver, when he finally got Betty to himself for a +walk in the orchard after dinner, "now that the treaty has been signed +in Paris, the British will soon evacuate New York, and when our army +enters, there will be grand doings to celebrate the event, and my +father must ride at the head of the Connecticut troops on that day. I, +too, Betty, God willing, shall be with the Rangers, and thinking the +date will be about a month hence, Kitty and Madam Cruger have set our +wedding-day as the 25th of November. I gave you Kitty's letter"-- + +"Yes, and a dear, kind letter it is. She bids me for her bridesmaid, +Oliver, and says that Moppet and Peter will hold her train, after the +new English fashion (which no doubt is her mother's suggestion, for I +think Kitty does not much affect fancies which come across the water), +and, oh, Oliver, I do indeed wish you joy," and Betty's eyes brimmed +full of tears as she gave him her hand. + +"I know you love Kitty," said Oliver, kissing her cheek, "and we can +afford to forgive a wedding after the English mode, as, if I gain my +Kitty, I care but little how she comes." + +"Betty, Betty," called Moppet's voice from the upper path, "do come in +if you and Oliver have finished your chat, for Miss Bidwell desires your +opinion on some weighty matter connected with our journey to New York." + +"I will come," answered Betty; then turning bank with, as careless an +air as she could summon, "Do you happen to have heard aught of your +quondam prisoner, Captain Yorke?" + +"Yorke!" replied Oliver, avoiding her eye as be stooped to throw a stick +from the path,--"Yorke! oh, aye, I did hear that he was invalided and +went home several months ago. I fancy it was not so much his health (for +he looked strong enough to my thinking the last time I met him) but more +his disgust with the turn things were taking; for you know, Betty, since +the surrender at Yorktown the British have been more insolent and +overbearing than ever, and Yorke is too much a gentleman, no matter what +his political color, to be dragged into quarrels which I hear are +incessant in the city, and the cause of many duels." + +"Duels!" cried Betty, as the color left her checks; "oh, I hope he--that +is--I hope nobody whom I know has been engaged in one." + +"Not I," returned Oliver, with a mischievous glance. "So you might even +be sorry for a foe, eh, Betty?" But Betty went flying up the path and +did not deign to reply. + +Miss Moppet, childlike, was perfectly overjoyed at the prospect of a +wedding in which she was to play a part, and flew from her aunt to Miss +Bidwell and Betty, then back to her aunt again in a twitter of +excitement at the combination of a journey and festivity as well. +General Wolcott's letter to his sister was full of important news. As +the seat of Congress was Annapolis, General Wolcott, who was a member of +that body, had decided to close the manor house for the winter and take +a house in New York for his family, and he sent minute and particular +directions for leaving all home affairs in the hands of Miss Bidwell and +Reuben until their return to Litchfield in the spring. Oliver's intended +marriage had hastened this decision, and there would be barely time to +settle matters and reach New York in season for the wedding. They were +to stop with Clarissa, who had written most pleading letters, and after +that visit would take possession of their new quarters. + +Most of the afternoon was spent in plans for their journey, with Oliver +as escort, and many a sigh rose almost to Betty's lips as these recalled +that other journey when her heart had been as light as Moppet's was now. +But she put all thought aside with a resolute heart, and finally +receiving directions from Miss Euphemia in regard to a chest of winter +clothing packed safely away in the garret, she concluded to give +Moppet's restless hands some occupation, and bade the child accompany +her upstairs. + +The old garret looked familiar enough. Even the wooden stools which had +served as seats for her and Sally Tracy in the old childish days stood +in the same corner under the dormer window, through which the sun was +even now pouring its setting rays. The chest was unlocked, and presently +a goodly pile of clothing lay upon the floor ready to be carried below. + +"Let me have my worsted jacket, and my flannel wrapper (indeed, I do +believe they are too small for me; can I find others in New York, +Betty?), and this pretty hood of Pamela's. Betty, Betty, do you think +Miss Bidwell could cut this one smaller for me? May I just run down and +ask? I will return at once." + +"Yes," said Betty, intent upon counting a heap of stockings; "please +fetch me a pair of scissors when you come up again." + +Off flew Moppet, marking her progress down the garret stairs by various +exclamations as she dropped the jacket and tripped on the wrapper, but, +finally reached the bottom in safety, Betty went on overlooking the +chest; there were many articles to select from, and a red skirt of +Moppet's which did not appear to be forthcoming. She ran her hand down +to the very bottom of the chest, and feeling some garment made of smooth +cloth with a gleam of red in it, dragged it forth and held it up to the +light. As she did so, her hand struck something hard and round. + +"What have I found?" thought Betty, but the next moment she saw that +what she held was an officer's dark blue riding-cape fastened with brass +buttons, on each of which was engraved a crown, and the cape was lined +with British scarlet. + +"What have you got there?" said Moppet's voice, as she appeared at her +side. "Why, 'tis Captain Yorke's cape that he muffled me in the day I +fell into Great Pond--Oh, Betty, Betty, what is amiss?" + +Down on her knees fell Betty. She buried her face in the cape's folds, +and tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to say, "It is nothing, +nothing, I am tired--I am--Oh, Geoffrey, Geoffrey, I think my heart is +breaking." + +Miss Moppet opened her eyes to their widest; then slowly and +deliberately she grasped the situation in "high Roman fashion." + +"Betty Wolcott, do I live to see you weep over a scarlet coat!" + +No answer; indeed, Betty scarcely heard the words. The flood-gates were +let loose and the agony of days and months must have its way. + +"Betty!" this time the voice of reproving patriotism quavered somewhat. +"I do believe you are worse than Pamela." But Betty sobbed on,--sobs +that fairly racked her slender body. + +"Well, I don't care what anybody says,"--and Moppet flung the Whig cause +to the wind as she cast herself down beside Betty,--"he's dear and +handsome and brave; whether he be British or Yankee, I love him, and _so +do you_, naughty, naughty Betty!" + +And with her head on Miss Moppet's sympathizing shoulder, and Miss +Moppet's loving arms clasped around her neck, Betty Wolcott whispered +her confession and was comforted. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON + + +The sun rose bright and clear over the Bay of New York. It had been a +somewhat gray dawn, but the fog and mist had gradually rolled away, and +the day bid fair to be one of those which Indian summer occasionally +gives in our northern climate. All around Fort George and the Battery +the British troops were making ready for departure; the ships for their +transportation to England lay out in the bay, for this was the 25th of +November in the year of our Lord 1783. + +The streets in the upper part of the city were filled with a different +kind of crowd, but one equally eager to be off and away. Many of the +Tories and sympathizers with the Crown had found New York a most +unpleasant dwelling-place since the signing of the treaty in which "The +United States of America" were proclaimed to the world an independent +Power, and Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, had more trouble in +providing transportation for this army of discontented refugees than for +his own soldiers. However, the day was fixed, the ships ready to weigh +anchor, and the Army of Occupation about to bid adieu to American shores +forever. + +"Peter," said Miss Moppet, as she danced merrily out of the +breakfast-room, "you are sure, quite sure that the grand procession, +with General Washington at its head, will come past this door? Because +we are all cordially bidden to Mistress Kitty's and perhaps Betty may +prefer to go there." + +"But it will be a far better sight here," returned Peter; "it is sure to +pass our door, for I heard Oliver tell Aunt Clarissa so last night just +as he was going out." + +"Oliver has overmuch on his mind to-day," remarked Moppet shrewdly; "to +ride with his troop in the morning and be married at evening is quite +enough to make him forget the route of a procession. Do you think we +might go out on the doorstep and see if there be any sign of its +approach?" + +"Why not? It will be royal fun to see the British soldiers come down +from the Government House, and hear the hoots and howls the Broadway +and Vly boys are bound to give them. For once all the boys of the city +are of one mind--except the Tory boys, and they don't count for much +hereafter." + +"I wouldn't jeer at a fallen foe if I were you, Peter," said Moppet, +severely, as she took up a position on the stoop, and leaned her elbows +on the iron railing; "my father says that is not manly, and besides I do +suppose there may be some decent Britishers." + +"I never knew but one," retorted Peter stoutly. "What knowledge have you +of them, I'd like to know?" + +"Not much," evasively. "Who was the one you mention?" + +"My! but he was a prime skater; how he and Betty used to fly over +Collect Pond that winter. Do you skate up in Litchfield, Moppet?" + +"Yes, of course; that's where Betty learned with Oliver." + +"Oh, aye, I remember; when she cut a face on the ice the day she raced +with Captain Yorke she told me her brother had taught her." + +At this moment there was sound of a distant bugle; both children ran +down to the foot of the steps and gazed eagerly up the street. But it +was a false alarm, and after a few moments spent in fruitless watching +they returned to their post of observation on the stoop. + +"Peter," began Moppet presently, with true feminine persistency, "what +were you saying about a British officer who knew Betty?" + +"Captain Yorke? He was aide to Sir Henry Clinton." + +"Was he? Will he go off to-day with all the other redcoats?" + +"He sailed away to England some months ago,--I recollect he came to bid +good-by to Clarissa,--but do you know, Moppet," lowering his voice, with +a glance over his shoulder to be certain that he was not overheard, "I +think I saw him two days ago." + +"In New York?" said Moppet, with a start. "Why you said he'd gone to +England." + +"But he could come back, surely. Moppet, _I_ think he was proper fond of +Betty." + +"Peter Provoost, do you fancy that my sister would smile on a scarlet +coat? You ought to be ashamed of yourself," and Moppet looked the +picture of virtuous indignation. + +"Well, I've seen her do it," retorted Peter, not in the least abashed, +"and what's more I heard him call her 'sweetheart' once." + +"Oh, Peter!" Moppet's curiosity very nearly got the better of her +discretion; but she halted in time, and bit her tongue to keep it +silent. + +"And if you won't tell--promise?"--Moppet nodded--"not a word, mind, +even to Betty--where do you think I saw Captain Yorke the other day? +You'll never guess;--it was at Fraunces's Tavern on Broad Street, and he +was in earnest conversation with General Wolcott." + +"With my father?" This time Moppet's astonishment was real, and Peter +chuckled at his success in news-telling. + +"Children," called a voice from the hall, "where are you? Do you want to +come with me on an errand for Clarissa near Bowling Green, which must be +done before the streets are full of the troops?" + +"Surely," cried both voices, as Peter dashed in one direction after his +cocked hat, and Miss Moppet flew in another for the blue hood. Betty +waited until the pair returned, laughing and panting, and then taking a +hand of each she proceeded up Wall Street to Broadway, and down that +thoroughfare toward Bowling Green. Before they had quite reached their +destination the sound of bugle and trumpet made them turn about, and +Peter suggested that they should mount a convenient pair of steps in +front of a large white house, which had apparently been closed by its +owners, for a number of bystanders were already posted there. They were +just in time, for around the corner of William Street came a group of +officers on horseback, their scarlet uniforms glittering in the sun. It +was Sir Guy Carleton and his staff, on their way to the Battery, where +they would take boats and be rowed over to a man-of-war which awaited +them in the bay. A murmur, then louder sounds of disapprobation, started +up from the street. + +"There they go!" cried a voice, "and good riddance to Hessians and +Tories." + +Betty's cheeks flushed. Oh, those hateful scarlet coats, symbols of what +had caused her so much misery. And yet--with another and deeper wave +of color--it was Geoffrey's uniform and these were his brother officers, +going where they would see him; oh, why, why, was fate so unkind, and +life so hard! Another moment and they were out of sight, but keen-eyed +Moppet caught a glimpse of Betty's downcast face and said to herself, +"Oh, I dare not tell her; I wish I did." + +Out on Bowery Lane and away up in Harlem, over King's Bridge, with +measured step and triumphant hearts the Continentals were entering the +city. What a procession was that, with General Washington and Governor +Clinton at its head, and how all loyal New York spread its banners to +the wind and shouted loud and long to welcome it! There were the picked +men of the army, the heroes of an hundred fights, the men of +Massachusetts who had been at Lexington and Bunker Hill; General Knox in +command, and General Wolcott with his Connecticut Rangers, while Oliver +rode proudly at the head of his company. It was a slow march, down the +Bowery and through Chatham and Queen streets to Wall, thence up to +Broadway, where the column halted. + +It would be vain to describe Betty's emotion as from the windows of the +Verplanck mansion she watched the troops and the civil concourse, and +realized that at last, after long years of heroic endurance, of gallant +fighting, of many privations, the freedom of the Colonies was an +accomplished fact. Miss Moppet and Peter flew from one window to another +and cheered and shouted to their hearts' content. Even Grandma Effingham +and Clarissa waved their handkerchiefs, while Gulian, on the doorstep, +raised his cocked hat in courtly salute to General Washington. Gulian +was beginning to learn that perhaps one might find something to be proud +of in America, even if we were lacking in the rank and titles he so +admired. + +Oliver's wedding, which was set for six o'clock, to allow the +commander-in-chief to be present before the banquet at Fraunces's +Tavern, was to be on as grand a scale as Madam Cruger's ideas could make +it; for having consented to her daughter's marriage, that stately dame +proposed to yield in her most gracious fashion. It took some time to +dress Miss Moppet in the silken petticoat and puffed skirt, the tiny +mobcap and white ribbons, which Kitty had considered proper for the +occasion, and Betty found she must hasten her own toilet, or be late +herself. Moppet followed her up to the old room where Betty had spent +so many hours of varied experience, and assisted to spread out once +again the flowered brocade, which had not seen the light of day since +the De Lancey ball. + +"Here are your slippers, Betty; how nicely they fit your foot." + +"Yes," said Betty, her thoughts far across the sea, as she slipped on +one of them. + +"I hope those are wedlock shoes," quoth Moppet, with a queer, +mischievous glance, as she tied the slipper strings around the slender +ankle. But Betty did not heed her; she was busy undoing the knots of +rose-colored ribbon on the waist, which she had once placed there with +such coquettish pride. + +"What are you about?" cried Moppet, seizing her sister's hand as she was +in the act of snipping off one with the scissors. "Oh, Betty, the gown +will not be half so pretty without them." + +"Nay, child, rose-colored ribbons are not for me to-day; I am grown too +old and sad," said Betty softly, looking with tender eyes into Moppet's +face. + +"Did ever I hear such fal-lal nonsense," and Moppet's foot came down in +a genuine hot-tempered stamp which made Betty start, "Betty, Betty, I +will not have it--pray put them back this moment;" then in the coaxing +voice which she knew always carried her point, "What would Oliver and +Kitty say if you were not as gay as possible to grace their wedding? Oh, +fie, Betty dear!" + +As usual Moppet had her way, and when the pair alighted at the Cruder +door Betty's knots of rose-color were in their accustomed place. + +Within the mansion all was light and gay. Weddings in those times were +conducted with even more pomp and ceremony than in our day, and the +entertainments, though not upon the present scale, were fully as lavish. +Wax candles shone at every possible point, and lit up the broad +reception-hall, the polished floors and high ceilings, while mirrors on +mantels and walls reflected back many times the stately figures which +passed and repassed before them. And then there came a pause, when +voices were hushed, and down the oak staircase came Kitty, led by Gulian +Verplanck (her nearest male relative), wearing a white satin petticoat +(though somewhat scanty to our ideas in width and length), and over it +a, train of silver brocade, stiff and rustling, while a long scarf of +Mechlin lace covered her pretty dark head and hung in soft folds down +her back. The high-heeled slippers, the long lace mitts, with their +white bows at the elbow, completed her toilet. She stood before the +assembled company a fair young bride of the olden days, and behind her +came Miss Moppet and Peter Provoost, holding her silver train with the +tips of their fingers. Oliver, in full Continental uniform, his cocked +hat under his arm, awaited her at the end of the great drawing-room, and +with somewhat shortened service, the rector of old St. Paul's said the +words which made the pair man and wife. + +[Illustration: "I HOPE THESE ARE WEDLOCK SHOES"] + +Betty was standing near the mantel, laughing and chatting gayly with +several of her former New York gallants, when she beheld her father +advancing toward her on the arm of a gentleman. Surely she knew that +tall, elegant figure, that erect, graceful carriage? But the scarlet +uniform which was so familiar was absent; this was the satin coat, +small-clothes, and powdered hair of a civilian. Betty's head swam, her +brilliant color came and went, as her father said quietly!-- + +"My daughter, an old acquaintance desires that I should recall him to +your recollection; I trust it is not necessary for me to present to your +favor my friend, Mr. Geoffrey Yorke." + +Betty's knees shook as she executed her most elaborate courtesy, and as +if in a dream she heard General Wolcott say to Yorke, with a somewhat +quizzical smile, "Perhaps you will kindly take Betty to the library, +where I will myself join you later after escorting General Washington to +the banquet." + +Betty never knew how she crossed that room; every effort of her mind was +concentrated in the thought that she must not betray herself. What did +all this mean? Such a blaze of sunshine had fallen upon her that she did +not dare look at it; she only realized that her hand was in Geoffrey's +until they reached the quiet and deserted library, and then he was at +her feet. + +"Sweetheart, sweetheart," he said, "you will not refuse to hear me now? +I have resigned the army, I have left England forever (unless you +yourself will some day accompany me there to meet my people), I have +thrown in my fortunes with the United States, and doubt not I will prove +as faithful a servant to your Commonwealth as I ever was to King +George," and kissing her hand, he, laid in it the faded knot of +rose-colored ribbon. + +"But, Geoffrey" she faltered, "my father"-- + +"Did not General Wolcott himself bid me fetch you here? Ah. Betty, the +conditions are all fulfilled, and you are still unwilling." + +She looked at him for a moment in silence, and then her most mischievous +smile dawned in Betty's eyes as she hid Geoffery's little knot of ribbon +in her gown. + +"My heart but not my will, consents," she said, "Dare you take such a +naughty, perverse rebel in hand for life?" + +"I dare all for love of Betty Wolcott," cried the triumphant lover, +while from the door a small person In mobcap surveyed the pair with very +round and most enraptured eyes. + +"It's just like a fairy tale," quoth Miss Moppet, "and I'm in it!" + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's An Unwilling Maid, by Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10958 *** diff --git a/10958-h/10958-h.htm b/10958-h/10958-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..13a71d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/10958-h/10958-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6436 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta HTTP-EQUIV="content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary version 0.12a)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of An Unwilling Maid by Jeanie Gould Lincoln.</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 12pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10958 ***</div> + +<h1>An Unwilling Maid +</h1> +<h3> + Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in<br> + the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott +</h3> +<h2> + By Jeanie Gould Lincoln +</h2><br><br> +<div align="center"><i> + "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" +</i></div><br><br> +<div align="center"> + 1897 +</div><br> +<center> + TO A NINETEENTH CENTURY GIRL. +</center> +<table width="262" border="0" align="center"> + <tr> + <td width="256"> +A great-grandmother's bewitching face,<br> + Looks forth from this olden story,<br> +For Love is a master who laughs at place,<br> + And scoffs at both Whig and Tory.<br> + <br> +To-day if he comes, as a conqueror may,<br> + To a heart untouched by his flame,<br> +Be loyal as she of the olden day,<br> + That Eighteenth Century dame!</td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CONTENTS +</h2> +<p> +I. MISS MOPPET +</p> +<p>II. BULLETS FOR DEFENSE +</p> +<p>III. OLIVER'S PRISONER </p> +<p> + IV. FRIEND OR FOE </p> +<p>V. A LOYAL TRAITOR </p> +<p>VI. BY COURIER POST </p> +<p>VII. WHAT FOLLOWED A + LETTER </p> +<p>VIII. INSIDE BRITISH LINES</p> +<p> IX. BETTY'S JOURNEY </p> +<p>X. A MAID'S + CAPRICE </p> +<p>XI. ON THE COLLECT </p> +<p>XII. A FACE ON THE WALL </p> +<p>XIII. AT THE VLY + MARKET </p> +<p>XIV. THE DE LANCEY BALL </p> +<p>XV. LOVE OR LOYALTY </p> +<p>XVI. MOPPET MAKES A + DISCOVERY </p> +<p>XVII. A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER I +</h2> +<center> + MISS MOPPET +</center> +<p> + It was a warm summer day. Not too warm, for away up in the Connecticut + hills the sun seemed to temper its rays, and down among the shadows of + the trees surrounding Great Pond there were cool, shady glades where one + could almost fancy it was May instead of hot July. +</p> +<p> + At a point not far from the water, leaning against the trunk of a + stately maple, stood a young man. His head, from which he had raised a + somewhat old and weather-beaten hat, was finely formed, and covered with + chestnut curls; his clothes, also shabby and worn, were homespun and + ill-fitting, but his erect military carriage, with an indescribable air + of polish and fine breeding, seemed strangely incongruous in connection + with his apparel and travel-worn appearance. +</p> +<p> + "I wonder where I am," he said half aloud, as he surveyed the pretty + sheet of water sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Faith, 'tis hard enough + to be half starved and foot-sore, without being lost in an enemy's + country. The woman who gave me that glass of milk at five o'clock this + morning said I was within a mile of Goshen. I must have walked ten miles + since then, and am apparently no nearer the line than I was + yesterday—Hark! what's that?"—as a sound of voices struck his ear + faintly, coming from some distance on his right. "Some one comes this + direction. I had best conceal myself in these friendly bushes until I + ascertain whether 'tis friend or foe." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he plunged hastily into a thicket of low-lying shrubs close + at hand, and, throwing himself flat upon the ground under them, was + comparatively secure from observation as long as he remained perfectly + still. The next sound he heard was horses' feet, moving at a walk, and + presently there came in view a spirited-looking bay mare and a gray + pony, the riders being engaged in merry conversation. +</p> +<p> + "No, no, Betty," said the little girl of about nine years, who rode the + pony; "it is just here, or a few rods farther on, where we had the + Maypole set last year, and I know I can find the herbs which Chloe wants + near by on the shore of the pond. Let's dismount and tie the horses + here, and you and I can search for them." +</p> +<p> + "It's well I did not let you come alone," said the rider of the bay + mare, laughing as she spoke. "Truly, Miss Moppet, you are a courageous + little maid to wish to venture in these woods. Not that I am afraid," + said Betty Wolcott suddenly, remembering the weight and dignity of her + sixteen years as compared with her little sister, "but in these + troublous times father says it were well to be careful." +</p> +<p> + "Since when have you grown so staid?" said Miss Moppet, shaking her long + yellow hair back from her shoulders as she jumped off her pony and led + him up to a young ash-tree, whose branches allowed of her securing him + by the bridle to one of them, "Of all people in the world, Betty, you to + read me a lecture on care-taking," and with a mischievous laugh the + child fled around the tree in pretended dismay, as Betty sprang to the + ground and shook her riding-whip playfully in her direction. +</p> +<p> + "Ungrateful Moppet," she said, as she tied both horses to the tree + beside her, "did I not rescue you from punishment for dire naughtiness + in the pantry and beg Aunt Euphemia to pardon you, and then go for the + horses, which Reuben was too busy to saddle. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, my own dear Betty," cried the small sinner, emerging suddenly from + the shelter and seizing her round the waist, "but you know this + soberness is but 'skin-deep,' as Chloe says, and you need not cease to + be merry because you are sixteen since yesterday. Come, let's find the + herbs," and joining hands the two ran swiftly off to the shore, Betty + tucking up her habit with easy grace as she went. The occupant of the + covert raised his head carefully and looked after the pair, the sound of + their voices growing faint as they pushed their way through the + undergrowth which intercepted their progress. +</p> +<p> + "What a lovely creature!" he ejaculated, raising himself on one elbow. + "I wonder who she is, and how she comes in this wild neighborhood. + Perhaps I am not so very far off my road after all; they must have come + from a not very distant home, for the horses are not even wet this warm + day. Egad, that mare looks as if she had plenty of speed in her; 't + would not be a bad idea to throw my leg over her back and be off, and so + distance those who even now may be pursuing me." He half rose as the + thought occurred to him, but in an instant sank back under the leaves. +</p> +<p> + "How would her mistress fare without her?" he said ruefully "'Tis not to + be thought of; they may be miles from home, even here, and I am too much + a squire of dames to take such unkind advantage. There must be some + other way out of my present dilemma than this," and rolling over on the + mixture of grass and dry leaves which formed his resting-place he lay + still and began to ponder. +</p> +<p> + Half an hour passed; the shadows began to deepen as the sun crept down + in the sky, and the horses whinnied at each other as if to remind their + absent riders that supper-time was approaching. But the girls did not + return, and the thoughts which occupied the young wanderer were so + engrossing that he did not hear a cry which began faintly and then rose + to a shriek agonized enough to pierce his reverie. +</p> +<p> + "Good heavens!" he cried, springing to his feet, as borne on the summer + wind the frantic supplication came to him— +</p> +<p> + "Help, help! oh, will nobody come!" and then the sobbing cry + again—"help!" +</p> +<p> + Tim tall muscular form straightened itself and sped through the bushes, + crushing them down on either side with a strong arm, as he went rapidly + in the direction of the cries. +</p> +<p> + "Courage! I am coming," he cried, as, gaining the shore of the pond, he + saw what had happened. Just beyond his halting-place there was a jutting + bank, and overhanging it a large tree, whose branches almost touched the + water beneath. At the top of the bank stood the elder of the two girls; + she had torn off the skirt of her riding-habit, and was about to leap + down into the water where a mass of floating yellow hair and a wisp of + white gown told their story of disaster. As he ran the stranger flung + off his coat, but there was no time to divest himself of his heavy + riding-boots, so in he plunged and struck out boldly with the air of a + strong and competent swimmer. +</p> +<p> + The pond, like many of our small inland lakes, was shallow for some + distance from the shore, and then suddenly shelved in unexpected + quarters, developing deep holes where the water was so cold that its + effect on a swimmer was almost dangerous. Into one of these depths the + little girl had evidently plunged, and realizing the cause of her sudden + disappearance the stranger dived with great rapidity at the spot where + the golden hair had gone down. His first attempt failed; but as the + child partially rose for the second time, he caught the little figure + and with skillful hand supported her against his shoulder, as he struck + out for the shore, which he reached quickly, but chilled almost to the + bone from the coldness of the water. +</p> +<p> + "Do not be so alarmed," he said, as Betty, with pallid cheeks and + trembling hands, knelt beside the unconscious child on the grass; "she + will revive; her heart beats and she is not very cold. Let me find my + coat," and he stumbled as he rose to go in search of it. +</p> +<p> + "It is here," gasped Betty; "I fetched it on my way down the slope; oh, + sir, do you think she lives?" +</p> +<p> + For answer the young man produced from an inner pocket of his shabby + garment a small flask, which he uncorked and held toward her. +</p> +<p> + "It is cognac," he said; "put a drop or two between her lips while I + chafe her hands—so; see, she revives," as the white lids quivered for a + second, and then the pretty blue eyes opened. +</p> +<p> + "Moppet, Moppet, my darling," cried her sister, "are you hurt? Did you + strike anything in your fall?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, Betty!" ejaculated the child, "why are you giving me nasty stuff; + here are the tansy leaves," and she held up her left hand, where tightly + clenched she had kept the herbs, whose gathering on the edge of the + treacherous bank had been her undoing. +</p> +<p> + "You are a brave little maid," said the stranger, as he put the flask to + his own lips. "The shock will be all you have to guard against, and even + that is passing;" for Miss Moppet had staggered upon her feet and was + looking with astonished eyes at her dripping clothing. +</p> +<p> + "Did I fall, Betty?" she said. "Why my gown is sopping wet,—oh! have I + been at the bottom of the pond?" +</p> +<p> + "You had stopped there, sweetheart, but for this good gentleman," said + Betty, holding out a small, trembling hand to the stranger, a lovely + smile dimpling her cheeks as she spoke. "Sir, with all my heart I thank + you. My little sister had drowned but for your promptness and skill; I + do not know how to express my gratitude." +</p> +<p> + "I am more than rewarded for my simple service," replied the young man, + raising the pretty hand to his lips with a profound bow and easy grace, + "but I am afraid your sister may get a chill, as the sun is so low in + the sky: and if I may venture upon a suggestion, it would be well to + ride speedily to some shelter where she can obtain dry clothing. If you + will permit me to offer you the cape of my riding-coat (which is near at + hand) I will wrap her in it at once, and then I think she will he safe + from any after-effects of her cold bath in the pond." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, you are too kind," cried Betty, as the stranger disappeared in the + underbrush. "Moppet, Moppet, what can we say to prove our gratitude? You + had been drowned twice over but for him." +</p> +<p> + "Ask him to come to the manor," said Miss Moppet, much less agitated + than her sister, and being always a small person of many resources. + "Father will be glad to bid him welcome, and you know"— +</p> +<p> + "Yes," interrupted Betty, as their new friend appeared at her elbow with + a cape of dark blue cloth over his arm. +</p> +<p> + "Here is my cape," he said, "and though not very large it will cover her + sufficiently. Let me untie your horses and help you to mount." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, we can mount alone," said Miss Moppet, who had by this time + recovered her spirits, "but you must come home with us; you are dripping + wet yourself; and if you like, you may ride my pony. He has carried + double before now, and I am but a light weight, as my father says." +</p> +<p> + "Will you not come home with us?" asked Betty wistfully. "My father, + General Wolcott is away just now from the manor, but he will have warm + welcome and hearty thanks, believe me, for the strength and courage + which have rescued his youngest child from yonder grave," and Betty + shuddered and grew pale again at the very thought of what Miss Moppet + had escaped. +</p> +<p> + "General Wolcott," said the stranger, with a start. "Ah, then you are + his daughters. And he is away?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Betty, as they walked toward the tree where the horses were + tied. "There has been a raid upon our coast by Governor Tryon and his + Hessians; we got news three days ago of the movement of the Loyalists, + and my father, with my brother Oliver, has gone to the aid of the poor + people at Fairfield. Do you know of it, sir? Have you met any of our + troops?" +</p> +<p> + "I have seen them," said the stranger briefly, with a half smile curving + his handsome mouth, "but they are not near this point"—and beneath his + breath he added, "I devoutly hope not." +</p> +<p> + "Which way are you traveling?" asked Betty, as she stood beside her bay + mare. "Surely you will not refuse to come to the manor? Aunt Euphemia + and my elder sister are there, and we will give you warm welcome." +</p> +<p> + "I thank you," said the stranger, with great courtesy, "but I must be on + my way westward before night overtakes me. Can you tell me how many + miles I am from Goshen, which I left this morning?" +</p> +<p> + "You are within Litchfield township," said Betty. "We are some four + miles from my father's house. Pray, sir, come with us; I fear for your + health from that sudden plunge into the icy waters of our pond." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no," said the stranger, laughing. "I were less than man to mind a + bath of this sort. With all my heart I thank you for your solicitude; + that I am unable to accept your hospitality you must lay at the door of + circumstances which neither you nor I can control." +</p> +<p> + "But your cape, sir," faltered Betty, her eyes dropping, as she blushed + under the ardent yet respectful gaze which sought hers; "how are we to + return that? And you may need it; I am sorely afraid you will yet suffer + for your kindness." +</p> +<p> + "Not I," said the stranger, pressing her hand, as he gave the reins into + her fingers; "as for the cape, keep it until we meet again, + and—farewell!" +</p> +<p> + But Miss Moppet threw her arms around his neck as he bent over the gray + pony and secured the cape more tightly around her small shoulders. +</p> +<p> + "I haven't half thanked you," she said, "but I will do so properly some + day, when you come to Wolcott Manor. Farewell," and waving her little + hand in adieu, the horses moved away, and were presently lost to sight + in the underbrush. +</p> +<p> + "Egad!" said the stranger, gazing after thorn, as he picked up his coat + and started for the spot where he had left his hat. "What a marvelous + country it is! The soldiers are uncouth farmer lads, yet they fight and + die like heroes, and the country maids have the speech and air of court + ladies. Geoffrey Yorke, you have wandered far afield; I would you had + time and chance to meet that lovely rebel again!" and with a deep-drawn + sigh he plunged farther into the woods. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER II +</h2> +<center> + BULLETS FOE DEFENSE +</center> +<p> + "Oh, Betty, Betty," cried Miss Moppet, as the pair gained the more + frequented road and cantered briskly on their homeward way, "what an + adventure we have had! Aunt Euphemia will no doubt bestow a sound rating + on me, for, alas!"—with a doleful glance downward—"see the draggled + condition of my habit." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind your habit, Moppet," said Betty. "Thank Heaven instead that + you are not lying stiff and cold at the bottom of the pond. You can + never know the agony I suffered when I saw you fall; I should have + plunged in after you in another second." +</p> +<p> + "Dearest Betty," said the child, looking lovingly at her, "I know you + can swim, but you never could have held me up as that stranger did. Oh!" + with sudden recollection, "we did not ask his name! Did you forget?" +</p> +<p> + "No," said Betty, "but when I told him ours and he did not give his name + in return, I thought perhaps he did not care to be known, and of course + forbore to press him." +</p> +<p> + "How handsome he was," said Moppet; "did you see his hair? And how + tightly it curled, wet as it was? And his eyes—surely you noted his + eyes, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," replied Betty, blushing with remembrance of the parting glance + the hazel eyes had bestowed upon her; "he is a personable fellow + enough." +</p> +<p> + "Far handsomer than Josiah Huntington," said Moppet mischievously, "or + even Francis Plunkett." +</p> +<p> + "What does a little maid like you know of looks?" said Betty + reprovingly, "and what would Aunt Euphemia say to such comments, I + wonder?" +</p> +<p> + "You'll never tell tales of me," said Moppet, with the easy confidence + of a spoiled child. "Do you think he was a soldier—perhaps an officer + from Fort Trumbull, like the one Oliver brought home last April?" +</p> +<p> + "Very likely," said Betty. "Are you cold, Moppet? I am so afraid you may + suffer; stop talking so fast and muffle yourself more closely in the + cape. We must be hastening home," and giving her horse the whip, they + rode rapidly down hill. +</p> +<p> + Wolcott Manor, the house of which Betty spoke, was a fine, spacious + house situated on top of the hills, where run a broad plateau which + later in its history developed into a long and broad street, on either + side of which were erected dwellings which have since been interwoven + with the stateliest names in old Connecticut. The house was double, + built in the style of the day, with a hall running through it, and large + rooms on either side, the kitchen, bakery, and well-house all at the + back, and forming with the buttery a sort of L, near but not connecting + the different outhouses. It was shingled from top to bottom, and the + dormer windows, with their quaint panes, rendered it both stately and + picturesque. As the girls drew rein at the small porch, on the south + side of the mansion, a tall, fine-looking woman of middle age, her gray + gown tucked neatly up, and a snowy white apron tied around her shapely + waist, appeared at the threshold of the door. +</p> +<p> + "Why, Betty," she said in a surprised voice, "you have been absent so + long that I was about to send Reuben in search of you. The boxes are + undone, and we need your help; Moppet—why, what ails the child?" and + Miss Euphemia Wolcott paused in dismay us she surveyed Miss Moppet's + still damp habit and disheveled hair. +</p> +<p> + "I've been at the very bottom of Great Pond." announced the child, + enjoying the situation with true dramatic instinct, "and Betty has all + the herbs for Chloe safe in her basket." +</p> +<p> + "What does the child mean" asked her bewildered aunt, unfastening the + heavy cloth cape from the small shoulders, and perceiving that she had + had a thorough wetting. +</p> +<p> + "It is true, Aunt Euphemia," said Betty, springing off her mare and + throwing the reins to Reuben as he came slowly around the house. "We + were on one of the hillocks overlooking the pond, and somehow—it all + happened so swiftly that I cannot tell how—but Moppet must have + ventured too near the edge, for the treacherous soil gave way, and down + she pitched into the water before I could put out hand to stay her. I + think I screamed, and then I was pulling off my habit-skirt to plunge + after her when a young man ran hastily along the below and cried out to + me, 'Courage!' and he threw off his coat and dived down, down,"—Betty + shuddered and turned pale,—"and then he caught Moppet's skirt and held + her up until he swam safely to shore with her. She was quite + unconscious, but by chafing her hands and giving her some spirits (which + the young stranger had in his flask) we recovered her, and, indeed, I + think she is none the worse for her experience," and Betty put both arms + around her little sister and hugged her warmly, bursting into tears, + which until now had been so carefully restrained. +</p> +<p> + "Thank Heaven!" cried Miss Euphemia, kissing them both. "You could never + have rescued her alone, Betty; perhaps you might both have drowned. + Where is the brave young man who came to your aid? I trust you gave him + clear directions how to reach the house." +</p> +<p> + "He would not come," answered Betty simply; "he said he was traveling + westward, and I thought he seemed anxious to be off." +</p> +<p> + "But we pressed him, Aunt Euphemia," put in Moppet, "and I told him my + pony could carry double. And I do not know how we will return his cape; + do you?" +</p> +<p> + "You must come indoors at once and get dry clothing," said her aunt, + "and I will tell Chloe to make you a hot posset lest you get a chill; + run quickly, Moppet, and do not stand a moment longer in those wet + clothes. Now, Betty," as the child disappeared inside, "have you any + idea who this stranger can be, or whence he came?" +</p> +<p> + "I have not," said Betty, blushing rosy red (though she could not have + told why) under her aunt's clone scrutiny. +</p> +<p> + "What did he look like?" questioned Miss Euphemia. +</p> +<p> + "Like a young man of spirit," said Betty, mischief getting the better of + her, "and he had a soldierly air to boot and spoke with command." +</p> +<p> + "I trust with all due respect as well," said Miss Euphemia gravely. +</p> +<p> + "Truly, he both spoke and behaved as a gentleman should." +</p> +<p> + "Do you think it could be Oliver's friend, young Otis from Boston?" said + Miss Euphemia. "He was to arrive in these parts this week." +</p> +<p> + "It may be he," said Betty, "ask Pamela, she has met him;" and as she + turned to enter she almost fell into the arms of a tall, slender girl + who was hurrying forth to meet her. +</p> +<p> + At first glance there was enough of likeness between the girls to say + that they might be sisters, but the next made the resemblance less, and + their dissimilarity of expression and coloring increased with + acquaintance. Both had the same slender, graceful figure, but while + Betty was of medium height, Pamela was distinctly taller than her + sister, and her pretty head was covered with golden hair, while Betty's + luxuriant locks were that peculiar shade which is neither auburn nor + golden, but a combination of both, and her eyes were hazel-gray, with + long lashes much darker than her hair. Both girls wore their hair piled + on top of the head, as was the fashion of the time, and both were + guiltless of powder, but Pamela's rebellious waves were trained to lie + as close as she could make them, while Betty's would crop out into + little dainty saucy curls over her forehead and down the nape of her + slender neck in a most bewildering fashion. Their complexions, like Miss + Moppet's, were exquisitely satin-like in texture, but there was no break + in Pamela's smooth cheeks, whereas Betty's dimples lurked not only + around her willful mouth, but perched high in her right cheek, and you + found yourself unconsciously watching to see them come and go at the + tricksy maid's changing will. There was but little more than a year's + difference in their ages, yet Betty seemed almost a child beside + Pamela's gracious stateliness. +</p> +<p> + "What is it all about?" asked the bewildered Pamela, catching hold of + Betty. "Moppet dashes into the kitchen, damp and moist, and says she has + been at the bottom of the pond, and orders hot posset, and you, Betty, + have an air of fright"— +</p> +<p> + "I should think she might well," interrupted Miss Euphemia; "I will tell + you, Pamela—Betty, go upstairs and change your habit for a gown, and + then come down to assist me. We are about to mould the bullets." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Aunt Euphemia!" cried Betty, interrupting in her turn, "I beg your + pardon, but did those huge boxes contain the leaden statue of King + George, as my father's letter advised us?" +</p> +<p> + "It was cut in pieces, Betty," said Pamela demurely. +</p> +<p> + "As if I didn't know that," flashed out Betty; "and that it disappeared + after the patriots hauled it down in Bowling Green, and that General + Washington recommended it should be used for the cause of Freedom, and + that we are all to help transform it into bullets far our + soldiers,—truly, Pamela, I have not forgot my father's account of it," + and Betty vanished inside the door with a rebellious toss of her head, + resenting the implied air of older sister which Pamela sometimes + indulged in. +</p> +<p> + "Our little Moppet has come perilously near death," said Miss Euphemia, + following Pamela into the house. "She has been rescued from drowning in + Great Pond by a gentleman whom Betty had never seen before. She + describes him as a fine personable youth, and I think it maybe Oliver's + friend, young Otis, who in expected at the Tracys' on a visit from + Boston." +</p> +<p> + "It can hardly be he, aunt," said Pamela, "for Sally Tracy has just told + me that he will not arrive for two days, and moreover he comes with Mrs. + Footer and Patty Warren, who are glad to take him as escort in these + troublous times, I will run up to Moppet, for the girls are waiting for + you; the lead got somewhat overheated, and they want your advice as to + using it." +</p> +<p> + Miss Euphemia went slowly down the hall and through the large + dining-room, pausing as she passed to knock at a small door opening off + the hall into a sitting-room. +</p> +<p> + "Are you there, Miss Bidwell?" she said, as a small elderly woman, with + bent figure and pleasant, shrewd face, rose from her chair in response. + "Will you kindly go up and see that Miss Moppet be properly rubbed and + made dry, and let her take her hot posset, and then, if not too tired, + she may come to me in the kitchen." +</p> +<p> + Miss Bidwell, who was at once house-keeper, manager, and confidential + servant to the Wolcott household, gave a cheerful affirmative; and as + she laid down the stocking she was carefully darning, and prepared to + leave the room, Miss Euphemia resumed her interrupted walk toward the + kitchen. +</p> +<p> + Standing and sitting around the great kitchen fireplace were a group of + young people, whose voices rose in a lively chorus as she entered. Over + the fire, on a crane, hung a large kettle, from the top of which issued + sounds of spluttering and boiling, and a young man was in the act of + endeavoring to lift it amid cries of remonstrance. +</p> +<p> + "Have a care, Francis," cried a pretty, roguish-looking girl in a gray + homespun gown, brandishing a wet towel as she spoke; "hot lead will be + your portion if you dare trifle with that boiling pot. What are we to do + with it, Miss Euphemia?" as that lady came forward in haste; "a few + drops of water flirted out of my towel and must have fallen inside, for + 't is spluttering in terrific fashion." +</p> +<p> + "Shall I lift it off the fire?" asked the young man, whose name was + Francis Plunkett. +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Miss Euphemia, inspecting the now tranquil kettle; + "here are the moulds all greased; gently, now," as she put a small ladle + inside the pot; "now move it slowly, and put the pot here beside me on + the table." +</p> +<p> + "Will they really turn out bullets?" asked another girl in a whisper, as + Sally Tracy moved a second big pot with the intention of hanging it on + the fire, but was prevented by a tall, silent young man, who stopped his + occupation of sorting out bits of lead to assist her. +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, Josiah," said Sally. "Turn out bullets, Dolly?—why, of + course, when they come out of the moulds. What did you suppose we were + all about?" +</p> +<p> + Dolly Trumbull (who was on a visit to the Wolcotts') looked shy and + somewhat distressed, and promptly retired into a corner, where she + resumed her conversation with her cousin, Josiah Huntington; and + presently Betty came flying into the kitchen, her gown tucked up ready + for work, and full of apologies for her tardy appearance. Sally Tracy, + who was Betty's sworn friend and companion in all her fun and frolics, + pounced upon her at once; but Miss Euphemia called them both to assist + her with the moulds, Betty had to reserve the story of her adventure + until a more propitious moment. +</p> +<p> + "Has there been any news from Oliver when he set forth on this last + expedition?" asked Dolly. +</p> +<p> + "It is too soon yet to hear," said Josiah, "though possibly by to-morrow + some intelligence may reach us. Francis and I did not reach here from + New Haven for four days, and we return there on Saturday. As it was, I + left only in obedience to my father's command, and brought news of + Lyon's ravaging the city to General Wolcott, dodging Hessians and + outlying marauders by the way. Do you stop here long, Dolly, or will + you have my escort back to Lebanon?" +</p> +<p> + "I came for a month," answered Dolly; "I was ill of spring fever, and + since then my mother thinks this mountain air benefits me. But you go + back to your duties at Yale College, though it's early yet for them." +</p> +<p> + "My students and I have spent our vacation handling cartridges," said + Josiah grimly, for he was a tutor at Yale, and had done yeoman service + in the defense of New Haven. "'Tis a sorry sight to see our beautiful + city now laid waste; but that our faith is strong in the Continental + Congress and General Washington, I know not how heart could bear it." +</p> +<p> + "Who speaks of faith?" said Pamela's gentle voice, as she slipped into a + chair on Dolly's right. "I think hope is ever a better watchword." +</p> +<p> + "Aye," murmured Huntington, as Dolly summoned courage to cross the room, + "it is one I will carry ever with me, Pamela, if <i>you</i> bid me do so." +</p> +<p> + "I did not mean," faltered Pamela, casting down her dove-like eyes, but + not so quickly that she did not see the ardent glance of her lover, + "I—that is—oh yes, Aunt Euphemia," with sudden change of tone, "it is + growing somewhat dark, and we had better leave the moulds to harden. + Shall I tell Miss Bidwell that you are ready for supper?" +</p> +<p> + To which Miss Euphemia returned an affirmative, and the whole party + trooped back to the dining-room, Pamela leading the way, and Huntington + following her with a half-mischievous smile curving his usually grave + mouth. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h2> + CHAPTER III +</h2> +<center> + OLIVER'S PRISONER +</center> +<p> + "I don't care anything about it," said Miss Moppet with decision. "It's + a nasty, horrid letter, and I've made it over and over, and it will not + get one bit plainer. Count one, two, jump one; then two stitches plain; + it's no use at all, Miss Bidwell, I cannot make it any better." And with + a deep sigh Miss Moppet surveyed her sampler, where she had for six + weeks been laboriously trying to inscribe "Faith Wolcott, her sampler, + aged nine," with little success and much loss of temper. +</p> +<p> + "W is a hard letter," said Miss Bidwell, laying down one of the + perpetual stockings with which she seemed always supplied for mending + purposes; "you will have to rip this out again; the first stroke is too + near the letter before it;" and she handed the unhappy sampler back to + the child. +</p> +<p> + "It's always like that," said Miss Moppet in a tone of exasperation. "I + think a sampler is the very <i>devil</i>!" +</p> +<p> + "Oh," said Miss Bidwell in a shocked voice, "I shall have to report you + as a naughty chit if you use such language." +</p> +<p> + "Well, it just <i>is</i>" said Moppet; "that's what the minister said in his + sermon Sunday week, and you know, Miss Bidwell, that you admired it + extremely, because I heard you tell Pamela so." +</p> +<p> + "Admired the devil?" said Miss Bidwell. "Child, what are you talking + about?" +</p> +<p> + "The sermon," said Miss Moppet, breaking her silk for the fourth time; + "the minister said the devil went roaring up and down the earth seeking + whom he might devour. Wouldn't I like to hear him roar. Do you conceive + it is like a bull or a lion's roar?" +</p> +<p> + "The Bible says a lion," said Miss Bidwell, looking all the more severe + because she was so amused. +</p> +<p> + "I am truly sorry for that poor devil," said Miss Moppet, heaving a deep + sigh. "Just think how tired he must become, and how much work he must + have to do. O—o—oh!"—a prolonged scream—"he certainly has possession + of my sampler"—dancing up and down with pain—"for that needle has + gone one inch into my thumb!" +</p> +<p> + "Come here and let me bind it up," said Miss Bidwell, seizing the small + sinner as she whirled past her. "How often must I tell you not to give + way to such sinful temper? And talking about the devil is not proper for + little girls." +</p> +<p> + "Why not just as well as for older folk?" said Moppet, submitting to + have a soft bit of rag bound around the bleeding thumb. "I think the + devil ought to be prayed for if he's such an abominable sinner—yes, I + do." And Moppet, whose belief in a personal devil was evidently large, + surveyed Miss Bidwell with uncompromising eyes. +</p> +<p> + "Tut!" said Miss Bidwell, to whom this novel idea savored of + ungodliness, but wishing to be lenient toward the child whose adoring + slave she was. "Miss Euphemia would be shocked to hear you." +</p> +<p> + "I shall not tell her," said the child shrewdly, "but I am going to pray + for the devil each night, whether any one else does or not." +</p> +<p> + "As you cannot work any longer on the sampler, you had best go to Miss + Pamela for your writing lesson," said Miss Bidwell. +</p> +<p> + "Pamela is out in the orchard with Josiah Huntington," said Moppet, + "and she would send me forthwith into the house if I went near her." +</p> +<p> + "Then find Miss Betty and read her a page in the primer. You know you + promised your father you would learn to read it correctly against his + return." +</p> +<p> + "Betty is gossiping in the garret chamber with Sally Tracy; surely I + must stop with you, Biddy, dear;" and Moppet twined her arms around Miss + Bidwell's neck, with her little coaxing face upraised for a kiss. When + Moppet said "Biddy dear" (which was her baby abbreviation for the old + servant), she became irresistible; so Miss Bidwell, much relieved at + dropping so puzzling a theological question as the propriety of + supplications for the well-being of his Satanic majesty, proposed that + she should tell Miss Moppet "a story," which met with delighted assent + from the little girl. +</p> +<p> + Miss Bidwell's stories, which dated back for many years and always began + with "when I was a little maid," were never failing in interest besides + being somewhat lengthy, as Moppet insisted upon minute detail, and + invariably corrected her when she chanced to omit the smallest + particular. That the story had been often told did not make it lose any + of its interest, and the shadows of the great elm which overhung the + sitting-room windows grew longer, while the sun sank lower and lower + unheeded, until Miss Bidwell, at the most thrilling part of her tale, + where a bloodthirsty and evil-minded Indian was about to appear, + suddenly laid down her work and exclaimed:— +</p> +<p> + "Hark! surely there is some one coming up the back path," and rising as + she spoke, she hurried out to the side porch, closely followed by + Moppet, who said to herself, with all a child's vivid and dramatic + imagination, "Perhaps it's an Indian coming to tomahawk us in our beds!" + which thought caused her to seize a fold of Miss Bidwell's gown tightly + in her hand. +</p> +<p> + As they came into the hall they were joined by Miss Euphemia, who had + also heard the sounds of approach; and as they emerged from the house + two tall figures, dusty and travel-worn, confronted them, with Reuben + following in their rear. +</p> +<p> + "Oliver!" exclaimed Miss Euphemia, as she recognized her youngest nephew + in one of the wayfarers, "whence come you, and what news? Where is your + honored father?" +</p> +<p> + "My father, madam," said Oliver Wolcott, uncovering his head as he + motioned to Reuben to take his place near his companion, "my father is + some thirty miles behind me, but hastening in this direction. What + news?—Fairfield burnt, half its inhabitants homeless, but Tryon's + marauders put to flight and our men in pursuit." +</p> +<p> + "And who is this gentleman?" said Miss Euphemia, as Oliver kissed her + cheek and stepped back. +</p> +<p> + "'Tis more than I can answer," said Oliver, "for not one word concerning + himself can I obtain from him. He is my prisoner, Aunt Euphemia; I found + him lurking in the woods ten miles away this morning, and should perhaps + have let him pass had not a low-lying branch of a tree knocked off his + hat, when I recognized him for one of Tryon's crew." +</p> +<p> + "Speak more respectfully, sir," said the stranger suddenly, "to me, if + not to those whom you term 'Tryon's crew.'" +</p> +<p> + "I grant the respect due your arm and strength," said Oliver, "for you + came near leaving me in the smoke and din of Fairfield when you gave me + this blow," and he touched the left side of his head, where could be + seen some clotted blood among his hair. "Come, sir, my aunt has asked + the question. Do you not reply to a lady?" +</p> +<p> + "The gibe is unworthy of you," said the other, lifting the hat which had + been drawn down closely over his brow; "and I"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Oliver, 'tis my good kind gentleman!" cried Moppet, darting forward + and seizing the stranger by the hand; "he plunged into Great Pond last + night and pulled me forth when I was nearly drowning, and we begged him + to come home with us, did we not, Betty?"—seeing her sister standing in + the doorway. "Betty, Betty, come and tell Oliver he has made a mistake." +</p> +<p> + A smile lit up the stranger's handsome face as he bowed low to Betty, + who came swiftly to his side as she recognized him. +</p> +<p> + "Will you not bring the gentleman in, Oliver?" she said. "The thanks + which are his due can hardly be well spoken on our doorstep," and Betty + drew herself up, and waved her hand like the proud little maid she was, + her eyes sparkling, her breast heaving with the excitement she strove to + suppress. +</p> +<p> + Oliver looked from Moppet to Betty, in bewilderment then back at his + prisoner, who seemed the most unconcerned of the group. +</p> +<p> + "You are right, Betty," said Miss Euphemia, beginning to understand the + situation. "Will you walk in, sir, and let me explain to my nephew how + greatly we are indebted to you?" And she led the way into the mansion, + the others following, and opened the door of the parlor on the left, + Reuben, obedient to a sign from Oliver, remaining with Miss Bidwell in + the hall. +</p> +<p> + The stranger declined the chair which Oliver courteously offered him, + and remained standing near Betty, Moppet clinging to his hand and + looking up gratefully into his face while Miss Euphemia related to her + nephew the story of Moppet's rescue from her perilous accident of the + previous day. +</p> +<p> + "A brave deed!" cried Oliver impetuously, as he advanced with + outstretched hand toward his prisoner, "and with all my heart, sir, I + thank you. Forgive my pettish speech of a moment since; you were right + to reprove me. No one appreciates a gallant foe more than I; and though + the fortune of war has to-day made you my prisoner, to-morrow may make + me yours." +</p> +<p> + "I thank you," said the stranger, giving his hand as frankly in return. + "Believe me, my plunge in the pond was hardly worth the stress you are + kind enough to lay upon it, and but for the mischance to my little + friend here," smiling at Miss Moppet, who regarded him with affectionate + eyes, "is an affair of little moment. May I ask where you will bestow me + for the night, and also the privilege of a dip in cold water, as I am + too soiled and travel-worn to sit in the presence of ladies, even though + your prisoner." +</p> +<p> + "Prisoner!" echoed Betty, with a start. "Surely, Oliver, you will not + hold as a prisoner the man who saved our little Moppet's life, and that, + too (though he makes so light of it) at the risk of his own?" +</p> +<p> + "You will let him go free, brother Oliver," cried Moppet, flying to the + young officer's side; "you surely will not clap him into jail?" +</p> +<p> + "It was my purpose," said Oliver, looking from one to the other, "to + confine you until to-morrow and then carry you to headquarters, where + General Putnam will determine your ultimate fate. I certainly recognize + you as the author of this cut on my head. Do you belong to the British + army or are you a volunteer accompanying Tryon in his raid upon our + innocent and unoffending neighbors at Fairfield?" +</p> +<p> + "Sir," said the other haughtily, "I pardon much to your youthful + patriotism, which looks upon us as invaders. My name is Geoffrey Yorke, + and I have the honor to bear his majesty's commission as captain in the + Sixty-fourth Regiment of Foot." +</p> +<p> + Betty gave a faint exclamation. Oliver Wolcott stepped forward. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke," he said, "I regret more than I can say my inability, + which you yourself will recognize, to bid you go forth free and in + safety. My duty is unfortunately but too plain. I, sir, serve the + Continental Congress, and like you hold a captain's commission. I should + be false alike to my country and my oath of allegiance did I permit you + to escape; but there is one favor I can offer you; give me your parole, + and allow me and my family the pleasure of holding you as a guest, not + prisoner, while under our roof." +</p> +<p> + Geoffrey Yorke hesitated; he opened his lips to speak, when some + instinct made him glance at Betty, who stood directly behind her + brother. Her large, soft eyes were fixed on his with most beseeching + warning, and she raised her dainty finger to her lips as she slowly, + almost imperceptibly, shook her head. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Wolcott," he said, "I fully appreciate your kindness and the + motive which prompts it. I have landed on these shores but one short + month ago, and Sir Henry Clinton ordered me—but these particulars will + not interest you. I thank you for your offer, but I decline to take + parole, and prefer instead the fortunes of war." +</p> +<p> + "Then, sir, I have no choice," said Oliver. "Aunt Euphemia, will you + permit me to use the north chamber? I will conduct you there, Captain + Yorke, and shall see that you are well guarded for the night." And with + a courtly bow to the ladies Geoffrey Yorke followed his captain from the + room, as Moppet threw herself into Betty's arms and sobbed bitterly. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER IV +</h2> +<center> + FRIEND OR FOE +</center> +<p> + Betty Wolcott sat alone in her own room, thinking intently. The windows + were all open, and the soft night air blew the dainty curls off her + white forehead and disclosed the fact of her very recent tears. Never, + in all her short, happy life, had Betty been so moved as now, for the + twin passions of gratitude and loyalty were at war within her, and she + realized, with a feeling akin to dismay, that she must meet the + responsibility alone, that those of her household were all arrayed + against her. +</p> +<p> + "If my father were but at home," said Betty to herself, "he would know + and understand, but Oliver will not listen, no, not even when I implored + him to keep Captain Yorke close prisoner here for two days by which time + my father is sure to arrive. Aunt Euphemia is too timid and Pamela is + much the same; as Josiah happens to agree perfectly with Oliver, Pamela + could never be induced to see how cruel it is to repay our debt in this + way. Oliver is but a boy,"—and Betty's lips curved in scorn over her + brother's four years' seniority,—"and—and—oh! I am, indeed, astray. + What, here I am, one of the loyal Wolcotts,—a family known all through + the land as true to the cause of Freedom and the Declaration,—and here + I sit planning how to let a British officer, foe to my country, escape + from my father's house. I wonder the walls do not open and fall on me," + and poor Betty gazed half fearfully overhead, as if she expected the + rafters would descend upon the author of such treasonable sentiments. + "But something must be done," she thought rapidly. "I care not whether + he be friend or foe, I take the consequences; be mine the blame," and + she lifted her pretty head with an air of determination, as a soft knock + fell upon her chamber door; but before she could rise to open it, the + latch was raised and a little figure, all in white, crept inside. +</p> +<p> + "I can't sleep, Betty," sobbed Moppet, as her sister gathered the child + in her arms; "it's too, too dreadful. Will General Putnam hang my dear, + kind gentleman as the British hanged Captain Nathan Hale, and shall we + never, never see him more?" +</p> +<p> + "Dear heart," said Betty, smoothing the yellow hair, and tears springing + again to her eyes as she thought of the brave, manly face of her + country's foe. "No, Moppet, Captain Yorke is not a spy, as, alas! was + poor Nathan Hale, but"— +</p> +<p> + "Betty," whispered Moppet, so low that she was evidently alarmed at her + own daring, "why can't we let him go free and never tell Oliver a word + about it?" +</p> +<p> + "How did you come to think of that?" said Betty, astonished. +</p> +<p> + "I am afraid it is the devil prompting me," said Moppet, with a sigh, + partly over her own iniquity, and part in wonderment as to whether that + overworked personage was somewhere soaring in the air near at hand; "but + I always thought the British were big ogres, with fierce eyes and red + whiskers, and I am sure my good, kind gentleman is very like ourselves." +</p> +<p> + Betty was betrayed into a low laugh. Moppet was always original, but + this was delicious. +</p> +<p> + "No, child," she said softly, "the British are some bad, some good, and + there are no doubt cruel men to be found in all wars. Moppet, as you + came by the north door, whom did you see on guard in the hall?" +</p> +<p> + "Josiah Huntington," said Moppet promptly; "but you heard what Oliver + said at supper?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," answered Betty, "Oliver was so weary that Josiah was to watch + until twelve o'clock; then, at midnight, Reuben was to guard the hall + until four in the morning, when Oliver would take his place until + breakfast. Did you note the time on the hall clock?" +</p> +<p> + "It was half past eleven," said Moppet; "the half hour sounded as I + rapped." +</p> +<p> + Betty sat pondering for a moment, then she slid Moppet gently from her + lap to the floor and rose. +</p> +<p> + "Moppet," she said gravely, "you are a little maid, but you have a true + heart, and I believe you can keep a secret. I am going to try to release + Captain Yorke, and I think you can help me. I bind you to keep silent, + except to our dear and honored father, and even to him you shall not + speak until I permit you. Promise me, dear heart?" +</p> +<p> + "I promise," said Moppet solemnly, and Betty knew that, no matter what + happened, she could depend on her devoted little sister. +</p> +<p> + "Moppet," said Betty, "I have a plan, but 'tis a slender one. Do you + recollect how close the great elm-tree boughs come to your window?" +</p> +<p> + "I can put out my hand and nearly reach them," said Moppet; "you + remember Reuben cut the bough nearest, but oh, Betty, the tree has a + limb which runs an arm's length only from the north chamber." +</p> +<p> + "So I thought," answered Betty, who was busily engaged in changing her + light summer gown for one of homespun gray; "and now, Moppet, you and I + must go into your room for the next part of my plot. I must speak to + Captain Yorke, and can you guess how I shall manage to do it?" +</p> +<p> + Moppet's eyes grew large and round with excitement. "I know," she + whispered breathlessly, "through my doll's dungeon. Oh, Betty, how lucky + 'tis that Oliver never once dreamed of that!" +</p> +<p> + "I doubt if he even knows its existence," said Betty. "There goes the + clock," as the slow, solemn voice of the timepiece sounded out on the + night, "It is twelve o'clock, and Reuben will be coming upstairs from + the kitchen. Hark!"—extinguishing her candle and opening her door + softly. "Josiah has gone to the turn on the stairs, and is speaking to + Reuben; quick, Moppet, if you come still as a mouse they will not see us + before we can gain your door," and with swift, soft steps the two small + figures stole across the hall in the semi-darkness which the night lamp + standing near the great clock but served to make visible, and in another + second, panting and eager, they stood safely within Moppet's chamber, + clinging to each other, as they quickly fastened the latch. +</p> +<p> + Moppet's chamber was a small one, and occupied the center of the house, + Miss Euphemia's being upon one side, and the north chamber (as one of + the great rooms was called) upon the other. The great chimney of the + mansion ran up between the large and small room, and what Moppet called + her "doll's dungeon" was a hollow place, just high enough for the child + to reach, in the back of the chimney. For some purpose of ventilation + there was an opening from this aperture into the north chamber. It was + covered with a piece of movable iron; and in summer, when no fire was + used in that part of the house, Moppet took great delight in consigning + her contumacious doll (a rag baby of large size and much plainness of + feature) to what she was pleased to call her "dungeon." To-night Betty's + quick wit had divined what an important factor the aperture might prove + to her, and directly she had secured the door, she walked softly toward + the chimney, and felt in the darkness for the movable bit of iron which + filled the back. +</p> +<p> + When Geoffrey Yorke had finished the ample and delicious supper with + which Miss Euphemia's hospitable and pitying soul had furnished him, he + lighted his candle and made thorough search of his temporary prison to + ascertain whether he could escape therefrom. Betty's gesture of + disapproval when he was about to give his parole had seemed to promise + him assistance; could it be possible that the lovely little rebel's + heart was so moved with pity?" +</p> +<p> + "Sweet Betty," thought Geoffrey, "was ever maid so grateful for a small + service! I wish with all my soul I might have chance and opportunity to + do her a great one, for never have I seen so bewitching and dainty a + creature," and Geoffrey's heart gave a mad leap as he remembered the + tearful, beseeching glance which Betty had bestowed upon him as Oliver + had conducted him from her presence. +</p> +<p> + The windows, of which there were two, looking north, received his first + attention, but he found them amply secured; and although a strong arm + might wrench them open, it would be attended by such noise as could not + fail to attract the attention of his guard posted outside the door. This + reflection prompted him to inspect the door; and discovering an inside + bolt as well as the outer one, he drew it, thus assuring his privacy + from intrusion. The large chimney was his next point of investigation; + and although the flue seemed somewhat narrow, Geoffrey decided that it + afforded some slight chance, provided he had the means of descent when + once he reached the roof. Back to the windows again; yes, the great elm + of which Moppet had spoken stood like a tall sentinel guarding the + mansion, and Geoffrey felt confident that he could crawl from roof to + tree and thus reach the ground. To be sure, it was most hazardous; there + was the chance of some one sleeping in the chambers near who might hear + even so slight a noise; he might become wedged in the chimney, + or—pshaw! one must risk life, if need be, for liberty; and here + Geoffrey smiled, as it occurred to him that this was what these very + colonists were engaged in doing, and for a moment the British officer + felt a throb of sympathy hitherto unknown to him. He had landed at New + York but a month before, filled with insular prejudices and contempt for + these country lads and farmers, whom he imagined composed the + Continental army; but the fight at Fairfield, which was carried on by + the Hessians with a brutality that disgusted him, and the encounter with + such a family as this under whose roof he was, began to open his eyes, + and he acknowledged frankly to himself that young Oliver Wolcott was both + a soldier and a gentleman. +</p> +<p> + "The boy looked every inch a soldier," thought Geoffrey, "when he + refused his sister's pleading; faith, he is made of firm stuff to + withstand her. Oh, Betty, Betty! I wonder if the fortunes of war will + ever let me see your face again," and with a sigh compounded of many + things, Geoffrey picked up a book that was lying on the table, and + resolved to read until it should be far on into the night, when he + would make a bold attempt to escape. +</p> +<p> + The clock on the stairs struck twelve and Geoffrey, roused from the + light slumber into which he had fallen, heard the steps outside his door + as Josiah Huntington was joined by Reuben, who was to relieve his guard, + and straightened himself, with a long breath, as he rose from his chair. + As he did so, he became conscious of a slight, very slight, noise in the + direction of the chimney; and turning his eyes toward it, a soft whisper + reached his ear. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke," murmured the sweetest voice in the world; and as the + slight grating noise ceased, to his amazement a little white hand + beckoned him to approach a small aperture, which he now perceived in the + bricks about four feet from the floor. Very softly Geoffrey obeyed the + summons, and cautiously made his way to the chimney. +</p> +<p> + "Kneel down and put your ear near me," said Betty, and the tall soldier + dropped on one knee obediently; "be very careful, for though Aunt + Euphemia's chamber is on this side, and she is usually a sound sleeper, + it might be our ill fortune that to-night she would wake. I have made up + my mind, sir; I cannot keep you prisoner under a roof that but for you + might be mourning my little sister dead." +</p> +<p> + "I pray you say no more of that," interrupted Geoffrey softly. "I am + more than repaid by your interest in my unhappy condition." +</p> +<p> + "It may be wrong, it doubtless is," said Betty, sighing, "but I have two + plans for your escape. Tell me, are your windows securely fastened?" +</p> +<p> + "Too strongly to be tampered with except by making noise that is certain + to be overheard," returned Geoffrey. +</p> +<p> + "Then we must try other means; if you can but manage to scale the + chimney,—and I think there are still some pegs inside which Reuben put + there in the spring when he went up after burning it out,—if you can + reach the roof by the chimney you will find on the south side, close to + the chimney itself, a trap-door which lets down by a ladder into our + garret. The ladder is stationary, and I will meet you there at its foot, + and from the garret there is a back stairway, down which you may creep + to the buttery, and once there 'tis but a step outside when I open the + door." +</p> +<p> + "God bless you," whispered Geoffrey, feeling a mad desire to kiss the + pretty pink ear and soft cheek which he could just see by the dim light + of Miss Moppet's candle; "shall I start at once?" +</p> +<p> + "No," returned Betty, "Josiah Huntington has just sought his chamber, + and he will be watchful. Wait until you hear the old clock on the + staircase strike three; that is the hour, I have been told, when all + sleep most soundly. Then Moppet will tell you if all goes right, for I + shall be waiting for you, as I said, above;" and with a soft "be very, + very careful to make no noise," Betty moved away from the "doll's + dungeon" and Yorke bounded to his feet. +</p> +<p> + "Now, Moppet," said Betty softly, "let me wrap you well in your woolen + habit, lest you take cold." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Betty darling," whispered the child, "how will you ever gain the + garret stairs when Reuben is watching? He will be sure to think it + strange; can I not go for you?" +</p> +<p> + "No, never," said Betty tenderly. "I will slip by Reuben, and you must + not fret. Sit here on my knee and go fast asleep until I wake you." +</p> +<p> + Moppet nestled her little head down obediently on Betty's shoulder; but + try hard though she did to keep her eyes wide open, sleep at last + overcame her,—sleep so profound after all this excitement that Betty + was able to lay her softly upon her bed without awaking, and for the + remainder of those long hours Betty kept her vigil alone. It was nervous + work: for determined though she was to release Yorke, Betty possessed a + most sensitive and tender conscience, and love for her country and her + people was as the air she breathed. It proved the tenacity of her + purpose and the strength of her will that, notwithstanding her many + misgivings, when she heard the clock sound the quarter she rose from her + low seat by the window, where she had been gazing out into the night, + and whispered softly to Moppet that it was time to wake. The child + sprang up, alert and quick as Betty herself, and listened to her + sister's last warning instructions to have no fear, but wait quietly for + her return, and when the clock struck the hour to whisper through the + hole in the chimney to Yorke that she had gone. +</p> +<p> + Very softly, her slippers held tightly in her hand, Betty pulled up the + latch of the bedroom door and stepped into the almost dark hall. The + night lamp had partly died out, but there was still enough of its + flickering light to permit her, when her eyes grew accustomed to it, to + see the dim outline of Reuben's figure sitting on a stool at the door of + the north chamber. In order to reach the garret from this part of the + house she must go directly down the hall to where it parted at the L, + where the stairs reaching the garret were shut off by a door, on the + other aide of which was a square landing, where you could turn down and + descend directly from the garret to the buttery. Once past Reuben, she + would feel comparatively safe, for although Oliver's room was opposite + he was too weary to be wakeful. It took scarcely a minute to creep + toward Reuben, and Betty drew a quick breath of relief when she + perceived that the farmer-bred lad, unaccustomed to night watches, and + feeling that his prisoner was secure behind the bolted door, had fallen + fast asleep. Another minute and she had fairly flown through the hall + and reached the door of the garret stairs; she recollected that the + latch had a troublesome creak occasionally; indeed, she had noticed it + only that very day, as she and Sally Tracy had mounted to their eyrie + in the big dormer window of the garret, where safe from all ears they + were wont to confide their girlish secrets to each other. +</p> +<p> + "Pray Heaven it creak not to-night," said Betty to herself as she gently + and steadily pulled the handle of the latch and saw the dreaded door + open to her hand. Inside stepped Betty, and made breathless pause while + she closed it, and the amiable latch fell softly down again into its + place. Swift as a flash the girlish figure flitted up the winding narrow + stairs, and gasping but triumphant Betty seated herself on the lowest + step of the trap-ladder to await the coming of Geoffrey Yorke. +</p> +<p> + In the bedroom below, Miss Moppet, whose soul was thrilling with mingled + delight and terror at being an actor in a "real story," waited as she + was told until she heard the deep voice of the clock, sounding rather + more awful than usual, say "one, two, three!" and then tiptoeing over + the bare floor she opened with small trembling fingers the tiny aperture + and whispered, "Are you there?" starting back half frightened as the + instant answer came, close beside her: +</p> +<p> + "Yes, is it time?" +</p> +<p> + "Betty is in the garret by now," she faltered. "Oh, sir, be careful and + fare you well!" +</p> +<p> + For answer Geoffrey Yorke bent down, and taking the small cold fingers + extended to him, pressed a kiss on them, and with a soft "farewell" + began his passage up the chimney. +</p> +<p> + It was no such very difficult task he found, to his satisfaction, for + Betty was right, and by feeling carefully with his hands he perceived + the friendly pegs which Reuben had inserted, and of which Oliver had no + knowledge, else he would not have trusted so agile and strong a prisoner + within their reach. Geoffrey's broad shoulders were the only sufferers, + but the rough homespun which covered them was a better protection than + his uniform would have been, and he again blessed the good fortune which + had thrown the disguise in his way as he left Fairfield four days + before. +</p> +<p> + Betty, sitting on the ladder step, straining her ears to catch the first + sound, became conscious of a light sound as Geoffrey swung himself from + the chimney top to the roof, and she sped up the ladder to unhook the + door of the trap just as he reached it. +</p> +<p> + "Speak not a word," she said in his ear, as he set his foot on the + ladder, "but fasten the hook lest they discover that the door has been + opened. Now, give me your hand," and in the darkness the strong, manly + hand closed firmly over her dainty fingers with a clasp which, strangely + enough, inspired her with fresh courage. +</p> +<p> + "Stop," said Betty suddenly, as they were at the top stair, "you must + remove your boots: the slightest creak might wake the sleepers at the + end of the hall." +</p> +<p> + It took but a second of time to follow her directions; and then very + softly, with many pauses, the pair crept down the winding stairs, and + Betty involuntarily held her breath until the last step was safely + passed and she raised the latch of the buttery door. +</p> +<p> + "If Miss Bidwell has locked it," came the swift thought,—but, no! like + everything else that dreadful night, fortune seemed to favor Betty, and + with a long-drawn sigh she drew her companion across the threshold and + instantly shot the bolt behind her. +</p> +<p> + A faint glow of dawn crept through the pantry windows, and Betty paused + a moment and regarded the rows of milk pans which adorned the shelves + of the small room with grave intentness. +</p> +<p> + "Had you not better take a glass of milk?" she said. "You may have to + travel far without food, although I am sure that should you ask for it + at any of our Connecticut farmhouses you would be cheerfully supplied," + and raising the neat dipper she filled it and handed it to Geoffrey, who + took it gratefully from her hand. +</p> +<p> + "And now put on your boots, for freedom lies beyond that door," she + said, still in softest tones, as she unbolted the other door which led + directly outside. "I must go with you as far as the barn, for you will + need my mare to take you out of danger of pursuit." +</p> +<p> + "No, no," answered Geoffrey, speaking for the first time as they sped + rapidly over the grass, "I will not take her; you have dared much for + me, and I fear censure and harm may come to you for releasing me should + you be discovered." +</p> +<p> + "Censure," said Betty, throwing back her small head haughtily, + "wherefore? Do you think I shall conceal my share in this night's work? + Oliver is but a hot-headed boy; had my father been at home it would have + been different, and to him I shall make my confession, that I have + given liberty to—oh, I cannot say a foe, after what you have done for + me—to a British officer who comes to slay my countrymen!" +</p> +<p> + "Never your foe, Betty," cried Yorke, confronting her with face as pale + as her own, and in his admiration of her spirit and nobility forgetting + all else. "Say, rather, your adoring friend, who one day, God willing, + hopes to prove to you that there are British hearts which are true and + honest as yours, and that none will be more loyal to you than mine own." +</p> +<p> + A hot wave of color flashed up over Betty's charming face; her lips + trembled, but no words came from them. What was this impetuous young man + daring to say to her? +</p> +<p> + "The dawn is breaking over yonder hills," Geoffrey rushed on, "and + before the sun rises I must be as many miles away as my feet can carry + me. Farewell, farewell!—may God bless and keep you always. Go back + straightway into the mansion; I shall not stir step until I see you + safe." And through her brimming tears Betty realized that his kisses + were falling on her hands, as without a word she turned and fled toward + the open door. But when she reached it some new-born impulse tearing + madly at her heart made her pause, and looking back she saw Geoffrey + lift something from the grass at his feet which he waved toward her as + he sped down the path, and raising her hand to her gown she knew that he + had carried with him her breast-knot of rose-colored ribbon. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER V +</h2> +<center> + A LOYAL TRAITOR +</center> +<p> + Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers + secured the outer bolt of the buttery door. Her head was whirling, and + she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary + adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; + and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought + herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she + must take it to her. So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to + go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in + hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, + rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the + garret stairway. And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so + determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, + she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely + down upon her. +</p> +<p> + "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she + reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver." +</p> +<p> + "Where have you been?" asked her brother. +</p> +<p> + "To the buttery," said Betty; "this is milk for Moppet. The child is + wakeful, and needs it." +</p> +<p> + "Why did you not send Reuben?" asked Oliver, who was always kind and + attentive to his sisters. +</p> +<p> + "Reuben?" echoed Betty. "Did you not set him as guard to your prisoner?" + and then, her heart smiting her for the gibe, "Miss Bidwell lets no one + meddle with her milk pans, and I knew best which were last night's + milk," and she went up the hall with a naughty little throb of mingled + mischief and triumph, as she thought how she had outwitted him, while + the unsuspecting Oliver seated himself near the north chamber door. +</p> +<p> + Moppet, sitting up in bed, welcomed her sister with open arms, and drank + the milk thirstily, as Betty told her that all was safe, and that + Captain Yorke was now well on his way. +</p> +<p> + "I'm as glad as can be," said Moppet, who was troubled with no + conscientious scruples whatsoever, and was now beginning to enjoy + herself intensely at sharing a mystery with Betty; "I told him you were + gone, after the big clock struck three, and oh, Betty, he kissed my hand + through the hole in the chimney." +</p> +<p> + "Did he?" said Betty, flushing brightly under Moppet's keen glance. +</p> +<p> + "And I sat there and shivered," went on Moppet, discreetly dropping that + branch of the subject, "for I could hear his feet as he climbed, and + once he slipped and I was so frightened lest he should come tumbling + down and our fine plot be discovered. Betty, Betty, what a fine flutter + Oliver and Josiah will be in at breakfast!" +</p> +<p> + "Don't talk of it," said Betty, shivering in her turn; "go to sleep, + Moppet, and I will fly to my chamber, for it is not well that I should + be discovered here, dressed. Oliver is not one to notice; now lie still + until you are called for rising;" and Betty tripped back to her own + room, where, tearing off her dress, she threw her tired little self on + the bed to rest, if not to sleep, for the short hours that remained + before breakfast. +</p> +<p> + The Wolcott household was one that was early astir, however, and Chloe, + the old colored cook, was out in the barn searching for eggs, and Miss + Bidwell had laid the breakfast cloth and polished the silver by half + past six, when Miss Euphemia knocked briskly at the door where Pamela + and Dolly Trumbull were slumbering sweetly, and resolved that she would + request Oliver to permit Captain Yorke to come down and breakfast with + the family. "For," mused Miss Euphemia, "our obligations to that young + man should make some difference, I think, in his treatment; I must try + to persuade Oliver to detain him here until my brother's return, for + although I did not think it prudent to say so, I confess I am no more + anxious to keep him prisoner than Betty was." +</p> +<p> + But Miss Euphemia had not more than descended at half past seven + precisely (her usual hour) when Oliver came hastily into the room, + demanding a hammer and chisel, and with such evident dismay upon his + countenance that Miss Euphemia asked if anything was the matter. +</p> +<p> + "I do not know," said Oliver, searching the drawer for the desired + implements; "I called and knocked smartly at Captain Yorke's door to + ask him if he desired hot water, and to offer him a change of clean + linen (as we are much the same size and build); but although I made + sufficient noise to wake the hardest sleeper, no response did I receive. + Then I unbolted the door, intending to enter, but he has fastened it on + the inside, and"— +</p> +<p> + "He is ill," cried Miss Euphemia, in alarm. "I noted he looked pale last + night." +</p> +<p> + "Much more likely 'tis some device to alarm us," said Oliver, seizing + the chisel, and Miss Euphemia followed him as he went hurriedly up the + front staircase. At its top stood Huntington. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke is a sound sleeper," he said, addressing Oliver. "I have + knocked at his door several times and get no response." +</p> +<p> + "My mind misgives me," said Oliver, fitting his chisel in the door and + striking vigorously with the hammer; "and yet I made sure there was no + chance for escape,—ha!" as the door swung open and discovered the + closed shutters and the last flickering gleams of the dying candle upon + the table. "Good heavens, Huntington, he has flown!" +</p> +<p> + "Flown!" cried Josiah, rushing after Oliver, as Miss Euphemia joined + the party, and Pamela, with Dolly, opened her door across the hall, + hearing the commotion. "And how? Surely not by the chimney?" +</p> +<p> + "I wish you had suggested that earlier," said Oliver bitterly. "I am a + dolt and a fool's head not to have thoroughly examined it last night," + and he rushed across into Betty's chamber to find a candle with which to + investigate the treacherous exit. +</p> +<p> + "Have a care, Oliver," cried Betty, as her brother entered without + knocking, to find her with her hair over her shoulders, brush in hand. + "What do you please to want?" +</p> +<p> + "Your candle," said Oliver, catching up the one upon her table, and then + pausing, as he was about to rush out again. "Did you hear any noises + last night, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Noises?" answered Betty, facing him calmly, "of what nature?" +</p> +<p> + "In the great chimney," said Oliver, eying her sternly. +</p> +<p> + "I did not," said Betty, with truth, returning inward thanks that to + that question she could reply without falsehood. "Why did you ask?" +</p> +<p> + "You will find out soon enough," said Oliver, dashing down the hall, + without closing the door, and hurrying to the kitchen for a light. By + the time he returned, he found Josiah half way up the chimney. +</p> +<p> + "Here are pegs," he called out, as Oliver sent the ray of the lighted + candle upward. "'Tis easy enough to see how our prisoner escaped. Fool + that I was not to have searched this place," and he let himself down + again, where the bewildered group stood around the chimney-piece. +</p> +<p> + "The fault is mine alone," cried Oliver furiously; "let us get out on + the roof and see if we can discover how he made his descent to the + ground." +</p> +<p> + "By the great elm," exclaimed Pamela, who had unfastened the shutters + with Josiah's help; "see, the branches overhang the roof just here, and + I think there are some pieces of the bark on the ground below." All of + which was true, and quick-witted of Pamela; but Moppet could have + explained the presence of the bits of bark, for, as it happened, the + child had emptied her apron under the elm the day before, and the bark + was some she had gathered in the orchard for the bits of fungus which, + at night, were phosphorescent, and which Moppet called "fairy lamps." +</p> +<p> + "True," said Josiah, leaning out of the window, "and there are + footsteps in the tall grass yonder," pointing westward, where his keen + eye perceived a fresh path broken in the meadow. "I must follow Oliver + to the roof; this will be a dire blow to him, as he thought his prisoner + so carefully guarded." +</p> +<p> + "How clever of him to escape under our very ears," said Dolly to Pamela; + "how could Captain Yorke contrive to climb down so softly that no one + heard him? Is not Miss Euphemia's chamber on this side?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Pamela, turning away from the window, "and so is Moppet's; + where is Aunt Euphemia?" and running out into the hall, she encountered + both Betty and her aunt on the way to Moppet's apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Hush!" whispered Betty, with hand on the latch, "I hope she is still + sleeping. Moppet came into my room in the night, Aunt Euphemia, and was + so cold and shivering that I went back with her and put her to bed. I + got a drink of milk for her, and it seemed to quiet her." +</p> +<p> + "That was quite right," said Miss Euphemia. "I have been afraid that the + plunge in the pond did her some injury," and she opened the door + softly, only to see Miss Moppet's curly head rise up from her pillow, + and to hear her say with a sleepy yawn:— +</p> +<p> + "What is it all about? Where's Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Here I am," said Betty, giving her a kiss. "Did you sleep soundly after + the milk?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, and I want some more," said Moppet, seizing the situation with + such alacrity that Betty suspected on the instant that the keen little + ears had been on the alert for more minutes than Moppet cared to + acknowledge. "What are you all coming in for? Is it dinner-time?" +</p> +<p> + "No," interrupted Pamela, "we have not even had breakfast. Captain Yorke + has escaped in the night"— +</p> +<p> + "Escaped!" cried Moppet, the liveliest curiosity in her tone. "Oh, I'm + so glad! Aren't you, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Better not let Oliver hear you say that," said Pamela in an undertone + as Miss Euphemia drew Betty aside. +</p> +<p> + "How did he get out?" said Moppet, giving way to laughter. "Oh, what a + ruffle Oliver must be in." +</p> +<p> + "Naughty child," said Pamela, but unable to help smiling at Moppet's + view of the situation. "Did you happen to hear any noises on the roof or + in the big elm last night?" +</p> +<p> + "Not a sound," said Moppet, like Betty rejoicing inwardly that she could + reply truthfully, for the little maid had never told a lie in her short + life, and had indeed spent a wakeful half hour that very morning + wondering how she would be able to evade any questions that might be put + to her. "Did Captain Yorke climb out of his window and go down the big + elm, Pamela? Do you know I thought of that at supper." +</p> +<p> + "He could not open the window, Moppet," answered Pamela, "but he did go + down the tree from the roof, whence he climbed from the chimney here." +</p> +<p> + "Moppet, you must instantly dress or you will lake cold," said Miss + Euphemia, interrupting, to Betty's relief, "and I will be glad if Betty + will assist you, for I must go down and see if breakfast be still hot, + as no one is ready yet to eat it," and out went Miss Euphemia, calling + the others to follow her. +</p> +<p> + "What do you think of all this?" asked Pamela of Betty. +</p> +<p> + "What do you suppose?" flashed out Betty, whose quick tongue had been + so long restrained that it was absolute relief to her to speak her mind. + "I am as glad as I can possibly be that Captain Yorke has escaped, and + if that be disloyal"—finished the spirited little maid, mindful of + Patrick Henry—"make the most of it!" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Betty!" cried Pamela, shocked beyond expression. +</p> +<p> + "It is I that should be shocked, not you," went on Betty. "Do you hold + Moppet's dear life as nothing? Do you not wish to acknowledge an + obligation when it is doubly due? I am ashamed of you, Pamela,—you and + Oliver. I would my father were here to make you see both sides of a + question clearly." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty," implored Pamela, bursting into tears, "do I not love our + little sister as well as you? You do mistake me; I did not dare go + counterwise to Oliver and Josiah, but indeed I love you for your + courage." +</p> +<p> + "There, say no more," said Betty, dropping the brush with which she was + reducing Moppet's rebellious locks to order, and rushing into Pamela's + arms with quick repentance. "I am cross and upset this morning, and not + fit to talk to you, my gentle Pamela, so go down and make the coffee and + forgive my petulance." +</p> +<p> + Dolly, who had witnessed this little sisterly passage of arms in shy + fright, put her hand in Pamela's and whispered, as they gained the + staircase:— +</p> +<p> + "Dry your eyes, Pamela dear; Betty is most forward to speak thus to her + elder sister." +</p> +<p> + "There you mistake," said Pamela, changing front with true feminine + inconsistency. "Betty is quite right, and I am displeased,—yes + downright displeased with myself that I did not side with her last + night," and with unwonted color flushing her usually pale cheeks Pamela + walked into the breakfast-room, Dolly following meekly behind her. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile, Oliver and Josiah were upon the roof of the mansion + conducting most careful investigation. They had decided that it was + useless to pursue Yorke, for he might have many hours in advance of + them, and they must take the chances that he would be recaptured by some + of Putnam's men, especially if he again mistook the country and went + west instead of north. They climbed through the trap-door, but as the + heavy dews had not yet begun there was no trace of footsteps upon the + roof beyond a faint mark, which might be the spot where the prisoner had + dropped from the chimney. It was quite possible for an agile fellow, + accustomed to use his muscle, to clamber down the sloping roof to the + elm and escape to the ground by its branches, and that he was not heard + was partly due to his own care and the unusually heavy slumbers of the + inmates of the mansion. Having reached this conclusion, Oliver was fain + to make the best of it, and in much chagrin descended to the + breakfast-table. +</p> +<p> + Try as she did to look demure and avoid speaking upon the subject which + all were discussing, Betty could not keep her dancing eyes in order, and + before the meal was over she flashed so roguish a glance at Oliver that, + irritated at her mute opposition, he could not refrain from saying:— +</p> +<p> + "There sits Betty looking fairly pleased because she has her own way, + and apparently cares nothing for the escape of an enemy to her country." +</p> +<p> + "Fie, Oliver," spoke up Pamela with unusual fire, "Betty is as loyal as + you or I, and you are unfair to tax her because she heartily + disapproves of your course in regard to Captain Yorke's detention after + the signal service he has rendered to all us Wolcotts." +</p> +<p> + "Pamela!" cried Oliver, good temper returning, and gazing in comic + dismay at his favorite sister, much as he would at a dove who had + ruffled its plumes. "This from you, Pamela? If Betty be allowed to + demoralize the family in this wise, I think it were well my father takes + you all in hand." +</p> +<p> + "Heyday?" said a kindly voice from the door of the sitting-room, as a + fine-looking man dressed in the Continental uniform entered the room. + "Who is it that requires my parental hand, Oliver, and why do you so + lament my absence?" +</p> +<p> + "Father, father!" shrieked Miss Moppet, tumbling out of her chair and + flinging her arms around General Wolcott's neck as he stooped down to + embrace her. "Oh, we're so glad you are come. Why didn't you get here + last night?" +</p> +<p> + "Because I lay over at General Putnam's headquarters," said her father. + "Oliver, you will find Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Hillhouse on the + porch. See that their horses be taken and fed, and bid them come to + breakfast." +</p> +<p> + Oliver disappeared in haste, and Josiah, with an apology to Miss + Euphemia, followed him; while General Wolcott, casting off his hat and + gloves, seated himself with Moppet on his knee, and Miss Bidwell + appeared from the kitchen with fresh reinforcements of breakfast for the + newcomers. Betty, busying herself by fetching cups and saucers from the + china pantry, caught fragments of the conversation, and became aware + that Miss Moppet was telling the story of her adventure at Great Pond, + in the child's most dramatic fashion, and that Miss Euphemia was also + adding her testimony to the tale as it went on. They were presently + interrupted by the entrance of Oliver with his father's two aids, and + the large mahogany table was surrounded by guests, whose appetites bid + fair to do justice to Miss Bidwell's breakfast. +</p> +<p> + No sooner was the meal fairly under way than Oliver, eager to hear his + father's opinion, began the story of his capture of the day before, and + related how and where he had found Captain Yorke, and how safely he + supposed he had imprisoned him in the north chamber, from which his + clever and ready escape had been made. Oliver's narrative was + interrupted by exclamations from the officers and questions from his + father, who displayed keen interest in the matter. +</p> +<p> + "Father," said Moppet, seeing that the most important point had been + omitted in Oliver's story, and venturing to join in the conversation, as + few children of that period would have done, "Oliver's prisoner was my + good kind gentleman who pulled me out of the pond, and I am very, very + glad he has got away—aren't you?" +</p> +<p> + "I was indeed hard bestead, sir," burst in Oliver. "Here were Betty and + Moppet insisting that I must let Captain Yorke go free because of his + gallant act (which I fully appreciate), and the gentleman refusing his + parole because he preferred to take the chances of war, while I felt it + my sworn duty to detain him and to forward him to General Putnam without + delay, as I know we are in need of exchange for several of our officers + now held by Sir Henry Clinton, and this man is of Clinton's staff, and + therefore a most valuable capture. Was I to blame for retaining him?" +</p> +<p> + General Wolcott hesitated, but as he was about to make reply his eye + fell upon Betty, who confronted him across the table with parted lips + and large, beseeching eyes so full of entreaty that he changed the words + almost upon his lips. +</p> +<p> + "It is a delicate question, my son," he said gravely, "and one I would + rather not discuss at the present moment. More especially"—and a + half-quizzical smile lit up his grave but kindly face as he turned + toward Miss Moppet and gently pinched her little ear,—"more especially + as the gentleman has taken the law in his own hands and escaped from + Wolcott Manor despite the fact that as it is the residence of a + Continental officer and the sheriff of Litchfield County it might be + supposed to have exceptional reasons for detaining him. Captain Seymour, + I will be glad to sign the papers of which General Putnam has need, and + we will go at once to my library, for you must be off by noon." +</p> +<p> + Some two hours later, as Betty sat watching in her chamber window, she + saw the horses led around to the front door, and shortly after knew from + the sounds below that Pamela and Dolly wore bidding the young officers + good-by; so, waiting until the sound of their horses' feet had died + away in the distance, Betty, with outward composure but much inward + dismay, tripped softly downstairs and knocked at the door of the + library. +</p> +<p> + "Pray Heaven he be alone," she sighed as she heard her father's voice + bid her enter, and then she crossed the threshold and confronted him. +</p> +<p> + "Father," she said, steadying herself by one small hand pressed downward + on the table behind which he sat, "I—that is—I have something to tell + you." +</p> +<p> + General Wolcott raised his head from the paper which he had been + carefully reading and looked kindly at her. +</p> +<p> + "What is it, my child?" he asked reassuringly, motioning her to a chair. + "I thought at breakfast that you had the air of being in distress." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, I am hardly that," replied Betty, clinging to the table, "except + so far as I may have incurred your censure, though I hope not your + displeasure. Father, Oliver has told you of the escape of Captain Yorke, + which causes him much chagrin and anger. Blame no one but me, for I + myself released him." +</p> +<p> + "You!" exclaimed General Wolcott. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I," said Betty, growing paler. "If you had but been here or I + known that you were so near us, there had been no such need for haste, + and I would have been spared this confession." +</p> +<p> + "How did you arrange the escape?" said her father quietly. +</p> +<p> + "It was this way," faltered Betty, but gaining courage as she proceeded. + "Oliver would not listen, though I begged and plead with him to delay + until your arrival. He was so eager to deliver his captive to General + Putnam that I made no impression. Father, the Englishman had saved our + Moppet's life at the risk of his own; <i>he</i> did not pause to ask whether + she was friend or foe when he rushed to her rescue—could we he less + humane? I do not know what they do to prisoners,"—and Betty strangled a + swift sob,—"but I could not bear to think of a gallant gentleman, be he + British or American, confined in a prison, and so I resolved I would + assist his escape. I waited until midnight, and then I spoke to him + through the aperture in the great chimney and instructed him how to + climb up through it by the pegs Reuben had left there, and I stole to + the garret and waited until he came. Ruben did not see me pass the door + of the north chamber, for he was asleep (do not tell this to Oliver, as + it might bring reproof upon poor Reuben, who was too weary to be of much + service as a sentinel), and I brought Captain Yorke safely down the + stairs which lead from the garret to the buttery. Once there, all was + easy; I opened the door, and—and—I even offered him the mare, father, + I was in such fear of his recapture; but he stoutly refused to take her. + This is all. If I am a traitor, dear father, punish me as I deserve, but + never think me disloyal to you or to my country." +</p> +<p> + There was a pause, as Betty's sweet, passionate tones ceased; she stood + with head thrown back, but downcast eyes, as fair a picture us ever + greeted father's eye. +</p> +<p> + "A loyal traitor, Betty," said General Wolcott slowly; "and I think that + it were well I should look after the condition of my chimneys." +</p> +<p> + Scarcely daring to believe her ears, Betty looked up, and in another + second she had thrown her arms around her father's neck, sobbing softly + as he caressed her. +</p> +<p> + "'Twas a daring, mad scheme, my child," said General Wolcott, his own + eyes not quite guiltless of moisture; "but bravely carried out; and + looking at the matter much as you do, I cannot find it in my heart to + censure you. Captain Yorke is doubtless a manly foe, and of such I have + no fear. It shall be our secret, yours and mine, Betty; we will not even + tell Oliver just now, else it might make sore feeling between you. For + Oliver was right, and"—smiling kindly, "so were you. Everything depends + upon the point of view, my daughter; but let me beg you never to try + your hand again to assist the escape of a British officer, or it might + cost me the friendship of General Washington." +</p> +<p> + "Father, dear father!" cried Betty, overjoyed to find judgment so + lenient accorded her, "I crave your pardon; 'twas alone for Moppet's + sake." +</p> +<p> + "Aye," said General Wolcott, and then paused a brief second, for his + wife's death, had been the forfeit paid for Moppet's birth, and this was + one reason why the child had become the family idol. "Now run away, for + I must close these papers in time for Oliver, who rides dispatch to Fort + Trumbull to-night. And, Betty," as she stood glowing and smiling before + him "my child, you grow more like your mother every day." and with a + hasty movement General Wolcott turned away to conceal his emotion, as + Betty went quickly from the room. +</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VI +</h2> +<center> + BY COURIER POST +</center> +<p> + It had been a wild night, find the morning wind sobbed and sighed + through the elms, which, denuded of their leaves, stood out tall and + bare against the leaden sky, and there was a chill in the air that might + betoken snow. Pamela Wolcott stood in the sitting-room window and sighed + softly, as she gazed out at the November landscape, letting her fingers + beat soft tattoo against the lozenge-shaped pane. +</p> +<p> + "Pamela," said Betty from the depths of a big chair, where she sat + busily knitting a little stocking whose proportions suggested Miss + Moppet, "I wish you would stop that devil's march. Believe me, you had + much better come and talk to me, and so drive away the vapors, rather + than stand there and worry over the whereabouts of Josiah." +</p> +<p> + "It will take more than that to drive away the thoughts I cannot help," + said Pamela, coming back from the window and seating herself on the + wide settle, for Pamela was somewhat given to seeking the warmest + corner, and dreaded a New England winter. "It is full time I had some + intelligence, for Josiah promised that he would take advantage of any + courier who started for New London to dispatch me a letter, and you know + that father had news two days since from Morristown, but nothing came + for me. Betty, I am sore afraid of evil tidings." +</p> +<p> + "You are ever faint-hearted," said Betty, glancing compassionately at + her sister. +</p> +<p> + "And I dreamed last night of a wedding," went on Pamela, "and that, you + know, is an evil sign." +</p> +<p> + "Best not let Aunt Euphemia hear you," Replied Betty, with a smile. "You + have been consulting Chloe, I am sure, as to the portents of dreams. + Fie, Pamela; Josiah is strong and well, and there is not likely to be a + movement of the troops just now, father says, so why worry? I am anxious + because we hear nothing of Clarissa, and I think Aunt Euphemia is the + same, for I heard her talking and sighing last night when Miss Bidwell + carried up the night light. Dear Clarissa, how I wish I could see her + again; I wonder if she be quite, quite happy shut up in New York among + the Tories." +</p> +<p> + "No doubt; though when she married Gulian Verplanck we had little + thought of the occupation of New York by the British. Do you recollect + how pretty she looked on her wedding-day, Betty, and the little caps you + and I wore,—mine with a knot of blue, and yours of rose-color? I found + that ribbon one day last week, tucked away in a little box. Have you + kept yours?" +</p> +<p> + "No," returned Betty, with a sudden blush and a quick, half-guilty throb + of her heart, as she remembered in whose hand she had last seen that + same bow of rose-color; "that is, I had it until last summer, when—I + lost it." And Betty dropped two stitches in her confusion, which + fortunately Pamela was too much engrossed in her own thoughts to notice. +</p> +<p> + "It is five years last May," said Pamela. "You and I were tiny things of + ten and eleven years, and Oliver strutted about grand and dignified in a + new coat. The first wedding in our family—I wonder whose be the next?" +</p> +<p> + "Yours, of course." said Betty quickly. "That is if you and Josiah can + ever make up your minds. I will not be like you, Pamela, trust me, when + my turn comes I'll know full well whether I will or I won't." And Betty + tossed her saucy head with a mischievous laugh as there came a rap on + the front door which caused both girls to start up and fly to the + window. +</p> +<p> + "Why, 'tis Sally Tracy," cried Betty. "I did not know she had returned + from her visit to Lebanon." And she ran rapidly along the hall, and + opening the door, embraced her friend with all a girl's enthusiasm. +</p> +<p> + "Welcome, Sally," said Pamela, as the pair came hand in hand towards + her, "Betty has been moping ever since you left, and had a desperate fit + of industry from sheer loneliness. I really believe she has made a + stocking and a half for Moppet—or was it a pair, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "The second pair, if you please," retorted Betty, rejoiced to see Pamela + smile, even if at her own expense; "and Miss Bidwell says they are every + bit as fine as yours." +</p> +<p> + "They may well be that," said Pamela, whose pet detestation was the + manufacture of woolen stockings (then considered one of the component + parts of a girl's education in New England). "But Sally is such a + marvelous knitter that she will no doubt rejoice at your success. Had + you as severe weather in Lebanon as this? I am fearful that we will have + a hard winter, the cold has set in so early." +</p> +<p> + "They have had one flurry of snow already," Sally answered, "but not so + much wind as we of Litchfield rejoice in. But I had a merry visit and + saw much company. Dolly bemoaned daily that you could not come, Pamela." +</p> +<p> + "I am to go later, after or about the day set apart for Thanksgiving. + But you and Betty have much to say to each other, and I will not + interrupt you; Miss Bidwell has something for me to do, I'll warrant; + so, farewell for the present, Sally." And Pamela left the room. +</p> +<p> + "Come, sit beside me on the settle," said Betty, putting Sally in the + warmest seat. "Your fingers are cold, and the room is not yet + sufficiently warm. Well,"—with a significant smile,—"what have you to + tell me?" +</p> +<p> + "Not what you think," with a smiling nod, "for Francis Plunkett is far + too pressing for my taste,'' answered Sally. +</p> +<p> + "Ha, ha," quoth Betty, much amused, "is that the way you take it? Then I + foresee that Francis will win for his much speaking." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed he will not; I teased him well the last evening, and he dare not + resume the subject for a while at least." +</p> +<p> + "Then there is some one else," said Betty. "Can it be that Oliver"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no," cried Sally hastily; "Oliver has not such an idea, believe me, + Betty." +</p> +<p> + "How can you answer for him?" retorted Betty, laughing. "But your tone + answers for yourself, so I must guess again. I think I have heard + something of a handsome young lawyer from Branford"— +</p> +<p> + "Fie!" cried Sally, in her turn averting her face quickly, but not + before Betty had perceived her heightened color, "I have but met him + three times, and there are plenty of other personable men as well as he, + for while one stops with Dolly the officers from Fort Trumbull are ever + coming and going, you know." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, Sally, you are growing giddy, I fear," continued Betty with comical + pretense of solemnity. "I think it behooves me to caution you." +</p> +<p> + "Caution me, indeed!" laughed Sally. "Wait until we both go, as we all + are invited to Hartford with Dolly this winter when the Assembly meets, + and then see if you be not fully as giddy as I am." +</p> +<p> + "I do not believe that I can go to Hartford, Sally; you know Pamela is + more Dolly's friend than mine, and I think she needs some diversion, for + ever since Josiah had his commission and joined the Continental army, + she has nearly moped herself to death. And Pamela is like my mother, not + very strong; I can see that Aunt Euphemia is somewhat troubled about her + even now, so perhaps our fine schemes for a trip to Hartford may have to + be given up, at least so far as my going is concerned." +</p> +<p> + Sally's face fell; the visit to Hartford had been so long talked of, and + Betty's presence so much desired, that this was a dash of the coldest + possible water. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Betty, how truly sorry I shall be. But let us hope for the best. It + will be a sad breaking up of all my plans for the winter if you cannot + come. I was also to stop at Fairfield with Mrs. Sherman, but since the + raid of last summer her health has been so shattered that all thoughts + of visitors have to be abandoned, and therefore I was counting upon our + merry visit to Dolly as compensation." +</p> +<p> + Sally looked so melancholy at this point that Betty took her hand and + was about to take a rather more hopeful view of things, but the words + died on her lips as the clatter of a horse's feet was heard outside, and + both girls ran to the window in time to see the rider draw rein at the + south door of the mansion and dismount in apparent haste. +</p> +<p> + "It is some dispatch," said Betty breathlessly. "Did you not see the bag + he carried at the saddle? And there is my father—oh, Sally, I wonder if + there be news from General Washington and the army?" and struck by the + sudden fear of ill-tidings the girls ran hastily from the room. +</p> +<p> + In the wide hall stood Miss Bidwell, and beside her the stranger, + saddle-bag in hand, as Miss Euphemia emerged from the dining-room, + whence General Wolcott had preceded her. +</p> +<p> + "From the commander-in-chief, general," said the courier, touching his + battered hat in salute, "and special dispatches from General Steuben. + Also this private packet, which was lying waiting at King's Bridge Inn; + I have been four days on the road, owing to my horse having lamed + himself when near Chatham, and I could not make time on the nag which + stands at your door." +</p> +<p> + "King's Bridge," murmured Miss Euphemia; "then there is news of + Clarissa. Brother, have I your permission?"—as General Wolcott gave the + small packet into her hand. +</p> +<p> + "Break the seals," said the general briefly, "and bring me the letters + presently to my study. See that the horse and man be well taken care of; + I may have to dispatch instant answer to these," and he went quickly + down the hall, closing the door behind him. +</p> +<p> + With fingers that trembled somewhat, Miss Euphemia opened the cover, and + disclosed three letters to the eager eyes of the girls, who stood + breathless beside her. +</p> +<p> + "One for your father (it is Gulian Verplanck's hand), this for me, from + Clarissa, and the smaller one for you, Betty; let us go into the + sitting-room and read ours together." +</p> +<p> + "None for me?" said Pamela's despairing voice, with a sob treading on + the words; "oh, I fear me some evil has befallen Josiah." +</p> +<p> + "No, no," whispered Betty, stealing her hand lovingly into her sister's, + as she pulled her gently into the room; "father has the dispatches; + these are but the long-looked-for letters from New York, Pamela, and + I'll wager there is something from Josiah among father's packets. Let us + see what my letter says," and Betty, having seated Pamela and Sally on + the settle, placed herself on a convenient cricket, and broke the seal + of her letter. But before her eyes had time to see more than "Dearest + Betty," she was interrupted by a sudden exclamation from her aunt. +</p> +<p> + "Clarissa has been at death's door," cried Miss Euphemia, startled out + of her usual composure. "I knew this long silence boded no good. Listen, + I will read it," and the three girls gathered round her chair at once. +</p> +<p> + "Dear and Honored Aunt" (ran the letter), "I take up my pen, after many + days of pain and dire distress, to send loving greetings to you, my + Beloved father, and my dear sisters. For the hand of death was nearly + upon me; thank God that I am still preserved to my dear Husband and to + you. +</p> +<p> + "It was a very malignant and severe attack of Fever, and Gulian procured + the services of no less than three Physicians, as for days I laid + unconscious. My little baby died at two hours old, and I never saw him. + Alas, how I have suffered! I am now very weak, altho' able to be dressed + and sit up each day. This is my first letter; and I pine so sorely for + you, my dear ones, that my dear Husband permits me to write, and begs + with me that you will permit one of my sisters to come to me and cheer + my heart"— +</p> +<p> + "Come to her! Good lack!" cried impetuous Betty, interrupting the + reader, "how is one to go when the British are in occupation?"— +</p> +<p> + "How, indeed," sighed Miss Euphemia; "but perhaps the letter will tell," + and she resumed her reading, after wiping her eyes softly. "Where was + I?—oh"— +</p> +<p> + "Father will no doubt be able to procure a pass from General Washington, + which will admit the bearer into the City, and Gulian will himself be + ready when you advise us, and will await you at King's Bridge Inn. Dear + Aunt, send me some one soon, and let me see a dear home face, else I + shall die of grief and homesickness, far from my own people. +</p> +<p> + "Your loving and obedient niece,<br> +"CLARISSA VERPLANCK." +</p> +<p> + By this time Pamela was sobbing aloud, and tears flowed down Miss + Euphemia's cheeks, but Betty sprang to her feet with a little impatient + stamp, crying,— +</p> +<p> + "Aunt, aunt, which of us shall go? Pamela, you are a gentle and charming + nurse; shall it be you?" +</p> +<p> + "I!" sighed Pamela; "oh, I would go to the world's end for Clarissa." +</p> +<p> + "But this is to go to New York," cried Betty, with unconscious irony; + "and as we can neither of us go alone, why could not my father arrange + for one of us to accompany Mrs. Seymour, who leaves shortly to be near + her brother for the winter? Did you not tell me, Sally, that she was + going to New York?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," answered Sally Tracy, "she has been making all manner of + preparations, for, as you know, her brother is imprisoned in the city; + and since her acceptance of the pleasure coach from the Mayor of New + York (which he presented her with when he was released from Litchfield + gaol), she has been pining to go to him. And, beside, she travels in her + coach as far as possible; and my mother said last night that General + Washington was to send her safe-conduct through our lines to the city." +</p> +<p> + "We must first consult your father," said Miss Euphemia gravely, much + upset by the suggestion of making up her mind to do anything in haste, + for she was a very deliberate person, and despised hurried decisions. "I + will find him as soon as he has finished the dispatches, and, moreover, + this letter to him from Gulian may have directions. I incline to think + that you, Betty, will be the one to go. Pamela can scarce bear the + journey in this weather," and gathering her papers carefully in her + hand, Miss Euphemia left the room, and the girls gazed blankly at each + other with startled eyes and throbbing hearts. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VII +</h2> +<center> + WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER +</center> +<p> + "It was all decided last night," said Betty, tucking her little feet + carefully under her gown and clasping her knees with her hands to keep + them warm, as she sat in Moppet's chair, which stood close by the fire, + where a log burned and crackled in the big chimney—a most unusual + luxury for those days, and granted only to Moppet's youth and slight + delicacy of constitution. "Father found the pass from General Washington + among his dispatches brought by the courier; and as it includes Mrs. + Seymour's maid, he arranged with her that I go instead, as Mrs. Seymour + kindly says she can procure another attendant in New York. I can scarce + believe it possible, Sally. Oh, fancy my having to live in a city + occupied by the British!" +</p> +<p> + "Ah," sighed Miss Moppet, pressing her head against Betty's knee, and a + spark of interest lighting up her doleful little face, "if only some of + them be like my good"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, some of the Tories may be passably amusing," said Betty hastily, + giving Moppet a warning glance, as she checked the words on the child's + lips by a soft touch of her hand. "I doubt not that Gulian, my + brother-in-law, has fine qualities, else Clarissa had not been so fond + of him as to leave us all and go so far from us. But I trust that even + Gulian may not see fit to talk loyalist to me; my naughty tongue would + get me into trouble straightway." +</p> +<p> + "You must learn to control your tongue, Betty," said Moppet primly, with + a roguish twinkle of her eyes upward. "Miss Bidwell says mine is an + unruly member, and told me a most dire tale of a little girl whose + mother for punishment pricked her tongue with a hot bodkin." +</p> +<p> + "Ugh!" cried Sally, with a shudder, "that was in Puritan days, truly." +</p> +<p> + "I do not crave the hot bodkin," said Betty, laughing. "Miss Bidwell's + tales are a trifle gruesome, Moppet." +</p> +<p> + "But I always do love a flimming tale, Betty" (this was Moppet's + invariable rendering of the word "thrilling," which her lips had never + yet conquered), "and some of them are most bloody ones, I assure you. + Oh, Betty, Betty, what <i>shall</i> I do when you are gone!" and with a + sudden realization of her loss, Moppet gave a quick sob which went to + Betty's heart. +</p> +<p> + "Nay, sweetheart, be a brave little maid," she answered, fighting a + small lump in her own throat. "I would I could take you with me; but as + I cannot, you must hasten to learn how to make better pot-hooks and + write me letters, which Aunt Euphemia will forward with hers. And, + Moppet, I think I shall give you in special charge to Sally; how will + that please you?" +</p> +<p> + "I love Sally," said the child simply, as the tender-hearted Sally knelt + down beside her. "Will you help console me with my primer and that + altogether dreadful sampler when my Betty is away?" +</p> +<p> + "Indeed will I," replied Sally, much amused with Moppet's view of the + sampler; "and you shall come and see me every fine day, and the wet ones + I am sure to be here with Pamela, who has proclaimed her intention of + adopting me when Betty goes. And now I must be going, for it is nearly + the dinner hour, and my mother says as I have dined here three days she + bespeaks my presence for one out of four. So farewell until to-morrow, + Betty, when I shall be here to see you start upon your travels." +</p> +<p> + Betty was busy enough all that day; indeed, nothing more than a confused + recollection remained with her afterward of trunk and two small boxes to + be packed; of Pamela's urging her acceptance of a new lute-string slip, + rose-colored, which had recently come to her from Boston; of Miss + Bidwell's innumerable stockings all tucked carefully away in one corner + of the hair-covered brass-nailed box, and even Miss Moppet's tenderly + cherished blue bag embroidered in steel beads, which had belonged to + their mother, but which Moppet insisted could be used by Betty with + great effect for her handkerchief at a ball. +</p> +<p> + "Ball, indeed," sighed Betty, whose brave heart was beginning to quail + at thought of an untold length of separation from her beloved family. "I + should think the hearts of the patriots imprisoned in New York would + scarce be occupied with balls in such times as these." +</p> +<p> + "You mistake," said Pamela, who, truth to tell, half longed for Betty's + opportunities, for was not her sister going somewhere near Josiah's + post? "I am sure Clarissa's letter which you read me bade you bring all + your best gowns and finery, and we have all heard how gay the army of + occupation make the city." +</p> +<p> + "Aye, to those who are Tories," said Betty, with curling red lips, "but + for me—oh, Miss Bidwell, if you put in another pair of stockings I + shall require as many feet as a centipede, who I read has hundreds of + them." +</p> +<p> + "Hundreds of feet?" echoed Miss Moppet. "Oh, Betty, do I live to hear + you tell a fairy tale as if it were real?" +</p> +<p> + "Read your primer, and you will learn many wonderful things," quoth + Betty, snatching up the child in her arms. "I shall take you straightway + to bed, for we must be up betimes in the morning, you know." +</p> +<p> + Very carefully and tenderly did Betty bathe Moppet's sweet little face, + comb and smooth the pretty curling hair, so like her own save in color, + and then run the brass warming-pan, heated by live coals, through the + sheets lest her tender body suffer even a slight chill. And when Moppet + was safely lodged in bed Betty sat down beside her to hold her hand + until she dropped asleep. But between excitement and grief the child's + eyes would not close, and she asked question after question, until Betty + finally announced she should answer no more. +</p> +<p> + Moppet lay still for some moments, and just as Betty was beginning to + fancy that the long, dark eyelashes worn curling downward in sleepy + comfort the dark blue eyes opened, and a dancing imp of mischief gleamed + from their depths in Betty's face. +</p> +<p> + "When you meet Captain Yorke, Betty," whispered Moppet, "be sure you + tell him how Oliver and Josiah hunted and hunted that morning, and how I + never, never told"— +</p> +<p> + "Moppet," said Betty, turning a vivid pink in the firelight, "how can + you!"— +</p> +<p> + "Yes," pursued Moppet relentlessly, "and you give him my love—heaps of + it—and I just hope he may never get taken a prisoner during the whole + war again." +</p> +<p> + "Go to sleep, dear," answered Betty, biting her lip; but her cheeks did + not grow cool until long after the soft, regular breathing told that her + little sister had gone into the land of dreams. +</p> +<p> + The Wolcott household was up early that cold winter morning, when Mrs. + Seymour's coach, with its pair of sturdy, strong gray horses, drew up at + the front door. It took some twenty minutes to bestow Betty's trunk and + boxes on the rumble behind, during which time Mrs. Seymour alighted and + received all manner of charges and advice from Miss Euphemia, who, now + that Betty was fairly on the wing, felt much sinking of heart over her + departure. Mrs. Seymour, a pretty young matron, whose natural gayety of + spirit was only subdued by the anxiety she was suffering in regard to + her only brother, now a prisoner in New York (and for whose exchange she + was bringing great influence to bear in all directions), listened with + much outward deference and inward impatience to the stately dame, and + turned with an air of relief to General Wolcott when he announced that + all was ready for their departure, and with much courtliness offered his + hand to conduct her to her coach. +</p> +<p> + "That you will take the best care of my daughter I am assured, madam," + said the gallant gentleman. "It is our great good fortune to have found + this opportunity and your kind escort, for owing to the shortness of + time I have not been able to notify my son-in-law of Betty's coming. But + as you are going into the city yourself, I depend upon you to keep her + with you until you can place her safely in Gulian Verplanck's hands. I + trust that you have General Washington's pass close by you? It is quite + possible that you may need it even before you reach White Plains; there + are many marauding parties who infest the country beyond us." +</p> +<p> + "It is here, general," replied Mrs. Seymour, touching the breast of her + gown. "I thought it well to carry it about my person, as I am told that + even the Hessians respect General Washington's safe-conduct to enter New + York." +</p> +<p> + Betty, with crimson cheeks, but brave smiling eyes, threw her arms + fondly around Miss Euphemia, Pamela, Sally, and Miss Bidwell, all in + turn, but Moppet's soft cry as she buried her face in her hands made her + lip quiver, and as she bent her head for her father's farewell, a + reluctant tear forced itself down her cheek. +</p> +<p> + "The God of our fathers be with you, my daughter," he said, taking her + in his arms; "my love and blessing to Clarissa and her husband. Remain + with them until I find safe opportunity to have you return to us; advise + us often of your health and, I trust, continued well-being; keep a brave + heart as befits your name and lineage; fare you well, fare you well!" +</p> +<p> + Betty sank back trembling into her seat beside Mrs. Seymour, the door + was closed, and as the coach rolled off she caught a parting glimpse of + Miss Moppet lifted high in General Wolcott's arms, kissing her hand + fondly as she waved good-by. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VIII +</h2> +<center> + INSIDE BRITISH LINES +</center> +<p> + "Drat that knocker!" said Peter Provoost. +</p> +<p> + The house stood on Wall Street, and to the fact that it like a few + others has been built of brick, it owed its escape from the fire which + ravaged, the city in 1776, the fire which also destroyed old Trinity + Church, leaving the unsightly ruin standing for some years in what was + aristocratic New York of the period. It was a square, + comfortable-looking mansion, with the Dutch <i>stoep</i> in front, and the + half-arch of small-paned glass above the front door, which was painted + white and bore a massive brass knocker. That same knocker was a source + of much irritation to Peter Provoost; for although he was of fair size + for his thirteen years, he could barely reach it when mounted on the + very tips of his toes, and even then never dared touch its shining + surface unless his fingers were clean—a desirable state of neatness + which, alas! did not often adorn the luckless Peter. For though tidy and + careful enough when appearing before his guardians, Mr. and Mrs. + Verplanck, it must be confessed that going to and from school Peter was + prone to lay down both books and hat, oftentimes in the mud, and square + himself pugnaciously if he chanced to meet one of the boys of the "Vly + Market," who were wont to scoff and tease the Broadway boys + unmercifully; and fierce battles were the frequent outcome of the + feeling between the two sections, and in those Peter invariably took + part. +</p> +<p> + The family was a small one, and consisted of Gulian Verplanck and his + wife, his grandmother, Mrs. Effingham, a lovely old Quakeress, and + Peter, who, having lost both parents at an early age, had remained in + Albany with his other guardian, Mr. Abram Lansing, until some six months + before, when it was decided that he should go to New York and be under + the Verplanck eye; and although Peter had rebelled much against the plan + in the first place, he found himself much happier under Clarissa's + gentle rule, and positively adored her in consequence. The only lion in + Peter's path at present was the strong Tory proclivity of the head of + the house; and although he had been warned by his Albany friends to be + prudent and respectful, the boy had inherited a sturdy patriotism which + burned all the more hotly for its repression. +</p> +<p> + On this cold December afternoon Peter stood, books in hand, and surveyed + that aggravating knocker from his stand on the sidewalk. He was + painfully conscious that his feet were muddy, and his chubby fingers + certainly needed soap and water; it was Friday, and Pompey, one of the + black servants, had evidently been scrubbing the front steps. Therefore + Peter debated whether it would be wiser to skirt around the mansion and + gain entrance by the area steps, where no doubt he would encounter + Dinah, the cook (who objected to invasions of unclean shoes), or boldly + ascend the front steps, struggle with that balefully glittering knocker, + and trust to Pompey's somewhat dim eyes to escape remonstrance before he + could gain his own room and make himself presentable. The chances of a + scolding seemed pretty equally balanced to Peter, and he heaved a deep + sigh and put his foot on the first immaculate step before him as a hand + fell on his shoulder and a merry voice said behind him:— +</p> +<p> + "What in the world are you pondering, Peter? I have watched you since I + turned the corner of Broadway, and truly for once have seen you stand + absolutely still. In some scrape with the Vly boys, I'll warrant; do you + wish me to come in and plead for you?" and Kitty Cruger tripped lightly + up the steps as she beckoned Peter to follow. +</p> +<p> + "Now you have done it—not I!" said Peter, with a mischievous chuckle, + as he tore up after her. +</p> +<p> + "Done what?" asked mystified Kitty. She and Peter were fast friends. +</p> +<p> + "Muddied the clean steps," quoth Peter with gleeful brevity. +</p> +<p> + "Have I?" glancing down carelessly until she saw each dainty footprint + plainly depicted on the white marble, side by side with Peter's heavier + tracks. "Oh, what a shame," reaching up successfully to the brass + knocker; "but I am sure Pompey will forgive me, and you can"—stopping + short as the door opened and Pompey himself stood bowing low in the + hall. +</p> +<p> + "Good-day, missy," said he, for Kitty Cruger was a frequent and welcome + visitor at the Verplancks'. "Miss Clarissa is pretty well to-day, thank + you, and ole madam is in the drawing-room—Law!" catching sight of + Peter, who was skillfully slipping down the hall in Kitty's wake. "Dat + you, Massa Peter? Reckon you better hurry, for it's mos' time for + dinner, sah." +</p> +<p> + But Peter, with great discretion, paused not for reply as he vanished up + a back stair-case and reached his own chamber, panting but triumphant. +</p> +<p> + "Good-day, dear grandma," said Kitty, crossing the hall as Pompey held + open the door of the drawing-room; "I was detained by reason of the + sewing-bee at the Morrises', and have barely time to see you and ask for + Clarissa." +</p> +<p> + "How does thee do?" said Grandma Effingham, drawing her little drab + shawl more closely around her shapely shoulders as she laid down her + knitting. "I am pleased to see thee. Clarissa is somewhat stronger + to-day; thee knows she has been more like her old self since Gulian + dispatched the letters asking that one of her sisters be allowed to come + to her. The poor child pines for a home face; it is natural; thee sees + she has been long absent from her people." +</p> +<p> + "Surely it is almost time to get some reply," said Kitty, as she kissed + the dear old Quakeress, for Kitty was one of Mrs. Effingham's + grandchildren, although her mother had been read out of meeting for + having married one of the "world's people." "I doubt that Clarissa will + shortly begin to worry and grow ill again unless kind Providence sends + some tidings." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, nay," said grandma gently. "If thee had half Clarissa's patience + it would be thy gain, Kitty." +</p> +<p> + Grandma was such a quaint, pretty picture, as she sat in her + straight-backed chair, with her Quaker cap and steel-gray silk gown, her + sleeves elbow-cut, displaying still plump and rounded arms (although she + was nearly seventy), and her smooth white fingers flew rapidly in and + out of the blue yarn as she resumed her knitting of Peter's stocking. + Peter was rather a godsend to grandma in the matter of stockings; no + wool that was ever carded could resist his vigorous onslaughts, and it + kept grandma busy all her spare moments to supply his restless feet with + warm covering. +</p> +<p> + "Patience," echoed Kitty, with a comical sigh. "Nay, grandma, give me a + few more years without it." +</p> +<p> + "Fie," said grandma, gazing at the bright face with her indulgent eye; + "eighteen is full late to begin to learn to conform to thy elders. I was + married and the twins were born at thy age, Kitty." +</p> +<p> + "Good lack," quoth Kitty. "Where are the men nowadays, grandma? Save for + the redcoats, and I am not so daft over Sir Henry Clinton's gay officers + as some—no doubt't is my Quaker blood—except for the officers, where + are our gallants? Some of mine are up the Hudson beyond the neutral + ground, others with the rebels at Morristown." +</p> +<p> + "Hush," said grandma, with an uneasy glance toward the door; "do not + talk of rebels in this house; hadn't thee better run up and see + Clarissa?" +</p> +<p> + "If Miss Kitty pleases," spoke the voice of Pompey at the door, "will + she walk upstairs? Young madam wants to see her." +</p> +<p> + "Coming," said Kitty, kissing grandma fondly, and then following Pompey + as he marched gravely up to open the door of Mrs. Verplanck's + morning-room. It was a tiny apartment; for when Gulian Verplanck brought + his young bride home he had added a room to the wing below, and as it + greatly enlarged their bedroom, the happy idea had struck him to throw + up a partition, corner-ways, which formed an irregularly shaped room + opening on the passage, and gave Clarissa her own cherished den in that + great house of square rooms and high ceilings. In it she had placed all + her home belongings; her spinnet, which had been her mother's (brought + by sloop to New York from New Haven), found the largest space there, and + her grandmother's small spinning-wheel was in the corner near the + chimney-piece which Gulian had contrived to have put in lest his + delicate wife might suffer with cold. +</p> +<p> + Near the small log which blazed brightly on the hearth, in a low chair + made somewhat easy with cushions, sat a fair, fragile-looking, girlish + figure, in whose mournful dark eyes was something so pathetic that it + suggested the old-time prophecy that such "die young." Clarissa + Verplanck in that resembled none of her family, and the one reason for + her father's and aunt's anxiety about her was that she was thought the + image of a sister of her mother who fulfilled the prophecy. Be that as + it may, Clarissa was anything but a mournful person in general; her + spirits were somewhat prone to outrun her physical strength, and + therefore her sad little appeal for one of her sisters to cheer her had + come in the light of a demand to the Litchfield home, and alarmed them + more than anything else could have done. +</p> +<p> + "Kitty, Kitty," said Clarissa, holding out a welcoming hand to her + visitor, who seated herself on a cricket beside her, "why have you not + been in this four days? I am truly glad to see you, for ever since + Gulian and I dispatched our letters to my father I have been so cross + and impatient that I fear my good husband is beginning to tire of his + bargain, and lament a peevish wife." +</p> +<p> + "Heaven forgive you for the slander," retorted Kitty, laughing; "if ever + there was a husband who adored the ground you walk on, Gulian is"— +</p> +<p> + "Thank you," said a quiet voice, as a tall dark man entered from the + bedroom. +</p> +<p> + "Let me finish my sentence—Gulian is that benighted swain," burst in + Kitty. +</p> +<p> + "Again, my thanks," answered Gillian gravely. To none but Clarissa was + he ever seen to relax his serious manner; perhaps hers were the only + eyes who saw the tenderness behind the stern, reserved exterior. He + really liked his cousin; but although Kitty was not, like most people, + afraid of him, it must be confessed that he wearied her, and she much + preferred to have her gossip with Clarissa, when Gulian was safely out + of the house. +</p> +<p> + "And now tell me about the letters," pursued Kitty. "You sent for your + sister, grandma told me. Which one, Clarissa?" +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, I do not know; I left the choice to my father, but I think—I + hope it may be Betty. I only wish I might have Moppet as well," and the + quickly checked sigh told Gulian's keen ears what the unuttered thought + had been. +</p> +<p> + "Betty—let me see—is that the sister next yourself?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no; the sister next to me in age died in infancy. Then comes + Oliver, and then Pamela, who is seventeen now, and next my Betty. How I + wonder if the girls have changed; five years makes a long gap, you know, + and even my imagination can scarce fill it. Do you fancy we will hear + soon, Gulian?" +</p> +<p> + "I cannot tell," he said gently, thinking how often he had sought reply + to the same question in the past week, and longing tenderly to give her + the expected pleasure. +</p> +<p> + "It may be that General Wolcott may find some chance opportunity to + send his daughter at once, in which event you know there would scarce be + time to hear before she would reach us." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Gulian," cried Clarissa, clasping her hands, as a faint pink glow + lit her pale face, "you did not say that before. If it were only + possible"— +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" said Kitty encouragingly. +</p> +<p> + "But, Gulian, you said in the letter that you would await my sister at + King's Bridge Inn. Surely you cannot go there and stop, waiting at the + Inn for days?" +</p> +<p> + "I can ride out to-morrow, and, in fact, I hastened through some + business at the wharf to-day which enabled me to have the day free. I + can easily go to King's Bridge and inquire at the Inn for dispatches; + you will not mind my being absent all day? Perhaps Kitty will come and + bear you company while I am gone?" +</p> +<p> + "Right gladly," replied Kitty; "will you ride alone, Gulian?" +</p> +<p> + "I might, easily," said Gulian; "but when I procured a pass from Sir + Henry Clinton yesterday (it is an eight days' pass, Clarissa) I found + that Captain Yorke goes to-morrow to the neutral ground to inspect + troops, and I think I shall take advantage of his company." +</p> +<p> + "I am glad of that," said Clarissa, putting her slender hand in Gulian's + and looking with grateful eyes up at him, as he stood beside her chair. + "Is he the aide-de-camp you told me of, Gulian, for whom you had taken a + liking?" +</p> +<p> + "The same; a fine, manly fellow, the second son of Lord Herbert Yorke, + one of my father's old friends in England. You were dancing with him at + the De Lanceys' 'small and early,' were you not, Kitty, last week?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Kitty, with a quick nod and a half frown, "he has the usual + airs and graces of a newly arrived officer from the mother-country." +</p> +<p> + "Perhaps you find the colonists more to your mind," responded Gulian + somewhat severely; but Clarissa gave his sleeve a warning twitch, as + Kitty made answer with heightened color:— +</p> +<p> + "My own countrymen are ever first with me, as you know full well, + Gulian, but one must dance sometimes to keep up one's heart in those + times, and Captain Yorke has a passably good step which suits with + mine." +</p> +<p> + What Gulian would have replied to this was never known, for at that + moment an outcry arose in the hall, followed by the bump, bump of some + heavy body rolling down the staircase, and Peter's boyish voice shouting + out, between gasps of laughter,— +</p> +<p> + "Pompey, Pompey, I say!—it's nobody but me; oh, what a proper old goose + it is; do, somebody come and thrash him." +</p> +<p> + In a second Gulian and Kitty were outside the door, and beheld at the + foot of the winding stairs poor Pompey, picking himself up, with many + groans and much rubbing of his shins, while Peter, rolling himself + nearly double with laughter, stood midway of the flight, with a queer + object in his hand which Gulian seized hastily. +</p> +<p> + "It's only a gourd," gasped Peter between paroxysms. "I kept it in my + closet for a week, and half an hour ago I stole a bit of wick out of + Dinah's pantry and dipped it well in melted tallow, and than stuck it + inside, when, as you see, having carved out two eyes and a slit for the + nose, it looks somewhat ghastly when the light comes forth." +</p> +<p> + "It's a debbil, debbil," cried Pompey. "Massa Peter sent me to find his + skates, and dat awful face"—Pompey's teeth chattered, and Peter went + off in a fresh burst of laughter. +</p> +<p> + "It soured him properly, Uncle Gulian; and though I ran after him and + shook it (it only looks gruesome in the dark, you know) he never + stopped, and he stumbled on the first step, and then he rolled—My! how + he did bump"—and naughty Peter sat down on the stalls and held his + sides for very merriment. +</p> +<p> + "You ought to be ashamed of yourself," said Gulian sternly, to whom + practical jokes were an utter abomination, "and you deserve to be well + punished. Pompey, stop groaning, and inform me at once whether you have + sustained any injury by your fall." +</p> +<p> + "Law, Massa Gulian, you tink falling down dat stair gwine to hurt dis + chile?" began Pompey, who entertained a warm affection for the + mischievous Peter and dreaded nothing so much as a scolding from his + master. "Dose stairs don't 'mount to nuffin; ef it had been de area + steps dey moughten be dangerous. Massa knows boys mus' have dey fun: + please 'cuse me for makin' such a bobbery." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I did it," said Peter sturdily, instantly sobered by the + expression of his uncle's face, and his generous heart touched with + Pompey's defense of his prank, "and nobody helped me, so let's have the + whipping right off before dinner, please, Uncle Gulian, and then I can + eat in peace—even if I am a trifle sore," wound up the sinner ruefully. +</p> +<p> + Gulian Verplanck's sense of humor was not keen, but the situation was + too much for him, and a queer, grim smile lit up his eyes, as he said + slowly:— +</p> +<p> + "As Pompey seems more frightened than hurt, and has interceded for you, + I shall not punish you this time, Peter; but recollect that the very + first occasion after this that you see fit to practice a joke on any + member of my household, your skates will be confiscated for the + remainder of the winter," and with a warning glance he followed Kitty + back into his wife's room, leaving Pompey on the staircase, still + rubbing his bruised shins, while the irrepressible Peter indulged once + more in a convulsion of silent laughter which bent him double and + threatened to burst every button off his tightly fitting jacket. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER IX +</h2> +<center> + BETTY'S JOURNEY +</center> +<p> + Mrs. Seymour, having had the advantage of some weeks to form her plans, + had carefully arranged everything for her own comfort, so far as was + possible, and Betty Wolcott, after the first pang of parting was over, + began to enjoy the novelty of the journey most thoroughly. Except for a + few days spent at Lebanon, Betty had never been from home in her life, + and being, as we have seen, a bit of a philosopher in her own quaint + fashion, after the first day spent in Mrs. Seymour's cheerful society + she found herself much less homesick than she had expected. To begin + with, the coach was, for those times, very comfortable. It was + English-built, and had been provided with capacious pockets in + unexpected places; it amused Betty exceedingly to find that she was + seated over the turkey, ham, cake, and even a goodly pat of butter, + carefully packed in a small stone jar, while another compartment held + several changes of linen, powder, a small mirror, a rouge pot, and some + brushes. Mrs. Seymour had been born and bred in New York, and many of + her people were Tories; therefore she hoped to assist the brother who, + breaking apart from the others, had taken up arms for the colonists. +</p> +<p> + Caesar, Mrs. Seymour's coachman, was a colored man of middle age, a + slave of her father's, and, having been brought from New York to + Connecticut, knew the route fairly well. They broke the journey first at + a small roadside tavern, where the horses were baited, while Betty and + Mrs. Seymour gladly descended, and warmed themselves well by the kitchen + fire, taking a drink of warm milk, for which the good woman who had + invited them inside refused payment. She was deeply interested when Mrs. + Seymour told her of their errand, and followed them out to the door of + the coach, bringing with her own hands the soapstone which she had + carefully warmed for their feet, and she waved a kindly good-by as they + rode off, delighted at seeing, for the first time in her life, a + "pleasure coach." +</p> +<p> + The first night was spent by the travelers in Danbury, where they + proceeded to the house of Mrs. Seymour's cousin, Mrs. Beebe, and were + most warmly welcomed. The Beebe household, which consisted of Mrs. Beebe + and seven children (Captain Beebe being with the Connecticut Rangers), + trooped out, one and all, to meet them, to inspect the coach, interview + Caesar, and admire the horses. Billy, the second boy, fraternized with + Betty at once; and after learning all the mysteries of the coach + pockets, helping Caesar to unharness, and superintending the fetching of + an extra large log for the fireplace, he roasted chestnuts in the ashes + as they sat around the chimney-piece, and told Betty thrilling stories + of the attack on Danbury by the British. +</p> +<p> + "We dragged the feather-beds up to the window," said Billy, "and mother + stuffed a pillow or two in the cracks. My, how the bullets did fly! The + children were all bid to stay in the attic; but as the roof shelves, you + know, it became pretty hot, especially when the fires began, and then + mother did get frightened, more especially when she saw the blaze of the + Woolford house, down the street. Didn't I just wish I was a man, to go + and help father that day! Luckily for us, the wind was in the other + direction; father said that was all that saved us." +</p> +<p> + "And Divine Providence, my son," said Mrs. Beebe's soft voice, as she + laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Billy's only experience of war was a + sharp one for a few hours. He has been longing ever since to join his + father, but I can only find it in my mother's heart to rejoice that he + is too young to do so. Now, Billy, light the candles; for if our friends + must resume their journey to-morrow, it is full time to retire." +</p> +<p> + Betty found the little room assigned to her, with Billy's assistance, + but before he left her he pointed out two small holes near the window + frame, where bullets had entered and remained buried in the woodwork; + and as Betty curled herself up in the centre of the great feather-bed, + she thought, with a throb of her girlish heart, that perhaps she, too, + might see some of the terrors of war before she returned to the shelter + of her dear Litchfield home. +</p> +<p> + The next morning dawned cold and chilly; a few flakes of snow floated + through the air, and Mrs. Beebe urged strongly the wisdom of lying over + for twenty-four hours, lest a storm should come and render the roads + impassable. But Mrs. Seymour, after a consultation with Caesar, decided + that it was best to push on; winter was approaching, and each day made + the journey less feasible. There was a fairly good road between them and + White Plains, and now that she had started she was impatient to reach + the city. Betty, too, was eager to be off, so with many warm thanks, + they again packed the coach and said farewell to the hospitable Beebes, + who had insisted on adding fresh stores of provisions to their hamper; + and Billy's last act of friendliness was to slip into Betty's hand a + package of taffy, of his own manufacture, which he assured her "was not + over-sticky, provided you use care in biting it." +</p> +<p> + This part of the journey was cold and cheerless enough. The road wound + somewhat, and the settlements were few, even the houses were far apart + from each other; and although the hills were fewer, they heard Caesar + admonish his horses more frequently than usual, and about four o'clock + in the day they came to a full stop. The snow of the morning had turned + into a sort of drizzling rain; and Caesar, dismounting from his seat, + announced to his mistress that one of the horses had cast a shoe. +</p> +<p> + "What shall we do?" cried Mrs. Seymour in dismay, preparing to jump + down into the mud and investigate matters. +</p> +<p> + "Dey's no use at all of madam's gettin' out," said Caesar, holding the + door of the coach,—"no use at all. I'se done got de shoe, 'cause I saw + it a-comin' off, an' here it is. De horse will do well enuf, 'caise I'll + drive wif care; but what I wants to say is that, 'cordin' to my + judgment, we had oughter take a turn to de right, just hyar, which am in + de direction ob Ridgefield, whar I ken fin' a blacksmith's shop, shuh. + Ef madam pleases, it's goin' somewhat out of de direct way to White + Plains, but what wid de weather, which madam can see is obstreperous an' + onsartain, I'm ob de opinion dat Ridgefield am de best stoppin' place + for dis night, anyhow;" and having delivered himself of this + exhortation, Caesar touched his hat respectfully, but with an air of + having settled the question. +</p> +<p> + "Very well," said Mrs. Seymour, for she knew Caesar and Caesar's ways, + and moreover had much confidence in his ability to take care of her, as + well as of his horses. "Then take the turn to the right, as you propose. + Are you quite sure you are familiar with the road here, Caesar? It will + be dark soon, and I confess I should not like to lose our way." +</p> +<p> + "Not gwine to lose de road wid dis chile on de box," said Caesar with + fine disdain, as he climbed to his seat and rolled himself up warmly + again, his teeth chattering as he did so. But he said to himself, as the + horses started slowly, "Pray de Lord I ain't mistooken; don't want to + fall into none ob dem old redcoats' han's, Caesar don't, dat's sartain." +</p> +<p> + Inside the coach, which lumbered on so slowly that it almost seemed to + crawl, Mrs. Seymour and Betty tried to keep up their spirits by an + occasional remark of cheerful character, and Betty suggested that + perhaps some bread and cheese from the Beebe larder would prove + satisfactory to Caesar; but on asking the question Caesar only shook his + head, and responded that he was too busy looking after the horses to + eat; and the long hours dragged on as it grew darker and darker. Betty + rested her head against the door and peered out at the dripping trees, + whose bare limbs stood like skeletons against the leaden sky. Mrs. + Seymour had sunk into a fitful doze by her side. Suddenly the off horse + gave a plunge, the coach tilted far to one side, and then righted + itself as Caesar's loud "Whoa, dar! Steady! steady!" was heard. Then + Betty saw half a dozen shadowy forms surround them, and a voice said + sharply, "Who goes there? Halt!" and a hand was laid roughly on the door + of the coach. +</p> +<p> + "Pray who are you who detain ladies on a journey?" said Mrs. Seymour, + addressing the man nearest her. "I am in my own coach with a maid on our + way to New York, and one of my horses has cast a shoe." +</p> +<p> + "Stand aside there," said another voice impatiently, as an officer + dismounted from his horse, and flung the rein to one of the men. "If you + are bound to a city occupied by the British, you must have safe-conduct, + madam, else we are compelled to search and detain you." +</p> +<p> + For answer, Mrs. Seymour drew out a folded paper, which the officer, + straining his eyes in the fast-fading daylight, read aloud, as + follows:— +</p> +<p> + "After the expiration of eight days from the date hereof, Mrs. Seymour + and maid have permission to go into the city of New York and to return + again." +</p> +<p> + "Given at Morristown this second day of December. +</p> +<center> + "G. WASHINGTON." +</center> +<p> + "From the commander-in-chief," said the officer, raising his hat, as he + motioned his men to stand back. "Madam, permit me to present myself as + Lieutenant Hillhouse of the Connecticut Rangers, and pray command my + services." +</p> +<p> + "Oh," gasped Betty, from the other side, "our own troops, thank Heaven!" +</p> +<p> + "Truly you are a welcome arrival," said Mrs. Seymour, with a + light-hearted laugh. "Betty and I have passed a bad five minutes, + fancying you were Hessians. I am on my way to the city to intercede for + my brother, Captain Seymour's exchange, and, for the once, I do not mind + telling you that my companion is Mistress Betty Wolcott, consigned to my + care by her father, General Wolcott, as her sister, Mrs. Verplanck, lies + ill in New York, and she goes there to see her, but she travels as my + maid." +</p> +<p> + "I met Lieutenant Hillhouse last summer at my father's house," said + Betty, as the young officer came around to her side of the coach, "and + right glad I am to see you now, sir, instead of the redcoats whom + Caesar, our coachman, has been imagining would start from every bush as + we near White Plains." +</p> +<p> + "You are not above a mile from a little settlement called Ridgefield," + answered the officer; "and while there is no tavern there, my men and I + found fairly comfortable quarters to-day. If I may suggest, you should + get there as soon as may be." +</p> +<p> + "We would be glad to," said Mrs. Seymour ruefully, "but one of my horses + has cast a shoe, hence our slow progress. I am more than glad my servant + has not mistaken the way." +</p> +<p> + "Madam oughter to know Caesar better," grumbled that worthy from the + box. +</p> +<p> + "How long will it take you to drive the remaining mile?" said his + mistress soothingly. "We may perhaps have your escort, lieutenant?" +</p> +<p> + "I am on my return there, madam; permit me to send my men in advance to + arrange for your comfort, and I will with pleasure ride beside you until + we arrive. Ridgefield lies beyond that turn," raising his whip to direct + Caesar. "If it were not for the growing darkness, you would see the + smoke from the chimney of the house where I am quartered;" and closing + the door of the coach, the officer gave directions to his men, who + marched quickly down the road, as he mounted and pursued his way with + the ladies. +</p> +<p> + Just beyond the farmhouse which Lieutenant Hillhouse had pointed out as + his temporary quarters stood a low, wooden structure, with a lean-to in + the rear, and there Caesar drew up his tired horses. A rather + cross-looking spinster stood in the door of the house, and as Betty and + Mrs. Seymour alighted she said snappishly:— +</p> +<p> + "I don't own much room, as I told your men, Mister Lieutenant, but so + long as you're not Hessians I'm willing to open my door for you. It + won't be for long, will it?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no," replied Mrs. Seymour, with her pretty, gracious smile, "we are + simply in need of a night's lodging. I think we have food enough in our + hampers, and if you can give us hot milk I have coffee ready for + making." +</p> +<p> + "I don't begrudge you nothing," said the woman in a softened tone, as + Betty bade her a pleasant good-day, "but it's a poor place, anyhow," + gazing up at the bare rafters, "and as I live here all alone I have to + be precious careful of my few things." +</p> +<p> + "But it so neat and clean," said Betty, pulling a three-legged stool + toward the fire, and surveying the recently scrubbed floor; "we are cold + and weary, and you are very good to take us in." +</p> +<p> + Evidently the woman was amenable to politeness, for she bustled around + and insisted upon making the coffee, which Caesar produced in due time + from his hamper under the box-seat, and she laid a cloth on the + pine-wood table, and at last, after disappearing for a few minutes into + the darkness of a small inner room, reappeared with three silver spoons + and two forks in her hand, which she laid carefully down beside the + pewter plates on the table with an air of pride as she remarked, + addressing no one in particular:— +</p> +<p> + "The forks was my grandmother's, and my father fetched the spoons from a + voyage he made on the Spanish main, and he always said they was made of + real Spanish dollars." +</p> +<p> + Thereupon Mrs. Seymour and Betty fell to admiring the queer-looking + articles (which from their workmanship were really worthy of + admiration), and the spinster relaxed her severe air sufficiently to + accept a cup of the coffee they were drinking. And then Mrs. Seymour + induced her to give consent that Caesar should have a shake-down in a + corner of the kitchen, and although the bed which Betty and the pretty + matron had to share was hard, it was clean, and the pillows soft, and + they slept soundly and well amid their rough surroundings, and, to + confess the truth, enjoyed the novelty of the situation. +</p> +<p> + Lieutenant Hillhouse aroused them early in the morning by a message; and + as Mrs. Seymour was not ready to receive him, Betty ran out and met him + at the door. +</p> +<p> + "You look so fresh and bright that I am sure your night spent upon the + roadside has not harmed you," said the officer, bidding her + good-morning. "I am off at once, as I carry an order to General Wolcott + for quartermaster's stores in Litchfield. What shall I say to your + father for you?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh," cried Betty, rejoiced at this chance to send word of mouth to her + beloved ones, "how truly fortunate! Tell my father we are well and in + good spirits, and hope to reach the neutral ground to-night at + farthest." +</p> +<p> + "You may easily do that; the storm has passed, as you see, and if my + friend Caesar can urge his horses somewhat, you are not likely to meet + with detentions. One of my men has assisted in shoeing the horse, and if + you can, you should start at once." +</p> +<p> + The coach and Mrs. Seymour appeared at this moment simultaneously, and + the lieutenant insisted upon seeing the ladies safely started. Betty + seized the opportunity to ask for news of Josiah Huntington, and was + told of his having rendered good service, and that he gained in + popularity daily. +</p> +<p> + "And Oliver—my brother," said Betty, leaning from the coach as they + were about to move off: "what tidings of him?" +</p> +<p> + "He has not been with me," replied Hillhouse with some constraint; + "indeed, I think he was to be sent on some special service." +</p> +<p> + "Give him my best affection," said Betty. "And oh, sir, to my little + sister at home pray deliver my fondest love," and tears were brimming in + Betty's eyes as Caesar flicked his whip at the horses' heads and the + coach started. +</p> +<p> + The road being somewhat better than that already traveled, the miles + which intervened between Ridgefield and White Plains were more briskly + done, and Caesar had the satisfaction of pulling up his horses in good + condition before the well-known tavern at the latter place in time for + dinner. The somewhat pretentious sign hanging out over the door had been + changed to suit the times and the tempers of the guests, for what had + previously read "The King's Arms, Accommodations for Man and Beast," was + now "The Washington Inn," and beneath it a picture in Continental + uniform of a man whose rubicund countenance required considerable + imagination to transform into a likeness of the commander-in-chief. As + their happened to be a lack of hostlers, it took some time to get the + horses baited, and it was later than Mrs. Seymour could have wished when + Caesar finally made his appearance and informed his mistress that all + was ready for their departure. The weather had been growing colder + steadily, and greatly to their surprise the travelers learned that in + all probability Harlem River was frozen, and grave doubts were expressed + by mine host of the inn whether the ladies could gain their journey's + end without much discomfort and exposure. But Mrs. Seymour and Betty + were both of the opinion that it was inexpedient to linger longer on the + road, so for the fourth time they climbed into the coach, and, muffling + themselves as closely as possible to keep out the cold, pursued their + onward way. +</p> +<p> + Five miles, eight miles, were covered with fair speed, and Betty's + spirits were rising rapidly at the thought that New York and Clarissa + were not far away, when Caesar turned around on his box, and, bringing + his horses to a walk, said in an awestruck whisper,— +</p> +<p> + "'Fore de Lord, madam, I done suspect de redcoats is comin'; d'ye heah + 'em from de woods ober dar?" pointing with trembling hand in the + direction of a sound which rang out on the frosty air at first + indistinctly, and then resolved itself into a song. +</p> +<blockquote> + "Under the trees in sunny weather,<br> + Just try a cup of ale together.<br> + And if in tempest or in storm,<br> + A couple then, to make you warm,"<a href="#note-1"><small>1</small></a>— +</blockquote> +<p> + sang a rollicking voice, in fairly good time and tune, as a group of men + came in sight. As they neared the coach, the man in advance trolled out + in an accent which betrayed his Teutonic origin,— +</p> +<blockquote> + "But if the day be very cold,<br> + Then take a mug of twelve months old!" +</blockquote> +<a name="note-1"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>1</u> [A topical song then in vogue in New York. (See <i>Story of + the City of New York</i>.)] +</p> +<p> + "Hello, halt there!" came the command, as the singer seized the horse + by the bridle, and another soldier dragged Caesar roughly from his seat; + "who are you, and whence bound?" +</p> +<p> + "Ask my mistress," gasped Caesar, almost convinced that his last hour + had come, but still having firm faith in Mrs. Seymour. "Dun you know how + to speak to a lady?" +</p> +<p> + "I have safe-conduct from General Washington to enter New York," said + Mrs. Seymour calmly, extending her hand with the precious paper toward + the first speaker. The man took it, and gazed stupidly at it. Evidently + being German, he could not read it; but having turned it upside down and + gazed at it for some seconds, he gave a drunken leer as he peered inside + the coach. +</p> +<p> + "What you got in your hamper? blenty cognac, eh? Give us a pottle; + that's better than mugs of ale, eh, poys?" and he laughed uproariously. +</p> +<p> + "I shall give you nothing," said Mrs. Seymour firmly; "if you cannot + read my safe-conduct yourself, is there not one of your men who can?" +</p> +<p> + The Hessian was about to make angry reply, when a young fellow, + evidently an Englishman, shoved his way through the men to the coach + door. +</p> +<p> + "Stop that, Joris," he said, prodding the corporal with his elbow; "give + me the paper; I can read it." But Joris, who evidently had reached the + stage of ugly intoxication, did not choose to give it up, and stood his + ground. +</p> +<p> + "Ve wants cognac," he shouted, "an' you comes out, lady, an' ve'll find + for ourselves vhat you is," and seizing Mrs. Seymour by the arm he + attempted to drag her from her seat with some violence. +</p> +<p> + "The pistol, Betty!" cried the plucky little woman as her feet touched + the ground; but as Betty, with equally reckless courage, drew their only + weapon from its hiding-place, the young Englishman rushed at Joris with + an oath, exclaiming,— +</p> +<p> + "Look out, you fool—here comes the officer's patrol," and there was a + clatter of horses' feet, a swift rush, and a voice demanding in stern + fashion, "Stand back, there! Whose coach is this? What do you mean, + fellow, by handling a lady in that manner?" and Geoffrey Yorke struck + Joris a blow with his sheathed sword which nearly sobered him on the + spot. +</p> +<p> + Back into the corner of the coach sank Betty, and as she pulled her hood + still farther over her face, she felt as if every drop of blood she + possessed was tingling in her cheeks, as she saw Geoffrey, hat in hand, + dismount and read General Washington's safe-conduct. +</p> +<p> + "I deeply regret, madam," he said, with stately courtesy to Mrs. + Seymour, "that a corporal's guard should have caused you such annoyance, + and I shall see that the fellow who treated you so roughly be properly + punished. Meantime, if you intend to enter New York you will be obliged + to leave your coach a mile farther on, and cross the river on horseback. + King's Bridge, as you may know, was fired some months ago by the rebels, + and the flatboat used for ferrying has been abandoned on account of the + ice. It will afford me pleasure to do what I can for your comfort and + that of your companion. But it is my duty, unfortunately, to make + passing search of your coach; will you pardon me if I do so?" +</p> +<p> + As he spoke, Captain Yorke advanced to the door and extended his hand to + assist the occupant of the vehicle to alight, but Betty, ignoring + assistance, attempted to spring past him to the ground. As the willful + maiden did so the topknot of her hood caught in a provoking nail of the + open door and was violently pulled from her head: and as her lovely, + rosy face almost brushed his sleeve, Geoffrey started back with a low + cry,— +</p> +<p> + "<i>Betty!</i>" +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER X +</h2> +<center> + A MAID'S CAPRICE +</center> +<p> + "Mistress Betty, sir," came the swift whisper in retort, and with so + haughty a gesture that Geoffrey stepped back as if he had been struck, + while Betty, with a slight inclination of her head, passed on to where + Mrs. Seymour stood with Caesar on the other side of the coach. But if + she expected him to follow she was swiftly made aware of her mistake, + for Geoffrey merely pursued his intention of searching the pockets of + the coach, and when he emerged from it he came, hat in hand, toward the + ladies with face more calm and unruffled than Betty's own. +</p> +<p> + "If you will resume your seats," he said, addressing Mrs. Seymour, + without a glance at Betty, who (now that her anger born partly of terror + had passed) stole a quick look at him, and as quickly looked away, "I + will ride on before you and be waiting at the river; if it be safe, you + will cross on horseback; if not, on foot, and I shall take great + pleasure in seeing that you reach King's Bridge Inn in safety." + Whereupon he escorted Mrs. Seymour to the coach, and when he turned to + assist Betty found that she was in the act of climbing inside by the + other door, where Caesar stood in attendance. +</p> +<p> + "What a provoking child it is!" said Geoffrey to himself as he flung + into his saddle, smiling at the recollection of Betty's rebuke and proud + little toss of her head. "'Mistress Betty'! Very well, so be it; and + thanks to the star of good fortune which guided my steps up the road + to-day. I wonder how she comes here, and why," and Captain Yorke gave + his horse the spur as he galloped on. +</p> +<p> + Some distance behind him the coach lumbered forward, and Mrs. Seymour's + tongue rattled on gayly. So engrossed was she with being nearly at her + journey's end, and their good luck at having fallen in with Yorke, that + Betty's silence passed unnoticed. +</p> +<p> + "To think that we should meet again," ran Betty's thoughts. "'Betty,' + forsooth! How dare he use my name so freely! What would Mrs. Seymour + have thought had she heard him, and how could I possibly have explained + with any air of truth unless I told her the whole story—which I would + rather die at once than do. He has not changed at all; I should have + known him anywhere, even in that hateful scarlet coat, which becomes him + so mightily. I wonder if my rebuke was too severe"—and here she became + conscious of Mrs. Seymour again. +</p> +<p> + "Yorke—did not that handsome young officer say his name was Yorke? Why, + then he must have some kinship with the Earl of Hardwicke; very probably + this young man may be a grandson of the earl. I must ask my sister; she + will have some information about it." +</p> +<p> + "Worse and worse," thought Betty. "A British officer—kinsman of an + earl—oh, me, in what a coil am I enveloped! But at least my father + knows all, and he would not hold me disloyal." +</p> +<p> + The coach bumped and jolted along, and finally came to a standstill, + while Caesar's voice was heard addressing some one. Betty looked out of + the window and behold a dismal prospect enough. The bank shelved + gradually down to the river, which at this point was narrow, and between + them and the other shore stretched a mixture of snow and ice; she could + distinguish the flat-bottomed boat used for ferrying purposes stuck fast + almost in the middle of the stream. +</p> +<p> + "How are we to cross?" said Mrs. Seymour dolefully, looking down at her + feet. "I wish I had an extra pair of woolen stockings to pull over my + shoes; the snow and ice will be cold walking. What are they doing to the + horses?" +</p> +<p> + "Will it please you to alight, madam?" said Geoffrey, springing from his + saddle at the door of the coach. "My men are of the opinion that the ice + will not bear so much weight as your coach with you ladies and Caesar in + it, but if you can mount your horses we can lead them and you can cross + in safety. Meanwhile Caesar can remain here to guard your property, and + when my men fetch the horses back they can assist him to transport the + coach to the other side. I hope the plan meets your approbation. It + seems the only feasible one, provided you ladies can ride without a + saddle." +</p> +<p> + "Bless me," cried Mrs. Seymour, "I shall surely slip off on the ice! + Betty here is a horsewoman, but, alas! I am not." +</p> +<p> + "Then we must contrive a way," replied Geoffrey. "If a blanket be + strapped over my saddle I think you can sit on it.—Caesar, put one of + those blankets on my horse instead of yours." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, that will do nicely; how kind you are, Captain Yorke." +</p> +<p> + "Will the young lady be able to ride one of your horses?" asked + Geoffrey, addressing Mrs. Seymour. +</p> +<p> + "I can ride anything," said Betty hastily, "for my mare is"—and then + she bit her lip and colored brightly as Geoffrey turned toward her. +</p> +<p> + "You will be quite safe, for I shall lead your horse myself. Let me + first attend Mrs. Seymour." +</p> +<p> + Between terror and small gasps of laughter Mrs. Seymour's mounting was + accomplished, and then Geoffrey (artful fellow!) summoned a tall, + good-looking trooper from the patrol, and, placing the reins in Mrs. + Seymour's hand, gave directions to the man. +</p> +<p> + "You will hold the horse by the bridle and guide every step with care, + letting the lady put her hand on your shoulder to steady herself. Be + watchful of the air-holes; I think you know the path well." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, captain," said the trooper, saluting respectfully. "Am I to + dismount the lady at the Inn?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye; go down the path before me;" and Geoffrey turned toward Betty, but + again the mischievous maid had been too quick for him, and he beheld her + already mounted on one of the coach horses, where she sat demurely and + at ease awaiting him. Geoffrey seized the bridle and walked slowly down + the bank, taking great care of his own steps lest he should by slipping + cause the horse to stumble, and in a few seconds they were slowly + picking their way over the rough ice. The horse's hoofs crunched into + the snow, and Betty held her breath, and a little thrill went over her + as she fancied she heard the ice crack under them. +</p> +<p> + "Oh!"—a half-involuntary cry escaped her, and Geoffrey looked up + reassuringly as he stroked the horse's neck and checked him for a brief + second. Mrs. Seymour and the trooper were somewhat in advance and had + almost reached the opposite shore. +</p> +<p> + "I—you—that is"—faltered Betty, meekly dropping her eyelids—"Oh, + sir, do you really think we shall gain the Inn safely?" +</p> +<p> + "There is no cause for fear," said Geoffrey coldly. "I know the path;" + and he plodded on in silence. Another few rods, a slip, a half halt; but + this time it was Yorke who stumbled and fell on one knee. +</p> +<p> + "Confound my sword," he cried, recovering his feet. "But we are nearly + there. See, Mrs. Seymour has gained the road and is riding on to the + Inn." +</p> +<p> + No reply from Betty; in truth, if he had but known it, she dared not + trust her voice lest its first sound should be a sob. And Yorke, divided + between amusement and wrath at her perversity, vowed he would say no + more until she grew less capricious. +</p> +<p> + The road was well trodden and the snow light as the pair pursued it in + silence. The famous hostelry known as King's Bridge Inn was upon the + highway going up the Hudson, where Spuyten Duyvil Creek ran down to + Harlem River, and many a rendezvous and intrigue had been carried on + within its low, wide rooms since the Colonies had declared their + independence of British rule. As Yorke approached the door, inside which + Mrs. Seymour had already disappeared, a tall, dark man in riding-boots + and long coat came hastily forth, and as Betty dropped the reins of her + horse he was at her side. "Oh, Gulian," cried she, stretching out both + hands, "don't you know me? 'Tis I, Betty Wolcott; have I outgrown your + recollection?" +</p> +<p> + "Betty, indeed," replied Gulian Verplanck, lifting her off the horse, + "and right glad am I to welcome you. What good fortune brought you in + contact with Captain Yorke's patrol? Had I known of your near approach, + I should myself have ridden forth with him, but the air was chilly and I + deemed it more prudent to stop at the Inn until to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "Since I see you safe"—began Geoffrey, as Betty half turned toward him. +</p> +<p> + "You do not know whom you have so kindly assisted," broke in Verplanck; + "this is Mistress Betty Wolcott, sister to my wife. Betty, I present to + you Captain Geoffrey Yorke, aide to Sir Henry Clinton, and my friend." +</p> +<p> + Betty executed her most stately and deepest courtesy, and Yorke swept + his hat gracefully to the very ground; but as she raised her eyes she + said, with a mischievous glance, "I am pleased to learn the name of this + gentleman. Sir, I thank you," and giving him a little gracious nod, + Betty vanished inside the open door of the Inn. +</p> +<p> + "Verplanck," called Geoffrey, as his friend was about to follow her, "I + shall go directly back to the city, for Sir Henry has to make ready + dispatches for England and will need me. Mrs. Seymour's coach will be + brought over at once; my men are assisting the negro servant in the + transit. Do you follow me shortly?" +</p> +<p> + "Unless the ladies are too weary we will go at once, for I can obtain + fresh horses here and the Inn seems somewhat over-crowded to stop the + night. But if you are in haste, Yorke, do not wait." +</p> +<p> + "Very well, then, I will depart at once. But you must have at least two + of my men as escort for the coach and yourself. You know there are + plenty of footpads outlying the city." +</p> +<p> + "I accept the escort gladly," said Verplanck. "Farewell, then, and my + hearty thanks." +</p> +<p> + Betty and Mrs. Seymour had been ushered into a small bedchamber, where + they were making some slight changes of dress when Gulian Verplanck + knocked at the door and informed them that the coach would shortly be + ready for the continuation of their journey. Betty followed him back + into the waiting-room, where a good fire was burning, and Verplanck + sought to find a seat for her near the hearth. The room was occupied by + perhaps a dozen persons, all men: some troopers, and a group of traders + whose bundles of furs, lying on the floor beside the table where they + were partaking of glasses of home-brewed beer, told their occupation. On + one settle, close by the chimney, sat an old man, somewhat ragged, who + had fallen asleep with his head resting against his bundle and stick, + which shared the bench with him; on the other sat a slight youth dressed + in homespun clothing, who instantly rose as Betty approached, and + offered her his seat. +</p> +<p> + "I am warmed enough," he said, as Verplanck gave brief thanks; "besides + there is room here. Wake up, grandfather," and he gave the sleeping man + a gentle push as he squeezed himself down beside him. +</p> +<p> + "Stay here till the coach is ready, Betty," said Verplanck. "Mrs. + Seymour will join you presently," and he departed to hasten the + hostlers, who could be heard outside, evidently engaged in harnessing + the horses they were to use. +</p> +<p> + Betty looked around her curiously. The room, with its low ceilings, + dark rafters, and sanded floor, was fairly tidy, and, in the light and + shade of the shifting fire, picturesque and strange. A short, thick-set + man, evidently the host, a comfortable-looking Dutchman, bustled in and + out, giving directions in a perfectly audible aside to a maid, who wore + a queer straight cap and brought in trays of beer to the thirsty party + of traders. A little boy in one corner was playing with some nails and a + pewter plate; each time he dropped the nails, making a jingling noise, + the landlord said, "Hush, there, Hans," in a loud whisper, to which the + child paid no attention. Betty wondered if it was his son, and felt as + if she would like to go over and play with him; and then thought, with a + half-homesick longing, of Moppet and the dear New England home. Far, far + away ran Betty's thoughts, as minute after minute sped along and no one + came to disturb her reverie. So engrossed was she that not even a low, + but distinctly spoken "<i>hist</i>," which came from the settle near her, + aroused her until it had been given the third time. Then she started; + there was something familiar in the sound—was any one speaking to her? +</p> +<p> + "Hist! do not look this way," whispered a voice which came from the + pair opposite her on the other side of the chimney. "Contrive to pass + near me as you go out—be cautious!" +</p> +<p> + "All ready, Betty?" said Mrs. Seymour's gay voice, as she came across + the room toward her. "Where is Mr. Verplanck?" +</p> +<p> + "Here," answered Gulian, from the other door. "Hasten, Betty; the horses + are eager to be off." +</p> +<p> + "I am coming," replied Betty, as she rose hurriedly and dropped her silk + reticule directly in front of the mysterious pair on the settle. The boy + darted up, giving the bag a furtive kick which sent it under the bench. +</p> +<p> + "I'll reach it for you, madam," he said aloud, diving down for it as + Betty paused a brief second. The old man stirred sleepily, raised his + head from his bundle, and keen bright eyes that Betty knew well flashed + into hers as he whispered rapidly:— +</p> +<p> + "Show no alarm, Betty, but no matter how or where you see me, make no + sign of recognition." +</p> +<p> + "Here's your bag," said the boy, springing to his feet. But Betty, + never stopping to thank him, ran rapidly across the room, out of the + door, and darted into the waiting coach, afraid to even glance behind + her, her heart sinking with dismay, for the voice and eyes of that + ragged old man were those of her brother Oliver! +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XI +</h2> +<center> + ON THE COLLECT +</center> +<p> + "Peter, Peter," said Grandma Effingham in a tone of gentle remonstrance, + "if thee would only let the ball alone Tabitha would keep quiet." +</p> +<p> + "Stop it, Peter," said Betty, from the doorway, as the irrepressible + youngster rolled over and over on the rug, himself, the gray cat, and + the ball of gray yarn hopelessly entangled. "Much you deserve all the + stockings that grandma knits for you so perseveringly; just look at the + condition of that ball"—and by a skillful flank movement she rescued + the yarn as Tabitha's pranks and Peter's tumble came to a hasty + conclusion, and the chief culprit gained his feet and began to apologize + for his frolic, as the cat fled through the door. +</p> +<p> + "I was just waiting for you, Betty; you girls take such a long time to + put on your capes and furbelows. I'll warrant Kitty will detain us when + we stop for her, and we must hasten, for the sun will not stay up much + longer. Just let me find my muffler and my skates," and off tore Peter, + while Betty tucked up her gown preparatory to an afternoon on the + Collect Pond, whose frozen surface was the resort of all fashionable New + York, both those who joined the skaters, and others who watched them + from the surrounding banks, making a gay, bright winter scene for the + spectators as well as the participants. +</p> +<p> + It was some three weeks since Betty's eventful journey, and as the + strangeness of her new home and surroundings wore off she was beginning + to enjoy herself. First of all, the dear happiness of being once more + with Clarissa, who had brightened and strengthened each day since her + arrival; then Grandma Effingham's storehouse of anecdotes and pleasant + stories, to which Betty listened with delight and the respectful + deference that youth of those days paid to age; and last (though Betty + would have denied it stoutly) the frequent visits to the Verplancks of a + certain tall soldier, whose red coat made her eyes sparkle with disdain, + even while her heart beat quicker at sound of his voice. Truly, Betty's + soul was torn within her, and for every smile that Yorke succeeded in + winning he was sure to receive such dainty snubs, such mischievous + flouting following swiftly after, that he almost despaired of ever + carrying the outworks, much less the citadel of the willful maid's + heart. +</p> +<p> + Kitty Cruger had received Betty most cordially, but the acquaintance had + not yet progressed toward intimacy. On several occasions when Betty had + been especially teasing, Yorke had seen fit to retaliate by seeking + Kitty's side, and, although he was far from suspecting it, he had thus + piqued his little lady-love extremely. For Kitty was a reigning belle, + and the toast of the British officers as she had been of the + Continentals, and she liked Yorke and Yorke's attentions. If Betty had + only known whose face came oftenest in Kitty's dreams, and that a blue + sword-knot was her most cherished possession, perhaps the dawning + jealousy which she felt toward her would never have existed. Who can + say? +</p> +<p> + The winter had set in with great rigor, and the troops had even crossed + on the ice from Staten Island to the city; sad tales reached Betty's + watchful ears of privations endured in the army of General Washington, + and it made her cheeks burn and tingle to hear the jests and laughter of + the Tory guests who visited the house, at the expense of the so-called + "rebels" against King George. Of Oliver, Betty had no sign; whether he + had been in the city and accomplished whatever mission he had in view, + she knew not. She did not dare to confide in Clarissa, for even had her + sister's health permitted, Betty deemed it scarcely safe to put her to + the test of loyalty as between husband and brother. +</p> +<p> + All these thoughts and many more were crowding Betty's brain as she ran + down the steps of the Verplanck mansion and followed Peter toward Queen + Street, where Kitty lived. The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp + and clear; Betty looked charming in her dainty hood, tied with a + rose-colored ribbon which nestled softly under her chin and played at + confining the dancing curls. Contrary to Peter's expectations, Kitty was + watching for them, and they proceeded with some speed along the snowy + streets until they reached the Minetta Water, as the small stream was + called which wound its way across the Lispenard Meadows, and connected + the "Collect" (or Fresh Water Pond) with the Hudson River. At the end of + Great Queen Street was a wooden bridge, and crossing it, the little + party continued up Magazine Street until they reached the Collect Pond, + on two sides of which were low buildings of various kinds, being + rope-walks, furnaces, tanneries, and breweries, all run by water from + the pond. Betty thought she should some day like to come out and + investigate them with Peter; they were not very sightly, but they might + prove interesting. These buildings shut out the view, and until Betty + stood on the very bank she had no idea how brilliant a scene the Collect + presented. The ground on the north side between them and Broadway rose + to the height of a hundred feet, and this hillside was covered with + spectators who were watching the skaters with which the ice was alive. + Among the crowd were many women of fashion, muffled in their furs, + carrying huge muffs to keep their fingers warm, and scarlet uniforms, + dotted here and there, served to heighten the effect of brilliancy and + animation. As they turned the corner of a furnace whose big chimney had + sheltered them for a moment, a young man darted up the bank and greeted + Kitty. +</p> +<p> + "How late you are," he said reproachfully. "Philip Livingston and I + have been watching for you this hour. The ice is in fine condition; may + I put on your skates?" +</p> +<p> + While young De Lancey was thus engaged Peter and Betty were making ready + also. Up in the Litchfield hills, where the winter set in early and + lasted late, Betty had learned to use her skates well, and she and her + brother Oliver had been the best skaters in the township when she was + hardly more than a child. Even the timid Pamela had gained boldness and + dexterity on the clear, frozen pond; and therefore when Betty, with the + ease of a practiced skater, glided off without assistance, Peter flew + after her in round-eyed amazement. +</p> +<p> + "I say, Betty," he exclaimed, breathless with his effort to catch her, + "how you do fly! My eye! there isn't one of these New York dames or + maids who can equal you," and he chuckled with triumph as Betty began to + execute some very difficult motions which she and Oliver had often + practiced together. +</p> +<p> + "Give me your hand, Peter; there, now, glide this way, and take the + outside roll—oh! have a care; if you turn like that you will surely + catch your skate in mine. That's better; now cross hands, and go + gently; see, I am cutting a face on the ice." +</p> +<p> + Surely enough, as Peter glanced behind he saw a gigantic profile grow on + the smooth surface beneath Betty's little foot, and the skaters around + them paused to wonder and admire. +</p> +<p> + "There," said Betty, making a final flourish, "come back to the bank and + let us find Kitty." But as they flew along Betty saw a familiar red coat + appear beside Kitty's advancing figure, so dropping Peter's hand she + dashed off in an opposite direction. She headed for the north bank, + which was less crowded, but slacked her speed a little, fearing an + air-hole, as she debated which way to turn. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," said a voice just behind her, and with a little start + she realized that the obnoxious scarlet coat had reached her side, "will + you skate a turn with me down the pond?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely," and Betty's most roguish smile beamed into Yorke's eyes as she + wheeled toward him. "Perhaps you will try a race with me, Captain + Yorke?" +</p> +<p> + "With pleasure, and for what stakes?" returned Yorke, bending down to + secure a strap which he felt loosen. +</p> +<p> + "I meant but a trial of speed to the bridge there, where we cross the + Minetta Water. A stake? Well, name it." +</p> +<p> + "A knot of rose-colored ribbon," said Yorke softly. +</p> +<p> + "Another!" cried Betty unguardedly, and could have promptly bitten her + tongue for the betrayal of her thought. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, then you do remember?" asked Yorke. "In what have I so deeply + offended that I can scarce gain speech of you! Why do you flout one who + longs to show you his devotion?" +</p> +<p> + "You forget, sir," said Betty coldly, "the coat you wear. Do you fancy + that scarlet commends itself to a rebel maid like me, or that the cause + you represent can be aught but hateful to a loyal Wolcott?" +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty! I do beseech you"— +</p> +<p> + "Nay, we will put entreaty outside the question. A race, I think I said, + Captain Yorke. I will make the stake that self-same bow of + rose-color—if you have kept it so long." +</p> +<p> + An indignant flush dyed Yorke's face. "So be it," he said briefly, and + in a flash they were off; she, graceful, and almost like a winged bird, + as she sped along; and he, tall, straight, and muscular, with a long, + staying stroke, which impelled Betty's admiration. Tho distance to the + bridge was a good half mile, and the spectators on the hill presently + perceived the racing pair, and from the cries and shouts which arose she + learned, to her added chagrin, that they were seen, and their trial of + speed would be eagerly followed. On flew Betty, so intent upon reaching + her goal that she never noticed how Yorke crept closer and closer; they + were almost to the bridge, when his voice sounded at her shoulder:— +</p> +<p> + "You should have the race, sweetheart, but I cannot part with the + ribbon," and with a sudden rush Yorke darted past her and gained the + bridge barely three seconds in advance. +</p> +<p> + "Forgive me," he had time to whisper, as Betty stood still, with + flashing eyes and half-quivering lip, while they waited for Peter, + Kitty, and Philip Livingston, who had followed them down the course; + "'twas too dear a stake for me to lose." But as the words left his lips, + to his astonishment and delight, with all a child's frankness, Betty + gave him her hand. +</p> +<p> + "Nay, you won the race fairly, and Betty Wolcott craves your pardon." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, my eye!" shouted Peter, as he flung himself between them; "'t was + the prettiest race of the season, was it not, Kitty? Do, do try a game + with the rest of us, and I'll be your hurlie myself." +</p> +<p> + A hurlie, be it known, was a small boy or man who, in the fashion of a + ball-game of the day, propelled the balls along the icy surface of the + pond with a long, sharp-pointed stick, and the race was accorded to + whoever first caught the ball,—often a trial of both speed and + endurance when the course was a long one. +</p> +<p> + "Are you deserting me, Peter?" put in Kitty playfully; "the other + hurlies are busy with the De Lancey party; we must have two or three at + least." +</p> +<p> + Yorke moved a step forward; his first impulse was to offer his services + to Kitty, as he had done before, but some fine instinct warned him not + to jeopardize his half-reconciliation with Betty, and before he could + speak, Philip Livingston whistled to a tall, slight lad who was standing + looking at them from the bank close at hand. In response the lad ran + down, leaped on the ice, and said pleasantly,— +</p> +<p> + "Your pleasure, sir. Did you call me?" +</p> +<p> + "Can you drive a ball for me?" asked Philip; "if so, I'll promise you a + shilling for an hour of your time." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed I will," said the boy; "but let me first go tell Jim Bates, + there, who maybe will be returning to Paulus Hook, and I'll just bid him + wait for me over yonder in the tan-yard until you gentlefolks have had + your game." +</p> +<p> + Off darted the new recruit, and was seen to join a man wearing the wide + hat and somewhat greasy garb of a fisherman, who, after a few words, + nodded assent, and with somewhat slouching gait proceeded leisurely + across the bridge in the direction of the tan-yard referred to. Amid + much laughter the game began; some other acquaintances came down the + bank and joined them, and presently Betty found herself darting over the + ice hither and thither, following Peter's purposely erratic course, and + pursuing the ball, determined this time to outdo Yorke, who followed her + every motion, and whom she again began to tease and laugh at. But to + Yorke anything was better than her scorn or displeasure, and when, by a + lucky stroke and a quick turn of her skates, Betty bent down and + captured the elusive ball, he was the first to raise a shout of + triumph, in which the merry party joined with the heartiness of + good-fellowship and breeding. +</p> +<p> + It was growing dark and cold as Betty climbed up the bank and seated + herself on a pile of boards, while Peter unstrapped her skates. As she + looked up, she saw Yorke and Philip Livingston talking with the boy who + had been hurlie for Kitty, and it crossed her mind to wonder where Kitty + had vanished. So she rose to her feet and walked leisurely along with + Peter toward the tan-yard and turned the corner of the furnace chimney. + As she did so, she almost stumbled against a man, who drew back + suddenly; on the other side stood Kitty, and Betty distinctly saw a + piece of white paper pass from Kitty's muff into the hand of the + stranger, whom she instantly recognized as the greasy fisherman who had + crossed the bridge half an hour before. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XII +</h2> +<center> + A FACE ON THE WALL +</center> +<p> + Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side + farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day + before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into + small bunches and wreaths. Of these a large hamperful stood at her + elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of + importance. +</p> +<p> + "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his + cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin + obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris + Kringle and his prancing reindeers? My, what fun we boys had up in the + old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the + recollection of past pranks. "Down here in the city it is chiefly New + Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently + Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas." +</p> +<p> + "Yes?" murmured Betty, her thoughts far away as she wondered what + Moppet was doing up in the Litchfield hills, and whether Oliver had got + back safely to the army again. Surely, he had cautioned her not to + recognize him, but luckily her fortitude had not been put to proof. And + then she wondered what secret mission Kitty had been engaged upon that + day at Collect Pond. Somehow Kitty and she had been more confidential + since then; and one night, sitting by the fire in Betty's room, Kitty + had confessed that she too was a rebel—yes, a sturdy, unswerving rebel, + true to the Colonies and General Washington, and Betty's warm heart had + gone forth toward her from that very moment. +</p> +<p> + "Clarissa has a huge crock full of <i>olykeoks</i> in the pantry," pursued + Peter, to whom the Dutch dainty was sufficiently toothsome; "and Pompey + has orders to brew a fine punch made of cider and lemons for the + servants, and oh! Betty, do you know that Miranda has a new follower? + His name is Sambo, and he comes from Breucklen Heights; he has been + practicing a dance with her, and old Jan Steen, the Dutch fiddler, has + promised to come and play for them and their friends in the kitchen, + and for my part I think there will be more fun there than at Clarissa's + card-party—don't you? Wake up, Betty; I don't believe you've heard one + word I've been saying." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed I have," replied Betty, returning to her present surroundings + with a start. "A dance, Peter? Why, it seems to me the servants have + great liberty here." +</p> +<p> + "Don't you give yours a holiday up in New England? I thought you had + negro servants as well as we?" +</p> +<p> + "So we do; you know that Miranda is the daughter of our old cook, Chloe. + She came here with Clarissa when she was a bride; oh, we have a few + negro servants in dear New England, Peter, but not so many as here. + Gulian told me that there are some three thousand slaves owned in the + city and its environs. But our negroes go to church and pray; they do + not dance, and I know Chloe would be shocked with Miranda's flippant + ways. She was ever opposed to dancing." +</p> +<p> + "Don't be prim, Betty." +</p> +<p> + "I—prim?"—and Betty went off into a shout of girlish laughter, as she + flung a pine needle at Peter, who dodged it successfully; "that I live + to hear myself called what I have so often dubbed Pamela. Fie, Peter, + let Miranda dance if she will; I should love to see her. It would be far + more amusing than cards." +</p> +<p> + "Betty," said Peter, edging nearer her and lowering his voice to a + whisper, "I heard that the Sons of Liberty had another placard up near + the Vly Market last night, and that Sir Henry Clinton is in great wrath + because they are growing daring again. My! wouldn't I just like to see + one of them; but they say (so Pompey told me) that they are all around + us in different disguises. That's why they're so difficult to catch; it + would go hard with them if the Hessians lay hands on the author of the + placards." +</p> +<p> + "But they will not; I heard Gulian say only last night that the + cleverness with which the placards are prepared and placed was + wonderful. Who tells you these things, Peter? Do have a care, for we are + under Gulian's roof, and he would be very angry if he knew that your and + my sympathies are all on the side of the Whigs." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, I hear things," murmured Peter evasively. Then whispering in + Betty's ear, "Did you ever hear Kitty speak of Billy the fiddler?" +</p> +<p> + "There's no one within hearing," said Betty, as she finished her twelfth + wreath and laid it carefully on the floor beside her cricket. "Get the + other big branch outside the door, and sit down here close by me while + you pull the twigs off; then you can tell me safely, for Clarissa is + sleeping, and she will call me when she wakes. Of course I never heard + of the man you mention." +</p> +<p> + Peter threw back his howl in a prolonged chuckle, as he followed Betty's + instructions and edged his cricket close to her elbow. +</p> +<p> + "Man!—well, he's more like a monkey than anything. He only comes to my + shoulder, and yet he's old enough to be my father." +</p> +<p> + "A dwarf, do you mean?" +</p> +<p> + "No, not precisely; the boys call him a manikin, for he's not deformed; + only very, very small; not above four feet high. He is Dutch and has + been a drummer, it's whispered, in General Washington's army. They say + he was in the battle of Harlem Lane, and beat the rally for our troops + when Knowlton fell. The Vly boys are great friends with him." +</p> +<p> + "But, I thought you were at daggers drawn with the boys of the Vly + Market, Peter? Surely, you told me blood-curdling tales of the fights + between them and you Broadway boys?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, aye, but that's for right of way" and don't mean much except when + we are actually punching each other's heads. Billy can tell great yarns; + how his eyes flash when he speaks of the prison ships, though I only + heard him once, when Jan Steen was talking foolish Tory stuff." +</p> +<p> + "Do you think 'Billy the fiddler,' as you call him, is one of the Sons + of Liberty?" +</p> +<p> + "H-u-s-h!" and Peter looked fearfully around. "I don't dare say, but I'm + sure he's true and steady. Betty, I wish I was a little taller; if I + were I'd run away some fine morning and go for a drummer boy with + General Washington." +</p> +<p> + Betty looked up with affectionate eyes at the sturdy urchin. "I know how + you feel, Peter; but wait a bit. It's sad and disheartening enough now, + God knows, but perhaps better days may dawn for the patriots. My father + says we must keep up our hearts as best we can, and trust in God and the + Continental Congress. Did I tell you how we moulded the bullets last + summer? We kept the tally, and over forty-two thousand cartridges were + made from the statue of King George, so the women of Litchfield have + contributed their aid to the cause in good practical fashion."' +</p> +<p> + "Aye, that was fine! It must have been jolly fun, too." +</p> +<p> + "It was very hot," said Betty, laughing; "we tried it in our big + kitchen, but finally had to melt the lead in larger kettles hung over a + crane in the shed down in orchard. Aunt Euphemia thought we would fire + the house, and for many nights Miss Bidwell and she, protected by Reuben + with a lantern, paraded the place before closing up, hunting for stray + sparks which she fancied might fly in the wrong direction." +</p> +<p> + "What a lot this hamper holds," said Peter, diving down into it. "You've + made enough wreaths to decorate the rooms, I'm sure, and your hands are + getting black." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind my hands; soap and water will cleanse them. Clarissa wants a + 'real English Christmas,' she said, and poor dear! she shall have it. It + does my heart good to see her brighten and glow like her old pretty + self." +</p> +<p> + "You can thank Captain Yorke for putting the 'real English Christmas' + into her head; there's a fine Tory for you, Betty. Sometimes I forget + he's one of our foes—he's almost nice enough to be a patriot." +</p> +<p> + "He thinks he is one, Peter; he owes his loyalty to his king, and were + less than a man not to give his services where ordered." +</p> +<p> + "Ha, ha!" quoth Peter teasingly; "you'll be as bad as Kitty presently." +</p> +<p> + "How so?" returned Betty, biting her lip as she turned her face away + from Peter's roguish eyes. +</p> +<p> + "Why, Kitty had a walk-over course with the scarlet coats until you + came, and Captain Yorke was one of her gallants. But now I find him at + your elbow whenever you give him half a chance. But I've seen you snub + him well, too; you girls are such changeable creatures. I'd not have a + scarlet coat dancing around after me if I were you, Betty;" and Peter + endeavored to look sage and wise as he cocked his head on one side like + a conceited sparrow. What reply Betty might have made to his pertness + was uncertain, but at that moment both doors of the room opened and + Clarissa entered by one as Kitty flew in the other. +</p> +<p> + "How industrious you are," cried Kitty, as she bade them all good-day; + "the rooms will be a bower of green, such as Captain Yorke tells about. + I came, Clarissa, to beg a note of invitation for Peggy Van Dam. She has + but just returned from Albany, and will be mightily pleased to be bidden + to your card-party." +</p> +<p> + "I wondered if she would be in time," said Clarissa, seating herself at + her claw-legged, brass-mounted writing-table. "Has she changed much, + Kitty—not that I mean"—and Clarissa's sentence ended in a laugh. +</p> +<p> + "There was room for it," finished Kitty. "No, she is just the same: + aping youth, with the desire to conceal age." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Kitty, that's the severest speech I ever knew you guilty of!" +</p> +<p> + "Ill-natured, aye," quoth Kitty, with a comical sigh; "the world's awry + this morning and I must vent my crossness on somebody, so let it be + Peggy. But if I can carry her your note it will atone for my peevish + speech a dozen times, for is not Captain Sir John Faulkner coming, and + you know as well as all of us that Peggy's airs and graces are most + apparent in his company." +</p> +<p> + Betty looked quickly up into Kitty's face as she rattled on gayly, and + detected an air of trouble and anxiety that was most unusual. And as + they presently followed Clarissa downstairs, she paused at the landing + and slid her little fingers into Kitty's as she whispered:— +</p> +<p> + "What's amiss? You are worried, I perceive; can I help you?" Kitty + started, and turning her head over her shoulder said softly:— +</p> +<p> + "Not now, but I know that you are true-hearted and quick-witted; I dare + not say one word more," and with an affectionate pressure, she dropped + Betty's hand and ran swiftly down the staircase. +</p> +<p> + The drawing-room in the Verplanck mansion was high of ceiling, a + spacious, stately room, and its quaint, straight-backed chairs, stuffed + ottomans, and carved mahogany sofas were the acme of elegance of those + days. The highly polished floor had received extra attention from Pompey + and his assistants, while the mirrors shone brightly and reflected the + candles of the brass sconces on either side of their glittering + surfaces. Betty, at Clarissa's request, superintended the placing of the + card-tables, and also that of a huge silver salver, on which the tiny + cups for chocolate and the tall glasses for mulled wine would be served + from a table in the dining-room early in the evening before supper; also + a famous bowl of Indian china, where hot caudle would appear, caudle + being an English compound with which Betty was not familiar. Peter + explained it to her with due regard to detail; and smacked his lips over + the bottle as it smoked away on Dinah's kitchen table, where he had + invited Betty to come out and see it. +</p> +<p> + "Dinah makes a sort of posset first, of oaten-meal, and then she puts in + coriander seeds, and raisins, all carefully stoned (I ought to know + that, for I helped her one mortal hour last night and got my fingers + sticky with the plagued stones), and some cloves in a muslin bag, which + are let lie till the caudle boils, and then removed, and last of all, + just as it's ready to serve, she pops in a good half bottle of + cognac—my! but it's prime!" and Peter cut a pigeon-wing and gave a + regular Mohawk war-whoop, as he danced around the kitchen and + disappeared through the door just in time to avoid Dinah's wet + dishcloth, which she sent spinning at his close-cropped pate. +</p> +<p> + Betty stood in her small chamber at six o'clock that evening, + contemplating her gown with critical eye. Parties in those days were + early affairs, and in New York were known to assemble as early as half + past seven. The lanterns which hung outside every seventh house for the + purpose of lighting the streets were lit by the watchmen at half past + six, for the winter days were short, and the denizens of Wall Street + were wont to pick their way most carefully since the great fire, the + dibris of which in many instances was still left to disfigure the sites + where had stood stately mansions. Betty deliberated for some minutes; + here were two gowns: one must be worn to-night for her dear Clarissa; + the other kept for the De Lancey ball, an event over which all + fashionable New York was agog, and which would take place on New Year's + night, just one week ahead. +</p> +<p> + On the high, four-posted bed lay the gowns; one, which had been her + mother's, was a white satin petticoat, over which was worn a slip of + India muslin covered with fine embroidery, so daintily worked that it + was almost like lace itself. The dames of Connecticut, and, indeed, of + all New England, were much more sober in their dress than those of New + York, where the Dutch love of color still lingered, and the Tories clung + to the powdered heads and gay fashions of the English court circles. The + other gown (which in her secret soul Betty longed to wear) had been + given her by Gulian, who was the most generous of men, and who admired + his pretty sister-in-law far more than he would have told her. A ship + had recently arrived from England bringing him a box of gowns and + gewgaws ordered long since for his wife, and of these Gulian had made + Clarissa happy by bidding her bestow on Betty a gown such as he + considered fitting for a grand festivity like the De Lanceys' New Year + ball. +</p> +<p> + "Alack!" sighed the pretty maid to herself, as she contemplated the + white satin, "I will not even raise the paper which contains Clarissa's + present, for both she and Gulian have set their hearts upon my wearing + it on New Year's day, so 't is useless to fill my breast with discontent + when I have so good a gown as this to wear to-night. The skirt is a + little frayed—oh! how vexing!" and Betty flew to her reticule for + needle and thread to set a timely stitch; "now that will not show when + the muslin slip goes over." Another anxious moment, and with a sigh of + relief Betty slipped on the short waist with its puffed sleeves and + essayed to pin the fichu daintily around her neck. Then she dived down + to the very depths of a chest of drawers, whence she produced a small + box, and out of this came a single string of pearls,—the pearls which + her mother had worn upon her wedding-day, and Pamela had pressed into + her hand at parting. Next, Betty with cautious steps, candle in hand, + approached the mirror, which graced the farther end of her tiny chamber, + and holding it at arm's length surveyed herself as far as she could see, + which was not below her dainty waist, as suited the dimensions of the + mirror aforesaid. +</p> +<p> + "I am too white," thought Betty, with a little frown, all unconscious of + her lovely coloring and exquisite red-gold hair, which, guiltless of + powder, was massed as usual on top of her head and clustered in wayward + little curls on the nape of her snowy neck and over her white forehead; + "but never mind,"—with childlike philosophy,—"my gown for the New Year + ball has both breast and shoulder knots of rose-color; I wish I dare + steal one for to-night! But perhaps Clarissa would not be pleased, so I + will descend as I am. I hear Peter clattering on the staircase; he is no + doubt superintending the servants' dance," and Betty extinguished her + candle and tripped lightly down past Clarissa's door. +</p> +<p> + From the sounds and lights she became aware that she was late, and had + lingered too long over her toilet, so she hesitated for a brief moment + as she reached the door of the drawing-room, where she could see + Clarissa and Grandma Effingham standing with a number of guests, both + dames and gentlemen. As she paused on the threshold a graceful, girlish + picture, a tall form emerged from the dim shades of the hall, and a hand + met hers. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty, I salute you," said Geoffrey Yorke, bowing low, "and + may I also beg your acceptance of a bunch of clove pinks? They were + grown by my Dutch landlady in a box kept carefully in her kitchen + window, and I know not whether she or I have watched them the more + carefully, as I wished to be so fortunate as to have them bloom for you + to-night." +</p> +<p> + "For me?" said Betty, in a delighted whisper, turning such glowing eyes + upon him that the young man fell more madly in love with her than ever. + "How kind!—and at this season? Oh, they are sweet, and recall the + garden walk at home. Indeed, sir, I thank you," and scarcely thinking + what she did, in her pleasure at his pretty attention, she thrust the + bunch of pinks in her fichu, where they lay close to her white throat + and gave her toilet the one touch of color for which she had longed. + Small wonder that Geoffrey's handsome face lit up with triumph, or that + Clarissa said to herself as the pair approached her, Betty dimpling with + smiles, "What a charming couple they make! I wonder if my father would + object?" +</p> +<p> + This was Clarissa's first appearance in society for many months, and the + warmth with which she was greeted showed how large a place the New + England girl had made in the regard of her husband's friends. The party + was given chiefly for Betty, that she might have plenty of partners at + the New Year ball; and although these were mostly young people, there + was also a goodly sprinkling of dames and dowagers, who smiled + approvingly when Betty was presented to them, before seating themselves + at the all-absorbing card-tables. Cards were much the mode of the day, + and an hour or more was given to them; then as the metheglin (a + delicious beverage made of honey) and the mulled wine was passed, the + younger portion of the company began moving through the suite of three + rooms, breaking up into small groups as they did so. +</p> +<p> + Peter, who had constituted himself master of ceremonies for the fun in + low life which was going on in the kitchen, darted up to Betty as she + stood talking with Philip Livingston. +</p> +<p> + "They're just going to begin to dance," he said. "Miranda is perked out + in a wonderful pink gown, and Aunt Dinah has her best turban on her + head. Do, Betty, persuade some of the company to come out and see the + negroes dance. Don't you hear the music beginning?" +</p> +<p> + Surely enough the distant scraping of the violin could be heard, and + Betty, seizing Kitty by the hand, tripped up to Clarissa and repeated + Peter's request. Clarissa hesitated an instant. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Gulian," cried Betty, catching hold of her brother-in-law as he + came forward, "may we not visit the kitchen and see the servants dance? + Captain Yorke tells me that is what is done in England on Christmas Eve, + and I am sure it would afford us all a new amusement." +</p> +<p> + Artful Betty! She knew full well that any suggestion of England and + English ways would appeal to Gulian, and Yorke, who followed closely at + her side, threw the potent weight of his opinion in the scale by saying + quietly:— +</p> +<p> + "I am told your slaves have the very poetry of motion, Verplanck; permit + me to escort Mistress Betty to the servants' hall." +</p> +<p> + "Servants' hall!" whispered Betty mischievously to Yorke as Gulian led + the way with Clarissa; "we have nothing so fine in our humble colonies, + sir; our kitchens must serve for our dusky retainers." +</p> +<p> + "You know I did not mean"—he began reproachfully. But seeing Betty's + laughing eyes, he added, with a smile:— +</p> +<p> + "Nay, you shall not tease me into vexing you to-night if I can avoid it; + I will strive to train my tongue to please you." +</p> +<p> + The kitchen presented a quaint and most picturesque appearance. It was + a low, wide room, and around the wall ran shelves and dressers, on which + the pewter plates and copper covers shone with such fine polish that one + could almost see in their surfaces as in a mirror. Between those hung + bunches of herbs and strings of bright-hued peppers, and in and out on + the walls, and above, from the rafters, were Christmas greens, all + arranged by the servants themselves, with that unerring eye for grace + and color which is an attribute of the colored race. Aunt Dinah, the + presiding genius of the kitchen, stood at one end of the room. Her large + and portly person was clothed in a gay cotton print of many colors; and + upon her head was twisted a bright silk handkerchief, with a most + rakish-looking bow which reposed over her left ear. The Verplanck + slaves, some twelve of them, were augmented in numbers by those of the + Ludlow, De Lancey, and De Peyster families, and half filled the spacious + kitchen us they stood back in rows, courtesying and bowing, showing + their white teeth in smiles and low laughter, as they recognized some + "young massa," or "ole madam" among the gentlemen and dames who smiled + back upon their faithful, kindly faces. +</p> +<p> + The dance began with a special contra-dance, in which the performers + copied with great exactness the profound bows and deep courtesies of the + period, mimicking their masters and mistresses with curious grotesque + grace. At the extreme end of the room, near Aunt Dinah, sat the fiddler, + wielding his bow with an extra flourish befitting the occasion. Jan + Steen was a well-known character, and his coming was looked upon as a + special favor, only accorded to the servants because they belonged to + the Verplancks, a family greatly honored and beloved among the Dutch + settlers of Manhattan Island. +</p> +<p> + After the contra-dance was concluded, amid the applause and laughter of + the spectators, four young slaves were singled out from the others, and + took their places on the floor. Two of these were girls, pretty + mulattoes, and two young, bright-colored negro men as their partners. To + rather slow music they went through with a rhythmic dance, in which + their figures swayed to and fro, chiefly from the waist, a gliding + serpentine dance, evidently copied from the slaves of Martinique, and + brought to New York by the French families. And then, to Peter's great + delight, came the event of the evening, in his eyes,—the dance of + Miranda with her new admirer from Broucklen Heights. +</p> +<p> + "Miranda is my maid," explained Clarissa to Madam De Lancey and Mrs. + Morris, as they waited for the performers to take their places. "I + fetched her from Connecticut when I was married, and she is, as you see, + very pretty and most graceful. The dance is a species of Spanish dance, + I fancy, for it is done with two scarfs of red and yellow; I purchased + the stuff a year ago from a Dutch peddler, and Miranda begged it of me + last week." +</p> +<p> + "Cousin Clarissa," said Peter, rushing up, "we will want more light to + enable you to see this; the candles are getting low. With your + permission, may Pompey light the big lantern on the wall?" +</p> +<p> + About the middle of the kitchen hung a lantern which had once been used + for illuminating purposes outside the mansion. It contained a piece of + tin which acted as a reflector; and Peter, who had never yet had the + pleasure of seeing it lit, had amused himself that very morning by + putting in the candles for which it was prepared, and informed Aunt + Dinah that he meant to light it by way of a climax to the festivities of + Christmas Eve. +</p> +<p> + "The big lantern?" replied Clarissa; "it has not been lit this three + years." +</p> +<p> + "I made it ready this morning; oh, do say yes." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Clarissa, smiling; "but tell Pompey to be careful, + Peter." +</p> +<p> + Off flew Peter, and up on a bench mounted Pompey, nothing loth to add + dignity to the scene by illuminating it. Jan Steen drew his bow across + his violin with a long, sweet note, and out on the floor glided Miranda, + holding the hand of a tall, athletic-looking young negro, whose motions + were grace itself. They began at the top of the room, holding the scarfs + aloft, and slowly made their way down until they were in the centre, + when the full light gleamed strongly upon their raised arms, their heads + well up. Soft murmurs of applause began to steal around the room. Betty + stood with Captain Yorke and Kitty directly under the lantern, beating + time with her fan. +</p> +<p> + "How graceful they are," said Yorke softly. "See, even their shadows on + the wall opposite are picturesque and wild. How distinct the faces + are!" +</p> +<p> + "Silhouettes!" burst in Kitty; "have you seen the pictures made by the + new artist who came from Albany? Some folks like to be done thus, but + for me I do not care for a black profile of my own face. They are cut + skillfully enough in paper, however." +</p> +<p> + Betty, wondering what had possessed Kitty to set off on an animated + description of silhouettes, looked up at the wall, and then her heart + almost stood still. That fine, high forehead, the curving lips, the + nose, with its clear-cut nostrils,—not even the disfiguring woolly wig, + stiff collar, and blackened face and hands could disguise them to her. + She gazed with sickening apprehension at the dancers; how often she had + seen Oliver dancing with Miranda when they were children together at + home, the performance usually taking place in the garret, for fear of + scoldings upon the sinfulness of dancing from Chloe, Miranda's mother; + oh, how did he dare do this here, where any moment might bring discovery + and death? Why, why, had she failed to see and recognize him! his + disguise was very perfect, and yet— +</p> +<p> + The applause rang out heartily as the dancers tripped faster and + faster; Betty wondered if her torture would ever end. Perhaps it had + only begun, for Oliver had said— +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," spoke Yorke, and his voice was low and very tender, + "may I offer you my arm? A glass of mulled wine would, I think, be of + service to you." Stumbling a little in her agitation, Betty slipped + through the door with him, on into the dining-room, where he placed her + in a corner of the wide sofa and fetched the wine. +</p> +<p> + "Drink it, every drop," he said, smiling down at her with a masterful + look in his dark eyes that Betty had never seen before. "Sweetheart, + trust me, and sit here till I return." +</p> +<p> + Betty sipped her wine and the truant color came back to her cheeks, as + she saw him vanish through the door. +</p> +<p> + "Have I grown a coward?" she thought indignantly. "I was brave up in the + Litchfield hills—how dare I fail now! Captain Yorke must have seen—and + yet, how could he know Oliver's face sufficiently well? Ah,"—and Betty + almost cried out,—"it is I, miserable I, who have betrayed my brother. + We are so strongly alike that"— +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty,"—Yorke was at her side again,—"I left you to bestow + a few shillings on yonder fellow who danced so well, but I could not + find him, and Mistress Kitty Cruger tells me he left at once for + Breucklen Heights, whence he came, as there is a party crossing before + daybreak. I trust you are better; the air was close in your kitchen." +</p> +<p> + Betty's two small hands clasped each other mutely; her large eloquent + eyes were raised to his in the sweetest glance that ever maiden gave. +</p> +<p> + "God bless you!" she cried impulsively, and, turning, fled through the + open door. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIII +</h2> +<center> + AT THE VLY MARKET +</center> +<p> + It was a bright sunny morning, but very cold, and snow lay packed hard + and firm in the streets of New York, which, narrow as they were, + afforded little opportunity for the sun's rays to penetrate with + sufficient strength to warm the shivering pedestrians who were hurrying + down Maiden Lane in the direction of the Vly Market. At the farthest end + of the street were the shops, and one of these, "The Sign of the Cross + Swords," stood within a stone's throw of the market itself. It was a + small affair, with little grimy window-panes, where were displayed + knives, scissors, and razors, with locks and keys of many odd sorts. At + the door stood a half-grown boy, stamping his feet to keep warm, as he + droned out in sing-song fashion: "Walk in, gentlefolk, and have your + razors ground; we have all manner of kitchen furniture in cutlery + within, also catgut and fiddle strings at most reasonable rates." +</p> +<p> + But these attractions did not appear to bring many customers inside the + little shop, as the passersby seemed chiefly eager to gain the Vly + Market, where the stalls were crowded with purchasers who were getting + the good things there displayed to indulge in keeping New Year's day + with the proper spirit of festivity; and the shop-boy was about to slip + inside for the comfort of warming his fingers and toes, when a tall, + slender fellow in fisherman's dress accosted him. +</p> +<p> + "Hey, you there! Have you fish-hooks and nets within?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye, sir, in plenty. Will it please you to enter?" And the boy made + room for the stranger to pass through the narrow doorway. The shop was + apparently empty, except for a middle-aged man who rose from his seat on + a high stool near the window, where he was busily engaged in polishing a + pair of razors. As he came forward, the fisherman addressed him:— +</p> +<p> + "Good day, friend. A frosty morning." +</p> +<p> + "But the wind will turn to east at sunset," said the other, with a quick + glance from under his heavy eyebrows. +</p> +<p> + "A good wind, then, for the Sturdy Beggar," was the reply, as the + fisherman clasped his hands behind his neck with a peculiar gesture. +</p> +<p> + "Then all's well," returned the shopkeeper, laying down his razors, and + motioning his customer to come farther inside. "Whom do you seek here, + sir?" +</p> +<p> + "Mynheer Wilhelm Hoffmeister, known commonly as 'Billy the fiddler.'" +</p> +<p> + "He is off on duty since last Tuesday, but must be here to-night to play + at a grand ball given at one of the Tory houses; there must be news, for + you are the third one who has asked for him since yesterday." +</p> +<p> + "News?" said the fisherman eagerly; "perhaps you have a billet for me?" +</p> +<p> + "And what may you be called?" asked the other cautiously. +</p> +<p> + "Jim Bates, from Breucklen Heights." +</p> +<p> + "Then you're all right, sir; why didn't you say so before?" and the man, + casting a swift glance to make sure that the boy at the door was not + looking, pulled a scrap of dirty paper from his pocket, which was + instantly seized and opened by the fisherman. As he read the few words + it contained, the anxious lines on his face grew deeper. +</p> +<p> + "It is the only way," he muttered to himself, as he tore the scrap into + tiniest fragments, "but I must know from Kitty the hour." Then aloud, + "Have you a bit of paper, friend, on which I can write a message?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely," said the shopkeeper; "wait here a moment until I fetch it," + and he went hurriedly through a small door at the back of the shop, + leaving the fisherman standing near the window, from which he could see + the crowd outside. Suddenly the man uttered an exclamation, and made a + dash for the door, nearly upsetting the boy on the threshold. +</p> +<p> + "Tell your master I will return shortly," he said hurriedly, and + disappeared in the direction of the Vly Market. +</p> +<p> + It happened that Madam Cruger, thrifty housewife though she was, had + forgotten to order an extra number of the large, flat seedcakes, known + as New Year Cakes (and without which no gathering could be considered + complete for New Year day, when they were handed to all callers with the + accompanying glasses of mulled wine and metheglin), and had therefore + dispatched her daughter, with a colored servant carrying a capacious + basket on his arm, to purchase the dainty from the one stall in the Vly + Market where the aristocratic folk were wont to deal. Truth to tell, + Madam Cruger had made matters somewhat uncomfortable for her portly cook + when she learned that the cakes made by that functionary were too few to + meet her ideas of hospitality; and although Kitty knew that it would + require speed on her part to go to the market and return in time to + dress and be ready to receive their visitors in the drawing-room by + twelve o'clock, she preferred to pour oil on the troubled waters and + procure domestic peace at the expense of a little personal fatigue. + Beside, it was not unpleasant to trip along with the merry crowd, bent + on enjoying themselves, and Kitty knew that she would meet many an + acquaintance, out, like herself, on some belated errand for New Year + day. +</p> +<p> + But there was one occurrence for which Kitty had not bargained, and that + befell her as she gained the market door. The fisherman, who had + followed her as swiftly as he dared without creating notice, passed + close at her elbow, then turned and met her face to face. Kitty grew a + little pale as he touched his cap respectfully, but she stopped in + obedience to the glance which met hers. +</p> +<p> + "A Happy New Year to you, my good man," she said. "I fear that you and + your brother craftsmen suffer this terribly cold winter. Stand aside out + of the chilly wind which meets us through the market door and I will + speak to you. Cato," to her servant, "go on to Fran Hansel's stall, and + let her weigh out five pounds of seedcakes for my mother; I will join + you there in a moment," and she turned back to the fisherman, knowing + that in the crowd she was comparatively safe, provided her voice was not + loud enough to attract attention. +</p> +<p> + "What is it?" she murmured, almost breathless from excitement, yet + striving to maintain a quiet, even careless exterior. "I hoped you had + fulfilled your dangerous errand and gone hence two days ago." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot leave until my mission is completed; we have almost certain + news of an incursion by the British across the Kill von Kull, which will + do much injury to the peaceful country folk of Elizabethtown and Newark. + The man they call 'Billy the fiddler' will have a message for me + to-night of the greatest importance, and he plays with others at the De + Lancey ball; are you to be there, and at what hour?" +</p> +<p> + "I, Oliver?" said Kitty, and turned rosy red as the incautious word + escaped her; "all New York is going at eight o'clock, but what has that + to do with"— +</p> +<p> + "This," whispered Oliver Wolcott, pulling his hat further down over his + eyes, and motioning Kitty to walk a few steps away from the door: "I + must be there." +</p> +<p> + "You are mad!" and Kitty turned pale at the idea. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no, I am coming as one Diedrich Gansevoort, from Albany. Do not + fear for me; my disguise will be very perfect, and I go introduced by + Abram Lansing, from whom I bring a letter to Madam De Lancey. They are + old friends, though he is as stanch a Whig as she a Tory. I tell you, + Kitty, 't is of vital importance that I ascertain the facts of this + rumored raid upon the patriots, and I must risk all to gain it. Warn + Betty, lest she give way to alarm; be brave and fear nothing." +</p> +<p> + "A Happy New Year, Mistress Kitty," said a gentleman who approached her, + followed by his negro servant. "I shall do myself the honor to pay my + respects to your mother a little later;" and Mr. Van Brugh raised his + three-cornered hat in courtly salute, staring hard at Kitty and the + fisherman as he passed them. +</p> +<p> + "We are noticed," said Oliver calmly; "go on and do your errand." +</p> +<p> + "But I am so fearful for you," gasped poor Kitty, whose usual composure + seemed to be deserting her. "You try me too far, unless I may do + something to aid your escape, for a horrible sinking of my heart seems + to bode no good to you." +</p> +<p> + "Put no faith in omens," answered Oliver, with a smile. "I shall be off + at daybreak. Farewell, Kitty, and have no fear; I am well protected," + and mingling in the crowd, he passed out of the market door and was + gone. +</p> +<p> + With what courage she could summon, Kitty sped on to Fran Hansel's + stand. The seedcakes had been weighed, decked with a handful of + Christmas greens, and placed in the basket, and Kitty, after a few kind + words to the old Dutch market-woman, made her way swiftly through the + crowd and gained the street. +</p> +<p> + "I must warn Betty," she thought an she proceeded up Maiden Lane, and as + she came to Queen Street she paused. "Go directly home," she said to her + servant; "tell my mother I have stopped to see Grandma Effingham and + wish her a Happy New Year. I will be back in time to dress," and off she + sped in the direction of Wall Street. +</p> +<p> + Betty, who like Kitty, had been spending her morning assisting in + preparations for the New Year callers who would present themselves later + in the day, was dusting the quaint Dresden Shepherdess who presided over + a corner of the drawing-room mantel, when a sharp knock at the front + door announced a visitor; and she fled out of the drawing-room only to + encounter Kitty in the hall. +</p> +<p> + "A Happy New Year to you," said Kitty, in a tone of gayety which she was + far from feeling. "I ran over to give greeting to grandma, and as I came + my petticoat gave way; let me mount to your chamber and fasten it before + I go to grandma's." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Betty, and seizing hands both girls ran rapidly up the + staircase. Inside the small chamber, Kitty closed the door, and set her + back against it. +</p> +<p> + "The petticoat is fast enough, Betty, but I have something grave to say. + Oliver is still in the city—he goes to the De Lanceys' to-night—I was + to warn you." +</p> +<p> + "In what disguise?" asked Betty breathlessly. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, I know not, except that he will represent Mynheer Diedrich + Gansevoort, from Albany; oh, Betty, I am sore afraid." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, wherefore?" and Betty's eyes sparkled as her color rose. "We + Wolcotts are not wont to fail, and I am now too accustomed to Oliver's + hairbreadth escapes for fright." +</p> +<p> + "You were well alarmed at the servants' dance; oh, how rash he is!" +</p> +<p> + "We spare nothing in our country's cause," said Betty, with a proud + little toss of her head; "but, Kitty, forgive me if I appear + intrusive—I am puzzled to know how and where you and Oliver"— +</p> +<p> + "You should have known long ago," interrupted Kitty, blushing deeply, + "but, somehow, I never could approach near enough to your heart to + confess that Oliver and I are trothplighted though my mother's consent + is lacking. We met in Albany—again at West Point, and oh, Betty, how I + have longed to tell you. I have seen you look at me with eyes so like + his; with such scornful glance when I laugh and jest with those hateful + redcoats, such kindly smile when I showed you that I am at heart a + patriot. Forgive me, dear, and let us do all we can to help Oliver + to-night, for he is determined to be at the De Lanceys' as by going + there he can obtain certain important information for the cause of + freedom." +</p> +<p> + Betty threw her arms around Kitty; why did she feel as if the innocent + words stabbed her? Had the "hateful redcoats" ceased to be hateful to + her? +</p> +<p> + "Trothplighted," she whispered, with wide-open eyes of delight; "I hoped + as much—how happy my father will be when Oliver"— +</p> +<p> + "Nay, nay," cried blushing Kitty, "you go too fast; think of madam, my + mother, and her antipathy to the 'rebels,' as she calls them, quite + forgetting that my aunt (where I made my home in Albany for three years) + is one, as well as her naughty daughter. Good lack! my fortunes were + told long ago had I but bowed to her wishes; and at the moment, + Betty,—to let you into a profound secret,—the most desirable husband + for me in her eyes is Captain Yorke." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" said Betty coldly, but Kitty was too engrossed in her own + discourse to notice. +</p> +<p> + "Not that he has such an idea, mind you; he loves to dance and jest + with me, as a score of others do. But, Betty, your confidence in Oliver + is well sustained so far, and it lightens my heart. Beside, there is no + one here who would be apt to recognize him except you and me; though for + the matter of that why Clarissa did not see and know his shadow at the + servants' dance I have not yet ceased to marvel." +</p> +<p> + "You forget that she had no knowledge of his presence in New York, and + Oliver has changed greatly since she saw him full three years ago." +</p> +<p> + "And now to grandma," said Kitty, releasing the latch of the door, which + she had held carefully in her hand since entering the room, as a + precaution against intruders; "and fare you well, Betty, till we meet at + the ball to-night." +</p> +<p> + All through that New Year day Betty's heart throbbed with excitement, as + a steady stream of visitors passed in and out of the mansion, where + Grandma Effingham and Clarissa bade welcome to old friends and young + ones, to stately gentlemen in small clothes and powdered queues, with a + fine selection of British officers, beginning with Sir Henry Clinton, + who arrived in great state and descended from his sleigh, with its + coal-black horses, accompanied by his aides, for the English commander + liked to conciliate the Tories of New York, and, as he was then making + secret preparations to accompany an expedition to South Carolina, + thought best to appear in public even more than usual. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," said Geoffrey Yorke, under cover of sipping a glass of + port wine which she had offered him, "I drink to your very good health;" + then softly, "I have not seen you for a week; have you been quite well + since the Christmas party?" +</p> +<p> + "Is it so long?"—willfully; "Clarissa said you called one day." +</p> +<p> + "Surely—to ask for you, and you never came inside the room." +</p> +<p> + "Because I was busy, sir," replied Betty. Then relenting as a swift + remembrance crossed her mind, "I was skating at the Collect, where I + went with Peter late in the day." +</p> +<p> + "Will you dance with me to-night at the ball—promise me all the dances + you can possibly spare?" and Geoffrey's voice took its most tender tone + as he fixed his eyes on Betty's charming face. +</p> +<p> + "All my dances? Nay, two, possibly three, are as many as Clarissa would + deem consistent with good manners," returned the maid, unable to forego + the pleasure of teasing him; "indeed, I am bewildered even now + remembering sundry engagements already made." +</p> +<p> + "The first dance, Betty," said Yorke pleadingly, as he saw the general + taking leave, and prepared to accompany him. "Surely you will not deny + me that grace?" +</p> +<p> + But Betty only gave him the tips of her fingers in reply as she swept a + graceful courtesy. Was it the slight pressure of his hand which + accompanied the farewell that made Geoffrey spring gayly into the sleigh + and drive off with a half-boyish, half-triumphant smile? +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIV +</h2> +<center> + THE DE LANCEY BALL +</center> +<p> + The De Lancey mansion, then one of the most famous houses in New York, + was on the Bloomingdale Road, and the drive out Bowery Lane ran through + meadow-land and green trees in summer, but over hard-packed snow and ice + in winter, for it was part of the highroad to Albany. So both Grandma + Effingham and Clarissa ordered the fur muffs and hot-water bottles for + the feet placed carefully in the sleigh, which Pompey brought to the + door just as the night watch went down the street, crying in his slow, + bell-like tones, "Eight o'clock, and all's w-e-ll!" Betty, standing + muffled in long cloak and fur hood, on the steps of the house, said to + herself, with a thrill of excitement, "All's well; please God I may say + as much when midnight sounds to-night." +</p> +<p> + The sleigh was a large, roomy one, with back and front seats, and its + big hood was drawn up and extended like a roof over the top, covering + the heads of its occupants, but open at the sides. Clarissa was seated + first, and well wrapped in the bearskin robes which adorned the sleigh, + and then Betty tripped lightly down to have her little feet bestowed in + a capacious foot-muff, as she carefully tucked her new gown around her + and sat beside Clarissa. Gulian, in full evening dress, with small + clothes, plum-colored satin coat and cocked hat, took possession of the + front seat. Pompey cracked his whip, and the spirited horses were off + with a plunge and bound, as Peter, the irrepressible, shouted from the + doorway, where with grandma he had been an interested spectator of + proceedings, "A Happy New Year to us all, and mind, Betty, you only take + the handsomest gallants for partners." De Lancey Place had been the + scene of many festivities, and was famed far and wide for its + hospitality, but (it was whispered) this New Year ball was to excel all + others. The mansion stood in the centre of beautiful meadow-land, with a + background of dark pines, and these showed forth finely against the snow + which covered the lawns and feathered the branches of the tall + oak-trees in front of the door. Lanterns gleamed here and there, up the + drive and across the wide piazza; at the door were the colored servants, + in livery imported direct from England, and from within came sounds of + music. As Pompey swept his horses up to the step with an extra flourish + of his whip, a group of British officers, who had just alighted from + another sleigh, hastened to meet Clarissa and assist her descent. +</p> +<p> + "On my word, Clarissa," said Gulian, a few minutes later, as he offered + her his hand to conduct her to the ballroom, "I never saw Betty look so + lovely. Your pink brocade becomes her mightily, and her slender shape + shows forth charmingly. Where did you procure those knots of + rose-colored ribbon which adorn the waist? I do not remember them." +</p> +<p> + "That is my secret—and Betty's; she vowed the gown would not be + complete without them, so I indulged the child, and I find her taste in + dress perfect. Captain Sir John Faulkner seems greatly taken with her, + does be not?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye, but let us hasten to find our hostess. They will be forming for + the minuet directly, and you must dance it with me, sweet wife,—unless + you prefer another partner." +</p> +<p> + Clarissa's response to this lover-like speech was evidently + satisfactory, for presently Betty beheld her sister and Gulian take + places at the head of the room, next Madam De Lancey, who opened her + ball with Sir Henry Clinton. Betty, since her arrival in New York, had + been trained and tutored for the minuet by both Clarissa and Kitty, and + here was Captain Sir John Faulkner, an elderly but gallant beau, + supplicating for the honor of her hand in the opening dance. +</p> +<p> + "I am loth to decline," began Betty, a little overpowered by the + compliment, "but I have already promised this dance." +</p> +<p> + "To me," said Geoffrey Yorke, at her side, and looking up, Betty, for + the first time, saw her lover in all the bravery of full uniform, + powdered hair, and costly laces. If he had been strikingly handsome in + the old homespun clothes in which he first appeared before her on the + shores of Great Pond, he was ten times more so now. Betty forgot that + his coat was scarlet, that he represented an odious king and all she + had been taught to despise; she only saw the gallant manly form and + loving eyes which met hers so frankly, and the hand she gave him + trembled as he led her out upon the floor. For Betty did not + know—though the realization came to her later, with bitter tears—- + that all unconsciously she had entered that fabled kingdom, the + knowledge of which makes life a mystery, death a glory! +</p> +<p> + The music swelled on in slow and stately measure; jewels flashed in the + blaze of wax candles, silken brocades rustled a soft accompaniment to + the steps and courtesies of their fair wearers, as Betty dreamed her + dream of happiness, only half aware that she was dreaming. And when, at + the close of the minuet, Geoffrey led her to Clarissa, there was no lack + of gallants nor partners, and Peter would have chuckled with delight + could he have seen that no one was so eagerly sought for as the lovely, + roguish maid, who wore the knots of rose-colored ribbon. +</p> +<p> + It was time for supper, and instruments were being tuned into order for + a grand march, to be led by Madam De Lancey, when Betty, standing near a + large Indian screen, talking with Mr. Van Brugh, who was a dear friend + of her father's, became aware of subdued voices at her elbow, on the + other side of the screen. +</p> +<p> + "I tell you I am right," said one of these testily; "I would stake my + sword that he is not what he seems. I saw him exchange a bit of paper + with yonder manikin fiddler, who has been under suspicion for some + weeks, and cleverly they did it, too. It's not the first time, I'll + warrant, that Mynheer von Gam—" +</p> +<p> + "No, no, not Von at all; you are safe to be mistaken, Colonel Tarleton; + the gentleman is one Diedrich Gansevoort from the Albany beverwyck. + Madam De Lancey herself made us acquainted; he is no spy." +</p> +<p> + Betty's heart sank. She murmured something in reply as Mr. Van Brugh + paused. This was the famous and cruel Colonel Tarleton. If he had traced + Oliver, then all was lost. She strained her ears for further + information, smiling up at Mr. Van Brugh as she waved her fan gently to + and fro. +</p> +<p> + "If you are so sure of it, why did he, an apparent stranger, have aught + to communicate to that fiddler yonder? Go quietly through the crowd and + watch the gentleman as he appears at supper; I'll have a word with Yorke + on the subject," and they moved off in the direction of the ballroom. +</p> +<p> + "Will he, indeed?" thought Betty, as she saw Geoffrey coming toward her + from the hall; "not while I can hold him at my side," and with somewhat + paler face, but with calm demeanor she moved away, obedient to + Geoffrey's request that she should go to supper. +</p> +<p> + Kitty Cruger's evening, unlike Betty's, had been full of dangerous + excitement. Arriving at the ball with her mother, she had been dancing + with her usual spirit, keeping, however, anxious watch for Oliver. But + she perceived no one whom she could possibly imagine was he, even in + disguise, and therefore it was with almost a shock of dismay that she + found herself stopped, as she was passing the supper-room door, by her + hostess, who "craved the favor of presenting a gentleman just arrived + from Albany, who knew her family there." Kitty dropped her most formal + courtesy and raised her eyes to the face of the stranger. Verily, Oliver + possessed positive genius for disguises, and troubled as she was Kitty + could not restrain a smile as she recognized in the rubicund + countenance and somewhat portly form of the gentleman bowing before her + an admirable caricature of no less a person than her respected uncle, + Cornelius Lansing, an antiquated Albany beau. +</p> +<p> + Yorke, with Betty, was just inside the door as the pair entered, and as + Kitty perceived them she paused for a moment to say good-evening. +</p> +<p> + "Where have you been? I was looking for you. Permit me to present + Mynheer Gansevoort, of Albany. Mistress Betty Wolcott and Captain Yorke. + As for you, sir,"—to Yorke, with a playful tap of her fan to engage his + attention,—"you have not yet claimed my hand for a dance. Pray, what + excuse can you devise for such neglect?" +</p> +<p> + Betty seized her opportunity. She must warn Oliver at all hazards. "Have + you lately arrived?" she said, fixing her eyes on him; then, in so low a + whisper that it barely reached him by motion of her lips, "You are + watched; be careful!" +</p> +<p> + "I am somewhat deaf," returned Oliver, with great readiness, bending his + ear toward her. "By whom?"—with equal caution. +</p> +<p> + "Colonel Tarleton. Escape as speedily as you can." +</p> +<p> + "Did you speak?" said Geoffrey, turning suddenly, to Betty's dismay, and + casting a penetrating glance at Oliver, which he returned with the + utmost calmness. +</p> +<p> + "This gentleman is somewhat deaf, I find," answered Betty. "It is a sad + affliction, sir; has it troubled you long?" +</p> +<p> + "Some years. May I offer Captain Yorke a pinch of snuff?" and the + pretended Mynheer Gansevoort produced a gold snuff-box from his + waistcoat pocket, which he courteously extended to the English officer. +</p> +<p> + "You must excuse me; I have not yet acquired the habit," replied + Geoffrey. "A glass of wine with you, sir, instead, if you will do me the + honor." +</p> +<p> + "With great pleasure." And as they moved a step onward, Kitty passed + first with Yorke, thereby giving Betty time to whisper to Oliver what + she had overheard behind the screen. +</p> +<p> + "Your very good health, sir," said Geoffrey, as he took the glasses of + port wine from a servant standing near the lavishly filled table; "and + if you will not consider me intrusive, do you purpose stopping in New + York?" +</p> +<p> + "That is as may be," replied the other. "I am not, however, returning + to Albany immediately. Will you name a toast?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye," said Yorke quickly, raising his glass, with a searching look into + Oliver's eyes,—"To your <i>safe</i> return to the Albany beverwyck; the + climate of New York is somewhat unhealthy at present." +</p> +<p> + "Yorke," said a young officer, coming hastily up behind the group, + "Colonel Tarleton desires speech with you for a moment; you will find + him and Sir Henry by the screen in the ballroom." +</p> +<p> + "You heard?" whispered Betty, as Geoffrey left them; "Captain Yorke has + recognized you—fly, fly, at once!" +</p> +<p> + "Is there another exit from this room, Kitty?" asked Oliver, finishing + his glass of wine as he spoke, and handing the empty glass to the + waiting servant. +</p> +<p> + "Only the window behind us," gasped Kitty; "quick! they are all too busy + eating and drinking to notice if you slip through the curtains, and the + balcony is but a few feet from the ground." +</p> +<p> + "Then I must run for it. Farewell," murmured Oliver, as the heavy damask + curtains dropped back over his vanishing figure. The two girls gazed + into each other's faces with dilated eyes and quivering lips. Would the + alarm be speedily given, and would they see him captured and carried to + certain death? For one breathless moment they listened, and then Kitty + turned sick and faint; her eyes closed as Betty flung an arm around her + waist. +</p> +<p> + "Some wine at once," she said aloud, and two gentlemen sprang forward to + assist her to place Kitty in a chair. "She is affected by the heat of + the room; it will pass in a moment," and she gave the reviving girl a + good hard pinch, which made her start in her chair. "Oh, Gulian, I am + glad you are here. Had you not better seek Madam Cruger?" +</p> +<p> + "No, no," cried Kitty, struggling to rise, and most heartily ashamed of + herself for her lack of self-control. "My mother is not strong and must + not be alarmed. I am better; will you come into the hall with me, Betty? + It is cooler there." +</p> +<p> + "Of course, and you can rest awhile; Gulian will bring us supper." +</p> +<p> + But supper and everything connected with it was far from Betty's + thoughts; all she wished was a few words with Kitty alone, which she + knew Gulian's absence would give her. +</p> +<p> + "Betty," said Kitty the instant he left them, "you do not know half the + danger. If he has not the means of escape close at hand—if the British + officers arrest the fiddler—Oliver is totally lost. Can you see through + yonder door if the man be there still with the others?" Betty rose from + her chair and stepped inside the ballroom, now nearly deserted, for the + guests were all at supper. She glanced eagerly toward the upper end of + the room; no, the manikin fiddler had disappeared. Then an idea darted + into her quick brain; inaction under the circumstances was maddening; + back she darted to Kitty's side. +</p> +<p> + "Kitty, come with me instantly. We will muffle ourselves in our cloaks + and hoods and steal forth for a moment. I'll find Pompey and our sleigh, + and if worst comes, let Oliver fly in that fashion; Gulian's horses are + fleet enough to distance pursuers." +</p> +<p> + Without another word both girls flew into the room near the front door + where they had left their wraps. Not a soul was there; the servants had + gone elsewhere, knowing that their services would not be required until + the early morning hours, when the ball broke up. It took but a moment + pounce on their cloaks, and Betty also seized a long dark wrap, which + lay conveniently at her hand, thinking it might be useful. Out into the + hall they dashed swiftly and silently, past the lanterns on the broad + piazza; and as luck had it, Pompey himself, who had come up to witness + the festivities from the outside, popped up at the steps. +</p> +<p> + "What you 'so doin' hyar, little missy?" he began wonderingly, but Betty + cut him short. +</p> +<p> + "Fetch the sleigh at once, Pompey. Mistress Kitty is ill, and I want to + take her home." +</p> +<p> + Pompey, somewhat alarmed at the tone and catching sight of Betty's white + face and burning eyes, vanished on the instant. The girls drew into the + shadow as far as they were able, and holding their breath peered into + the darkness. +</p> +<p> + "What is that?" whispered Kitty, as a swift footstep crossed the piazza. + "Oh, 'tis Yorke! Have a care, Betty, or we are discovered," and she + endeavored to drag her farther back against the wall. As she did so, + the crouching figure of a man rose up against the trunk of one of the + oak-trees on the lawn; it was Oliver. His padded coat cast off, they + could dimly distinguish his tall slender form. Some singular instinct + for which he could never account made Yorke pause as he set his foot on + the threshold of the front door; he wheeled just in time to see Betty's + face, as one pale ray from a distant lantern fell across it. +</p> +<p> + "Betty, what are you doing here?" he cried, darting to her side. At that + instant a sound of voices broke on the stillness of the night; it came + from behind the mansion in the direction of the pine woods. +</p> +<p> + "Kitty is ill," faltered Betty. "I am taking her home—do not, I pray + you, detain me—oh, there is Pompey"—as the welcome sound of + sleigh-bells rang out on the frosty air. "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, let me + go!" +</p> +<p> + Her tone of agonized supplication went to Geoffrey's heart. Kitty flew + down the steps into the sleigh, unassisted, and Betty followed, her hand + in Yorke's. There arose a hoarse shout "The spy, the spy—he has escaped + by the road!" and as Betty set her foot on the runner, a dark figure + vaulted over Kitty and buried itself in the robes at the bottom of the + sleigh. +</p> +<p> + "At last, sweetheart, I pay my debt," whispered Yorke in her ear, as he + thrust Betty safely into the seat. "Pompey, drive for your life!" The + startled negro needed no second bidding, down came the whip-lash on the + horses' backs, and with a furious plunge, a mad rear, they were off, a + quarter of a mile ahead before their pursuers turned the corner of the + mansion. +</p> +<p> + Oh, that wild race through the snow! Even in after years, when long days + of happiness had crowded out much of those stirring times from Betty's + mind, a shudder would creep over her, and closing her eyes she could see + again the tall gaunt trees, the frozen road, the snow that glittered so + still and cold in the cruel starlight, and hear the distant shouts that + she feared told of pursuit. On they flew, Oliver giving occasional + directions to the trembling and excited Pompey. Now that he knew the + danger, the faithful negro would have died sooner than fail to carry the + fugitive into comparative safety. On, through the Lispenard meadows, + on,—until they struck Broadway; no pursuers within sight, and at Crown + Street Oliver bade him turn in the direction of the river, and drive + down until he reached the slip which lay at the foot of the street. All + was still. Save an occasional belated pedestrian, nothing seemed + stirring, and as they neared the dingy old tavern at the Sign of the + Sturdy Beggar, Pompey pulled up his smoking, panting horses. +</p> +<p> + "Don't want to got too near dose lights," he said, pointing to the + swinging lantern which adorned the hostelry; "darsen't let nobody see my + young mistress; Massa Gulian would flog Pompey for shuah if dis tale + gets tole." +</p> +<p> + "You're right, Pompey," answered Oliver, springing up and flinging the + long dark cloak with which Betty had provided herself around his + shoulders; "take the ladies home slowly. Kitty, my beloved, + farewell—farewell, Betty, brave little soul that you are; I'll tell my + father how your quick wits came to my relief. Here I cross the river on + the ice, and, God willing, reach the commander-in-chief with the tidings + he desires by eight o'clock in the morning." +</p> +<p> + A sob from Kitty, a low "God guard you!" from Betty, and Oliver vanished + as Pompey turned his horses and proceeded leisurely back to Broadway. + The girls were literally too spent with emotion to do more than sink + down breathless among the fur robes, and not one word did they exchange + as they drove through Wall Street and finally drew up at the Verplancks' + door. On the steps stood Gulian, a tall and silent figure, awaiting the + truants. +</p> +<p> + "What does this mean?" he began sternly, as he lifted Kitty out. "Did + the hue and cry for that wretched, miserable Whig spy frighten the + horses? Clarissa is nearly distracted"— +</p> +<p> + "I will explain all to your satisfaction," interrupted Betty. "Meantime, + listen, and be thankful;" and as she held up a warning hand, they heard + through the stillness of the night the watchman's distant cry float down + the frosty air:— +</p> +<p> + "Half past three o'clock—and all's—well!" +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XV +</h2> +<center> + LOVE OR LOYALTY +</center> +<p> + "Do you mean to tell me that you, Clarissa's sister, had anything to do + with the escape of a Whig spy?" +</p> +<p> + "Even so," said Betty calmly, though her face was pale and her brilliant + eyes burning with excitement. +</p> +<p> + "Damnation!" retorted Gulian angrily. "Even your mistaken ideas of + patriotism could hardly carry a well-behaved maiden so far." +</p> +<p> + "Gulian! how <i>dare</i> you!" +</p> +<p> + "What am I to conclude?" with a scornful wave of his hand; "your story + is somewhat disjointed. Kitty is taken ill; you suddenly decide to carry + her off in my sleigh without farewell of any kind to your hostess, + without paying your sister or me the respect to ask permission. Then you + state that a man—confound the beggar's impudence!—sprang into the + sleigh, and you were foolish enough to fetch him out of the danger of + pursuit, all because of loyalty to the cause of so-called freedom. I + cannot understand—Stay! Captain Yorke was on the steps as I came out, + hearing the shouts; did he witness this extraordinary occurrence?" +</p> +<p> + "I told you the fugitive had concealed himself in the bottom of the + sleigh before I entered it," said Betty, terror seizing her lest a + chance word should implicate Geoffrey in the matter. "Would you have me + turn a helpless man loose among your Hessians? I have too vivid + recollection of Nathan Hale's fate to contribute another victim to + English mercy." +</p> +<p> + The taunt stung Verplanck, for, like many of the more liberal Tories, he + had deeply deplored the tragic ending of the gallant Hale, although + forced to regard it as one of the stern necessities of war. He bit his + lip as he answered:— +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, Betty; I am glad Clarissa does not regard me as quite so + bloodthirsty as you evidently deem me." Then, eying her keenly, as if + struck by a sudden thought, "Did you know the man, or was it all pure + patriotism?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," returned Betty, filled with indignation at the sneer, and facing + him with all her native courage; "yes, I know him well." +</p> +<p> + "Know him?" echoed the bewildered Gulian, "are you mad or am I + dreaming?" +</p> +<p> + "Neither, I trust. The Whig spy, as you are pleased to call him, was my + brother, Oliver Wolcott. Thank God that he has made good his escape, and + congratulate yourself, Gulian, that you aided, even remotely, in it." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty, if this be true, I trust Clarissa does not know." +</p> +<p> + "Never fear," with a choking sob; "I shall not tell her. She suffers + enough, poor soul, with her husband upon one side and her people upon + the other of this most cruel war." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, go to your chamber," said Gulian sternly. "I will myself escort + Kitty to her own door, and impress upon her the necessity of keeping the + matter a close secret. My mortification would be great were it known. + Why, it might even endanger my friendship with Sir Henry Clinton." +</p> +<p> + Betty left the room, but her lip curled as she said to herself, "A Tory + to the tips of his fingers; God forbid that I should ever feel what + Clarissa must." +</p> +<p> + Very little sleep visited Betty that night (or what remained of it) as + she lay with open eyes that strained into the growing dawn, picturing to + herself Oliver's flight across the North River, and hoping fervently + that she had thrown the pursuit skillfully off his track. When at last + she fell into a doze it was nearly seven o'clock in the morning, and + Miranda, who softly entered the room, bringing fresh water, halted at + the pillow, loth to waken her. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," she whispered. No reply, but the sleeper turned + uneasily, and then opened her eyes. "I certainly do hate to call you, + but jes' look here; what you say for dat, little missy?" and Miranda + held up a letter. "Dat was left wif me at daybreak by de young boy who + came wif Sambo—missy knows who I mean,"—rolling her eyes fearfully + around the room,—"and he said tell you that Jim Bates, of Breucklen + Heights, had tole him to fetch it to you." +</p> +<p> + Betty seized the package; it consisted of a half-sheet of paper which + inclosed a letter, doubled over and sealed with wax in the fashion of + the day. +</p> +<p> + "I am safely across the river," wrote Oliver on the outer sheet, "and + send this to ease your mind and Kitty's. Moppet's letter came to me + inside one from my father by private hand a few days since, on chance of + my being able to give it you. My service in the city is over, my object + attained; hereafter I shall be on duty with our troops. God be with you + till we meet again." +</p> +<p> + Betty broke the seal of her letter and between sobs and laughter + deciphered the queer pot-hooks and printed letters with which Miss + Moppet had covered the pages. Dear little Moppet; Betty could almost see + the frowns and puckered brow with which the child had penned the words. +</p> +<p> + "My Betty dear," the letter ran, "we miss you sorely, especially the + Mare and me. She whinnies when I seek the Stable, and I was going to say + I cry too, but never mind." (This was partly erased, but Betty made it + out.) "It is so cold the Chickens are kept in the kitchen at night lest + they freeze. We hope it may thaw soon, as we Desire to get the maple + syrup from the trees. Aunt Euphemia is well. Miss Bidwell is still + knitting Socks for our poor soldiers, and I made Half of one, but the + Devil tempted me with Bad temper and I threw it on the Fire, for which + I was well Punished. Pamela cries much; I do not see why she is so + Silly. Sally Tracy is the only merry one, now you are away; she spends + too much, time, to my thinking, reading and walking with a young + Gentleman who comes from Branford. I have not yet learned how to spell + his Name, but you may Guess who I mean. When are you coming home, Betty? + I want so to see your dear face. My Respects to Gulian and Clarissa, and + Obedience to Grandma—I do not Recollect her whole Name. My Sampler is + more perfectly Evil than ever, but I have completed the Alphabet and I + danced on it, which Miss Bidwell said was Outrageous naughty, but my + temper Felt calmed afterward. It has taken four Days to write this, + farewell, from your lonesome little sister, +</p> +<center> + "FAITH WOLCOTT. +</center> +<p> + "Nota Bene. I send my Love to You know Who." +</p> +<p> + There were others of the Verplanck household who slept late that + morning. Gulian's usually calm and somewhat phlegmatic temper had been + moved to its depths by the startling and most unexpected revelation of + Oliver Wolcott's identity with the spy, whose escape Betty had aided + and in which he was also indirectly implicated by the use of his horses + and servant. Gulian's strict sense of justice told him that Betty was + right in seizing the means at hand to rescue her brother, but that did + not lessen his irritation at being used for anything which appertained + to the Whig cause, for Gulian Verplanck was a Tory to the backbone. + Educated in England, brought up to consider that the divine right of + kings was a sacred principle, he carried his devotion to the Tories to + such an extent that had he foreseen the conflict between King and + Colonies it is safe to say he would never have wedded Clarissa Wolcott. + His love for his wife was too great to permit him to regret his + marriage, and he was too thorough a gentleman to annoy her by alluding + to their political difference of opinion, except occasionally, when his + temper got the better of him, which, to do him justice, was seldom. But + Clarissa's very love for him rendered her too clear-sighted not to + perceive the state of his mind, and the unspoken agitation which she + suffered on this score had been partly the cause of her homesickness and + longing for her sister's companionship. He had been both kind and + considerate in sending for Betty; his conscience approved the action; + and now to have this escapade as the outcome was, to a man of his + somewhat stilted and over-ceremonious ideas, a blow of the most annoying + description. +</p> +<p> + When he sallied forth from his house some two hours later than his wont, + on his way to the wharf, where his business was located, he + congratulated himself that he had so far escaped questioning from his + wife on the occurrences of the night before. When Betty left him, he had + taken Kitty home in the sleigh, and refrained from lecturing her except + so far as insisting upon her not mentioning the matter of Oliver's + escape to her mother. Exhausted as she was, mirth-loving Kitty was moved + to a smile as she listened to Gulian's labored sentences, in which he + endeavored to convince his listener and himself that what he considered + almost a crime against the King's majesty—permitting the escape of a + rebel spy—was, so far as Betty was concerned, a meritorious act. So + Kitty promised, with the utmost sincerity, that not one syllable would + she breathe of the matter to her mother, or, in fact, to any human + being, and hugged herself mentally as she thought of Gulian's horror if + he only knew what a personal interest she had in that night's mad race + for freedom. Clarissa, sweet soul, had lain down quietly, when told that + their horses had nearly run away, being badly frightened by the hue and + cry of an escaping rebel; and uttering heartfelt thanksgivings that + Pompey had brought the girls home in safety, she went fast asleep and + remained so long after Gulian had risen, breakfasted, and gone down + Maiden Lane. +</p> +<p> + Business was somewhat dull that morning, and Gulian was conscious that + each time his office door opened he feared some one would enter who had + learned, he hardly knew how, of his having been connected with the + hateful affair occupying his thoughts. It was therefore with a genuine + feeling of relief that just as he was preparing to lock up his books he + heard the outer door open, and a familiar voice inquire if he was + within. +</p> +<p> + "Pray come in at once, Yorke," he said, throwing open the door of his + private room with alacrity, as he held out a hand of welcome to his + visitor. "Did you rise early this morning? I am ashamed to own how late + I was, but the balls at De Lancey Place are promoters of sleep next day, + I find." +</p> +<p> + "I can usually plead guilty to sleep," replied Yorke, throwing off his + military cloak, and taking the chair which Gulian offered him, "but I + had to be stirring early to-day, for Sir Henry had pressing affairs, and + I was at headquarters before seven o'clock." +</p> +<p> + "Did you take horse in pursuit of the spy last night?" asked Gulian, + with somewhat heightened color. +</p> +<p> + "Not I," answered Yorke carelessly; "the poor devil had luck on his + wide, or doubled marvelously well on his pursuers, for I am told that + not a trace of him nor of his confederate, the little fiddler, did our + men find. It's well for them, as Sir Henry was much enraged and their + shrift would have been short, I fear, had they been captured." +</p> +<p> + "These rebels grow bolder than ever," said Gulian, uttering a secret + thanksgiving which spoke better for his kindness of heart than his + loyalty to King and Crown; "I marvel at their adroitness." +</p> +<p> + "So do we all;—but, Verplanck, I came on a different errand to-day than + politics. I came"—and Geoffrey hesitated, as a questioning look came + on Gulian's face—"I came—I—In short, am I right in esteeming you for + the present as brother and guardian to Mistress Betty Wolcott?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye; in her father's absence, of course, I stand in that relation + toward her. Well, what of Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Only this," and rising, Yorke bowed in courtly fashion: "I have the + honor to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your sister, + Mistress Betty." +</p> +<p> + "To Betty?" was Gulian's astonished and delighted response. "You + surprise me. Your acquaintance is but recent, and, I think, somewhat + formal?" +</p> +<p> + "Love is hardly a matter of time or formality," returned Yorke, with a + smile, as a remembrance of his first meeting with Betty occurred to him, + "and that I do truly and honestly love her you have my honorable + assurance. Do you give me your permission to proceed in the matter?" +</p> +<p> + "With all my heart," said Gulian, this new aspect of things driving all + unpleasantness connected with Betty from his head; "but her father's + consent is, I fear me, quite a different matter." +</p> +<p> + "That is not for to-day," cried the lover, as he shook Gulian's hand + with almost boyish delight, "and to-morrow may take care of itself if I + can but gain Betty's ear." +</p> +<p> + "But my consent and Clarissa's can be but conditional," proceeded + Gulian, his habitual caution returning to him. "I am not sure that I + should be altogether justified—Nay," seeing Yorke's face cloud with + keen disappointment, "I will myself lay the matter before Betty, and + endeavor to ascertain if she may be well disposed toward you." +</p> +<p> + "Heaven forbid!" thought the impetuous lover. But he only said aloud, + "Thank you, Verplanck, I am delighted to receive your sanction. How are + you spending the afternoon?" +</p> +<p> + "I have business at Breucklen Heights, but I shall be at home this + evening, when I will approach Betty in the matter, and tell my wife of + the honor you do us. For I have not forgotten my many visits to your + father, Lord Herbert, at Yorke Towers, and the kindness extended me + while in England. Indeed, Yorke, for my personal share in the matter, I + know of no alliance which could gratify me more." +</p> +<p> + This was unwonted warmth on Gulian's part, and Yorke, feeling it to be + such, grasped his hand warmly at parting, as he flung himself in his + saddle, and rode gayly up Maiden Lane. +</p> +<p> + But the "best laid plans o' mice and men" often meet with unsuspected + hindrances, as both Gulian and Yorke were destined to discover. What + special imp prompted Betty to sally forth for a walk after dinner, + thereby missing a call from Yorke (who came thus early to prevent + Gulian's intended interview), it would be vain to speculate; but when + the maid returned, feeling more like her old happy self than she had + done in weeks, the irony of fate prompted an encounter with her + brother-in-law at the library door. +</p> +<p> + "I have somewhat to say to you, Betty," began Gulian, with an air of + importance, which set Betty's nerves on edge at once. If there was one + thing more than another that annoyed her it was Gulian's pompous manner. + "Will you come inside before going upstairs? I will not detain you + long." +</p> +<p> + Wondering what could have occurred to wipe out the displeasure with + which he had dismissed her to bed the last time they met, Betty + followed him, and throwing off her hood and cloak seated herself calmly + as Gillian entered and closed the door with the solemnity he considered + befitting the occasion. +</p> +<p> + "I had the unhappiness—the very great unhappiness," he began, "to feel + much displeased with you last night; but upon thinking the whole matter + over carefully, I am convinced that in assisting your unfortunate + brother to escape you did your best under the circumstances, and were + justified in yielding to a very natural and proper sisterly impulse." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you," said Betty demurely, but with a sparkle of fun in her + liquid eyes as she turned them upon Gulian, secretly amused at this + curiously characteristic apology. +</p> +<p> + "We will dismiss that event and endeavor to forget it; I only wish, to + repeat my injunction that I desire Clarissa should know nothing of the + matter." He paused, and Betty made a movement of assent. +</p> +<p> + "How old are you, Betty?" came the next remark. +</p> +<p> + "I am turned sixteen," replied Betty, somewhat surprised at the + question. +</p> +<p> + "So I thought." Gulian paused again to give weight and dignity to the + disclosure. "You are now of a marriageable age. I have this morning + received a proposal for your hand." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed," said Betty calmly, "And who, pray, has done me that honor, in + this city, where I am but a recent comer?" +</p> +<p> + "Precisely what I remarked; the acquaintance has been, perhaps, unduly + short. But nevertheless a most honorable and distinguished gentleman + intends to offer you, through me, his hand"— +</p> +<p> + "He had been wiser to present <i>me</i> with his heart," interrupted Betty, + with a mischievous laugh. But mirth died on her lips as Gulian, frowning + slightly, proceeded with his story in his own way. +</p> +<p> + "His hand, and I presume his heart; do not be flippant, Betty; it ill + becomes you. This young gentleman will be called upon to fill a high + position; he is the son of a man of title and"— +</p> +<p> + "Stay," said Betty coldly. "It is not necessary to rehearse his + advantages. May I ask the name of this somewhat audacious gentleman?" +</p> +<p> + "Audacious?" ejaculated Gulian, falling back a step to gaze full at the + haughty face uplifted toward him. "Surely you misunderstand me. Pending + your father, General Wolcott's consent, I trust you are able to perceive + the advantages of this match, for Captain Geoffrey Yorke is a son of + Lord Herbert Yorke, and grandson of the Earl of Hardwicke. It is an + exceptionally good offer, in my opinion, for any colonist, as in this + country, alas, we have no rank. Moreover, Betty, when the war ends it + will be wise to have some affiliation with the mother country, and by so + doing be in a position to ask protection for your unhappy and misguided + relatives who now bear arms against the King." +</p> +<p> + Up rose Mistress Betty, her slender form trembling with indignation, her + eyes flashing, and her cheeks scarlet.— +</p> +<p> + "I would to God," she cried passionately, "that my father could hear you + insult his child, his country, and his cause. There is no need for you + to ask his consent to my marriage with Captain Yorke, for here, this + moment, I promptly decline any alliance which possesses the advantages + you so feelingly describe." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty "—Gulian saw his mistake, but it was too late; on rushed + the torrent of her indignation. +</p> +<p> + "I wish you—and him—to understand that Betty Wolcott is heart and soul + with her 'misguided relatives' in rebellion against British rule; that + nothing—no, nothing, would induce her to wed an enemy to her country." +</p> +<p> + "Nothing, Betty?" said a manly voice behind her, as Yorke himself + crossed the threshold, where for the last few seconds he had been an + angry listener to Gulian's blunders. "Surely you will grant me a moment + to plead on my own behalf?" +</p> +<p> + "And wherefore?" cried Betty. "You sent your message by him," with a + scornful wave of her hand toward Gulian's retreating figure; "through + him, then, receive my reply." +</p> +<p> + "I will not," said Geoffrey firmly, as the door closed behind Verplanck. + "Sweetheart, will you listen to me?" +</p> +<p> + "It is useless," murmured Betty, with a choking sob. "I was mad to even + dream it might be possible. Gulian has made it all too plain to me." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, you must and shall hear me. I will not leave you until I tell you + that I love you devotedly; ah, why should politics and war come between + our hearts? Consider, Betty, I will do all a gentleman and a man of + honor can to please you"— +</p> +<p> + "But you cannot desert your own people," she said despairingly. "I could + not love you if you did, for, Geoffrey, it is but due you to confess in + this hour of parting that you are very, very dear to me," and the last + words just reached his eager ears as Betty sank, trembling, into a + chair. +</p> +<p> + "Dearest," he cried, kissing the little hand which lay in his, "will you + not bid me hope? Think, the tide may turn; we are both young, and who + can predict the fortunes of war? I will not bind you, but to you I must + myself be bound by the passionate love I bear you." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Geoffrey, my beloved, it cannot be! I know what my dear and honored + father would say. God guard you—farewell!" +</p> +<p> + He caught the dainty form in his arms, he held her next his heart and + vowed that come what would he defied fate itself to separate her from + him. "See," he cried, snatching the knot of rose-colored ribbon from his + breast, "I will wear this token always as I have done since the day it + dropped from your gown on the grass. If it be twenty years, I will yet + come, with your father's consent, to win you, and then, <i>then</i>, + sweetheart, may I claim my reward?" +</p> +<p> + "I cannot wed my country's foe," she faltered. "Oh, Geoffrey, be + merciful—let me go." At that moment there came a violent knock upon the + street door, a sound of voices, and Pompey's slow step approaching the + library door. +</p> +<p> + "An express for Massa Captain brought by Sir Henry's orderly," said the + faithful old negro, handing a sealed envelope to Yorke, as he closed the + door behind him. Yorke tore it open; it fell from his hand. For a moment + he stood, tall, gallant, and brave, before Betty; his eyes met hers in + long, lingering farewell. +</p> +<p> + "Sir Henry leads the expedition to South Carolina to-night, Betty, and I + go with him. Nay, sweetheart, sweetheart, we shall meet again in happier + days." +</p> +<p> + She gave a little cry and flung herself into his arms; she kissed him + with all her warm frank heart on her lips, and then she slipped from his + embrace and was gone as Yorke dashed from the house, mounted his horse, + and galloped swiftly away. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVI +</h2> +<center> + MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY +</center> +<p> + It was early autumn in Connecticut, and the maples had put on their most + gorgeous robes of red and yellow. The weather had been mild for that + region up to the middle of October, when a sudden light frost had flung + its triumphant banner over hill and dale with a glow and glory seen to + its greatest perfection in New England. The morning air was somewhat + fresh, and Miss Bidwell, hearing Moppet's feet flying along the hall, + opened the door of the sitting-room and called the child. +</p> +<p> + "You will need your tippet if you are going beyond the orchard, and I + think perhaps your hood." +</p> +<p> + "Hood!" echoed Miss Moppet disdainfully, shaking her yellow curls over + her shoulders until they danced almost of themselves; "I do not need to + be muffled up as if I were a little girl, Miss Bidwell. You forget I was + twelve years old yesterday," and she waltzed around the room, spreading + her short skirt in a courtesy, to Miss Bidwell's admiring gaze. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, I am likely to recollect when I myself arranged the twelve + candles in your birthday cake." +</p> +<p> + "To be sure!" cried Moppet, with swift repentance, "and such an + excellent, rich cake as it was, too. Do you think"—insinuatingly—"that + I might have a slice, a very tiny slice, before I go forth with Betty to + gather nuts in the Tracys' woods?" +</p> +<p> + "No," replied Miss Bidwell, laughing, "you will assuredly be ill if you + touch one morsel before dinner. Run along, Miss Moppet, I see your + sister waiting for you at the gate," and Moppet, with a jump and a skip, + flew off through the side door and down the path, at the end of which + stood Betty. +</p> +<p> + It was a very lovely Betty over whom the October sunshine played that + morning, but to a keenly observant eye a different Betty from her who + had danced at the De Lancey ball, now nearly three years past. This + Betty had grown slightly taller, and there was an air of quiet dignity + about her which suggested Pamela. But the beautiful merry eyes had + deepened in expression, and it was, if anything, a still more attractive + face than of old, although the fair unconsciousness of childhood had + departed; and if mischief still lurked in the dimpled cheeks, that was + because Betty's heart could never grow old; no matter what life might + hold for her of joy or sorrow, she would always be to a certain extent a + child. And well for her that it was so; do we not all know a few rare + natures whose fascination dwells in this very quality? +</p> +<p> + The years had gone swiftly for Betty. Shortly after her parting with + Yorke an opportunity had occurred for her return to Litchfield, and + although Clarissa lamented her departure Betty was eager to fly home. + Gulian had done his best to smooth over his ill-judged and ill-tempered + effort to arrange her matrimonial affairs, and one of Betty's minor + annoyances was her sister's evident disappointment at Yorke's rejection. + Only once had she forgotten herself and flashed out upon Clarissa, + peremptorily forbidding further discussion, and Clarissa had been + positively aghast at the impetuous little creature who confronted her + with flashing eyes and quivering lips, and had speedily warned Gulian + never to broach the subject to Betty again. Peter was Betty's closest + friend in those stormy days. The urchin had a shrewd perception of how + matters stood, and many a time had Betty hugged him for very gratitude + when he made a diversion and carried her off to some boyish haunt in the + city or to the Collect, thereby giving her opportunity to regain the + self-control and spirit necessary to appear as usual. For Betty was + formed of gallant stuff. No matter if her heart ached to bursting for + sight of Geoffrey, if her ears longed, oh, so madly, for the sound of + his voice; she could suffer, aye, deeply and long, but she could also be + brave and hide even the appearance of a wound. That Gulian, and even + Clarissa, considered her a heartless coquette troubled her not at all, + and so Betty danced and laughed on to the end of her sojourn in New + York. +</p> +<p> + It had always been a source of thankfulness to her that she had been + able to go home before Geoffrey's return from the expedition to South + Carolina, for she sometimes doubted her own ability to withstand his + personal appeal if again exerted. That he had returned and then, shortly + after, gone upon another detail, she had heard incidentally from Oliver + during one of her brother's flying visits to Litchfield on his way to + New London with dispatches. Oliver had been greatly touched by Yorke's + conduct in the matter of his escape, but if he suspected that Betty's + lovely face had anything to do with the British officer's kindly + blindness, he was too clever to hint as much, for which forbearance + Betty thanked him in the depths of her heart. The only way in which he + showed his suspicion was in the occasional bits of news concerning Yorke + with which he favored her. At the battle of Cowpens Yorke had been + wounded and taken prisoner, and it fell to Oliver Wolcott to arrange for + his exchange. Then, for the first time, were Oliver's surmises changed + to certainties, for one night when he had been attending the prisoner, + whose wound was nearly healed, Yorke broke silence and in the frankest, + most manly fashion demanded news of his little sweetheart, and told + Oliver of his hopes and fears. Nothing could have appealed so directly + to the brother as Yorke's avowal that Betty had refused him because of + the coat he wore, and his eyes filled as he said, boyishly enough, + "Egad, Yorke, she has all the Wolcott pluck and patriotism; though were + this vexed question of independence settled, I wish with all my heart + that you may yet conquer this unwilling maid whom I call sister." +</p> +<p> + Yorke smiled, but he did not consider it necessary to add that Betty had + once let compassion and gratitude get the better of her loyalty in the + matter of a prisoner, to Oliver's own discomfiture. +</p> +<p> + There had been some changes in the Wolcott home: Pamela had gone forth + from the mansion a bride, after Cornwallis had surrendered at Yorktown, + and Josiah Huntington had worn a major's uniform on his wedding-day. + Betty had scarcely recovered from that break in the home circle when + Sally Tracy, with many blushes and much laughter, confessed that she, + too, was about to follow Pamela's example, and that a certain Mr. James + Gould, the gentleman from Branford, of whom Moppet had been so + suspicious, was the lucky individual upon whom she intended to bestow + her hand. Verily, with all these wedding-bells sounding, Betty began to + feel that she was likely to be left alone, but who only laughed gayly + when twitted with her fancy for maidenhood, and danced as merrily at + Sally's wedding as if her heart had lain light in her bosom instead of + aching bitterly for one whom she began to fear she should never see + more. +</p> +<p> + Little did Betty guess that bright October morning, when she and Moppet + went forth bent on a nutting excursion, that a courier was even now + speeding on his way whose coming would change the tide of her whole + existence. And when, as noon struck, Oliver Wolcott dismounted at the + door of his home and, walking straight to his father's study, delivered + a packet from General Wolcott to Miss Euphemia, his next move was a + descent upon Miss Bidwell's parlor and a hasty demand for Betty. So when + Moppet and Betty appeared, rosy with success and a fair-sized bag of + nuts as the result of their joint labors, they found the household in a + state of suppressed excitement, and lo! the cause was Oliver's + approaching marriage. +</p> +<p> + "You see," explained Oliver, when he finally got Betty to himself for a + walk in the orchard after dinner, "now that the treaty has been signed + in Paris, the British will soon evacuate New York, and when our army + enters, there will be grand doings to celebrate the event, and my + father must ride at the head of the Connecticut troops on that day. I, + too, Betty, God willing, shall be with the Rangers, and thinking the + date will be about a month hence, Kitty and Madam Cruger have set our + wedding-day as the 25th of November. I gave you Kitty's letter"— +</p> +<p> + "Yes, and a dear, kind letter it is. She bids me for her bridesmaid, + Oliver, and says that Moppet and Peter will hold her train, after the + new English fashion (which no doubt is her mother's suggestion, for I + think Kitty does not much affect fancies which come across the water), + and, oh, Oliver, I do indeed wish you joy," and Betty's eyes brimmed + full of tears as she gave him her hand. +</p> +<p> + "I know you love Kitty," said Oliver, kissing her cheek, "and we can + afford to forgive a wedding after the English mode, as, if I gain my + Kitty, I care but little how she comes." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty," called Moppet's voice from the upper path, "do come in + if you and Oliver have finished your chat, for Miss Bidwell desires your + opinion on some weighty matter connected with our journey to New York." +</p> +<p> + "I will come," answered Betty; then turning bank with, as careless an + air as she could summon, "Do you happen to have heard aught of your + quondam prisoner, Captain Yorke?" +</p> +<p> + "Yorke!" replied Oliver, avoiding her eye as be stooped to throw a stick + from the path,—"Yorke! oh, aye, I did hear that he was invalided and + went home several months ago. I fancy it was not so much his health (for + he looked strong enough to my thinking the last time I met him) but more + his disgust with the turn things were taking; for you know, Betty, since + the surrender at Yorktown the British have been more insolent and + overbearing than ever, and Yorke is too much a gentleman, no matter what + his political color, to be dragged into quarrels which I hear are + incessant in the city, and the cause of many duels." +</p> +<p> + "Duels!" cried Betty, as the color left her checks; "oh, I hope he—that + is—I hope nobody whom I know has been engaged in one." +</p> +<p> + "Not I," returned Oliver, with a mischievous glance. "So you might even + be sorry for a foe, eh, Betty?" But Betty went flying up the path and + did not deign to reply. +</p> +<p> + Miss Moppet, childlike, was perfectly overjoyed at the prospect of a + wedding in which she was to play a part, and flew from her aunt to Miss + Bidwell and Betty, then back to her aunt again in a twitter of + excitement at the combination of a journey and festivity as well. + General Wolcott's letter to his sister was full of important news. As + the seat of Congress was Annapolis, General Wolcott, who was a member of + that body, had decided to close the manor house for the winter and take + a house in New York for his family, and he sent minute and particular + directions for leaving all home affairs in the hands of Miss Bidwell and + Reuben until their return to Litchfield in the spring. Oliver's intended + marriage had hastened this decision, and there would be barely time to + settle matters and reach New York in season for the wedding. They were + to stop with Clarissa, who had written most pleading letters, and after + that visit would take possession of their new quarters. +</p> +<p> + Most of the afternoon was spent in plans for their journey, with Oliver + as escort, and many a sigh rose almost to Betty's lips as these recalled + that other journey when her heart had been as light as Moppet's was now. + But she put all thought aside with a resolute heart, and finally + receiving directions from Miss Euphemia in regard to a chest of winter + clothing packed safely away in the garret, she concluded to give + Moppet's restless hands some occupation, and bade the child accompany + her upstairs. +</p> +<p> + The old garret looked familiar enough. Even the wooden stools which had + served as seats for her and Sally Tracy in the old childish days stood + in the same corner under the dormer window, through which the sun was + even now pouring its setting rays. The chest was unlocked, and presently + a goodly pile of clothing lay upon the floor ready to be carried below. +</p> +<p> + "Let me have my worsted jacket, and my flannel wrapper (indeed, I do + believe they are too small for me; can I find others in New York, + Betty?), and this pretty hood of Pamela's. Betty, Betty, do you think + Miss Bidwell could cut this one smaller for me? May I just run down and + ask? I will return at once." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Betty, intent upon counting a heap of stockings; "please + fetch me a pair of scissors when you come up again." +</p> +<p> + Off flew Moppet, marking her progress down the garret stairs by various + exclamations as she dropped the jacket and tripped on the wrapper, but, + finally reached the bottom in safety, Betty went on overlooking the + chest; there were many articles to select from, and a red skirt of + Moppet's which did not appear to be forthcoming. She ran her hand down + to the very bottom of the chest, and feeling some garment made of smooth + cloth with a gleam of red in it, dragged it forth and held it up to the + light. As she did so, her hand struck something hard and round. +</p> +<p> + "What have I found?" thought Betty, but the next moment she saw that + what she held was an officer's dark blue riding-cape fastened with brass + buttons, on each of which was engraved a crown, and the cape was lined + with British scarlet. +</p> +<p> + "What have you got there?" said Moppet's voice, as she appeared at her + side. "Why, 'tis Captain Yorke's cape that he muffled me in the day I + fell into Great Pond—Oh, Betty, Betty, what is amiss?" +</p> +<p> + Down on her knees fell Betty. She buried her face in the cape's folds, + and tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to say, "It is nothing, + nothing, I am tired—I am—Oh, Geoffrey, Geoffrey, I think my heart is + breaking." +</p> +<p> + Miss Moppet opened her eyes to their widest; then slowly and + deliberately she grasped the situation in "high Roman fashion." +</p> +<p> + "Betty Wolcott, do I live to see you weep over a scarlet coat!" +</p> +<p> + No answer; indeed, Betty scarcely heard the words. The flood-gates were + let loose and the agony of days and months must have its way. +</p> +<p> + "Betty!" this time the voice of reproving patriotism quavered somewhat. + "I do believe you are worse than Pamela." But Betty sobbed on,—sobs + that fairly racked her slender body. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I don't care what anybody says,"—and Moppet flung the Whig cause + to the wind as she cast herself down beside Betty,—"he's dear and + handsome and brave; whether he be British or Yankee, I love him, and <i>so + do you</i>, naughty, naughty Betty!" +</p> +<p> + And with her head on Miss Moppet's sympathizing shoulder, and Miss + Moppet's loving arms clasped around her neck, Betty Wolcott whispered + her confession and was comforted. +</p><p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVII +</h2> +<center> + A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON +</center> +<p> + The sun rose bright and clear over the Bay of New York. It had been a + somewhat gray dawn, but the fog and mist had gradually rolled away, and + the day bid fair to be one of those which Indian summer occasionally + gives in our northern climate. All around Fort George and the Battery + the British troops were making ready for departure; the ships for their + transportation to England lay out in the bay, for this was the 25th of + November in the year of our Lord 1783. +</p> +<p> + The streets in the upper part of the city were filled with a different + kind of crowd, but one equally eager to be off and away. Many of the + Tories and sympathizers with the Crown had found New York a most + unpleasant dwelling-place since the signing of the treaty in which "The + United States of America" were proclaimed to the world an independent + Power, and Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, had more trouble in + providing transportation for this army of discontented refugees than for + his own soldiers. However, the day was fixed, the ships ready to weigh + anchor, and the Army of Occupation about to bid adieu to American shores + forever. +</p> +<p> + "Peter," said Miss Moppet, as she danced merrily out of the + breakfast-room, "you are sure, quite sure that the grand procession, + with General Washington at its head, will come past this door? Because + we are all cordially bidden to Mistress Kitty's and perhaps Betty may + prefer to go there." +</p> +<p> + "But it will be a far better sight here," returned Peter; "it is sure to + pass our door, for I heard Oliver tell Aunt Clarissa so last night just + as he was going out." +</p> +<p> + "Oliver has overmuch on his mind to-day," remarked Moppet shrewdly; "to + ride with his troop in the morning and be married at evening is quite + enough to make him forget the route of a procession. Do you think we + might go out on the doorstep and see if there be any sign of its + approach?" +</p> +<p> + "Why not? It will be royal fun to see the British soldiers come down + from the Government House, and hear the hoots and howls the Broadway + and Vly boys are bound to give them. For once all the boys of the city + are of one mind—except the Tory boys, and they don't count for much + hereafter." +</p> +<p> + "I wouldn't jeer at a fallen foe if I were you, Peter," said Moppet, + severely, as she took up a position on the stoop, and leaned her elbows + on the iron railing; "my father says that is not manly, and besides I do + suppose there may be some decent Britishers." +</p> +<p> + "I never knew but one," retorted Peter stoutly. "What knowledge have you + of them, I'd like to know?" +</p> +<p> + "Not much," evasively. "Who was the one you mention?" +</p> +<p> + "My! but he was a prime skater; how he and Betty used to fly over + Collect Pond that winter. Do you skate up in Litchfield, Moppet?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, of course; that's where Betty learned with Oliver." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, aye, I remember; when she cut a face on the ice the day she raced + with Captain Yorke she told me her brother had taught her." +</p> +<p> + At this moment there was sound of a distant bugle; both children ran + down to the foot of the steps and gazed eagerly up the street. But it + was a false alarm, and after a few moments spent in fruitless watching + they returned to their post of observation on the stoop. +</p> +<p> + "Peter," began Moppet presently, with true feminine persistency, "what + were you saying about a British officer who knew Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke? He was aide to Sir Henry Clinton." +</p> +<p> + "Was he? Will he go off to-day with all the other redcoats?" +</p> +<p> + "He sailed away to England some months ago,—I recollect he came to bid + good-by to Clarissa,—but do you know, Moppet," lowering his voice, with + a glance over his shoulder to be certain that he was not overheard, "I + think I saw him two days ago." +</p> +<p> + "In New York?" said Moppet, with a start. "Why you said he'd gone to + England." +</p> +<p> + "But he could come back, surely. Moppet, <i>I</i> think he was proper fond of + Betty." +</p> +<p> + "Peter Provoost, do you fancy that my sister would smile on a scarlet + coat? You ought to be ashamed of yourself," and Moppet looked the + picture of virtuous indignation. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I've seen her do it," retorted Peter, not in the least abashed, + "and what's more I heard him call her 'sweetheart' once." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Peter!" Moppet's curiosity very nearly got the better of her + discretion; but she halted in time, and bit her tongue to keep it + silent. +</p> +<p> + "And if you won't tell—promise?"—Moppet nodded—"not a word, mind, + even to Betty—where do you think I saw Captain Yorke the other day? + You'll never guess;—it was at Fraunces's Tavern on Broad Street, and he + was in earnest conversation with General Wolcott." +</p> +<p> + "With my father?" This time Moppet's astonishment was real, and Peter + chuckled at his success in news-telling. +</p> +<p> + "Children," called a voice from the hall, "where are you? Do you want to + come with me on an errand for Clarissa near Bowling Green, which must be + done before the streets are full of the troops?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely," cried both voices, as Peter dashed in one direction after his + cocked hat, and Miss Moppet flew in another for the blue hood. Betty + waited until the pair returned, laughing and panting, and then taking a + hand of each she proceeded up Wall Street to Broadway, and down that + thoroughfare toward Bowling Green. Before they had quite reached their + destination the sound of bugle and trumpet made them turn about, and + Peter suggested that they should mount a convenient pair of steps in + front of a large white house, which had apparently been closed by its + owners, for a number of bystanders were already posted there. They were + just in time, for around the corner of William Street came a group of + officers on horseback, their scarlet uniforms glittering in the sun. It + was Sir Guy Carleton and his staff, on their way to the Battery, where + they would take boats and be rowed over to a man-of-war which awaited + them in the bay. A murmur, then louder sounds of disapprobation, started + up from the street. +</p> +<p> + "There they go!" cried a voice, "and good riddance to Hessians and + Tories." +</p> +<p> + Betty's cheeks flushed. Oh, those hateful scarlet coats, symbols of what + had caused her so much misery. And yet—with another and deeper wave + of color—it was Geoffrey's uniform and these were his brother officers, + going where they would see him; oh, why, why, was fate so unkind, and + life so hard! Another moment and they were out of sight, but keen-eyed + Moppet caught a glimpse of Betty's downcast face and said to herself, + "Oh, I dare not tell her; I wish I did." +</p> +<p> + Out on Bowery Lane and away up in Harlem, over King's Bridge, with + measured step and triumphant hearts the Continentals were entering the + city. What a procession was that, with General Washington and Governor + Clinton at its head, and how all loyal New York spread its banners to + the wind and shouted loud and long to welcome it! There were the picked + men of the army, the heroes of an hundred fights, the men of + Massachusetts who had been at Lexington and Bunker Hill; General Knox in + command, and General Wolcott with his Connecticut Rangers, while Oliver + rode proudly at the head of his company. It was a slow march, down the + Bowery and through Chatham and Queen streets to Wall, thence up to + Broadway, where the column halted. +</p> +<p> + It would be vain to describe Betty's emotion as from the windows of the + Verplanck mansion she watched the troops and the civil concourse, and + realized that at last, after long years of heroic endurance, of gallant + fighting, of many privations, the freedom of the Colonies was an + accomplished fact. Miss Moppet and Peter flew from one window to another + and cheered and shouted to their hearts' content. Even Grandma Effingham + and Clarissa waved their handkerchiefs, while Gulian, on the doorstep, + raised his cocked hat in courtly salute to General Washington. Gulian + was beginning to learn that perhaps one might find something to be proud + of in America, even if we were lacking in the rank and titles he so + admired. +</p> +<p> + Oliver's wedding, which was set for six o'clock, to allow the + commander-in-chief to be present before the banquet at Fraunces's + Tavern, was to be on as grand a scale as Madam Cruger's ideas could make + it; for having consented to her daughter's marriage, that stately dame + proposed to yield in her most gracious fashion. It took some time to + dress Miss Moppet in the silken petticoat and puffed skirt, the tiny + mobcap and white ribbons, which Kitty had considered proper for the + occasion, and Betty found she must hasten her own toilet, or be late + herself. Moppet followed her up to the old room where Betty had spent + so many hours of varied experience, and assisted to spread out once + again the flowered brocade, which had not seen the light of day since + the De Lancey ball. +</p> +<p> + "Here are your slippers, Betty; how nicely they fit your foot." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Betty, her thoughts far across the sea, as she slipped on + one of them. +</p> +<p> + "I hope those are wedlock shoes," quoth Moppet, with a queer, + mischievous glance, as she tied the slipper strings around the slender + ankle. But Betty did not heed her; she was busy undoing the knots of + rose-colored ribbon on the waist, which she had once placed there with + such coquettish pride. +</p> +<p> + "What are you about?" cried Moppet, seizing her sister's hand as she was + in the act of snipping off one with the scissors. "Oh, Betty, the gown + will not be half so pretty without them." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, child, rose-colored ribbons are not for me to-day; I am grown too + old and sad," said Betty softly, looking with tender eyes into Moppet's + face. +</p> +<p> + "Did ever I hear such fal-lal nonsense," and Moppet's foot came down in + a genuine hot-tempered stamp which made Betty start, "Betty, Betty, I + will not have it—pray put them back this moment;" then in the coaxing + voice which she knew always carried her point, "What would Oliver and + Kitty say if you were not as gay as possible to grace their wedding? Oh, + fie, Betty dear!" +</p> +<p> + As usual Moppet had her way, and when the pair alighted at the Cruder + door Betty's knots of rose-color were in their accustomed place. +</p> +<p> + Within the mansion all was light and gay. Weddings in those times were + conducted with even more pomp and ceremony than in our day, and the + entertainments, though not upon the present scale, were fully as lavish. + Wax candles shone at every possible point, and lit up the broad + reception-hall, the polished floors and high ceilings, while mirrors on + mantels and walls reflected back many times the stately figures which + passed and repassed before them. And then there came a pause, when + voices were hushed, and down the oak staircase came Kitty, led by Gulian + Verplanck (her nearest male relative), wearing a white satin petticoat + (though somewhat scanty to our ideas in width and length), and over it + a, train of silver brocade, stiff and rustling, while a long scarf of + Mechlin lace covered her pretty dark head and hung in soft folds down + her back. The high-heeled slippers, the long lace mitts, with their + white bows at the elbow, completed her toilet. She stood before the + assembled company a fair young bride of the olden days, and behind her + came Miss Moppet and Peter Provoost, holding her silver train with the + tips of their fingers. Oliver, in full Continental uniform, his cocked + hat under his arm, awaited her at the end of the great drawing-room, and + with somewhat shortened service, the rector of old St. Paul's said the + words which made the pair man and wife. +</p> +<p> + Betty was standing near the mantel, laughing and chatting gayly with + several of her former New York gallants, when she beheld her father + advancing toward her on the arm of a gentleman. Surely she knew that + tall, elegant figure, that erect, graceful carriage? But the scarlet + uniform which was so familiar was absent; this was the satin coat, + small-clothes, and powdered hair of a civilian. Betty's head swam, her + brilliant color came and went, as her father said quietly!— +</p> +<p> + "My daughter, an old acquaintance desires that I should recall him to + your recollection; I trust it is not necessary for me to present to your + favor my friend, Mr. Geoffrey Yorke." +</p> +<p> + Betty's knees shook as she executed her most elaborate courtesy, and as + if in a dream she heard General Wolcott say to Yorke, with a somewhat + quizzical smile, "Perhaps you will kindly take Betty to the library, + where I will myself join you later after escorting General Washington to + the banquet." +</p> +<p> + Betty never knew how she crossed that room; every effort of her mind was + concentrated in the thought that she must not betray herself. What did + all this mean? Such a blaze of sunshine had fallen upon her that she did + not dare look at it; she only realized that her hand was in Geoffrey's + until they reached the quiet and deserted library, and then he was at + her feet. +</p> +<p> + "Sweetheart, sweetheart," he said, "you will not refuse to hear me now? + I have resigned the army, I have left England forever (unless you + yourself will some day accompany me there to meet my people), I have + thrown in my fortunes with the United States, and doubt not I will prove + as faithful a servant to your Commonwealth as I ever was to King + George," and kissing her hand, he, laid in it the faded knot of + rose-colored ribbon. +</p> +<p> + "But, Geoffrey" she faltered, "my father"— +</p> +<p> + "Did not General Wolcott himself bid me fetch you here? Ah. Betty, the + conditions are all fulfilled, and you are still unwilling." +</p> +<p> + She looked at him for a moment in silence, and then her most mischievous + smile dawned in Betty's eyes as she hid Geoffery's little knot of ribbon + in her gown. +</p> +<p> + "My heart but not my will, consents," she said, "Dare you take such a + naughty, perverse rebel in hand for life?" +</p> +<p> + "I dare all for love of Betty Wolcott," cried the triumphant lover, + while from the door a small person In mobcap surveyed the pair with very + round and most enraptured eyes. +</p> +<p> + "It's just like a fairy tale," quoth Miss Moppet, "and I'm in it!" +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10958 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ff50d70 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #10958 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10958) diff --git a/old/10958-8.txt b/old/10958-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5f83909 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10958-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5925 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of An Unwilling Maid, by Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: An Unwilling Maid + Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American + Revolution in the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott + +Author: Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +Release Date: February 6, 2004 [EBook #10958] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN UNWILLING MAID *** + + + + +Produced by Afra Ullah and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +AN UNWILLING MAID + + +Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in +the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott + +By Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" + + +1897 + + + +TO A NINETEENTH CENTURY GIRL. + +A great-grandmother's bewitching face, + Looks forth from this olden story, +For Love is a master who laughs at place, + And scoffs at both Whig and Tory. + +To-day if he comes, as a conqueror may, + To a heart untouched by his flame, +Be loyal as she of the olden day, + That Eighteenth Century dame! + + + +CONTENTS + + +I. MISS MOPPET + +II. BULLETS FOR DEFENSE + +III. OLIVER'S PRISONER + +IV. FRIEND OR FOE + +V. A LOYAL TRAITOR + +VI. BY COURIER POST + +VII. WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER + +VIII. INSIDE BRITISH LINES + +IX. BETTY'S JOURNEY + +X. A MAID'S CAPRICE + +XI. ON THE COLLECT + +XII. A FACE ON THE WALL + +XIII. AT THE VLY MARKET + +XIV. THE DE LANCEY BALL + +XV. LOVE OR LOYALTY + +XVI. MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY + +XVII. A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MISS MOPPET + + +It was a warm summer day. Not too warm, for away up in the Connecticut +hills the sun seemed to temper its rays, and down among the shadows of +the trees surrounding Great Pond there were cool, shady glades where one +could almost fancy it was May instead of hot July. + +At a point not far from the water, leaning against the trunk of a +stately maple, stood a young man. His head, from which he had raised a +somewhat old and weather-beaten hat, was finely formed, and covered with +chestnut curls; his clothes, also shabby and worn, were homespun and +ill-fitting, but his erect military carriage, with an indescribable air +of polish and fine breeding, seemed strangely incongruous in connection +with his apparel and travel-worn appearance. + +"I wonder where I am," he said half aloud, as he surveyed the pretty +sheet of water sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Faith, 'tis hard enough +to be half starved and foot-sore, without being lost in an enemy's +country. The woman who gave me that glass of milk at five o'clock this +morning said I was within a mile of Goshen. I must have walked ten miles +since then, and am apparently no nearer the line than I was +yesterday--Hark! what's that?"--as a sound of voices struck his ear +faintly, coming from some distance on his right. "Some one comes this +direction. I had best conceal myself in these friendly bushes until I +ascertain whether 'tis friend or foe." + +So saying, he plunged hastily into a thicket of low-lying shrubs close +at hand, and, throwing himself flat upon the ground under them, was +comparatively secure from observation as long as he remained perfectly +still. The next sound he heard was horses' feet, moving at a walk, and +presently there came in view a spirited-looking bay mare and a gray +pony, the riders being engaged in merry conversation. + +"No, no, Betty," said the little girl of about nine years, who rode the +pony; "it is just here, or a few rods farther on, where we had the +Maypole set last year, and I know I can find the herbs which Chloe wants +near by on the shore of the pond. Let's dismount and tie the horses +here, and you and I can search for them." + +"It's well I did not let you come alone," said the rider of the bay +mare, laughing as she spoke. "Truly, Miss Moppet, you are a courageous +little maid to wish to venture in these woods. Not that I am afraid," +said Betty Wolcott suddenly, remembering the weight and dignity of her +sixteen years as compared with her little sister, "but in these +troublous times father says it were well to be careful." + +"Since when have you grown so staid?" said Miss Moppet, shaking her long +yellow hair back from her shoulders as she jumped off her pony and led +him up to a young ash-tree, whose branches allowed of her securing him +by the bridle to one of them, "Of all people in the world, Betty, you to +read me a lecture on care-taking," and with a mischievous laugh the +child fled around the tree in pretended dismay, as Betty sprang to the +ground and shook her riding-whip playfully in her direction. + +"Ungrateful Moppet," she said, as she tied both horses to the tree +beside her, "did I not rescue you from punishment for dire naughtiness +in the pantry and beg Aunt Euphemia to pardon you, and then go for the +horses, which Reuben was too busy to saddle. + +"Yes, my own dear Betty," cried the small sinner, emerging suddenly from +the shelter and seizing her round the waist, "but you know this +soberness is but 'skin-deep,' as Chloe says, and you need not cease to +be merry because you are sixteen since yesterday. Come, let's find the +herbs," and joining hands the two ran swiftly off to the shore, Betty +tucking up her habit with easy grace as she went. The occupant of the +covert raised his head carefully and looked after the pair, the sound of +their voices growing faint as they pushed their way through the +undergrowth which intercepted their progress. + +"What a lovely creature!" he ejaculated, raising himself on one elbow. +"I wonder who she is, and how she comes in this wild neighborhood. +Perhaps I am not so very far off my road after all; they must have come +from a not very distant home, for the horses are not even wet this warm +day. Egad, that mare looks as if she had plenty of speed in her; 't +would not be a bad idea to throw my leg over her back and be off, and so +distance those who even now may be pursuing me." He half rose as the +thought occurred to him, but in an instant sank back under the leaves. + +"How would her mistress fare without her?" he said ruefully "'Tis not to +be thought of; they may be miles from home, even here, and I am too much +a squire of dames to take such unkind advantage. There must be some +other way out of my present dilemma than this," and rolling over on the +mixture of grass and dry leaves which formed his resting-place he lay +still and began to ponder. + +Half an hour passed; the shadows began to deepen as the sun crept down +in the sky, and the horses whinnied at each other as if to remind their +absent riders that supper-time was approaching. But the girls did not +return, and the thoughts which occupied the young wanderer were so +engrossing that he did not hear a cry which began faintly and then rose +to a shriek agonized enough to pierce his reverie. + +"Good heavens!" he cried, springing to his feet, as borne on the summer +wind the frantic supplication came to him-- + +"Help, help! oh, will nobody come!" and then the sobbing cry +again--"help!" + +Tim tall muscular form straightened itself and sped through the bushes, +crushing them down on either side with a strong arm, as he went rapidly +in the direction of the cries. + +"Courage! I am coming," he cried, as, gaining the shore of the pond, he +saw what had happened. Just beyond his halting-place there was a jutting +bank, and overhanging it a large tree, whose branches almost touched the +water beneath. At the top of the bank stood the elder of the two girls; +she had torn off the skirt of her riding-habit, and was about to leap +down into the water where a mass of floating yellow hair and a wisp of +white gown told their story of disaster. As he ran the stranger flung +off his coat, but there was no time to divest himself of his heavy +riding-boots, so in he plunged and struck out boldly with the air of a +strong and competent swimmer. + +The pond, like many of our small inland lakes, was shallow for some +distance from the shore, and then suddenly shelved in unexpected +quarters, developing deep holes where the water was so cold that its +effect on a swimmer was almost dangerous. Into one of these depths the +little girl had evidently plunged, and realizing the cause of her sudden +disappearance the stranger dived with great rapidity at the spot where +the golden hair had gone down. His first attempt failed; but as the +child partially rose for the second time, he caught the little figure +and with skillful hand supported her against his shoulder, as he struck +out for the shore, which he reached quickly, but chilled almost to the +bone from the coldness of the water. + +"Do not be so alarmed," he said, as Betty, with pallid cheeks and +trembling hands, knelt beside the unconscious child on the grass; "she +will revive; her heart beats and she is not very cold. Let me find my +coat," and he stumbled as he rose to go in search of it. + +"It is here," gasped Betty; "I fetched it on my way down the slope; oh, +sir, do you think she lives?" + +For answer the young man produced from an inner pocket of his shabby +garment a small flask, which he uncorked and held toward her. + +"It is cognac," he said; "put a drop or two between her lips while I +chafe her hands--so; see, she revives," as the white lids quivered for a +second, and then the pretty blue eyes opened. + +"Moppet, Moppet, my darling," cried her sister, "are you hurt? Did you +strike anything in your fall?" + +"Why, Betty!" ejaculated the child, "why are you giving me nasty stuff; +here are the tansy leaves," and she held up her left hand, where tightly +clenched she had kept the herbs, whose gathering on the edge of the +treacherous bank had been her undoing. + +"You are a brave little maid," said the stranger, as he put the flask to +his own lips. "The shock will be all you have to guard against, and even +that is passing;" for Miss Moppet had staggered upon her feet and was +looking with astonished eyes at her dripping clothing. + +"Did I fall, Betty?" she said. "Why my gown is sopping wet,--oh! have I +been at the bottom of the pond?" + +"You had stopped there, sweetheart, but for this good gentleman," said +Betty, holding out a small, trembling hand to the stranger, a lovely +smile dimpling her cheeks as she spoke. "Sir, with all my heart I thank +you. My little sister had drowned but for your promptness and skill; I +do not know how to express my gratitude." + +"I am more than rewarded for my simple service," replied the young man, +raising the pretty hand to his lips with a profound bow and easy grace, +"but I am afraid your sister may get a chill, as the sun is so low in +the sky: and if I may venture upon a suggestion, it would be well to +ride speedily to some shelter where she can obtain dry clothing. If you +will permit me to offer you the cape of my riding-coat (which is near at +hand) I will wrap her in it at once, and then I think she will he safe +from any after-effects of her cold bath in the pond." + +"Oh, you are too kind," cried Betty, as the stranger disappeared in the +underbrush. "Moppet, Moppet, what can we say to prove our gratitude? You +had been drowned twice over but for him." + +"Ask him to come to the manor," said Miss Moppet, much less agitated +than her sister, and being always a small person of many resources. +"Father will be glad to bid him welcome, and you know"-- + +"Yes," interrupted Betty, as their new friend appeared at her elbow with +a cape of dark blue cloth over his arm. + +"Here is my cape," he said, "and though not very large it will cover her +sufficiently. Let me untie your horses and help you to mount." + +"Oh, we can mount alone," said Miss Moppet, who had by this time +recovered her spirits, "but you must come home with us; you are dripping +wet yourself; and if you like, you may ride my pony. He has carried +double before now, and I am but a light weight, as my father says." + +"Will you not come home with us?" asked Betty wistfully. "My father, +General Wolcott is away just now from the manor, but he will have warm +welcome and hearty thanks, believe me, for the strength and courage +which have rescued his youngest child from yonder grave," and Betty +shuddered and grew pale again at the very thought of what Miss Moppet +had escaped. + +"General Wolcott," said the stranger, with a start. "Ah, then you are +his daughters. And he is away?" + +"Yes," said Betty, as they walked toward the tree where the horses were +tied. "There has been a raid upon our coast by Governor Tryon and his +Hessians; we got news three days ago of the movement of the Loyalists, +and my father, with my brother Oliver, has gone to the aid of the poor +people at Fairfield. Do you know of it, sir? Have you met any of our +troops?" + +"I have seen them," said the stranger briefly, with a half smile curving +his handsome mouth, "but they are not near this point"--and beneath his +breath he added, "I devoutly hope not." + +"Which way are you traveling?" asked Betty, as she stood beside her bay +mare. "Surely you will not refuse to come to the manor? Aunt Euphemia +and my elder sister are there, and we will give you warm welcome." + +"I thank you," said the stranger, with great courtesy, "but I must be on +my way westward before night overtakes me. Can you tell me how many +miles I am from Goshen, which I left this morning?" + +"You are within Litchfield township," said Betty. "We are some four +miles from my father's house. Pray, sir, come with us; I fear for your +health from that sudden plunge into the icy waters of our pond." + +"Oh, no," said the stranger, laughing. "I were less than man to mind a +bath of this sort. With all my heart I thank you for your solicitude; +that I am unable to accept your hospitality you must lay at the door of +circumstances which neither you nor I can control." + +"But your cape, sir," faltered Betty, her eyes dropping, as she blushed +under the ardent yet respectful gaze which sought hers; "how are we to +return that? And you may need it; I am sorely afraid you will yet suffer +for your kindness." + +"Not I," said the stranger, pressing her hand, as he gave the reins into +her fingers; "as for the cape, keep it until we meet again, +and--farewell!" + +But Miss Moppet threw her arms around his neck as he bent over the gray +pony and secured the cape more tightly around her small shoulders. + +"I haven't half thanked you," she said, "but I will do so properly some +day, when you come to Wolcott Manor. Farewell," and waving her little +hand in adieu, the horses moved away, and were presently lost to sight +in the underbrush. + +"Egad!" said the stranger, gazing after thorn, as he picked up his coat +and started for the spot where he had left his hat. "What a marvelous +country it is! The soldiers are uncouth farmer lads, yet they fight and +die like heroes, and the country maids have the speech and air of court +ladies. Geoffrey Yorke, you have wandered far afield; I would you had +time and chance to meet that lovely rebel again!" and with a deep-drawn +sigh he plunged farther into the woods. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BULLETS FOE DEFENSE + + +"Oh, Betty, Betty," cried Miss Moppet, as the pair gained the more +frequented road and cantered briskly on their homeward way, "what an +adventure we have had! Aunt Euphemia will no doubt bestow a sound rating +on me, for, alas!"--with a doleful glance downward--"see the draggled +condition of my habit." + +"Never mind your habit, Moppet," said Betty. "Thank Heaven instead that +you are not lying stiff and cold at the bottom of the pond. You can +never know the agony I suffered when I saw you fall; I should have +plunged in after you in another second." + +"Dearest Betty," said the child, looking lovingly at her, "I know you +can swim, but you never could have held me up as that stranger did. Oh!" +with sudden recollection, "we did not ask his name! Did you forget?" + +"No," said Betty, "but when I told him ours and he did not give his name +in return, I thought perhaps he did not care to be known, and of course +forbore to press him." + +"How handsome he was," said Moppet; "did you see his hair? And how +tightly it curled, wet as it was? And his eyes--surely you noted his +eyes, Betty?" + +"Yes," replied Betty, blushing with remembrance of the parting glance +the hazel eyes had bestowed upon her; "he is a personable fellow +enough." + +"Far handsomer than Josiah Huntington," said Moppet mischievously, "or +even Francis Plunkett." + +"What does a little maid like you know of looks?" said Betty +reprovingly, "and what would Aunt Euphemia say to such comments, I +wonder?" + +"You'll never tell tales of me," said Moppet, with the easy confidence +of a spoiled child. "Do you think he was a soldier--perhaps an officer +from Fort Trumbull, like the one Oliver brought home last April?" + +"Very likely," said Betty. "Are you cold, Moppet? I am so afraid you may +suffer; stop talking so fast and muffle yourself more closely in the +cape. We must be hastening home," and giving her horse the whip, they +rode rapidly down hill. + +Wolcott Manor, the house of which Betty spoke, was a fine, spacious +house situated on top of the hills, where run a broad plateau which +later in its history developed into a long and broad street, on either +side of which were erected dwellings which have since been interwoven +with the stateliest names in old Connecticut. The house was double, +built in the style of the day, with a hall running through it, and large +rooms on either side, the kitchen, bakery, and well-house all at the +back, and forming with the buttery a sort of L, near but not connecting +the different outhouses. It was shingled from top to bottom, and the +dormer windows, with their quaint panes, rendered it both stately and +picturesque. As the girls drew rein at the small porch, on the south +side of the mansion, a tall, fine-looking woman of middle age, her gray +gown tucked neatly up, and a snowy white apron tied around her shapely +waist, appeared at the threshold of the door. + +"Why, Betty," she said in a surprised voice, "you have been absent so +long that I was about to send Reuben in search of you. The boxes are +undone, and we need your help; Moppet--why, what ails the child?" and +Miss Euphemia Wolcott paused in dismay us she surveyed Miss Moppet's +still damp habit and disheveled hair. + +"I've been at the very bottom of Great Pond." announced the child, +enjoying the situation with true dramatic instinct, "and Betty has all +the herbs for Chloe safe in her basket." + +"What does the child mean" asked her bewildered aunt, unfastening the +heavy cloth cape from the small shoulders, and perceiving that she had +had a thorough wetting. + +"It is true, Aunt Euphemia," said Betty, springing off her mare and +throwing the reins to Reuben as he came slowly around the house. "We +were on one of the hillocks overlooking the pond, and somehow--it all +happened so swiftly that I cannot tell how--but Moppet must have +ventured too near the edge, for the treacherous soil gave way, and down +she pitched into the water before I could put out hand to stay her. I +think I screamed, and then I was pulling off my habit-skirt to plunge +after her when a young man ran hastily along the below and cried out to +me, 'Courage!' and he threw off his coat and dived down, down,"--Betty +shuddered and turned pale,--"and then he caught Moppet's skirt and held +her up until he swam safely to shore with her. She was quite +unconscious, but by chafing her hands and giving her some spirits (which +the young stranger had in his flask) we recovered her, and, indeed, I +think she is none the worse for her experience," and Betty put both arms +around her little sister and hugged her warmly, bursting into tears, +which until now had been so carefully restrained. + +"Thank Heaven!" cried Miss Euphemia, kissing them both. "You could never +have rescued her alone, Betty; perhaps you might both have drowned. +Where is the brave young man who came to your aid? I trust you gave him +clear directions how to reach the house." + +"He would not come," answered Betty simply; "he said he was traveling +westward, and I thought he seemed anxious to be off." + +"But we pressed him, Aunt Euphemia," put in Moppet, "and I told him my +pony could carry double. And I do not know how we will return his cape; +do you?" + +"You must come indoors at once and get dry clothing," said her aunt, +"and I will tell Chloe to make you a hot posset lest you get a chill; +run quickly, Moppet, and do not stand a moment longer in those wet +clothes. Now, Betty," as the child disappeared inside, "have you any +idea who this stranger can be, or whence he came?" + +"I have not," said Betty, blushing rosy red (though she could not have +told why) under her aunt's clone scrutiny. + +"What did he look like?" questioned Miss Euphemia. + +"Like a young man of spirit," said Betty, mischief getting the better of +her, "and he had a soldierly air to boot and spoke with command." + +"I trust with all due respect as well," said Miss Euphemia gravely. + +"Truly, he both spoke and behaved as a gentleman should." + +"Do you think it could be Oliver's friend, young Otis from Boston?" said +Miss Euphemia. "He was to arrive in these parts this week." + +"It may be he," said Betty, "ask Pamela, she has met him;" and as she +turned to enter she almost fell into the arms of a tall, slender girl +who was hurrying forth to meet her. + +At first glance there was enough of likeness between the girls to say +that they might be sisters, but the next made the resemblance less, and +their dissimilarity of expression and coloring increased with +acquaintance. Both had the same slender, graceful figure, but while +Betty was of medium height, Pamela was distinctly taller than her +sister, and her pretty head was covered with golden hair, while Betty's +luxuriant locks were that peculiar shade which is neither auburn nor +golden, but a combination of both, and her eyes were hazel-gray, with +long lashes much darker than her hair. Both girls wore their hair piled +on top of the head, as was the fashion of the time, and both were +guiltless of powder, but Pamela's rebellious waves were trained to lie +as close as she could make them, while Betty's would crop out into +little dainty saucy curls over her forehead and down the nape of her +slender neck in a most bewildering fashion. Their complexions, like Miss +Moppet's, were exquisitely satin-like in texture, but there was no break +in Pamela's smooth cheeks, whereas Betty's dimples lurked not only +around her willful mouth, but perched high in her right cheek, and you +found yourself unconsciously watching to see them come and go at the +tricksy maid's changing will. There was but little more than a year's +difference in their ages, yet Betty seemed almost a child beside +Pamela's gracious stateliness. + +"What is it all about?" asked the bewildered Pamela, catching hold of +Betty. "Moppet dashes into the kitchen, damp and moist, and says she has +been at the bottom of the pond, and orders hot posset, and you, Betty, +have an air of fright"-- + +"I should think she might well," interrupted Miss Euphemia; "I will tell +you, Pamela--Betty, go upstairs and change your habit for a gown, and +then come down to assist me. We are about to mould the bullets." + +"Oh, Aunt Euphemia!" cried Betty, interrupting in her turn, "I beg your +pardon, but did those huge boxes contain the leaden statue of King +George, as my father's letter advised us?" + +"It was cut in pieces, Betty," said Pamela demurely. + +"As if I didn't know that," flashed out Betty; "and that it disappeared +after the patriots hauled it down in Bowling Green, and that General +Washington recommended it should be used for the cause of Freedom, and +that we are all to help transform it into bullets far our +soldiers,--truly, Pamela, I have not forgot my father's account of it," +and Betty vanished inside the door with a rebellious toss of her head, +resenting the implied air of older sister which Pamela sometimes +indulged in. + +"Our little Moppet has come perilously near death," said Miss Euphemia, +following Pamela into the house. "She has been rescued from drowning in +Great Pond by a gentleman whom Betty had never seen before. She +describes him as a fine personable youth, and I think it maybe Oliver's +friend, young Otis, who in expected at the Tracys' on a visit from +Boston." + +"It can hardly be he, aunt," said Pamela, "for Sally Tracy has just told +me that he will not arrive for two days, and moreover he comes with Mrs. +Footer and Patty Warren, who are glad to take him as escort in these +troublous times, I will run up to Moppet, for the girls are waiting for +you; the lead got somewhat overheated, and they want your advice as to +using it." + +Miss Euphemia went slowly down the hall and through the large +dining-room, pausing as she passed to knock at a small door opening off +the hall into a sitting-room. + +"Are you there, Miss Bidwell?" she said, as a small elderly woman, with +bent figure and pleasant, shrewd face, rose from her chair in response. +"Will you kindly go up and see that Miss Moppet be properly rubbed and +made dry, and let her take her hot posset, and then, if not too tired, +she may come to me in the kitchen." + +Miss Bidwell, who was at once house-keeper, manager, and confidential +servant to the Wolcott household, gave a cheerful affirmative; and as +she laid down the stocking she was carefully darning, and prepared to +leave the room, Miss Euphemia resumed her interrupted walk toward the +kitchen. + +Standing and sitting around the great kitchen fireplace were a group of +young people, whose voices rose in a lively chorus as she entered. Over +the fire, on a crane, hung a large kettle, from the top of which issued +sounds of spluttering and boiling, and a young man was in the act of +endeavoring to lift it amid cries of remonstrance. + +"Have a care, Francis," cried a pretty, roguish-looking girl in a gray +homespun gown, brandishing a wet towel as she spoke; "hot lead will be +your portion if you dare trifle with that boiling pot. What are we to do +with it, Miss Euphemia?" as that lady came forward in haste; "a few +drops of water flirted out of my towel and must have fallen inside, for +'t is spluttering in terrific fashion." + +"Shall I lift it off the fire?" asked the young man, whose name was +Francis Plunkett. + +"Certainly," said Miss Euphemia, inspecting the now tranquil kettle; +"here are the moulds all greased; gently, now," as she put a small ladle +inside the pot; "now move it slowly, and put the pot here beside me on +the table." + +"Will they really turn out bullets?" asked another girl in a whisper, as +Sally Tracy moved a second big pot with the intention of hanging it on +the fire, but was prevented by a tall, silent young man, who stopped his +occupation of sorting out bits of lead to assist her. + +"Thank you, Josiah," said Sally. "Turn out bullets, Dolly?--why, of +course, when they come out of the moulds. What did you suppose we were +all about?" + +Dolly Trumbull (who was on a visit to the Wolcotts') looked shy and +somewhat distressed, and promptly retired into a corner, where she +resumed her conversation with her cousin, Josiah Huntington; and +presently Betty came flying into the kitchen, her gown tucked up ready +for work, and full of apologies for her tardy appearance. Sally Tracy, +who was Betty's sworn friend and companion in all her fun and frolics, +pounced upon her at once; but Miss Euphemia called them both to assist +her with the moulds, Betty had to reserve the story of her adventure +until a more propitious moment. + +"Has there been any news from Oliver when he set forth on this last +expedition?" asked Dolly. + +"It is too soon yet to hear," said Josiah, "though possibly by to-morrow +some intelligence may reach us. Francis and I did not reach here from +New Haven for four days, and we return there on Saturday. As it was, I +left only in obedience to my father's command, and brought news of +Lyon's ravaging the city to General Wolcott, dodging Hessians and +outlying marauders by the way. Do you stop here long, Dolly, or will +you have my escort back to Lebanon?" + +"I came for a month," answered Dolly; "I was ill of spring fever, and +since then my mother thinks this mountain air benefits me. But you go +back to your duties at Yale College, though it's early yet for them." + +"My students and I have spent our vacation handling cartridges," said +Josiah grimly, for he was a tutor at Yale, and had done yeoman service +in the defense of New Haven. "'Tis a sorry sight to see our beautiful +city now laid waste; but that our faith is strong in the Continental +Congress and General Washington, I know not how heart could bear it." + +"Who speaks of faith?" said Pamela's gentle voice, as she slipped into a +chair on Dolly's right. "I think hope is ever a better watchword." + +"Aye," murmured Huntington, as Dolly summoned courage to cross the room, +"it is one I will carry ever with me, Pamela, if _you_ bid me do so." + +"I did not mean," faltered Pamela, casting down her dove-like eyes, but +not so quickly that she did not see the ardent glance of her lover, +"I--that is--oh yes, Aunt Euphemia," with sudden change of tone, "it is +growing somewhat dark, and we had better leave the moulds to harden. +Shall I tell Miss Bidwell that you are ready for supper?" + +To which Miss Euphemia returned an affirmative, and the whole party +trooped back to the dining-room, Pamela leading the way, and Huntington +following her with a half-mischievous smile curving his usually grave +mouth. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +OLIVER'S PRISONER + + +"I don't care anything about it," said Miss Moppet with decision. "It's +a nasty, horrid letter, and I've made it over and over, and it will not +get one bit plainer. Count one, two, jump one; then two stitches plain; +it's no use at all, Miss Bidwell, I cannot make it any better." And with +a deep sigh Miss Moppet surveyed her sampler, where she had for six +weeks been laboriously trying to inscribe "Faith Wolcott, her sampler, +aged nine," with little success and much loss of temper. + +"W is a hard letter," said Miss Bidwell, laying down one of the +perpetual stockings with which she seemed always supplied for mending +purposes; "you will have to rip this out again; the first stroke is too +near the letter before it;" and she handed the unhappy sampler back to +the child. + +"It's always like that," said Miss Moppet in a tone of exasperation. "I +think a sampler is the very _devil_!" + +"Oh," said Miss Bidwell in a shocked voice, "I shall have to report you +as a naughty chit if you use such language." + +"Well, it just _is_" said Moppet; "that's what the minister said in his +sermon Sunday week, and you know, Miss Bidwell, that you admired it +extremely, because I heard you tell Pamela so." + +"Admired the devil?" said Miss Bidwell. "Child, what are you talking +about?" + +"The sermon," said Miss Moppet, breaking her silk for the fourth time; +"the minister said the devil went roaring up and down the earth seeking +whom he might devour. Wouldn't I like to hear him roar. Do you conceive +it is like a bull or a lion's roar?" + +"The Bible says a lion," said Miss Bidwell, looking all the more severe +because she was so amused. + +"I am truly sorry for that poor devil," said Miss Moppet, heaving a deep +sigh. "Just think how tired he must become, and how much work he must +have to do. O--o--oh!"--a prolonged scream--"he certainly has possession +of my sampler"--dancing up and down with pain--"for that needle has +gone one inch into my thumb!" + +"Come here and let me bind it up," said Miss Bidwell, seizing the small +sinner as she whirled past her. "How often must I tell you not to give +way to such sinful temper? And talking about the devil is not proper for +little girls." + +"Why not just as well as for older folk?" said Moppet, submitting to +have a soft bit of rag bound around the bleeding thumb. "I think the +devil ought to be prayed for if he's such an abominable sinner--yes, I +do." And Moppet, whose belief in a personal devil was evidently large, +surveyed Miss Bidwell with uncompromising eyes. + +"Tut!" said Miss Bidwell, to whom this novel idea savored of +ungodliness, but wishing to be lenient toward the child whose adoring +slave she was. "Miss Euphemia would be shocked to hear you." + +"I shall not tell her," said the child shrewdly, "but I am going to pray +for the devil each night, whether any one else does or not." + +"As you cannot work any longer on the sampler, you had best go to Miss +Pamela for your writing lesson," said Miss Bidwell. + +"Pamela is out in the orchard with Josiah Huntington," said Moppet, +"and she would send me forthwith into the house if I went near her." + +"Then find Miss Betty and read her a page in the primer. You know you +promised your father you would learn to read it correctly against his +return." + +"Betty is gossiping in the garret chamber with Sally Tracy; surely I +must stop with you, Biddy, dear;" and Moppet twined her arms around Miss +Bidwell's neck, with her little coaxing face upraised for a kiss. When +Moppet said "Biddy dear" (which was her baby abbreviation for the old +servant), she became irresistible; so Miss Bidwell, much relieved at +dropping so puzzling a theological question as the propriety of +supplications for the well-being of his Satanic majesty, proposed that +she should tell Miss Moppet "a story," which met with delighted assent +from the little girl. + +Miss Bidwell's stories, which dated back for many years and always began +with "when I was a little maid," were never failing in interest besides +being somewhat lengthy, as Moppet insisted upon minute detail, and +invariably corrected her when she chanced to omit the smallest +particular. That the story had been often told did not make it lose any +of its interest, and the shadows of the great elm which overhung the +sitting-room windows grew longer, while the sun sank lower and lower +unheeded, until Miss Bidwell, at the most thrilling part of her tale, +where a bloodthirsty and evil-minded Indian was about to appear, +suddenly laid down her work and exclaimed:-- + +"Hark! surely there is some one coming up the back path," and rising as +she spoke, she hurried out to the side porch, closely followed by +Moppet, who said to herself, with all a child's vivid and dramatic +imagination, "Perhaps it's an Indian coming to tomahawk us in our beds!" +which thought caused her to seize a fold of Miss Bidwell's gown tightly +in her hand. + +As they came into the hall they were joined by Miss Euphemia, who had +also heard the sounds of approach; and as they emerged from the house +two tall figures, dusty and travel-worn, confronted them, with Reuben +following in their rear. + +"Oliver!" exclaimed Miss Euphemia, as she recognized her youngest nephew +in one of the wayfarers, "whence come you, and what news? Where is your +honored father?" + +[Illustration: MISS EUPHEMIA MEETS OLIVER AND HIS PRISONER] + +"My father, madam," said Oliver Wolcott, uncovering his head as he +motioned to Reuben to take his place near his companion, "my father is +some thirty miles behind me, but hastening in this direction. What +news?--Fairfield burnt, half its inhabitants homeless, but Tryon's +marauders put to flight and our men in pursuit." + +"And who is this gentleman?" said Miss Euphemia, as Oliver kissed her +cheek and stepped back. + +"'Tis more than I can answer," said Oliver, "for not one word concerning +himself can I obtain from him. He is my prisoner, Aunt Euphemia; I found +him lurking in the woods ten miles away this morning, and should perhaps +have let him pass had not a low-lying branch of a tree knocked off his +hat, when I recognized him for one of Tryon's crew." + +"Speak more respectfully, sir," said the stranger suddenly, "to me, if +not to those whom you term 'Tryon's crew.'" + +"I grant the respect due your arm and strength," said Oliver, "for you +came near leaving me in the smoke and din of Fairfield when you gave me +this blow," and he touched the left side of his head, where could be +seen some clotted blood among his hair. "Come, sir, my aunt has asked +the question. Do you not reply to a lady?" + +"The gibe is unworthy of you," said the other, lifting the hat which had +been drawn down closely over his brow; "and I"-- + +"Oh, Oliver, 'tis my good kind gentleman!" cried Moppet, darting forward +and seizing the stranger by the hand; "he plunged into Great Pond last +night and pulled me forth when I was nearly drowning, and we begged him +to come home with us, did we not, Betty?"--seeing her sister standing in +the doorway. "Betty, Betty, come and tell Oliver he has made a mistake." + +A smile lit up the stranger's handsome face as he bowed low to Betty, +who came swiftly to his side as she recognized him. + +"Will you not bring the gentleman in, Oliver?" she said. "The thanks +which are his due can hardly be well spoken on our doorstep," and Betty +drew herself up, and waved her hand like the proud little maid she was, +her eyes sparkling, her breast heaving with the excitement she strove to +suppress. + +Oliver looked from Moppet to Betty, in bewilderment then back at his +prisoner, who seemed the most unconcerned of the group. + +"You are right, Betty," said Miss Euphemia, beginning to understand the +situation. "Will you walk in, sir, and let me explain to my nephew how +greatly we are indebted to you?" And she led the way into the mansion, +the others following, and opened the door of the parlor on the left, +Reuben, obedient to a sign from Oliver, remaining with Miss Bidwell in +the hall. + +The stranger declined the chair which Oliver courteously offered him, +and remained standing near Betty, Moppet clinging to his hand and +looking up gratefully into his face while Miss Euphemia related to her +nephew the story of Moppet's rescue from her perilous accident of the +previous day. + +"A brave deed!" cried Oliver impetuously, as he advanced with +outstretched hand toward his prisoner, "and with all my heart, sir, I +thank you. Forgive my pettish speech of a moment since; you were right +to reprove me. No one appreciates a gallant foe more than I; and though +the fortune of war has to-day made you my prisoner, to-morrow may make +me yours." + +"I thank you," said the stranger, giving his hand as frankly in return. +"Believe me, my plunge in the pond was hardly worth the stress you are +kind enough to lay upon it, and but for the mischance to my little +friend here," smiling at Miss Moppet, who regarded him with affectionate +eyes, "is an affair of little moment. May I ask where you will bestow me +for the night, and also the privilege of a dip in cold water, as I am +too soiled and travel-worn to sit in the presence of ladies, even though +your prisoner." + +"Prisoner!" echoed Betty, with a start. "Surely, Oliver, you will not +hold as a prisoner the man who saved our little Moppet's life, and that, +too (though he makes so light of it) at the risk of his own?" + +"You will let him go free, brother Oliver," cried Moppet, flying to the +young officer's side; "you surely will not clap him into jail?" + +"It was my purpose," said Oliver, looking from one to the other, "to +confine you until to-morrow and then carry you to headquarters, where +General Putnam will determine your ultimate fate. I certainly recognize +you as the author of this cut on my head. Do you belong to the British +army or are you a volunteer accompanying Tryon in his raid upon our +innocent and unoffending neighbors at Fairfield?" + +"Sir," said the other haughtily, "I pardon much to your youthful +patriotism, which looks upon us as invaders. My name is Geoffrey Yorke, +and I have the honor to bear his majesty's commission as captain in the +Sixty-fourth Regiment of Foot." + +Betty gave a faint exclamation. Oliver Wolcott stepped forward. + +"Captain Yorke," he said, "I regret more than I can say my inability, +which you yourself will recognize, to bid you go forth free and in +safety. My duty is unfortunately but too plain. I, sir, serve the +Continental Congress, and like you hold a captain's commission. I should +be false alike to my country and my oath of allegiance did I permit you +to escape; but there is one favor I can offer you; give me your parole, +and allow me and my family the pleasure of holding you as a guest, not +prisoner, while under our roof." + +Geoffrey Yorke hesitated; he opened his lips to speak, when some +instinct made him glance at Betty, who stood directly behind her +brother. Her large, soft eyes were fixed on his with most beseeching +warning, and she raised her dainty finger to her lips as she slowly, +almost imperceptibly, shook her head. + +"Captain Wolcott," he said, "I fully appreciate your kindness and the +motive which prompts it. I have landed on these shores but one short +month ago, and Sir Henry Clinton ordered me--but these particulars will +not interest you. I thank you for your offer, but I decline to take +parole, and prefer instead the fortunes of war." + +"Then, sir, I have no choice," said Oliver. "Aunt Euphemia, will you +permit me to use the north chamber? I will conduct you there, Captain +Yorke, and shall see that you are well guarded for the night." And with +a courtly bow to the ladies Geoffrey Yorke followed his captain from the +room, as Moppet threw herself into Betty's arms and sobbed bitterly. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +FRIEND OR FOE + + +Betty Wolcott sat alone in her own room, thinking intently. The windows +were all open, and the soft night air blew the dainty curls off her +white forehead and disclosed the fact of her very recent tears. Never, +in all her short, happy life, had Betty been so moved as now, for the +twin passions of gratitude and loyalty were at war within her, and she +realized, with a feeling akin to dismay, that she must meet the +responsibility alone, that those of her household were all arrayed +against her. + +"If my father were but at home," said Betty to herself, "he would know +and understand, but Oliver will not listen, no, not even when I implored +him to keep Captain Yorke close prisoner here for two days by which time +my father is sure to arrive. Aunt Euphemia is too timid and Pamela is +much the same; as Josiah happens to agree perfectly with Oliver, Pamela +could never be induced to see how cruel it is to repay our debt in this +way. Oliver is but a boy,"--and Betty's lips curved in scorn over her +brother's four years' seniority,--"and--and--oh! I am, indeed, astray. +What, here I am, one of the loyal Wolcotts,--a family known all through +the land as true to the cause of Freedom and the Declaration,--and here +I sit planning how to let a British officer, foe to my country, escape +from my father's house. I wonder the walls do not open and fall on me," +and poor Betty gazed half fearfully overhead, as if she expected the +rafters would descend upon the author of such treasonable sentiments. +"But something must be done," she thought rapidly. "I care not whether +he be friend or foe, I take the consequences; be mine the blame," and +she lifted her pretty head with an air of determination, as a soft knock +fell upon her chamber door; but before she could rise to open it, the +latch was raised and a little figure, all in white, crept inside. + +"I can't sleep, Betty," sobbed Moppet, as her sister gathered the child +in her arms; "it's too, too dreadful. Will General Putnam hang my dear, +kind gentleman as the British hanged Captain Nathan Hale, and shall we +never, never see him more?" + +"Dear heart," said Betty, smoothing the yellow hair, and tears springing +again to her eyes as she thought of the brave, manly face of her +country's foe. "No, Moppet, Captain Yorke is not a spy, as, alas! was +poor Nathan Hale, but"-- + +"Betty," whispered Moppet, so low that she was evidently alarmed at her +own daring, "why can't we let him go free and never tell Oliver a word +about it?" + +"How did you come to think of that?" said Betty, astonished. + +"I am afraid it is the devil prompting me," said Moppet, with a sigh, +partly over her own iniquity, and part in wonderment as to whether that +overworked personage was somewhere soaring in the air near at hand; "but +I always thought the British were big ogres, with fierce eyes and red +whiskers, and I am sure my good, kind gentleman is very like ourselves." + +Betty was betrayed into a low laugh. Moppet was always original, but +this was delicious. + +"No, child," she said softly, "the British are some bad, some good, and +there are no doubt cruel men to be found in all wars. Moppet, as you +came by the north door, whom did you see on guard in the hall?" + +"Josiah Huntington," said Moppet promptly; "but you heard what Oliver +said at supper?" + +"Yes," answered Betty, "Oliver was so weary that Josiah was to watch +until twelve o'clock; then, at midnight, Reuben was to guard the hall +until four in the morning, when Oliver would take his place until +breakfast. Did you note the time on the hall clock?" + +"It was half past eleven," said Moppet; "the half hour sounded as I +rapped." + +Betty sat pondering for a moment, then she slid Moppet gently from her +lap to the floor and rose. + +"Moppet," she said gravely, "you are a little maid, but you have a true +heart, and I believe you can keep a secret. I am going to try to release +Captain Yorke, and I think you can help me. I bind you to keep silent, +except to our dear and honored father, and even to him you shall not +speak until I permit you. Promise me, dear heart?" + +"I promise," said Moppet solemnly, and Betty knew that, no matter what +happened, she could depend on her devoted little sister. + +"Moppet," said Betty, "I have a plan, but 'tis a slender one. Do you +recollect how close the great elm-tree boughs come to your window?" + +"I can put out my hand and nearly reach them," said Moppet; "you +remember Reuben cut the bough nearest, but oh, Betty, the tree has a +limb which runs an arm's length only from the north chamber." + +"So I thought," answered Betty, who was busily engaged in changing her +light summer gown for one of homespun gray; "and now, Moppet, you and I +must go into your room for the next part of my plot. I must speak to +Captain Yorke, and can you guess how I shall manage to do it?" + +Moppet's eyes grew large and round with excitement. "I know," she +whispered breathlessly, "through my doll's dungeon. Oh, Betty, how lucky +'tis that Oliver never once dreamed of that!" + +"I doubt if he even knows its existence," said Betty. "There goes the +clock," as the slow, solemn voice of the timepiece sounded out on the +night, "It is twelve o'clock, and Reuben will be coming upstairs from +the kitchen. Hark!"--extinguishing her candle and opening her door +softly. "Josiah has gone to the turn on the stairs, and is speaking to +Reuben; quick, Moppet, if you come still as a mouse they will not see us +before we can gain your door," and with swift, soft steps the two small +figures stole across the hall in the semi-darkness which the night lamp +standing near the great clock but served to make visible, and in another +second, panting and eager, they stood safely within Moppet's chamber, +clinging to each other, as they quickly fastened the latch. + +Moppet's chamber was a small one, and occupied the center of the house, +Miss Euphemia's being upon one side, and the north chamber (as one of +the great rooms was called) upon the other. The great chimney of the +mansion ran up between the large and small room, and what Moppet called +her "doll's dungeon" was a hollow place, just high enough for the child +to reach, in the back of the chimney. For some purpose of ventilation +there was an opening from this aperture into the north chamber. It was +covered with a piece of movable iron; and in summer, when no fire was +used in that part of the house, Moppet took great delight in consigning +her contumacious doll (a rag baby of large size and much plainness of +feature) to what she was pleased to call her "dungeon." To-night Betty's +quick wit had divined what an important factor the aperture might prove +to her, and directly she had secured the door, she walked softly toward +the chimney, and felt in the darkness for the movable bit of iron which +filled the back. + +When Geoffrey Yorke had finished the ample and delicious supper with +which Miss Euphemia's hospitable and pitying soul had furnished him, he +lighted his candle and made thorough search of his temporary prison to +ascertain whether he could escape therefrom. Betty's gesture of +disapproval when he was about to give his parole had seemed to promise +him assistance; could it be possible that the lovely little rebel's +heart was so moved with pity?" + +"Sweet Betty," thought Geoffrey, "was ever maid so grateful for a small +service! I wish with all my soul I might have chance and opportunity to +do her a great one, for never have I seen so bewitching and dainty a +creature," and Geoffrey's heart gave a mad leap as he remembered the +tearful, beseeching glance which Betty had bestowed upon him as Oliver +had conducted him from her presence. + +The windows, of which there were two, looking north, received his first +attention, but he found them amply secured; and although a strong arm +might wrench them open, it would be attended by such noise as could not +fail to attract the attention of his guard posted outside the door. This +reflection prompted him to inspect the door; and discovering an inside +bolt as well as the outer one, he drew it, thus assuring his privacy +from intrusion. The large chimney was his next point of investigation; +and although the flue seemed somewhat narrow, Geoffrey decided that it +afforded some slight chance, provided he had the means of descent when +once he reached the roof. Back to the windows again; yes, the great elm +of which Moppet had spoken stood like a tall sentinel guarding the +mansion, and Geoffrey felt confident that he could crawl from roof to +tree and thus reach the ground. To be sure, it was most hazardous; there +was the chance of some one sleeping in the chambers near who might hear +even so slight a noise; he might become wedged in the chimney, +or--pshaw! one must risk life, if need be, for liberty; and here +Geoffrey smiled, as it occurred to him that this was what these very +colonists were engaged in doing, and for a moment the British officer +felt a throb of sympathy hitherto unknown to him. He had landed at New +York but a month before, filled with insular prejudices and contempt for +these country lads and farmers, whom he imagined composed the +Continental army; but the fight at Fairfield, which was carried on by +the Hessians with a brutality that disgusted him, and the encounter with +such a family as this under whose roof he was, began to open his eyes, +and he acknowledged frankly to himself that young Oliver Wolcott was both +a soldier and a gentleman. + +"The boy looked every inch a soldier," thought Geoffrey, "when he +refused his sister's pleading; faith, he is made of firm stuff to +withstand her. Oh, Betty, Betty! I wonder if the fortunes of war will +ever let me see your face again," and with a sigh compounded of many +things, Geoffrey picked up a book that was lying on the table, and +resolved to read until it should be far on into the night, when he +would make a bold attempt to escape. + +The clock on the stairs struck twelve and Geoffrey, roused from the +light slumber into which he had fallen, heard the steps outside his door +as Josiah Huntington was joined by Reuben, who was to relieve his guard, +and straightened himself, with a long breath, as he rose from his chair. +As he did so, he became conscious of a slight, very slight, noise in the +direction of the chimney; and turning his eyes toward it, a soft whisper +reached his ear. + +"Captain Yorke," murmured the sweetest voice in the world; and as the +slight grating noise ceased, to his amazement a little white hand +beckoned him to approach a small aperture, which he now perceived in the +bricks about four feet from the floor. Very softly Geoffrey obeyed the +summons, and cautiously made his way to the chimney. + +"Kneel down and put your ear near me," said Betty, and the tall soldier +dropped on one knee obediently; "be very careful, for though Aunt +Euphemia's chamber is on this side, and she is usually a sound sleeper, +it might be our ill fortune that to-night she would wake. I have made up +my mind, sir; I cannot keep you prisoner under a roof that but for you +might be mourning my little sister dead." + +"I pray you say no more of that," interrupted Geoffrey softly. "I am +more than repaid by your interest in my unhappy condition." + +"It may be wrong, it doubtless is," said Betty, sighing, "but I have two +plans for your escape. Tell me, are your windows securely fastened?" + +"Too strongly to be tampered with except by making noise that is certain +to be overheard," returned Geoffrey. + +"Then we must try other means; if you can but manage to scale the +chimney,--and I think there are still some pegs inside which Reuben put +there in the spring when he went up after burning it out,--if you can +reach the roof by the chimney you will find on the south side, close to +the chimney itself, a trap-door which lets down by a ladder into our +garret. The ladder is stationary, and I will meet you there at its foot, +and from the garret there is a back stairway, down which you may creep +to the buttery, and once there 'tis but a step outside when I open the +door." + +"God bless you," whispered Geoffrey, feeling a mad desire to kiss the +pretty pink ear and soft cheek which he could just see by the dim light +of Miss Moppet's candle; "shall I start at once?" + +"No," returned Betty, "Josiah Huntington has just sought his chamber, +and he will be watchful. Wait until you hear the old clock on the +staircase strike three; that is the hour, I have been told, when all +sleep most soundly. Then Moppet will tell you if all goes right, for I +shall be waiting for you, as I said, above;" and with a soft "be very, +very careful to make no noise," Betty moved away from the "doll's +dungeon" and Yorke bounded to his feet. + +"Now, Moppet," said Betty softly, "let me wrap you well in your woolen +habit, lest you take cold." + +"Oh, Betty darling," whispered the child, "how will you ever gain the +garret stairs when Reuben is watching? He will be sure to think it +strange; can I not go for you?" + +"No, never," said Betty tenderly. "I will slip by Reuben, and you must +not fret. Sit here on my knee and go fast asleep until I wake you." + +Moppet nestled her little head down obediently on Betty's shoulder; but +try hard though she did to keep her eyes wide open, sleep at last +overcame her,--sleep so profound after all this excitement that Betty +was able to lay her softly upon her bed without awaking, and for the +remainder of those long hours Betty kept her vigil alone. It was nervous +work: for determined though she was to release Yorke, Betty possessed a +most sensitive and tender conscience, and love for her country and her +people was as the air she breathed. It proved the tenacity of her +purpose and the strength of her will that, notwithstanding her many +misgivings, when she heard the clock sound the quarter she rose from her +low seat by the window, where she had been gazing out into the night, +and whispered softly to Moppet that it was time to wake. The child +sprang up, alert and quick as Betty herself, and listened to her +sister's last warning instructions to have no fear, but wait quietly for +her return, and when the clock struck the hour to whisper through the +hole in the chimney to Yorke that she had gone. + +Very softly, her slippers held tightly in her hand, Betty pulled up the +latch of the bedroom door and stepped into the almost dark hall. The +night lamp had partly died out, but there was still enough of its +flickering light to permit her, when her eyes grew accustomed to it, to +see the dim outline of Reuben's figure sitting on a stool at the door of +the north chamber. In order to reach the garret from this part of the +house she must go directly down the hall to where it parted at the L, +where the stairs reaching the garret were shut off by a door, on the +other aide of which was a square landing, where you could turn down and +descend directly from the garret to the buttery. Once past Reuben, she +would feel comparatively safe, for although Oliver's room was opposite +he was too weary to be wakeful. It took scarcely a minute to creep +toward Reuben, and Betty drew a quick breath of relief when she +perceived that the farmer-bred lad, unaccustomed to night watches, and +feeling that his prisoner was secure behind the bolted door, had fallen +fast asleep. Another minute and she had fairly flown through the hall +and reached the door of the garret stairs; she recollected that the +latch had a troublesome creak occasionally; indeed, she had noticed it +only that very day, as she and Sally Tracy had mounted to their eyrie +in the big dormer window of the garret, where safe from all ears they +were wont to confide their girlish secrets to each other. + +"Pray Heaven it creak not to-night," said Betty to herself as she gently +and steadily pulled the handle of the latch and saw the dreaded door +open to her hand. Inside stepped Betty, and made breathless pause while +she closed it, and the amiable latch fell softly down again into its +place. Swift as a flash the girlish figure flitted up the winding narrow +stairs, and gasping but triumphant Betty seated herself on the lowest +step of the trap-ladder to await the coming of Geoffrey Yorke. + +In the bedroom below, Miss Moppet, whose soul was thrilling with mingled +delight and terror at being an actor in a "real story," waited as she +was told until she heard the deep voice of the clock, sounding rather +more awful than usual, say "one, two, three!" and then tiptoeing over +the bare floor she opened with small trembling fingers the tiny aperture +and whispered, "Are you there?" starting back half frightened as the +instant answer came, close beside her: + +"Yes, is it time?" + +"Betty is in the garret by now," she faltered. "Oh, sir, be careful and +fare you well!" + +For answer Geoffrey Yorke bent down, and taking the small cold fingers +extended to him, pressed a kiss on them, and with a soft "farewell" +began his passage up the chimney. + +It was no such very difficult task he found, to his satisfaction, for +Betty was right, and by feeling carefully with his hands he perceived +the friendly pegs which Reuben had inserted, and of which Oliver had no +knowledge, else he would not have trusted so agile and strong a prisoner +within their reach. Geoffrey's broad shoulders were the only sufferers, +but the rough homespun which covered them was a better protection than +his uniform would have been, and he again blessed the good fortune which +had thrown the disguise in his way as he left Fairfield four days +before. + +Betty, sitting on the ladder step, straining her ears to catch the first +sound, became conscious of a light sound as Geoffrey swung himself from +the chimney top to the roof, and she sped up the ladder to unhook the +door of the trap just as he reached it. + +"Speak not a word," she said in his ear, as he set his foot on the +ladder, "but fasten the hook lest they discover that the door has been +opened. Now, give me your hand," and in the darkness the strong, manly +hand closed firmly over her dainty fingers with a clasp which, strangely +enough, inspired her with fresh courage. + +"Stop," said Betty suddenly, as they were at the top stair, "you must +remove your boots: the slightest creak might wake the sleepers at the +end of the hall." + +It took but a second of time to follow her directions; and then very +softly, with many pauses, the pair crept down the winding stairs, and +Betty involuntarily held her breath until the last step was safely +passed and she raised the latch of the buttery door. + +"If Miss Bidwell has locked it," came the swift thought,--but, no! like +everything else that dreadful night, fortune seemed to favor Betty, and +with a long-drawn sigh she drew her companion across the threshold and +instantly shot the bolt behind her. + +A faint glow of dawn crept through the pantry windows, and Betty paused +a moment and regarded the rows of milk pans which adorned the shelves +of the small room with grave intentness. + +"Had you not better take a glass of milk?" she said. "You may have to +travel far without food, although I am sure that should you ask for it +at any of our Connecticut farmhouses you would be cheerfully supplied," +and raising the neat dipper she filled it and handed it to Geoffrey, who +took it gratefully from her hand. + +"And now put on your boots, for freedom lies beyond that door," she +said, still in softest tones, as she unbolted the other door which led +directly outside. "I must go with you as far as the barn, for you will +need my mare to take you out of danger of pursuit." + +"No, no," answered Geoffrey, speaking for the first time as they sped +rapidly over the grass, "I will not take her; you have dared much for +me, and I fear censure and harm may come to you for releasing me should +you be discovered." + +"Censure," said Betty, throwing back her small head haughtily, +"wherefore? Do you think I shall conceal my share in this night's work? +Oliver is but a hot-headed boy; had my father been at home it would have +been different, and to him I shall make my confession, that I have +given liberty to--oh, I cannot say a foe, after what you have done for +me--to a British officer who comes to slay my countrymen!" + +"Never your foe, Betty," cried Yorke, confronting her with face as pale +as her own, and in his admiration of her spirit and nobility forgetting +all else. "Say, rather, your adoring friend, who one day, God willing, +hopes to prove to you that there are British hearts which are true and +honest as yours, and that none will be more loyal to you than mine own." + +A hot wave of color flashed up over Betty's charming face; her lips +trembled, but no words came from them. What was this impetuous young man +daring to say to her? + +"The dawn is breaking over yonder hills," Geoffrey rushed on, "and +before the sun rises I must be as many miles away as my feet can carry +me. Farewell, farewell!--may God bless and keep you always. Go back +straightway into the mansion; I shall not stir step until I see you +safe." And through her brimming tears Betty realized that his kisses +were falling on her hands, as without a word she turned and fled toward +the open door. But when she reached it some new-born impulse tearing +madly at her heart made her pause, and looking back she saw Geoffrey +lift something from the grass at his feet which he waved toward her as +he sped down the path, and raising her hand to her gown she knew that he +had carried with him her breast-knot of rose-colored ribbon. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A LOYAL TRAITOR + + +Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers +secured the outer bolt of the buttery door. Her head was whirling, and +she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary +adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; +and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought +herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she +must take it to her. So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to +go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in +hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, +rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the +garret stairway. And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so +determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, +she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely +down upon her. + +"Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she +reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver." + +"Where have you been?" asked her brother. + +"To the buttery," said Betty; "this is milk for Moppet. The child is +wakeful, and needs it." + +"Why did you not send Reuben?" asked Oliver, who was always kind and +attentive to his sisters. + +"Reuben?" echoed Betty. "Did you not set him as guard to your prisoner?" +and then, her heart smiting her for the gibe, "Miss Bidwell lets no one +meddle with her milk pans, and I knew best which were last night's +milk," and she went up the hall with a naughty little throb of mingled +mischief and triumph, as she thought how she had outwitted him, while +the unsuspecting Oliver seated himself near the north chamber door. + +Moppet, sitting up in bed, welcomed her sister with open arms, and drank +the milk thirstily, as Betty told her that all was safe, and that +Captain Yorke was now well on his way. + +"I'm as glad as can be," said Moppet, who was troubled with no +conscientious scruples whatsoever, and was now beginning to enjoy +herself intensely at sharing a mystery with Betty; "I told him you were +gone, after the big clock struck three, and oh, Betty, he kissed my hand +through the hole in the chimney." + +"Did he?" said Betty, flushing brightly under Moppet's keen glance. + +"And I sat there and shivered," went on Moppet, discreetly dropping that +branch of the subject, "for I could hear his feet as he climbed, and +once he slipped and I was so frightened lest he should come tumbling +down and our fine plot be discovered. Betty, Betty, what a fine flutter +Oliver and Josiah will be in at breakfast!" + +"Don't talk of it," said Betty, shivering in her turn; "go to sleep, +Moppet, and I will fly to my chamber, for it is not well that I should +be discovered here, dressed. Oliver is not one to notice; now lie still +until you are called for rising;" and Betty tripped back to her own +room, where, tearing off her dress, she threw her tired little self on +the bed to rest, if not to sleep, for the short hours that remained +before breakfast. + +The Wolcott household was one that was early astir, however, and Chloe, +the old colored cook, was out in the barn searching for eggs, and Miss +Bidwell had laid the breakfast cloth and polished the silver by half +past six, when Miss Euphemia knocked briskly at the door where Pamela +and Dolly Trumbull were slumbering sweetly, and resolved that she would +request Oliver to permit Captain Yorke to come down and breakfast with +the family. "For," mused Miss Euphemia, "our obligations to that young +man should make some difference, I think, in his treatment; I must try +to persuade Oliver to detain him here until my brother's return, for +although I did not think it prudent to say so, I confess I am no more +anxious to keep him prisoner than Betty was." + +But Miss Euphemia had not more than descended at half past seven +precisely (her usual hour) when Oliver came hastily into the room, +demanding a hammer and chisel, and with such evident dismay upon his +countenance that Miss Euphemia asked if anything was the matter. + +"I do not know," said Oliver, searching the drawer for the desired +implements; "I called and knocked smartly at Captain Yorke's door to +ask him if he desired hot water, and to offer him a change of clean +linen (as we are much the same size and build); but although I made +sufficient noise to wake the hardest sleeper, no response did I receive. +Then I unbolted the door, intending to enter, but he has fastened it on +the inside, and"-- + +"He is ill," cried Miss Euphemia, in alarm. "I noted he looked pale last +night." + +"Much more likely 'tis some device to alarm us," said Oliver, seizing +the chisel, and Miss Euphemia followed him as he went hurriedly up the +front staircase. At its top stood Huntington. + +"Captain Yorke is a sound sleeper," he said, addressing Oliver. "I have +knocked at his door several times and get no response." + +"My mind misgives me," said Oliver, fitting his chisel in the door and +striking vigorously with the hammer; "and yet I made sure there was no +chance for escape,--ha!" as the door swung open and discovered the +closed shutters and the last flickering gleams of the dying candle upon +the table. "Good heavens, Huntington, he has flown!" + +"Flown!" cried Josiah, rushing after Oliver, as Miss Euphemia joined +the party, and Pamela, with Dolly, opened her door across the hall, +hearing the commotion. "And how? Surely not by the chimney?" + +"I wish you had suggested that earlier," said Oliver bitterly. "I am a +dolt and a fool's head not to have thoroughly examined it last night," +and he rushed across into Betty's chamber to find a candle with which to +investigate the treacherous exit. + +"Have a care, Oliver," cried Betty, as her brother entered without +knocking, to find her with her hair over her shoulders, brush in hand. +"What do you please to want?" + +"Your candle," said Oliver, catching up the one upon her table, and then +pausing, as he was about to rush out again. "Did you hear any noises +last night, Betty?" + +"Noises?" answered Betty, facing him calmly, "of what nature?" + +"In the great chimney," said Oliver, eying her sternly. + +"I did not," said Betty, with truth, returning inward thanks that to +that question she could reply without falsehood. "Why did you ask?" + +"You will find out soon enough," said Oliver, dashing down the hall, +without closing the door, and hurrying to the kitchen for a light. By +the time he returned, he found Josiah half way up the chimney. + +"Here are pegs," he called out, as Oliver sent the ray of the lighted +candle upward. "'Tis easy enough to see how our prisoner escaped. Fool +that I was not to have searched this place," and he let himself down +again, where the bewildered group stood around the chimney-piece. + +"The fault is mine alone," cried Oliver furiously; "let us get out on +the roof and see if we can discover how he made his descent to the +ground." + +"By the great elm," exclaimed Pamela, who had unfastened the shutters +with Josiah's help; "see, the branches overhang the roof just here, and +I think there are some pieces of the bark on the ground below." All of +which was true, and quick-witted of Pamela; but Moppet could have +explained the presence of the bits of bark, for, as it happened, the +child had emptied her apron under the elm the day before, and the bark +was some she had gathered in the orchard for the bits of fungus which, +at night, were phosphorescent, and which Moppet called "fairy lamps." + +"True," said Josiah, leaning out of the window, "and there are +footsteps in the tall grass yonder," pointing westward, where his keen +eye perceived a fresh path broken in the meadow. "I must follow Oliver +to the roof; this will be a dire blow to him, as he thought his prisoner +so carefully guarded." + +"How clever of him to escape under our very ears," said Dolly to Pamela; +"how could Captain Yorke contrive to climb down so softly that no one +heard him? Is not Miss Euphemia's chamber on this side?" + +"Yes," said Pamela, turning away from the window, "and so is Moppet's; +where is Aunt Euphemia?" and running out into the hall, she encountered +both Betty and her aunt on the way to Moppet's apartment. + +"Hush!" whispered Betty, with hand on the latch, "I hope she is still +sleeping. Moppet came into my room in the night, Aunt Euphemia, and was +so cold and shivering that I went back with her and put her to bed. I +got a drink of milk for her, and it seemed to quiet her." + +"That was quite right," said Miss Euphemia. "I have been afraid that the +plunge in the pond did her some injury," and she opened the door +softly, only to see Miss Moppet's curly head rise up from her pillow, +and to hear her say with a sleepy yawn:-- + +"What is it all about? Where's Betty?" + +"Here I am," said Betty, giving her a kiss. "Did you sleep soundly after +the milk?" + +"Yes, and I want some more," said Moppet, seizing the situation with +such alacrity that Betty suspected on the instant that the keen little +ears had been on the alert for more minutes than Moppet cared to +acknowledge. "What are you all coming in for? Is it dinner-time?" + +"No," interrupted Pamela, "we have not even had breakfast. Captain Yorke +has escaped in the night"-- + +"Escaped!" cried Moppet, the liveliest curiosity in her tone. "Oh, I'm +so glad! Aren't you, Betty?" + +"Better not let Oliver hear you say that," said Pamela in an undertone +as Miss Euphemia drew Betty aside. + +"How did he get out?" said Moppet, giving way to laughter. "Oh, what a +ruffle Oliver must be in." + +"Naughty child," said Pamela, but unable to help smiling at Moppet's +view of the situation. "Did you happen to hear any noises on the roof or +in the big elm last night?" + +"Not a sound," said Moppet, like Betty rejoicing inwardly that she could +reply truthfully, for the little maid had never told a lie in her short +life, and had indeed spent a wakeful half hour that very morning +wondering how she would be able to evade any questions that might be put +to her. "Did Captain Yorke climb out of his window and go down the big +elm, Pamela? Do you know I thought of that at supper." + +"He could not open the window, Moppet," answered Pamela, "but he did go +down the tree from the roof, whence he climbed from the chimney here." + +"Moppet, you must instantly dress or you will lake cold," said Miss +Euphemia, interrupting, to Betty's relief, "and I will be glad if Betty +will assist you, for I must go down and see if breakfast be still hot, +as no one is ready yet to eat it," and out went Miss Euphemia, calling +the others to follow her. + +"What do you think of all this?" asked Pamela of Betty. + +"What do you suppose?" flashed out Betty, whose quick tongue had been +so long restrained that it was absolute relief to her to speak her mind. +"I am as glad as I can possibly be that Captain Yorke has escaped, and +if that be disloyal"--finished the spirited little maid, mindful of +Patrick Henry--"make the most of it!" + +"Oh, Betty!" cried Pamela, shocked beyond expression. + +"It is I that should be shocked, not you," went on Betty. "Do you hold +Moppet's dear life as nothing? Do you not wish to acknowledge an +obligation when it is doubly due? I am ashamed of you, Pamela,--you and +Oliver. I would my father were here to make you see both sides of a +question clearly." + +"Betty, Betty," implored Pamela, bursting into tears, "do I not love our +little sister as well as you? You do mistake me; I did not dare go +counterwise to Oliver and Josiah, but indeed I love you for your +courage." + +"There, say no more," said Betty, dropping the brush with which she was +reducing Moppet's rebellious locks to order, and rushing into Pamela's +arms with quick repentance. "I am cross and upset this morning, and not +fit to talk to you, my gentle Pamela, so go down and make the coffee and +forgive my petulance." + +Dolly, who had witnessed this little sisterly passage of arms in shy +fright, put her hand in Pamela's and whispered, as they gained the +staircase:-- + +"Dry your eyes, Pamela dear; Betty is most forward to speak thus to her +elder sister." + +"There you mistake," said Pamela, changing front with true feminine +inconsistency. "Betty is quite right, and I am displeased,--yes +downright displeased with myself that I did not side with her last +night," and with unwonted color flushing her usually pale cheeks Pamela +walked into the breakfast-room, Dolly following meekly behind her. + +Meanwhile, Oliver and Josiah were upon the roof of the mansion +conducting most careful investigation. They had decided that it was +useless to pursue Yorke, for he might have many hours in advance of +them, and they must take the chances that he would be recaptured by some +of Putnam's men, especially if he again mistook the country and went +west instead of north. They climbed through the trap-door, but as the +heavy dews had not yet begun there was no trace of footsteps upon the +roof beyond a faint mark, which might be the spot where the prisoner had +dropped from the chimney. It was quite possible for an agile fellow, +accustomed to use his muscle, to clamber down the sloping roof to the +elm and escape to the ground by its branches, and that he was not heard +was partly due to his own care and the unusually heavy slumbers of the +inmates of the mansion. Having reached this conclusion, Oliver was fain +to make the best of it, and in much chagrin descended to the +breakfast-table. + +Try as she did to look demure and avoid speaking upon the subject which +all were discussing, Betty could not keep her dancing eyes in order, and +before the meal was over she flashed so roguish a glance at Oliver that, +irritated at her mute opposition, he could not refrain from saying:-- + +"There sits Betty looking fairly pleased because she has her own way, +and apparently cares nothing for the escape of an enemy to her country." + +"Fie, Oliver," spoke up Pamela with unusual fire, "Betty is as loyal as +you or I, and you are unfair to tax her because she heartily +disapproves of your course in regard to Captain Yorke's detention after +the signal service he has rendered to all us Wolcotts." + +"Pamela!" cried Oliver, good temper returning, and gazing in comic +dismay at his favorite sister, much as he would at a dove who had +ruffled its plumes. "This from you, Pamela? If Betty be allowed to +demoralize the family in this wise, I think it were well my father takes +you all in hand." + +"Heyday?" said a kindly voice from the door of the sitting-room, as a +fine-looking man dressed in the Continental uniform entered the room. +"Who is it that requires my parental hand, Oliver, and why do you so +lament my absence?" + +"Father, father!" shrieked Miss Moppet, tumbling out of her chair and +flinging her arms around General Wolcott's neck as he stooped down to +embrace her. "Oh, we're so glad you are come. Why didn't you get here +last night?" + +"Because I lay over at General Putnam's headquarters," said her father. +"Oliver, you will find Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Hillhouse on the +porch. See that their horses be taken and fed, and bid them come to +breakfast." + +Oliver disappeared in haste, and Josiah, with an apology to Miss +Euphemia, followed him; while General Wolcott, casting off his hat and +gloves, seated himself with Moppet on his knee, and Miss Bidwell +appeared from the kitchen with fresh reinforcements of breakfast for the +newcomers. Betty, busying herself by fetching cups and saucers from the +china pantry, caught fragments of the conversation, and became aware +that Miss Moppet was telling the story of her adventure at Great Pond, +in the child's most dramatic fashion, and that Miss Euphemia was also +adding her testimony to the tale as it went on. They were presently +interrupted by the entrance of Oliver with his father's two aids, and +the large mahogany table was surrounded by guests, whose appetites bid +fair to do justice to Miss Bidwell's breakfast. + +No sooner was the meal fairly under way than Oliver, eager to hear his +father's opinion, began the story of his capture of the day before, and +related how and where he had found Captain Yorke, and how safely he +supposed he had imprisoned him in the north chamber, from which his +clever and ready escape had been made. Oliver's narrative was +interrupted by exclamations from the officers and questions from his +father, who displayed keen interest in the matter. + +"Father," said Moppet, seeing that the most important point had been +omitted in Oliver's story, and venturing to join in the conversation, as +few children of that period would have done, "Oliver's prisoner was my +good kind gentleman who pulled me out of the pond, and I am very, very +glad he has got away--aren't you?" + +"I was indeed hard bestead, sir," burst in Oliver. "Here were Betty and +Moppet insisting that I must let Captain Yorke go free because of his +gallant act (which I fully appreciate), and the gentleman refusing his +parole because he preferred to take the chances of war, while I felt it +my sworn duty to detain him and to forward him to General Putnam without +delay, as I know we are in need of exchange for several of our officers +now held by Sir Henry Clinton, and this man is of Clinton's staff, and +therefore a most valuable capture. Was I to blame for retaining him?" + +General Wolcott hesitated, but as he was about to make reply his eye +fell upon Betty, who confronted him across the table with parted lips +and large, beseeching eyes so full of entreaty that he changed the words +almost upon his lips. + +"It is a delicate question, my son," he said gravely, "and one I would +rather not discuss at the present moment. More especially"--and a +half-quizzical smile lit up his grave but kindly face as he turned +toward Miss Moppet and gently pinched her little ear,--"more especially +as the gentleman has taken the law in his own hands and escaped from +Wolcott Manor despite the fact that as it is the residence of a +Continental officer and the sheriff of Litchfield County it might be +supposed to have exceptional reasons for detaining him. Captain Seymour, +I will be glad to sign the papers of which General Putnam has need, and +we will go at once to my library, for you must be off by noon." + +Some two hours later, as Betty sat watching in her chamber window, she +saw the horses led around to the front door, and shortly after knew from +the sounds below that Pamela and Dolly wore bidding the young officers +good-by; so, waiting until the sound of their horses' feet had died +away in the distance, Betty, with outward composure but much inward +dismay, tripped softly downstairs and knocked at the door of the +library. + +"Pray Heaven he be alone," she sighed as she heard her father's voice +bid her enter, and then she crossed the threshold and confronted him. + +"Father," she said, steadying herself by one small hand pressed downward +on the table behind which he sat, "I--that is--I have something to tell +you." + +General Wolcott raised his head from the paper which he had been +carefully reading and looked kindly at her. + +"What is it, my child?" he asked reassuringly, motioning her to a chair. +"I thought at breakfast that you had the air of being in distress." + +"Nay, I am hardly that," replied Betty, clinging to the table, "except +so far as I may have incurred your censure, though I hope not your +displeasure. Father, Oliver has told you of the escape of Captain Yorke, +which causes him much chagrin and anger. Blame no one but me, for I +myself released him." + +"You!" exclaimed General Wolcott. + +"Yes, I," said Betty, growing paler. "If you had but been here or I +known that you were so near us, there had been no such need for haste, +and I would have been spared this confession." + +"How did you arrange the escape?" said her father quietly. + +"It was this way," faltered Betty, but gaining courage as she proceeded. +"Oliver would not listen, though I begged and plead with him to delay +until your arrival. He was so eager to deliver his captive to General +Putnam that I made no impression. Father, the Englishman had saved our +Moppet's life at the risk of his own; _he_ did not pause to ask whether +she was friend or foe when he rushed to her rescue--could we he less +humane? I do not know what they do to prisoners,"--and Betty strangled a +swift sob,--"but I could not bear to think of a gallant gentleman, be he +British or American, confined in a prison, and so I resolved I would +assist his escape. I waited until midnight, and then I spoke to him +through the aperture in the great chimney and instructed him how to +climb up through it by the pegs Reuben had left there, and I stole to +the garret and waited until he came. Ruben did not see me pass the door +of the north chamber, for he was asleep (do not tell this to Oliver, as +it might bring reproof upon poor Reuben, who was too weary to be of much +service as a sentinel), and I brought Captain Yorke safely down the +stairs which lead from the garret to the buttery. Once there, all was +easy; I opened the door, and--and--I even offered him the mare, father, +I was in such fear of his recapture; but he stoutly refused to take her. +This is all. If I am a traitor, dear father, punish me as I deserve, but +never think me disloyal to you or to my country." + +There was a pause, as Betty's sweet, passionate tones ceased; she stood +with head thrown back, but downcast eyes, as fair a picture us ever +greeted father's eye. + +"A loyal traitor, Betty," said General Wolcott slowly; "and I think that +it were well I should look after the condition of my chimneys." + +Scarcely daring to believe her ears, Betty looked up, and in another +second she had thrown her arms around her father's neck, sobbing softly +as he caressed her. + +"'Twas a daring, mad scheme, my child," said General Wolcott, his own +eyes not quite guiltless of moisture; "but bravely carried out; and +looking at the matter much as you do, I cannot find it in my heart to +censure you. Captain Yorke is doubtless a manly foe, and of such I have +no fear. It shall be our secret, yours and mine, Betty; we will not even +tell Oliver just now, else it might make sore feeling between you. For +Oliver was right, and"--smiling kindly, "so were you. Everything depends +upon the point of view, my daughter; but let me beg you never to try +your hand again to assist the escape of a British officer, or it might +cost me the friendship of General Washington." + +"Father, dear father!" cried Betty, overjoyed to find judgment so +lenient accorded her, "I crave your pardon; 'twas alone for Moppet's +sake." + +"Aye," said General Wolcott, and then paused a brief second, for his +wife's death, had been the forfeit paid for Moppet's birth, and this was +one reason why the child had become the family idol. "Now run away, for +I must close these papers in time for Oliver, who rides dispatch to Fort +Trumbull to-night. And, Betty," as she stood glowing and smiling before +him "my child, you grow more like your mother every day." and with a +hasty movement General Wolcott turned away to conceal his emotion, as +Betty went quickly from the room. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +BY COURIER POST + + +It had been a wild night, find the morning wind sobbed and sighed +through the elms, which, denuded of their leaves, stood out tall and +bare against the leaden sky, and there was a chill in the air that might +betoken snow. Pamela Wolcott stood in the sitting-room window and sighed +softly, as she gazed out at the November landscape, letting her fingers +beat soft tattoo against the lozenge-shaped pane. + +"Pamela," said Betty from the depths of a big chair, where she sat +busily knitting a little stocking whose proportions suggested Miss +Moppet, "I wish you would stop that devil's march. Believe me, you had +much better come and talk to me, and so drive away the vapors, rather +than stand there and worry over the whereabouts of Josiah." + +"It will take more than that to drive away the thoughts I cannot help," +said Pamela, coming back from the window and seating herself on the +wide settle, for Pamela was somewhat given to seeking the warmest +corner, and dreaded a New England winter. "It is full time I had some +intelligence, for Josiah promised that he would take advantage of any +courier who started for New London to dispatch me a letter, and you know +that father had news two days since from Morristown, but nothing came +for me. Betty, I am sore afraid of evil tidings." + +"You are ever faint-hearted," said Betty, glancing compassionately at +her sister. + +"And I dreamed last night of a wedding," went on Pamela, "and that, you +know, is an evil sign." + +"Best not let Aunt Euphemia hear you," Replied Betty, with a smile. "You +have been consulting Chloe, I am sure, as to the portents of dreams. +Fie, Pamela; Josiah is strong and well, and there is not likely to be a +movement of the troops just now, father says, so why worry? I am anxious +because we hear nothing of Clarissa, and I think Aunt Euphemia is the +same, for I heard her talking and sighing last night when Miss Bidwell +carried up the night light. Dear Clarissa, how I wish I could see her +again; I wonder if she be quite, quite happy shut up in New York among +the Tories." + +"No doubt; though when she married Gulian Verplanck we had little +thought of the occupation of New York by the British. Do you recollect +how pretty she looked on her wedding-day, Betty, and the little caps you +and I wore,--mine with a knot of blue, and yours of rose-color? I found +that ribbon one day last week, tucked away in a little box. Have you +kept yours?" + +"No," returned Betty, with a sudden blush and a quick, half-guilty throb +of her heart, as she remembered in whose hand she had last seen that +same bow of rose-color; "that is, I had it until last summer, when--I +lost it." And Betty dropped two stitches in her confusion, which +fortunately Pamela was too much engrossed in her own thoughts to notice. + +"It is five years last May," said Pamela. "You and I were tiny things of +ten and eleven years, and Oliver strutted about grand and dignified in a +new coat. The first wedding in our family--I wonder whose be the next?" + +"Yours, of course." said Betty quickly. "That is if you and Josiah can +ever make up your minds. I will not be like you, Pamela, trust me, when +my turn comes I'll know full well whether I will or I won't." And Betty +tossed her saucy head with a mischievous laugh as there came a rap on +the front door which caused both girls to start up and fly to the +window. + +"Why, 'tis Sally Tracy," cried Betty. "I did not know she had returned +from her visit to Lebanon." And she ran rapidly along the hall, and +opening the door, embraced her friend with all a girl's enthusiasm. + +"Welcome, Sally," said Pamela, as the pair came hand in hand towards +her, "Betty has been moping ever since you left, and had a desperate fit +of industry from sheer loneliness. I really believe she has made a +stocking and a half for Moppet--or was it a pair, Betty?" + +"The second pair, if you please," retorted Betty, rejoiced to see Pamela +smile, even if at her own expense; "and Miss Bidwell says they are every +bit as fine as yours." + +"They may well be that," said Pamela, whose pet detestation was the +manufacture of woolen stockings (then considered one of the component +parts of a girl's education in New England). "But Sally is such a +marvelous knitter that she will no doubt rejoice at your success. Had +you as severe weather in Lebanon as this? I am fearful that we will have +a hard winter, the cold has set in so early." + +"They have had one flurry of snow already," Sally answered, "but not so +much wind as we of Litchfield rejoice in. But I had a merry visit and +saw much company. Dolly bemoaned daily that you could not come, Pamela." + +"I am to go later, after or about the day set apart for Thanksgiving. +But you and Betty have much to say to each other, and I will not +interrupt you; Miss Bidwell has something for me to do, I'll warrant; +so, farewell for the present, Sally." And Pamela left the room. + +"Come, sit beside me on the settle," said Betty, putting Sally in the +warmest seat. "Your fingers are cold, and the room is not yet +sufficiently warm. Well,"--with a significant smile,--"what have you to +tell me?" + +"Not what you think," with a smiling nod, "for Francis Plunkett is far +too pressing for my taste,'' answered Sally. + +"Ha, ha," quoth Betty, much amused, "is that the way you take it? Then I +foresee that Francis will win for his much speaking." + +"Indeed he will not; I teased him well the last evening, and he dare not +resume the subject for a while at least." + +"Then there is some one else," said Betty. "Can it be that Oliver"-- + +"Oh, no," cried Sally hastily; "Oliver has not such an idea, believe me, +Betty." + +"How can you answer for him?" retorted Betty, laughing. "But your tone +answers for yourself, so I must guess again. I think I have heard +something of a handsome young lawyer from Branford"-- + +"Fie!" cried Sally, in her turn averting her face quickly, but not +before Betty had perceived her heightened color, "I have but met him +three times, and there are plenty of other personable men as well as he, +for while one stops with Dolly the officers from Fort Trumbull are ever +coming and going, you know." + +"Ah, Sally, you are growing giddy, I fear," continued Betty with comical +pretense of solemnity. "I think it behooves me to caution you." + +"Caution me, indeed!" laughed Sally. "Wait until we both go, as we all +are invited to Hartford with Dolly this winter when the Assembly meets, +and then see if you be not fully as giddy as I am." + +"I do not believe that I can go to Hartford, Sally; you know Pamela is +more Dolly's friend than mine, and I think she needs some diversion, for +ever since Josiah had his commission and joined the Continental army, +she has nearly moped herself to death. And Pamela is like my mother, not +very strong; I can see that Aunt Euphemia is somewhat troubled about her +even now, so perhaps our fine schemes for a trip to Hartford may have to +be given up, at least so far as my going is concerned." + +Sally's face fell; the visit to Hartford had been so long talked of, and +Betty's presence so much desired, that this was a dash of the coldest +possible water. + +"Oh, Betty, how truly sorry I shall be. But let us hope for the best. It +will be a sad breaking up of all my plans for the winter if you cannot +come. I was also to stop at Fairfield with Mrs. Sherman, but since the +raid of last summer her health has been so shattered that all thoughts +of visitors have to be abandoned, and therefore I was counting upon our +merry visit to Dolly as compensation." + +Sally looked so melancholy at this point that Betty took her hand and +was about to take a rather more hopeful view of things, but the words +died on her lips as the clatter of a horse's feet was heard outside, and +both girls ran to the window in time to see the rider draw rein at the +south door of the mansion and dismount in apparent haste. + +"It is some dispatch," said Betty breathlessly. "Did you not see the bag +he carried at the saddle? And there is my father--oh, Sally, I wonder if +there be news from General Washington and the army?" and struck by the +sudden fear of ill-tidings the girls ran hastily from the room. + +In the wide hall stood Miss Bidwell, and beside her the stranger, +saddle-bag in hand, as Miss Euphemia emerged from the dining-room, +whence General Wolcott had preceded her. + +"From the commander-in-chief, general," said the courier, touching his +battered hat in salute, "and special dispatches from General Steuben. +Also this private packet, which was lying waiting at King's Bridge Inn; +I have been four days on the road, owing to my horse having lamed +himself when near Chatham, and I could not make time on the nag which +stands at your door." + +"King's Bridge," murmured Miss Euphemia; "then there is news of +Clarissa. Brother, have I your permission?"--as General Wolcott gave the +small packet into her hand. + +"Break the seals," said the general briefly, "and bring me the letters +presently to my study. See that the horse and man be well taken care of; +I may have to dispatch instant answer to these," and he went quickly +down the hall, closing the door behind him. + +With fingers that trembled somewhat, Miss Euphemia opened the cover, and +disclosed three letters to the eager eyes of the girls, who stood +breathless beside her. + +"One for your father (it is Gulian Verplanck's hand), this for me, from +Clarissa, and the smaller one for you, Betty; let us go into the +sitting-room and read ours together." + +"None for me?" said Pamela's despairing voice, with a sob treading on +the words; "oh, I fear me some evil has befallen Josiah." + +"No, no," whispered Betty, stealing her hand lovingly into her sister's, +as she pulled her gently into the room; "father has the dispatches; +these are but the long-looked-for letters from New York, Pamela, and +I'll wager there is something from Josiah among father's packets. Let us +see what my letter says," and Betty, having seated Pamela and Sally on +the settle, placed herself on a convenient cricket, and broke the seal +of her letter. But before her eyes had time to see more than "Dearest +Betty," she was interrupted by a sudden exclamation from her aunt. + +"Clarissa has been at death's door," cried Miss Euphemia, startled out +of her usual composure. "I knew this long silence boded no good. Listen, +I will read it," and the three girls gathered round her chair at once. + +"Dear and Honored Aunt" (ran the letter), "I take up my pen, after many +days of pain and dire distress, to send loving greetings to you, my +Beloved father, and my dear sisters. For the hand of death was nearly +upon me; thank God that I am still preserved to my dear Husband and to +you. + +"It was a very malignant and severe attack of Fever, and Gulian procured +the services of no less than three Physicians, as for days I laid +unconscious. My little baby died at two hours old, and I never saw him. +Alas, how I have suffered! I am now very weak, altho' able to be dressed +and sit up each day. This is my first letter; and I pine so sorely for +you, my dear ones, that my dear Husband permits me to write, and begs +with me that you will permit one of my sisters to come to me and cheer +my heart"-- + +"Come to her! Good lack!" cried impetuous Betty, interrupting the +reader, "how is one to go when the British are in occupation?"-- + +"How, indeed," sighed Miss Euphemia; "but perhaps the letter will tell," +and she resumed her reading, after wiping her eyes softly. "Where was +I?--oh"-- + +"Father will no doubt be able to procure a pass from General Washington, +which will admit the bearer into the City, and Gulian will himself be +ready when you advise us, and will await you at King's Bridge Inn. Dear +Aunt, send me some one soon, and let me see a dear home face, else I +shall die of grief and homesickness, far from my own people. + +"Your loving and obedient niece, + +"CLARISSA VERPLANCK." + +By this time Pamela was sobbing aloud, and tears flowed down Miss +Euphemia's cheeks, but Betty sprang to her feet with a little impatient +stamp, crying,-- + +"Aunt, aunt, which of us shall go? Pamela, you are a gentle and charming +nurse; shall it be you?" + +"I!" sighed Pamela; "oh, I would go to the world's end for Clarissa." + +"But this is to go to New York," cried Betty, with unconscious irony; +"and as we can neither of us go alone, why could not my father arrange +for one of us to accompany Mrs. Seymour, who leaves shortly to be near +her brother for the winter? Did you not tell me, Sally, that she was +going to New York?" + +"Yes," answered Sally Tracy, "she has been making all manner of +preparations, for, as you know, her brother is imprisoned in the city; +and since her acceptance of the pleasure coach from the Mayor of New +York (which he presented her with when he was released from Litchfield +gaol), she has been pining to go to him. And, beside, she travels in her +coach as far as possible; and my mother said last night that General +Washington was to send her safe-conduct through our lines to the city." + +"We must first consult your father," said Miss Euphemia gravely, much +upset by the suggestion of making up her mind to do anything in haste, +for she was a very deliberate person, and despised hurried decisions. "I +will find him as soon as he has finished the dispatches, and, moreover, +this letter to him from Gulian may have directions. I incline to think +that you, Betty, will be the one to go. Pamela can scarce bear the +journey in this weather," and gathering her papers carefully in her +hand, Miss Euphemia left the room, and the girls gazed blankly at each +other with startled eyes and throbbing hearts. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER + + +"It was all decided last night," said Betty, tucking her little feet +carefully under her gown and clasping her knees with her hands to keep +them warm, as she sat in Moppet's chair, which stood close by the fire, +where a log burned and crackled in the big chimney--a most unusual +luxury for those days, and granted only to Moppet's youth and slight +delicacy of constitution. "Father found the pass from General Washington +among his dispatches brought by the courier; and as it includes Mrs. +Seymour's maid, he arranged with her that I go instead, as Mrs. Seymour +kindly says she can procure another attendant in New York. I can scarce +believe it possible, Sally. Oh, fancy my having to live in a city +occupied by the British!" + +"Ah," sighed Miss Moppet, pressing her head against Betty's knee, and a +spark of interest lighting up her doleful little face, "if only some of +them be like my good"-- + +"Oh, some of the Tories may be passably amusing," said Betty hastily, +giving Moppet a warning glance, as she checked the words on the child's +lips by a soft touch of her hand. "I doubt not that Gulian, my +brother-in-law, has fine qualities, else Clarissa had not been so fond +of him as to leave us all and go so far from us. But I trust that even +Gulian may not see fit to talk loyalist to me; my naughty tongue would +get me into trouble straightway." + +"You must learn to control your tongue, Betty," said Moppet primly, with +a roguish twinkle of her eyes upward. "Miss Bidwell says mine is an +unruly member, and told me a most dire tale of a little girl whose +mother for punishment pricked her tongue with a hot bodkin." + +"Ugh!" cried Sally, with a shudder, "that was in Puritan days, truly." + +"I do not crave the hot bodkin," said Betty, laughing. "Miss Bidwell's +tales are a trifle gruesome, Moppet." + +"But I always do love a flimming tale, Betty" (this was Moppet's +invariable rendering of the word "thrilling," which her lips had never +yet conquered), "and some of them are most bloody ones, I assure you. +Oh, Betty, Betty, what _shall_ I do when you are gone!" and with a +sudden realization of her loss, Moppet gave a quick sob which went to +Betty's heart. + +"Nay, sweetheart, be a brave little maid," she answered, fighting a +small lump in her own throat. "I would I could take you with me; but as +I cannot, you must hasten to learn how to make better pot-hooks and +write me letters, which Aunt Euphemia will forward with hers. And, +Moppet, I think I shall give you in special charge to Sally; how will +that please you?" + +"I love Sally," said the child simply, as the tender-hearted Sally knelt +down beside her. "Will you help console me with my primer and that +altogether dreadful sampler when my Betty is away?" + +"Indeed will I," replied Sally, much amused with Moppet's view of the +sampler; "and you shall come and see me every fine day, and the wet ones +I am sure to be here with Pamela, who has proclaimed her intention of +adopting me when Betty goes. And now I must be going, for it is nearly +the dinner hour, and my mother says as I have dined here three days she +bespeaks my presence for one out of four. So farewell until to-morrow, +Betty, when I shall be here to see you start upon your travels." + +Betty was busy enough all that day; indeed, nothing more than a confused +recollection remained with her afterward of trunk and two small boxes to +be packed; of Pamela's urging her acceptance of a new lute-string slip, +rose-colored, which had recently come to her from Boston; of Miss +Bidwell's innumerable stockings all tucked carefully away in one corner +of the hair-covered brass-nailed box, and even Miss Moppet's tenderly +cherished blue bag embroidered in steel beads, which had belonged to +their mother, but which Moppet insisted could be used by Betty with +great effect for her handkerchief at a ball. + +"Ball, indeed," sighed Betty, whose brave heart was beginning to quail +at thought of an untold length of separation from her beloved family. "I +should think the hearts of the patriots imprisoned in New York would +scarce be occupied with balls in such times as these." + +"You mistake," said Pamela, who, truth to tell, half longed for Betty's +opportunities, for was not her sister going somewhere near Josiah's +post? "I am sure Clarissa's letter which you read me bade you bring all +your best gowns and finery, and we have all heard how gay the army of +occupation make the city." + +"Aye, to those who are Tories," said Betty, with curling red lips, "but +for me--oh, Miss Bidwell, if you put in another pair of stockings I +shall require as many feet as a centipede, who I read has hundreds of +them." + +"Hundreds of feet?" echoed Miss Moppet. "Oh, Betty, do I live to hear +you tell a fairy tale as if it were real?" + +"Read your primer, and you will learn many wonderful things," quoth +Betty, snatching up the child in her arms. "I shall take you straightway +to bed, for we must be up betimes in the morning, you know." + +Very carefully and tenderly did Betty bathe Moppet's sweet little face, +comb and smooth the pretty curling hair, so like her own save in color, +and then run the brass warming-pan, heated by live coals, through the +sheets lest her tender body suffer even a slight chill. And when Moppet +was safely lodged in bed Betty sat down beside her to hold her hand +until she dropped asleep. But between excitement and grief the child's +eyes would not close, and she asked question after question, until Betty +finally announced she should answer no more. + +Moppet lay still for some moments, and just as Betty was beginning to +fancy that the long, dark eyelashes worn curling downward in sleepy +comfort the dark blue eyes opened, and a dancing imp of mischief gleamed +from their depths in Betty's face. + +"When you meet Captain Yorke, Betty," whispered Moppet, "be sure you +tell him how Oliver and Josiah hunted and hunted that morning, and how I +never, never told"-- + +"Moppet," said Betty, turning a vivid pink in the firelight, "how can +you!"-- + +"Yes," pursued Moppet relentlessly, "and you give him my love--heaps of +it--and I just hope he may never get taken a prisoner during the whole +war again." + +"Go to sleep, dear," answered Betty, biting her lip; but her cheeks did +not grow cool until long after the soft, regular breathing told that her +little sister had gone into the land of dreams. + +The Wolcott household was up early that cold winter morning, when Mrs. +Seymour's coach, with its pair of sturdy, strong gray horses, drew up at +the front door. It took some twenty minutes to bestow Betty's trunk and +boxes on the rumble behind, during which time Mrs. Seymour alighted and +received all manner of charges and advice from Miss Euphemia, who, now +that Betty was fairly on the wing, felt much sinking of heart over her +departure. Mrs. Seymour, a pretty young matron, whose natural gayety of +spirit was only subdued by the anxiety she was suffering in regard to +her only brother, now a prisoner in New York (and for whose exchange she +was bringing great influence to bear in all directions), listened with +much outward deference and inward impatience to the stately dame, and +turned with an air of relief to General Wolcott when he announced that +all was ready for their departure, and with much courtliness offered his +hand to conduct her to her coach. + +"That you will take the best care of my daughter I am assured, madam," +said the gallant gentleman. "It is our great good fortune to have found +this opportunity and your kind escort, for owing to the shortness of +time I have not been able to notify my son-in-law of Betty's coming. But +as you are going into the city yourself, I depend upon you to keep her +with you until you can place her safely in Gulian Verplanck's hands. I +trust that you have General Washington's pass close by you? It is quite +possible that you may need it even before you reach White Plains; there +are many marauding parties who infest the country beyond us." + +"It is here, general," replied Mrs. Seymour, touching the breast of her +gown. "I thought it well to carry it about my person, as I am told that +even the Hessians respect General Washington's safe-conduct to enter New +York." + +Betty, with crimson cheeks, but brave smiling eyes, threw her arms +fondly around Miss Euphemia, Pamela, Sally, and Miss Bidwell, all in +turn, but Moppet's soft cry as she buried her face in her hands made her +lip quiver, and as she bent her head for her father's farewell, a +reluctant tear forced itself down her cheek. + +"The God of our fathers be with you, my daughter," he said, taking her +in his arms; "my love and blessing to Clarissa and her husband. Remain +with them until I find safe opportunity to have you return to us; advise +us often of your health and, I trust, continued well-being; keep a brave +heart as befits your name and lineage; fare you well, fare you well!" + +Betty sank back trembling into her seat beside Mrs. Seymour, the door +was closed, and as the coach rolled off she caught a parting glimpse of +Miss Moppet lifted high in General Wolcott's arms, kissing her hand +fondly as she waved good-by. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +INSIDE BRITISH LINES + + +"Drat that knocker!" said Peter Provoost. + +The house stood on Wall Street, and to the fact that it like a few +others has been built of brick, it owed its escape from the fire which +ravaged, the city in 1776, the fire which also destroyed old Trinity +Church, leaving the unsightly ruin standing for some years in what was +aristocratic New York of the period. It was a square, +comfortable-looking mansion, with the Dutch _stoep_ in front, and the +half-arch of small-paned glass above the front door, which was painted +white and bore a massive brass knocker. That same knocker was a source +of much irritation to Peter Provoost; for although he was of fair size +for his thirteen years, he could barely reach it when mounted on the +very tips of his toes, and even then never dared touch its shining +surface unless his fingers were clean--a desirable state of neatness +which, alas! did not often adorn the luckless Peter. For though tidy and +careful enough when appearing before his guardians, Mr. and Mrs. +Verplanck, it must be confessed that going to and from school Peter was +prone to lay down both books and hat, oftentimes in the mud, and square +himself pugnaciously if he chanced to meet one of the boys of the "Vly +Market," who were wont to scoff and tease the Broadway boys +unmercifully; and fierce battles were the frequent outcome of the +feeling between the two sections, and in those Peter invariably took +part. + +The family was a small one, and consisted of Gulian Verplanck and his +wife, his grandmother, Mrs. Effingham, a lovely old Quakeress, and +Peter, who, having lost both parents at an early age, had remained in +Albany with his other guardian, Mr. Abram Lansing, until some six months +before, when it was decided that he should go to New York and be under +the Verplanck eye; and although Peter had rebelled much against the plan +in the first place, he found himself much happier under Clarissa's +gentle rule, and positively adored her in consequence. The only lion in +Peter's path at present was the strong Tory proclivity of the head of +the house; and although he had been warned by his Albany friends to be +prudent and respectful, the boy had inherited a sturdy patriotism which +burned all the more hotly for its repression. + +On this cold December afternoon Peter stood, books in hand, and surveyed +that aggravating knocker from his stand on the sidewalk. He was +painfully conscious that his feet were muddy, and his chubby fingers +certainly needed soap and water; it was Friday, and Pompey, one of the +black servants, had evidently been scrubbing the front steps. Therefore +Peter debated whether it would be wiser to skirt around the mansion and +gain entrance by the area steps, where no doubt he would encounter +Dinah, the cook (who objected to invasions of unclean shoes), or boldly +ascend the front steps, struggle with that balefully glittering knocker, +and trust to Pompey's somewhat dim eyes to escape remonstrance before he +could gain his own room and make himself presentable. The chances of a +scolding seemed pretty equally balanced to Peter, and he heaved a deep +sigh and put his foot on the first immaculate step before him as a hand +fell on his shoulder and a merry voice said behind him:-- + +"What in the world are you pondering, Peter? I have watched you since I +turned the corner of Broadway, and truly for once have seen you stand +absolutely still. In some scrape with the Vly boys, I'll warrant; do you +wish me to come in and plead for you?" and Kitty Cruger tripped lightly +up the steps as she beckoned Peter to follow. + +"Now you have done it--not I!" said Peter, with a mischievous chuckle, +as he tore up after her. + +"Done what?" asked mystified Kitty. She and Peter were fast friends. + +"Muddied the clean steps," quoth Peter with gleeful brevity. + +"Have I?" glancing down carelessly until she saw each dainty footprint +plainly depicted on the white marble, side by side with Peter's heavier +tracks. "Oh, what a shame," reaching up successfully to the brass +knocker; "but I am sure Pompey will forgive me, and you can"--stopping +short as the door opened and Pompey himself stood bowing low in the +hall. + +"Good-day, missy," said he, for Kitty Cruger was a frequent and welcome +visitor at the Verplancks'. "Miss Clarissa is pretty well to-day, thank +you, and ole madam is in the drawing-room--Law!" catching sight of +Peter, who was skillfully slipping down the hall in Kitty's wake. "Dat +you, Massa Peter? Reckon you better hurry, for it's mos' time for +dinner, sah." + +But Peter, with great discretion, paused not for reply as he vanished up +a back stair-case and reached his own chamber, panting but triumphant. + +"Good-day, dear grandma," said Kitty, crossing the hall as Pompey held +open the door of the drawing-room; "I was detained by reason of the +sewing-bee at the Morrises', and have barely time to see you and ask for +Clarissa." + +"How does thee do?" said Grandma Effingham, drawing her little drab +shawl more closely around her shapely shoulders as she laid down her +knitting. "I am pleased to see thee. Clarissa is somewhat stronger +to-day; thee knows she has been more like her old self since Gulian +dispatched the letters asking that one of her sisters be allowed to come +to her. The poor child pines for a home face; it is natural; thee sees +she has been long absent from her people." + +"Surely it is almost time to get some reply," said Kitty, as she kissed +the dear old Quakeress, for Kitty was one of Mrs. Effingham's +grandchildren, although her mother had been read out of meeting for +having married one of the "world's people." "I doubt that Clarissa will +shortly begin to worry and grow ill again unless kind Providence sends +some tidings." + +"Nay, nay," said grandma gently. "If thee had half Clarissa's patience +it would be thy gain, Kitty." + +Grandma was such a quaint, pretty picture, as she sat in her +straight-backed chair, with her Quaker cap and steel-gray silk gown, her +sleeves elbow-cut, displaying still plump and rounded arms (although she +was nearly seventy), and her smooth white fingers flew rapidly in and +out of the blue yarn as she resumed her knitting of Peter's stocking. +Peter was rather a godsend to grandma in the matter of stockings; no +wool that was ever carded could resist his vigorous onslaughts, and it +kept grandma busy all her spare moments to supply his restless feet with +warm covering. + +"Patience," echoed Kitty, with a comical sigh. "Nay, grandma, give me a +few more years without it." + +"Fie," said grandma, gazing at the bright face with her indulgent eye; +"eighteen is full late to begin to learn to conform to thy elders. I was +married and the twins were born at thy age, Kitty." + +"Good lack," quoth Kitty. "Where are the men nowadays, grandma? Save for +the redcoats, and I am not so daft over Sir Henry Clinton's gay officers +as some--no doubt't is my Quaker blood--except for the officers, where +are our gallants? Some of mine are up the Hudson beyond the neutral +ground, others with the rebels at Morristown." + +"Hush," said grandma, with an uneasy glance toward the door; "do not +talk of rebels in this house; hadn't thee better run up and see +Clarissa?" + +"If Miss Kitty pleases," spoke the voice of Pompey at the door, "will +she walk upstairs? Young madam wants to see her." + +"Coming," said Kitty, kissing grandma fondly, and then following Pompey +as he marched gravely up to open the door of Mrs. Verplanck's +morning-room. It was a tiny apartment; for when Gulian Verplanck brought +his young bride home he had added a room to the wing below, and as it +greatly enlarged their bedroom, the happy idea had struck him to throw +up a partition, corner-ways, which formed an irregularly shaped room +opening on the passage, and gave Clarissa her own cherished den in that +great house of square rooms and high ceilings. In it she had placed all +her home belongings; her spinnet, which had been her mother's (brought +by sloop to New York from New Haven), found the largest space there, and +her grandmother's small spinning-wheel was in the corner near the +chimney-piece which Gulian had contrived to have put in lest his +delicate wife might suffer with cold. + +Near the small log which blazed brightly on the hearth, in a low chair +made somewhat easy with cushions, sat a fair, fragile-looking, girlish +figure, in whose mournful dark eyes was something so pathetic that it +suggested the old-time prophecy that such "die young." Clarissa +Verplanck in that resembled none of her family, and the one reason for +her father's and aunt's anxiety about her was that she was thought the +image of a sister of her mother who fulfilled the prophecy. Be that as +it may, Clarissa was anything but a mournful person in general; her +spirits were somewhat prone to outrun her physical strength, and +therefore her sad little appeal for one of her sisters to cheer her had +come in the light of a demand to the Litchfield home, and alarmed them +more than anything else could have done. + +"Kitty, Kitty," said Clarissa, holding out a welcoming hand to her +visitor, who seated herself on a cricket beside her, "why have you not +been in this four days? I am truly glad to see you, for ever since +Gulian and I dispatched our letters to my father I have been so cross +and impatient that I fear my good husband is beginning to tire of his +bargain, and lament a peevish wife." + +"Heaven forgive you for the slander," retorted Kitty, laughing; "if ever +there was a husband who adored the ground you walk on, Gulian is"-- + +"Thank you," said a quiet voice, as a tall dark man entered from the +bedroom. + +"Let me finish my sentence--Gulian is that benighted swain," burst in +Kitty. + +"Again, my thanks," answered Gillian gravely. To none but Clarissa was +he ever seen to relax his serious manner; perhaps hers were the only +eyes who saw the tenderness behind the stern, reserved exterior. He +really liked his cousin; but although Kitty was not, like most people, +afraid of him, it must be confessed that he wearied her, and she much +preferred to have her gossip with Clarissa, when Gulian was safely out +of the house. + +"And now tell me about the letters," pursued Kitty. "You sent for your +sister, grandma told me. Which one, Clarissa?" + +"Indeed, I do not know; I left the choice to my father, but I think--I +hope it may be Betty. I only wish I might have Moppet as well," and the +quickly checked sigh told Gulian's keen ears what the unuttered thought +had been. + +"Betty--let me see--is that the sister next yourself?" + +"Oh, no; the sister next to me in age died in infancy. Then comes +Oliver, and then Pamela, who is seventeen now, and next my Betty. How I +wonder if the girls have changed; five years makes a long gap, you know, +and even my imagination can scarce fill it. Do you fancy we will hear +soon, Gulian?" + +"I cannot tell," he said gently, thinking how often he had sought reply +to the same question in the past week, and longing tenderly to give her +the expected pleasure. + +"It may be that General Wolcott may find some chance opportunity to +send his daughter at once, in which event you know there would scarce be +time to hear before she would reach us." + +"Oh, Gulian," cried Clarissa, clasping her hands, as a faint pink glow +lit her pale face, "you did not say that before. If it were only +possible"-- + +"Why not?" said Kitty encouragingly. + +"But, Gulian, you said in the letter that you would await my sister at +King's Bridge Inn. Surely you cannot go there and stop, waiting at the +Inn for days?" + +"I can ride out to-morrow, and, in fact, I hastened through some +business at the wharf to-day which enabled me to have the day free. I +can easily go to King's Bridge and inquire at the Inn for dispatches; +you will not mind my being absent all day? Perhaps Kitty will come and +bear you company while I am gone?" + +"Right gladly," replied Kitty; "will you ride alone, Gulian?" + +"I might, easily," said Gulian; "but when I procured a pass from Sir +Henry Clinton yesterday (it is an eight days' pass, Clarissa) I found +that Captain Yorke goes to-morrow to the neutral ground to inspect +troops, and I think I shall take advantage of his company." + +"I am glad of that," said Clarissa, putting her slender hand in Gulian's +and looking with grateful eyes up at him, as he stood beside her chair. +"Is he the aide-de-camp you told me of, Gulian, for whom you had taken a +liking?" + +"The same; a fine, manly fellow, the second son of Lord Herbert Yorke, +one of my father's old friends in England. You were dancing with him at +the De Lanceys' 'small and early,' were you not, Kitty, last week?" + +"Yes," said Kitty, with a quick nod and a half frown, "he has the usual +airs and graces of a newly arrived officer from the mother-country." + +"Perhaps you find the colonists more to your mind," responded Gulian +somewhat severely; but Clarissa gave his sleeve a warning twitch, as +Kitty made answer with heightened color:-- + +"My own countrymen are ever first with me, as you know full well, +Gulian, but one must dance sometimes to keep up one's heart in those +times, and Captain Yorke has a passably good step which suits with +mine." + +What Gulian would have replied to this was never known, for at that +moment an outcry arose in the hall, followed by the bump, bump of some +heavy body rolling down the staircase, and Peter's boyish voice shouting +out, between gasps of laughter,-- + +"Pompey, Pompey, I say!--it's nobody but me; oh, what a proper old goose +it is; do, somebody come and thrash him." + +In a second Gulian and Kitty were outside the door, and beheld at the +foot of the winding stairs poor Pompey, picking himself up, with many +groans and much rubbing of his shins, while Peter, rolling himself +nearly double with laughter, stood midway of the flight, with a queer +object in his hand which Gulian seized hastily. + +"It's only a gourd," gasped Peter between paroxysms. "I kept it in my +closet for a week, and half an hour ago I stole a bit of wick out of +Dinah's pantry and dipped it well in melted tallow, and than stuck it +inside, when, as you see, having carved out two eyes and a slit for the +nose, it looks somewhat ghastly when the light comes forth." + +"It's a debbil, debbil," cried Pompey. "Massa Peter sent me to find his +skates, and dat awful face"--Pompey's teeth chattered, and Peter went +off in a fresh burst of laughter. + +"It soured him properly, Uncle Gulian; and though I ran after him and +shook it (it only looks gruesome in the dark, you know) he never +stopped, and he stumbled on the first step, and then he rolled--My! how +he did bump"--and naughty Peter sat down on the stalls and held his +sides for very merriment. + +"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," said Gulian sternly, to whom +practical jokes were an utter abomination, "and you deserve to be well +punished. Pompey, stop groaning, and inform me at once whether you have +sustained any injury by your fall." + +"Law, Massa Gulian, you tink falling down dat stair gwine to hurt dis +chile?" began Pompey, who entertained a warm affection for the +mischievous Peter and dreaded nothing so much as a scolding from his +master. "Dose stairs don't 'mount to nuffin; ef it had been de area +steps dey moughten be dangerous. Massa knows boys mus' have dey fun: +please 'cuse me for makin' such a bobbery." + +"Well, I did it," said Peter sturdily, instantly sobered by the +expression of his uncle's face, and his generous heart touched with +Pompey's defense of his prank, "and nobody helped me, so let's have the +whipping right off before dinner, please, Uncle Gulian, and then I can +eat in peace--even if I am a trifle sore," wound up the sinner ruefully. + +Gulian Verplanck's sense of humor was not keen, but the situation was +too much for him, and a queer, grim smile lit up his eyes, as he said +slowly:-- + +"As Pompey seems more frightened than hurt, and has interceded for you, +I shall not punish you this time, Peter; but recollect that the very +first occasion after this that you see fit to practice a joke on any +member of my household, your skates will be confiscated for the +remainder of the winter," and with a warning glance he followed Kitty +back into his wife's room, leaving Pompey on the staircase, still +rubbing his bruised shins, while the irrepressible Peter indulged once +more in a convulsion of silent laughter which bent him double and +threatened to burst every button off his tightly fitting jacket. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +BETTY'S JOURNEY + + +Mrs. Seymour, having had the advantage of some weeks to form her plans, +had carefully arranged everything for her own comfort, so far as was +possible, and Betty Wolcott, after the first pang of parting was over, +began to enjoy the novelty of the journey most thoroughly. Except for a +few days spent at Lebanon, Betty had never been from home in her life, +and being, as we have seen, a bit of a philosopher in her own quaint +fashion, after the first day spent in Mrs. Seymour's cheerful society +she found herself much less homesick than she had expected. To begin +with, the coach was, for those times, very comfortable. It was +English-built, and had been provided with capacious pockets in +unexpected places; it amused Betty exceedingly to find that she was +seated over the turkey, ham, cake, and even a goodly pat of butter, +carefully packed in a small stone jar, while another compartment held +several changes of linen, powder, a small mirror, a rouge pot, and some +brushes. Mrs. Seymour had been born and bred in New York, and many of +her people were Tories; therefore she hoped to assist the brother who, +breaking apart from the others, had taken up arms for the colonists. + +Caesar, Mrs. Seymour's coachman, was a colored man of middle age, a +slave of her father's, and, having been brought from New York to +Connecticut, knew the route fairly well. They broke the journey first at +a small roadside tavern, where the horses were baited, while Betty and +Mrs. Seymour gladly descended, and warmed themselves well by the kitchen +fire, taking a drink of warm milk, for which the good woman who had +invited them inside refused payment. She was deeply interested when Mrs. +Seymour told her of their errand, and followed them out to the door of +the coach, bringing with her own hands the soapstone which she had +carefully warmed for their feet, and she waved a kindly good-by as they +rode off, delighted at seeing, for the first time in her life, a +"pleasure coach." + +The first night was spent by the travelers in Danbury, where they +proceeded to the house of Mrs. Seymour's cousin, Mrs. Beebe, and were +most warmly welcomed. The Beebe household, which consisted of Mrs. Beebe +and seven children (Captain Beebe being with the Connecticut Rangers), +trooped out, one and all, to meet them, to inspect the coach, interview +Caesar, and admire the horses. Billy, the second boy, fraternized with +Betty at once; and after learning all the mysteries of the coach +pockets, helping Caesar to unharness, and superintending the fetching of +an extra large log for the fireplace, he roasted chestnuts in the ashes +as they sat around the chimney-piece, and told Betty thrilling stories +of the attack on Danbury by the British. + +"We dragged the feather-beds up to the window," said Billy, "and mother +stuffed a pillow or two in the cracks. My, how the bullets did fly! The +children were all bid to stay in the attic; but as the roof shelves, you +know, it became pretty hot, especially when the fires began, and then +mother did get frightened, more especially when she saw the blaze of the +Woolford house, down the street. Didn't I just wish I was a man, to go +and help father that day! Luckily for us, the wind was in the other +direction; father said that was all that saved us." + +"And Divine Providence, my son," said Mrs. Beebe's soft voice, as she +laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Billy's only experience of war was a +sharp one for a few hours. He has been longing ever since to join his +father, but I can only find it in my mother's heart to rejoice that he +is too young to do so. Now, Billy, light the candles; for if our friends +must resume their journey to-morrow, it is full time to retire." + +Betty found the little room assigned to her, with Billy's assistance, +but before he left her he pointed out two small holes near the window +frame, where bullets had entered and remained buried in the woodwork; +and as Betty curled herself up in the centre of the great feather-bed, +she thought, with a throb of her girlish heart, that perhaps she, too, +might see some of the terrors of war before she returned to the shelter +of her dear Litchfield home. + +The next morning dawned cold and chilly; a few flakes of snow floated +through the air, and Mrs. Beebe urged strongly the wisdom of lying over +for twenty-four hours, lest a storm should come and render the roads +impassable. But Mrs. Seymour, after a consultation with Caesar, decided +that it was best to push on; winter was approaching, and each day made +the journey less feasible. There was a fairly good road between them and +White Plains, and now that she had started she was impatient to reach +the city. Betty, too, was eager to be off, so with many warm thanks, +they again packed the coach and said farewell to the hospitable Beebes, +who had insisted on adding fresh stores of provisions to their hamper; +and Billy's last act of friendliness was to slip into Betty's hand a +package of taffy, of his own manufacture, which he assured her "was not +over-sticky, provided you use care in biting it." + +This part of the journey was cold and cheerless enough. The road wound +somewhat, and the settlements were few, even the houses were far apart +from each other; and although the hills were fewer, they heard Caesar +admonish his horses more frequently than usual, and about four o'clock +in the day they came to a full stop. The snow of the morning had turned +into a sort of drizzling rain; and Caesar, dismounting from his seat, +announced to his mistress that one of the horses had cast a shoe. + +"What shall we do?" cried Mrs. Seymour in dismay, preparing to jump +down into the mud and investigate matters. + +"Dey's no use at all of madam's gettin' out," said Caesar, holding the +door of the coach,--"no use at all. I'se done got de shoe, 'cause I saw +it a-comin' off, an' here it is. De horse will do well enuf, 'caise I'll +drive wif care; but what I wants to say is that, 'cordin' to my +judgment, we had oughter take a turn to de right, just hyar, which am in +de direction ob Ridgefield, whar I ken fin' a blacksmith's shop, shuh. +Ef madam pleases, it's goin' somewhat out of de direct way to White +Plains, but what wid de weather, which madam can see is obstreperous an' +onsartain, I'm ob de opinion dat Ridgefield am de best stoppin' place +for dis night, anyhow;" and having delivered himself of this +exhortation, Caesar touched his hat respectfully, but with an air of +having settled the question. + +"Very well," said Mrs. Seymour, for she knew Caesar and Caesar's ways, +and moreover had much confidence in his ability to take care of her, as +well as of his horses. "Then take the turn to the right, as you propose. +Are you quite sure you are familiar with the road here, Caesar? It will +be dark soon, and I confess I should not like to lose our way." + +"Not gwine to lose de road wid dis chile on de box," said Caesar with +fine disdain, as he climbed to his seat and rolled himself up warmly +again, his teeth chattering as he did so. But he said to himself, as the +horses started slowly, "Pray de Lord I ain't mistooken; don't want to +fall into none ob dem old redcoats' han's, Caesar don't, dat's sartain." + +Inside the coach, which lumbered on so slowly that it almost seemed to +crawl, Mrs. Seymour and Betty tried to keep up their spirits by an +occasional remark of cheerful character, and Betty suggested that +perhaps some bread and cheese from the Beebe larder would prove +satisfactory to Caesar; but on asking the question Caesar only shook his +head, and responded that he was too busy looking after the horses to +eat; and the long hours dragged on as it grew darker and darker. Betty +rested her head against the door and peered out at the dripping trees, +whose bare limbs stood like skeletons against the leaden sky. Mrs. +Seymour had sunk into a fitful doze by her side. Suddenly the off horse +gave a plunge, the coach tilted far to one side, and then righted +itself as Caesar's loud "Whoa, dar! Steady! steady!" was heard. Then +Betty saw half a dozen shadowy forms surround them, and a voice said +sharply, "Who goes there? Halt!" and a hand was laid roughly on the door +of the coach. + +"Pray who are you who detain ladies on a journey?" said Mrs. Seymour, +addressing the man nearest her. "I am in my own coach with a maid on our +way to New York, and one of my horses has cast a shoe." + +"Stand aside there," said another voice impatiently, as an officer +dismounted from his horse, and flung the rein to one of the men. "If you +are bound to a city occupied by the British, you must have safe-conduct, +madam, else we are compelled to search and detain you." + +For answer, Mrs. Seymour drew out a folded paper, which the officer, +straining his eyes in the fast-fading daylight, read aloud, as +follows:-- + +"After the expiration of eight days from the date hereof, Mrs. Seymour +and maid have permission to go into the city of New York and to return +again." + +"Given at Morristown this second day of December. + +"G. WASHINGTON." + + +"From the commander-in-chief," said the officer, raising his hat, as he +motioned his men to stand back. "Madam, permit me to present myself as +Lieutenant Hillhouse of the Connecticut Rangers, and pray command my +services." + +"Oh," gasped Betty, from the other side, "our own troops, thank Heaven!" + +"Truly you are a welcome arrival," said Mrs. Seymour, with a +light-hearted laugh. "Betty and I have passed a bad five minutes, +fancying you were Hessians. I am on my way to the city to intercede for +my brother, Captain Seymour's exchange, and, for the once, I do not mind +telling you that my companion is Mistress Betty Wolcott, consigned to my +care by her father, General Wolcott, as her sister, Mrs. Verplanck, lies +ill in New York, and she goes there to see her, but she travels as my +maid." + +"I met Lieutenant Hillhouse last summer at my father's house," said +Betty, as the young officer came around to her side of the coach, "and +right glad I am to see you now, sir, instead of the redcoats whom +Caesar, our coachman, has been imagining would start from every bush as +we near White Plains." + +"You are not above a mile from a little settlement called Ridgefield," +answered the officer; "and while there is no tavern there, my men and I +found fairly comfortable quarters to-day. If I may suggest, you should +get there as soon as may be." + +"We would be glad to," said Mrs. Seymour ruefully, "but one of my horses +has cast a shoe, hence our slow progress. I am more than glad my servant +has not mistaken the way." + +"Madam oughter to know Caesar better," grumbled that worthy from the +box. + +"How long will it take you to drive the remaining mile?" said his +mistress soothingly. "We may perhaps have your escort, lieutenant?" + +"I am on my return there, madam; permit me to send my men in advance to +arrange for your comfort, and I will with pleasure ride beside you until +we arrive. Ridgefield lies beyond that turn," raising his whip to direct +Caesar. "If it were not for the growing darkness, you would see the +smoke from the chimney of the house where I am quartered;" and closing +the door of the coach, the officer gave directions to his men, who +marched quickly down the road, as he mounted and pursued his way with +the ladies. + +Just beyond the farmhouse which Lieutenant Hillhouse had pointed out as +his temporary quarters stood a low, wooden structure, with a lean-to in +the rear, and there Caesar drew up his tired horses. A rather +cross-looking spinster stood in the door of the house, and as Betty and +Mrs. Seymour alighted she said snappishly:-- + +"I don't own much room, as I told your men, Mister Lieutenant, but so +long as you're not Hessians I'm willing to open my door for you. It +won't be for long, will it?" + +"Oh, no," replied Mrs. Seymour, with her pretty, gracious smile, "we are +simply in need of a night's lodging. I think we have food enough in our +hampers, and if you can give us hot milk I have coffee ready for +making." + +"I don't begrudge you nothing," said the woman in a softened tone, as +Betty bade her a pleasant good-day, "but it's a poor place, anyhow," +gazing up at the bare rafters, "and as I live here all alone I have to +be precious careful of my few things." + +"But it so neat and clean," said Betty, pulling a three-legged stool +toward the fire, and surveying the recently scrubbed floor; "we are cold +and weary, and you are very good to take us in." + +Evidently the woman was amenable to politeness, for she bustled around +and insisted upon making the coffee, which Caesar produced in due time +from his hamper under the box-seat, and she laid a cloth on the +pine-wood table, and at last, after disappearing for a few minutes into +the darkness of a small inner room, reappeared with three silver spoons +and two forks in her hand, which she laid carefully down beside the +pewter plates on the table with an air of pride as she remarked, +addressing no one in particular:-- + +"The forks was my grandmother's, and my father fetched the spoons from a +voyage he made on the Spanish main, and he always said they was made of +real Spanish dollars." + +Thereupon Mrs. Seymour and Betty fell to admiring the queer-looking +articles (which from their workmanship were really worthy of +admiration), and the spinster relaxed her severe air sufficiently to +accept a cup of the coffee they were drinking. And then Mrs. Seymour +induced her to give consent that Caesar should have a shake-down in a +corner of the kitchen, and although the bed which Betty and the pretty +matron had to share was hard, it was clean, and the pillows soft, and +they slept soundly and well amid their rough surroundings, and, to +confess the truth, enjoyed the novelty of the situation. + +Lieutenant Hillhouse aroused them early in the morning by a message; and +as Mrs. Seymour was not ready to receive him, Betty ran out and met him +at the door. + +"You look so fresh and bright that I am sure your night spent upon the +roadside has not harmed you," said the officer, bidding her +good-morning. "I am off at once, as I carry an order to General Wolcott +for quartermaster's stores in Litchfield. What shall I say to your +father for you?" + +"Oh," cried Betty, rejoiced at this chance to send word of mouth to her +beloved ones, "how truly fortunate! Tell my father we are well and in +good spirits, and hope to reach the neutral ground to-night at +farthest." + +"You may easily do that; the storm has passed, as you see, and if my +friend Caesar can urge his horses somewhat, you are not likely to meet +with detentions. One of my men has assisted in shoeing the horse, and if +you can, you should start at once." + +The coach and Mrs. Seymour appeared at this moment simultaneously, and +the lieutenant insisted upon seeing the ladies safely started. Betty +seized the opportunity to ask for news of Josiah Huntington, and was +told of his having rendered good service, and that he gained in +popularity daily. + +"And Oliver--my brother," said Betty, leaning from the coach as they +were about to move off: "what tidings of him?" + +"He has not been with me," replied Hillhouse with some constraint; +"indeed, I think he was to be sent on some special service." + +"Give him my best affection," said Betty. "And oh, sir, to my little +sister at home pray deliver my fondest love," and tears were brimming in +Betty's eyes as Caesar flicked his whip at the horses' heads and the +coach started. + +The road being somewhat better than that already traveled, the miles +which intervened between Ridgefield and White Plains were more briskly +done, and Caesar had the satisfaction of pulling up his horses in good +condition before the well-known tavern at the latter place in time for +dinner. The somewhat pretentious sign hanging out over the door had been +changed to suit the times and the tempers of the guests, for what had +previously read "The King's Arms, Accommodations for Man and Beast," was +now "The Washington Inn," and beneath it a picture in Continental +uniform of a man whose rubicund countenance required considerable +imagination to transform into a likeness of the commander-in-chief. As +their happened to be a lack of hostlers, it took some time to get the +horses baited, and it was later than Mrs. Seymour could have wished when +Caesar finally made his appearance and informed his mistress that all +was ready for their departure. The weather had been growing colder +steadily, and greatly to their surprise the travelers learned that in +all probability Harlem River was frozen, and grave doubts were expressed +by mine host of the inn whether the ladies could gain their journey's +end without much discomfort and exposure. But Mrs. Seymour and Betty +were both of the opinion that it was inexpedient to linger longer on the +road, so for the fourth time they climbed into the coach, and, muffling +themselves as closely as possible to keep out the cold, pursued their +onward way. + +Five miles, eight miles, were covered with fair speed, and Betty's +spirits were rising rapidly at the thought that New York and Clarissa +were not far away, when Caesar turned around on his box, and, bringing +his horses to a walk, said in an awestruck whisper,-- + +"'Fore de Lord, madam, I done suspect de redcoats is comin'; d'ye heah +'em from de woods ober dar?" pointing with trembling hand in the +direction of a sound which rang out on the frosty air at first +indistinctly, and then resolved itself into a song. + +"Under the trees in sunny weather, +Just try a cup of ale together. +And if in tempest or in storm, +A couple then, to make you warm,"[1]-- + +sang a rollicking voice, in fairly good time and tune, as a group of men +came in sight. As they neared the coach, the man in advance trolled out +in an accent which betrayed his Teutonic origin,-- + +"But if the day be very cold, +Then take a mug of twelve months old!" + + +[Footnote 1: A topical song then in vogue in New York. (See _Story of +the City of New York_.)] + +"Hello, halt there!" came the command, as the singer seized the horse +by the bridle, and another soldier dragged Caesar roughly from his seat; +"who are you, and whence bound?" + +"Ask my mistress," gasped Caesar, almost convinced that his last hour +had come, but still having firm faith in Mrs. Seymour. "Dun you know how +to speak to a lady?" + +"I have safe-conduct from General Washington to enter New York," said +Mrs. Seymour calmly, extending her hand with the precious paper toward +the first speaker. The man took it, and gazed stupidly at it. Evidently +being German, he could not read it; but having turned it upside down and +gazed at it for some seconds, he gave a drunken leer as he peered inside +the coach. + +"What you got in your hamper? blenty cognac, eh? Give us a pottle; +that's better than mugs of ale, eh, poys?" and he laughed uproariously. + +"I shall give you nothing," said Mrs. Seymour firmly; "if you cannot +read my safe-conduct yourself, is there not one of your men who can?" + +The Hessian was about to make angry reply, when a young fellow, +evidently an Englishman, shoved his way through the men to the coach +door. + +"Stop that, Joris," he said, prodding the corporal with his elbow; "give +me the paper; I can read it." But Joris, who evidently had reached the +stage of ugly intoxication, did not choose to give it up, and stood his +ground. + +"Ve wants cognac," he shouted, "an' you comes out, lady, an' ve'll find +for ourselves vhat you is," and seizing Mrs. Seymour by the arm he +attempted to drag her from her seat with some violence. + +"The pistol, Betty!" cried the plucky little woman as her feet touched +the ground; but as Betty, with equally reckless courage, drew their only +weapon from its hiding-place, the young Englishman rushed at Joris with +an oath, exclaiming,-- + +"Look out, you fool--here comes the officer's patrol," and there was a +clatter of horses' feet, a swift rush, and a voice demanding in stern +fashion, "Stand back, there! Whose coach is this? What do you mean, +fellow, by handling a lady in that manner?" and Geoffrey Yorke struck +Joris a blow with his sheathed sword which nearly sobered him on the +spot. + +Back into the corner of the coach sank Betty, and as she pulled her hood +still farther over her face, she felt as if every drop of blood she +possessed was tingling in her cheeks, as she saw Geoffrey, hat in hand, +dismount and read General Washington's safe-conduct. + +"I deeply regret, madam," he said, with stately courtesy to Mrs. +Seymour, "that a corporal's guard should have caused you such annoyance, +and I shall see that the fellow who treated you so roughly be properly +punished. Meantime, if you intend to enter New York you will be obliged +to leave your coach a mile farther on, and cross the river on horseback. +King's Bridge, as you may know, was fired some months ago by the rebels, +and the flatboat used for ferrying has been abandoned on account of the +ice. It will afford me pleasure to do what I can for your comfort and +that of your companion. But it is my duty, unfortunately, to make +passing search of your coach; will you pardon me if I do so?" + +As he spoke, Captain Yorke advanced to the door and extended his hand to +assist the occupant of the vehicle to alight, but Betty, ignoring +assistance, attempted to spring past him to the ground. As the willful +maiden did so the topknot of her hood caught in a provoking nail of the +open door and was violently pulled from her head: and as her lovely, +rosy face almost brushed his sleeve, Geoffrey started back with a low +cry,-- + +"_Betty!_" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +A MAID'S CAPRICE + + +"Mistress Betty, sir," came the swift whisper in retort, and with so +haughty a gesture that Geoffrey stepped back as if he had been struck, +while Betty, with a slight inclination of her head, passed on to where +Mrs. Seymour stood with Caesar on the other side of the coach. But if +she expected him to follow she was swiftly made aware of her mistake, +for Geoffrey merely pursued his intention of searching the pockets of +the coach, and when he emerged from it he came, hat in hand, toward the +ladies with face more calm and unruffled than Betty's own. + +"If you will resume your seats," he said, addressing Mrs. Seymour, +without a glance at Betty, who (now that her anger born partly of terror +had passed) stole a quick look at him, and as quickly looked away, "I +will ride on before you and be waiting at the river; if it be safe, you +will cross on horseback; if not, on foot, and I shall take great +pleasure in seeing that you reach King's Bridge Inn in safety." +Whereupon he escorted Mrs. Seymour to the coach, and when he turned to +assist Betty found that she was in the act of climbing inside by the +other door, where Caesar stood in attendance. + +"What a provoking child it is!" said Geoffrey to himself as he flung +into his saddle, smiling at the recollection of Betty's rebuke and proud +little toss of her head. "'Mistress Betty'! Very well, so be it; and +thanks to the star of good fortune which guided my steps up the road +to-day. I wonder how she comes here, and why," and Captain Yorke gave +his horse the spur as he galloped on. + +Some distance behind him the coach lumbered forward, and Mrs. Seymour's +tongue rattled on gayly. So engrossed was she with being nearly at her +journey's end, and their good luck at having fallen in with Yorke, that +Betty's silence passed unnoticed. + +"To think that we should meet again," ran Betty's thoughts. "'Betty,' +forsooth! How dare he use my name so freely! What would Mrs. Seymour +have thought had she heard him, and how could I possibly have explained +with any air of truth unless I told her the whole story--which I would +rather die at once than do. He has not changed at all; I should have +known him anywhere, even in that hateful scarlet coat, which becomes him +so mightily. I wonder if my rebuke was too severe"--and here she became +conscious of Mrs. Seymour again. + +"Yorke--did not that handsome young officer say his name was Yorke? Why, +then he must have some kinship with the Earl of Hardwicke; very probably +this young man may be a grandson of the earl. I must ask my sister; she +will have some information about it." + +"Worse and worse," thought Betty. "A British officer--kinsman of an +earl--oh, me, in what a coil am I enveloped! But at least my father +knows all, and he would not hold me disloyal." + +The coach bumped and jolted along, and finally came to a standstill, +while Caesar's voice was heard addressing some one. Betty looked out of +the window and behold a dismal prospect enough. The bank shelved +gradually down to the river, which at this point was narrow, and between +them and the other shore stretched a mixture of snow and ice; she could +distinguish the flat-bottomed boat used for ferrying purposes stuck fast +almost in the middle of the stream. + +"How are we to cross?" said Mrs. Seymour dolefully, looking down at her +feet. "I wish I had an extra pair of woolen stockings to pull over my +shoes; the snow and ice will be cold walking. What are they doing to the +horses?" + +"Will it please you to alight, madam?" said Geoffrey, springing from his +saddle at the door of the coach. "My men are of the opinion that the ice +will not bear so much weight as your coach with you ladies and Caesar in +it, but if you can mount your horses we can lead them and you can cross +in safety. Meanwhile Caesar can remain here to guard your property, and +when my men fetch the horses back they can assist him to transport the +coach to the other side. I hope the plan meets your approbation. It +seems the only feasible one, provided you ladies can ride without a +saddle." + +"Bless me," cried Mrs. Seymour, "I shall surely slip off on the ice! +Betty here is a horsewoman, but, alas! I am not." + +"Then we must contrive a way," replied Geoffrey. "If a blanket be +strapped over my saddle I think you can sit on it.--Caesar, put one of +those blankets on my horse instead of yours." + +"Oh, that will do nicely; how kind you are, Captain Yorke." + +"Will the young lady be able to ride one of your horses?" asked +Geoffrey, addressing Mrs. Seymour. + +"I can ride anything," said Betty hastily, "for my mare is"--and then +she bit her lip and colored brightly as Geoffrey turned toward her. + +"You will be quite safe, for I shall lead your horse myself. Let me +first attend Mrs. Seymour." + +Between terror and small gasps of laughter Mrs. Seymour's mounting was +accomplished, and then Geoffrey (artful fellow!) summoned a tall, +good-looking trooper from the patrol, and, placing the reins in Mrs. +Seymour's hand, gave directions to the man. + +"You will hold the horse by the bridle and guide every step with care, +letting the lady put her hand on your shoulder to steady herself. Be +watchful of the air-holes; I think you know the path well." + +"Yes, captain," said the trooper, saluting respectfully. "Am I to +dismount the lady at the Inn?" + +"Aye; go down the path before me;" and Geoffrey turned toward Betty, but +again the mischievous maid had been too quick for him, and he beheld her +already mounted on one of the coach horses, where she sat demurely and +at ease awaiting him. Geoffrey seized the bridle and walked slowly down +the bank, taking great care of his own steps lest he should by slipping +cause the horse to stumble, and in a few seconds they were slowly +picking their way over the rough ice. The horse's hoofs crunched into +the snow, and Betty held her breath, and a little thrill went over her +as she fancied she heard the ice crack under them. + +"Oh!"--a half-involuntary cry escaped her, and Geoffrey looked up +reassuringly as he stroked the horse's neck and checked him for a brief +second. Mrs. Seymour and the trooper were somewhat in advance and had +almost reached the opposite shore. + +"I--you--that is"--faltered Betty, meekly dropping her eyelids--"Oh, +sir, do you really think we shall gain the Inn safely?" + +"There is no cause for fear," said Geoffrey coldly. "I know the path;" +and he plodded on in silence. Another few rods, a slip, a half halt; but +this time it was Yorke who stumbled and fell on one knee. + +"Confound my sword," he cried, recovering his feet. "But we are nearly +there. See, Mrs. Seymour has gained the road and is riding on to the +Inn." + +No reply from Betty; in truth, if he had but known it, she dared not +trust her voice lest its first sound should be a sob. And Yorke, divided +between amusement and wrath at her perversity, vowed he would say no +more until she grew less capricious. + +The road was well trodden and the snow light as the pair pursued it in +silence. The famous hostelry known as King's Bridge Inn was upon the +highway going up the Hudson, where Spuyten Duyvil Creek ran down to +Harlem River, and many a rendezvous and intrigue had been carried on +within its low, wide rooms since the Colonies had declared their +independence of British rule. As Yorke approached the door, inside which +Mrs. Seymour had already disappeared, a tall, dark man in riding-boots +and long coat came hastily forth, and as Betty dropped the reins of her +horse he was at her side. "Oh, Gulian," cried she, stretching out both +hands, "don't you know me? 'Tis I, Betty Wolcott; have I outgrown your +recollection?" + +"Betty, indeed," replied Gulian Verplanck, lifting her off the horse, +"and right glad am I to welcome you. What good fortune brought you in +contact with Captain Yorke's patrol? Had I known of your near approach, +I should myself have ridden forth with him, but the air was chilly and I +deemed it more prudent to stop at the Inn until to-morrow." + +"Since I see you safe"--began Geoffrey, as Betty half turned toward him. + +"You do not know whom you have so kindly assisted," broke in Verplanck; +"this is Mistress Betty Wolcott, sister to my wife. Betty, I present to +you Captain Geoffrey Yorke, aide to Sir Henry Clinton, and my friend." + +Betty executed her most stately and deepest courtesy, and Yorke swept +his hat gracefully to the very ground; but as she raised her eyes she +said, with a mischievous glance, "I am pleased to learn the name of this +gentleman. Sir, I thank you," and giving him a little gracious nod, +Betty vanished inside the open door of the Inn. + +"Verplanck," called Geoffrey, as his friend was about to follow her, "I +shall go directly back to the city, for Sir Henry has to make ready +dispatches for England and will need me. Mrs. Seymour's coach will be +brought over at once; my men are assisting the negro servant in the +transit. Do you follow me shortly?" + +"Unless the ladies are too weary we will go at once, for I can obtain +fresh horses here and the Inn seems somewhat over-crowded to stop the +night. But if you are in haste, Yorke, do not wait." + +"Very well, then, I will depart at once. But you must have at least two +of my men as escort for the coach and yourself. You know there are +plenty of footpads outlying the city." + +"I accept the escort gladly," said Verplanck. "Farewell, then, and my +hearty thanks." + +Betty and Mrs. Seymour had been ushered into a small bedchamber, where +they were making some slight changes of dress when Gulian Verplanck +knocked at the door and informed them that the coach would shortly be +ready for the continuation of their journey. Betty followed him back +into the waiting-room, where a good fire was burning, and Verplanck +sought to find a seat for her near the hearth. The room was occupied by +perhaps a dozen persons, all men: some troopers, and a group of traders +whose bundles of furs, lying on the floor beside the table where they +were partaking of glasses of home-brewed beer, told their occupation. On +one settle, close by the chimney, sat an old man, somewhat ragged, who +had fallen asleep with his head resting against his bundle and stick, +which shared the bench with him; on the other sat a slight youth dressed +in homespun clothing, who instantly rose as Betty approached, and +offered her his seat. + +"I am warmed enough," he said, as Verplanck gave brief thanks; "besides +there is room here. Wake up, grandfather," and he gave the sleeping man +a gentle push as he squeezed himself down beside him. + +"Stay here till the coach is ready, Betty," said Verplanck. "Mrs. +Seymour will join you presently," and he departed to hasten the +hostlers, who could be heard outside, evidently engaged in harnessing +the horses they were to use. + +Betty looked around her curiously. The room, with its low ceilings, +dark rafters, and sanded floor, was fairly tidy, and, in the light and +shade of the shifting fire, picturesque and strange. A short, thick-set +man, evidently the host, a comfortable-looking Dutchman, bustled in and +out, giving directions in a perfectly audible aside to a maid, who wore +a queer straight cap and brought in trays of beer to the thirsty party +of traders. A little boy in one corner was playing with some nails and a +pewter plate; each time he dropped the nails, making a jingling noise, +the landlord said, "Hush, there, Hans," in a loud whisper, to which the +child paid no attention. Betty wondered if it was his son, and felt as +if she would like to go over and play with him; and then thought, with a +half-homesick longing, of Moppet and the dear New England home. Far, far +away ran Betty's thoughts, as minute after minute sped along and no one +came to disturb her reverie. So engrossed was she that not even a low, +but distinctly spoken "_hist_," which came from the settle near her, +aroused her until it had been given the third time. Then she started; +there was something familiar in the sound--was any one speaking to her? + +"Hist! do not look this way," whispered a voice which came from the +pair opposite her on the other side of the chimney. "Contrive to pass +near me as you go out--be cautious!" + +"All ready, Betty?" said Mrs. Seymour's gay voice, as she came across +the room toward her. "Where is Mr. Verplanck?" + +"Here," answered Gulian, from the other door. "Hasten, Betty; the horses +are eager to be off." + +"I am coming," replied Betty, as she rose hurriedly and dropped her silk +reticule directly in front of the mysterious pair on the settle. The boy +darted up, giving the bag a furtive kick which sent it under the bench. + +"I'll reach it for you, madam," he said aloud, diving down for it as +Betty paused a brief second. The old man stirred sleepily, raised his +head from his bundle, and keen bright eyes that Betty knew well flashed +into hers as he whispered rapidly:-- + +"Show no alarm, Betty, but no matter how or where you see me, make no +sign of recognition." + +"Here's your bag," said the boy, springing to his feet. But Betty, +never stopping to thank him, ran rapidly across the room, out of the +door, and darted into the waiting coach, afraid to even glance behind +her, her heart sinking with dismay, for the voice and eyes of that +ragged old man were those of her brother Oliver! + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +ON THE COLLECT + + +"Peter, Peter," said Grandma Effingham in a tone of gentle remonstrance, +"if thee would only let the ball alone Tabitha would keep quiet." + +"Stop it, Peter," said Betty, from the doorway, as the irrepressible +youngster rolled over and over on the rug, himself, the gray cat, and +the ball of gray yarn hopelessly entangled. "Much you deserve all the +stockings that grandma knits for you so perseveringly; just look at the +condition of that ball"--and by a skillful flank movement she rescued +the yarn as Tabitha's pranks and Peter's tumble came to a hasty +conclusion, and the chief culprit gained his feet and began to apologize +for his frolic, as the cat fled through the door. + +"I was just waiting for you, Betty; you girls take such a long time to +put on your capes and furbelows. I'll warrant Kitty will detain us when +we stop for her, and we must hasten, for the sun will not stay up much +longer. Just let me find my muffler and my skates," and off tore Peter, +while Betty tucked up her gown preparatory to an afternoon on the +Collect Pond, whose frozen surface was the resort of all fashionable New +York, both those who joined the skaters, and others who watched them +from the surrounding banks, making a gay, bright winter scene for the +spectators as well as the participants. + +It was some three weeks since Betty's eventful journey, and as the +strangeness of her new home and surroundings wore off she was beginning +to enjoy herself. First of all, the dear happiness of being once more +with Clarissa, who had brightened and strengthened each day since her +arrival; then Grandma Effingham's storehouse of anecdotes and pleasant +stories, to which Betty listened with delight and the respectful +deference that youth of those days paid to age; and last (though Betty +would have denied it stoutly) the frequent visits to the Verplancks of a +certain tall soldier, whose red coat made her eyes sparkle with disdain, +even while her heart beat quicker at sound of his voice. Truly, Betty's +soul was torn within her, and for every smile that Yorke succeeded in +winning he was sure to receive such dainty snubs, such mischievous +flouting following swiftly after, that he almost despaired of ever +carrying the outworks, much less the citadel of the willful maid's +heart. + +Kitty Cruger had received Betty most cordially, but the acquaintance had +not yet progressed toward intimacy. On several occasions when Betty had +been especially teasing, Yorke had seen fit to retaliate by seeking +Kitty's side, and, although he was far from suspecting it, he had thus +piqued his little lady-love extremely. For Kitty was a reigning belle, +and the toast of the British officers as she had been of the +Continentals, and she liked Yorke and Yorke's attentions. If Betty had +only known whose face came oftenest in Kitty's dreams, and that a blue +sword-knot was her most cherished possession, perhaps the dawning +jealousy which she felt toward her would never have existed. Who can +say? + +The winter had set in with great rigor, and the troops had even crossed +on the ice from Staten Island to the city; sad tales reached Betty's +watchful ears of privations endured in the army of General Washington, +and it made her cheeks burn and tingle to hear the jests and laughter of +the Tory guests who visited the house, at the expense of the so-called +"rebels" against King George. Of Oliver, Betty had no sign; whether he +had been in the city and accomplished whatever mission he had in view, +she knew not. She did not dare to confide in Clarissa, for even had her +sister's health permitted, Betty deemed it scarcely safe to put her to +the test of loyalty as between husband and brother. + +All these thoughts and many more were crowding Betty's brain as she ran +down the steps of the Verplanck mansion and followed Peter toward Queen +Street, where Kitty lived. The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp +and clear; Betty looked charming in her dainty hood, tied with a +rose-colored ribbon which nestled softly under her chin and played at +confining the dancing curls. Contrary to Peter's expectations, Kitty was +watching for them, and they proceeded with some speed along the snowy +streets until they reached the Minetta Water, as the small stream was +called which wound its way across the Lispenard Meadows, and connected +the "Collect" (or Fresh Water Pond) with the Hudson River. At the end of +Great Queen Street was a wooden bridge, and crossing it, the little +party continued up Magazine Street until they reached the Collect Pond, +on two sides of which were low buildings of various kinds, being +rope-walks, furnaces, tanneries, and breweries, all run by water from +the pond. Betty thought she should some day like to come out and +investigate them with Peter; they were not very sightly, but they might +prove interesting. These buildings shut out the view, and until Betty +stood on the very bank she had no idea how brilliant a scene the Collect +presented. The ground on the north side between them and Broadway rose +to the height of a hundred feet, and this hillside was covered with +spectators who were watching the skaters with which the ice was alive. +Among the crowd were many women of fashion, muffled in their furs, +carrying huge muffs to keep their fingers warm, and scarlet uniforms, +dotted here and there, served to heighten the effect of brilliancy and +animation. As they turned the corner of a furnace whose big chimney had +sheltered them for a moment, a young man darted up the bank and greeted +Kitty. + +"How late you are," he said reproachfully. "Philip Livingston and I +have been watching for you this hour. The ice is in fine condition; may +I put on your skates?" + +While young De Lancey was thus engaged Peter and Betty were making ready +also. Up in the Litchfield hills, where the winter set in early and +lasted late, Betty had learned to use her skates well, and she and her +brother Oliver had been the best skaters in the township when she was +hardly more than a child. Even the timid Pamela had gained boldness and +dexterity on the clear, frozen pond; and therefore when Betty, with the +ease of a practiced skater, glided off without assistance, Peter flew +after her in round-eyed amazement. + +"I say, Betty," he exclaimed, breathless with his effort to catch her, +"how you do fly! My eye! there isn't one of these New York dames or +maids who can equal you," and he chuckled with triumph as Betty began to +execute some very difficult motions which she and Oliver had often +practiced together. + +"Give me your hand, Peter; there, now, glide this way, and take the +outside roll--oh! have a care; if you turn like that you will surely +catch your skate in mine. That's better; now cross hands, and go +gently; see, I am cutting a face on the ice." + +Surely enough, as Peter glanced behind he saw a gigantic profile grow on +the smooth surface beneath Betty's little foot, and the skaters around +them paused to wonder and admire. + +"There," said Betty, making a final flourish, "come back to the bank and +let us find Kitty." But as they flew along Betty saw a familiar red coat +appear beside Kitty's advancing figure, so dropping Peter's hand she +dashed off in an opposite direction. She headed for the north bank, +which was less crowded, but slacked her speed a little, fearing an +air-hole, as she debated which way to turn. + +"Mistress Betty," said a voice just behind her, and with a little start +she realized that the obnoxious scarlet coat had reached her side, "will +you skate a turn with me down the pond?" + +"Surely," and Betty's most roguish smile beamed into Yorke's eyes as she +wheeled toward him. "Perhaps you will try a race with me, Captain +Yorke?" + +"With pleasure, and for what stakes?" returned Yorke, bending down to +secure a strap which he felt loosen. + +"I meant but a trial of speed to the bridge there, where we cross the +Minetta Water. A stake? Well, name it." + +"A knot of rose-colored ribbon," said Yorke softly. + +"Another!" cried Betty unguardedly, and could have promptly bitten her +tongue for the betrayal of her thought. + +"Ah, then you do remember?" asked Yorke. "In what have I so deeply +offended that I can scarce gain speech of you! Why do you flout one who +longs to show you his devotion?" + +"You forget, sir," said Betty coldly, "the coat you wear. Do you fancy +that scarlet commends itself to a rebel maid like me, or that the cause +you represent can be aught but hateful to a loyal Wolcott?" + +"Betty, Betty! I do beseech you"-- + +"Nay, we will put entreaty outside the question. A race, I think I said, +Captain Yorke. I will make the stake that self-same bow of +rose-color--if you have kept it so long." + +An indignant flush dyed Yorke's face. "So be it," he said briefly, and +in a flash they were off; she, graceful, and almost like a winged bird, +as she sped along; and he, tall, straight, and muscular, with a long, +staying stroke, which impelled Betty's admiration. The distance to the +bridge was a good half mile, and the spectators on the hill presently +perceived the racing pair, and from the cries and shouts which arose she +learned, to her added chagrin, that they were seen, and their trial of +speed would be eagerly followed. On flew Betty, so intent upon reaching +her goal that she never noticed how Yorke crept closer and closer; they +were almost to the bridge, when his voice sounded at her shoulder:-- + +"You should have the race, sweetheart, but I cannot part with the +ribbon," and with a sudden rush Yorke darted past her and gained the +bridge barely three seconds in advance. + +"Forgive me," he had time to whisper, as Betty stood still, with +flashing eyes and half-quivering lip, while they waited for Peter, +Kitty, and Philip Livingston, who had followed them down the course; +"'twas too dear a stake for me to lose." But as the words left his lips, +to his astonishment and delight, with all a child's frankness, Betty +gave him her hand. + +"Nay, you won the race fairly, and Betty Wolcott craves your pardon." + +"Oh, my eye!" shouted Peter, as he flung himself between them; "'t was +the prettiest race of the season, was it not, Kitty? Do, do try a game +with the rest of us, and I'll be your hurlie myself." + +A hurlie, be it known, was a small boy or man who, in the fashion of a +ball-game of the day, propelled the balls along the icy surface of the +pond with a long, sharp-pointed stick, and the race was accorded to +whoever first caught the ball,--often a trial of both speed and +endurance when the course was a long one. + +"Are you deserting me, Peter?" put in Kitty playfully; "the other +hurlies are busy with the De Lancey party; we must have two or three at +least." + +Yorke moved a step forward; his first impulse was to offer his services +to Kitty, as he had done before, but some fine instinct warned him not +to jeopardize his half-reconciliation with Betty, and before he could +speak, Philip Livingston whistled to a tall, slight lad who was standing +looking at them from the bank close at hand. In response the lad ran +down, leaped on the ice, and said pleasantly,-- + +"Your pleasure, sir. Did you call me?" + +"Can you drive a ball for me?" asked Philip; "if so, I'll promise you a +shilling for an hour of your time." + +"Indeed I will," said the boy; "but let me first go tell Jim Bates, +there, who maybe will be returning to Paulus Hook, and I'll just bid him +wait for me over yonder in the tan-yard until you gentlefolks have had +your game." + +Off darted the new recruit, and was seen to join a man wearing the wide +hat and somewhat greasy garb of a fisherman, who, after a few words, +nodded assent, and with somewhat slouching gait proceeded leisurely +across the bridge in the direction of the tan-yard referred to. Amid +much laughter the game began; some other acquaintances came down the +bank and joined them, and presently Betty found herself darting over the +ice hither and thither, following Peter's purposely erratic course, and +pursuing the ball, determined this time to outdo Yorke, who followed her +every motion, and whom she again began to tease and laugh at. But to +Yorke anything was better than her scorn or displeasure, and when, by a +lucky stroke and a quick turn of her skates, Betty bent down and +captured the elusive ball, he was the first to raise a shout of +triumph, in which the merry party joined with the heartiness of +good-fellowship and breeding. + +It was growing dark and cold as Betty climbed up the bank and seated +herself on a pile of boards, while Peter unstrapped her skates. As she +looked up, she saw Yorke and Philip Livingston talking with the boy who +had been hurlie for Kitty, and it crossed her mind to wonder where Kitty +had vanished. So she rose to her feet and walked leisurely along with +Peter toward the tan-yard and turned the corner of the furnace chimney. +As she did so, she almost stumbled against a man, who drew back +suddenly; on the other side stood Kitty, and Betty distinctly saw a +piece of white paper pass from Kitty's muff into the hand of the +stranger, whom she instantly recognized as the greasy fisherman who had +crossed the bridge half an hour before. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A FACE ON THE WALL + + +Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side +farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day +before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into +small bunches and wreaths. Of these a large hamperful stood at her +elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of +importance. + +"So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his +cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin +obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris +Kringle and his prancing reindeers? My, what fun we boys had up in the +old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the +recollection of past pranks. "Down here in the city it is chiefly New +Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently +Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas." + +"Yes?" murmured Betty, her thoughts far away as she wondered what +Moppet was doing up in the Litchfield hills, and whether Oliver had got +back safely to the army again. Surely, he had cautioned her not to +recognize him, but luckily her fortitude had not been put to proof. And +then she wondered what secret mission Kitty had been engaged upon that +day at Collect Pond. Somehow Kitty and she had been more confidential +since then; and one night, sitting by the fire in Betty's room, Kitty +had confessed that she too was a rebel--yes, a sturdy, unswerving rebel, +true to the Colonies and General Washington, and Betty's warm heart had +gone forth toward her from that very moment. + +"Clarissa has a huge crock full of _olykeoks_ in the pantry," pursued +Peter, to whom the Dutch dainty was sufficiently toothsome; "and Pompey +has orders to brew a fine punch made of cider and lemons for the +servants, and oh! Betty, do you know that Miranda has a new follower? +His name is Sambo, and he comes from Breucklen Heights; he has been +practicing a dance with her, and old Jan Steen, the Dutch fiddler, has +promised to come and play for them and their friends in the kitchen, +and for my part I think there will be more fun there than at Clarissa's +card-party--don't you? Wake up, Betty; I don't believe you've heard one +word I've been saying." + +"Indeed I have," replied Betty, returning to her present surroundings +with a start. "A dance, Peter? Why, it seems to me the servants have +great liberty here." + +"Don't you give yours a holiday up in New England? I thought you had +negro servants as well as we?" + +"So we do; you know that Miranda is the daughter of our old cook, Chloe. +She came here with Clarissa when she was a bride; oh, we have a few +negro servants in dear New England, Peter, but not so many as here. +Gulian told me that there are some three thousand slaves owned in the +city and its environs. But our negroes go to church and pray; they do +not dance, and I know Chloe would be shocked with Miranda's flippant +ways. She was ever opposed to dancing." + +"Don't be prim, Betty." + +"I--prim?"--and Betty went off into a shout of girlish laughter, as she +flung a pine needle at Peter, who dodged it successfully; "that I live +to hear myself called what I have so often dubbed Pamela. Fie, Peter, +let Miranda dance if she will; I should love to see her. It would be far +more amusing than cards." + +"Betty," said Peter, edging nearer her and lowering his voice to a +whisper, "I heard that the Sons of Liberty had another placard up near +the Vly Market last night, and that Sir Henry Clinton is in great wrath +because they are growing daring again. My! wouldn't I just like to see +one of them; but they say (so Pompey told me) that they are all around +us in different disguises. That's why they're so difficult to catch; it +would go hard with them if the Hessians lay hands on the author of the +placards." + +"But they will not; I heard Gulian say only last night that the +cleverness with which the placards are prepared and placed was +wonderful. Who tells you these things, Peter? Do have a care, for we are +under Gulian's roof, and he would be very angry if he knew that your and +my sympathies are all on the side of the Whigs." + +"Oh, I hear things," murmured Peter evasively. Then whispering in +Betty's ear, "Did you ever hear Kitty speak of Billy the fiddler?" + +"There's no one within hearing," said Betty, as she finished her twelfth +wreath and laid it carefully on the floor beside her cricket. "Get the +other big branch outside the door, and sit down here close by me while +you pull the twigs off; then you can tell me safely, for Clarissa is +sleeping, and she will call me when she wakes. Of course I never heard +of the man you mention." + +Peter threw back his howl in a prolonged chuckle, as he followed Betty's +instructions and edged his cricket close to her elbow. + +"Man!--well, he's more like a monkey than anything. He only comes to my +shoulder, and yet he's old enough to be my father." + +"A dwarf, do you mean?" + +"No, not precisely; the boys call him a manikin, for he's not deformed; +only very, very small; not above four feet high. He is Dutch and has +been a drummer, it's whispered, in General Washington's army. They say +he was in the battle of Harlem Lane, and beat the rally for our troops +when Knowlton fell. The Vly boys are great friends with him." + +"But, I thought you were at daggers drawn with the boys of the Vly +Market, Peter? Surely, you told me blood-curdling tales of the fights +between them and you Broadway boys?" + +"Oh, aye, but that's for right of way" and don't mean much except when +we are actually punching each other's heads. Billy can tell great yarns; +how his eyes flash when he speaks of the prison ships, though I only +heard him once, when Jan Steen was talking foolish Tory stuff." + +"Do you think 'Billy the fiddler,' as you call him, is one of the Sons +of Liberty?" + +"H-u-s-h!" and Peter looked fearfully around. "I don't dare say, but I'm +sure he's true and steady. Betty, I wish I was a little taller; if I +were I'd run away some fine morning and go for a drummer boy with +General Washington." + +Betty looked up with affectionate eyes at the sturdy urchin. "I know how +you feel, Peter; but wait a bit. It's sad and disheartening enough now, +God knows, but perhaps better days may dawn for the patriots. My father +says we must keep up our hearts as best we can, and trust in God and the +Continental Congress. Did I tell you how we moulded the bullets last +summer? We kept the tally, and over forty-two thousand cartridges were +made from the statue of King George, so the women of Litchfield have +contributed their aid to the cause in good practical fashion."' + +"Aye, that was fine! It must have been jolly fun, too." + +"It was very hot," said Betty, laughing; "we tried it in our big +kitchen, but finally had to melt the lead in larger kettles hung over a +crane in the shed down in orchard. Aunt Euphemia thought we would fire +the house, and for many nights Miss Bidwell and she, protected by Reuben +with a lantern, paraded the place before closing up, hunting for stray +sparks which she fancied might fly in the wrong direction." + +"What a lot this hamper holds," said Peter, diving down into it. "You've +made enough wreaths to decorate the rooms, I'm sure, and your hands are +getting black." + +"Never mind my hands; soap and water will cleanse them. Clarissa wants a +'real English Christmas,' she said, and poor dear! she shall have it. It +does my heart good to see her brighten and glow like her old pretty +self." + +"You can thank Captain Yorke for putting the 'real English Christmas' +into her head; there's a fine Tory for you, Betty. Sometimes I forget +he's one of our foes--he's almost nice enough to be a patriot." + +"He thinks he is one, Peter; he owes his loyalty to his king, and were +less than a man not to give his services where ordered." + +"Ha, ha!" quoth Peter teasingly; "you'll be as bad as Kitty presently." + +"How so?" returned Betty, biting her lip as she turned her face away +from Peter's roguish eyes. + +"Why, Kitty had a walk-over course with the scarlet coats until you +came, and Captain Yorke was one of her gallants. But now I find him at +your elbow whenever you give him half a chance. But I've seen you snub +him well, too; you girls are such changeable creatures. I'd not have a +scarlet coat dancing around after me if I were you, Betty;" and Peter +endeavored to look sage and wise as he cocked his head on one side like +a conceited sparrow. What reply Betty might have made to his pertness +was uncertain, but at that moment both doors of the room opened and +Clarissa entered by one as Kitty flew in the other. + +"How industrious you are," cried Kitty, as she bade them all good-day; +"the rooms will be a bower of green, such as Captain Yorke tells about. +I came, Clarissa, to beg a note of invitation for Peggy Van Dam. She has +but just returned from Albany, and will be mightily pleased to be bidden +to your card-party." + +"I wondered if she would be in time," said Clarissa, seating herself at +her claw-legged, brass-mounted writing-table. "Has she changed much, +Kitty--not that I mean"--and Clarissa's sentence ended in a laugh. + +"There was room for it," finished Kitty. "No, she is just the same: +aping youth, with the desire to conceal age." + +"Oh, Kitty, that's the severest speech I ever knew you guilty of!" + +"Ill-natured, aye," quoth Kitty, with a comical sigh; "the world's awry +this morning and I must vent my crossness on somebody, so let it be +Peggy. But if I can carry her your note it will atone for my peevish +speech a dozen times, for is not Captain Sir John Faulkner coming, and +you know as well as all of us that Peggy's airs and graces are most +apparent in his company." + +Betty looked quickly up into Kitty's face as she rattled on gayly, and +detected an air of trouble and anxiety that was most unusual. And as +they presently followed Clarissa downstairs, she paused at the landing +and slid her little fingers into Kitty's as she whispered:-- + +"What's amiss? You are worried, I perceive; can I help you?" Kitty +started, and turning her head over her shoulder said softly:-- + +"Not now, but I know that you are true-hearted and quick-witted; I dare +not say one word more," and with an affectionate pressure, she dropped +Betty's hand and ran swiftly down the staircase. + +The drawing-room in the Verplanck mansion was high of ceiling, a +spacious, stately room, and its quaint, straight-backed chairs, stuffed +ottomans, and carved mahogany sofas were the acme of elegance of those +days. The highly polished floor had received extra attention from Pompey +and his assistants, while the mirrors shone brightly and reflected the +candles of the brass sconces on either side of their glittering +surfaces. Betty, at Clarissa's request, superintended the placing of the +card-tables, and also that of a huge silver salver, on which the tiny +cups for chocolate and the tall glasses for mulled wine would be served +from a table in the dining-room early in the evening before supper; also +a famous bowl of Indian china, where hot caudle would appear, caudle +being an English compound with which Betty was not familiar. Peter +explained it to her with due regard to detail; and smacked his lips over +the bottle as it smoked away on Dinah's kitchen table, where he had +invited Betty to come out and see it. + +"Dinah makes a sort of posset first, of oaten-meal, and then she puts in +coriander seeds, and raisins, all carefully stoned (I ought to know +that, for I helped her one mortal hour last night and got my fingers +sticky with the plagued stones), and some cloves in a muslin bag, which +are let lie till the caudle boils, and then removed, and last of all, +just as it's ready to serve, she pops in a good half bottle of +cognac--my! but it's prime!" and Peter cut a pigeon-wing and gave a +regular Mohawk war-whoop, as he danced around the kitchen and +disappeared through the door just in time to avoid Dinah's wet +dishcloth, which she sent spinning at his close-cropped pate. + +Betty stood in her small chamber at six o'clock that evening, +contemplating her gown with critical eye. Parties in those days were +early affairs, and in New York were known to assemble as early as half +past seven. The lanterns which hung outside every seventh house for the +purpose of lighting the streets were lit by the watchmen at half past +six, for the winter days were short, and the denizens of Wall Street +were wont to pick their way most carefully since the great fire, the +débris of which in many instances was still left to disfigure the sites +where had stood stately mansions. Betty deliberated for some minutes; +here were two gowns: one must be worn to-night for her dear Clarissa; +the other kept for the De Lancey ball, an event over which all +fashionable New York was agog, and which would take place on New Year's +night, just one week ahead. + +On the high, four-posted bed lay the gowns; one, which had been her +mother's, was a white satin petticoat, over which was worn a slip of +India muslin covered with fine embroidery, so daintily worked that it +was almost like lace itself. The dames of Connecticut, and, indeed, of +all New England, were much more sober in their dress than those of New +York, where the Dutch love of color still lingered, and the Tories clung +to the powdered heads and gay fashions of the English court circles. The +other gown (which in her secret soul Betty longed to wear) had been +given her by Gulian, who was the most generous of men, and who admired +his pretty sister-in-law far more than he would have told her. A ship +had recently arrived from England bringing him a box of gowns and +gewgaws ordered long since for his wife, and of these Gulian had made +Clarissa happy by bidding her bestow on Betty a gown such as he +considered fitting for a grand festivity like the De Lanceys' New Year +ball. + +"Alack!" sighed the pretty maid to herself, as she contemplated the +white satin, "I will not even raise the paper which contains Clarissa's +present, for both she and Gulian have set their hearts upon my wearing +it on New Year's day, so 't is useless to fill my breast with discontent +when I have so good a gown as this to wear to-night. The skirt is a +little frayed--oh! how vexing!" and Betty flew to her reticule for +needle and thread to set a timely stitch; "now that will not show when +the muslin slip goes over." Another anxious moment, and with a sigh of +relief Betty slipped on the short waist with its puffed sleeves and +essayed to pin the fichu daintily around her neck. Then she dived down +to the very depths of a chest of drawers, whence she produced a small +box, and out of this came a single string of pearls,--the pearls which +her mother had worn upon her wedding-day, and Pamela had pressed into +her hand at parting. Next, Betty with cautious steps, candle in hand, +approached the mirror, which graced the farther end of her tiny chamber, +and holding it at arm's length surveyed herself as far as she could see, +which was not below her dainty waist, as suited the dimensions of the +mirror aforesaid. + +"I am too white," thought Betty, with a little frown, all unconscious of +her lovely coloring and exquisite red-gold hair, which, guiltless of +powder, was massed as usual on top of her head and clustered in wayward +little curls on the nape of her snowy neck and over her white forehead; +"but never mind,"--with childlike philosophy,--"my gown for the New Year +ball has both breast and shoulder knots of rose-color; I wish I dare +steal one for to-night! But perhaps Clarissa would not be pleased, so I +will descend as I am. I hear Peter clattering on the staircase; he is no +doubt superintending the servants' dance," and Betty extinguished her +candle and tripped lightly down past Clarissa's door. + +From the sounds and lights she became aware that she was late, and had +lingered too long over her toilet, so she hesitated for a brief moment +as she reached the door of the drawing-room, where she could see +Clarissa and Grandma Effingham standing with a number of guests, both +dames and gentlemen. As she paused on the threshold a graceful, girlish +picture, a tall form emerged from the dim shades of the hall, and a hand +met hers. + +"Mistress Betty, I salute you," said Geoffrey Yorke, bowing low, "and +may I also beg your acceptance of a bunch of clove pinks? They were +grown by my Dutch landlady in a box kept carefully in her kitchen +window, and I know not whether she or I have watched them the more +carefully, as I wished to be so fortunate as to have them bloom for you +to-night." + +"For me?" said Betty, in a delighted whisper, turning such glowing eyes +upon him that the young man fell more madly in love with her than ever. +"How kind!--and at this season? Oh, they are sweet, and recall the +garden walk at home. Indeed, sir, I thank you," and scarcely thinking +what she did, in her pleasure at his pretty attention, she thrust the +bunch of pinks in her fichu, where they lay close to her white throat +and gave her toilet the one touch of color for which she had longed. +Small wonder that Geoffrey's handsome face lit up with triumph, or that +Clarissa said to herself as the pair approached her, Betty dimpling with +smiles, "What a charming couple they make! I wonder if my father would +object?" + +This was Clarissa's first appearance in society for many months, and the +warmth with which she was greeted showed how large a place the New +England girl had made in the regard of her husband's friends. The party +was given chiefly for Betty, that she might have plenty of partners at +the New Year ball; and although these were mostly young people, there +was also a goodly sprinkling of dames and dowagers, who smiled +approvingly when Betty was presented to them, before seating themselves +at the all-absorbing card-tables. Cards were much the mode of the day, +and an hour or more was given to them; then as the metheglin (a +delicious beverage made of honey) and the mulled wine was passed, the +younger portion of the company began moving through the suite of three +rooms, breaking up into small groups as they did so. + +Peter, who had constituted himself master of ceremonies for the fun in +low life which was going on in the kitchen, darted up to Betty as she +stood talking with Philip Livingston. + +"They're just going to begin to dance," he said. "Miranda is perked out +in a wonderful pink gown, and Aunt Dinah has her best turban on her +head. Do, Betty, persuade some of the company to come out and see the +negroes dance. Don't you hear the music beginning?" + +Surely enough the distant scraping of the violin could be heard, and +Betty, seizing Kitty by the hand, tripped up to Clarissa and repeated +Peter's request. Clarissa hesitated an instant. + +"Oh, Gulian," cried Betty, catching hold of her brother-in-law as he +came forward, "may we not visit the kitchen and see the servants dance? +Captain Yorke tells me that is what is done in England on Christmas Eve, +and I am sure it would afford us all a new amusement." + +Artful Betty! She knew full well that any suggestion of England and +English ways would appeal to Gulian, and Yorke, who followed closely at +her side, threw the potent weight of his opinion in the scale by saying +quietly:-- + +"I am told your slaves have the very poetry of motion, Verplanck; permit +me to escort Mistress Betty to the servants' hall." + +"Servants' hall!" whispered Betty mischievously to Yorke as Gulian led +the way with Clarissa; "we have nothing so fine in our humble colonies, +sir; our kitchens must serve for our dusky retainers." + +"You know I did not mean"--he began reproachfully. But seeing Betty's +laughing eyes, he added, with a smile:-- + +"Nay, you shall not tease me into vexing you to-night if I can avoid it; +I will strive to train my tongue to please you." + +The kitchen presented a quaint and most picturesque appearance. It was +a low, wide room, and around the wall ran shelves and dressers, on which +the pewter plates and copper covers shone with such fine polish that one +could almost see in their surfaces as in a mirror. Between those hung +bunches of herbs and strings of bright-hued peppers, and in and out on +the walls, and above, from the rafters, were Christmas greens, all +arranged by the servants themselves, with that unerring eye for grace +and color which is an attribute of the colored race. Aunt Dinah, the +presiding genius of the kitchen, stood at one end of the room. Her large +and portly person was clothed in a gay cotton print of many colors; and +upon her head was twisted a bright silk handkerchief, with a most +rakish-looking bow which reposed over her left ear. The Verplanck +slaves, some twelve of them, were augmented in numbers by those of the +Ludlow, De Lancey, and De Peyster families, and half filled the spacious +kitchen us they stood back in rows, courtesying and bowing, showing +their white teeth in smiles and low laughter, as they recognized some +"young massa," or "ole madam" among the gentlemen and dames who smiled +back upon their faithful, kindly faces. + +The dance began with a special contra-dance, in which the performers +copied with great exactness the profound bows and deep courtesies of the +period, mimicking their masters and mistresses with curious grotesque +grace. At the extreme end of the room, near Aunt Dinah, sat the fiddler, +wielding his bow with an extra flourish befitting the occasion. Jan +Steen was a well-known character, and his coming was looked upon as a +special favor, only accorded to the servants because they belonged to +the Verplancks, a family greatly honored and beloved among the Dutch +settlers of Manhattan Island. + +After the contra-dance was concluded, amid the applause and laughter of +the spectators, four young slaves were singled out from the others, and +took their places on the floor. Two of these were girls, pretty +mulattoes, and two young, bright-colored negro men as their partners. To +rather slow music they went through with a rhythmic dance, in which +their figures swayed to and fro, chiefly from the waist, a gliding +serpentine dance, evidently copied from the slaves of Martinique, and +brought to New York by the French families. And then, to Peter's great +delight, came the event of the evening, in his eyes,--the dance of +Miranda with her new admirer from Broucklen Heights. + +"Miranda is my maid," explained Clarissa to Madam De Lancey and Mrs. +Morris, as they waited for the performers to take their places. "I +fetched her from Connecticut when I was married, and she is, as you see, +very pretty and most graceful. The dance is a species of Spanish dance, +I fancy, for it is done with two scarfs of red and yellow; I purchased +the stuff a year ago from a Dutch peddler, and Miranda begged it of me +last week." + +"Cousin Clarissa," said Peter, rushing up, "we will want more light to +enable you to see this; the candles are getting low. With your +permission, may Pompey light the big lantern on the wall?" + +About the middle of the kitchen hung a lantern which had once been used +for illuminating purposes outside the mansion. It contained a piece of +tin which acted as a reflector; and Peter, who had never yet had the +pleasure of seeing it lit, had amused himself that very morning by +putting in the candles for which it was prepared, and informed Aunt +Dinah that he meant to light it by way of a climax to the festivities of +Christmas Eve. + +"The big lantern?" replied Clarissa; "it has not been lit this three +years." + +"I made it ready this morning; oh, do say yes." + +"Certainly," said Clarissa, smiling; "but tell Pompey to be careful, +Peter." + +Off flew Peter, and up on a bench mounted Pompey, nothing loth to add +dignity to the scene by illuminating it. Jan Steen drew his bow across +his violin with a long, sweet note, and out on the floor glided Miranda, +holding the hand of a tall, athletic-looking young negro, whose motions +were grace itself. They began at the top of the room, holding the scarfs +aloft, and slowly made their way down until they were in the centre, +when the full light gleamed strongly upon their raised arms, their heads +well up. Soft murmurs of applause began to steal around the room. Betty +stood with Captain Yorke and Kitty directly under the lantern, beating +time with her fan. + +"How graceful they are," said Yorke softly. "See, even their shadows on +the wall opposite are picturesque and wild. How distinct the faces +are!" + +"Silhouettes!" burst in Kitty; "have you seen the pictures made by the +new artist who came from Albany? Some folks like to be done thus, but +for me I do not care for a black profile of my own face. They are cut +skillfully enough in paper, however." + +Betty, wondering what had possessed Kitty to set off on an animated +description of silhouettes, looked up at the wall, and then her heart +almost stood still. That fine, high forehead, the curving lips, the +nose, with its clear-cut nostrils,--not even the disfiguring woolly wig, +stiff collar, and blackened face and hands could disguise them to her. +She gazed with sickening apprehension at the dancers; how often she had +seen Oliver dancing with Miranda when they were children together at +home, the performance usually taking place in the garret, for fear of +scoldings upon the sinfulness of dancing from Chloe, Miranda's mother; +oh, how did he dare do this here, where any moment might bring discovery +and death? Why, why, had she failed to see and recognize him! his +disguise was very perfect, and yet-- + +The applause rang out heartily as the dancers tripped faster and +faster; Betty wondered if her torture would ever end. Perhaps it had +only begun, for Oliver had said-- + +"Mistress Betty," spoke Yorke, and his voice was low and very tender, +"may I offer you my arm? A glass of mulled wine would, I think, be of +service to you." Stumbling a little in her agitation, Betty slipped +through the door with him, on into the dining-room, where he placed her +in a corner of the wide sofa and fetched the wine. + +"Drink it, every drop," he said, smiling down at her with a masterful +look in his dark eyes that Betty had never seen before. "Sweetheart, +trust me, and sit here till I return." + +Betty sipped her wine and the truant color came back to her cheeks, as +she saw him vanish through the door. + +"Have I grown a coward?" she thought indignantly. "I was brave up in the +Litchfield hills--how dare I fail now! Captain Yorke must have seen--and +yet, how could he know Oliver's face sufficiently well? Ah,"--and Betty +almost cried out,--"it is I, miserable I, who have betrayed my brother. +We are so strongly alike that"-- + +"Mistress Betty,"--Yorke was at her side again,--"I left you to bestow +a few shillings on yonder fellow who danced so well, but I could not +find him, and Mistress Kitty Cruger tells me he left at once for +Breucklen Heights, whence he came, as there is a party crossing before +daybreak. I trust you are better; the air was close in your kitchen." + +Betty's two small hands clasped each other mutely; her large eloquent +eyes were raised to his in the sweetest glance that ever maiden gave. + +"God bless you!" she cried impulsively, and, turning, fled through the +open door. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +AT THE VLY MARKET + + +It was a bright sunny morning, but very cold, and snow lay packed hard +and firm in the streets of New York, which, narrow as they were, +afforded little opportunity for the sun's rays to penetrate with +sufficient strength to warm the shivering pedestrians who were hurrying +down Maiden Lane in the direction of the Vly Market. At the farthest end +of the street were the shops, and one of these, "The Sign of the Cross +Swords," stood within a stone's throw of the market itself. It was a +small affair, with little grimy window-panes, where were displayed +knives, scissors, and razors, with locks and keys of many odd sorts. At +the door stood a half-grown boy, stamping his feet to keep warm, as he +droned out in sing-song fashion: "Walk in, gentlefolk, and have your +razors ground; we have all manner of kitchen furniture in cutlery +within, also catgut and fiddle strings at most reasonable rates." + +But these attractions did not appear to bring many customers inside the +little shop, as the passersby seemed chiefly eager to gain the Vly +Market, where the stalls were crowded with purchasers who were getting +the good things there displayed to indulge in keeping New Year's day +with the proper spirit of festivity; and the shop-boy was about to slip +inside for the comfort of warming his fingers and toes, when a tall, +slender fellow in fisherman's dress accosted him. + +"Hey, you there! Have you fish-hooks and nets within?" + +"Aye, sir, in plenty. Will it please you to enter?" And the boy made +room for the stranger to pass through the narrow doorway. The shop was +apparently empty, except for a middle-aged man who rose from his seat on +a high stool near the window, where he was busily engaged in polishing a +pair of razors. As he came forward, the fisherman addressed him:-- + +"Good day, friend. A frosty morning." + +"But the wind will turn to east at sunset," said the other, with a quick +glance from under his heavy eyebrows. + +"A good wind, then, for the Sturdy Beggar," was the reply, as the +fisherman clasped his hands behind his neck with a peculiar gesture. + +"Then all's well," returned the shopkeeper, laying down his razors, and +motioning his customer to come farther inside. "Whom do you seek here, +sir?" + +"Mynheer Wilhelm Hoffmeister, known commonly as 'Billy the fiddler.'" + +"He is off on duty since last Tuesday, but must be here to-night to play +at a grand ball given at one of the Tory houses; there must be news, for +you are the third one who has asked for him since yesterday." + +"News?" said the fisherman eagerly; "perhaps you have a billet for me?" + +"And what may you be called?" asked the other cautiously. + +"Jim Bates, from Breucklen Heights." + +"Then you're all right, sir; why didn't you say so before?" and the man, +casting a swift glance to make sure that the boy at the door was not +looking, pulled a scrap of dirty paper from his pocket, which was +instantly seized and opened by the fisherman. As he read the few words +it contained, the anxious lines on his face grew deeper. + +"It is the only way," he muttered to himself, as he tore the scrap into +tiniest fragments, "but I must know from Kitty the hour." Then aloud, +"Have you a bit of paper, friend, on which I can write a message?" + +"Surely," said the shopkeeper; "wait here a moment until I fetch it," +and he went hurriedly through a small door at the back of the shop, +leaving the fisherman standing near the window, from which he could see +the crowd outside. Suddenly the man uttered an exclamation, and made a +dash for the door, nearly upsetting the boy on the threshold. + +"Tell your master I will return shortly," he said hurriedly, and +disappeared in the direction of the Vly Market. + +It happened that Madam Cruger, thrifty housewife though she was, had +forgotten to order an extra number of the large, flat seedcakes, known +as New Year Cakes (and without which no gathering could be considered +complete for New Year day, when they were handed to all callers with the +accompanying glasses of mulled wine and metheglin), and had therefore +dispatched her daughter, with a colored servant carrying a capacious +basket on his arm, to purchase the dainty from the one stall in the Vly +Market where the aristocratic folk were wont to deal. Truth to tell, +Madam Cruger had made matters somewhat uncomfortable for her portly cook +when she learned that the cakes made by that functionary were too few to +meet her ideas of hospitality; and although Kitty knew that it would +require speed on her part to go to the market and return in time to +dress and be ready to receive their visitors in the drawing-room by +twelve o'clock, she preferred to pour oil on the troubled waters and +procure domestic peace at the expense of a little personal fatigue. +Beside, it was not unpleasant to trip along with the merry crowd, bent +on enjoying themselves, and Kitty knew that she would meet many an +acquaintance, out, like herself, on some belated errand for New Year +day. + +But there was one occurrence for which Kitty had not bargained, and that +befell her as she gained the market door. The fisherman, who had +followed her as swiftly as he dared without creating notice, passed +close at her elbow, then turned and met her face to face. Kitty grew a +little pale as he touched his cap respectfully, but she stopped in +obedience to the glance which met hers. + +"A Happy New Year to you, my good man," she said. "I fear that you and +your brother craftsmen suffer this terribly cold winter. Stand aside out +of the chilly wind which meets us through the market door and I will +speak to you. Cato," to her servant, "go on to Fran Hansel's stall, and +let her weigh out five pounds of seedcakes for my mother; I will join +you there in a moment," and she turned back to the fisherman, knowing +that in the crowd she was comparatively safe, provided her voice was not +loud enough to attract attention. + +"What is it?" she murmured, almost breathless from excitement, yet +striving to maintain a quiet, even careless exterior. "I hoped you had +fulfilled your dangerous errand and gone hence two days ago." + +"I cannot leave until my mission is completed; we have almost certain +news of an incursion by the British across the Kill von Kull, which will +do much injury to the peaceful country folk of Elizabethtown and Newark. +The man they call 'Billy the fiddler' will have a message for me +to-night of the greatest importance, and he plays with others at the De +Lancey ball; are you to be there, and at what hour?" + +"I, Oliver?" said Kitty, and turned rosy red as the incautious word +escaped her; "all New York is going at eight o'clock, but what has that +to do with"-- + +"This," whispered Oliver Wolcott, pulling his hat further down over his +eyes, and motioning Kitty to walk a few steps away from the door: "I +must be there." + +"You are mad!" and Kitty turned pale at the idea. + +"Oh, no, I am coming as one Diedrich Gansevoort, from Albany. Do not +fear for me; my disguise will be very perfect, and I go introduced by +Abram Lansing, from whom I bring a letter to Madam De Lancey. They are +old friends, though he is as stanch a Whig as she a Tory. I tell you, +Kitty, 't is of vital importance that I ascertain the facts of this +rumored raid upon the patriots, and I must risk all to gain it. Warn +Betty, lest she give way to alarm; be brave and fear nothing." + +"A Happy New Year, Mistress Kitty," said a gentleman who approached her, +followed by his negro servant. "I shall do myself the honor to pay my +respects to your mother a little later;" and Mr. Van Brugh raised his +three-cornered hat in courtly salute, staring hard at Kitty and the +fisherman as he passed them. + +"We are noticed," said Oliver calmly; "go on and do your errand." + +"But I am so fearful for you," gasped poor Kitty, whose usual composure +seemed to be deserting her. "You try me too far, unless I may do +something to aid your escape, for a horrible sinking of my heart seems +to bode no good to you." + +"Put no faith in omens," answered Oliver, with a smile. "I shall be off +at daybreak. Farewell, Kitty, and have no fear; I am well protected," +and mingling in the crowd, he passed out of the market door and was +gone. + +With what courage she could summon, Kitty sped on to Fran Hansel's +stand. The seedcakes had been weighed, decked with a handful of +Christmas greens, and placed in the basket, and Kitty, after a few kind +words to the old Dutch market-woman, made her way swiftly through the +crowd and gained the street. + +"I must warn Betty," she thought an she proceeded up Maiden Lane, and as +she came to Queen Street she paused. "Go directly home," she said to her +servant; "tell my mother I have stopped to see Grandma Effingham and +wish her a Happy New Year. I will be back in time to dress," and off she +sped in the direction of Wall Street. + +Betty, who like Kitty, had been spending her morning assisting in +preparations for the New Year callers who would present themselves later +in the day, was dusting the quaint Dresden Shepherdess who presided over +a corner of the drawing-room mantel, when a sharp knock at the front +door announced a visitor; and she fled out of the drawing-room only to +encounter Kitty in the hall. + +"A Happy New Year to you," said Kitty, in a tone of gayety which she was +far from feeling. "I ran over to give greeting to grandma, and as I came +my petticoat gave way; let me mount to your chamber and fasten it before +I go to grandma's." + +"Certainly," said Betty, and seizing hands both girls ran rapidly up the +staircase. Inside the small chamber, Kitty closed the door, and set her +back against it. + +"The petticoat is fast enough, Betty, but I have something grave to say. +Oliver is still in the city--he goes to the De Lanceys' to-night--I was +to warn you." + +"In what disguise?" asked Betty breathlessly. + +"Indeed, I know not, except that he will represent Mynheer Diedrich +Gansevoort, from Albany; oh, Betty, I am sore afraid." + +"Nay, wherefore?" and Betty's eyes sparkled as her color rose. "We +Wolcotts are not wont to fail, and I am now too accustomed to Oliver's +hairbreadth escapes for fright." + +"You were well alarmed at the servants' dance; oh, how rash he is!" + +"We spare nothing in our country's cause," said Betty, with a proud +little toss of her head; "but, Kitty, forgive me if I appear +intrusive--I am puzzled to know how and where you and Oliver"-- + +"You should have known long ago," interrupted Kitty, blushing deeply, +"but, somehow, I never could approach near enough to your heart to +confess that Oliver and I are trothplighted though my mother's consent +is lacking. We met in Albany--again at West Point, and oh, Betty, how I +have longed to tell you. I have seen you look at me with eyes so like +his; with such scornful glance when I laugh and jest with those hateful +redcoats, such kindly smile when I showed you that I am at heart a +patriot. Forgive me, dear, and let us do all we can to help Oliver +to-night, for he is determined to be at the De Lanceys' as by going +there he can obtain certain important information for the cause of +freedom." + +Betty threw her arms around Kitty; why did she feel as if the innocent +words stabbed her? Had the "hateful redcoats" ceased to be hateful to +her? + +"Trothplighted," she whispered, with wide-open eyes of delight; "I hoped +as much--how happy my father will be when Oliver"-- + +"Nay, nay," cried blushing Kitty, "you go too fast; think of madam, my +mother, and her antipathy to the 'rebels,' as she calls them, quite +forgetting that my aunt (where I made my home in Albany for three years) +is one, as well as her naughty daughter. Good lack! my fortunes were +told long ago had I but bowed to her wishes; and at the moment, +Betty,--to let you into a profound secret,--the most desirable husband +for me in her eyes is Captain Yorke." + +"Indeed!" said Betty coldly, but Kitty was too engrossed in her own +discourse to notice. + +"Not that he has such an idea, mind you; he loves to dance and jest +with me, as a score of others do. But, Betty, your confidence in Oliver +is well sustained so far, and it lightens my heart. Beside, there is no +one here who would be apt to recognize him except you and me; though for +the matter of that why Clarissa did not see and know his shadow at the +servants' dance I have not yet ceased to marvel." + +"You forget that she had no knowledge of his presence in New York, and +Oliver has changed greatly since she saw him full three years ago." + +"And now to grandma," said Kitty, releasing the latch of the door, which +she had held carefully in her hand since entering the room, as a +precaution against intruders; "and fare you well, Betty, till we meet at +the ball to-night." + +All through that New Year day Betty's heart throbbed with excitement, as +a steady stream of visitors passed in and out of the mansion, where +Grandma Effingham and Clarissa bade welcome to old friends and young +ones, to stately gentlemen in small clothes and powdered queues, with a +fine selection of British officers, beginning with Sir Henry Clinton, +who arrived in great state and descended from his sleigh, with its +coal-black horses, accompanied by his aides, for the English commander +liked to conciliate the Tories of New York, and, as he was then making +secret preparations to accompany an expedition to South Carolina, +thought best to appear in public even more than usual. + +"Mistress Betty," said Geoffrey Yorke, under cover of sipping a glass of +port wine which she had offered him, "I drink to your very good health;" +then softly, "I have not seen you for a week; have you been quite well +since the Christmas party?" + +"Is it so long?"--willfully; "Clarissa said you called one day." + +"Surely--to ask for you, and you never came inside the room." + +"Because I was busy, sir," replied Betty. Then relenting as a swift +remembrance crossed her mind, "I was skating at the Collect, where I +went with Peter late in the day." + +"Will you dance with me to-night at the ball--promise me all the dances +you can possibly spare?" and Geoffrey's voice took its most tender tone +as he fixed his eyes on Betty's charming face. + +"All my dances? Nay, two, possibly three, are as many as Clarissa would +deem consistent with good manners," returned the maid, unable to forego +the pleasure of teasing him; "indeed, I am bewildered even now +remembering sundry engagements already made." + +"The first dance, Betty," said Yorke pleadingly, as he saw the general +taking leave, and prepared to accompany him. "Surely you will not deny +me that grace?" + +But Betty only gave him the tips of her fingers in reply as she swept a +graceful courtesy. Was it the slight pressure of his hand which +accompanied the farewell that made Geoffrey spring gayly into the sleigh +and drive off with a half-boyish, half-triumphant smile? + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE DE LANCEY BALL + + +The De Lancey mansion, then one of the most famous houses in New York, +was on the Bloomingdale Road, and the drive out Bowery Lane ran through +meadow-land and green trees in summer, but over hard-packed snow and ice +in winter, for it was part of the highroad to Albany. So both Grandma +Effingham and Clarissa ordered the fur muffs and hot-water bottles for +the feet placed carefully in the sleigh, which Pompey brought to the +door just as the night watch went down the street, crying in his slow, +bell-like tones, "Eight o'clock, and all's w-e-ll!" Betty, standing +muffled in long cloak and fur hood, on the steps of the house, said to +herself, with a thrill of excitement, "All's well; please God I may say +as much when midnight sounds to-night." + +The sleigh was a large, roomy one, with back and front seats, and its +big hood was drawn up and extended like a roof over the top, covering +the heads of its occupants, but open at the sides. Clarissa was seated +first, and well wrapped in the bearskin robes which adorned the sleigh, +and then Betty tripped lightly down to have her little feet bestowed in +a capacious foot-muff, as she carefully tucked her new gown around her +and sat beside Clarissa. Gulian, in full evening dress, with small +clothes, plum-colored satin coat and cocked hat, took possession of the +front seat. Pompey cracked his whip, and the spirited horses were off +with a plunge and bound, as Peter, the irrepressible, shouted from the +doorway, where with grandma he had been an interested spectator of +proceedings, "A Happy New Year to us all, and mind, Betty, you only take +the handsomest gallants for partners." De Lancey Place had been the +scene of many festivities, and was famed far and wide for its +hospitality, but (it was whispered) this New Year ball was to excel all +others. The mansion stood in the centre of beautiful meadow-land, with a +background of dark pines, and these showed forth finely against the snow +which covered the lawns and feathered the branches of the tall +oak-trees in front of the door. Lanterns gleamed here and there, up the +drive and across the wide piazza; at the door were the colored servants, +in livery imported direct from England, and from within came sounds of +music. As Pompey swept his horses up to the step with an extra flourish +of his whip, a group of British officers, who had just alighted from +another sleigh, hastened to meet Clarissa and assist her descent. + +"On my word, Clarissa," said Gulian, a few minutes later, as he offered +her his hand to conduct her to the ballroom, "I never saw Betty look so +lovely. Your pink brocade becomes her mightily, and her slender shape +shows forth charmingly. Where did you procure those knots of +rose-colored ribbon which adorn the waist? I do not remember them." + +"That is my secret--and Betty's; she vowed the gown would not be +complete without them, so I indulged the child, and I find her taste in +dress perfect. Captain Sir John Faulkner seems greatly taken with her, +does be not?" + +"Aye, but let us hasten to find our hostess. They will be forming for +the minuet directly, and you must dance it with me, sweet wife,--unless +you prefer another partner." + +Clarissa's response to this lover-like speech was evidently +satisfactory, for presently Betty beheld her sister and Gulian take +places at the head of the room, next Madam De Lancey, who opened her +ball with Sir Henry Clinton. Betty, since her arrival in New York, had +been trained and tutored for the minuet by both Clarissa and Kitty, and +here was Captain Sir John Faulkner, an elderly but gallant beau, +supplicating for the honor of her hand in the opening dance. + +"I am loth to decline," began Betty, a little overpowered by the +compliment, "but I have already promised this dance." + +"To me," said Geoffrey Yorke, at her side, and looking up, Betty, for +the first time, saw her lover in all the bravery of full uniform, +powdered hair, and costly laces. If he had been strikingly handsome in +the old homespun clothes in which he first appeared before her on the +shores of Great Pond, he was ten times more so now. Betty forgot that +his coat was scarlet, that he represented an odious king and all she +had been taught to despise; she only saw the gallant manly form and +loving eyes which met hers so frankly, and the hand she gave him +trembled as he led her out upon the floor. For Betty did not +know--though the realization came to her later, with bitter tears-- +that all unconsciously she had entered that fabled kingdom, the +knowledge of which makes life a mystery, death a glory! + +The music swelled on in slow and stately measure; jewels flashed in the +blaze of wax candles, silken brocades rustled a soft accompaniment to +the steps and courtesies of their fair wearers, as Betty dreamed her +dream of happiness, only half aware that she was dreaming. And when, at +the close of the minuet, Geoffrey led her to Clarissa, there was no lack +of gallants nor partners, and Peter would have chuckled with delight +could he have seen that no one was so eagerly sought for as the lovely, +roguish maid, who wore the knots of rose-colored ribbon. + +It was time for supper, and instruments were being tuned into order for +a grand march, to be led by Madam De Lancey, when Betty, standing near a +large Indian screen, talking with Mr. Van Brugh, who was a dear friend +of her father's, became aware of subdued voices at her elbow, on the +other side of the screen. + +[Illustration: THE MINUET] + +"I tell you I am right," said one of these testily; "I would stake my +sword that he is not what he seems. I saw him exchange a bit of paper +with yonder manikin fiddler, who has been under suspicion for some +weeks, and cleverly they did it, too. It's not the first time, I'll +warrant, that Mynheer von Gam--" + +"No, no, not Von at all; you are safe to be mistaken, Colonel Tarleton; +the gentleman is one Diedrich Gansevoort from the Albany beverwyck. +Madam De Lancey herself made us acquainted; he is no spy." + +Betty's heart sank. She murmured something in reply as Mr. Van Brugh +paused. This was the famous and cruel Colonel Tarleton. If he had traced +Oliver, then all was lost. She strained her ears for further +information, smiling up at Mr. Van Brugh as she waved her fan gently to +and fro. + +"If you are so sure of it, why did he, an apparent stranger, have aught +to communicate to that fiddler yonder? Go quietly through the crowd and +watch the gentleman as he appears at supper; I'll have a word with Yorke +on the subject," and they moved off in the direction of the ballroom. + +"Will he, indeed?" thought Betty, as she saw Geoffrey coming toward her +from the hall; "not while I can hold him at my side," and with somewhat +paler face, but with calm demeanor she moved away, obedient to +Geoffrey's request that she should go to supper. + +Kitty Cruger's evening, unlike Betty's, had been full of dangerous +excitement. Arriving at the ball with her mother, she had been dancing +with her usual spirit, keeping, however, anxious watch for Oliver. But +she perceived no one whom she could possibly imagine was he, even in +disguise, and therefore it was with almost a shock of dismay that she +found herself stopped, as she was passing the supper-room door, by her +hostess, who "craved the favor of presenting a gentleman just arrived +from Albany, who knew her family there." Kitty dropped her most formal +courtesy and raised her eyes to the face of the stranger. Verily, Oliver +possessed positive genius for disguises, and troubled as she was Kitty +could not restrain a smile as she recognized in the rubicund +countenance and somewhat portly form of the gentleman bowing before her +an admirable caricature of no less a person than her respected uncle, +Cornelius Lansing, an antiquated Albany beau. + +Yorke, with Betty, was just inside the door as the pair entered, and as +Kitty perceived them she paused for a moment to say good-evening. + +"Where have you been? I was looking for you. Permit me to present +Mynheer Gansevoort, of Albany. Mistress Betty Wolcott and Captain Yorke. +As for you, sir,"--to Yorke, with a playful tap of her fan to engage his +attention,--"you have not yet claimed my hand for a dance. Pray, what +excuse can you devise for such neglect?" + +Betty seized her opportunity. She must warn Oliver at all hazards. "Have +you lately arrived?" she said, fixing her eyes on him; then, in so low a +whisper that it barely reached him by motion of her lips, "You are +watched; be careful!" + +"I am somewhat deaf," returned Oliver, with great readiness, bending his +ear toward her. "By whom?"--with equal caution. + +"Colonel Tarleton. Escape as speedily as you can." + +"Did you speak?" said Geoffrey, turning suddenly, to Betty's dismay, and +casting a penetrating glance at Oliver, which he returned with the +utmost calmness. + +"This gentleman is somewhat deaf, I find," answered Betty. "It is a sad +affliction, sir; has it troubled you long?" + +"Some years. May I offer Captain Yorke a pinch of snuff?" and the +pretended Mynheer Gansevoort produced a gold snuff-box from his +waistcoat pocket, which he courteously extended to the English officer. + +"You must excuse me; I have not yet acquired the habit," replied +Geoffrey. "A glass of wine with you, sir, instead, if you will do me the +honor." + +"With great pleasure." And as they moved a step onward, Kitty passed +first with Yorke, thereby giving Betty time to whisper to Oliver what +she had overheard behind the screen. + +"Your very good health, sir," said Geoffrey, as he took the glasses of +port wine from a servant standing near the lavishly filled table; "and +if you will not consider me intrusive, do you purpose stopping in New +York?" + +"That is as may be," replied the other. "I am not, however, returning +to Albany immediately. Will you name a toast?" + +"Aye," said Yorke quickly, raising his glass, with a searching look into +Oliver's eyes,--"To your _safe_ return to the Albany beverwyck; the +climate of New York is somewhat unhealthy at present." + +"Yorke," said a young officer, coming hastily up behind the group, +"Colonel Tarleton desires speech with you for a moment; you will find +him and Sir Henry by the screen in the ballroom." + +"You heard?" whispered Betty, as Geoffrey left them; "Captain Yorke has +recognized you--fly, fly, at once!" + +"Is there another exit from this room, Kitty?" asked Oliver, finishing +his glass of wine as he spoke, and handing the empty glass to the +waiting servant. + +"Only the window behind us," gasped Kitty; "quick! they are all too busy +eating and drinking to notice if you slip through the curtains, and the +balcony is but a few feet from the ground." + +"Then I must run for it. Farewell," murmured Oliver, as the heavy damask +curtains dropped back over his vanishing figure. The two girls gazed +into each other's faces with dilated eyes and quivering lips. Would the +alarm be speedily given, and would they see him captured and carried to +certain death? For one breathless moment they listened, and then Kitty +turned sick and faint; her eyes closed as Betty flung an arm around her +waist. + +"Some wine at once," she said aloud, and two gentlemen sprang forward to +assist her to place Kitty in a chair. "She is affected by the heat of +the room; it will pass in a moment," and she gave the reviving girl a +good hard pinch, which made her start in her chair. "Oh, Gulian, I am +glad you are here. Had you not better seek Madam Cruger?" + +"No, no," cried Kitty, struggling to rise, and most heartily ashamed of +herself for her lack of self-control. "My mother is not strong and must +not be alarmed. I am better; will you come into the hall with me, Betty? +It is cooler there." + +"Of course, and you can rest awhile; Gulian will bring us supper." + +But supper and everything connected with it was far from Betty's +thoughts; all she wished was a few words with Kitty alone, which she +knew Gulian's absence would give her. + +"Betty," said Kitty the instant he left them, "you do not know half the +danger. If he has not the means of escape close at hand--if the British +officers arrest the fiddler--Oliver is totally lost. Can you see through +yonder door if the man be there still with the others?" Betty rose from +her chair and stepped inside the ballroom, now nearly deserted, for the +guests were all at supper. She glanced eagerly toward the upper end of +the room; no, the manikin fiddler had disappeared. Then an idea darted +into her quick brain; inaction under the circumstances was maddening; +back she darted to Kitty's side. + +"Kitty, come with me instantly. We will muffle ourselves in our cloaks +and hoods and steal forth for a moment. I'll find Pompey and our sleigh, +and if worst comes, let Oliver fly in that fashion; Gulian's horses are +fleet enough to distance pursuers." + +Without another word both girls flew into the room near the front door +where they had left their wraps. Not a soul was there; the servants had +gone elsewhere, knowing that their services would not be required until +the early morning hours, when the ball broke up. It took but a moment +pounce on their cloaks, and Betty also seized a long dark wrap, which +lay conveniently at her hand, thinking it might be useful. Out into the +hall they dashed swiftly and silently, past the lanterns on the broad +piazza; and as luck had it, Pompey himself, who had come up to witness +the festivities from the outside, popped up at the steps. + +"What you 'so doin' hyar, little missy?" he began wonderingly, but Betty +cut him short. + +"Fetch the sleigh at once, Pompey. Mistress Kitty is ill, and I want to +take her home." + +Pompey, somewhat alarmed at the tone and catching sight of Betty's white +face and burning eyes, vanished on the instant. The girls drew into the +shadow as far as they were able, and holding their breath peered into +the darkness. + +"What is that?" whispered Kitty, as a swift footstep crossed the piazza. +"Oh, 'tis Yorke! Have a care, Betty, or we are discovered," and she +endeavored to drag her farther back against the wall. As she did so, +the crouching figure of a man rose up against the trunk of one of the +oak-trees on the lawn; it was Oliver. His padded coat cast off, they +could dimly distinguish his tall slender form. Some singular instinct +for which he could never account made Yorke pause as he set his foot on +the threshold of the front door; he wheeled just in time to see Betty's +face, as one pale ray from a distant lantern fell across it. + +"Betty, what are you doing here?" he cried, darting to her side. At that +instant a sound of voices broke on the stillness of the night; it came +from behind the mansion in the direction of the pine woods. + +"Kitty is ill," faltered Betty. "I am taking her home--do not, I pray +you, detain me--oh, there is Pompey"--as the welcome sound of +sleigh-bells rang out on the frosty air. "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, let me +go!" + +Her tone of agonized supplication went to Geoffrey's heart. Kitty flew +down the steps into the sleigh, unassisted, and Betty followed, her hand +in Yorke's. There arose a hoarse shout "The spy, the spy--he has escaped +by the road!" and as Betty set her foot on the runner, a dark figure +vaulted over Kitty and buried itself in the robes at the bottom of the +sleigh. + +"At last, sweetheart, I pay my debt," whispered Yorke in her ear, as he +thrust Betty safely into the seat. "Pompey, drive for your life!" The +startled negro needed no second bidding, down came the whip-lash on the +horses' backs, and with a furious plunge, a mad rear, they were off, a +quarter of a mile ahead before their pursuers turned the corner of the +mansion. + +Oh, that wild race through the snow! Even in after years, when long days +of happiness had crowded out much of those stirring times from Betty's +mind, a shudder would creep over her, and closing her eyes she could see +again the tall gaunt trees, the frozen road, the snow that glittered so +still and cold in the cruel starlight, and hear the distant shouts that +she feared told of pursuit. On they flew, Oliver giving occasional +directions to the trembling and excited Pompey. Now that he knew the +danger, the faithful negro would have died sooner than fail to carry the +fugitive into comparative safety. On, through the Lispenard meadows, +on,--until they struck Broadway; no pursuers within sight, and at Crown +Street Oliver bade him turn in the direction of the river, and drive +down until he reached the slip which lay at the foot of the street. All +was still. Save an occasional belated pedestrian, nothing seemed +stirring, and as they neared the dingy old tavern at the Sign of the +Sturdy Beggar, Pompey pulled up his smoking, panting horses. + +"Don't want to got too near dose lights," he said, pointing to the +swinging lantern which adorned the hostelry; "darsen't let nobody see my +young mistress; Massa Gulian would flog Pompey for shuah if dis tale +gets tole." + +"You're right, Pompey," answered Oliver, springing up and flinging the +long dark cloak with which Betty had provided herself around his +shoulders; "take the ladies home slowly. Kitty, my beloved, +farewell--farewell, Betty, brave little soul that you are; I'll tell my +father how your quick wits came to my relief. Here I cross the river on +the ice, and, God willing, reach the commander-in-chief with the tidings +he desires by eight o'clock in the morning." + +A sob from Kitty, a low "God guard you!" from Betty, and Oliver vanished +as Pompey turned his horses and proceeded leisurely back to Broadway. +The girls were literally too spent with emotion to do more than sink +down breathless among the fur robes, and not one word did they exchange +as they drove through Wall Street and finally drew up at the Verplancks' +door. On the steps stood Gulian, a tall and silent figure, awaiting the +truants. + +"What does this mean?" he began sternly, as he lifted Kitty out. "Did +the hue and cry for that wretched, miserable Whig spy frighten the +horses? Clarissa is nearly distracted"-- + +"I will explain all to your satisfaction," interrupted Betty. "Meantime, +listen, and be thankful;" and as she held up a warning hand, they heard +through the stillness of the night the watchman's distant cry float down +the frosty air:-- + +"Half past three o'clock--and all's--well!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +LOVE OR LOYALTY + + +"Do you mean to tell me that you, Clarissa's sister, had anything to do +with the escape of a Whig spy?" + +"Even so," said Betty calmly, though her face was pale and her brilliant +eyes burning with excitement. + +"Damnation!" retorted Gulian angrily. "Even your mistaken ideas of +patriotism could hardly carry a well-behaved maiden so far." + +"Gulian! how _dare_ you!" + +"What am I to conclude?" with a scornful wave of his hand; "your story +is somewhat disjointed. Kitty is taken ill; you suddenly decide to carry +her off in my sleigh without farewell of any kind to your hostess, +without paying your sister or me the respect to ask permission. Then you +state that a man--confound the beggar's impudence!--sprang into the +sleigh, and you were foolish enough to fetch him out of the danger of +pursuit, all because of loyalty to the cause of so-called freedom. I +cannot understand--Stay! Captain Yorke was on the steps as I came out, +hearing the shouts; did he witness this extraordinary occurrence?" + +"I told you the fugitive had concealed himself in the bottom of the +sleigh before I entered it," said Betty, terror seizing her lest a +chance word should implicate Geoffrey in the matter. "Would you have me +turn a helpless man loose among your Hessians? I have too vivid +recollection of Nathan Hale's fate to contribute another victim to +English mercy." + +The taunt stung Verplanck, for, like many of the more liberal Tories, he +had deeply deplored the tragic ending of the gallant Hale, although +forced to regard it as one of the stern necessities of war. He bit his +lip as he answered:-- + +"Thank you, Betty; I am glad Clarissa does not regard me as quite so +bloodthirsty as you evidently deem me." Then, eying her keenly, as if +struck by a sudden thought, "Did you know the man, or was it all pure +patriotism?" + +"Yes," returned Betty, filled with indignation at the sneer, and facing +him with all her native courage; "yes, I know him well." + +"Know him?" echoed the bewildered Gulian, "are you mad or am I +dreaming?" + +"Neither, I trust. The Whig spy, as you are pleased to call him, was my +brother, Oliver Wolcott. Thank God that he has made good his escape, and +congratulate yourself, Gulian, that you aided, even remotely, in it." + +"Betty, Betty, if this be true, I trust Clarissa does not know." + +"Never fear," with a choking sob; "I shall not tell her. She suffers +enough, poor soul, with her husband upon one side and her people upon +the other of this most cruel war." + +"Betty, go to your chamber," said Gulian sternly. "I will myself escort +Kitty to her own door, and impress upon her the necessity of keeping the +matter a close secret. My mortification would be great were it known. +Why, it might even endanger my friendship with Sir Henry Clinton." + +Betty left the room, but her lip curled as she said to herself, "A Tory +to the tips of his fingers; God forbid that I should ever feel what +Clarissa must." + +Very little sleep visited Betty that night (or what remained of it) as +she lay with open eyes that strained into the growing dawn, picturing to +herself Oliver's flight across the North River, and hoping fervently +that she had thrown the pursuit skillfully off his track. When at last +she fell into a doze it was nearly seven o'clock in the morning, and +Miranda, who softly entered the room, bringing fresh water, halted at +the pillow, loth to waken her. + +"Mistress Betty," she whispered. No reply, but the sleeper turned +uneasily, and then opened her eyes. "I certainly do hate to call you, +but jes' look here; what you say for dat, little missy?" and Miranda +held up a letter. "Dat was left wif me at daybreak by de young boy who +came wif Sambo--missy knows who I mean,"--rolling her eyes fearfully +around the room,--"and he said tell you that Jim Bates, of Breucklen +Heights, had tole him to fetch it to you." + +Betty seized the package; it consisted of a half-sheet of paper which +inclosed a letter, doubled over and sealed with wax in the fashion of +the day. + +"I am safely across the river," wrote Oliver on the outer sheet, "and +send this to ease your mind and Kitty's. Moppet's letter came to me +inside one from my father by private hand a few days since, on chance of +my being able to give it you. My service in the city is over, my object +attained; hereafter I shall be on duty with our troops. God be with you +till we meet again." + +Betty broke the seal of her letter and between sobs and laughter +deciphered the queer pot-hooks and printed letters with which Miss +Moppet had covered the pages. Dear little Moppet; Betty could almost see +the frowns and puckered brow with which the child had penned the words. + +"My Betty dear," the letter ran, "we miss you sorely, especially the +Mare and me. She whinnies when I seek the Stable, and I was going to say +I cry too, but never mind." (This was partly erased, but Betty made it +out.) "It is so cold the Chickens are kept in the kitchen at night lest +they freeze. We hope it may thaw soon, as we Desire to get the maple +syrup from the trees. Aunt Euphemia is well. Miss Bidwell is still +knitting Socks for our poor soldiers, and I made Half of one, but the +Devil tempted me with Bad temper and I threw it on the Fire, for which +I was well Punished. Pamela cries much; I do not see why she is so +Silly. Sally Tracy is the only merry one, now you are away; she spends +too much, time, to my thinking, reading and walking with a young +Gentleman who comes from Branford. I have not yet learned how to spell +his Name, but you may Guess who I mean. When are you coming home, Betty? +I want so to see your dear face. My Respects to Gulian and Clarissa, and +Obedience to Grandma--I do not Recollect her whole Name. My Sampler is +more perfectly Evil than ever, but I have completed the Alphabet and I +danced on it, which Miss Bidwell said was Outrageous naughty, but my +temper Felt calmed afterward. It has taken four Days to write this, +farewell, from your lonesome little sister, + +"FAITH WOLCOTT. + +"Nota Bene. I send my Love to You know Who." + +There were others of the Verplanck household who slept late that +morning. Gulian's usually calm and somewhat phlegmatic temper had been +moved to its depths by the startling and most unexpected revelation of +Oliver Wolcott's identity with the spy, whose escape Betty had aided +and in which he was also indirectly implicated by the use of his horses +and servant. Gulian's strict sense of justice told him that Betty was +right in seizing the means at hand to rescue her brother, but that did +not lessen his irritation at being used for anything which appertained +to the Whig cause, for Gulian Verplanck was a Tory to the backbone. +Educated in England, brought up to consider that the divine right of +kings was a sacred principle, he carried his devotion to the Tories to +such an extent that had he foreseen the conflict between King and +Colonies it is safe to say he would never have wedded Clarissa Wolcott. +His love for his wife was too great to permit him to regret his +marriage, and he was too thorough a gentleman to annoy her by alluding +to their political difference of opinion, except occasionally, when his +temper got the better of him, which, to do him justice, was seldom. But +Clarissa's very love for him rendered her too clear-sighted not to +perceive the state of his mind, and the unspoken agitation which she +suffered on this score had been partly the cause of her homesickness and +longing for her sister's companionship. He had been both kind and +considerate in sending for Betty; his conscience approved the action; +and now to have this escapade as the outcome was, to a man of his +somewhat stilted and over-ceremonious ideas, a blow of the most annoying +description. + +When he sallied forth from his house some two hours later than his wont, +on his way to the wharf, where his business was located, he +congratulated himself that he had so far escaped questioning from his +wife on the occurrences of the night before. When Betty left him, he had +taken Kitty home in the sleigh, and refrained from lecturing her except +so far as insisting upon her not mentioning the matter of Oliver's +escape to her mother. Exhausted as she was, mirth-loving Kitty was moved +to a smile as she listened to Gulian's labored sentences, in which he +endeavored to convince his listener and himself that what he considered +almost a crime against the King's majesty--permitting the escape of a +rebel spy--was, so far as Betty was concerned, a meritorious act. So +Kitty promised, with the utmost sincerity, that not one syllable would +she breathe of the matter to her mother, or, in fact, to any human +being, and hugged herself mentally as she thought of Gulian's horror if +he only knew what a personal interest she had in that night's mad race +for freedom. Clarissa, sweet soul, had lain down quietly, when told that +their horses had nearly run away, being badly frightened by the hue and +cry of an escaping rebel; and uttering heartfelt thanksgivings that +Pompey had brought the girls home in safety, she went fast asleep and +remained so long after Gulian had risen, breakfasted, and gone down +Maiden Lane. + +Business was somewhat dull that morning, and Gulian was conscious that +each time his office door opened he feared some one would enter who had +learned, he hardly knew how, of his having been connected with the +hateful affair occupying his thoughts. It was therefore with a genuine +feeling of relief that just as he was preparing to lock up his books he +heard the outer door open, and a familiar voice inquire if he was +within. + +"Pray come in at once, Yorke," he said, throwing open the door of his +private room with alacrity, as he held out a hand of welcome to his +visitor. "Did you rise early this morning? I am ashamed to own how late +I was, but the balls at De Lancey Place are promoters of sleep next day, +I find." + +"I can usually plead guilty to sleep," replied Yorke, throwing off his +military cloak, and taking the chair which Gulian offered him, "but I +had to be stirring early to-day, for Sir Henry had pressing affairs, and +I was at headquarters before seven o'clock." + +"Did you take horse in pursuit of the spy last night?" asked Gulian, +with somewhat heightened color. + +"Not I," answered Yorke carelessly; "the poor devil had luck on his +wide, or doubled marvelously well on his pursuers, for I am told that +not a trace of him nor of his confederate, the little fiddler, did our +men find. It's well for them, as Sir Henry was much enraged and their +shrift would have been short, I fear, had they been captured." + +"These rebels grow bolder than ever," said Gulian, uttering a secret +thanksgiving which spoke better for his kindness of heart than his +loyalty to King and Crown; "I marvel at their adroitness." + +"So do we all;--but, Verplanck, I came on a different errand to-day than +politics. I came"--and Geoffrey hesitated, as a questioning look came +on Gulian's face--"I came--I--In short, am I right in esteeming you for +the present as brother and guardian to Mistress Betty Wolcott?" + +"Aye; in her father's absence, of course, I stand in that relation +toward her. Well, what of Betty?" + +"Only this," and rising, Yorke bowed in courtly fashion: "I have the +honor to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your sister, +Mistress Betty." + +"To Betty?" was Gulian's astonished and delighted response. "You +surprise me. Your acquaintance is but recent, and, I think, somewhat +formal?" + +"Love is hardly a matter of time or formality," returned Yorke, with a +smile, as a remembrance of his first meeting with Betty occurred to him, +"and that I do truly and honestly love her you have my honorable +assurance. Do you give me your permission to proceed in the matter?" + +"With all my heart," said Gulian, this new aspect of things driving all +unpleasantness connected with Betty from his head; "but her father's +consent is, I fear me, quite a different matter." + +"That is not for to-day," cried the lover, as he shook Gulian's hand +with almost boyish delight, "and to-morrow may take care of itself if I +can but gain Betty's ear." + +"But my consent and Clarissa's can be but conditional," proceeded +Gulian, his habitual caution returning to him. "I am not sure that I +should be altogether justified--Nay," seeing Yorke's face cloud with +keen disappointment, "I will myself lay the matter before Betty, and +endeavor to ascertain if she may be well disposed toward you." + +"Heaven forbid!" thought the impetuous lover. But he only said aloud, +"Thank you, Verplanck, I am delighted to receive your sanction. How are +you spending the afternoon?" + +"I have business at Breucklen Heights, but I shall be at home this +evening, when I will approach Betty in the matter, and tell my wife of +the honor you do us. For I have not forgotten my many visits to your +father, Lord Herbert, at Yorke Towers, and the kindness extended me +while in England. Indeed, Yorke, for my personal share in the matter, I +know of no alliance which could gratify me more." + +This was unwonted warmth on Gulian's part, and Yorke, feeling it to be +such, grasped his hand warmly at parting, as he flung himself in his +saddle, and rode gayly up Maiden Lane. + +But the "best laid plans o' mice and men" often meet with unsuspected +hindrances, as both Gulian and Yorke were destined to discover. What +special imp prompted Betty to sally forth for a walk after dinner, +thereby missing a call from Yorke (who came thus early to prevent +Gulian's intended interview), it would be vain to speculate; but when +the maid returned, feeling more like her old happy self than she had +done in weeks, the irony of fate prompted an encounter with her +brother-in-law at the library door. + +"I have somewhat to say to you, Betty," began Gulian, with an air of +importance, which set Betty's nerves on edge at once. If there was one +thing more than another that annoyed her it was Gulian's pompous manner. +"Will you come inside before going upstairs? I will not detain you +long." + +Wondering what could have occurred to wipe out the displeasure with +which he had dismissed her to bed the last time they met, Betty +followed him, and throwing off her hood and cloak seated herself calmly +as Gillian entered and closed the door with the solemnity he considered +befitting the occasion. + +"I had the unhappiness--the very great unhappiness," he began, "to feel +much displeased with you last night; but upon thinking the whole matter +over carefully, I am convinced that in assisting your unfortunate +brother to escape you did your best under the circumstances, and were +justified in yielding to a very natural and proper sisterly impulse." + +"Thank you," said Betty demurely, but with a sparkle of fun in her +liquid eyes as she turned them upon Gulian, secretly amused at this +curiously characteristic apology. + +"We will dismiss that event and endeavor to forget it; I only wish, to +repeat my injunction that I desire Clarissa should know nothing of the +matter." He paused, and Betty made a movement of assent. + +"How old are you, Betty?" came the next remark. + +"I am turned sixteen," replied Betty, somewhat surprised at the +question. + +"So I thought." Gulian paused again to give weight and dignity to the +disclosure. "You are now of a marriageable age. I have this morning +received a proposal for your hand." + +"Indeed," said Betty calmly, "And who, pray, has done me that honor, in +this city, where I am but a recent comer?" + +"Precisely what I remarked; the acquaintance has been, perhaps, unduly +short. But nevertheless a most honorable and distinguished gentleman +intends to offer you, through me, his hand"-- + +"He had been wiser to present _me_ with his heart," interrupted Betty, +with a mischievous laugh. But mirth died on her lips as Gulian, frowning +slightly, proceeded with his story in his own way. + +"His hand, and I presume his heart; do not be flippant, Betty; it ill +becomes you. This young gentleman will be called upon to fill a high +position; he is the son of a man of title and"-- + +"Stay," said Betty coldly. "It is not necessary to rehearse his +advantages. May I ask the name of this somewhat audacious gentleman?" + +"Audacious?" ejaculated Gulian, falling back a step to gaze full at the +haughty face uplifted toward him. "Surely you misunderstand me. Pending +your father, General Wolcott's consent, I trust you are able to perceive +the advantages of this match, for Captain Geoffrey Yorke is a son of +Lord Herbert Yorke, and grandson of the Earl of Hardwicke. It is an +exceptionally good offer, in my opinion, for any colonist, as in this +country, alas, we have no rank. Moreover, Betty, when the war ends it +will be wise to have some affiliation with the mother country, and by so +doing be in a position to ask protection for your unhappy and misguided +relatives who now bear arms against the King." + +Up rose Mistress Betty, her slender form trembling with indignation, her +eyes flashing, and her cheeks scarlet.-- + +"I would to God," she cried passionately, "that my father could hear you +insult his child, his country, and his cause. There is no need for you +to ask his consent to my marriage with Captain Yorke, for here, this +moment, I promptly decline any alliance which possesses the advantages +you so feelingly describe." + +"Betty, Betty "--Gulian saw his mistake, but it was too late; on rushed +the torrent of her indignation. + +"I wish you--and him--to understand that Betty Wolcott is heart and soul +with her 'misguided relatives' in rebellion against British rule; that +nothing--no, nothing, would induce her to wed an enemy to her country." + +"Nothing, Betty?" said a manly voice behind her, as Yorke himself +crossed the threshold, where for the last few seconds he had been an +angry listener to Gulian's blunders. "Surely you will grant me a moment +to plead on my own behalf?" + +"And wherefore?" cried Betty. "You sent your message by him," with a +scornful wave of her hand toward Gulian's retreating figure; "through +him, then, receive my reply." + +"I will not," said Geoffrey firmly, as the door closed behind Verplanck. +"Sweetheart, will you listen to me?" + +"It is useless," murmured Betty, with a choking sob. "I was mad to even +dream it might be possible. Gulian has made it all too plain to me." + +"Nay, you must and shall hear me. I will not leave you until I tell you +that I love you devotedly; ah, why should politics and war come between +our hearts? Consider, Betty, I will do all a gentleman and a man of +honor can to please you"-- + +"But you cannot desert your own people," she said despairingly. "I could +not love you if you did, for, Geoffrey, it is but due you to confess in +this hour of parting that you are very, very dear to me," and the last +words just reached his eager ears as Betty sank, trembling, into a +chair. + +"Dearest," he cried, kissing the little hand which lay in his, "will you +not bid me hope? Think, the tide may turn; we are both young, and who +can predict the fortunes of war? I will not bind you, but to you I must +myself be bound by the passionate love I bear you." + +"Oh, Geoffrey, my beloved, it cannot be! I know what my dear and honored +father would say. God guard you--farewell!" + +He caught the dainty form in his arms, he held her next his heart and +vowed that come what would he defied fate itself to separate her from +him. "See," he cried, snatching the knot of rose-colored ribbon from his +breast, "I will wear this token always as I have done since the day it +dropped from your gown on the grass. If it be twenty years, I will yet +come, with your father's consent, to win you, and then, _then_, +sweetheart, may I claim my reward?" + +"I cannot wed my country's foe," she faltered. "Oh, Geoffrey, be +merciful--let me go." At that moment there came a violent knock upon the +street door, a sound of voices, and Pompey's slow step approaching the +library door. + +"An express for Massa Captain brought by Sir Henry's orderly," said the +faithful old negro, handing a sealed envelope to Yorke, as he closed the +door behind him. Yorke tore it open; it fell from his hand. For a moment +he stood, tall, gallant, and brave, before Betty; his eyes met hers in +long, lingering farewell. + +"Sir Henry leads the expedition to South Carolina to-night, Betty, and I +go with him. Nay, sweetheart, sweetheart, we shall meet again in happier +days." + +She gave a little cry and flung herself into his arms; she kissed him +with all her warm frank heart on her lips, and then she slipped from his +embrace and was gone as Yorke dashed from the house, mounted his horse, +and galloped swiftly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +It was early autumn in Connecticut, and the maples had put on their most +gorgeous robes of red and yellow. The weather had been mild for that +region up to the middle of October, when a sudden light frost had flung +its triumphant banner over hill and dale with a glow and glory seen to +its greatest perfection in New England. The morning air was somewhat +fresh, and Miss Bidwell, hearing Moppet's feet flying along the hall, +opened the door of the sitting-room and called the child. + +"You will need your tippet if you are going beyond the orchard, and I +think perhaps your hood." + +"Hood!" echoed Miss Moppet disdainfully, shaking her yellow curls over +her shoulders until they danced almost of themselves; "I do not need to +be muffled up as if I were a little girl, Miss Bidwell. You forget I was +twelve years old yesterday," and she waltzed around the room, spreading +her short skirt in a courtesy, to Miss Bidwell's admiring gaze. + +"Indeed, I am likely to recollect when I myself arranged the twelve +candles in your birthday cake." + +"To be sure!" cried Moppet, with swift repentance, "and such an +excellent, rich cake as it was, too. Do you think"--insinuatingly--"that +I might have a slice, a very tiny slice, before I go forth with Betty to +gather nuts in the Tracys' woods?" + +"No," replied Miss Bidwell, laughing, "you will assuredly be ill if you +touch one morsel before dinner. Run along, Miss Moppet, I see your +sister waiting for you at the gate," and Moppet, with a jump and a skip, +flew off through the side door and down the path, at the end of which +stood Betty. + +It was a very lovely Betty over whom the October sunshine played that +morning, but to a keenly observant eye a different Betty from her who +had danced at the De Lancey ball, now nearly three years past. This +Betty had grown slightly taller, and there was an air of quiet dignity +about her which suggested Pamela. But the beautiful merry eyes had +deepened in expression, and it was, if anything, a still more attractive +face than of old, although the fair unconsciousness of childhood had +departed; and if mischief still lurked in the dimpled cheeks, that was +because Betty's heart could never grow old; no matter what life might +hold for her of joy or sorrow, she would always be to a certain extent a +child. And well for her that it was so; do we not all know a few rare +natures whose fascination dwells in this very quality? + +The years had gone swiftly for Betty. Shortly after her parting with +Yorke an opportunity had occurred for her return to Litchfield, and +although Clarissa lamented her departure Betty was eager to fly home. +Gulian had done his best to smooth over his ill-judged and ill-tempered +effort to arrange her matrimonial affairs, and one of Betty's minor +annoyances was her sister's evident disappointment at Yorke's rejection. +Only once had she forgotten herself and flashed out upon Clarissa, +peremptorily forbidding further discussion, and Clarissa had been +positively aghast at the impetuous little creature who confronted her +with flashing eyes and quivering lips, and had speedily warned Gulian +never to broach the subject to Betty again. Peter was Betty's closest +friend in those stormy days. The urchin had a shrewd perception of how +matters stood, and many a time had Betty hugged him for very gratitude +when he made a diversion and carried her off to some boyish haunt in the +city or to the Collect, thereby giving her opportunity to regain the +self-control and spirit necessary to appear as usual. For Betty was +formed of gallant stuff. No matter if her heart ached to bursting for +sight of Geoffrey, if her ears longed, oh, so madly, for the sound of +his voice; she could suffer, aye, deeply and long, but she could also be +brave and hide even the appearance of a wound. That Gulian, and even +Clarissa, considered her a heartless coquette troubled her not at all, +and so Betty danced and laughed on to the end of her sojourn in New +York. + +It had always been a source of thankfulness to her that she had been +able to go home before Geoffrey's return from the expedition to South +Carolina, for she sometimes doubted her own ability to withstand his +personal appeal if again exerted. That he had returned and then, shortly +after, gone upon another detail, she had heard incidentally from Oliver +during one of her brother's flying visits to Litchfield on his way to +New London with dispatches. Oliver had been greatly touched by Yorke's +conduct in the matter of his escape, but if he suspected that Betty's +lovely face had anything to do with the British officer's kindly +blindness, he was too clever to hint as much, for which forbearance +Betty thanked him in the depths of her heart. The only way in which he +showed his suspicion was in the occasional bits of news concerning Yorke +with which he favored her. At the battle of Cowpens Yorke had been +wounded and taken prisoner, and it fell to Oliver Wolcott to arrange for +his exchange. Then, for the first time, were Oliver's surmises changed +to certainties, for one night when he had been attending the prisoner, +whose wound was nearly healed, Yorke broke silence and in the frankest, +most manly fashion demanded news of his little sweetheart, and told +Oliver of his hopes and fears. Nothing could have appealed so directly +to the brother as Yorke's avowal that Betty had refused him because of +the coat he wore, and his eyes filled as he said, boyishly enough, +"Egad, Yorke, she has all the Wolcott pluck and patriotism; though were +this vexed question of independence settled, I wish with all my heart +that you may yet conquer this unwilling maid whom I call sister." + +Yorke smiled, but he did not consider it necessary to add that Betty had +once let compassion and gratitude get the better of her loyalty in the +matter of a prisoner, to Oliver's own discomfiture. + +There had been some changes in the Wolcott home: Pamela had gone forth +from the mansion a bride, after Cornwallis had surrendered at Yorktown, +and Josiah Huntington had worn a major's uniform on his wedding-day. +Betty had scarcely recovered from that break in the home circle when +Sally Tracy, with many blushes and much laughter, confessed that she, +too, was about to follow Pamela's example, and that a certain Mr. James +Gould, the gentleman from Branford, of whom Moppet had been so +suspicious, was the lucky individual upon whom she intended to bestow +her hand. Verily, with all these wedding-bells sounding, Betty began to +feel that she was likely to be left alone, but who only laughed gayly +when twitted with her fancy for maidenhood, and danced as merrily at +Sally's wedding as if her heart had lain light in her bosom instead of +aching bitterly for one whom she began to fear she should never see +more. + +Little did Betty guess that bright October morning, when she and Moppet +went forth bent on a nutting excursion, that a courier was even now +speeding on his way whose coming would change the tide of her whole +existence. And when, as noon struck, Oliver Wolcott dismounted at the +door of his home and, walking straight to his father's study, delivered +a packet from General Wolcott to Miss Euphemia, his next move was a +descent upon Miss Bidwell's parlor and a hasty demand for Betty. So when +Moppet and Betty appeared, rosy with success and a fair-sized bag of +nuts as the result of their joint labors, they found the household in a +state of suppressed excitement, and lo! the cause was Oliver's +approaching marriage. + +"You see," explained Oliver, when he finally got Betty to himself for a +walk in the orchard after dinner, "now that the treaty has been signed +in Paris, the British will soon evacuate New York, and when our army +enters, there will be grand doings to celebrate the event, and my +father must ride at the head of the Connecticut troops on that day. I, +too, Betty, God willing, shall be with the Rangers, and thinking the +date will be about a month hence, Kitty and Madam Cruger have set our +wedding-day as the 25th of November. I gave you Kitty's letter"-- + +"Yes, and a dear, kind letter it is. She bids me for her bridesmaid, +Oliver, and says that Moppet and Peter will hold her train, after the +new English fashion (which no doubt is her mother's suggestion, for I +think Kitty does not much affect fancies which come across the water), +and, oh, Oliver, I do indeed wish you joy," and Betty's eyes brimmed +full of tears as she gave him her hand. + +"I know you love Kitty," said Oliver, kissing her cheek, "and we can +afford to forgive a wedding after the English mode, as, if I gain my +Kitty, I care but little how she comes." + +"Betty, Betty," called Moppet's voice from the upper path, "do come in +if you and Oliver have finished your chat, for Miss Bidwell desires your +opinion on some weighty matter connected with our journey to New York." + +"I will come," answered Betty; then turning bank with, as careless an +air as she could summon, "Do you happen to have heard aught of your +quondam prisoner, Captain Yorke?" + +"Yorke!" replied Oliver, avoiding her eye as be stooped to throw a stick +from the path,--"Yorke! oh, aye, I did hear that he was invalided and +went home several months ago. I fancy it was not so much his health (for +he looked strong enough to my thinking the last time I met him) but more +his disgust with the turn things were taking; for you know, Betty, since +the surrender at Yorktown the British have been more insolent and +overbearing than ever, and Yorke is too much a gentleman, no matter what +his political color, to be dragged into quarrels which I hear are +incessant in the city, and the cause of many duels." + +"Duels!" cried Betty, as the color left her checks; "oh, I hope he--that +is--I hope nobody whom I know has been engaged in one." + +"Not I," returned Oliver, with a mischievous glance. "So you might even +be sorry for a foe, eh, Betty?" But Betty went flying up the path and +did not deign to reply. + +Miss Moppet, childlike, was perfectly overjoyed at the prospect of a +wedding in which she was to play a part, and flew from her aunt to Miss +Bidwell and Betty, then back to her aunt again in a twitter of +excitement at the combination of a journey and festivity as well. +General Wolcott's letter to his sister was full of important news. As +the seat of Congress was Annapolis, General Wolcott, who was a member of +that body, had decided to close the manor house for the winter and take +a house in New York for his family, and he sent minute and particular +directions for leaving all home affairs in the hands of Miss Bidwell and +Reuben until their return to Litchfield in the spring. Oliver's intended +marriage had hastened this decision, and there would be barely time to +settle matters and reach New York in season for the wedding. They were +to stop with Clarissa, who had written most pleading letters, and after +that visit would take possession of their new quarters. + +Most of the afternoon was spent in plans for their journey, with Oliver +as escort, and many a sigh rose almost to Betty's lips as these recalled +that other journey when her heart had been as light as Moppet's was now. +But she put all thought aside with a resolute heart, and finally +receiving directions from Miss Euphemia in regard to a chest of winter +clothing packed safely away in the garret, she concluded to give +Moppet's restless hands some occupation, and bade the child accompany +her upstairs. + +The old garret looked familiar enough. Even the wooden stools which had +served as seats for her and Sally Tracy in the old childish days stood +in the same corner under the dormer window, through which the sun was +even now pouring its setting rays. The chest was unlocked, and presently +a goodly pile of clothing lay upon the floor ready to be carried below. + +"Let me have my worsted jacket, and my flannel wrapper (indeed, I do +believe they are too small for me; can I find others in New York, +Betty?), and this pretty hood of Pamela's. Betty, Betty, do you think +Miss Bidwell could cut this one smaller for me? May I just run down and +ask? I will return at once." + +"Yes," said Betty, intent upon counting a heap of stockings; "please +fetch me a pair of scissors when you come up again." + +Off flew Moppet, marking her progress down the garret stairs by various +exclamations as she dropped the jacket and tripped on the wrapper, but, +finally reached the bottom in safety, Betty went on overlooking the +chest; there were many articles to select from, and a red skirt of +Moppet's which did not appear to be forthcoming. She ran her hand down +to the very bottom of the chest, and feeling some garment made of smooth +cloth with a gleam of red in it, dragged it forth and held it up to the +light. As she did so, her hand struck something hard and round. + +"What have I found?" thought Betty, but the next moment she saw that +what she held was an officer's dark blue riding-cape fastened with brass +buttons, on each of which was engraved a crown, and the cape was lined +with British scarlet. + +"What have you got there?" said Moppet's voice, as she appeared at her +side. "Why, 'tis Captain Yorke's cape that he muffled me in the day I +fell into Great Pond--Oh, Betty, Betty, what is amiss?" + +Down on her knees fell Betty. She buried her face in the cape's folds, +and tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to say, "It is nothing, +nothing, I am tired--I am--Oh, Geoffrey, Geoffrey, I think my heart is +breaking." + +Miss Moppet opened her eyes to their widest; then slowly and +deliberately she grasped the situation in "high Roman fashion." + +"Betty Wolcott, do I live to see you weep over a scarlet coat!" + +No answer; indeed, Betty scarcely heard the words. The flood-gates were +let loose and the agony of days and months must have its way. + +"Betty!" this time the voice of reproving patriotism quavered somewhat. +"I do believe you are worse than Pamela." But Betty sobbed on,--sobs +that fairly racked her slender body. + +"Well, I don't care what anybody says,"--and Moppet flung the Whig cause +to the wind as she cast herself down beside Betty,--"he's dear and +handsome and brave; whether he be British or Yankee, I love him, and _so +do you_, naughty, naughty Betty!" + +And with her head on Miss Moppet's sympathizing shoulder, and Miss +Moppet's loving arms clasped around her neck, Betty Wolcott whispered +her confession and was comforted. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON + + +The sun rose bright and clear over the Bay of New York. It had been a +somewhat gray dawn, but the fog and mist had gradually rolled away, and +the day bid fair to be one of those which Indian summer occasionally +gives in our northern climate. All around Fort George and the Battery +the British troops were making ready for departure; the ships for their +transportation to England lay out in the bay, for this was the 25th of +November in the year of our Lord 1783. + +The streets in the upper part of the city were filled with a different +kind of crowd, but one equally eager to be off and away. Many of the +Tories and sympathizers with the Crown had found New York a most +unpleasant dwelling-place since the signing of the treaty in which "The +United States of America" were proclaimed to the world an independent +Power, and Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, had more trouble in +providing transportation for this army of discontented refugees than for +his own soldiers. However, the day was fixed, the ships ready to weigh +anchor, and the Army of Occupation about to bid adieu to American shores +forever. + +"Peter," said Miss Moppet, as she danced merrily out of the +breakfast-room, "you are sure, quite sure that the grand procession, +with General Washington at its head, will come past this door? Because +we are all cordially bidden to Mistress Kitty's and perhaps Betty may +prefer to go there." + +"But it will be a far better sight here," returned Peter; "it is sure to +pass our door, for I heard Oliver tell Aunt Clarissa so last night just +as he was going out." + +"Oliver has overmuch on his mind to-day," remarked Moppet shrewdly; "to +ride with his troop in the morning and be married at evening is quite +enough to make him forget the route of a procession. Do you think we +might go out on the doorstep and see if there be any sign of its +approach?" + +"Why not? It will be royal fun to see the British soldiers come down +from the Government House, and hear the hoots and howls the Broadway +and Vly boys are bound to give them. For once all the boys of the city +are of one mind--except the Tory boys, and they don't count for much +hereafter." + +"I wouldn't jeer at a fallen foe if I were you, Peter," said Moppet, +severely, as she took up a position on the stoop, and leaned her elbows +on the iron railing; "my father says that is not manly, and besides I do +suppose there may be some decent Britishers." + +"I never knew but one," retorted Peter stoutly. "What knowledge have you +of them, I'd like to know?" + +"Not much," evasively. "Who was the one you mention?" + +"My! but he was a prime skater; how he and Betty used to fly over +Collect Pond that winter. Do you skate up in Litchfield, Moppet?" + +"Yes, of course; that's where Betty learned with Oliver." + +"Oh, aye, I remember; when she cut a face on the ice the day she raced +with Captain Yorke she told me her brother had taught her." + +At this moment there was sound of a distant bugle; both children ran +down to the foot of the steps and gazed eagerly up the street. But it +was a false alarm, and after a few moments spent in fruitless watching +they returned to their post of observation on the stoop. + +"Peter," began Moppet presently, with true feminine persistency, "what +were you saying about a British officer who knew Betty?" + +"Captain Yorke? He was aide to Sir Henry Clinton." + +"Was he? Will he go off to-day with all the other redcoats?" + +"He sailed away to England some months ago,--I recollect he came to bid +good-by to Clarissa,--but do you know, Moppet," lowering his voice, with +a glance over his shoulder to be certain that he was not overheard, "I +think I saw him two days ago." + +"In New York?" said Moppet, with a start. "Why you said he'd gone to +England." + +"But he could come back, surely. Moppet, _I_ think he was proper fond of +Betty." + +"Peter Provoost, do you fancy that my sister would smile on a scarlet +coat? You ought to be ashamed of yourself," and Moppet looked the +picture of virtuous indignation. + +"Well, I've seen her do it," retorted Peter, not in the least abashed, +"and what's more I heard him call her 'sweetheart' once." + +"Oh, Peter!" Moppet's curiosity very nearly got the better of her +discretion; but she halted in time, and bit her tongue to keep it +silent. + +"And if you won't tell--promise?"--Moppet nodded--"not a word, mind, +even to Betty--where do you think I saw Captain Yorke the other day? +You'll never guess;--it was at Fraunces's Tavern on Broad Street, and he +was in earnest conversation with General Wolcott." + +"With my father?" This time Moppet's astonishment was real, and Peter +chuckled at his success in news-telling. + +"Children," called a voice from the hall, "where are you? Do you want to +come with me on an errand for Clarissa near Bowling Green, which must be +done before the streets are full of the troops?" + +"Surely," cried both voices, as Peter dashed in one direction after his +cocked hat, and Miss Moppet flew in another for the blue hood. Betty +waited until the pair returned, laughing and panting, and then taking a +hand of each she proceeded up Wall Street to Broadway, and down that +thoroughfare toward Bowling Green. Before they had quite reached their +destination the sound of bugle and trumpet made them turn about, and +Peter suggested that they should mount a convenient pair of steps in +front of a large white house, which had apparently been closed by its +owners, for a number of bystanders were already posted there. They were +just in time, for around the corner of William Street came a group of +officers on horseback, their scarlet uniforms glittering in the sun. It +was Sir Guy Carleton and his staff, on their way to the Battery, where +they would take boats and be rowed over to a man-of-war which awaited +them in the bay. A murmur, then louder sounds of disapprobation, started +up from the street. + +"There they go!" cried a voice, "and good riddance to Hessians and +Tories." + +Betty's cheeks flushed. Oh, those hateful scarlet coats, symbols of what +had caused her so much misery. And yet--with another and deeper wave +of color--it was Geoffrey's uniform and these were his brother officers, +going where they would see him; oh, why, why, was fate so unkind, and +life so hard! Another moment and they were out of sight, but keen-eyed +Moppet caught a glimpse of Betty's downcast face and said to herself, +"Oh, I dare not tell her; I wish I did." + +Out on Bowery Lane and away up in Harlem, over King's Bridge, with +measured step and triumphant hearts the Continentals were entering the +city. What a procession was that, with General Washington and Governor +Clinton at its head, and how all loyal New York spread its banners to +the wind and shouted loud and long to welcome it! There were the picked +men of the army, the heroes of an hundred fights, the men of +Massachusetts who had been at Lexington and Bunker Hill; General Knox in +command, and General Wolcott with his Connecticut Rangers, while Oliver +rode proudly at the head of his company. It was a slow march, down the +Bowery and through Chatham and Queen streets to Wall, thence up to +Broadway, where the column halted. + +It would be vain to describe Betty's emotion as from the windows of the +Verplanck mansion she watched the troops and the civil concourse, and +realized that at last, after long years of heroic endurance, of gallant +fighting, of many privations, the freedom of the Colonies was an +accomplished fact. Miss Moppet and Peter flew from one window to another +and cheered and shouted to their hearts' content. Even Grandma Effingham +and Clarissa waved their handkerchiefs, while Gulian, on the doorstep, +raised his cocked hat in courtly salute to General Washington. Gulian +was beginning to learn that perhaps one might find something to be proud +of in America, even if we were lacking in the rank and titles he so +admired. + +Oliver's wedding, which was set for six o'clock, to allow the +commander-in-chief to be present before the banquet at Fraunces's +Tavern, was to be on as grand a scale as Madam Cruger's ideas could make +it; for having consented to her daughter's marriage, that stately dame +proposed to yield in her most gracious fashion. It took some time to +dress Miss Moppet in the silken petticoat and puffed skirt, the tiny +mobcap and white ribbons, which Kitty had considered proper for the +occasion, and Betty found she must hasten her own toilet, or be late +herself. Moppet followed her up to the old room where Betty had spent +so many hours of varied experience, and assisted to spread out once +again the flowered brocade, which had not seen the light of day since +the De Lancey ball. + +"Here are your slippers, Betty; how nicely they fit your foot." + +"Yes," said Betty, her thoughts far across the sea, as she slipped on +one of them. + +"I hope those are wedlock shoes," quoth Moppet, with a queer, +mischievous glance, as she tied the slipper strings around the slender +ankle. But Betty did not heed her; she was busy undoing the knots of +rose-colored ribbon on the waist, which she had once placed there with +such coquettish pride. + +"What are you about?" cried Moppet, seizing her sister's hand as she was +in the act of snipping off one with the scissors. "Oh, Betty, the gown +will not be half so pretty without them." + +"Nay, child, rose-colored ribbons are not for me to-day; I am grown too +old and sad," said Betty softly, looking with tender eyes into Moppet's +face. + +"Did ever I hear such fal-lal nonsense," and Moppet's foot came down in +a genuine hot-tempered stamp which made Betty start, "Betty, Betty, I +will not have it--pray put them back this moment;" then in the coaxing +voice which she knew always carried her point, "What would Oliver and +Kitty say if you were not as gay as possible to grace their wedding? Oh, +fie, Betty dear!" + +As usual Moppet had her way, and when the pair alighted at the Cruder +door Betty's knots of rose-color were in their accustomed place. + +Within the mansion all was light and gay. Weddings in those times were +conducted with even more pomp and ceremony than in our day, and the +entertainments, though not upon the present scale, were fully as lavish. +Wax candles shone at every possible point, and lit up the broad +reception-hall, the polished floors and high ceilings, while mirrors on +mantels and walls reflected back many times the stately figures which +passed and repassed before them. And then there came a pause, when +voices were hushed, and down the oak staircase came Kitty, led by Gulian +Verplanck (her nearest male relative), wearing a white satin petticoat +(though somewhat scanty to our ideas in width and length), and over it +a, train of silver brocade, stiff and rustling, while a long scarf of +Mechlin lace covered her pretty dark head and hung in soft folds down +her back. The high-heeled slippers, the long lace mitts, with their +white bows at the elbow, completed her toilet. She stood before the +assembled company a fair young bride of the olden days, and behind her +came Miss Moppet and Peter Provoost, holding her silver train with the +tips of their fingers. Oliver, in full Continental uniform, his cocked +hat under his arm, awaited her at the end of the great drawing-room, and +with somewhat shortened service, the rector of old St. Paul's said the +words which made the pair man and wife. + +[Illustration: "I HOPE THESE ARE WEDLOCK SHOES"] + +Betty was standing near the mantel, laughing and chatting gayly with +several of her former New York gallants, when she beheld her father +advancing toward her on the arm of a gentleman. Surely she knew that +tall, elegant figure, that erect, graceful carriage? But the scarlet +uniform which was so familiar was absent; this was the satin coat, +small-clothes, and powdered hair of a civilian. Betty's head swam, her +brilliant color came and went, as her father said quietly!-- + +"My daughter, an old acquaintance desires that I should recall him to +your recollection; I trust it is not necessary for me to present to your +favor my friend, Mr. Geoffrey Yorke." + +Betty's knees shook as she executed her most elaborate courtesy, and as +if in a dream she heard General Wolcott say to Yorke, with a somewhat +quizzical smile, "Perhaps you will kindly take Betty to the library, +where I will myself join you later after escorting General Washington to +the banquet." + +Betty never knew how she crossed that room; every effort of her mind was +concentrated in the thought that she must not betray herself. What did +all this mean? Such a blaze of sunshine had fallen upon her that she did +not dare look at it; she only realized that her hand was in Geoffrey's +until they reached the quiet and deserted library, and then he was at +her feet. + +"Sweetheart, sweetheart," he said, "you will not refuse to hear me now? +I have resigned the army, I have left England forever (unless you +yourself will some day accompany me there to meet my people), I have +thrown in my fortunes with the United States, and doubt not I will prove +as faithful a servant to your Commonwealth as I ever was to King +George," and kissing her hand, he, laid in it the faded knot of +rose-colored ribbon. + +"But, Geoffrey" she faltered, "my father"-- + +"Did not General Wolcott himself bid me fetch you here? Ah. Betty, the +conditions are all fulfilled, and you are still unwilling." + +She looked at him for a moment in silence, and then her most mischievous +smile dawned in Betty's eyes as she hid Geoffery's little knot of ribbon +in her gown. + +"My heart but not my will, consents," she said, "Dare you take such a +naughty, perverse rebel in hand for life?" + +"I dare all for love of Betty Wolcott," cried the triumphant lover, +while from the door a small person In mobcap surveyed the pair with very +round and most enraptured eyes. + +"It's just like a fairy tale," quoth Miss Moppet, "and I'm in it!" + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's An Unwilling Maid, by Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN UNWILLING MAID *** + +***** This file should be named 10958-8.txt or 10958-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/9/5/10958/ + +Produced by Afra Ullah and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: An Unwilling Maid + Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution + in the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott + +Author: Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +Release Date: February 6, 2004 [EBook #10958] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN UNWILLING MAID *** + + + + +Produced by Afra Ullah and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + +<h1>An Unwilling Maid +</h1> +<h3> + Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in<br> + the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott +</h3> +<h2> + By Jeanie Gould Lincoln +</h2><br><br> +<div align="center"><i> + "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" +</i></div><br><br> +<div align="center"> + 1897 +</div><br> +<center> + TO A NINETEENTH CENTURY GIRL. +</center> +<table width="262" border="0" align="center"> + <tr> + <td width="256"> +A great-grandmother's bewitching face,<br> + Looks forth from this olden story,<br> +For Love is a master who laughs at place,<br> + And scoffs at both Whig and Tory.<br> + <br> +To-day if he comes, as a conqueror may,<br> + To a heart untouched by his flame,<br> +Be loyal as she of the olden day,<br> + That Eighteenth Century dame!</td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CONTENTS +</h2> +<p> +I. MISS MOPPET +</p> +<p>II. BULLETS FOR DEFENSE +</p> +<p>III. OLIVER'S PRISONER </p> +<p> + IV. FRIEND OR FOE </p> +<p>V. A LOYAL TRAITOR </p> +<p>VI. BY COURIER POST </p> +<p>VII. WHAT FOLLOWED A + LETTER </p> +<p>VIII. INSIDE BRITISH LINES</p> +<p> IX. BETTY'S JOURNEY </p> +<p>X. A MAID'S + CAPRICE </p> +<p>XI. ON THE COLLECT </p> +<p>XII. A FACE ON THE WALL </p> +<p>XIII. AT THE VLY + MARKET </p> +<p>XIV. THE DE LANCEY BALL </p> +<p>XV. LOVE OR LOYALTY </p> +<p>XVI. MOPPET MAKES A + DISCOVERY </p> +<p>XVII. A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER I +</h2> +<center> + MISS MOPPET +</center> +<p> + It was a warm summer day. Not too warm, for away up in the Connecticut + hills the sun seemed to temper its rays, and down among the shadows of + the trees surrounding Great Pond there were cool, shady glades where one + could almost fancy it was May instead of hot July. +</p> +<p> + At a point not far from the water, leaning against the trunk of a + stately maple, stood a young man. His head, from which he had raised a + somewhat old and weather-beaten hat, was finely formed, and covered with + chestnut curls; his clothes, also shabby and worn, were homespun and + ill-fitting, but his erect military carriage, with an indescribable air + of polish and fine breeding, seemed strangely incongruous in connection + with his apparel and travel-worn appearance. +</p> +<p> + "I wonder where I am," he said half aloud, as he surveyed the pretty + sheet of water sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Faith, 'tis hard enough + to be half starved and foot-sore, without being lost in an enemy's + country. The woman who gave me that glass of milk at five o'clock this + morning said I was within a mile of Goshen. I must have walked ten miles + since then, and am apparently no nearer the line than I was + yesterday—Hark! what's that?"—as a sound of voices struck his ear + faintly, coming from some distance on his right. "Some one comes this + direction. I had best conceal myself in these friendly bushes until I + ascertain whether 'tis friend or foe." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he plunged hastily into a thicket of low-lying shrubs close + at hand, and, throwing himself flat upon the ground under them, was + comparatively secure from observation as long as he remained perfectly + still. The next sound he heard was horses' feet, moving at a walk, and + presently there came in view a spirited-looking bay mare and a gray + pony, the riders being engaged in merry conversation. +</p> +<p> + "No, no, Betty," said the little girl of about nine years, who rode the + pony; "it is just here, or a few rods farther on, where we had the + Maypole set last year, and I know I can find the herbs which Chloe wants + near by on the shore of the pond. Let's dismount and tie the horses + here, and you and I can search for them." +</p> +<p> + "It's well I did not let you come alone," said the rider of the bay + mare, laughing as she spoke. "Truly, Miss Moppet, you are a courageous + little maid to wish to venture in these woods. Not that I am afraid," + said Betty Wolcott suddenly, remembering the weight and dignity of her + sixteen years as compared with her little sister, "but in these + troublous times father says it were well to be careful." +</p> +<p> + "Since when have you grown so staid?" said Miss Moppet, shaking her long + yellow hair back from her shoulders as she jumped off her pony and led + him up to a young ash-tree, whose branches allowed of her securing him + by the bridle to one of them, "Of all people in the world, Betty, you to + read me a lecture on care-taking," and with a mischievous laugh the + child fled around the tree in pretended dismay, as Betty sprang to the + ground and shook her riding-whip playfully in her direction. +</p> +<p> + "Ungrateful Moppet," she said, as she tied both horses to the tree + beside her, "did I not rescue you from punishment for dire naughtiness + in the pantry and beg Aunt Euphemia to pardon you, and then go for the + horses, which Reuben was too busy to saddle. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, my own dear Betty," cried the small sinner, emerging suddenly from + the shelter and seizing her round the waist, "but you know this + soberness is but 'skin-deep,' as Chloe says, and you need not cease to + be merry because you are sixteen since yesterday. Come, let's find the + herbs," and joining hands the two ran swiftly off to the shore, Betty + tucking up her habit with easy grace as she went. The occupant of the + covert raised his head carefully and looked after the pair, the sound of + their voices growing faint as they pushed their way through the + undergrowth which intercepted their progress. +</p> +<p> + "What a lovely creature!" he ejaculated, raising himself on one elbow. + "I wonder who she is, and how she comes in this wild neighborhood. + Perhaps I am not so very far off my road after all; they must have come + from a not very distant home, for the horses are not even wet this warm + day. Egad, that mare looks as if she had plenty of speed in her; 't + would not be a bad idea to throw my leg over her back and be off, and so + distance those who even now may be pursuing me." He half rose as the + thought occurred to him, but in an instant sank back under the leaves. +</p> +<p> + "How would her mistress fare without her?" he said ruefully "'Tis not to + be thought of; they may be miles from home, even here, and I am too much + a squire of dames to take such unkind advantage. There must be some + other way out of my present dilemma than this," and rolling over on the + mixture of grass and dry leaves which formed his resting-place he lay + still and began to ponder. +</p> +<p> + Half an hour passed; the shadows began to deepen as the sun crept down + in the sky, and the horses whinnied at each other as if to remind their + absent riders that supper-time was approaching. But the girls did not + return, and the thoughts which occupied the young wanderer were so + engrossing that he did not hear a cry which began faintly and then rose + to a shriek agonized enough to pierce his reverie. +</p> +<p> + "Good heavens!" he cried, springing to his feet, as borne on the summer + wind the frantic supplication came to him— +</p> +<p> + "Help, help! oh, will nobody come!" and then the sobbing cry + again—"help!" +</p> +<p> + Tim tall muscular form straightened itself and sped through the bushes, + crushing them down on either side with a strong arm, as he went rapidly + in the direction of the cries. +</p> +<p> + "Courage! I am coming," he cried, as, gaining the shore of the pond, he + saw what had happened. Just beyond his halting-place there was a jutting + bank, and overhanging it a large tree, whose branches almost touched the + water beneath. At the top of the bank stood the elder of the two girls; + she had torn off the skirt of her riding-habit, and was about to leap + down into the water where a mass of floating yellow hair and a wisp of + white gown told their story of disaster. As he ran the stranger flung + off his coat, but there was no time to divest himself of his heavy + riding-boots, so in he plunged and struck out boldly with the air of a + strong and competent swimmer. +</p> +<p> + The pond, like many of our small inland lakes, was shallow for some + distance from the shore, and then suddenly shelved in unexpected + quarters, developing deep holes where the water was so cold that its + effect on a swimmer was almost dangerous. Into one of these depths the + little girl had evidently plunged, and realizing the cause of her sudden + disappearance the stranger dived with great rapidity at the spot where + the golden hair had gone down. His first attempt failed; but as the + child partially rose for the second time, he caught the little figure + and with skillful hand supported her against his shoulder, as he struck + out for the shore, which he reached quickly, but chilled almost to the + bone from the coldness of the water. +</p> +<p> + "Do not be so alarmed," he said, as Betty, with pallid cheeks and + trembling hands, knelt beside the unconscious child on the grass; "she + will revive; her heart beats and she is not very cold. Let me find my + coat," and he stumbled as he rose to go in search of it. +</p> +<p> + "It is here," gasped Betty; "I fetched it on my way down the slope; oh, + sir, do you think she lives?" +</p> +<p> + For answer the young man produced from an inner pocket of his shabby + garment a small flask, which he uncorked and held toward her. +</p> +<p> + "It is cognac," he said; "put a drop or two between her lips while I + chafe her hands—so; see, she revives," as the white lids quivered for a + second, and then the pretty blue eyes opened. +</p> +<p> + "Moppet, Moppet, my darling," cried her sister, "are you hurt? Did you + strike anything in your fall?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, Betty!" ejaculated the child, "why are you giving me nasty stuff; + here are the tansy leaves," and she held up her left hand, where tightly + clenched she had kept the herbs, whose gathering on the edge of the + treacherous bank had been her undoing. +</p> +<p> + "You are a brave little maid," said the stranger, as he put the flask to + his own lips. "The shock will be all you have to guard against, and even + that is passing;" for Miss Moppet had staggered upon her feet and was + looking with astonished eyes at her dripping clothing. +</p> +<p> + "Did I fall, Betty?" she said. "Why my gown is sopping wet,—oh! have I + been at the bottom of the pond?" +</p> +<p> + "You had stopped there, sweetheart, but for this good gentleman," said + Betty, holding out a small, trembling hand to the stranger, a lovely + smile dimpling her cheeks as she spoke. "Sir, with all my heart I thank + you. My little sister had drowned but for your promptness and skill; I + do not know how to express my gratitude." +</p> +<p> + "I am more than rewarded for my simple service," replied the young man, + raising the pretty hand to his lips with a profound bow and easy grace, + "but I am afraid your sister may get a chill, as the sun is so low in + the sky: and if I may venture upon a suggestion, it would be well to + ride speedily to some shelter where she can obtain dry clothing. If you + will permit me to offer you the cape of my riding-coat (which is near at + hand) I will wrap her in it at once, and then I think she will he safe + from any after-effects of her cold bath in the pond." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, you are too kind," cried Betty, as the stranger disappeared in the + underbrush. "Moppet, Moppet, what can we say to prove our gratitude? You + had been drowned twice over but for him." +</p> +<p> + "Ask him to come to the manor," said Miss Moppet, much less agitated + than her sister, and being always a small person of many resources. + "Father will be glad to bid him welcome, and you know"— +</p> +<p> + "Yes," interrupted Betty, as their new friend appeared at her elbow with + a cape of dark blue cloth over his arm. +</p> +<p> + "Here is my cape," he said, "and though not very large it will cover her + sufficiently. Let me untie your horses and help you to mount." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, we can mount alone," said Miss Moppet, who had by this time + recovered her spirits, "but you must come home with us; you are dripping + wet yourself; and if you like, you may ride my pony. He has carried + double before now, and I am but a light weight, as my father says." +</p> +<p> + "Will you not come home with us?" asked Betty wistfully. "My father, + General Wolcott is away just now from the manor, but he will have warm + welcome and hearty thanks, believe me, for the strength and courage + which have rescued his youngest child from yonder grave," and Betty + shuddered and grew pale again at the very thought of what Miss Moppet + had escaped. +</p> +<p> + "General Wolcott," said the stranger, with a start. "Ah, then you are + his daughters. And he is away?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Betty, as they walked toward the tree where the horses were + tied. "There has been a raid upon our coast by Governor Tryon and his + Hessians; we got news three days ago of the movement of the Loyalists, + and my father, with my brother Oliver, has gone to the aid of the poor + people at Fairfield. Do you know of it, sir? Have you met any of our + troops?" +</p> +<p> + "I have seen them," said the stranger briefly, with a half smile curving + his handsome mouth, "but they are not near this point"—and beneath his + breath he added, "I devoutly hope not." +</p> +<p> + "Which way are you traveling?" asked Betty, as she stood beside her bay + mare. "Surely you will not refuse to come to the manor? Aunt Euphemia + and my elder sister are there, and we will give you warm welcome." +</p> +<p> + "I thank you," said the stranger, with great courtesy, "but I must be on + my way westward before night overtakes me. Can you tell me how many + miles I am from Goshen, which I left this morning?" +</p> +<p> + "You are within Litchfield township," said Betty. "We are some four + miles from my father's house. Pray, sir, come with us; I fear for your + health from that sudden plunge into the icy waters of our pond." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no," said the stranger, laughing. "I were less than man to mind a + bath of this sort. With all my heart I thank you for your solicitude; + that I am unable to accept your hospitality you must lay at the door of + circumstances which neither you nor I can control." +</p> +<p> + "But your cape, sir," faltered Betty, her eyes dropping, as she blushed + under the ardent yet respectful gaze which sought hers; "how are we to + return that? And you may need it; I am sorely afraid you will yet suffer + for your kindness." +</p> +<p> + "Not I," said the stranger, pressing her hand, as he gave the reins into + her fingers; "as for the cape, keep it until we meet again, + and—farewell!" +</p> +<p> + But Miss Moppet threw her arms around his neck as he bent over the gray + pony and secured the cape more tightly around her small shoulders. +</p> +<p> + "I haven't half thanked you," she said, "but I will do so properly some + day, when you come to Wolcott Manor. Farewell," and waving her little + hand in adieu, the horses moved away, and were presently lost to sight + in the underbrush. +</p> +<p> + "Egad!" said the stranger, gazing after thorn, as he picked up his coat + and started for the spot where he had left his hat. "What a marvelous + country it is! The soldiers are uncouth farmer lads, yet they fight and + die like heroes, and the country maids have the speech and air of court + ladies. Geoffrey Yorke, you have wandered far afield; I would you had + time and chance to meet that lovely rebel again!" and with a deep-drawn + sigh he plunged farther into the woods. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER II +</h2> +<center> + BULLETS FOE DEFENSE +</center> +<p> + "Oh, Betty, Betty," cried Miss Moppet, as the pair gained the more + frequented road and cantered briskly on their homeward way, "what an + adventure we have had! Aunt Euphemia will no doubt bestow a sound rating + on me, for, alas!"—with a doleful glance downward—"see the draggled + condition of my habit." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind your habit, Moppet," said Betty. "Thank Heaven instead that + you are not lying stiff and cold at the bottom of the pond. You can + never know the agony I suffered when I saw you fall; I should have + plunged in after you in another second." +</p> +<p> + "Dearest Betty," said the child, looking lovingly at her, "I know you + can swim, but you never could have held me up as that stranger did. Oh!" + with sudden recollection, "we did not ask his name! Did you forget?" +</p> +<p> + "No," said Betty, "but when I told him ours and he did not give his name + in return, I thought perhaps he did not care to be known, and of course + forbore to press him." +</p> +<p> + "How handsome he was," said Moppet; "did you see his hair? And how + tightly it curled, wet as it was? And his eyes—surely you noted his + eyes, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," replied Betty, blushing with remembrance of the parting glance + the hazel eyes had bestowed upon her; "he is a personable fellow + enough." +</p> +<p> + "Far handsomer than Josiah Huntington," said Moppet mischievously, "or + even Francis Plunkett." +</p> +<p> + "What does a little maid like you know of looks?" said Betty + reprovingly, "and what would Aunt Euphemia say to such comments, I + wonder?" +</p> +<p> + "You'll never tell tales of me," said Moppet, with the easy confidence + of a spoiled child. "Do you think he was a soldier—perhaps an officer + from Fort Trumbull, like the one Oliver brought home last April?" +</p> +<p> + "Very likely," said Betty. "Are you cold, Moppet? I am so afraid you may + suffer; stop talking so fast and muffle yourself more closely in the + cape. We must be hastening home," and giving her horse the whip, they + rode rapidly down hill. +</p> +<p> + Wolcott Manor, the house of which Betty spoke, was a fine, spacious + house situated on top of the hills, where run a broad plateau which + later in its history developed into a long and broad street, on either + side of which were erected dwellings which have since been interwoven + with the stateliest names in old Connecticut. The house was double, + built in the style of the day, with a hall running through it, and large + rooms on either side, the kitchen, bakery, and well-house all at the + back, and forming with the buttery a sort of L, near but not connecting + the different outhouses. It was shingled from top to bottom, and the + dormer windows, with their quaint panes, rendered it both stately and + picturesque. As the girls drew rein at the small porch, on the south + side of the mansion, a tall, fine-looking woman of middle age, her gray + gown tucked neatly up, and a snowy white apron tied around her shapely + waist, appeared at the threshold of the door. +</p> +<p> + "Why, Betty," she said in a surprised voice, "you have been absent so + long that I was about to send Reuben in search of you. The boxes are + undone, and we need your help; Moppet—why, what ails the child?" and + Miss Euphemia Wolcott paused in dismay us she surveyed Miss Moppet's + still damp habit and disheveled hair. +</p> +<p> + "I've been at the very bottom of Great Pond." announced the child, + enjoying the situation with true dramatic instinct, "and Betty has all + the herbs for Chloe safe in her basket." +</p> +<p> + "What does the child mean" asked her bewildered aunt, unfastening the + heavy cloth cape from the small shoulders, and perceiving that she had + had a thorough wetting. +</p> +<p> + "It is true, Aunt Euphemia," said Betty, springing off her mare and + throwing the reins to Reuben as he came slowly around the house. "We + were on one of the hillocks overlooking the pond, and somehow—it all + happened so swiftly that I cannot tell how—but Moppet must have + ventured too near the edge, for the treacherous soil gave way, and down + she pitched into the water before I could put out hand to stay her. I + think I screamed, and then I was pulling off my habit-skirt to plunge + after her when a young man ran hastily along the below and cried out to + me, 'Courage!' and he threw off his coat and dived down, down,"—Betty + shuddered and turned pale,—"and then he caught Moppet's skirt and held + her up until he swam safely to shore with her. She was quite + unconscious, but by chafing her hands and giving her some spirits (which + the young stranger had in his flask) we recovered her, and, indeed, I + think she is none the worse for her experience," and Betty put both arms + around her little sister and hugged her warmly, bursting into tears, + which until now had been so carefully restrained. +</p> +<p> + "Thank Heaven!" cried Miss Euphemia, kissing them both. "You could never + have rescued her alone, Betty; perhaps you might both have drowned. + Where is the brave young man who came to your aid? I trust you gave him + clear directions how to reach the house." +</p> +<p> + "He would not come," answered Betty simply; "he said he was traveling + westward, and I thought he seemed anxious to be off." +</p> +<p> + "But we pressed him, Aunt Euphemia," put in Moppet, "and I told him my + pony could carry double. And I do not know how we will return his cape; + do you?" +</p> +<p> + "You must come indoors at once and get dry clothing," said her aunt, + "and I will tell Chloe to make you a hot posset lest you get a chill; + run quickly, Moppet, and do not stand a moment longer in those wet + clothes. Now, Betty," as the child disappeared inside, "have you any + idea who this stranger can be, or whence he came?" +</p> +<p> + "I have not," said Betty, blushing rosy red (though she could not have + told why) under her aunt's clone scrutiny. +</p> +<p> + "What did he look like?" questioned Miss Euphemia. +</p> +<p> + "Like a young man of spirit," said Betty, mischief getting the better of + her, "and he had a soldierly air to boot and spoke with command." +</p> +<p> + "I trust with all due respect as well," said Miss Euphemia gravely. +</p> +<p> + "Truly, he both spoke and behaved as a gentleman should." +</p> +<p> + "Do you think it could be Oliver's friend, young Otis from Boston?" said + Miss Euphemia. "He was to arrive in these parts this week." +</p> +<p> + "It may be he," said Betty, "ask Pamela, she has met him;" and as she + turned to enter she almost fell into the arms of a tall, slender girl + who was hurrying forth to meet her. +</p> +<p> + At first glance there was enough of likeness between the girls to say + that they might be sisters, but the next made the resemblance less, and + their dissimilarity of expression and coloring increased with + acquaintance. Both had the same slender, graceful figure, but while + Betty was of medium height, Pamela was distinctly taller than her + sister, and her pretty head was covered with golden hair, while Betty's + luxuriant locks were that peculiar shade which is neither auburn nor + golden, but a combination of both, and her eyes were hazel-gray, with + long lashes much darker than her hair. Both girls wore their hair piled + on top of the head, as was the fashion of the time, and both were + guiltless of powder, but Pamela's rebellious waves were trained to lie + as close as she could make them, while Betty's would crop out into + little dainty saucy curls over her forehead and down the nape of her + slender neck in a most bewildering fashion. Their complexions, like Miss + Moppet's, were exquisitely satin-like in texture, but there was no break + in Pamela's smooth cheeks, whereas Betty's dimples lurked not only + around her willful mouth, but perched high in her right cheek, and you + found yourself unconsciously watching to see them come and go at the + tricksy maid's changing will. There was but little more than a year's + difference in their ages, yet Betty seemed almost a child beside + Pamela's gracious stateliness. +</p> +<p> + "What is it all about?" asked the bewildered Pamela, catching hold of + Betty. "Moppet dashes into the kitchen, damp and moist, and says she has + been at the bottom of the pond, and orders hot posset, and you, Betty, + have an air of fright"— +</p> +<p> + "I should think she might well," interrupted Miss Euphemia; "I will tell + you, Pamela—Betty, go upstairs and change your habit for a gown, and + then come down to assist me. We are about to mould the bullets." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Aunt Euphemia!" cried Betty, interrupting in her turn, "I beg your + pardon, but did those huge boxes contain the leaden statue of King + George, as my father's letter advised us?" +</p> +<p> + "It was cut in pieces, Betty," said Pamela demurely. +</p> +<p> + "As if I didn't know that," flashed out Betty; "and that it disappeared + after the patriots hauled it down in Bowling Green, and that General + Washington recommended it should be used for the cause of Freedom, and + that we are all to help transform it into bullets far our + soldiers,—truly, Pamela, I have not forgot my father's account of it," + and Betty vanished inside the door with a rebellious toss of her head, + resenting the implied air of older sister which Pamela sometimes + indulged in. +</p> +<p> + "Our little Moppet has come perilously near death," said Miss Euphemia, + following Pamela into the house. "She has been rescued from drowning in + Great Pond by a gentleman whom Betty had never seen before. She + describes him as a fine personable youth, and I think it maybe Oliver's + friend, young Otis, who in expected at the Tracys' on a visit from + Boston." +</p> +<p> + "It can hardly be he, aunt," said Pamela, "for Sally Tracy has just told + me that he will not arrive for two days, and moreover he comes with Mrs. + Footer and Patty Warren, who are glad to take him as escort in these + troublous times, I will run up to Moppet, for the girls are waiting for + you; the lead got somewhat overheated, and they want your advice as to + using it." +</p> +<p> + Miss Euphemia went slowly down the hall and through the large + dining-room, pausing as she passed to knock at a small door opening off + the hall into a sitting-room. +</p> +<p> + "Are you there, Miss Bidwell?" she said, as a small elderly woman, with + bent figure and pleasant, shrewd face, rose from her chair in response. + "Will you kindly go up and see that Miss Moppet be properly rubbed and + made dry, and let her take her hot posset, and then, if not too tired, + she may come to me in the kitchen." +</p> +<p> + Miss Bidwell, who was at once house-keeper, manager, and confidential + servant to the Wolcott household, gave a cheerful affirmative; and as + she laid down the stocking she was carefully darning, and prepared to + leave the room, Miss Euphemia resumed her interrupted walk toward the + kitchen. +</p> +<p> + Standing and sitting around the great kitchen fireplace were a group of + young people, whose voices rose in a lively chorus as she entered. Over + the fire, on a crane, hung a large kettle, from the top of which issued + sounds of spluttering and boiling, and a young man was in the act of + endeavoring to lift it amid cries of remonstrance. +</p> +<p> + "Have a care, Francis," cried a pretty, roguish-looking girl in a gray + homespun gown, brandishing a wet towel as she spoke; "hot lead will be + your portion if you dare trifle with that boiling pot. What are we to do + with it, Miss Euphemia?" as that lady came forward in haste; "a few + drops of water flirted out of my towel and must have fallen inside, for + 't is spluttering in terrific fashion." +</p> +<p> + "Shall I lift it off the fire?" asked the young man, whose name was + Francis Plunkett. +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Miss Euphemia, inspecting the now tranquil kettle; + "here are the moulds all greased; gently, now," as she put a small ladle + inside the pot; "now move it slowly, and put the pot here beside me on + the table." +</p> +<p> + "Will they really turn out bullets?" asked another girl in a whisper, as + Sally Tracy moved a second big pot with the intention of hanging it on + the fire, but was prevented by a tall, silent young man, who stopped his + occupation of sorting out bits of lead to assist her. +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, Josiah," said Sally. "Turn out bullets, Dolly?—why, of + course, when they come out of the moulds. What did you suppose we were + all about?" +</p> +<p> + Dolly Trumbull (who was on a visit to the Wolcotts') looked shy and + somewhat distressed, and promptly retired into a corner, where she + resumed her conversation with her cousin, Josiah Huntington; and + presently Betty came flying into the kitchen, her gown tucked up ready + for work, and full of apologies for her tardy appearance. Sally Tracy, + who was Betty's sworn friend and companion in all her fun and frolics, + pounced upon her at once; but Miss Euphemia called them both to assist + her with the moulds, Betty had to reserve the story of her adventure + until a more propitious moment. +</p> +<p> + "Has there been any news from Oliver when he set forth on this last + expedition?" asked Dolly. +</p> +<p> + "It is too soon yet to hear," said Josiah, "though possibly by to-morrow + some intelligence may reach us. Francis and I did not reach here from + New Haven for four days, and we return there on Saturday. As it was, I + left only in obedience to my father's command, and brought news of + Lyon's ravaging the city to General Wolcott, dodging Hessians and + outlying marauders by the way. Do you stop here long, Dolly, or will + you have my escort back to Lebanon?" +</p> +<p> + "I came for a month," answered Dolly; "I was ill of spring fever, and + since then my mother thinks this mountain air benefits me. But you go + back to your duties at Yale College, though it's early yet for them." +</p> +<p> + "My students and I have spent our vacation handling cartridges," said + Josiah grimly, for he was a tutor at Yale, and had done yeoman service + in the defense of New Haven. "'Tis a sorry sight to see our beautiful + city now laid waste; but that our faith is strong in the Continental + Congress and General Washington, I know not how heart could bear it." +</p> +<p> + "Who speaks of faith?" said Pamela's gentle voice, as she slipped into a + chair on Dolly's right. "I think hope is ever a better watchword." +</p> +<p> + "Aye," murmured Huntington, as Dolly summoned courage to cross the room, + "it is one I will carry ever with me, Pamela, if <i>you</i> bid me do so." +</p> +<p> + "I did not mean," faltered Pamela, casting down her dove-like eyes, but + not so quickly that she did not see the ardent glance of her lover, + "I—that is—oh yes, Aunt Euphemia," with sudden change of tone, "it is + growing somewhat dark, and we had better leave the moulds to harden. + Shall I tell Miss Bidwell that you are ready for supper?" +</p> +<p> + To which Miss Euphemia returned an affirmative, and the whole party + trooped back to the dining-room, Pamela leading the way, and Huntington + following her with a half-mischievous smile curving his usually grave + mouth. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h2> + CHAPTER III +</h2> +<center> + OLIVER'S PRISONER +</center> +<p> + "I don't care anything about it," said Miss Moppet with decision. "It's + a nasty, horrid letter, and I've made it over and over, and it will not + get one bit plainer. Count one, two, jump one; then two stitches plain; + it's no use at all, Miss Bidwell, I cannot make it any better." And with + a deep sigh Miss Moppet surveyed her sampler, where she had for six + weeks been laboriously trying to inscribe "Faith Wolcott, her sampler, + aged nine," with little success and much loss of temper. +</p> +<p> + "W is a hard letter," said Miss Bidwell, laying down one of the + perpetual stockings with which she seemed always supplied for mending + purposes; "you will have to rip this out again; the first stroke is too + near the letter before it;" and she handed the unhappy sampler back to + the child. +</p> +<p> + "It's always like that," said Miss Moppet in a tone of exasperation. "I + think a sampler is the very <i>devil</i>!" +</p> +<p> + "Oh," said Miss Bidwell in a shocked voice, "I shall have to report you + as a naughty chit if you use such language." +</p> +<p> + "Well, it just <i>is</i>" said Moppet; "that's what the minister said in his + sermon Sunday week, and you know, Miss Bidwell, that you admired it + extremely, because I heard you tell Pamela so." +</p> +<p> + "Admired the devil?" said Miss Bidwell. "Child, what are you talking + about?" +</p> +<p> + "The sermon," said Miss Moppet, breaking her silk for the fourth time; + "the minister said the devil went roaring up and down the earth seeking + whom he might devour. Wouldn't I like to hear him roar. Do you conceive + it is like a bull or a lion's roar?" +</p> +<p> + "The Bible says a lion," said Miss Bidwell, looking all the more severe + because she was so amused. +</p> +<p> + "I am truly sorry for that poor devil," said Miss Moppet, heaving a deep + sigh. "Just think how tired he must become, and how much work he must + have to do. O—o—oh!"—a prolonged scream—"he certainly has possession + of my sampler"—dancing up and down with pain—"for that needle has + gone one inch into my thumb!" +</p> +<p> + "Come here and let me bind it up," said Miss Bidwell, seizing the small + sinner as she whirled past her. "How often must I tell you not to give + way to such sinful temper? And talking about the devil is not proper for + little girls." +</p> +<p> + "Why not just as well as for older folk?" said Moppet, submitting to + have a soft bit of rag bound around the bleeding thumb. "I think the + devil ought to be prayed for if he's such an abominable sinner—yes, I + do." And Moppet, whose belief in a personal devil was evidently large, + surveyed Miss Bidwell with uncompromising eyes. +</p> +<p> + "Tut!" said Miss Bidwell, to whom this novel idea savored of + ungodliness, but wishing to be lenient toward the child whose adoring + slave she was. "Miss Euphemia would be shocked to hear you." +</p> +<p> + "I shall not tell her," said the child shrewdly, "but I am going to pray + for the devil each night, whether any one else does or not." +</p> +<p> + "As you cannot work any longer on the sampler, you had best go to Miss + Pamela for your writing lesson," said Miss Bidwell. +</p> +<p> + "Pamela is out in the orchard with Josiah Huntington," said Moppet, + "and she would send me forthwith into the house if I went near her." +</p> +<p> + "Then find Miss Betty and read her a page in the primer. You know you + promised your father you would learn to read it correctly against his + return." +</p> +<p> + "Betty is gossiping in the garret chamber with Sally Tracy; surely I + must stop with you, Biddy, dear;" and Moppet twined her arms around Miss + Bidwell's neck, with her little coaxing face upraised for a kiss. When + Moppet said "Biddy dear" (which was her baby abbreviation for the old + servant), she became irresistible; so Miss Bidwell, much relieved at + dropping so puzzling a theological question as the propriety of + supplications for the well-being of his Satanic majesty, proposed that + she should tell Miss Moppet "a story," which met with delighted assent + from the little girl. +</p> +<p> + Miss Bidwell's stories, which dated back for many years and always began + with "when I was a little maid," were never failing in interest besides + being somewhat lengthy, as Moppet insisted upon minute detail, and + invariably corrected her when she chanced to omit the smallest + particular. That the story had been often told did not make it lose any + of its interest, and the shadows of the great elm which overhung the + sitting-room windows grew longer, while the sun sank lower and lower + unheeded, until Miss Bidwell, at the most thrilling part of her tale, + where a bloodthirsty and evil-minded Indian was about to appear, + suddenly laid down her work and exclaimed:— +</p> +<p> + "Hark! surely there is some one coming up the back path," and rising as + she spoke, she hurried out to the side porch, closely followed by + Moppet, who said to herself, with all a child's vivid and dramatic + imagination, "Perhaps it's an Indian coming to tomahawk us in our beds!" + which thought caused her to seize a fold of Miss Bidwell's gown tightly + in her hand. +</p> +<p> + As they came into the hall they were joined by Miss Euphemia, who had + also heard the sounds of approach; and as they emerged from the house + two tall figures, dusty and travel-worn, confronted them, with Reuben + following in their rear. +</p> +<p> + "Oliver!" exclaimed Miss Euphemia, as she recognized her youngest nephew + in one of the wayfarers, "whence come you, and what news? Where is your + honored father?" +</p> +<p> + "My father, madam," said Oliver Wolcott, uncovering his head as he + motioned to Reuben to take his place near his companion, "my father is + some thirty miles behind me, but hastening in this direction. What + news?—Fairfield burnt, half its inhabitants homeless, but Tryon's + marauders put to flight and our men in pursuit." +</p> +<p> + "And who is this gentleman?" said Miss Euphemia, as Oliver kissed her + cheek and stepped back. +</p> +<p> + "'Tis more than I can answer," said Oliver, "for not one word concerning + himself can I obtain from him. He is my prisoner, Aunt Euphemia; I found + him lurking in the woods ten miles away this morning, and should perhaps + have let him pass had not a low-lying branch of a tree knocked off his + hat, when I recognized him for one of Tryon's crew." +</p> +<p> + "Speak more respectfully, sir," said the stranger suddenly, "to me, if + not to those whom you term 'Tryon's crew.'" +</p> +<p> + "I grant the respect due your arm and strength," said Oliver, "for you + came near leaving me in the smoke and din of Fairfield when you gave me + this blow," and he touched the left side of his head, where could be + seen some clotted blood among his hair. "Come, sir, my aunt has asked + the question. Do you not reply to a lady?" +</p> +<p> + "The gibe is unworthy of you," said the other, lifting the hat which had + been drawn down closely over his brow; "and I"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Oliver, 'tis my good kind gentleman!" cried Moppet, darting forward + and seizing the stranger by the hand; "he plunged into Great Pond last + night and pulled me forth when I was nearly drowning, and we begged him + to come home with us, did we not, Betty?"—seeing her sister standing in + the doorway. "Betty, Betty, come and tell Oliver he has made a mistake." +</p> +<p> + A smile lit up the stranger's handsome face as he bowed low to Betty, + who came swiftly to his side as she recognized him. +</p> +<p> + "Will you not bring the gentleman in, Oliver?" she said. "The thanks + which are his due can hardly be well spoken on our doorstep," and Betty + drew herself up, and waved her hand like the proud little maid she was, + her eyes sparkling, her breast heaving with the excitement she strove to + suppress. +</p> +<p> + Oliver looked from Moppet to Betty, in bewilderment then back at his + prisoner, who seemed the most unconcerned of the group. +</p> +<p> + "You are right, Betty," said Miss Euphemia, beginning to understand the + situation. "Will you walk in, sir, and let me explain to my nephew how + greatly we are indebted to you?" And she led the way into the mansion, + the others following, and opened the door of the parlor on the left, + Reuben, obedient to a sign from Oliver, remaining with Miss Bidwell in + the hall. +</p> +<p> + The stranger declined the chair which Oliver courteously offered him, + and remained standing near Betty, Moppet clinging to his hand and + looking up gratefully into his face while Miss Euphemia related to her + nephew the story of Moppet's rescue from her perilous accident of the + previous day. +</p> +<p> + "A brave deed!" cried Oliver impetuously, as he advanced with + outstretched hand toward his prisoner, "and with all my heart, sir, I + thank you. Forgive my pettish speech of a moment since; you were right + to reprove me. No one appreciates a gallant foe more than I; and though + the fortune of war has to-day made you my prisoner, to-morrow may make + me yours." +</p> +<p> + "I thank you," said the stranger, giving his hand as frankly in return. + "Believe me, my plunge in the pond was hardly worth the stress you are + kind enough to lay upon it, and but for the mischance to my little + friend here," smiling at Miss Moppet, who regarded him with affectionate + eyes, "is an affair of little moment. May I ask where you will bestow me + for the night, and also the privilege of a dip in cold water, as I am + too soiled and travel-worn to sit in the presence of ladies, even though + your prisoner." +</p> +<p> + "Prisoner!" echoed Betty, with a start. "Surely, Oliver, you will not + hold as a prisoner the man who saved our little Moppet's life, and that, + too (though he makes so light of it) at the risk of his own?" +</p> +<p> + "You will let him go free, brother Oliver," cried Moppet, flying to the + young officer's side; "you surely will not clap him into jail?" +</p> +<p> + "It was my purpose," said Oliver, looking from one to the other, "to + confine you until to-morrow and then carry you to headquarters, where + General Putnam will determine your ultimate fate. I certainly recognize + you as the author of this cut on my head. Do you belong to the British + army or are you a volunteer accompanying Tryon in his raid upon our + innocent and unoffending neighbors at Fairfield?" +</p> +<p> + "Sir," said the other haughtily, "I pardon much to your youthful + patriotism, which looks upon us as invaders. My name is Geoffrey Yorke, + and I have the honor to bear his majesty's commission as captain in the + Sixty-fourth Regiment of Foot." +</p> +<p> + Betty gave a faint exclamation. Oliver Wolcott stepped forward. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke," he said, "I regret more than I can say my inability, + which you yourself will recognize, to bid you go forth free and in + safety. My duty is unfortunately but too plain. I, sir, serve the + Continental Congress, and like you hold a captain's commission. I should + be false alike to my country and my oath of allegiance did I permit you + to escape; but there is one favor I can offer you; give me your parole, + and allow me and my family the pleasure of holding you as a guest, not + prisoner, while under our roof." +</p> +<p> + Geoffrey Yorke hesitated; he opened his lips to speak, when some + instinct made him glance at Betty, who stood directly behind her + brother. Her large, soft eyes were fixed on his with most beseeching + warning, and she raised her dainty finger to her lips as she slowly, + almost imperceptibly, shook her head. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Wolcott," he said, "I fully appreciate your kindness and the + motive which prompts it. I have landed on these shores but one short + month ago, and Sir Henry Clinton ordered me—but these particulars will + not interest you. I thank you for your offer, but I decline to take + parole, and prefer instead the fortunes of war." +</p> +<p> + "Then, sir, I have no choice," said Oliver. "Aunt Euphemia, will you + permit me to use the north chamber? I will conduct you there, Captain + Yorke, and shall see that you are well guarded for the night." And with + a courtly bow to the ladies Geoffrey Yorke followed his captain from the + room, as Moppet threw herself into Betty's arms and sobbed bitterly. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER IV +</h2> +<center> + FRIEND OR FOE +</center> +<p> + Betty Wolcott sat alone in her own room, thinking intently. The windows + were all open, and the soft night air blew the dainty curls off her + white forehead and disclosed the fact of her very recent tears. Never, + in all her short, happy life, had Betty been so moved as now, for the + twin passions of gratitude and loyalty were at war within her, and she + realized, with a feeling akin to dismay, that she must meet the + responsibility alone, that those of her household were all arrayed + against her. +</p> +<p> + "If my father were but at home," said Betty to herself, "he would know + and understand, but Oliver will not listen, no, not even when I implored + him to keep Captain Yorke close prisoner here for two days by which time + my father is sure to arrive. Aunt Euphemia is too timid and Pamela is + much the same; as Josiah happens to agree perfectly with Oliver, Pamela + could never be induced to see how cruel it is to repay our debt in this + way. Oliver is but a boy,"—and Betty's lips curved in scorn over her + brother's four years' seniority,—"and—and—oh! I am, indeed, astray. + What, here I am, one of the loyal Wolcotts,—a family known all through + the land as true to the cause of Freedom and the Declaration,—and here + I sit planning how to let a British officer, foe to my country, escape + from my father's house. I wonder the walls do not open and fall on me," + and poor Betty gazed half fearfully overhead, as if she expected the + rafters would descend upon the author of such treasonable sentiments. + "But something must be done," she thought rapidly. "I care not whether + he be friend or foe, I take the consequences; be mine the blame," and + she lifted her pretty head with an air of determination, as a soft knock + fell upon her chamber door; but before she could rise to open it, the + latch was raised and a little figure, all in white, crept inside. +</p> +<p> + "I can't sleep, Betty," sobbed Moppet, as her sister gathered the child + in her arms; "it's too, too dreadful. Will General Putnam hang my dear, + kind gentleman as the British hanged Captain Nathan Hale, and shall we + never, never see him more?" +</p> +<p> + "Dear heart," said Betty, smoothing the yellow hair, and tears springing + again to her eyes as she thought of the brave, manly face of her + country's foe. "No, Moppet, Captain Yorke is not a spy, as, alas! was + poor Nathan Hale, but"— +</p> +<p> + "Betty," whispered Moppet, so low that she was evidently alarmed at her + own daring, "why can't we let him go free and never tell Oliver a word + about it?" +</p> +<p> + "How did you come to think of that?" said Betty, astonished. +</p> +<p> + "I am afraid it is the devil prompting me," said Moppet, with a sigh, + partly over her own iniquity, and part in wonderment as to whether that + overworked personage was somewhere soaring in the air near at hand; "but + I always thought the British were big ogres, with fierce eyes and red + whiskers, and I am sure my good, kind gentleman is very like ourselves." +</p> +<p> + Betty was betrayed into a low laugh. Moppet was always original, but + this was delicious. +</p> +<p> + "No, child," she said softly, "the British are some bad, some good, and + there are no doubt cruel men to be found in all wars. Moppet, as you + came by the north door, whom did you see on guard in the hall?" +</p> +<p> + "Josiah Huntington," said Moppet promptly; "but you heard what Oliver + said at supper?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," answered Betty, "Oliver was so weary that Josiah was to watch + until twelve o'clock; then, at midnight, Reuben was to guard the hall + until four in the morning, when Oliver would take his place until + breakfast. Did you note the time on the hall clock?" +</p> +<p> + "It was half past eleven," said Moppet; "the half hour sounded as I + rapped." +</p> +<p> + Betty sat pondering for a moment, then she slid Moppet gently from her + lap to the floor and rose. +</p> +<p> + "Moppet," she said gravely, "you are a little maid, but you have a true + heart, and I believe you can keep a secret. I am going to try to release + Captain Yorke, and I think you can help me. I bind you to keep silent, + except to our dear and honored father, and even to him you shall not + speak until I permit you. Promise me, dear heart?" +</p> +<p> + "I promise," said Moppet solemnly, and Betty knew that, no matter what + happened, she could depend on her devoted little sister. +</p> +<p> + "Moppet," said Betty, "I have a plan, but 'tis a slender one. Do you + recollect how close the great elm-tree boughs come to your window?" +</p> +<p> + "I can put out my hand and nearly reach them," said Moppet; "you + remember Reuben cut the bough nearest, but oh, Betty, the tree has a + limb which runs an arm's length only from the north chamber." +</p> +<p> + "So I thought," answered Betty, who was busily engaged in changing her + light summer gown for one of homespun gray; "and now, Moppet, you and I + must go into your room for the next part of my plot. I must speak to + Captain Yorke, and can you guess how I shall manage to do it?" +</p> +<p> + Moppet's eyes grew large and round with excitement. "I know," she + whispered breathlessly, "through my doll's dungeon. Oh, Betty, how lucky + 'tis that Oliver never once dreamed of that!" +</p> +<p> + "I doubt if he even knows its existence," said Betty. "There goes the + clock," as the slow, solemn voice of the timepiece sounded out on the + night, "It is twelve o'clock, and Reuben will be coming upstairs from + the kitchen. Hark!"—extinguishing her candle and opening her door + softly. "Josiah has gone to the turn on the stairs, and is speaking to + Reuben; quick, Moppet, if you come still as a mouse they will not see us + before we can gain your door," and with swift, soft steps the two small + figures stole across the hall in the semi-darkness which the night lamp + standing near the great clock but served to make visible, and in another + second, panting and eager, they stood safely within Moppet's chamber, + clinging to each other, as they quickly fastened the latch. +</p> +<p> + Moppet's chamber was a small one, and occupied the center of the house, + Miss Euphemia's being upon one side, and the north chamber (as one of + the great rooms was called) upon the other. The great chimney of the + mansion ran up between the large and small room, and what Moppet called + her "doll's dungeon" was a hollow place, just high enough for the child + to reach, in the back of the chimney. For some purpose of ventilation + there was an opening from this aperture into the north chamber. It was + covered with a piece of movable iron; and in summer, when no fire was + used in that part of the house, Moppet took great delight in consigning + her contumacious doll (a rag baby of large size and much plainness of + feature) to what she was pleased to call her "dungeon." To-night Betty's + quick wit had divined what an important factor the aperture might prove + to her, and directly she had secured the door, she walked softly toward + the chimney, and felt in the darkness for the movable bit of iron which + filled the back. +</p> +<p> + When Geoffrey Yorke had finished the ample and delicious supper with + which Miss Euphemia's hospitable and pitying soul had furnished him, he + lighted his candle and made thorough search of his temporary prison to + ascertain whether he could escape therefrom. Betty's gesture of + disapproval when he was about to give his parole had seemed to promise + him assistance; could it be possible that the lovely little rebel's + heart was so moved with pity?" +</p> +<p> + "Sweet Betty," thought Geoffrey, "was ever maid so grateful for a small + service! I wish with all my soul I might have chance and opportunity to + do her a great one, for never have I seen so bewitching and dainty a + creature," and Geoffrey's heart gave a mad leap as he remembered the + tearful, beseeching glance which Betty had bestowed upon him as Oliver + had conducted him from her presence. +</p> +<p> + The windows, of which there were two, looking north, received his first + attention, but he found them amply secured; and although a strong arm + might wrench them open, it would be attended by such noise as could not + fail to attract the attention of his guard posted outside the door. This + reflection prompted him to inspect the door; and discovering an inside + bolt as well as the outer one, he drew it, thus assuring his privacy + from intrusion. The large chimney was his next point of investigation; + and although the flue seemed somewhat narrow, Geoffrey decided that it + afforded some slight chance, provided he had the means of descent when + once he reached the roof. Back to the windows again; yes, the great elm + of which Moppet had spoken stood like a tall sentinel guarding the + mansion, and Geoffrey felt confident that he could crawl from roof to + tree and thus reach the ground. To be sure, it was most hazardous; there + was the chance of some one sleeping in the chambers near who might hear + even so slight a noise; he might become wedged in the chimney, + or—pshaw! one must risk life, if need be, for liberty; and here + Geoffrey smiled, as it occurred to him that this was what these very + colonists were engaged in doing, and for a moment the British officer + felt a throb of sympathy hitherto unknown to him. He had landed at New + York but a month before, filled with insular prejudices and contempt for + these country lads and farmers, whom he imagined composed the + Continental army; but the fight at Fairfield, which was carried on by + the Hessians with a brutality that disgusted him, and the encounter with + such a family as this under whose roof he was, began to open his eyes, + and he acknowledged frankly to himself that young Oliver Wolcott was both + a soldier and a gentleman. +</p> +<p> + "The boy looked every inch a soldier," thought Geoffrey, "when he + refused his sister's pleading; faith, he is made of firm stuff to + withstand her. Oh, Betty, Betty! I wonder if the fortunes of war will + ever let me see your face again," and with a sigh compounded of many + things, Geoffrey picked up a book that was lying on the table, and + resolved to read until it should be far on into the night, when he + would make a bold attempt to escape. +</p> +<p> + The clock on the stairs struck twelve and Geoffrey, roused from the + light slumber into which he had fallen, heard the steps outside his door + as Josiah Huntington was joined by Reuben, who was to relieve his guard, + and straightened himself, with a long breath, as he rose from his chair. + As he did so, he became conscious of a slight, very slight, noise in the + direction of the chimney; and turning his eyes toward it, a soft whisper + reached his ear. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke," murmured the sweetest voice in the world; and as the + slight grating noise ceased, to his amazement a little white hand + beckoned him to approach a small aperture, which he now perceived in the + bricks about four feet from the floor. Very softly Geoffrey obeyed the + summons, and cautiously made his way to the chimney. +</p> +<p> + "Kneel down and put your ear near me," said Betty, and the tall soldier + dropped on one knee obediently; "be very careful, for though Aunt + Euphemia's chamber is on this side, and she is usually a sound sleeper, + it might be our ill fortune that to-night she would wake. I have made up + my mind, sir; I cannot keep you prisoner under a roof that but for you + might be mourning my little sister dead." +</p> +<p> + "I pray you say no more of that," interrupted Geoffrey softly. "I am + more than repaid by your interest in my unhappy condition." +</p> +<p> + "It may be wrong, it doubtless is," said Betty, sighing, "but I have two + plans for your escape. Tell me, are your windows securely fastened?" +</p> +<p> + "Too strongly to be tampered with except by making noise that is certain + to be overheard," returned Geoffrey. +</p> +<p> + "Then we must try other means; if you can but manage to scale the + chimney,—and I think there are still some pegs inside which Reuben put + there in the spring when he went up after burning it out,—if you can + reach the roof by the chimney you will find on the south side, close to + the chimney itself, a trap-door which lets down by a ladder into our + garret. The ladder is stationary, and I will meet you there at its foot, + and from the garret there is a back stairway, down which you may creep + to the buttery, and once there 'tis but a step outside when I open the + door." +</p> +<p> + "God bless you," whispered Geoffrey, feeling a mad desire to kiss the + pretty pink ear and soft cheek which he could just see by the dim light + of Miss Moppet's candle; "shall I start at once?" +</p> +<p> + "No," returned Betty, "Josiah Huntington has just sought his chamber, + and he will be watchful. Wait until you hear the old clock on the + staircase strike three; that is the hour, I have been told, when all + sleep most soundly. Then Moppet will tell you if all goes right, for I + shall be waiting for you, as I said, above;" and with a soft "be very, + very careful to make no noise," Betty moved away from the "doll's + dungeon" and Yorke bounded to his feet. +</p> +<p> + "Now, Moppet," said Betty softly, "let me wrap you well in your woolen + habit, lest you take cold." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Betty darling," whispered the child, "how will you ever gain the + garret stairs when Reuben is watching? He will be sure to think it + strange; can I not go for you?" +</p> +<p> + "No, never," said Betty tenderly. "I will slip by Reuben, and you must + not fret. Sit here on my knee and go fast asleep until I wake you." +</p> +<p> + Moppet nestled her little head down obediently on Betty's shoulder; but + try hard though she did to keep her eyes wide open, sleep at last + overcame her,—sleep so profound after all this excitement that Betty + was able to lay her softly upon her bed without awaking, and for the + remainder of those long hours Betty kept her vigil alone. It was nervous + work: for determined though she was to release Yorke, Betty possessed a + most sensitive and tender conscience, and love for her country and her + people was as the air she breathed. It proved the tenacity of her + purpose and the strength of her will that, notwithstanding her many + misgivings, when she heard the clock sound the quarter she rose from her + low seat by the window, where she had been gazing out into the night, + and whispered softly to Moppet that it was time to wake. The child + sprang up, alert and quick as Betty herself, and listened to her + sister's last warning instructions to have no fear, but wait quietly for + her return, and when the clock struck the hour to whisper through the + hole in the chimney to Yorke that she had gone. +</p> +<p> + Very softly, her slippers held tightly in her hand, Betty pulled up the + latch of the bedroom door and stepped into the almost dark hall. The + night lamp had partly died out, but there was still enough of its + flickering light to permit her, when her eyes grew accustomed to it, to + see the dim outline of Reuben's figure sitting on a stool at the door of + the north chamber. In order to reach the garret from this part of the + house she must go directly down the hall to where it parted at the L, + where the stairs reaching the garret were shut off by a door, on the + other aide of which was a square landing, where you could turn down and + descend directly from the garret to the buttery. Once past Reuben, she + would feel comparatively safe, for although Oliver's room was opposite + he was too weary to be wakeful. It took scarcely a minute to creep + toward Reuben, and Betty drew a quick breath of relief when she + perceived that the farmer-bred lad, unaccustomed to night watches, and + feeling that his prisoner was secure behind the bolted door, had fallen + fast asleep. Another minute and she had fairly flown through the hall + and reached the door of the garret stairs; she recollected that the + latch had a troublesome creak occasionally; indeed, she had noticed it + only that very day, as she and Sally Tracy had mounted to their eyrie + in the big dormer window of the garret, where safe from all ears they + were wont to confide their girlish secrets to each other. +</p> +<p> + "Pray Heaven it creak not to-night," said Betty to herself as she gently + and steadily pulled the handle of the latch and saw the dreaded door + open to her hand. Inside stepped Betty, and made breathless pause while + she closed it, and the amiable latch fell softly down again into its + place. Swift as a flash the girlish figure flitted up the winding narrow + stairs, and gasping but triumphant Betty seated herself on the lowest + step of the trap-ladder to await the coming of Geoffrey Yorke. +</p> +<p> + In the bedroom below, Miss Moppet, whose soul was thrilling with mingled + delight and terror at being an actor in a "real story," waited as she + was told until she heard the deep voice of the clock, sounding rather + more awful than usual, say "one, two, three!" and then tiptoeing over + the bare floor she opened with small trembling fingers the tiny aperture + and whispered, "Are you there?" starting back half frightened as the + instant answer came, close beside her: +</p> +<p> + "Yes, is it time?" +</p> +<p> + "Betty is in the garret by now," she faltered. "Oh, sir, be careful and + fare you well!" +</p> +<p> + For answer Geoffrey Yorke bent down, and taking the small cold fingers + extended to him, pressed a kiss on them, and with a soft "farewell" + began his passage up the chimney. +</p> +<p> + It was no such very difficult task he found, to his satisfaction, for + Betty was right, and by feeling carefully with his hands he perceived + the friendly pegs which Reuben had inserted, and of which Oliver had no + knowledge, else he would not have trusted so agile and strong a prisoner + within their reach. Geoffrey's broad shoulders were the only sufferers, + but the rough homespun which covered them was a better protection than + his uniform would have been, and he again blessed the good fortune which + had thrown the disguise in his way as he left Fairfield four days + before. +</p> +<p> + Betty, sitting on the ladder step, straining her ears to catch the first + sound, became conscious of a light sound as Geoffrey swung himself from + the chimney top to the roof, and she sped up the ladder to unhook the + door of the trap just as he reached it. +</p> +<p> + "Speak not a word," she said in his ear, as he set his foot on the + ladder, "but fasten the hook lest they discover that the door has been + opened. Now, give me your hand," and in the darkness the strong, manly + hand closed firmly over her dainty fingers with a clasp which, strangely + enough, inspired her with fresh courage. +</p> +<p> + "Stop," said Betty suddenly, as they were at the top stair, "you must + remove your boots: the slightest creak might wake the sleepers at the + end of the hall." +</p> +<p> + It took but a second of time to follow her directions; and then very + softly, with many pauses, the pair crept down the winding stairs, and + Betty involuntarily held her breath until the last step was safely + passed and she raised the latch of the buttery door. +</p> +<p> + "If Miss Bidwell has locked it," came the swift thought,—but, no! like + everything else that dreadful night, fortune seemed to favor Betty, and + with a long-drawn sigh she drew her companion across the threshold and + instantly shot the bolt behind her. +</p> +<p> + A faint glow of dawn crept through the pantry windows, and Betty paused + a moment and regarded the rows of milk pans which adorned the shelves + of the small room with grave intentness. +</p> +<p> + "Had you not better take a glass of milk?" she said. "You may have to + travel far without food, although I am sure that should you ask for it + at any of our Connecticut farmhouses you would be cheerfully supplied," + and raising the neat dipper she filled it and handed it to Geoffrey, who + took it gratefully from her hand. +</p> +<p> + "And now put on your boots, for freedom lies beyond that door," she + said, still in softest tones, as she unbolted the other door which led + directly outside. "I must go with you as far as the barn, for you will + need my mare to take you out of danger of pursuit." +</p> +<p> + "No, no," answered Geoffrey, speaking for the first time as they sped + rapidly over the grass, "I will not take her; you have dared much for + me, and I fear censure and harm may come to you for releasing me should + you be discovered." +</p> +<p> + "Censure," said Betty, throwing back her small head haughtily, + "wherefore? Do you think I shall conceal my share in this night's work? + Oliver is but a hot-headed boy; had my father been at home it would have + been different, and to him I shall make my confession, that I have + given liberty to—oh, I cannot say a foe, after what you have done for + me—to a British officer who comes to slay my countrymen!" +</p> +<p> + "Never your foe, Betty," cried Yorke, confronting her with face as pale + as her own, and in his admiration of her spirit and nobility forgetting + all else. "Say, rather, your adoring friend, who one day, God willing, + hopes to prove to you that there are British hearts which are true and + honest as yours, and that none will be more loyal to you than mine own." +</p> +<p> + A hot wave of color flashed up over Betty's charming face; her lips + trembled, but no words came from them. What was this impetuous young man + daring to say to her? +</p> +<p> + "The dawn is breaking over yonder hills," Geoffrey rushed on, "and + before the sun rises I must be as many miles away as my feet can carry + me. Farewell, farewell!—may God bless and keep you always. Go back + straightway into the mansion; I shall not stir step until I see you + safe." And through her brimming tears Betty realized that his kisses + were falling on her hands, as without a word she turned and fled toward + the open door. But when she reached it some new-born impulse tearing + madly at her heart made her pause, and looking back she saw Geoffrey + lift something from the grass at his feet which he waved toward her as + he sped down the path, and raising her hand to her gown she knew that he + had carried with him her breast-knot of rose-colored ribbon. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER V +</h2> +<center> + A LOYAL TRAITOR +</center> +<p> + Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers + secured the outer bolt of the buttery door. Her head was whirling, and + she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary + adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; + and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought + herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she + must take it to her. So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to + go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in + hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, + rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the + garret stairway. And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so + determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, + she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely + down upon her. +</p> +<p> + "Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she + reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver." +</p> +<p> + "Where have you been?" asked her brother. +</p> +<p> + "To the buttery," said Betty; "this is milk for Moppet. The child is + wakeful, and needs it." +</p> +<p> + "Why did you not send Reuben?" asked Oliver, who was always kind and + attentive to his sisters. +</p> +<p> + "Reuben?" echoed Betty. "Did you not set him as guard to your prisoner?" + and then, her heart smiting her for the gibe, "Miss Bidwell lets no one + meddle with her milk pans, and I knew best which were last night's + milk," and she went up the hall with a naughty little throb of mingled + mischief and triumph, as she thought how she had outwitted him, while + the unsuspecting Oliver seated himself near the north chamber door. +</p> +<p> + Moppet, sitting up in bed, welcomed her sister with open arms, and drank + the milk thirstily, as Betty told her that all was safe, and that + Captain Yorke was now well on his way. +</p> +<p> + "I'm as glad as can be," said Moppet, who was troubled with no + conscientious scruples whatsoever, and was now beginning to enjoy + herself intensely at sharing a mystery with Betty; "I told him you were + gone, after the big clock struck three, and oh, Betty, he kissed my hand + through the hole in the chimney." +</p> +<p> + "Did he?" said Betty, flushing brightly under Moppet's keen glance. +</p> +<p> + "And I sat there and shivered," went on Moppet, discreetly dropping that + branch of the subject, "for I could hear his feet as he climbed, and + once he slipped and I was so frightened lest he should come tumbling + down and our fine plot be discovered. Betty, Betty, what a fine flutter + Oliver and Josiah will be in at breakfast!" +</p> +<p> + "Don't talk of it," said Betty, shivering in her turn; "go to sleep, + Moppet, and I will fly to my chamber, for it is not well that I should + be discovered here, dressed. Oliver is not one to notice; now lie still + until you are called for rising;" and Betty tripped back to her own + room, where, tearing off her dress, she threw her tired little self on + the bed to rest, if not to sleep, for the short hours that remained + before breakfast. +</p> +<p> + The Wolcott household was one that was early astir, however, and Chloe, + the old colored cook, was out in the barn searching for eggs, and Miss + Bidwell had laid the breakfast cloth and polished the silver by half + past six, when Miss Euphemia knocked briskly at the door where Pamela + and Dolly Trumbull were slumbering sweetly, and resolved that she would + request Oliver to permit Captain Yorke to come down and breakfast with + the family. "For," mused Miss Euphemia, "our obligations to that young + man should make some difference, I think, in his treatment; I must try + to persuade Oliver to detain him here until my brother's return, for + although I did not think it prudent to say so, I confess I am no more + anxious to keep him prisoner than Betty was." +</p> +<p> + But Miss Euphemia had not more than descended at half past seven + precisely (her usual hour) when Oliver came hastily into the room, + demanding a hammer and chisel, and with such evident dismay upon his + countenance that Miss Euphemia asked if anything was the matter. +</p> +<p> + "I do not know," said Oliver, searching the drawer for the desired + implements; "I called and knocked smartly at Captain Yorke's door to + ask him if he desired hot water, and to offer him a change of clean + linen (as we are much the same size and build); but although I made + sufficient noise to wake the hardest sleeper, no response did I receive. + Then I unbolted the door, intending to enter, but he has fastened it on + the inside, and"— +</p> +<p> + "He is ill," cried Miss Euphemia, in alarm. "I noted he looked pale last + night." +</p> +<p> + "Much more likely 'tis some device to alarm us," said Oliver, seizing + the chisel, and Miss Euphemia followed him as he went hurriedly up the + front staircase. At its top stood Huntington. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke is a sound sleeper," he said, addressing Oliver. "I have + knocked at his door several times and get no response." +</p> +<p> + "My mind misgives me," said Oliver, fitting his chisel in the door and + striking vigorously with the hammer; "and yet I made sure there was no + chance for escape,—ha!" as the door swung open and discovered the + closed shutters and the last flickering gleams of the dying candle upon + the table. "Good heavens, Huntington, he has flown!" +</p> +<p> + "Flown!" cried Josiah, rushing after Oliver, as Miss Euphemia joined + the party, and Pamela, with Dolly, opened her door across the hall, + hearing the commotion. "And how? Surely not by the chimney?" +</p> +<p> + "I wish you had suggested that earlier," said Oliver bitterly. "I am a + dolt and a fool's head not to have thoroughly examined it last night," + and he rushed across into Betty's chamber to find a candle with which to + investigate the treacherous exit. +</p> +<p> + "Have a care, Oliver," cried Betty, as her brother entered without + knocking, to find her with her hair over her shoulders, brush in hand. + "What do you please to want?" +</p> +<p> + "Your candle," said Oliver, catching up the one upon her table, and then + pausing, as he was about to rush out again. "Did you hear any noises + last night, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Noises?" answered Betty, facing him calmly, "of what nature?" +</p> +<p> + "In the great chimney," said Oliver, eying her sternly. +</p> +<p> + "I did not," said Betty, with truth, returning inward thanks that to + that question she could reply without falsehood. "Why did you ask?" +</p> +<p> + "You will find out soon enough," said Oliver, dashing down the hall, + without closing the door, and hurrying to the kitchen for a light. By + the time he returned, he found Josiah half way up the chimney. +</p> +<p> + "Here are pegs," he called out, as Oliver sent the ray of the lighted + candle upward. "'Tis easy enough to see how our prisoner escaped. Fool + that I was not to have searched this place," and he let himself down + again, where the bewildered group stood around the chimney-piece. +</p> +<p> + "The fault is mine alone," cried Oliver furiously; "let us get out on + the roof and see if we can discover how he made his descent to the + ground." +</p> +<p> + "By the great elm," exclaimed Pamela, who had unfastened the shutters + with Josiah's help; "see, the branches overhang the roof just here, and + I think there are some pieces of the bark on the ground below." All of + which was true, and quick-witted of Pamela; but Moppet could have + explained the presence of the bits of bark, for, as it happened, the + child had emptied her apron under the elm the day before, and the bark + was some she had gathered in the orchard for the bits of fungus which, + at night, were phosphorescent, and which Moppet called "fairy lamps." +</p> +<p> + "True," said Josiah, leaning out of the window, "and there are + footsteps in the tall grass yonder," pointing westward, where his keen + eye perceived a fresh path broken in the meadow. "I must follow Oliver + to the roof; this will be a dire blow to him, as he thought his prisoner + so carefully guarded." +</p> +<p> + "How clever of him to escape under our very ears," said Dolly to Pamela; + "how could Captain Yorke contrive to climb down so softly that no one + heard him? Is not Miss Euphemia's chamber on this side?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Pamela, turning away from the window, "and so is Moppet's; + where is Aunt Euphemia?" and running out into the hall, she encountered + both Betty and her aunt on the way to Moppet's apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Hush!" whispered Betty, with hand on the latch, "I hope she is still + sleeping. Moppet came into my room in the night, Aunt Euphemia, and was + so cold and shivering that I went back with her and put her to bed. I + got a drink of milk for her, and it seemed to quiet her." +</p> +<p> + "That was quite right," said Miss Euphemia. "I have been afraid that the + plunge in the pond did her some injury," and she opened the door + softly, only to see Miss Moppet's curly head rise up from her pillow, + and to hear her say with a sleepy yawn:— +</p> +<p> + "What is it all about? Where's Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Here I am," said Betty, giving her a kiss. "Did you sleep soundly after + the milk?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, and I want some more," said Moppet, seizing the situation with + such alacrity that Betty suspected on the instant that the keen little + ears had been on the alert for more minutes than Moppet cared to + acknowledge. "What are you all coming in for? Is it dinner-time?" +</p> +<p> + "No," interrupted Pamela, "we have not even had breakfast. Captain Yorke + has escaped in the night"— +</p> +<p> + "Escaped!" cried Moppet, the liveliest curiosity in her tone. "Oh, I'm + so glad! Aren't you, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Better not let Oliver hear you say that," said Pamela in an undertone + as Miss Euphemia drew Betty aside. +</p> +<p> + "How did he get out?" said Moppet, giving way to laughter. "Oh, what a + ruffle Oliver must be in." +</p> +<p> + "Naughty child," said Pamela, but unable to help smiling at Moppet's + view of the situation. "Did you happen to hear any noises on the roof or + in the big elm last night?" +</p> +<p> + "Not a sound," said Moppet, like Betty rejoicing inwardly that she could + reply truthfully, for the little maid had never told a lie in her short + life, and had indeed spent a wakeful half hour that very morning + wondering how she would be able to evade any questions that might be put + to her. "Did Captain Yorke climb out of his window and go down the big + elm, Pamela? Do you know I thought of that at supper." +</p> +<p> + "He could not open the window, Moppet," answered Pamela, "but he did go + down the tree from the roof, whence he climbed from the chimney here." +</p> +<p> + "Moppet, you must instantly dress or you will lake cold," said Miss + Euphemia, interrupting, to Betty's relief, "and I will be glad if Betty + will assist you, for I must go down and see if breakfast be still hot, + as no one is ready yet to eat it," and out went Miss Euphemia, calling + the others to follow her. +</p> +<p> + "What do you think of all this?" asked Pamela of Betty. +</p> +<p> + "What do you suppose?" flashed out Betty, whose quick tongue had been + so long restrained that it was absolute relief to her to speak her mind. + "I am as glad as I can possibly be that Captain Yorke has escaped, and + if that be disloyal"—finished the spirited little maid, mindful of + Patrick Henry—"make the most of it!" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Betty!" cried Pamela, shocked beyond expression. +</p> +<p> + "It is I that should be shocked, not you," went on Betty. "Do you hold + Moppet's dear life as nothing? Do you not wish to acknowledge an + obligation when it is doubly due? I am ashamed of you, Pamela,—you and + Oliver. I would my father were here to make you see both sides of a + question clearly." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty," implored Pamela, bursting into tears, "do I not love our + little sister as well as you? You do mistake me; I did not dare go + counterwise to Oliver and Josiah, but indeed I love you for your + courage." +</p> +<p> + "There, say no more," said Betty, dropping the brush with which she was + reducing Moppet's rebellious locks to order, and rushing into Pamela's + arms with quick repentance. "I am cross and upset this morning, and not + fit to talk to you, my gentle Pamela, so go down and make the coffee and + forgive my petulance." +</p> +<p> + Dolly, who had witnessed this little sisterly passage of arms in shy + fright, put her hand in Pamela's and whispered, as they gained the + staircase:— +</p> +<p> + "Dry your eyes, Pamela dear; Betty is most forward to speak thus to her + elder sister." +</p> +<p> + "There you mistake," said Pamela, changing front with true feminine + inconsistency. "Betty is quite right, and I am displeased,—yes + downright displeased with myself that I did not side with her last + night," and with unwonted color flushing her usually pale cheeks Pamela + walked into the breakfast-room, Dolly following meekly behind her. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile, Oliver and Josiah were upon the roof of the mansion + conducting most careful investigation. They had decided that it was + useless to pursue Yorke, for he might have many hours in advance of + them, and they must take the chances that he would be recaptured by some + of Putnam's men, especially if he again mistook the country and went + west instead of north. They climbed through the trap-door, but as the + heavy dews had not yet begun there was no trace of footsteps upon the + roof beyond a faint mark, which might be the spot where the prisoner had + dropped from the chimney. It was quite possible for an agile fellow, + accustomed to use his muscle, to clamber down the sloping roof to the + elm and escape to the ground by its branches, and that he was not heard + was partly due to his own care and the unusually heavy slumbers of the + inmates of the mansion. Having reached this conclusion, Oliver was fain + to make the best of it, and in much chagrin descended to the + breakfast-table. +</p> +<p> + Try as she did to look demure and avoid speaking upon the subject which + all were discussing, Betty could not keep her dancing eyes in order, and + before the meal was over she flashed so roguish a glance at Oliver that, + irritated at her mute opposition, he could not refrain from saying:— +</p> +<p> + "There sits Betty looking fairly pleased because she has her own way, + and apparently cares nothing for the escape of an enemy to her country." +</p> +<p> + "Fie, Oliver," spoke up Pamela with unusual fire, "Betty is as loyal as + you or I, and you are unfair to tax her because she heartily + disapproves of your course in regard to Captain Yorke's detention after + the signal service he has rendered to all us Wolcotts." +</p> +<p> + "Pamela!" cried Oliver, good temper returning, and gazing in comic + dismay at his favorite sister, much as he would at a dove who had + ruffled its plumes. "This from you, Pamela? If Betty be allowed to + demoralize the family in this wise, I think it were well my father takes + you all in hand." +</p> +<p> + "Heyday?" said a kindly voice from the door of the sitting-room, as a + fine-looking man dressed in the Continental uniform entered the room. + "Who is it that requires my parental hand, Oliver, and why do you so + lament my absence?" +</p> +<p> + "Father, father!" shrieked Miss Moppet, tumbling out of her chair and + flinging her arms around General Wolcott's neck as he stooped down to + embrace her. "Oh, we're so glad you are come. Why didn't you get here + last night?" +</p> +<p> + "Because I lay over at General Putnam's headquarters," said her father. + "Oliver, you will find Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Hillhouse on the + porch. See that their horses be taken and fed, and bid them come to + breakfast." +</p> +<p> + Oliver disappeared in haste, and Josiah, with an apology to Miss + Euphemia, followed him; while General Wolcott, casting off his hat and + gloves, seated himself with Moppet on his knee, and Miss Bidwell + appeared from the kitchen with fresh reinforcements of breakfast for the + newcomers. Betty, busying herself by fetching cups and saucers from the + china pantry, caught fragments of the conversation, and became aware + that Miss Moppet was telling the story of her adventure at Great Pond, + in the child's most dramatic fashion, and that Miss Euphemia was also + adding her testimony to the tale as it went on. They were presently + interrupted by the entrance of Oliver with his father's two aids, and + the large mahogany table was surrounded by guests, whose appetites bid + fair to do justice to Miss Bidwell's breakfast. +</p> +<p> + No sooner was the meal fairly under way than Oliver, eager to hear his + father's opinion, began the story of his capture of the day before, and + related how and where he had found Captain Yorke, and how safely he + supposed he had imprisoned him in the north chamber, from which his + clever and ready escape had been made. Oliver's narrative was + interrupted by exclamations from the officers and questions from his + father, who displayed keen interest in the matter. +</p> +<p> + "Father," said Moppet, seeing that the most important point had been + omitted in Oliver's story, and venturing to join in the conversation, as + few children of that period would have done, "Oliver's prisoner was my + good kind gentleman who pulled me out of the pond, and I am very, very + glad he has got away—aren't you?" +</p> +<p> + "I was indeed hard bestead, sir," burst in Oliver. "Here were Betty and + Moppet insisting that I must let Captain Yorke go free because of his + gallant act (which I fully appreciate), and the gentleman refusing his + parole because he preferred to take the chances of war, while I felt it + my sworn duty to detain him and to forward him to General Putnam without + delay, as I know we are in need of exchange for several of our officers + now held by Sir Henry Clinton, and this man is of Clinton's staff, and + therefore a most valuable capture. Was I to blame for retaining him?" +</p> +<p> + General Wolcott hesitated, but as he was about to make reply his eye + fell upon Betty, who confronted him across the table with parted lips + and large, beseeching eyes so full of entreaty that he changed the words + almost upon his lips. +</p> +<p> + "It is a delicate question, my son," he said gravely, "and one I would + rather not discuss at the present moment. More especially"—and a + half-quizzical smile lit up his grave but kindly face as he turned + toward Miss Moppet and gently pinched her little ear,—"more especially + as the gentleman has taken the law in his own hands and escaped from + Wolcott Manor despite the fact that as it is the residence of a + Continental officer and the sheriff of Litchfield County it might be + supposed to have exceptional reasons for detaining him. Captain Seymour, + I will be glad to sign the papers of which General Putnam has need, and + we will go at once to my library, for you must be off by noon." +</p> +<p> + Some two hours later, as Betty sat watching in her chamber window, she + saw the horses led around to the front door, and shortly after knew from + the sounds below that Pamela and Dolly wore bidding the young officers + good-by; so, waiting until the sound of their horses' feet had died + away in the distance, Betty, with outward composure but much inward + dismay, tripped softly downstairs and knocked at the door of the + library. +</p> +<p> + "Pray Heaven he be alone," she sighed as she heard her father's voice + bid her enter, and then she crossed the threshold and confronted him. +</p> +<p> + "Father," she said, steadying herself by one small hand pressed downward + on the table behind which he sat, "I—that is—I have something to tell + you." +</p> +<p> + General Wolcott raised his head from the paper which he had been + carefully reading and looked kindly at her. +</p> +<p> + "What is it, my child?" he asked reassuringly, motioning her to a chair. + "I thought at breakfast that you had the air of being in distress." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, I am hardly that," replied Betty, clinging to the table, "except + so far as I may have incurred your censure, though I hope not your + displeasure. Father, Oliver has told you of the escape of Captain Yorke, + which causes him much chagrin and anger. Blame no one but me, for I + myself released him." +</p> +<p> + "You!" exclaimed General Wolcott. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I," said Betty, growing paler. "If you had but been here or I + known that you were so near us, there had been no such need for haste, + and I would have been spared this confession." +</p> +<p> + "How did you arrange the escape?" said her father quietly. +</p> +<p> + "It was this way," faltered Betty, but gaining courage as she proceeded. + "Oliver would not listen, though I begged and plead with him to delay + until your arrival. He was so eager to deliver his captive to General + Putnam that I made no impression. Father, the Englishman had saved our + Moppet's life at the risk of his own; <i>he</i> did not pause to ask whether + she was friend or foe when he rushed to her rescue—could we he less + humane? I do not know what they do to prisoners,"—and Betty strangled a + swift sob,—"but I could not bear to think of a gallant gentleman, be he + British or American, confined in a prison, and so I resolved I would + assist his escape. I waited until midnight, and then I spoke to him + through the aperture in the great chimney and instructed him how to + climb up through it by the pegs Reuben had left there, and I stole to + the garret and waited until he came. Ruben did not see me pass the door + of the north chamber, for he was asleep (do not tell this to Oliver, as + it might bring reproof upon poor Reuben, who was too weary to be of much + service as a sentinel), and I brought Captain Yorke safely down the + stairs which lead from the garret to the buttery. Once there, all was + easy; I opened the door, and—and—I even offered him the mare, father, + I was in such fear of his recapture; but he stoutly refused to take her. + This is all. If I am a traitor, dear father, punish me as I deserve, but + never think me disloyal to you or to my country." +</p> +<p> + There was a pause, as Betty's sweet, passionate tones ceased; she stood + with head thrown back, but downcast eyes, as fair a picture us ever + greeted father's eye. +</p> +<p> + "A loyal traitor, Betty," said General Wolcott slowly; "and I think that + it were well I should look after the condition of my chimneys." +</p> +<p> + Scarcely daring to believe her ears, Betty looked up, and in another + second she had thrown her arms around her father's neck, sobbing softly + as he caressed her. +</p> +<p> + "'Twas a daring, mad scheme, my child," said General Wolcott, his own + eyes not quite guiltless of moisture; "but bravely carried out; and + looking at the matter much as you do, I cannot find it in my heart to + censure you. Captain Yorke is doubtless a manly foe, and of such I have + no fear. It shall be our secret, yours and mine, Betty; we will not even + tell Oliver just now, else it might make sore feeling between you. For + Oliver was right, and"—smiling kindly, "so were you. Everything depends + upon the point of view, my daughter; but let me beg you never to try + your hand again to assist the escape of a British officer, or it might + cost me the friendship of General Washington." +</p> +<p> + "Father, dear father!" cried Betty, overjoyed to find judgment so + lenient accorded her, "I crave your pardon; 'twas alone for Moppet's + sake." +</p> +<p> + "Aye," said General Wolcott, and then paused a brief second, for his + wife's death, had been the forfeit paid for Moppet's birth, and this was + one reason why the child had become the family idol. "Now run away, for + I must close these papers in time for Oliver, who rides dispatch to Fort + Trumbull to-night. And, Betty," as she stood glowing and smiling before + him "my child, you grow more like your mother every day." and with a + hasty movement General Wolcott turned away to conceal his emotion, as + Betty went quickly from the room. +</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VI +</h2> +<center> + BY COURIER POST +</center> +<p> + It had been a wild night, find the morning wind sobbed and sighed + through the elms, which, denuded of their leaves, stood out tall and + bare against the leaden sky, and there was a chill in the air that might + betoken snow. Pamela Wolcott stood in the sitting-room window and sighed + softly, as she gazed out at the November landscape, letting her fingers + beat soft tattoo against the lozenge-shaped pane. +</p> +<p> + "Pamela," said Betty from the depths of a big chair, where she sat + busily knitting a little stocking whose proportions suggested Miss + Moppet, "I wish you would stop that devil's march. Believe me, you had + much better come and talk to me, and so drive away the vapors, rather + than stand there and worry over the whereabouts of Josiah." +</p> +<p> + "It will take more than that to drive away the thoughts I cannot help," + said Pamela, coming back from the window and seating herself on the + wide settle, for Pamela was somewhat given to seeking the warmest + corner, and dreaded a New England winter. "It is full time I had some + intelligence, for Josiah promised that he would take advantage of any + courier who started for New London to dispatch me a letter, and you know + that father had news two days since from Morristown, but nothing came + for me. Betty, I am sore afraid of evil tidings." +</p> +<p> + "You are ever faint-hearted," said Betty, glancing compassionately at + her sister. +</p> +<p> + "And I dreamed last night of a wedding," went on Pamela, "and that, you + know, is an evil sign." +</p> +<p> + "Best not let Aunt Euphemia hear you," Replied Betty, with a smile. "You + have been consulting Chloe, I am sure, as to the portents of dreams. + Fie, Pamela; Josiah is strong and well, and there is not likely to be a + movement of the troops just now, father says, so why worry? I am anxious + because we hear nothing of Clarissa, and I think Aunt Euphemia is the + same, for I heard her talking and sighing last night when Miss Bidwell + carried up the night light. Dear Clarissa, how I wish I could see her + again; I wonder if she be quite, quite happy shut up in New York among + the Tories." +</p> +<p> + "No doubt; though when she married Gulian Verplanck we had little + thought of the occupation of New York by the British. Do you recollect + how pretty she looked on her wedding-day, Betty, and the little caps you + and I wore,—mine with a knot of blue, and yours of rose-color? I found + that ribbon one day last week, tucked away in a little box. Have you + kept yours?" +</p> +<p> + "No," returned Betty, with a sudden blush and a quick, half-guilty throb + of her heart, as she remembered in whose hand she had last seen that + same bow of rose-color; "that is, I had it until last summer, when—I + lost it." And Betty dropped two stitches in her confusion, which + fortunately Pamela was too much engrossed in her own thoughts to notice. +</p> +<p> + "It is five years last May," said Pamela. "You and I were tiny things of + ten and eleven years, and Oliver strutted about grand and dignified in a + new coat. The first wedding in our family—I wonder whose be the next?" +</p> +<p> + "Yours, of course." said Betty quickly. "That is if you and Josiah can + ever make up your minds. I will not be like you, Pamela, trust me, when + my turn comes I'll know full well whether I will or I won't." And Betty + tossed her saucy head with a mischievous laugh as there came a rap on + the front door which caused both girls to start up and fly to the + window. +</p> +<p> + "Why, 'tis Sally Tracy," cried Betty. "I did not know she had returned + from her visit to Lebanon." And she ran rapidly along the hall, and + opening the door, embraced her friend with all a girl's enthusiasm. +</p> +<p> + "Welcome, Sally," said Pamela, as the pair came hand in hand towards + her, "Betty has been moping ever since you left, and had a desperate fit + of industry from sheer loneliness. I really believe she has made a + stocking and a half for Moppet—or was it a pair, Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "The second pair, if you please," retorted Betty, rejoiced to see Pamela + smile, even if at her own expense; "and Miss Bidwell says they are every + bit as fine as yours." +</p> +<p> + "They may well be that," said Pamela, whose pet detestation was the + manufacture of woolen stockings (then considered one of the component + parts of a girl's education in New England). "But Sally is such a + marvelous knitter that she will no doubt rejoice at your success. Had + you as severe weather in Lebanon as this? I am fearful that we will have + a hard winter, the cold has set in so early." +</p> +<p> + "They have had one flurry of snow already," Sally answered, "but not so + much wind as we of Litchfield rejoice in. But I had a merry visit and + saw much company. Dolly bemoaned daily that you could not come, Pamela." +</p> +<p> + "I am to go later, after or about the day set apart for Thanksgiving. + But you and Betty have much to say to each other, and I will not + interrupt you; Miss Bidwell has something for me to do, I'll warrant; + so, farewell for the present, Sally." And Pamela left the room. +</p> +<p> + "Come, sit beside me on the settle," said Betty, putting Sally in the + warmest seat. "Your fingers are cold, and the room is not yet + sufficiently warm. Well,"—with a significant smile,—"what have you to + tell me?" +</p> +<p> + "Not what you think," with a smiling nod, "for Francis Plunkett is far + too pressing for my taste,'' answered Sally. +</p> +<p> + "Ha, ha," quoth Betty, much amused, "is that the way you take it? Then I + foresee that Francis will win for his much speaking." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed he will not; I teased him well the last evening, and he dare not + resume the subject for a while at least." +</p> +<p> + "Then there is some one else," said Betty. "Can it be that Oliver"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no," cried Sally hastily; "Oliver has not such an idea, believe me, + Betty." +</p> +<p> + "How can you answer for him?" retorted Betty, laughing. "But your tone + answers for yourself, so I must guess again. I think I have heard + something of a handsome young lawyer from Branford"— +</p> +<p> + "Fie!" cried Sally, in her turn averting her face quickly, but not + before Betty had perceived her heightened color, "I have but met him + three times, and there are plenty of other personable men as well as he, + for while one stops with Dolly the officers from Fort Trumbull are ever + coming and going, you know." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, Sally, you are growing giddy, I fear," continued Betty with comical + pretense of solemnity. "I think it behooves me to caution you." +</p> +<p> + "Caution me, indeed!" laughed Sally. "Wait until we both go, as we all + are invited to Hartford with Dolly this winter when the Assembly meets, + and then see if you be not fully as giddy as I am." +</p> +<p> + "I do not believe that I can go to Hartford, Sally; you know Pamela is + more Dolly's friend than mine, and I think she needs some diversion, for + ever since Josiah had his commission and joined the Continental army, + she has nearly moped herself to death. And Pamela is like my mother, not + very strong; I can see that Aunt Euphemia is somewhat troubled about her + even now, so perhaps our fine schemes for a trip to Hartford may have to + be given up, at least so far as my going is concerned." +</p> +<p> + Sally's face fell; the visit to Hartford had been so long talked of, and + Betty's presence so much desired, that this was a dash of the coldest + possible water. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Betty, how truly sorry I shall be. But let us hope for the best. It + will be a sad breaking up of all my plans for the winter if you cannot + come. I was also to stop at Fairfield with Mrs. Sherman, but since the + raid of last summer her health has been so shattered that all thoughts + of visitors have to be abandoned, and therefore I was counting upon our + merry visit to Dolly as compensation." +</p> +<p> + Sally looked so melancholy at this point that Betty took her hand and + was about to take a rather more hopeful view of things, but the words + died on her lips as the clatter of a horse's feet was heard outside, and + both girls ran to the window in time to see the rider draw rein at the + south door of the mansion and dismount in apparent haste. +</p> +<p> + "It is some dispatch," said Betty breathlessly. "Did you not see the bag + he carried at the saddle? And there is my father—oh, Sally, I wonder if + there be news from General Washington and the army?" and struck by the + sudden fear of ill-tidings the girls ran hastily from the room. +</p> +<p> + In the wide hall stood Miss Bidwell, and beside her the stranger, + saddle-bag in hand, as Miss Euphemia emerged from the dining-room, + whence General Wolcott had preceded her. +</p> +<p> + "From the commander-in-chief, general," said the courier, touching his + battered hat in salute, "and special dispatches from General Steuben. + Also this private packet, which was lying waiting at King's Bridge Inn; + I have been four days on the road, owing to my horse having lamed + himself when near Chatham, and I could not make time on the nag which + stands at your door." +</p> +<p> + "King's Bridge," murmured Miss Euphemia; "then there is news of + Clarissa. Brother, have I your permission?"—as General Wolcott gave the + small packet into her hand. +</p> +<p> + "Break the seals," said the general briefly, "and bring me the letters + presently to my study. See that the horse and man be well taken care of; + I may have to dispatch instant answer to these," and he went quickly + down the hall, closing the door behind him. +</p> +<p> + With fingers that trembled somewhat, Miss Euphemia opened the cover, and + disclosed three letters to the eager eyes of the girls, who stood + breathless beside her. +</p> +<p> + "One for your father (it is Gulian Verplanck's hand), this for me, from + Clarissa, and the smaller one for you, Betty; let us go into the + sitting-room and read ours together." +</p> +<p> + "None for me?" said Pamela's despairing voice, with a sob treading on + the words; "oh, I fear me some evil has befallen Josiah." +</p> +<p> + "No, no," whispered Betty, stealing her hand lovingly into her sister's, + as she pulled her gently into the room; "father has the dispatches; + these are but the long-looked-for letters from New York, Pamela, and + I'll wager there is something from Josiah among father's packets. Let us + see what my letter says," and Betty, having seated Pamela and Sally on + the settle, placed herself on a convenient cricket, and broke the seal + of her letter. But before her eyes had time to see more than "Dearest + Betty," she was interrupted by a sudden exclamation from her aunt. +</p> +<p> + "Clarissa has been at death's door," cried Miss Euphemia, startled out + of her usual composure. "I knew this long silence boded no good. Listen, + I will read it," and the three girls gathered round her chair at once. +</p> +<p> + "Dear and Honored Aunt" (ran the letter), "I take up my pen, after many + days of pain and dire distress, to send loving greetings to you, my + Beloved father, and my dear sisters. For the hand of death was nearly + upon me; thank God that I am still preserved to my dear Husband and to + you. +</p> +<p> + "It was a very malignant and severe attack of Fever, and Gulian procured + the services of no less than three Physicians, as for days I laid + unconscious. My little baby died at two hours old, and I never saw him. + Alas, how I have suffered! I am now very weak, altho' able to be dressed + and sit up each day. This is my first letter; and I pine so sorely for + you, my dear ones, that my dear Husband permits me to write, and begs + with me that you will permit one of my sisters to come to me and cheer + my heart"— +</p> +<p> + "Come to her! Good lack!" cried impetuous Betty, interrupting the + reader, "how is one to go when the British are in occupation?"— +</p> +<p> + "How, indeed," sighed Miss Euphemia; "but perhaps the letter will tell," + and she resumed her reading, after wiping her eyes softly. "Where was + I?—oh"— +</p> +<p> + "Father will no doubt be able to procure a pass from General Washington, + which will admit the bearer into the City, and Gulian will himself be + ready when you advise us, and will await you at King's Bridge Inn. Dear + Aunt, send me some one soon, and let me see a dear home face, else I + shall die of grief and homesickness, far from my own people. +</p> +<p> + "Your loving and obedient niece,<br> +"CLARISSA VERPLANCK." +</p> +<p> + By this time Pamela was sobbing aloud, and tears flowed down Miss + Euphemia's cheeks, but Betty sprang to her feet with a little impatient + stamp, crying,— +</p> +<p> + "Aunt, aunt, which of us shall go? Pamela, you are a gentle and charming + nurse; shall it be you?" +</p> +<p> + "I!" sighed Pamela; "oh, I would go to the world's end for Clarissa." +</p> +<p> + "But this is to go to New York," cried Betty, with unconscious irony; + "and as we can neither of us go alone, why could not my father arrange + for one of us to accompany Mrs. Seymour, who leaves shortly to be near + her brother for the winter? Did you not tell me, Sally, that she was + going to New York?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," answered Sally Tracy, "she has been making all manner of + preparations, for, as you know, her brother is imprisoned in the city; + and since her acceptance of the pleasure coach from the Mayor of New + York (which he presented her with when he was released from Litchfield + gaol), she has been pining to go to him. And, beside, she travels in her + coach as far as possible; and my mother said last night that General + Washington was to send her safe-conduct through our lines to the city." +</p> +<p> + "We must first consult your father," said Miss Euphemia gravely, much + upset by the suggestion of making up her mind to do anything in haste, + for she was a very deliberate person, and despised hurried decisions. "I + will find him as soon as he has finished the dispatches, and, moreover, + this letter to him from Gulian may have directions. I incline to think + that you, Betty, will be the one to go. Pamela can scarce bear the + journey in this weather," and gathering her papers carefully in her + hand, Miss Euphemia left the room, and the girls gazed blankly at each + other with startled eyes and throbbing hearts. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VII +</h2> +<center> + WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER +</center> +<p> + "It was all decided last night," said Betty, tucking her little feet + carefully under her gown and clasping her knees with her hands to keep + them warm, as she sat in Moppet's chair, which stood close by the fire, + where a log burned and crackled in the big chimney—a most unusual + luxury for those days, and granted only to Moppet's youth and slight + delicacy of constitution. "Father found the pass from General Washington + among his dispatches brought by the courier; and as it includes Mrs. + Seymour's maid, he arranged with her that I go instead, as Mrs. Seymour + kindly says she can procure another attendant in New York. I can scarce + believe it possible, Sally. Oh, fancy my having to live in a city + occupied by the British!" +</p> +<p> + "Ah," sighed Miss Moppet, pressing her head against Betty's knee, and a + spark of interest lighting up her doleful little face, "if only some of + them be like my good"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, some of the Tories may be passably amusing," said Betty hastily, + giving Moppet a warning glance, as she checked the words on the child's + lips by a soft touch of her hand. "I doubt not that Gulian, my + brother-in-law, has fine qualities, else Clarissa had not been so fond + of him as to leave us all and go so far from us. But I trust that even + Gulian may not see fit to talk loyalist to me; my naughty tongue would + get me into trouble straightway." +</p> +<p> + "You must learn to control your tongue, Betty," said Moppet primly, with + a roguish twinkle of her eyes upward. "Miss Bidwell says mine is an + unruly member, and told me a most dire tale of a little girl whose + mother for punishment pricked her tongue with a hot bodkin." +</p> +<p> + "Ugh!" cried Sally, with a shudder, "that was in Puritan days, truly." +</p> +<p> + "I do not crave the hot bodkin," said Betty, laughing. "Miss Bidwell's + tales are a trifle gruesome, Moppet." +</p> +<p> + "But I always do love a flimming tale, Betty" (this was Moppet's + invariable rendering of the word "thrilling," which her lips had never + yet conquered), "and some of them are most bloody ones, I assure you. + Oh, Betty, Betty, what <i>shall</i> I do when you are gone!" and with a + sudden realization of her loss, Moppet gave a quick sob which went to + Betty's heart. +</p> +<p> + "Nay, sweetheart, be a brave little maid," she answered, fighting a + small lump in her own throat. "I would I could take you with me; but as + I cannot, you must hasten to learn how to make better pot-hooks and + write me letters, which Aunt Euphemia will forward with hers. And, + Moppet, I think I shall give you in special charge to Sally; how will + that please you?" +</p> +<p> + "I love Sally," said the child simply, as the tender-hearted Sally knelt + down beside her. "Will you help console me with my primer and that + altogether dreadful sampler when my Betty is away?" +</p> +<p> + "Indeed will I," replied Sally, much amused with Moppet's view of the + sampler; "and you shall come and see me every fine day, and the wet ones + I am sure to be here with Pamela, who has proclaimed her intention of + adopting me when Betty goes. And now I must be going, for it is nearly + the dinner hour, and my mother says as I have dined here three days she + bespeaks my presence for one out of four. So farewell until to-morrow, + Betty, when I shall be here to see you start upon your travels." +</p> +<p> + Betty was busy enough all that day; indeed, nothing more than a confused + recollection remained with her afterward of trunk and two small boxes to + be packed; of Pamela's urging her acceptance of a new lute-string slip, + rose-colored, which had recently come to her from Boston; of Miss + Bidwell's innumerable stockings all tucked carefully away in one corner + of the hair-covered brass-nailed box, and even Miss Moppet's tenderly + cherished blue bag embroidered in steel beads, which had belonged to + their mother, but which Moppet insisted could be used by Betty with + great effect for her handkerchief at a ball. +</p> +<p> + "Ball, indeed," sighed Betty, whose brave heart was beginning to quail + at thought of an untold length of separation from her beloved family. "I + should think the hearts of the patriots imprisoned in New York would + scarce be occupied with balls in such times as these." +</p> +<p> + "You mistake," said Pamela, who, truth to tell, half longed for Betty's + opportunities, for was not her sister going somewhere near Josiah's + post? "I am sure Clarissa's letter which you read me bade you bring all + your best gowns and finery, and we have all heard how gay the army of + occupation make the city." +</p> +<p> + "Aye, to those who are Tories," said Betty, with curling red lips, "but + for me—oh, Miss Bidwell, if you put in another pair of stockings I + shall require as many feet as a centipede, who I read has hundreds of + them." +</p> +<p> + "Hundreds of feet?" echoed Miss Moppet. "Oh, Betty, do I live to hear + you tell a fairy tale as if it were real?" +</p> +<p> + "Read your primer, and you will learn many wonderful things," quoth + Betty, snatching up the child in her arms. "I shall take you straightway + to bed, for we must be up betimes in the morning, you know." +</p> +<p> + Very carefully and tenderly did Betty bathe Moppet's sweet little face, + comb and smooth the pretty curling hair, so like her own save in color, + and then run the brass warming-pan, heated by live coals, through the + sheets lest her tender body suffer even a slight chill. And when Moppet + was safely lodged in bed Betty sat down beside her to hold her hand + until she dropped asleep. But between excitement and grief the child's + eyes would not close, and she asked question after question, until Betty + finally announced she should answer no more. +</p> +<p> + Moppet lay still for some moments, and just as Betty was beginning to + fancy that the long, dark eyelashes worn curling downward in sleepy + comfort the dark blue eyes opened, and a dancing imp of mischief gleamed + from their depths in Betty's face. +</p> +<p> + "When you meet Captain Yorke, Betty," whispered Moppet, "be sure you + tell him how Oliver and Josiah hunted and hunted that morning, and how I + never, never told"— +</p> +<p> + "Moppet," said Betty, turning a vivid pink in the firelight, "how can + you!"— +</p> +<p> + "Yes," pursued Moppet relentlessly, "and you give him my love—heaps of + it—and I just hope he may never get taken a prisoner during the whole + war again." +</p> +<p> + "Go to sleep, dear," answered Betty, biting her lip; but her cheeks did + not grow cool until long after the soft, regular breathing told that her + little sister had gone into the land of dreams. +</p> +<p> + The Wolcott household was up early that cold winter morning, when Mrs. + Seymour's coach, with its pair of sturdy, strong gray horses, drew up at + the front door. It took some twenty minutes to bestow Betty's trunk and + boxes on the rumble behind, during which time Mrs. Seymour alighted and + received all manner of charges and advice from Miss Euphemia, who, now + that Betty was fairly on the wing, felt much sinking of heart over her + departure. Mrs. Seymour, a pretty young matron, whose natural gayety of + spirit was only subdued by the anxiety she was suffering in regard to + her only brother, now a prisoner in New York (and for whose exchange she + was bringing great influence to bear in all directions), listened with + much outward deference and inward impatience to the stately dame, and + turned with an air of relief to General Wolcott when he announced that + all was ready for their departure, and with much courtliness offered his + hand to conduct her to her coach. +</p> +<p> + "That you will take the best care of my daughter I am assured, madam," + said the gallant gentleman. "It is our great good fortune to have found + this opportunity and your kind escort, for owing to the shortness of + time I have not been able to notify my son-in-law of Betty's coming. But + as you are going into the city yourself, I depend upon you to keep her + with you until you can place her safely in Gulian Verplanck's hands. I + trust that you have General Washington's pass close by you? It is quite + possible that you may need it even before you reach White Plains; there + are many marauding parties who infest the country beyond us." +</p> +<p> + "It is here, general," replied Mrs. Seymour, touching the breast of her + gown. "I thought it well to carry it about my person, as I am told that + even the Hessians respect General Washington's safe-conduct to enter New + York." +</p> +<p> + Betty, with crimson cheeks, but brave smiling eyes, threw her arms + fondly around Miss Euphemia, Pamela, Sally, and Miss Bidwell, all in + turn, but Moppet's soft cry as she buried her face in her hands made her + lip quiver, and as she bent her head for her father's farewell, a + reluctant tear forced itself down her cheek. +</p> +<p> + "The God of our fathers be with you, my daughter," he said, taking her + in his arms; "my love and blessing to Clarissa and her husband. Remain + with them until I find safe opportunity to have you return to us; advise + us often of your health and, I trust, continued well-being; keep a brave + heart as befits your name and lineage; fare you well, fare you well!" +</p> +<p> + Betty sank back trembling into her seat beside Mrs. Seymour, the door + was closed, and as the coach rolled off she caught a parting glimpse of + Miss Moppet lifted high in General Wolcott's arms, kissing her hand + fondly as she waved good-by. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VIII +</h2> +<center> + INSIDE BRITISH LINES +</center> +<p> + "Drat that knocker!" said Peter Provoost. +</p> +<p> + The house stood on Wall Street, and to the fact that it like a few + others has been built of brick, it owed its escape from the fire which + ravaged, the city in 1776, the fire which also destroyed old Trinity + Church, leaving the unsightly ruin standing for some years in what was + aristocratic New York of the period. It was a square, + comfortable-looking mansion, with the Dutch <i>stoep</i> in front, and the + half-arch of small-paned glass above the front door, which was painted + white and bore a massive brass knocker. That same knocker was a source + of much irritation to Peter Provoost; for although he was of fair size + for his thirteen years, he could barely reach it when mounted on the + very tips of his toes, and even then never dared touch its shining + surface unless his fingers were clean—a desirable state of neatness + which, alas! did not often adorn the luckless Peter. For though tidy and + careful enough when appearing before his guardians, Mr. and Mrs. + Verplanck, it must be confessed that going to and from school Peter was + prone to lay down both books and hat, oftentimes in the mud, and square + himself pugnaciously if he chanced to meet one of the boys of the "Vly + Market," who were wont to scoff and tease the Broadway boys + unmercifully; and fierce battles were the frequent outcome of the + feeling between the two sections, and in those Peter invariably took + part. +</p> +<p> + The family was a small one, and consisted of Gulian Verplanck and his + wife, his grandmother, Mrs. Effingham, a lovely old Quakeress, and + Peter, who, having lost both parents at an early age, had remained in + Albany with his other guardian, Mr. Abram Lansing, until some six months + before, when it was decided that he should go to New York and be under + the Verplanck eye; and although Peter had rebelled much against the plan + in the first place, he found himself much happier under Clarissa's + gentle rule, and positively adored her in consequence. The only lion in + Peter's path at present was the strong Tory proclivity of the head of + the house; and although he had been warned by his Albany friends to be + prudent and respectful, the boy had inherited a sturdy patriotism which + burned all the more hotly for its repression. +</p> +<p> + On this cold December afternoon Peter stood, books in hand, and surveyed + that aggravating knocker from his stand on the sidewalk. He was + painfully conscious that his feet were muddy, and his chubby fingers + certainly needed soap and water; it was Friday, and Pompey, one of the + black servants, had evidently been scrubbing the front steps. Therefore + Peter debated whether it would be wiser to skirt around the mansion and + gain entrance by the area steps, where no doubt he would encounter + Dinah, the cook (who objected to invasions of unclean shoes), or boldly + ascend the front steps, struggle with that balefully glittering knocker, + and trust to Pompey's somewhat dim eyes to escape remonstrance before he + could gain his own room and make himself presentable. The chances of a + scolding seemed pretty equally balanced to Peter, and he heaved a deep + sigh and put his foot on the first immaculate step before him as a hand + fell on his shoulder and a merry voice said behind him:— +</p> +<p> + "What in the world are you pondering, Peter? I have watched you since I + turned the corner of Broadway, and truly for once have seen you stand + absolutely still. In some scrape with the Vly boys, I'll warrant; do you + wish me to come in and plead for you?" and Kitty Cruger tripped lightly + up the steps as she beckoned Peter to follow. +</p> +<p> + "Now you have done it—not I!" said Peter, with a mischievous chuckle, + as he tore up after her. +</p> +<p> + "Done what?" asked mystified Kitty. She and Peter were fast friends. +</p> +<p> + "Muddied the clean steps," quoth Peter with gleeful brevity. +</p> +<p> + "Have I?" glancing down carelessly until she saw each dainty footprint + plainly depicted on the white marble, side by side with Peter's heavier + tracks. "Oh, what a shame," reaching up successfully to the brass + knocker; "but I am sure Pompey will forgive me, and you can"—stopping + short as the door opened and Pompey himself stood bowing low in the + hall. +</p> +<p> + "Good-day, missy," said he, for Kitty Cruger was a frequent and welcome + visitor at the Verplancks'. "Miss Clarissa is pretty well to-day, thank + you, and ole madam is in the drawing-room—Law!" catching sight of + Peter, who was skillfully slipping down the hall in Kitty's wake. "Dat + you, Massa Peter? Reckon you better hurry, for it's mos' time for + dinner, sah." +</p> +<p> + But Peter, with great discretion, paused not for reply as he vanished up + a back stair-case and reached his own chamber, panting but triumphant. +</p> +<p> + "Good-day, dear grandma," said Kitty, crossing the hall as Pompey held + open the door of the drawing-room; "I was detained by reason of the + sewing-bee at the Morrises', and have barely time to see you and ask for + Clarissa." +</p> +<p> + "How does thee do?" said Grandma Effingham, drawing her little drab + shawl more closely around her shapely shoulders as she laid down her + knitting. "I am pleased to see thee. Clarissa is somewhat stronger + to-day; thee knows she has been more like her old self since Gulian + dispatched the letters asking that one of her sisters be allowed to come + to her. The poor child pines for a home face; it is natural; thee sees + she has been long absent from her people." +</p> +<p> + "Surely it is almost time to get some reply," said Kitty, as she kissed + the dear old Quakeress, for Kitty was one of Mrs. Effingham's + grandchildren, although her mother had been read out of meeting for + having married one of the "world's people." "I doubt that Clarissa will + shortly begin to worry and grow ill again unless kind Providence sends + some tidings." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, nay," said grandma gently. "If thee had half Clarissa's patience + it would be thy gain, Kitty." +</p> +<p> + Grandma was such a quaint, pretty picture, as she sat in her + straight-backed chair, with her Quaker cap and steel-gray silk gown, her + sleeves elbow-cut, displaying still plump and rounded arms (although she + was nearly seventy), and her smooth white fingers flew rapidly in and + out of the blue yarn as she resumed her knitting of Peter's stocking. + Peter was rather a godsend to grandma in the matter of stockings; no + wool that was ever carded could resist his vigorous onslaughts, and it + kept grandma busy all her spare moments to supply his restless feet with + warm covering. +</p> +<p> + "Patience," echoed Kitty, with a comical sigh. "Nay, grandma, give me a + few more years without it." +</p> +<p> + "Fie," said grandma, gazing at the bright face with her indulgent eye; + "eighteen is full late to begin to learn to conform to thy elders. I was + married and the twins were born at thy age, Kitty." +</p> +<p> + "Good lack," quoth Kitty. "Where are the men nowadays, grandma? Save for + the redcoats, and I am not so daft over Sir Henry Clinton's gay officers + as some—no doubt't is my Quaker blood—except for the officers, where + are our gallants? Some of mine are up the Hudson beyond the neutral + ground, others with the rebels at Morristown." +</p> +<p> + "Hush," said grandma, with an uneasy glance toward the door; "do not + talk of rebels in this house; hadn't thee better run up and see + Clarissa?" +</p> +<p> + "If Miss Kitty pleases," spoke the voice of Pompey at the door, "will + she walk upstairs? Young madam wants to see her." +</p> +<p> + "Coming," said Kitty, kissing grandma fondly, and then following Pompey + as he marched gravely up to open the door of Mrs. Verplanck's + morning-room. It was a tiny apartment; for when Gulian Verplanck brought + his young bride home he had added a room to the wing below, and as it + greatly enlarged their bedroom, the happy idea had struck him to throw + up a partition, corner-ways, which formed an irregularly shaped room + opening on the passage, and gave Clarissa her own cherished den in that + great house of square rooms and high ceilings. In it she had placed all + her home belongings; her spinnet, which had been her mother's (brought + by sloop to New York from New Haven), found the largest space there, and + her grandmother's small spinning-wheel was in the corner near the + chimney-piece which Gulian had contrived to have put in lest his + delicate wife might suffer with cold. +</p> +<p> + Near the small log which blazed brightly on the hearth, in a low chair + made somewhat easy with cushions, sat a fair, fragile-looking, girlish + figure, in whose mournful dark eyes was something so pathetic that it + suggested the old-time prophecy that such "die young." Clarissa + Verplanck in that resembled none of her family, and the one reason for + her father's and aunt's anxiety about her was that she was thought the + image of a sister of her mother who fulfilled the prophecy. Be that as + it may, Clarissa was anything but a mournful person in general; her + spirits were somewhat prone to outrun her physical strength, and + therefore her sad little appeal for one of her sisters to cheer her had + come in the light of a demand to the Litchfield home, and alarmed them + more than anything else could have done. +</p> +<p> + "Kitty, Kitty," said Clarissa, holding out a welcoming hand to her + visitor, who seated herself on a cricket beside her, "why have you not + been in this four days? I am truly glad to see you, for ever since + Gulian and I dispatched our letters to my father I have been so cross + and impatient that I fear my good husband is beginning to tire of his + bargain, and lament a peevish wife." +</p> +<p> + "Heaven forgive you for the slander," retorted Kitty, laughing; "if ever + there was a husband who adored the ground you walk on, Gulian is"— +</p> +<p> + "Thank you," said a quiet voice, as a tall dark man entered from the + bedroom. +</p> +<p> + "Let me finish my sentence—Gulian is that benighted swain," burst in + Kitty. +</p> +<p> + "Again, my thanks," answered Gillian gravely. To none but Clarissa was + he ever seen to relax his serious manner; perhaps hers were the only + eyes who saw the tenderness behind the stern, reserved exterior. He + really liked his cousin; but although Kitty was not, like most people, + afraid of him, it must be confessed that he wearied her, and she much + preferred to have her gossip with Clarissa, when Gulian was safely out + of the house. +</p> +<p> + "And now tell me about the letters," pursued Kitty. "You sent for your + sister, grandma told me. Which one, Clarissa?" +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, I do not know; I left the choice to my father, but I think—I + hope it may be Betty. I only wish I might have Moppet as well," and the + quickly checked sigh told Gulian's keen ears what the unuttered thought + had been. +</p> +<p> + "Betty—let me see—is that the sister next yourself?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no; the sister next to me in age died in infancy. Then comes + Oliver, and then Pamela, who is seventeen now, and next my Betty. How I + wonder if the girls have changed; five years makes a long gap, you know, + and even my imagination can scarce fill it. Do you fancy we will hear + soon, Gulian?" +</p> +<p> + "I cannot tell," he said gently, thinking how often he had sought reply + to the same question in the past week, and longing tenderly to give her + the expected pleasure. +</p> +<p> + "It may be that General Wolcott may find some chance opportunity to + send his daughter at once, in which event you know there would scarce be + time to hear before she would reach us." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Gulian," cried Clarissa, clasping her hands, as a faint pink glow + lit her pale face, "you did not say that before. If it were only + possible"— +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" said Kitty encouragingly. +</p> +<p> + "But, Gulian, you said in the letter that you would await my sister at + King's Bridge Inn. Surely you cannot go there and stop, waiting at the + Inn for days?" +</p> +<p> + "I can ride out to-morrow, and, in fact, I hastened through some + business at the wharf to-day which enabled me to have the day free. I + can easily go to King's Bridge and inquire at the Inn for dispatches; + you will not mind my being absent all day? Perhaps Kitty will come and + bear you company while I am gone?" +</p> +<p> + "Right gladly," replied Kitty; "will you ride alone, Gulian?" +</p> +<p> + "I might, easily," said Gulian; "but when I procured a pass from Sir + Henry Clinton yesterday (it is an eight days' pass, Clarissa) I found + that Captain Yorke goes to-morrow to the neutral ground to inspect + troops, and I think I shall take advantage of his company." +</p> +<p> + "I am glad of that," said Clarissa, putting her slender hand in Gulian's + and looking with grateful eyes up at him, as he stood beside her chair. + "Is he the aide-de-camp you told me of, Gulian, for whom you had taken a + liking?" +</p> +<p> + "The same; a fine, manly fellow, the second son of Lord Herbert Yorke, + one of my father's old friends in England. You were dancing with him at + the De Lanceys' 'small and early,' were you not, Kitty, last week?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Kitty, with a quick nod and a half frown, "he has the usual + airs and graces of a newly arrived officer from the mother-country." +</p> +<p> + "Perhaps you find the colonists more to your mind," responded Gulian + somewhat severely; but Clarissa gave his sleeve a warning twitch, as + Kitty made answer with heightened color:— +</p> +<p> + "My own countrymen are ever first with me, as you know full well, + Gulian, but one must dance sometimes to keep up one's heart in those + times, and Captain Yorke has a passably good step which suits with + mine." +</p> +<p> + What Gulian would have replied to this was never known, for at that + moment an outcry arose in the hall, followed by the bump, bump of some + heavy body rolling down the staircase, and Peter's boyish voice shouting + out, between gasps of laughter,— +</p> +<p> + "Pompey, Pompey, I say!—it's nobody but me; oh, what a proper old goose + it is; do, somebody come and thrash him." +</p> +<p> + In a second Gulian and Kitty were outside the door, and beheld at the + foot of the winding stairs poor Pompey, picking himself up, with many + groans and much rubbing of his shins, while Peter, rolling himself + nearly double with laughter, stood midway of the flight, with a queer + object in his hand which Gulian seized hastily. +</p> +<p> + "It's only a gourd," gasped Peter between paroxysms. "I kept it in my + closet for a week, and half an hour ago I stole a bit of wick out of + Dinah's pantry and dipped it well in melted tallow, and than stuck it + inside, when, as you see, having carved out two eyes and a slit for the + nose, it looks somewhat ghastly when the light comes forth." +</p> +<p> + "It's a debbil, debbil," cried Pompey. "Massa Peter sent me to find his + skates, and dat awful face"—Pompey's teeth chattered, and Peter went + off in a fresh burst of laughter. +</p> +<p> + "It soured him properly, Uncle Gulian; and though I ran after him and + shook it (it only looks gruesome in the dark, you know) he never + stopped, and he stumbled on the first step, and then he rolled—My! how + he did bump"—and naughty Peter sat down on the stalls and held his + sides for very merriment. +</p> +<p> + "You ought to be ashamed of yourself," said Gulian sternly, to whom + practical jokes were an utter abomination, "and you deserve to be well + punished. Pompey, stop groaning, and inform me at once whether you have + sustained any injury by your fall." +</p> +<p> + "Law, Massa Gulian, you tink falling down dat stair gwine to hurt dis + chile?" began Pompey, who entertained a warm affection for the + mischievous Peter and dreaded nothing so much as a scolding from his + master. "Dose stairs don't 'mount to nuffin; ef it had been de area + steps dey moughten be dangerous. Massa knows boys mus' have dey fun: + please 'cuse me for makin' such a bobbery." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I did it," said Peter sturdily, instantly sobered by the + expression of his uncle's face, and his generous heart touched with + Pompey's defense of his prank, "and nobody helped me, so let's have the + whipping right off before dinner, please, Uncle Gulian, and then I can + eat in peace—even if I am a trifle sore," wound up the sinner ruefully. +</p> +<p> + Gulian Verplanck's sense of humor was not keen, but the situation was + too much for him, and a queer, grim smile lit up his eyes, as he said + slowly:— +</p> +<p> + "As Pompey seems more frightened than hurt, and has interceded for you, + I shall not punish you this time, Peter; but recollect that the very + first occasion after this that you see fit to practice a joke on any + member of my household, your skates will be confiscated for the + remainder of the winter," and with a warning glance he followed Kitty + back into his wife's room, leaving Pompey on the staircase, still + rubbing his bruised shins, while the irrepressible Peter indulged once + more in a convulsion of silent laughter which bent him double and + threatened to burst every button off his tightly fitting jacket. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER IX +</h2> +<center> + BETTY'S JOURNEY +</center> +<p> + Mrs. Seymour, having had the advantage of some weeks to form her plans, + had carefully arranged everything for her own comfort, so far as was + possible, and Betty Wolcott, after the first pang of parting was over, + began to enjoy the novelty of the journey most thoroughly. Except for a + few days spent at Lebanon, Betty had never been from home in her life, + and being, as we have seen, a bit of a philosopher in her own quaint + fashion, after the first day spent in Mrs. Seymour's cheerful society + she found herself much less homesick than she had expected. To begin + with, the coach was, for those times, very comfortable. It was + English-built, and had been provided with capacious pockets in + unexpected places; it amused Betty exceedingly to find that she was + seated over the turkey, ham, cake, and even a goodly pat of butter, + carefully packed in a small stone jar, while another compartment held + several changes of linen, powder, a small mirror, a rouge pot, and some + brushes. Mrs. Seymour had been born and bred in New York, and many of + her people were Tories; therefore she hoped to assist the brother who, + breaking apart from the others, had taken up arms for the colonists. +</p> +<p> + Caesar, Mrs. Seymour's coachman, was a colored man of middle age, a + slave of her father's, and, having been brought from New York to + Connecticut, knew the route fairly well. They broke the journey first at + a small roadside tavern, where the horses were baited, while Betty and + Mrs. Seymour gladly descended, and warmed themselves well by the kitchen + fire, taking a drink of warm milk, for which the good woman who had + invited them inside refused payment. She was deeply interested when Mrs. + Seymour told her of their errand, and followed them out to the door of + the coach, bringing with her own hands the soapstone which she had + carefully warmed for their feet, and she waved a kindly good-by as they + rode off, delighted at seeing, for the first time in her life, a + "pleasure coach." +</p> +<p> + The first night was spent by the travelers in Danbury, where they + proceeded to the house of Mrs. Seymour's cousin, Mrs. Beebe, and were + most warmly welcomed. The Beebe household, which consisted of Mrs. Beebe + and seven children (Captain Beebe being with the Connecticut Rangers), + trooped out, one and all, to meet them, to inspect the coach, interview + Caesar, and admire the horses. Billy, the second boy, fraternized with + Betty at once; and after learning all the mysteries of the coach + pockets, helping Caesar to unharness, and superintending the fetching of + an extra large log for the fireplace, he roasted chestnuts in the ashes + as they sat around the chimney-piece, and told Betty thrilling stories + of the attack on Danbury by the British. +</p> +<p> + "We dragged the feather-beds up to the window," said Billy, "and mother + stuffed a pillow or two in the cracks. My, how the bullets did fly! The + children were all bid to stay in the attic; but as the roof shelves, you + know, it became pretty hot, especially when the fires began, and then + mother did get frightened, more especially when she saw the blaze of the + Woolford house, down the street. Didn't I just wish I was a man, to go + and help father that day! Luckily for us, the wind was in the other + direction; father said that was all that saved us." +</p> +<p> + "And Divine Providence, my son," said Mrs. Beebe's soft voice, as she + laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Billy's only experience of war was a + sharp one for a few hours. He has been longing ever since to join his + father, but I can only find it in my mother's heart to rejoice that he + is too young to do so. Now, Billy, light the candles; for if our friends + must resume their journey to-morrow, it is full time to retire." +</p> +<p> + Betty found the little room assigned to her, with Billy's assistance, + but before he left her he pointed out two small holes near the window + frame, where bullets had entered and remained buried in the woodwork; + and as Betty curled herself up in the centre of the great feather-bed, + she thought, with a throb of her girlish heart, that perhaps she, too, + might see some of the terrors of war before she returned to the shelter + of her dear Litchfield home. +</p> +<p> + The next morning dawned cold and chilly; a few flakes of snow floated + through the air, and Mrs. Beebe urged strongly the wisdom of lying over + for twenty-four hours, lest a storm should come and render the roads + impassable. But Mrs. Seymour, after a consultation with Caesar, decided + that it was best to push on; winter was approaching, and each day made + the journey less feasible. There was a fairly good road between them and + White Plains, and now that she had started she was impatient to reach + the city. Betty, too, was eager to be off, so with many warm thanks, + they again packed the coach and said farewell to the hospitable Beebes, + who had insisted on adding fresh stores of provisions to their hamper; + and Billy's last act of friendliness was to slip into Betty's hand a + package of taffy, of his own manufacture, which he assured her "was not + over-sticky, provided you use care in biting it." +</p> +<p> + This part of the journey was cold and cheerless enough. The road wound + somewhat, and the settlements were few, even the houses were far apart + from each other; and although the hills were fewer, they heard Caesar + admonish his horses more frequently than usual, and about four o'clock + in the day they came to a full stop. The snow of the morning had turned + into a sort of drizzling rain; and Caesar, dismounting from his seat, + announced to his mistress that one of the horses had cast a shoe. +</p> +<p> + "What shall we do?" cried Mrs. Seymour in dismay, preparing to jump + down into the mud and investigate matters. +</p> +<p> + "Dey's no use at all of madam's gettin' out," said Caesar, holding the + door of the coach,—"no use at all. I'se done got de shoe, 'cause I saw + it a-comin' off, an' here it is. De horse will do well enuf, 'caise I'll + drive wif care; but what I wants to say is that, 'cordin' to my + judgment, we had oughter take a turn to de right, just hyar, which am in + de direction ob Ridgefield, whar I ken fin' a blacksmith's shop, shuh. + Ef madam pleases, it's goin' somewhat out of de direct way to White + Plains, but what wid de weather, which madam can see is obstreperous an' + onsartain, I'm ob de opinion dat Ridgefield am de best stoppin' place + for dis night, anyhow;" and having delivered himself of this + exhortation, Caesar touched his hat respectfully, but with an air of + having settled the question. +</p> +<p> + "Very well," said Mrs. Seymour, for she knew Caesar and Caesar's ways, + and moreover had much confidence in his ability to take care of her, as + well as of his horses. "Then take the turn to the right, as you propose. + Are you quite sure you are familiar with the road here, Caesar? It will + be dark soon, and I confess I should not like to lose our way." +</p> +<p> + "Not gwine to lose de road wid dis chile on de box," said Caesar with + fine disdain, as he climbed to his seat and rolled himself up warmly + again, his teeth chattering as he did so. But he said to himself, as the + horses started slowly, "Pray de Lord I ain't mistooken; don't want to + fall into none ob dem old redcoats' han's, Caesar don't, dat's sartain." +</p> +<p> + Inside the coach, which lumbered on so slowly that it almost seemed to + crawl, Mrs. Seymour and Betty tried to keep up their spirits by an + occasional remark of cheerful character, and Betty suggested that + perhaps some bread and cheese from the Beebe larder would prove + satisfactory to Caesar; but on asking the question Caesar only shook his + head, and responded that he was too busy looking after the horses to + eat; and the long hours dragged on as it grew darker and darker. Betty + rested her head against the door and peered out at the dripping trees, + whose bare limbs stood like skeletons against the leaden sky. Mrs. + Seymour had sunk into a fitful doze by her side. Suddenly the off horse + gave a plunge, the coach tilted far to one side, and then righted + itself as Caesar's loud "Whoa, dar! Steady! steady!" was heard. Then + Betty saw half a dozen shadowy forms surround them, and a voice said + sharply, "Who goes there? Halt!" and a hand was laid roughly on the door + of the coach. +</p> +<p> + "Pray who are you who detain ladies on a journey?" said Mrs. Seymour, + addressing the man nearest her. "I am in my own coach with a maid on our + way to New York, and one of my horses has cast a shoe." +</p> +<p> + "Stand aside there," said another voice impatiently, as an officer + dismounted from his horse, and flung the rein to one of the men. "If you + are bound to a city occupied by the British, you must have safe-conduct, + madam, else we are compelled to search and detain you." +</p> +<p> + For answer, Mrs. Seymour drew out a folded paper, which the officer, + straining his eyes in the fast-fading daylight, read aloud, as + follows:— +</p> +<p> + "After the expiration of eight days from the date hereof, Mrs. Seymour + and maid have permission to go into the city of New York and to return + again." +</p> +<p> + "Given at Morristown this second day of December. +</p> +<center> + "G. WASHINGTON." +</center> +<p> + "From the commander-in-chief," said the officer, raising his hat, as he + motioned his men to stand back. "Madam, permit me to present myself as + Lieutenant Hillhouse of the Connecticut Rangers, and pray command my + services." +</p> +<p> + "Oh," gasped Betty, from the other side, "our own troops, thank Heaven!" +</p> +<p> + "Truly you are a welcome arrival," said Mrs. Seymour, with a + light-hearted laugh. "Betty and I have passed a bad five minutes, + fancying you were Hessians. I am on my way to the city to intercede for + my brother, Captain Seymour's exchange, and, for the once, I do not mind + telling you that my companion is Mistress Betty Wolcott, consigned to my + care by her father, General Wolcott, as her sister, Mrs. Verplanck, lies + ill in New York, and she goes there to see her, but she travels as my + maid." +</p> +<p> + "I met Lieutenant Hillhouse last summer at my father's house," said + Betty, as the young officer came around to her side of the coach, "and + right glad I am to see you now, sir, instead of the redcoats whom + Caesar, our coachman, has been imagining would start from every bush as + we near White Plains." +</p> +<p> + "You are not above a mile from a little settlement called Ridgefield," + answered the officer; "and while there is no tavern there, my men and I + found fairly comfortable quarters to-day. If I may suggest, you should + get there as soon as may be." +</p> +<p> + "We would be glad to," said Mrs. Seymour ruefully, "but one of my horses + has cast a shoe, hence our slow progress. I am more than glad my servant + has not mistaken the way." +</p> +<p> + "Madam oughter to know Caesar better," grumbled that worthy from the + box. +</p> +<p> + "How long will it take you to drive the remaining mile?" said his + mistress soothingly. "We may perhaps have your escort, lieutenant?" +</p> +<p> + "I am on my return there, madam; permit me to send my men in advance to + arrange for your comfort, and I will with pleasure ride beside you until + we arrive. Ridgefield lies beyond that turn," raising his whip to direct + Caesar. "If it were not for the growing darkness, you would see the + smoke from the chimney of the house where I am quartered;" and closing + the door of the coach, the officer gave directions to his men, who + marched quickly down the road, as he mounted and pursued his way with + the ladies. +</p> +<p> + Just beyond the farmhouse which Lieutenant Hillhouse had pointed out as + his temporary quarters stood a low, wooden structure, with a lean-to in + the rear, and there Caesar drew up his tired horses. A rather + cross-looking spinster stood in the door of the house, and as Betty and + Mrs. Seymour alighted she said snappishly:— +</p> +<p> + "I don't own much room, as I told your men, Mister Lieutenant, but so + long as you're not Hessians I'm willing to open my door for you. It + won't be for long, will it?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no," replied Mrs. Seymour, with her pretty, gracious smile, "we are + simply in need of a night's lodging. I think we have food enough in our + hampers, and if you can give us hot milk I have coffee ready for + making." +</p> +<p> + "I don't begrudge you nothing," said the woman in a softened tone, as + Betty bade her a pleasant good-day, "but it's a poor place, anyhow," + gazing up at the bare rafters, "and as I live here all alone I have to + be precious careful of my few things." +</p> +<p> + "But it so neat and clean," said Betty, pulling a three-legged stool + toward the fire, and surveying the recently scrubbed floor; "we are cold + and weary, and you are very good to take us in." +</p> +<p> + Evidently the woman was amenable to politeness, for she bustled around + and insisted upon making the coffee, which Caesar produced in due time + from his hamper under the box-seat, and she laid a cloth on the + pine-wood table, and at last, after disappearing for a few minutes into + the darkness of a small inner room, reappeared with three silver spoons + and two forks in her hand, which she laid carefully down beside the + pewter plates on the table with an air of pride as she remarked, + addressing no one in particular:— +</p> +<p> + "The forks was my grandmother's, and my father fetched the spoons from a + voyage he made on the Spanish main, and he always said they was made of + real Spanish dollars." +</p> +<p> + Thereupon Mrs. Seymour and Betty fell to admiring the queer-looking + articles (which from their workmanship were really worthy of + admiration), and the spinster relaxed her severe air sufficiently to + accept a cup of the coffee they were drinking. And then Mrs. Seymour + induced her to give consent that Caesar should have a shake-down in a + corner of the kitchen, and although the bed which Betty and the pretty + matron had to share was hard, it was clean, and the pillows soft, and + they slept soundly and well amid their rough surroundings, and, to + confess the truth, enjoyed the novelty of the situation. +</p> +<p> + Lieutenant Hillhouse aroused them early in the morning by a message; and + as Mrs. Seymour was not ready to receive him, Betty ran out and met him + at the door. +</p> +<p> + "You look so fresh and bright that I am sure your night spent upon the + roadside has not harmed you," said the officer, bidding her + good-morning. "I am off at once, as I carry an order to General Wolcott + for quartermaster's stores in Litchfield. What shall I say to your + father for you?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh," cried Betty, rejoiced at this chance to send word of mouth to her + beloved ones, "how truly fortunate! Tell my father we are well and in + good spirits, and hope to reach the neutral ground to-night at + farthest." +</p> +<p> + "You may easily do that; the storm has passed, as you see, and if my + friend Caesar can urge his horses somewhat, you are not likely to meet + with detentions. One of my men has assisted in shoeing the horse, and if + you can, you should start at once." +</p> +<p> + The coach and Mrs. Seymour appeared at this moment simultaneously, and + the lieutenant insisted upon seeing the ladies safely started. Betty + seized the opportunity to ask for news of Josiah Huntington, and was + told of his having rendered good service, and that he gained in + popularity daily. +</p> +<p> + "And Oliver—my brother," said Betty, leaning from the coach as they + were about to move off: "what tidings of him?" +</p> +<p> + "He has not been with me," replied Hillhouse with some constraint; + "indeed, I think he was to be sent on some special service." +</p> +<p> + "Give him my best affection," said Betty. "And oh, sir, to my little + sister at home pray deliver my fondest love," and tears were brimming in + Betty's eyes as Caesar flicked his whip at the horses' heads and the + coach started. +</p> +<p> + The road being somewhat better than that already traveled, the miles + which intervened between Ridgefield and White Plains were more briskly + done, and Caesar had the satisfaction of pulling up his horses in good + condition before the well-known tavern at the latter place in time for + dinner. The somewhat pretentious sign hanging out over the door had been + changed to suit the times and the tempers of the guests, for what had + previously read "The King's Arms, Accommodations for Man and Beast," was + now "The Washington Inn," and beneath it a picture in Continental + uniform of a man whose rubicund countenance required considerable + imagination to transform into a likeness of the commander-in-chief. As + their happened to be a lack of hostlers, it took some time to get the + horses baited, and it was later than Mrs. Seymour could have wished when + Caesar finally made his appearance and informed his mistress that all + was ready for their departure. The weather had been growing colder + steadily, and greatly to their surprise the travelers learned that in + all probability Harlem River was frozen, and grave doubts were expressed + by mine host of the inn whether the ladies could gain their journey's + end without much discomfort and exposure. But Mrs. Seymour and Betty + were both of the opinion that it was inexpedient to linger longer on the + road, so for the fourth time they climbed into the coach, and, muffling + themselves as closely as possible to keep out the cold, pursued their + onward way. +</p> +<p> + Five miles, eight miles, were covered with fair speed, and Betty's + spirits were rising rapidly at the thought that New York and Clarissa + were not far away, when Caesar turned around on his box, and, bringing + his horses to a walk, said in an awestruck whisper,— +</p> +<p> + "'Fore de Lord, madam, I done suspect de redcoats is comin'; d'ye heah + 'em from de woods ober dar?" pointing with trembling hand in the + direction of a sound which rang out on the frosty air at first + indistinctly, and then resolved itself into a song. +</p> +<blockquote> + "Under the trees in sunny weather,<br> + Just try a cup of ale together.<br> + And if in tempest or in storm,<br> + A couple then, to make you warm,"<a href="#note-1"><small>1</small></a>— +</blockquote> +<p> + sang a rollicking voice, in fairly good time and tune, as a group of men + came in sight. As they neared the coach, the man in advance trolled out + in an accent which betrayed his Teutonic origin,— +</p> +<blockquote> + "But if the day be very cold,<br> + Then take a mug of twelve months old!" +</blockquote> +<a name="note-1"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>1</u> [A topical song then in vogue in New York. (See <i>Story of + the City of New York</i>.)] +</p> +<p> + "Hello, halt there!" came the command, as the singer seized the horse + by the bridle, and another soldier dragged Caesar roughly from his seat; + "who are you, and whence bound?" +</p> +<p> + "Ask my mistress," gasped Caesar, almost convinced that his last hour + had come, but still having firm faith in Mrs. Seymour. "Dun you know how + to speak to a lady?" +</p> +<p> + "I have safe-conduct from General Washington to enter New York," said + Mrs. Seymour calmly, extending her hand with the precious paper toward + the first speaker. The man took it, and gazed stupidly at it. Evidently + being German, he could not read it; but having turned it upside down and + gazed at it for some seconds, he gave a drunken leer as he peered inside + the coach. +</p> +<p> + "What you got in your hamper? blenty cognac, eh? Give us a pottle; + that's better than mugs of ale, eh, poys?" and he laughed uproariously. +</p> +<p> + "I shall give you nothing," said Mrs. Seymour firmly; "if you cannot + read my safe-conduct yourself, is there not one of your men who can?" +</p> +<p> + The Hessian was about to make angry reply, when a young fellow, + evidently an Englishman, shoved his way through the men to the coach + door. +</p> +<p> + "Stop that, Joris," he said, prodding the corporal with his elbow; "give + me the paper; I can read it." But Joris, who evidently had reached the + stage of ugly intoxication, did not choose to give it up, and stood his + ground. +</p> +<p> + "Ve wants cognac," he shouted, "an' you comes out, lady, an' ve'll find + for ourselves vhat you is," and seizing Mrs. Seymour by the arm he + attempted to drag her from her seat with some violence. +</p> +<p> + "The pistol, Betty!" cried the plucky little woman as her feet touched + the ground; but as Betty, with equally reckless courage, drew their only + weapon from its hiding-place, the young Englishman rushed at Joris with + an oath, exclaiming,— +</p> +<p> + "Look out, you fool—here comes the officer's patrol," and there was a + clatter of horses' feet, a swift rush, and a voice demanding in stern + fashion, "Stand back, there! Whose coach is this? What do you mean, + fellow, by handling a lady in that manner?" and Geoffrey Yorke struck + Joris a blow with his sheathed sword which nearly sobered him on the + spot. +</p> +<p> + Back into the corner of the coach sank Betty, and as she pulled her hood + still farther over her face, she felt as if every drop of blood she + possessed was tingling in her cheeks, as she saw Geoffrey, hat in hand, + dismount and read General Washington's safe-conduct. +</p> +<p> + "I deeply regret, madam," he said, with stately courtesy to Mrs. + Seymour, "that a corporal's guard should have caused you such annoyance, + and I shall see that the fellow who treated you so roughly be properly + punished. Meantime, if you intend to enter New York you will be obliged + to leave your coach a mile farther on, and cross the river on horseback. + King's Bridge, as you may know, was fired some months ago by the rebels, + and the flatboat used for ferrying has been abandoned on account of the + ice. It will afford me pleasure to do what I can for your comfort and + that of your companion. But it is my duty, unfortunately, to make + passing search of your coach; will you pardon me if I do so?" +</p> +<p> + As he spoke, Captain Yorke advanced to the door and extended his hand to + assist the occupant of the vehicle to alight, but Betty, ignoring + assistance, attempted to spring past him to the ground. As the willful + maiden did so the topknot of her hood caught in a provoking nail of the + open door and was violently pulled from her head: and as her lovely, + rosy face almost brushed his sleeve, Geoffrey started back with a low + cry,— +</p> +<p> + "<i>Betty!</i>" +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER X +</h2> +<center> + A MAID'S CAPRICE +</center> +<p> + "Mistress Betty, sir," came the swift whisper in retort, and with so + haughty a gesture that Geoffrey stepped back as if he had been struck, + while Betty, with a slight inclination of her head, passed on to where + Mrs. Seymour stood with Caesar on the other side of the coach. But if + she expected him to follow she was swiftly made aware of her mistake, + for Geoffrey merely pursued his intention of searching the pockets of + the coach, and when he emerged from it he came, hat in hand, toward the + ladies with face more calm and unruffled than Betty's own. +</p> +<p> + "If you will resume your seats," he said, addressing Mrs. Seymour, + without a glance at Betty, who (now that her anger born partly of terror + had passed) stole a quick look at him, and as quickly looked away, "I + will ride on before you and be waiting at the river; if it be safe, you + will cross on horseback; if not, on foot, and I shall take great + pleasure in seeing that you reach King's Bridge Inn in safety." + Whereupon he escorted Mrs. Seymour to the coach, and when he turned to + assist Betty found that she was in the act of climbing inside by the + other door, where Caesar stood in attendance. +</p> +<p> + "What a provoking child it is!" said Geoffrey to himself as he flung + into his saddle, smiling at the recollection of Betty's rebuke and proud + little toss of her head. "'Mistress Betty'! Very well, so be it; and + thanks to the star of good fortune which guided my steps up the road + to-day. I wonder how she comes here, and why," and Captain Yorke gave + his horse the spur as he galloped on. +</p> +<p> + Some distance behind him the coach lumbered forward, and Mrs. Seymour's + tongue rattled on gayly. So engrossed was she with being nearly at her + journey's end, and their good luck at having fallen in with Yorke, that + Betty's silence passed unnoticed. +</p> +<p> + "To think that we should meet again," ran Betty's thoughts. "'Betty,' + forsooth! How dare he use my name so freely! What would Mrs. Seymour + have thought had she heard him, and how could I possibly have explained + with any air of truth unless I told her the whole story—which I would + rather die at once than do. He has not changed at all; I should have + known him anywhere, even in that hateful scarlet coat, which becomes him + so mightily. I wonder if my rebuke was too severe"—and here she became + conscious of Mrs. Seymour again. +</p> +<p> + "Yorke—did not that handsome young officer say his name was Yorke? Why, + then he must have some kinship with the Earl of Hardwicke; very probably + this young man may be a grandson of the earl. I must ask my sister; she + will have some information about it." +</p> +<p> + "Worse and worse," thought Betty. "A British officer—kinsman of an + earl—oh, me, in what a coil am I enveloped! But at least my father + knows all, and he would not hold me disloyal." +</p> +<p> + The coach bumped and jolted along, and finally came to a standstill, + while Caesar's voice was heard addressing some one. Betty looked out of + the window and behold a dismal prospect enough. The bank shelved + gradually down to the river, which at this point was narrow, and between + them and the other shore stretched a mixture of snow and ice; she could + distinguish the flat-bottomed boat used for ferrying purposes stuck fast + almost in the middle of the stream. +</p> +<p> + "How are we to cross?" said Mrs. Seymour dolefully, looking down at her + feet. "I wish I had an extra pair of woolen stockings to pull over my + shoes; the snow and ice will be cold walking. What are they doing to the + horses?" +</p> +<p> + "Will it please you to alight, madam?" said Geoffrey, springing from his + saddle at the door of the coach. "My men are of the opinion that the ice + will not bear so much weight as your coach with you ladies and Caesar in + it, but if you can mount your horses we can lead them and you can cross + in safety. Meanwhile Caesar can remain here to guard your property, and + when my men fetch the horses back they can assist him to transport the + coach to the other side. I hope the plan meets your approbation. It + seems the only feasible one, provided you ladies can ride without a + saddle." +</p> +<p> + "Bless me," cried Mrs. Seymour, "I shall surely slip off on the ice! + Betty here is a horsewoman, but, alas! I am not." +</p> +<p> + "Then we must contrive a way," replied Geoffrey. "If a blanket be + strapped over my saddle I think you can sit on it.—Caesar, put one of + those blankets on my horse instead of yours." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, that will do nicely; how kind you are, Captain Yorke." +</p> +<p> + "Will the young lady be able to ride one of your horses?" asked + Geoffrey, addressing Mrs. Seymour. +</p> +<p> + "I can ride anything," said Betty hastily, "for my mare is"—and then + she bit her lip and colored brightly as Geoffrey turned toward her. +</p> +<p> + "You will be quite safe, for I shall lead your horse myself. Let me + first attend Mrs. Seymour." +</p> +<p> + Between terror and small gasps of laughter Mrs. Seymour's mounting was + accomplished, and then Geoffrey (artful fellow!) summoned a tall, + good-looking trooper from the patrol, and, placing the reins in Mrs. + Seymour's hand, gave directions to the man. +</p> +<p> + "You will hold the horse by the bridle and guide every step with care, + letting the lady put her hand on your shoulder to steady herself. Be + watchful of the air-holes; I think you know the path well." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, captain," said the trooper, saluting respectfully. "Am I to + dismount the lady at the Inn?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye; go down the path before me;" and Geoffrey turned toward Betty, but + again the mischievous maid had been too quick for him, and he beheld her + already mounted on one of the coach horses, where she sat demurely and + at ease awaiting him. Geoffrey seized the bridle and walked slowly down + the bank, taking great care of his own steps lest he should by slipping + cause the horse to stumble, and in a few seconds they were slowly + picking their way over the rough ice. The horse's hoofs crunched into + the snow, and Betty held her breath, and a little thrill went over her + as she fancied she heard the ice crack under them. +</p> +<p> + "Oh!"—a half-involuntary cry escaped her, and Geoffrey looked up + reassuringly as he stroked the horse's neck and checked him for a brief + second. Mrs. Seymour and the trooper were somewhat in advance and had + almost reached the opposite shore. +</p> +<p> + "I—you—that is"—faltered Betty, meekly dropping her eyelids—"Oh, + sir, do you really think we shall gain the Inn safely?" +</p> +<p> + "There is no cause for fear," said Geoffrey coldly. "I know the path;" + and he plodded on in silence. Another few rods, a slip, a half halt; but + this time it was Yorke who stumbled and fell on one knee. +</p> +<p> + "Confound my sword," he cried, recovering his feet. "But we are nearly + there. See, Mrs. Seymour has gained the road and is riding on to the + Inn." +</p> +<p> + No reply from Betty; in truth, if he had but known it, she dared not + trust her voice lest its first sound should be a sob. And Yorke, divided + between amusement and wrath at her perversity, vowed he would say no + more until she grew less capricious. +</p> +<p> + The road was well trodden and the snow light as the pair pursued it in + silence. The famous hostelry known as King's Bridge Inn was upon the + highway going up the Hudson, where Spuyten Duyvil Creek ran down to + Harlem River, and many a rendezvous and intrigue had been carried on + within its low, wide rooms since the Colonies had declared their + independence of British rule. As Yorke approached the door, inside which + Mrs. Seymour had already disappeared, a tall, dark man in riding-boots + and long coat came hastily forth, and as Betty dropped the reins of her + horse he was at her side. "Oh, Gulian," cried she, stretching out both + hands, "don't you know me? 'Tis I, Betty Wolcott; have I outgrown your + recollection?" +</p> +<p> + "Betty, indeed," replied Gulian Verplanck, lifting her off the horse, + "and right glad am I to welcome you. What good fortune brought you in + contact with Captain Yorke's patrol? Had I known of your near approach, + I should myself have ridden forth with him, but the air was chilly and I + deemed it more prudent to stop at the Inn until to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "Since I see you safe"—began Geoffrey, as Betty half turned toward him. +</p> +<p> + "You do not know whom you have so kindly assisted," broke in Verplanck; + "this is Mistress Betty Wolcott, sister to my wife. Betty, I present to + you Captain Geoffrey Yorke, aide to Sir Henry Clinton, and my friend." +</p> +<p> + Betty executed her most stately and deepest courtesy, and Yorke swept + his hat gracefully to the very ground; but as she raised her eyes she + said, with a mischievous glance, "I am pleased to learn the name of this + gentleman. Sir, I thank you," and giving him a little gracious nod, + Betty vanished inside the open door of the Inn. +</p> +<p> + "Verplanck," called Geoffrey, as his friend was about to follow her, "I + shall go directly back to the city, for Sir Henry has to make ready + dispatches for England and will need me. Mrs. Seymour's coach will be + brought over at once; my men are assisting the negro servant in the + transit. Do you follow me shortly?" +</p> +<p> + "Unless the ladies are too weary we will go at once, for I can obtain + fresh horses here and the Inn seems somewhat over-crowded to stop the + night. But if you are in haste, Yorke, do not wait." +</p> +<p> + "Very well, then, I will depart at once. But you must have at least two + of my men as escort for the coach and yourself. You know there are + plenty of footpads outlying the city." +</p> +<p> + "I accept the escort gladly," said Verplanck. "Farewell, then, and my + hearty thanks." +</p> +<p> + Betty and Mrs. Seymour had been ushered into a small bedchamber, where + they were making some slight changes of dress when Gulian Verplanck + knocked at the door and informed them that the coach would shortly be + ready for the continuation of their journey. Betty followed him back + into the waiting-room, where a good fire was burning, and Verplanck + sought to find a seat for her near the hearth. The room was occupied by + perhaps a dozen persons, all men: some troopers, and a group of traders + whose bundles of furs, lying on the floor beside the table where they + were partaking of glasses of home-brewed beer, told their occupation. On + one settle, close by the chimney, sat an old man, somewhat ragged, who + had fallen asleep with his head resting against his bundle and stick, + which shared the bench with him; on the other sat a slight youth dressed + in homespun clothing, who instantly rose as Betty approached, and + offered her his seat. +</p> +<p> + "I am warmed enough," he said, as Verplanck gave brief thanks; "besides + there is room here. Wake up, grandfather," and he gave the sleeping man + a gentle push as he squeezed himself down beside him. +</p> +<p> + "Stay here till the coach is ready, Betty," said Verplanck. "Mrs. + Seymour will join you presently," and he departed to hasten the + hostlers, who could be heard outside, evidently engaged in harnessing + the horses they were to use. +</p> +<p> + Betty looked around her curiously. The room, with its low ceilings, + dark rafters, and sanded floor, was fairly tidy, and, in the light and + shade of the shifting fire, picturesque and strange. A short, thick-set + man, evidently the host, a comfortable-looking Dutchman, bustled in and + out, giving directions in a perfectly audible aside to a maid, who wore + a queer straight cap and brought in trays of beer to the thirsty party + of traders. A little boy in one corner was playing with some nails and a + pewter plate; each time he dropped the nails, making a jingling noise, + the landlord said, "Hush, there, Hans," in a loud whisper, to which the + child paid no attention. Betty wondered if it was his son, and felt as + if she would like to go over and play with him; and then thought, with a + half-homesick longing, of Moppet and the dear New England home. Far, far + away ran Betty's thoughts, as minute after minute sped along and no one + came to disturb her reverie. So engrossed was she that not even a low, + but distinctly spoken "<i>hist</i>," which came from the settle near her, + aroused her until it had been given the third time. Then she started; + there was something familiar in the sound—was any one speaking to her? +</p> +<p> + "Hist! do not look this way," whispered a voice which came from the + pair opposite her on the other side of the chimney. "Contrive to pass + near me as you go out—be cautious!" +</p> +<p> + "All ready, Betty?" said Mrs. Seymour's gay voice, as she came across + the room toward her. "Where is Mr. Verplanck?" +</p> +<p> + "Here," answered Gulian, from the other door. "Hasten, Betty; the horses + are eager to be off." +</p> +<p> + "I am coming," replied Betty, as she rose hurriedly and dropped her silk + reticule directly in front of the mysterious pair on the settle. The boy + darted up, giving the bag a furtive kick which sent it under the bench. +</p> +<p> + "I'll reach it for you, madam," he said aloud, diving down for it as + Betty paused a brief second. The old man stirred sleepily, raised his + head from his bundle, and keen bright eyes that Betty knew well flashed + into hers as he whispered rapidly:— +</p> +<p> + "Show no alarm, Betty, but no matter how or where you see me, make no + sign of recognition." +</p> +<p> + "Here's your bag," said the boy, springing to his feet. But Betty, + never stopping to thank him, ran rapidly across the room, out of the + door, and darted into the waiting coach, afraid to even glance behind + her, her heart sinking with dismay, for the voice and eyes of that + ragged old man were those of her brother Oliver! +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XI +</h2> +<center> + ON THE COLLECT +</center> +<p> + "Peter, Peter," said Grandma Effingham in a tone of gentle remonstrance, + "if thee would only let the ball alone Tabitha would keep quiet." +</p> +<p> + "Stop it, Peter," said Betty, from the doorway, as the irrepressible + youngster rolled over and over on the rug, himself, the gray cat, and + the ball of gray yarn hopelessly entangled. "Much you deserve all the + stockings that grandma knits for you so perseveringly; just look at the + condition of that ball"—and by a skillful flank movement she rescued + the yarn as Tabitha's pranks and Peter's tumble came to a hasty + conclusion, and the chief culprit gained his feet and began to apologize + for his frolic, as the cat fled through the door. +</p> +<p> + "I was just waiting for you, Betty; you girls take such a long time to + put on your capes and furbelows. I'll warrant Kitty will detain us when + we stop for her, and we must hasten, for the sun will not stay up much + longer. Just let me find my muffler and my skates," and off tore Peter, + while Betty tucked up her gown preparatory to an afternoon on the + Collect Pond, whose frozen surface was the resort of all fashionable New + York, both those who joined the skaters, and others who watched them + from the surrounding banks, making a gay, bright winter scene for the + spectators as well as the participants. +</p> +<p> + It was some three weeks since Betty's eventful journey, and as the + strangeness of her new home and surroundings wore off she was beginning + to enjoy herself. First of all, the dear happiness of being once more + with Clarissa, who had brightened and strengthened each day since her + arrival; then Grandma Effingham's storehouse of anecdotes and pleasant + stories, to which Betty listened with delight and the respectful + deference that youth of those days paid to age; and last (though Betty + would have denied it stoutly) the frequent visits to the Verplancks of a + certain tall soldier, whose red coat made her eyes sparkle with disdain, + even while her heart beat quicker at sound of his voice. Truly, Betty's + soul was torn within her, and for every smile that Yorke succeeded in + winning he was sure to receive such dainty snubs, such mischievous + flouting following swiftly after, that he almost despaired of ever + carrying the outworks, much less the citadel of the willful maid's + heart. +</p> +<p> + Kitty Cruger had received Betty most cordially, but the acquaintance had + not yet progressed toward intimacy. On several occasions when Betty had + been especially teasing, Yorke had seen fit to retaliate by seeking + Kitty's side, and, although he was far from suspecting it, he had thus + piqued his little lady-love extremely. For Kitty was a reigning belle, + and the toast of the British officers as she had been of the + Continentals, and she liked Yorke and Yorke's attentions. If Betty had + only known whose face came oftenest in Kitty's dreams, and that a blue + sword-knot was her most cherished possession, perhaps the dawning + jealousy which she felt toward her would never have existed. Who can + say? +</p> +<p> + The winter had set in with great rigor, and the troops had even crossed + on the ice from Staten Island to the city; sad tales reached Betty's + watchful ears of privations endured in the army of General Washington, + and it made her cheeks burn and tingle to hear the jests and laughter of + the Tory guests who visited the house, at the expense of the so-called + "rebels" against King George. Of Oliver, Betty had no sign; whether he + had been in the city and accomplished whatever mission he had in view, + she knew not. She did not dare to confide in Clarissa, for even had her + sister's health permitted, Betty deemed it scarcely safe to put her to + the test of loyalty as between husband and brother. +</p> +<p> + All these thoughts and many more were crowding Betty's brain as she ran + down the steps of the Verplanck mansion and followed Peter toward Queen + Street, where Kitty lived. The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp + and clear; Betty looked charming in her dainty hood, tied with a + rose-colored ribbon which nestled softly under her chin and played at + confining the dancing curls. Contrary to Peter's expectations, Kitty was + watching for them, and they proceeded with some speed along the snowy + streets until they reached the Minetta Water, as the small stream was + called which wound its way across the Lispenard Meadows, and connected + the "Collect" (or Fresh Water Pond) with the Hudson River. At the end of + Great Queen Street was a wooden bridge, and crossing it, the little + party continued up Magazine Street until they reached the Collect Pond, + on two sides of which were low buildings of various kinds, being + rope-walks, furnaces, tanneries, and breweries, all run by water from + the pond. Betty thought she should some day like to come out and + investigate them with Peter; they were not very sightly, but they might + prove interesting. These buildings shut out the view, and until Betty + stood on the very bank she had no idea how brilliant a scene the Collect + presented. The ground on the north side between them and Broadway rose + to the height of a hundred feet, and this hillside was covered with + spectators who were watching the skaters with which the ice was alive. + Among the crowd were many women of fashion, muffled in their furs, + carrying huge muffs to keep their fingers warm, and scarlet uniforms, + dotted here and there, served to heighten the effect of brilliancy and + animation. As they turned the corner of a furnace whose big chimney had + sheltered them for a moment, a young man darted up the bank and greeted + Kitty. +</p> +<p> + "How late you are," he said reproachfully. "Philip Livingston and I + have been watching for you this hour. The ice is in fine condition; may + I put on your skates?" +</p> +<p> + While young De Lancey was thus engaged Peter and Betty were making ready + also. Up in the Litchfield hills, where the winter set in early and + lasted late, Betty had learned to use her skates well, and she and her + brother Oliver had been the best skaters in the township when she was + hardly more than a child. Even the timid Pamela had gained boldness and + dexterity on the clear, frozen pond; and therefore when Betty, with the + ease of a practiced skater, glided off without assistance, Peter flew + after her in round-eyed amazement. +</p> +<p> + "I say, Betty," he exclaimed, breathless with his effort to catch her, + "how you do fly! My eye! there isn't one of these New York dames or + maids who can equal you," and he chuckled with triumph as Betty began to + execute some very difficult motions which she and Oliver had often + practiced together. +</p> +<p> + "Give me your hand, Peter; there, now, glide this way, and take the + outside roll—oh! have a care; if you turn like that you will surely + catch your skate in mine. That's better; now cross hands, and go + gently; see, I am cutting a face on the ice." +</p> +<p> + Surely enough, as Peter glanced behind he saw a gigantic profile grow on + the smooth surface beneath Betty's little foot, and the skaters around + them paused to wonder and admire. +</p> +<p> + "There," said Betty, making a final flourish, "come back to the bank and + let us find Kitty." But as they flew along Betty saw a familiar red coat + appear beside Kitty's advancing figure, so dropping Peter's hand she + dashed off in an opposite direction. She headed for the north bank, + which was less crowded, but slacked her speed a little, fearing an + air-hole, as she debated which way to turn. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," said a voice just behind her, and with a little start + she realized that the obnoxious scarlet coat had reached her side, "will + you skate a turn with me down the pond?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely," and Betty's most roguish smile beamed into Yorke's eyes as she + wheeled toward him. "Perhaps you will try a race with me, Captain + Yorke?" +</p> +<p> + "With pleasure, and for what stakes?" returned Yorke, bending down to + secure a strap which he felt loosen. +</p> +<p> + "I meant but a trial of speed to the bridge there, where we cross the + Minetta Water. A stake? Well, name it." +</p> +<p> + "A knot of rose-colored ribbon," said Yorke softly. +</p> +<p> + "Another!" cried Betty unguardedly, and could have promptly bitten her + tongue for the betrayal of her thought. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, then you do remember?" asked Yorke. "In what have I so deeply + offended that I can scarce gain speech of you! Why do you flout one who + longs to show you his devotion?" +</p> +<p> + "You forget, sir," said Betty coldly, "the coat you wear. Do you fancy + that scarlet commends itself to a rebel maid like me, or that the cause + you represent can be aught but hateful to a loyal Wolcott?" +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty! I do beseech you"— +</p> +<p> + "Nay, we will put entreaty outside the question. A race, I think I said, + Captain Yorke. I will make the stake that self-same bow of + rose-color—if you have kept it so long." +</p> +<p> + An indignant flush dyed Yorke's face. "So be it," he said briefly, and + in a flash they were off; she, graceful, and almost like a winged bird, + as she sped along; and he, tall, straight, and muscular, with a long, + staying stroke, which impelled Betty's admiration. Tho distance to the + bridge was a good half mile, and the spectators on the hill presently + perceived the racing pair, and from the cries and shouts which arose she + learned, to her added chagrin, that they were seen, and their trial of + speed would be eagerly followed. On flew Betty, so intent upon reaching + her goal that she never noticed how Yorke crept closer and closer; they + were almost to the bridge, when his voice sounded at her shoulder:— +</p> +<p> + "You should have the race, sweetheart, but I cannot part with the + ribbon," and with a sudden rush Yorke darted past her and gained the + bridge barely three seconds in advance. +</p> +<p> + "Forgive me," he had time to whisper, as Betty stood still, with + flashing eyes and half-quivering lip, while they waited for Peter, + Kitty, and Philip Livingston, who had followed them down the course; + "'twas too dear a stake for me to lose." But as the words left his lips, + to his astonishment and delight, with all a child's frankness, Betty + gave him her hand. +</p> +<p> + "Nay, you won the race fairly, and Betty Wolcott craves your pardon." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, my eye!" shouted Peter, as he flung himself between them; "'t was + the prettiest race of the season, was it not, Kitty? Do, do try a game + with the rest of us, and I'll be your hurlie myself." +</p> +<p> + A hurlie, be it known, was a small boy or man who, in the fashion of a + ball-game of the day, propelled the balls along the icy surface of the + pond with a long, sharp-pointed stick, and the race was accorded to + whoever first caught the ball,—often a trial of both speed and + endurance when the course was a long one. +</p> +<p> + "Are you deserting me, Peter?" put in Kitty playfully; "the other + hurlies are busy with the De Lancey party; we must have two or three at + least." +</p> +<p> + Yorke moved a step forward; his first impulse was to offer his services + to Kitty, as he had done before, but some fine instinct warned him not + to jeopardize his half-reconciliation with Betty, and before he could + speak, Philip Livingston whistled to a tall, slight lad who was standing + looking at them from the bank close at hand. In response the lad ran + down, leaped on the ice, and said pleasantly,— +</p> +<p> + "Your pleasure, sir. Did you call me?" +</p> +<p> + "Can you drive a ball for me?" asked Philip; "if so, I'll promise you a + shilling for an hour of your time." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed I will," said the boy; "but let me first go tell Jim Bates, + there, who maybe will be returning to Paulus Hook, and I'll just bid him + wait for me over yonder in the tan-yard until you gentlefolks have had + your game." +</p> +<p> + Off darted the new recruit, and was seen to join a man wearing the wide + hat and somewhat greasy garb of a fisherman, who, after a few words, + nodded assent, and with somewhat slouching gait proceeded leisurely + across the bridge in the direction of the tan-yard referred to. Amid + much laughter the game began; some other acquaintances came down the + bank and joined them, and presently Betty found herself darting over the + ice hither and thither, following Peter's purposely erratic course, and + pursuing the ball, determined this time to outdo Yorke, who followed her + every motion, and whom she again began to tease and laugh at. But to + Yorke anything was better than her scorn or displeasure, and when, by a + lucky stroke and a quick turn of her skates, Betty bent down and + captured the elusive ball, he was the first to raise a shout of + triumph, in which the merry party joined with the heartiness of + good-fellowship and breeding. +</p> +<p> + It was growing dark and cold as Betty climbed up the bank and seated + herself on a pile of boards, while Peter unstrapped her skates. As she + looked up, she saw Yorke and Philip Livingston talking with the boy who + had been hurlie for Kitty, and it crossed her mind to wonder where Kitty + had vanished. So she rose to her feet and walked leisurely along with + Peter toward the tan-yard and turned the corner of the furnace chimney. + As she did so, she almost stumbled against a man, who drew back + suddenly; on the other side stood Kitty, and Betty distinctly saw a + piece of white paper pass from Kitty's muff into the hand of the + stranger, whom she instantly recognized as the greasy fisherman who had + crossed the bridge half an hour before. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XII +</h2> +<center> + A FACE ON THE WALL +</center> +<p> + Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side + farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day + before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into + small bunches and wreaths. Of these a large hamperful stood at her + elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of + importance. +</p> +<p> + "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his + cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin + obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris + Kringle and his prancing reindeers? My, what fun we boys had up in the + old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the + recollection of past pranks. "Down here in the city it is chiefly New + Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently + Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas." +</p> +<p> + "Yes?" murmured Betty, her thoughts far away as she wondered what + Moppet was doing up in the Litchfield hills, and whether Oliver had got + back safely to the army again. Surely, he had cautioned her not to + recognize him, but luckily her fortitude had not been put to proof. And + then she wondered what secret mission Kitty had been engaged upon that + day at Collect Pond. Somehow Kitty and she had been more confidential + since then; and one night, sitting by the fire in Betty's room, Kitty + had confessed that she too was a rebel—yes, a sturdy, unswerving rebel, + true to the Colonies and General Washington, and Betty's warm heart had + gone forth toward her from that very moment. +</p> +<p> + "Clarissa has a huge crock full of <i>olykeoks</i> in the pantry," pursued + Peter, to whom the Dutch dainty was sufficiently toothsome; "and Pompey + has orders to brew a fine punch made of cider and lemons for the + servants, and oh! Betty, do you know that Miranda has a new follower? + His name is Sambo, and he comes from Breucklen Heights; he has been + practicing a dance with her, and old Jan Steen, the Dutch fiddler, has + promised to come and play for them and their friends in the kitchen, + and for my part I think there will be more fun there than at Clarissa's + card-party—don't you? Wake up, Betty; I don't believe you've heard one + word I've been saying." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed I have," replied Betty, returning to her present surroundings + with a start. "A dance, Peter? Why, it seems to me the servants have + great liberty here." +</p> +<p> + "Don't you give yours a holiday up in New England? I thought you had + negro servants as well as we?" +</p> +<p> + "So we do; you know that Miranda is the daughter of our old cook, Chloe. + She came here with Clarissa when she was a bride; oh, we have a few + negro servants in dear New England, Peter, but not so many as here. + Gulian told me that there are some three thousand slaves owned in the + city and its environs. But our negroes go to church and pray; they do + not dance, and I know Chloe would be shocked with Miranda's flippant + ways. She was ever opposed to dancing." +</p> +<p> + "Don't be prim, Betty." +</p> +<p> + "I—prim?"—and Betty went off into a shout of girlish laughter, as she + flung a pine needle at Peter, who dodged it successfully; "that I live + to hear myself called what I have so often dubbed Pamela. Fie, Peter, + let Miranda dance if she will; I should love to see her. It would be far + more amusing than cards." +</p> +<p> + "Betty," said Peter, edging nearer her and lowering his voice to a + whisper, "I heard that the Sons of Liberty had another placard up near + the Vly Market last night, and that Sir Henry Clinton is in great wrath + because they are growing daring again. My! wouldn't I just like to see + one of them; but they say (so Pompey told me) that they are all around + us in different disguises. That's why they're so difficult to catch; it + would go hard with them if the Hessians lay hands on the author of the + placards." +</p> +<p> + "But they will not; I heard Gulian say only last night that the + cleverness with which the placards are prepared and placed was + wonderful. Who tells you these things, Peter? Do have a care, for we are + under Gulian's roof, and he would be very angry if he knew that your and + my sympathies are all on the side of the Whigs." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, I hear things," murmured Peter evasively. Then whispering in + Betty's ear, "Did you ever hear Kitty speak of Billy the fiddler?" +</p> +<p> + "There's no one within hearing," said Betty, as she finished her twelfth + wreath and laid it carefully on the floor beside her cricket. "Get the + other big branch outside the door, and sit down here close by me while + you pull the twigs off; then you can tell me safely, for Clarissa is + sleeping, and she will call me when she wakes. Of course I never heard + of the man you mention." +</p> +<p> + Peter threw back his howl in a prolonged chuckle, as he followed Betty's + instructions and edged his cricket close to her elbow. +</p> +<p> + "Man!—well, he's more like a monkey than anything. He only comes to my + shoulder, and yet he's old enough to be my father." +</p> +<p> + "A dwarf, do you mean?" +</p> +<p> + "No, not precisely; the boys call him a manikin, for he's not deformed; + only very, very small; not above four feet high. He is Dutch and has + been a drummer, it's whispered, in General Washington's army. They say + he was in the battle of Harlem Lane, and beat the rally for our troops + when Knowlton fell. The Vly boys are great friends with him." +</p> +<p> + "But, I thought you were at daggers drawn with the boys of the Vly + Market, Peter? Surely, you told me blood-curdling tales of the fights + between them and you Broadway boys?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, aye, but that's for right of way" and don't mean much except when + we are actually punching each other's heads. Billy can tell great yarns; + how his eyes flash when he speaks of the prison ships, though I only + heard him once, when Jan Steen was talking foolish Tory stuff." +</p> +<p> + "Do you think 'Billy the fiddler,' as you call him, is one of the Sons + of Liberty?" +</p> +<p> + "H-u-s-h!" and Peter looked fearfully around. "I don't dare say, but I'm + sure he's true and steady. Betty, I wish I was a little taller; if I + were I'd run away some fine morning and go for a drummer boy with + General Washington." +</p> +<p> + Betty looked up with affectionate eyes at the sturdy urchin. "I know how + you feel, Peter; but wait a bit. It's sad and disheartening enough now, + God knows, but perhaps better days may dawn for the patriots. My father + says we must keep up our hearts as best we can, and trust in God and the + Continental Congress. Did I tell you how we moulded the bullets last + summer? We kept the tally, and over forty-two thousand cartridges were + made from the statue of King George, so the women of Litchfield have + contributed their aid to the cause in good practical fashion."' +</p> +<p> + "Aye, that was fine! It must have been jolly fun, too." +</p> +<p> + "It was very hot," said Betty, laughing; "we tried it in our big + kitchen, but finally had to melt the lead in larger kettles hung over a + crane in the shed down in orchard. Aunt Euphemia thought we would fire + the house, and for many nights Miss Bidwell and she, protected by Reuben + with a lantern, paraded the place before closing up, hunting for stray + sparks which she fancied might fly in the wrong direction." +</p> +<p> + "What a lot this hamper holds," said Peter, diving down into it. "You've + made enough wreaths to decorate the rooms, I'm sure, and your hands are + getting black." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind my hands; soap and water will cleanse them. Clarissa wants a + 'real English Christmas,' she said, and poor dear! she shall have it. It + does my heart good to see her brighten and glow like her old pretty + self." +</p> +<p> + "You can thank Captain Yorke for putting the 'real English Christmas' + into her head; there's a fine Tory for you, Betty. Sometimes I forget + he's one of our foes—he's almost nice enough to be a patriot." +</p> +<p> + "He thinks he is one, Peter; he owes his loyalty to his king, and were + less than a man not to give his services where ordered." +</p> +<p> + "Ha, ha!" quoth Peter teasingly; "you'll be as bad as Kitty presently." +</p> +<p> + "How so?" returned Betty, biting her lip as she turned her face away + from Peter's roguish eyes. +</p> +<p> + "Why, Kitty had a walk-over course with the scarlet coats until you + came, and Captain Yorke was one of her gallants. But now I find him at + your elbow whenever you give him half a chance. But I've seen you snub + him well, too; you girls are such changeable creatures. I'd not have a + scarlet coat dancing around after me if I were you, Betty;" and Peter + endeavored to look sage and wise as he cocked his head on one side like + a conceited sparrow. What reply Betty might have made to his pertness + was uncertain, but at that moment both doors of the room opened and + Clarissa entered by one as Kitty flew in the other. +</p> +<p> + "How industrious you are," cried Kitty, as she bade them all good-day; + "the rooms will be a bower of green, such as Captain Yorke tells about. + I came, Clarissa, to beg a note of invitation for Peggy Van Dam. She has + but just returned from Albany, and will be mightily pleased to be bidden + to your card-party." +</p> +<p> + "I wondered if she would be in time," said Clarissa, seating herself at + her claw-legged, brass-mounted writing-table. "Has she changed much, + Kitty—not that I mean"—and Clarissa's sentence ended in a laugh. +</p> +<p> + "There was room for it," finished Kitty. "No, she is just the same: + aping youth, with the desire to conceal age." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Kitty, that's the severest speech I ever knew you guilty of!" +</p> +<p> + "Ill-natured, aye," quoth Kitty, with a comical sigh; "the world's awry + this morning and I must vent my crossness on somebody, so let it be + Peggy. But if I can carry her your note it will atone for my peevish + speech a dozen times, for is not Captain Sir John Faulkner coming, and + you know as well as all of us that Peggy's airs and graces are most + apparent in his company." +</p> +<p> + Betty looked quickly up into Kitty's face as she rattled on gayly, and + detected an air of trouble and anxiety that was most unusual. And as + they presently followed Clarissa downstairs, she paused at the landing + and slid her little fingers into Kitty's as she whispered:— +</p> +<p> + "What's amiss? You are worried, I perceive; can I help you?" Kitty + started, and turning her head over her shoulder said softly:— +</p> +<p> + "Not now, but I know that you are true-hearted and quick-witted; I dare + not say one word more," and with an affectionate pressure, she dropped + Betty's hand and ran swiftly down the staircase. +</p> +<p> + The drawing-room in the Verplanck mansion was high of ceiling, a + spacious, stately room, and its quaint, straight-backed chairs, stuffed + ottomans, and carved mahogany sofas were the acme of elegance of those + days. The highly polished floor had received extra attention from Pompey + and his assistants, while the mirrors shone brightly and reflected the + candles of the brass sconces on either side of their glittering + surfaces. Betty, at Clarissa's request, superintended the placing of the + card-tables, and also that of a huge silver salver, on which the tiny + cups for chocolate and the tall glasses for mulled wine would be served + from a table in the dining-room early in the evening before supper; also + a famous bowl of Indian china, where hot caudle would appear, caudle + being an English compound with which Betty was not familiar. Peter + explained it to her with due regard to detail; and smacked his lips over + the bottle as it smoked away on Dinah's kitchen table, where he had + invited Betty to come out and see it. +</p> +<p> + "Dinah makes a sort of posset first, of oaten-meal, and then she puts in + coriander seeds, and raisins, all carefully stoned (I ought to know + that, for I helped her one mortal hour last night and got my fingers + sticky with the plagued stones), and some cloves in a muslin bag, which + are let lie till the caudle boils, and then removed, and last of all, + just as it's ready to serve, she pops in a good half bottle of + cognac—my! but it's prime!" and Peter cut a pigeon-wing and gave a + regular Mohawk war-whoop, as he danced around the kitchen and + disappeared through the door just in time to avoid Dinah's wet + dishcloth, which she sent spinning at his close-cropped pate. +</p> +<p> + Betty stood in her small chamber at six o'clock that evening, + contemplating her gown with critical eye. Parties in those days were + early affairs, and in New York were known to assemble as early as half + past seven. The lanterns which hung outside every seventh house for the + purpose of lighting the streets were lit by the watchmen at half past + six, for the winter days were short, and the denizens of Wall Street + were wont to pick their way most carefully since the great fire, the + dibris of which in many instances was still left to disfigure the sites + where had stood stately mansions. Betty deliberated for some minutes; + here were two gowns: one must be worn to-night for her dear Clarissa; + the other kept for the De Lancey ball, an event over which all + fashionable New York was agog, and which would take place on New Year's + night, just one week ahead. +</p> +<p> + On the high, four-posted bed lay the gowns; one, which had been her + mother's, was a white satin petticoat, over which was worn a slip of + India muslin covered with fine embroidery, so daintily worked that it + was almost like lace itself. The dames of Connecticut, and, indeed, of + all New England, were much more sober in their dress than those of New + York, where the Dutch love of color still lingered, and the Tories clung + to the powdered heads and gay fashions of the English court circles. The + other gown (which in her secret soul Betty longed to wear) had been + given her by Gulian, who was the most generous of men, and who admired + his pretty sister-in-law far more than he would have told her. A ship + had recently arrived from England bringing him a box of gowns and + gewgaws ordered long since for his wife, and of these Gulian had made + Clarissa happy by bidding her bestow on Betty a gown such as he + considered fitting for a grand festivity like the De Lanceys' New Year + ball. +</p> +<p> + "Alack!" sighed the pretty maid to herself, as she contemplated the + white satin, "I will not even raise the paper which contains Clarissa's + present, for both she and Gulian have set their hearts upon my wearing + it on New Year's day, so 't is useless to fill my breast with discontent + when I have so good a gown as this to wear to-night. The skirt is a + little frayed—oh! how vexing!" and Betty flew to her reticule for + needle and thread to set a timely stitch; "now that will not show when + the muslin slip goes over." Another anxious moment, and with a sigh of + relief Betty slipped on the short waist with its puffed sleeves and + essayed to pin the fichu daintily around her neck. Then she dived down + to the very depths of a chest of drawers, whence she produced a small + box, and out of this came a single string of pearls,—the pearls which + her mother had worn upon her wedding-day, and Pamela had pressed into + her hand at parting. Next, Betty with cautious steps, candle in hand, + approached the mirror, which graced the farther end of her tiny chamber, + and holding it at arm's length surveyed herself as far as she could see, + which was not below her dainty waist, as suited the dimensions of the + mirror aforesaid. +</p> +<p> + "I am too white," thought Betty, with a little frown, all unconscious of + her lovely coloring and exquisite red-gold hair, which, guiltless of + powder, was massed as usual on top of her head and clustered in wayward + little curls on the nape of her snowy neck and over her white forehead; + "but never mind,"—with childlike philosophy,—"my gown for the New Year + ball has both breast and shoulder knots of rose-color; I wish I dare + steal one for to-night! But perhaps Clarissa would not be pleased, so I + will descend as I am. I hear Peter clattering on the staircase; he is no + doubt superintending the servants' dance," and Betty extinguished her + candle and tripped lightly down past Clarissa's door. +</p> +<p> + From the sounds and lights she became aware that she was late, and had + lingered too long over her toilet, so she hesitated for a brief moment + as she reached the door of the drawing-room, where she could see + Clarissa and Grandma Effingham standing with a number of guests, both + dames and gentlemen. As she paused on the threshold a graceful, girlish + picture, a tall form emerged from the dim shades of the hall, and a hand + met hers. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty, I salute you," said Geoffrey Yorke, bowing low, "and + may I also beg your acceptance of a bunch of clove pinks? They were + grown by my Dutch landlady in a box kept carefully in her kitchen + window, and I know not whether she or I have watched them the more + carefully, as I wished to be so fortunate as to have them bloom for you + to-night." +</p> +<p> + "For me?" said Betty, in a delighted whisper, turning such glowing eyes + upon him that the young man fell more madly in love with her than ever. + "How kind!—and at this season? Oh, they are sweet, and recall the + garden walk at home. Indeed, sir, I thank you," and scarcely thinking + what she did, in her pleasure at his pretty attention, she thrust the + bunch of pinks in her fichu, where they lay close to her white throat + and gave her toilet the one touch of color for which she had longed. + Small wonder that Geoffrey's handsome face lit up with triumph, or that + Clarissa said to herself as the pair approached her, Betty dimpling with + smiles, "What a charming couple they make! I wonder if my father would + object?" +</p> +<p> + This was Clarissa's first appearance in society for many months, and the + warmth with which she was greeted showed how large a place the New + England girl had made in the regard of her husband's friends. The party + was given chiefly for Betty, that she might have plenty of partners at + the New Year ball; and although these were mostly young people, there + was also a goodly sprinkling of dames and dowagers, who smiled + approvingly when Betty was presented to them, before seating themselves + at the all-absorbing card-tables. Cards were much the mode of the day, + and an hour or more was given to them; then as the metheglin (a + delicious beverage made of honey) and the mulled wine was passed, the + younger portion of the company began moving through the suite of three + rooms, breaking up into small groups as they did so. +</p> +<p> + Peter, who had constituted himself master of ceremonies for the fun in + low life which was going on in the kitchen, darted up to Betty as she + stood talking with Philip Livingston. +</p> +<p> + "They're just going to begin to dance," he said. "Miranda is perked out + in a wonderful pink gown, and Aunt Dinah has her best turban on her + head. Do, Betty, persuade some of the company to come out and see the + negroes dance. Don't you hear the music beginning?" +</p> +<p> + Surely enough the distant scraping of the violin could be heard, and + Betty, seizing Kitty by the hand, tripped up to Clarissa and repeated + Peter's request. Clarissa hesitated an instant. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Gulian," cried Betty, catching hold of her brother-in-law as he + came forward, "may we not visit the kitchen and see the servants dance? + Captain Yorke tells me that is what is done in England on Christmas Eve, + and I am sure it would afford us all a new amusement." +</p> +<p> + Artful Betty! She knew full well that any suggestion of England and + English ways would appeal to Gulian, and Yorke, who followed closely at + her side, threw the potent weight of his opinion in the scale by saying + quietly:— +</p> +<p> + "I am told your slaves have the very poetry of motion, Verplanck; permit + me to escort Mistress Betty to the servants' hall." +</p> +<p> + "Servants' hall!" whispered Betty mischievously to Yorke as Gulian led + the way with Clarissa; "we have nothing so fine in our humble colonies, + sir; our kitchens must serve for our dusky retainers." +</p> +<p> + "You know I did not mean"—he began reproachfully. But seeing Betty's + laughing eyes, he added, with a smile:— +</p> +<p> + "Nay, you shall not tease me into vexing you to-night if I can avoid it; + I will strive to train my tongue to please you." +</p> +<p> + The kitchen presented a quaint and most picturesque appearance. It was + a low, wide room, and around the wall ran shelves and dressers, on which + the pewter plates and copper covers shone with such fine polish that one + could almost see in their surfaces as in a mirror. Between those hung + bunches of herbs and strings of bright-hued peppers, and in and out on + the walls, and above, from the rafters, were Christmas greens, all + arranged by the servants themselves, with that unerring eye for grace + and color which is an attribute of the colored race. Aunt Dinah, the + presiding genius of the kitchen, stood at one end of the room. Her large + and portly person was clothed in a gay cotton print of many colors; and + upon her head was twisted a bright silk handkerchief, with a most + rakish-looking bow which reposed over her left ear. The Verplanck + slaves, some twelve of them, were augmented in numbers by those of the + Ludlow, De Lancey, and De Peyster families, and half filled the spacious + kitchen us they stood back in rows, courtesying and bowing, showing + their white teeth in smiles and low laughter, as they recognized some + "young massa," or "ole madam" among the gentlemen and dames who smiled + back upon their faithful, kindly faces. +</p> +<p> + The dance began with a special contra-dance, in which the performers + copied with great exactness the profound bows and deep courtesies of the + period, mimicking their masters and mistresses with curious grotesque + grace. At the extreme end of the room, near Aunt Dinah, sat the fiddler, + wielding his bow with an extra flourish befitting the occasion. Jan + Steen was a well-known character, and his coming was looked upon as a + special favor, only accorded to the servants because they belonged to + the Verplancks, a family greatly honored and beloved among the Dutch + settlers of Manhattan Island. +</p> +<p> + After the contra-dance was concluded, amid the applause and laughter of + the spectators, four young slaves were singled out from the others, and + took their places on the floor. Two of these were girls, pretty + mulattoes, and two young, bright-colored negro men as their partners. To + rather slow music they went through with a rhythmic dance, in which + their figures swayed to and fro, chiefly from the waist, a gliding + serpentine dance, evidently copied from the slaves of Martinique, and + brought to New York by the French families. And then, to Peter's great + delight, came the event of the evening, in his eyes,—the dance of + Miranda with her new admirer from Broucklen Heights. +</p> +<p> + "Miranda is my maid," explained Clarissa to Madam De Lancey and Mrs. + Morris, as they waited for the performers to take their places. "I + fetched her from Connecticut when I was married, and she is, as you see, + very pretty and most graceful. The dance is a species of Spanish dance, + I fancy, for it is done with two scarfs of red and yellow; I purchased + the stuff a year ago from a Dutch peddler, and Miranda begged it of me + last week." +</p> +<p> + "Cousin Clarissa," said Peter, rushing up, "we will want more light to + enable you to see this; the candles are getting low. With your + permission, may Pompey light the big lantern on the wall?" +</p> +<p> + About the middle of the kitchen hung a lantern which had once been used + for illuminating purposes outside the mansion. It contained a piece of + tin which acted as a reflector; and Peter, who had never yet had the + pleasure of seeing it lit, had amused himself that very morning by + putting in the candles for which it was prepared, and informed Aunt + Dinah that he meant to light it by way of a climax to the festivities of + Christmas Eve. +</p> +<p> + "The big lantern?" replied Clarissa; "it has not been lit this three + years." +</p> +<p> + "I made it ready this morning; oh, do say yes." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Clarissa, smiling; "but tell Pompey to be careful, + Peter." +</p> +<p> + Off flew Peter, and up on a bench mounted Pompey, nothing loth to add + dignity to the scene by illuminating it. Jan Steen drew his bow across + his violin with a long, sweet note, and out on the floor glided Miranda, + holding the hand of a tall, athletic-looking young negro, whose motions + were grace itself. They began at the top of the room, holding the scarfs + aloft, and slowly made their way down until they were in the centre, + when the full light gleamed strongly upon their raised arms, their heads + well up. Soft murmurs of applause began to steal around the room. Betty + stood with Captain Yorke and Kitty directly under the lantern, beating + time with her fan. +</p> +<p> + "How graceful they are," said Yorke softly. "See, even their shadows on + the wall opposite are picturesque and wild. How distinct the faces + are!" +</p> +<p> + "Silhouettes!" burst in Kitty; "have you seen the pictures made by the + new artist who came from Albany? Some folks like to be done thus, but + for me I do not care for a black profile of my own face. They are cut + skillfully enough in paper, however." +</p> +<p> + Betty, wondering what had possessed Kitty to set off on an animated + description of silhouettes, looked up at the wall, and then her heart + almost stood still. That fine, high forehead, the curving lips, the + nose, with its clear-cut nostrils,—not even the disfiguring woolly wig, + stiff collar, and blackened face and hands could disguise them to her. + She gazed with sickening apprehension at the dancers; how often she had + seen Oliver dancing with Miranda when they were children together at + home, the performance usually taking place in the garret, for fear of + scoldings upon the sinfulness of dancing from Chloe, Miranda's mother; + oh, how did he dare do this here, where any moment might bring discovery + and death? Why, why, had she failed to see and recognize him! his + disguise was very perfect, and yet— +</p> +<p> + The applause rang out heartily as the dancers tripped faster and + faster; Betty wondered if her torture would ever end. Perhaps it had + only begun, for Oliver had said— +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," spoke Yorke, and his voice was low and very tender, + "may I offer you my arm? A glass of mulled wine would, I think, be of + service to you." Stumbling a little in her agitation, Betty slipped + through the door with him, on into the dining-room, where he placed her + in a corner of the wide sofa and fetched the wine. +</p> +<p> + "Drink it, every drop," he said, smiling down at her with a masterful + look in his dark eyes that Betty had never seen before. "Sweetheart, + trust me, and sit here till I return." +</p> +<p> + Betty sipped her wine and the truant color came back to her cheeks, as + she saw him vanish through the door. +</p> +<p> + "Have I grown a coward?" she thought indignantly. "I was brave up in the + Litchfield hills—how dare I fail now! Captain Yorke must have seen—and + yet, how could he know Oliver's face sufficiently well? Ah,"—and Betty + almost cried out,—"it is I, miserable I, who have betrayed my brother. + We are so strongly alike that"— +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty,"—Yorke was at her side again,—"I left you to bestow + a few shillings on yonder fellow who danced so well, but I could not + find him, and Mistress Kitty Cruger tells me he left at once for + Breucklen Heights, whence he came, as there is a party crossing before + daybreak. I trust you are better; the air was close in your kitchen." +</p> +<p> + Betty's two small hands clasped each other mutely; her large eloquent + eyes were raised to his in the sweetest glance that ever maiden gave. +</p> +<p> + "God bless you!" she cried impulsively, and, turning, fled through the + open door. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIII +</h2> +<center> + AT THE VLY MARKET +</center> +<p> + It was a bright sunny morning, but very cold, and snow lay packed hard + and firm in the streets of New York, which, narrow as they were, + afforded little opportunity for the sun's rays to penetrate with + sufficient strength to warm the shivering pedestrians who were hurrying + down Maiden Lane in the direction of the Vly Market. At the farthest end + of the street were the shops, and one of these, "The Sign of the Cross + Swords," stood within a stone's throw of the market itself. It was a + small affair, with little grimy window-panes, where were displayed + knives, scissors, and razors, with locks and keys of many odd sorts. At + the door stood a half-grown boy, stamping his feet to keep warm, as he + droned out in sing-song fashion: "Walk in, gentlefolk, and have your + razors ground; we have all manner of kitchen furniture in cutlery + within, also catgut and fiddle strings at most reasonable rates." +</p> +<p> + But these attractions did not appear to bring many customers inside the + little shop, as the passersby seemed chiefly eager to gain the Vly + Market, where the stalls were crowded with purchasers who were getting + the good things there displayed to indulge in keeping New Year's day + with the proper spirit of festivity; and the shop-boy was about to slip + inside for the comfort of warming his fingers and toes, when a tall, + slender fellow in fisherman's dress accosted him. +</p> +<p> + "Hey, you there! Have you fish-hooks and nets within?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye, sir, in plenty. Will it please you to enter?" And the boy made + room for the stranger to pass through the narrow doorway. The shop was + apparently empty, except for a middle-aged man who rose from his seat on + a high stool near the window, where he was busily engaged in polishing a + pair of razors. As he came forward, the fisherman addressed him:— +</p> +<p> + "Good day, friend. A frosty morning." +</p> +<p> + "But the wind will turn to east at sunset," said the other, with a quick + glance from under his heavy eyebrows. +</p> +<p> + "A good wind, then, for the Sturdy Beggar," was the reply, as the + fisherman clasped his hands behind his neck with a peculiar gesture. +</p> +<p> + "Then all's well," returned the shopkeeper, laying down his razors, and + motioning his customer to come farther inside. "Whom do you seek here, + sir?" +</p> +<p> + "Mynheer Wilhelm Hoffmeister, known commonly as 'Billy the fiddler.'" +</p> +<p> + "He is off on duty since last Tuesday, but must be here to-night to play + at a grand ball given at one of the Tory houses; there must be news, for + you are the third one who has asked for him since yesterday." +</p> +<p> + "News?" said the fisherman eagerly; "perhaps you have a billet for me?" +</p> +<p> + "And what may you be called?" asked the other cautiously. +</p> +<p> + "Jim Bates, from Breucklen Heights." +</p> +<p> + "Then you're all right, sir; why didn't you say so before?" and the man, + casting a swift glance to make sure that the boy at the door was not + looking, pulled a scrap of dirty paper from his pocket, which was + instantly seized and opened by the fisherman. As he read the few words + it contained, the anxious lines on his face grew deeper. +</p> +<p> + "It is the only way," he muttered to himself, as he tore the scrap into + tiniest fragments, "but I must know from Kitty the hour." Then aloud, + "Have you a bit of paper, friend, on which I can write a message?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely," said the shopkeeper; "wait here a moment until I fetch it," + and he went hurriedly through a small door at the back of the shop, + leaving the fisherman standing near the window, from which he could see + the crowd outside. Suddenly the man uttered an exclamation, and made a + dash for the door, nearly upsetting the boy on the threshold. +</p> +<p> + "Tell your master I will return shortly," he said hurriedly, and + disappeared in the direction of the Vly Market. +</p> +<p> + It happened that Madam Cruger, thrifty housewife though she was, had + forgotten to order an extra number of the large, flat seedcakes, known + as New Year Cakes (and without which no gathering could be considered + complete for New Year day, when they were handed to all callers with the + accompanying glasses of mulled wine and metheglin), and had therefore + dispatched her daughter, with a colored servant carrying a capacious + basket on his arm, to purchase the dainty from the one stall in the Vly + Market where the aristocratic folk were wont to deal. Truth to tell, + Madam Cruger had made matters somewhat uncomfortable for her portly cook + when she learned that the cakes made by that functionary were too few to + meet her ideas of hospitality; and although Kitty knew that it would + require speed on her part to go to the market and return in time to + dress and be ready to receive their visitors in the drawing-room by + twelve o'clock, she preferred to pour oil on the troubled waters and + procure domestic peace at the expense of a little personal fatigue. + Beside, it was not unpleasant to trip along with the merry crowd, bent + on enjoying themselves, and Kitty knew that she would meet many an + acquaintance, out, like herself, on some belated errand for New Year + day. +</p> +<p> + But there was one occurrence for which Kitty had not bargained, and that + befell her as she gained the market door. The fisherman, who had + followed her as swiftly as he dared without creating notice, passed + close at her elbow, then turned and met her face to face. Kitty grew a + little pale as he touched his cap respectfully, but she stopped in + obedience to the glance which met hers. +</p> +<p> + "A Happy New Year to you, my good man," she said. "I fear that you and + your brother craftsmen suffer this terribly cold winter. Stand aside out + of the chilly wind which meets us through the market door and I will + speak to you. Cato," to her servant, "go on to Fran Hansel's stall, and + let her weigh out five pounds of seedcakes for my mother; I will join + you there in a moment," and she turned back to the fisherman, knowing + that in the crowd she was comparatively safe, provided her voice was not + loud enough to attract attention. +</p> +<p> + "What is it?" she murmured, almost breathless from excitement, yet + striving to maintain a quiet, even careless exterior. "I hoped you had + fulfilled your dangerous errand and gone hence two days ago." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot leave until my mission is completed; we have almost certain + news of an incursion by the British across the Kill von Kull, which will + do much injury to the peaceful country folk of Elizabethtown and Newark. + The man they call 'Billy the fiddler' will have a message for me + to-night of the greatest importance, and he plays with others at the De + Lancey ball; are you to be there, and at what hour?" +</p> +<p> + "I, Oliver?" said Kitty, and turned rosy red as the incautious word + escaped her; "all New York is going at eight o'clock, but what has that + to do with"— +</p> +<p> + "This," whispered Oliver Wolcott, pulling his hat further down over his + eyes, and motioning Kitty to walk a few steps away from the door: "I + must be there." +</p> +<p> + "You are mad!" and Kitty turned pale at the idea. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, no, I am coming as one Diedrich Gansevoort, from Albany. Do not + fear for me; my disguise will be very perfect, and I go introduced by + Abram Lansing, from whom I bring a letter to Madam De Lancey. They are + old friends, though he is as stanch a Whig as she a Tory. I tell you, + Kitty, 't is of vital importance that I ascertain the facts of this + rumored raid upon the patriots, and I must risk all to gain it. Warn + Betty, lest she give way to alarm; be brave and fear nothing." +</p> +<p> + "A Happy New Year, Mistress Kitty," said a gentleman who approached her, + followed by his negro servant. "I shall do myself the honor to pay my + respects to your mother a little later;" and Mr. Van Brugh raised his + three-cornered hat in courtly salute, staring hard at Kitty and the + fisherman as he passed them. +</p> +<p> + "We are noticed," said Oliver calmly; "go on and do your errand." +</p> +<p> + "But I am so fearful for you," gasped poor Kitty, whose usual composure + seemed to be deserting her. "You try me too far, unless I may do + something to aid your escape, for a horrible sinking of my heart seems + to bode no good to you." +</p> +<p> + "Put no faith in omens," answered Oliver, with a smile. "I shall be off + at daybreak. Farewell, Kitty, and have no fear; I am well protected," + and mingling in the crowd, he passed out of the market door and was + gone. +</p> +<p> + With what courage she could summon, Kitty sped on to Fran Hansel's + stand. The seedcakes had been weighed, decked with a handful of + Christmas greens, and placed in the basket, and Kitty, after a few kind + words to the old Dutch market-woman, made her way swiftly through the + crowd and gained the street. +</p> +<p> + "I must warn Betty," she thought an she proceeded up Maiden Lane, and as + she came to Queen Street she paused. "Go directly home," she said to her + servant; "tell my mother I have stopped to see Grandma Effingham and + wish her a Happy New Year. I will be back in time to dress," and off she + sped in the direction of Wall Street. +</p> +<p> + Betty, who like Kitty, had been spending her morning assisting in + preparations for the New Year callers who would present themselves later + in the day, was dusting the quaint Dresden Shepherdess who presided over + a corner of the drawing-room mantel, when a sharp knock at the front + door announced a visitor; and she fled out of the drawing-room only to + encounter Kitty in the hall. +</p> +<p> + "A Happy New Year to you," said Kitty, in a tone of gayety which she was + far from feeling. "I ran over to give greeting to grandma, and as I came + my petticoat gave way; let me mount to your chamber and fasten it before + I go to grandma's." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Betty, and seizing hands both girls ran rapidly up the + staircase. Inside the small chamber, Kitty closed the door, and set her + back against it. +</p> +<p> + "The petticoat is fast enough, Betty, but I have something grave to say. + Oliver is still in the city—he goes to the De Lanceys' to-night—I was + to warn you." +</p> +<p> + "In what disguise?" asked Betty breathlessly. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, I know not, except that he will represent Mynheer Diedrich + Gansevoort, from Albany; oh, Betty, I am sore afraid." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, wherefore?" and Betty's eyes sparkled as her color rose. "We + Wolcotts are not wont to fail, and I am now too accustomed to Oliver's + hairbreadth escapes for fright." +</p> +<p> + "You were well alarmed at the servants' dance; oh, how rash he is!" +</p> +<p> + "We spare nothing in our country's cause," said Betty, with a proud + little toss of her head; "but, Kitty, forgive me if I appear + intrusive—I am puzzled to know how and where you and Oliver"— +</p> +<p> + "You should have known long ago," interrupted Kitty, blushing deeply, + "but, somehow, I never could approach near enough to your heart to + confess that Oliver and I are trothplighted though my mother's consent + is lacking. We met in Albany—again at West Point, and oh, Betty, how I + have longed to tell you. I have seen you look at me with eyes so like + his; with such scornful glance when I laugh and jest with those hateful + redcoats, such kindly smile when I showed you that I am at heart a + patriot. Forgive me, dear, and let us do all we can to help Oliver + to-night, for he is determined to be at the De Lanceys' as by going + there he can obtain certain important information for the cause of + freedom." +</p> +<p> + Betty threw her arms around Kitty; why did she feel as if the innocent + words stabbed her? Had the "hateful redcoats" ceased to be hateful to + her? +</p> +<p> + "Trothplighted," she whispered, with wide-open eyes of delight; "I hoped + as much—how happy my father will be when Oliver"— +</p> +<p> + "Nay, nay," cried blushing Kitty, "you go too fast; think of madam, my + mother, and her antipathy to the 'rebels,' as she calls them, quite + forgetting that my aunt (where I made my home in Albany for three years) + is one, as well as her naughty daughter. Good lack! my fortunes were + told long ago had I but bowed to her wishes; and at the moment, + Betty,—to let you into a profound secret,—the most desirable husband + for me in her eyes is Captain Yorke." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" said Betty coldly, but Kitty was too engrossed in her own + discourse to notice. +</p> +<p> + "Not that he has such an idea, mind you; he loves to dance and jest + with me, as a score of others do. But, Betty, your confidence in Oliver + is well sustained so far, and it lightens my heart. Beside, there is no + one here who would be apt to recognize him except you and me; though for + the matter of that why Clarissa did not see and know his shadow at the + servants' dance I have not yet ceased to marvel." +</p> +<p> + "You forget that she had no knowledge of his presence in New York, and + Oliver has changed greatly since she saw him full three years ago." +</p> +<p> + "And now to grandma," said Kitty, releasing the latch of the door, which + she had held carefully in her hand since entering the room, as a + precaution against intruders; "and fare you well, Betty, till we meet at + the ball to-night." +</p> +<p> + All through that New Year day Betty's heart throbbed with excitement, as + a steady stream of visitors passed in and out of the mansion, where + Grandma Effingham and Clarissa bade welcome to old friends and young + ones, to stately gentlemen in small clothes and powdered queues, with a + fine selection of British officers, beginning with Sir Henry Clinton, + who arrived in great state and descended from his sleigh, with its + coal-black horses, accompanied by his aides, for the English commander + liked to conciliate the Tories of New York, and, as he was then making + secret preparations to accompany an expedition to South Carolina, + thought best to appear in public even more than usual. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," said Geoffrey Yorke, under cover of sipping a glass of + port wine which she had offered him, "I drink to your very good health;" + then softly, "I have not seen you for a week; have you been quite well + since the Christmas party?" +</p> +<p> + "Is it so long?"—willfully; "Clarissa said you called one day." +</p> +<p> + "Surely—to ask for you, and you never came inside the room." +</p> +<p> + "Because I was busy, sir," replied Betty. Then relenting as a swift + remembrance crossed her mind, "I was skating at the Collect, where I + went with Peter late in the day." +</p> +<p> + "Will you dance with me to-night at the ball—promise me all the dances + you can possibly spare?" and Geoffrey's voice took its most tender tone + as he fixed his eyes on Betty's charming face. +</p> +<p> + "All my dances? Nay, two, possibly three, are as many as Clarissa would + deem consistent with good manners," returned the maid, unable to forego + the pleasure of teasing him; "indeed, I am bewildered even now + remembering sundry engagements already made." +</p> +<p> + "The first dance, Betty," said Yorke pleadingly, as he saw the general + taking leave, and prepared to accompany him. "Surely you will not deny + me that grace?" +</p> +<p> + But Betty only gave him the tips of her fingers in reply as she swept a + graceful courtesy. Was it the slight pressure of his hand which + accompanied the farewell that made Geoffrey spring gayly into the sleigh + and drive off with a half-boyish, half-triumphant smile? +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIV +</h2> +<center> + THE DE LANCEY BALL +</center> +<p> + The De Lancey mansion, then one of the most famous houses in New York, + was on the Bloomingdale Road, and the drive out Bowery Lane ran through + meadow-land and green trees in summer, but over hard-packed snow and ice + in winter, for it was part of the highroad to Albany. So both Grandma + Effingham and Clarissa ordered the fur muffs and hot-water bottles for + the feet placed carefully in the sleigh, which Pompey brought to the + door just as the night watch went down the street, crying in his slow, + bell-like tones, "Eight o'clock, and all's w-e-ll!" Betty, standing + muffled in long cloak and fur hood, on the steps of the house, said to + herself, with a thrill of excitement, "All's well; please God I may say + as much when midnight sounds to-night." +</p> +<p> + The sleigh was a large, roomy one, with back and front seats, and its + big hood was drawn up and extended like a roof over the top, covering + the heads of its occupants, but open at the sides. Clarissa was seated + first, and well wrapped in the bearskin robes which adorned the sleigh, + and then Betty tripped lightly down to have her little feet bestowed in + a capacious foot-muff, as she carefully tucked her new gown around her + and sat beside Clarissa. Gulian, in full evening dress, with small + clothes, plum-colored satin coat and cocked hat, took possession of the + front seat. Pompey cracked his whip, and the spirited horses were off + with a plunge and bound, as Peter, the irrepressible, shouted from the + doorway, where with grandma he had been an interested spectator of + proceedings, "A Happy New Year to us all, and mind, Betty, you only take + the handsomest gallants for partners." De Lancey Place had been the + scene of many festivities, and was famed far and wide for its + hospitality, but (it was whispered) this New Year ball was to excel all + others. The mansion stood in the centre of beautiful meadow-land, with a + background of dark pines, and these showed forth finely against the snow + which covered the lawns and feathered the branches of the tall + oak-trees in front of the door. Lanterns gleamed here and there, up the + drive and across the wide piazza; at the door were the colored servants, + in livery imported direct from England, and from within came sounds of + music. As Pompey swept his horses up to the step with an extra flourish + of his whip, a group of British officers, who had just alighted from + another sleigh, hastened to meet Clarissa and assist her descent. +</p> +<p> + "On my word, Clarissa," said Gulian, a few minutes later, as he offered + her his hand to conduct her to the ballroom, "I never saw Betty look so + lovely. Your pink brocade becomes her mightily, and her slender shape + shows forth charmingly. Where did you procure those knots of + rose-colored ribbon which adorn the waist? I do not remember them." +</p> +<p> + "That is my secret—and Betty's; she vowed the gown would not be + complete without them, so I indulged the child, and I find her taste in + dress perfect. Captain Sir John Faulkner seems greatly taken with her, + does be not?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye, but let us hasten to find our hostess. They will be forming for + the minuet directly, and you must dance it with me, sweet wife,—unless + you prefer another partner." +</p> +<p> + Clarissa's response to this lover-like speech was evidently + satisfactory, for presently Betty beheld her sister and Gulian take + places at the head of the room, next Madam De Lancey, who opened her + ball with Sir Henry Clinton. Betty, since her arrival in New York, had + been trained and tutored for the minuet by both Clarissa and Kitty, and + here was Captain Sir John Faulkner, an elderly but gallant beau, + supplicating for the honor of her hand in the opening dance. +</p> +<p> + "I am loth to decline," began Betty, a little overpowered by the + compliment, "but I have already promised this dance." +</p> +<p> + "To me," said Geoffrey Yorke, at her side, and looking up, Betty, for + the first time, saw her lover in all the bravery of full uniform, + powdered hair, and costly laces. If he had been strikingly handsome in + the old homespun clothes in which he first appeared before her on the + shores of Great Pond, he was ten times more so now. Betty forgot that + his coat was scarlet, that he represented an odious king and all she + had been taught to despise; she only saw the gallant manly form and + loving eyes which met hers so frankly, and the hand she gave him + trembled as he led her out upon the floor. For Betty did not + know—though the realization came to her later, with bitter tears—- + that all unconsciously she had entered that fabled kingdom, the + knowledge of which makes life a mystery, death a glory! +</p> +<p> + The music swelled on in slow and stately measure; jewels flashed in the + blaze of wax candles, silken brocades rustled a soft accompaniment to + the steps and courtesies of their fair wearers, as Betty dreamed her + dream of happiness, only half aware that she was dreaming. And when, at + the close of the minuet, Geoffrey led her to Clarissa, there was no lack + of gallants nor partners, and Peter would have chuckled with delight + could he have seen that no one was so eagerly sought for as the lovely, + roguish maid, who wore the knots of rose-colored ribbon. +</p> +<p> + It was time for supper, and instruments were being tuned into order for + a grand march, to be led by Madam De Lancey, when Betty, standing near a + large Indian screen, talking with Mr. Van Brugh, who was a dear friend + of her father's, became aware of subdued voices at her elbow, on the + other side of the screen. +</p> +<p> + "I tell you I am right," said one of these testily; "I would stake my + sword that he is not what he seems. I saw him exchange a bit of paper + with yonder manikin fiddler, who has been under suspicion for some + weeks, and cleverly they did it, too. It's not the first time, I'll + warrant, that Mynheer von Gam—" +</p> +<p> + "No, no, not Von at all; you are safe to be mistaken, Colonel Tarleton; + the gentleman is one Diedrich Gansevoort from the Albany beverwyck. + Madam De Lancey herself made us acquainted; he is no spy." +</p> +<p> + Betty's heart sank. She murmured something in reply as Mr. Van Brugh + paused. This was the famous and cruel Colonel Tarleton. If he had traced + Oliver, then all was lost. She strained her ears for further + information, smiling up at Mr. Van Brugh as she waved her fan gently to + and fro. +</p> +<p> + "If you are so sure of it, why did he, an apparent stranger, have aught + to communicate to that fiddler yonder? Go quietly through the crowd and + watch the gentleman as he appears at supper; I'll have a word with Yorke + on the subject," and they moved off in the direction of the ballroom. +</p> +<p> + "Will he, indeed?" thought Betty, as she saw Geoffrey coming toward her + from the hall; "not while I can hold him at my side," and with somewhat + paler face, but with calm demeanor she moved away, obedient to + Geoffrey's request that she should go to supper. +</p> +<p> + Kitty Cruger's evening, unlike Betty's, had been full of dangerous + excitement. Arriving at the ball with her mother, she had been dancing + with her usual spirit, keeping, however, anxious watch for Oliver. But + she perceived no one whom she could possibly imagine was he, even in + disguise, and therefore it was with almost a shock of dismay that she + found herself stopped, as she was passing the supper-room door, by her + hostess, who "craved the favor of presenting a gentleman just arrived + from Albany, who knew her family there." Kitty dropped her most formal + courtesy and raised her eyes to the face of the stranger. Verily, Oliver + possessed positive genius for disguises, and troubled as she was Kitty + could not restrain a smile as she recognized in the rubicund + countenance and somewhat portly form of the gentleman bowing before her + an admirable caricature of no less a person than her respected uncle, + Cornelius Lansing, an antiquated Albany beau. +</p> +<p> + Yorke, with Betty, was just inside the door as the pair entered, and as + Kitty perceived them she paused for a moment to say good-evening. +</p> +<p> + "Where have you been? I was looking for you. Permit me to present + Mynheer Gansevoort, of Albany. Mistress Betty Wolcott and Captain Yorke. + As for you, sir,"—to Yorke, with a playful tap of her fan to engage his + attention,—"you have not yet claimed my hand for a dance. Pray, what + excuse can you devise for such neglect?" +</p> +<p> + Betty seized her opportunity. She must warn Oliver at all hazards. "Have + you lately arrived?" she said, fixing her eyes on him; then, in so low a + whisper that it barely reached him by motion of her lips, "You are + watched; be careful!" +</p> +<p> + "I am somewhat deaf," returned Oliver, with great readiness, bending his + ear toward her. "By whom?"—with equal caution. +</p> +<p> + "Colonel Tarleton. Escape as speedily as you can." +</p> +<p> + "Did you speak?" said Geoffrey, turning suddenly, to Betty's dismay, and + casting a penetrating glance at Oliver, which he returned with the + utmost calmness. +</p> +<p> + "This gentleman is somewhat deaf, I find," answered Betty. "It is a sad + affliction, sir; has it troubled you long?" +</p> +<p> + "Some years. May I offer Captain Yorke a pinch of snuff?" and the + pretended Mynheer Gansevoort produced a gold snuff-box from his + waistcoat pocket, which he courteously extended to the English officer. +</p> +<p> + "You must excuse me; I have not yet acquired the habit," replied + Geoffrey. "A glass of wine with you, sir, instead, if you will do me the + honor." +</p> +<p> + "With great pleasure." And as they moved a step onward, Kitty passed + first with Yorke, thereby giving Betty time to whisper to Oliver what + she had overheard behind the screen. +</p> +<p> + "Your very good health, sir," said Geoffrey, as he took the glasses of + port wine from a servant standing near the lavishly filled table; "and + if you will not consider me intrusive, do you purpose stopping in New + York?" +</p> +<p> + "That is as may be," replied the other. "I am not, however, returning + to Albany immediately. Will you name a toast?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye," said Yorke quickly, raising his glass, with a searching look into + Oliver's eyes,—"To your <i>safe</i> return to the Albany beverwyck; the + climate of New York is somewhat unhealthy at present." +</p> +<p> + "Yorke," said a young officer, coming hastily up behind the group, + "Colonel Tarleton desires speech with you for a moment; you will find + him and Sir Henry by the screen in the ballroom." +</p> +<p> + "You heard?" whispered Betty, as Geoffrey left them; "Captain Yorke has + recognized you—fly, fly, at once!" +</p> +<p> + "Is there another exit from this room, Kitty?" asked Oliver, finishing + his glass of wine as he spoke, and handing the empty glass to the + waiting servant. +</p> +<p> + "Only the window behind us," gasped Kitty; "quick! they are all too busy + eating and drinking to notice if you slip through the curtains, and the + balcony is but a few feet from the ground." +</p> +<p> + "Then I must run for it. Farewell," murmured Oliver, as the heavy damask + curtains dropped back over his vanishing figure. The two girls gazed + into each other's faces with dilated eyes and quivering lips. Would the + alarm be speedily given, and would they see him captured and carried to + certain death? For one breathless moment they listened, and then Kitty + turned sick and faint; her eyes closed as Betty flung an arm around her + waist. +</p> +<p> + "Some wine at once," she said aloud, and two gentlemen sprang forward to + assist her to place Kitty in a chair. "She is affected by the heat of + the room; it will pass in a moment," and she gave the reviving girl a + good hard pinch, which made her start in her chair. "Oh, Gulian, I am + glad you are here. Had you not better seek Madam Cruger?" +</p> +<p> + "No, no," cried Kitty, struggling to rise, and most heartily ashamed of + herself for her lack of self-control. "My mother is not strong and must + not be alarmed. I am better; will you come into the hall with me, Betty? + It is cooler there." +</p> +<p> + "Of course, and you can rest awhile; Gulian will bring us supper." +</p> +<p> + But supper and everything connected with it was far from Betty's + thoughts; all she wished was a few words with Kitty alone, which she + knew Gulian's absence would give her. +</p> +<p> + "Betty," said Kitty the instant he left them, "you do not know half the + danger. If he has not the means of escape close at hand—if the British + officers arrest the fiddler—Oliver is totally lost. Can you see through + yonder door if the man be there still with the others?" Betty rose from + her chair and stepped inside the ballroom, now nearly deserted, for the + guests were all at supper. She glanced eagerly toward the upper end of + the room; no, the manikin fiddler had disappeared. Then an idea darted + into her quick brain; inaction under the circumstances was maddening; + back she darted to Kitty's side. +</p> +<p> + "Kitty, come with me instantly. We will muffle ourselves in our cloaks + and hoods and steal forth for a moment. I'll find Pompey and our sleigh, + and if worst comes, let Oliver fly in that fashion; Gulian's horses are + fleet enough to distance pursuers." +</p> +<p> + Without another word both girls flew into the room near the front door + where they had left their wraps. Not a soul was there; the servants had + gone elsewhere, knowing that their services would not be required until + the early morning hours, when the ball broke up. It took but a moment + pounce on their cloaks, and Betty also seized a long dark wrap, which + lay conveniently at her hand, thinking it might be useful. Out into the + hall they dashed swiftly and silently, past the lanterns on the broad + piazza; and as luck had it, Pompey himself, who had come up to witness + the festivities from the outside, popped up at the steps. +</p> +<p> + "What you 'so doin' hyar, little missy?" he began wonderingly, but Betty + cut him short. +</p> +<p> + "Fetch the sleigh at once, Pompey. Mistress Kitty is ill, and I want to + take her home." +</p> +<p> + Pompey, somewhat alarmed at the tone and catching sight of Betty's white + face and burning eyes, vanished on the instant. The girls drew into the + shadow as far as they were able, and holding their breath peered into + the darkness. +</p> +<p> + "What is that?" whispered Kitty, as a swift footstep crossed the piazza. + "Oh, 'tis Yorke! Have a care, Betty, or we are discovered," and she + endeavored to drag her farther back against the wall. As she did so, + the crouching figure of a man rose up against the trunk of one of the + oak-trees on the lawn; it was Oliver. His padded coat cast off, they + could dimly distinguish his tall slender form. Some singular instinct + for which he could never account made Yorke pause as he set his foot on + the threshold of the front door; he wheeled just in time to see Betty's + face, as one pale ray from a distant lantern fell across it. +</p> +<p> + "Betty, what are you doing here?" he cried, darting to her side. At that + instant a sound of voices broke on the stillness of the night; it came + from behind the mansion in the direction of the pine woods. +</p> +<p> + "Kitty is ill," faltered Betty. "I am taking her home—do not, I pray + you, detain me—oh, there is Pompey"—as the welcome sound of + sleigh-bells rang out on the frosty air. "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, let me + go!" +</p> +<p> + Her tone of agonized supplication went to Geoffrey's heart. Kitty flew + down the steps into the sleigh, unassisted, and Betty followed, her hand + in Yorke's. There arose a hoarse shout "The spy, the spy—he has escaped + by the road!" and as Betty set her foot on the runner, a dark figure + vaulted over Kitty and buried itself in the robes at the bottom of the + sleigh. +</p> +<p> + "At last, sweetheart, I pay my debt," whispered Yorke in her ear, as he + thrust Betty safely into the seat. "Pompey, drive for your life!" The + startled negro needed no second bidding, down came the whip-lash on the + horses' backs, and with a furious plunge, a mad rear, they were off, a + quarter of a mile ahead before their pursuers turned the corner of the + mansion. +</p> +<p> + Oh, that wild race through the snow! Even in after years, when long days + of happiness had crowded out much of those stirring times from Betty's + mind, a shudder would creep over her, and closing her eyes she could see + again the tall gaunt trees, the frozen road, the snow that glittered so + still and cold in the cruel starlight, and hear the distant shouts that + she feared told of pursuit. On they flew, Oliver giving occasional + directions to the trembling and excited Pompey. Now that he knew the + danger, the faithful negro would have died sooner than fail to carry the + fugitive into comparative safety. On, through the Lispenard meadows, + on,—until they struck Broadway; no pursuers within sight, and at Crown + Street Oliver bade him turn in the direction of the river, and drive + down until he reached the slip which lay at the foot of the street. All + was still. Save an occasional belated pedestrian, nothing seemed + stirring, and as they neared the dingy old tavern at the Sign of the + Sturdy Beggar, Pompey pulled up his smoking, panting horses. +</p> +<p> + "Don't want to got too near dose lights," he said, pointing to the + swinging lantern which adorned the hostelry; "darsen't let nobody see my + young mistress; Massa Gulian would flog Pompey for shuah if dis tale + gets tole." +</p> +<p> + "You're right, Pompey," answered Oliver, springing up and flinging the + long dark cloak with which Betty had provided herself around his + shoulders; "take the ladies home slowly. Kitty, my beloved, + farewell—farewell, Betty, brave little soul that you are; I'll tell my + father how your quick wits came to my relief. Here I cross the river on + the ice, and, God willing, reach the commander-in-chief with the tidings + he desires by eight o'clock in the morning." +</p> +<p> + A sob from Kitty, a low "God guard you!" from Betty, and Oliver vanished + as Pompey turned his horses and proceeded leisurely back to Broadway. + The girls were literally too spent with emotion to do more than sink + down breathless among the fur robes, and not one word did they exchange + as they drove through Wall Street and finally drew up at the Verplancks' + door. On the steps stood Gulian, a tall and silent figure, awaiting the + truants. +</p> +<p> + "What does this mean?" he began sternly, as he lifted Kitty out. "Did + the hue and cry for that wretched, miserable Whig spy frighten the + horses? Clarissa is nearly distracted"— +</p> +<p> + "I will explain all to your satisfaction," interrupted Betty. "Meantime, + listen, and be thankful;" and as she held up a warning hand, they heard + through the stillness of the night the watchman's distant cry float down + the frosty air:— +</p> +<p> + "Half past three o'clock—and all's—well!" +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XV +</h2> +<center> + LOVE OR LOYALTY +</center> +<p> + "Do you mean to tell me that you, Clarissa's sister, had anything to do + with the escape of a Whig spy?" +</p> +<p> + "Even so," said Betty calmly, though her face was pale and her brilliant + eyes burning with excitement. +</p> +<p> + "Damnation!" retorted Gulian angrily. "Even your mistaken ideas of + patriotism could hardly carry a well-behaved maiden so far." +</p> +<p> + "Gulian! how <i>dare</i> you!" +</p> +<p> + "What am I to conclude?" with a scornful wave of his hand; "your story + is somewhat disjointed. Kitty is taken ill; you suddenly decide to carry + her off in my sleigh without farewell of any kind to your hostess, + without paying your sister or me the respect to ask permission. Then you + state that a man—confound the beggar's impudence!—sprang into the + sleigh, and you were foolish enough to fetch him out of the danger of + pursuit, all because of loyalty to the cause of so-called freedom. I + cannot understand—Stay! Captain Yorke was on the steps as I came out, + hearing the shouts; did he witness this extraordinary occurrence?" +</p> +<p> + "I told you the fugitive had concealed himself in the bottom of the + sleigh before I entered it," said Betty, terror seizing her lest a + chance word should implicate Geoffrey in the matter. "Would you have me + turn a helpless man loose among your Hessians? I have too vivid + recollection of Nathan Hale's fate to contribute another victim to + English mercy." +</p> +<p> + The taunt stung Verplanck, for, like many of the more liberal Tories, he + had deeply deplored the tragic ending of the gallant Hale, although + forced to regard it as one of the stern necessities of war. He bit his + lip as he answered:— +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, Betty; I am glad Clarissa does not regard me as quite so + bloodthirsty as you evidently deem me." Then, eying her keenly, as if + struck by a sudden thought, "Did you know the man, or was it all pure + patriotism?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," returned Betty, filled with indignation at the sneer, and facing + him with all her native courage; "yes, I know him well." +</p> +<p> + "Know him?" echoed the bewildered Gulian, "are you mad or am I + dreaming?" +</p> +<p> + "Neither, I trust. The Whig spy, as you are pleased to call him, was my + brother, Oliver Wolcott. Thank God that he has made good his escape, and + congratulate yourself, Gulian, that you aided, even remotely, in it." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty, if this be true, I trust Clarissa does not know." +</p> +<p> + "Never fear," with a choking sob; "I shall not tell her. She suffers + enough, poor soul, with her husband upon one side and her people upon + the other of this most cruel war." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, go to your chamber," said Gulian sternly. "I will myself escort + Kitty to her own door, and impress upon her the necessity of keeping the + matter a close secret. My mortification would be great were it known. + Why, it might even endanger my friendship with Sir Henry Clinton." +</p> +<p> + Betty left the room, but her lip curled as she said to herself, "A Tory + to the tips of his fingers; God forbid that I should ever feel what + Clarissa must." +</p> +<p> + Very little sleep visited Betty that night (or what remained of it) as + she lay with open eyes that strained into the growing dawn, picturing to + herself Oliver's flight across the North River, and hoping fervently + that she had thrown the pursuit skillfully off his track. When at last + she fell into a doze it was nearly seven o'clock in the morning, and + Miranda, who softly entered the room, bringing fresh water, halted at + the pillow, loth to waken her. +</p> +<p> + "Mistress Betty," she whispered. No reply, but the sleeper turned + uneasily, and then opened her eyes. "I certainly do hate to call you, + but jes' look here; what you say for dat, little missy?" and Miranda + held up a letter. "Dat was left wif me at daybreak by de young boy who + came wif Sambo—missy knows who I mean,"—rolling her eyes fearfully + around the room,—"and he said tell you that Jim Bates, of Breucklen + Heights, had tole him to fetch it to you." +</p> +<p> + Betty seized the package; it consisted of a half-sheet of paper which + inclosed a letter, doubled over and sealed with wax in the fashion of + the day. +</p> +<p> + "I am safely across the river," wrote Oliver on the outer sheet, "and + send this to ease your mind and Kitty's. Moppet's letter came to me + inside one from my father by private hand a few days since, on chance of + my being able to give it you. My service in the city is over, my object + attained; hereafter I shall be on duty with our troops. God be with you + till we meet again." +</p> +<p> + Betty broke the seal of her letter and between sobs and laughter + deciphered the queer pot-hooks and printed letters with which Miss + Moppet had covered the pages. Dear little Moppet; Betty could almost see + the frowns and puckered brow with which the child had penned the words. +</p> +<p> + "My Betty dear," the letter ran, "we miss you sorely, especially the + Mare and me. She whinnies when I seek the Stable, and I was going to say + I cry too, but never mind." (This was partly erased, but Betty made it + out.) "It is so cold the Chickens are kept in the kitchen at night lest + they freeze. We hope it may thaw soon, as we Desire to get the maple + syrup from the trees. Aunt Euphemia is well. Miss Bidwell is still + knitting Socks for our poor soldiers, and I made Half of one, but the + Devil tempted me with Bad temper and I threw it on the Fire, for which + I was well Punished. Pamela cries much; I do not see why she is so + Silly. Sally Tracy is the only merry one, now you are away; she spends + too much, time, to my thinking, reading and walking with a young + Gentleman who comes from Branford. I have not yet learned how to spell + his Name, but you may Guess who I mean. When are you coming home, Betty? + I want so to see your dear face. My Respects to Gulian and Clarissa, and + Obedience to Grandma—I do not Recollect her whole Name. My Sampler is + more perfectly Evil than ever, but I have completed the Alphabet and I + danced on it, which Miss Bidwell said was Outrageous naughty, but my + temper Felt calmed afterward. It has taken four Days to write this, + farewell, from your lonesome little sister, +</p> +<center> + "FAITH WOLCOTT. +</center> +<p> + "Nota Bene. I send my Love to You know Who." +</p> +<p> + There were others of the Verplanck household who slept late that + morning. Gulian's usually calm and somewhat phlegmatic temper had been + moved to its depths by the startling and most unexpected revelation of + Oliver Wolcott's identity with the spy, whose escape Betty had aided + and in which he was also indirectly implicated by the use of his horses + and servant. Gulian's strict sense of justice told him that Betty was + right in seizing the means at hand to rescue her brother, but that did + not lessen his irritation at being used for anything which appertained + to the Whig cause, for Gulian Verplanck was a Tory to the backbone. + Educated in England, brought up to consider that the divine right of + kings was a sacred principle, he carried his devotion to the Tories to + such an extent that had he foreseen the conflict between King and + Colonies it is safe to say he would never have wedded Clarissa Wolcott. + His love for his wife was too great to permit him to regret his + marriage, and he was too thorough a gentleman to annoy her by alluding + to their political difference of opinion, except occasionally, when his + temper got the better of him, which, to do him justice, was seldom. But + Clarissa's very love for him rendered her too clear-sighted not to + perceive the state of his mind, and the unspoken agitation which she + suffered on this score had been partly the cause of her homesickness and + longing for her sister's companionship. He had been both kind and + considerate in sending for Betty; his conscience approved the action; + and now to have this escapade as the outcome was, to a man of his + somewhat stilted and over-ceremonious ideas, a blow of the most annoying + description. +</p> +<p> + When he sallied forth from his house some two hours later than his wont, + on his way to the wharf, where his business was located, he + congratulated himself that he had so far escaped questioning from his + wife on the occurrences of the night before. When Betty left him, he had + taken Kitty home in the sleigh, and refrained from lecturing her except + so far as insisting upon her not mentioning the matter of Oliver's + escape to her mother. Exhausted as she was, mirth-loving Kitty was moved + to a smile as she listened to Gulian's labored sentences, in which he + endeavored to convince his listener and himself that what he considered + almost a crime against the King's majesty—permitting the escape of a + rebel spy—was, so far as Betty was concerned, a meritorious act. So + Kitty promised, with the utmost sincerity, that not one syllable would + she breathe of the matter to her mother, or, in fact, to any human + being, and hugged herself mentally as she thought of Gulian's horror if + he only knew what a personal interest she had in that night's mad race + for freedom. Clarissa, sweet soul, had lain down quietly, when told that + their horses had nearly run away, being badly frightened by the hue and + cry of an escaping rebel; and uttering heartfelt thanksgivings that + Pompey had brought the girls home in safety, she went fast asleep and + remained so long after Gulian had risen, breakfasted, and gone down + Maiden Lane. +</p> +<p> + Business was somewhat dull that morning, and Gulian was conscious that + each time his office door opened he feared some one would enter who had + learned, he hardly knew how, of his having been connected with the + hateful affair occupying his thoughts. It was therefore with a genuine + feeling of relief that just as he was preparing to lock up his books he + heard the outer door open, and a familiar voice inquire if he was + within. +</p> +<p> + "Pray come in at once, Yorke," he said, throwing open the door of his + private room with alacrity, as he held out a hand of welcome to his + visitor. "Did you rise early this morning? I am ashamed to own how late + I was, but the balls at De Lancey Place are promoters of sleep next day, + I find." +</p> +<p> + "I can usually plead guilty to sleep," replied Yorke, throwing off his + military cloak, and taking the chair which Gulian offered him, "but I + had to be stirring early to-day, for Sir Henry had pressing affairs, and + I was at headquarters before seven o'clock." +</p> +<p> + "Did you take horse in pursuit of the spy last night?" asked Gulian, + with somewhat heightened color. +</p> +<p> + "Not I," answered Yorke carelessly; "the poor devil had luck on his + wide, or doubled marvelously well on his pursuers, for I am told that + not a trace of him nor of his confederate, the little fiddler, did our + men find. It's well for them, as Sir Henry was much enraged and their + shrift would have been short, I fear, had they been captured." +</p> +<p> + "These rebels grow bolder than ever," said Gulian, uttering a secret + thanksgiving which spoke better for his kindness of heart than his + loyalty to King and Crown; "I marvel at their adroitness." +</p> +<p> + "So do we all;—but, Verplanck, I came on a different errand to-day than + politics. I came"—and Geoffrey hesitated, as a questioning look came + on Gulian's face—"I came—I—In short, am I right in esteeming you for + the present as brother and guardian to Mistress Betty Wolcott?" +</p> +<p> + "Aye; in her father's absence, of course, I stand in that relation + toward her. Well, what of Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Only this," and rising, Yorke bowed in courtly fashion: "I have the + honor to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your sister, + Mistress Betty." +</p> +<p> + "To Betty?" was Gulian's astonished and delighted response. "You + surprise me. Your acquaintance is but recent, and, I think, somewhat + formal?" +</p> +<p> + "Love is hardly a matter of time or formality," returned Yorke, with a + smile, as a remembrance of his first meeting with Betty occurred to him, + "and that I do truly and honestly love her you have my honorable + assurance. Do you give me your permission to proceed in the matter?" +</p> +<p> + "With all my heart," said Gulian, this new aspect of things driving all + unpleasantness connected with Betty from his head; "but her father's + consent is, I fear me, quite a different matter." +</p> +<p> + "That is not for to-day," cried the lover, as he shook Gulian's hand + with almost boyish delight, "and to-morrow may take care of itself if I + can but gain Betty's ear." +</p> +<p> + "But my consent and Clarissa's can be but conditional," proceeded + Gulian, his habitual caution returning to him. "I am not sure that I + should be altogether justified—Nay," seeing Yorke's face cloud with + keen disappointment, "I will myself lay the matter before Betty, and + endeavor to ascertain if she may be well disposed toward you." +</p> +<p> + "Heaven forbid!" thought the impetuous lover. But he only said aloud, + "Thank you, Verplanck, I am delighted to receive your sanction. How are + you spending the afternoon?" +</p> +<p> + "I have business at Breucklen Heights, but I shall be at home this + evening, when I will approach Betty in the matter, and tell my wife of + the honor you do us. For I have not forgotten my many visits to your + father, Lord Herbert, at Yorke Towers, and the kindness extended me + while in England. Indeed, Yorke, for my personal share in the matter, I + know of no alliance which could gratify me more." +</p> +<p> + This was unwonted warmth on Gulian's part, and Yorke, feeling it to be + such, grasped his hand warmly at parting, as he flung himself in his + saddle, and rode gayly up Maiden Lane. +</p> +<p> + But the "best laid plans o' mice and men" often meet with unsuspected + hindrances, as both Gulian and Yorke were destined to discover. What + special imp prompted Betty to sally forth for a walk after dinner, + thereby missing a call from Yorke (who came thus early to prevent + Gulian's intended interview), it would be vain to speculate; but when + the maid returned, feeling more like her old happy self than she had + done in weeks, the irony of fate prompted an encounter with her + brother-in-law at the library door. +</p> +<p> + "I have somewhat to say to you, Betty," began Gulian, with an air of + importance, which set Betty's nerves on edge at once. If there was one + thing more than another that annoyed her it was Gulian's pompous manner. + "Will you come inside before going upstairs? I will not detain you + long." +</p> +<p> + Wondering what could have occurred to wipe out the displeasure with + which he had dismissed her to bed the last time they met, Betty + followed him, and throwing off her hood and cloak seated herself calmly + as Gillian entered and closed the door with the solemnity he considered + befitting the occasion. +</p> +<p> + "I had the unhappiness—the very great unhappiness," he began, "to feel + much displeased with you last night; but upon thinking the whole matter + over carefully, I am convinced that in assisting your unfortunate + brother to escape you did your best under the circumstances, and were + justified in yielding to a very natural and proper sisterly impulse." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you," said Betty demurely, but with a sparkle of fun in her + liquid eyes as she turned them upon Gulian, secretly amused at this + curiously characteristic apology. +</p> +<p> + "We will dismiss that event and endeavor to forget it; I only wish, to + repeat my injunction that I desire Clarissa should know nothing of the + matter." He paused, and Betty made a movement of assent. +</p> +<p> + "How old are you, Betty?" came the next remark. +</p> +<p> + "I am turned sixteen," replied Betty, somewhat surprised at the + question. +</p> +<p> + "So I thought." Gulian paused again to give weight and dignity to the + disclosure. "You are now of a marriageable age. I have this morning + received a proposal for your hand." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed," said Betty calmly, "And who, pray, has done me that honor, in + this city, where I am but a recent comer?" +</p> +<p> + "Precisely what I remarked; the acquaintance has been, perhaps, unduly + short. But nevertheless a most honorable and distinguished gentleman + intends to offer you, through me, his hand"— +</p> +<p> + "He had been wiser to present <i>me</i> with his heart," interrupted Betty, + with a mischievous laugh. But mirth died on her lips as Gulian, frowning + slightly, proceeded with his story in his own way. +</p> +<p> + "His hand, and I presume his heart; do not be flippant, Betty; it ill + becomes you. This young gentleman will be called upon to fill a high + position; he is the son of a man of title and"— +</p> +<p> + "Stay," said Betty coldly. "It is not necessary to rehearse his + advantages. May I ask the name of this somewhat audacious gentleman?" +</p> +<p> + "Audacious?" ejaculated Gulian, falling back a step to gaze full at the + haughty face uplifted toward him. "Surely you misunderstand me. Pending + your father, General Wolcott's consent, I trust you are able to perceive + the advantages of this match, for Captain Geoffrey Yorke is a son of + Lord Herbert Yorke, and grandson of the Earl of Hardwicke. It is an + exceptionally good offer, in my opinion, for any colonist, as in this + country, alas, we have no rank. Moreover, Betty, when the war ends it + will be wise to have some affiliation with the mother country, and by so + doing be in a position to ask protection for your unhappy and misguided + relatives who now bear arms against the King." +</p> +<p> + Up rose Mistress Betty, her slender form trembling with indignation, her + eyes flashing, and her cheeks scarlet.— +</p> +<p> + "I would to God," she cried passionately, "that my father could hear you + insult his child, his country, and his cause. There is no need for you + to ask his consent to my marriage with Captain Yorke, for here, this + moment, I promptly decline any alliance which possesses the advantages + you so feelingly describe." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty "—Gulian saw his mistake, but it was too late; on rushed + the torrent of her indignation. +</p> +<p> + "I wish you—and him—to understand that Betty Wolcott is heart and soul + with her 'misguided relatives' in rebellion against British rule; that + nothing—no, nothing, would induce her to wed an enemy to her country." +</p> +<p> + "Nothing, Betty?" said a manly voice behind her, as Yorke himself + crossed the threshold, where for the last few seconds he had been an + angry listener to Gulian's blunders. "Surely you will grant me a moment + to plead on my own behalf?" +</p> +<p> + "And wherefore?" cried Betty. "You sent your message by him," with a + scornful wave of her hand toward Gulian's retreating figure; "through + him, then, receive my reply." +</p> +<p> + "I will not," said Geoffrey firmly, as the door closed behind Verplanck. + "Sweetheart, will you listen to me?" +</p> +<p> + "It is useless," murmured Betty, with a choking sob. "I was mad to even + dream it might be possible. Gulian has made it all too plain to me." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, you must and shall hear me. I will not leave you until I tell you + that I love you devotedly; ah, why should politics and war come between + our hearts? Consider, Betty, I will do all a gentleman and a man of + honor can to please you"— +</p> +<p> + "But you cannot desert your own people," she said despairingly. "I could + not love you if you did, for, Geoffrey, it is but due you to confess in + this hour of parting that you are very, very dear to me," and the last + words just reached his eager ears as Betty sank, trembling, into a + chair. +</p> +<p> + "Dearest," he cried, kissing the little hand which lay in his, "will you + not bid me hope? Think, the tide may turn; we are both young, and who + can predict the fortunes of war? I will not bind you, but to you I must + myself be bound by the passionate love I bear you." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Geoffrey, my beloved, it cannot be! I know what my dear and honored + father would say. God guard you—farewell!" +</p> +<p> + He caught the dainty form in his arms, he held her next his heart and + vowed that come what would he defied fate itself to separate her from + him. "See," he cried, snatching the knot of rose-colored ribbon from his + breast, "I will wear this token always as I have done since the day it + dropped from your gown on the grass. If it be twenty years, I will yet + come, with your father's consent, to win you, and then, <i>then</i>, + sweetheart, may I claim my reward?" +</p> +<p> + "I cannot wed my country's foe," she faltered. "Oh, Geoffrey, be + merciful—let me go." At that moment there came a violent knock upon the + street door, a sound of voices, and Pompey's slow step approaching the + library door. +</p> +<p> + "An express for Massa Captain brought by Sir Henry's orderly," said the + faithful old negro, handing a sealed envelope to Yorke, as he closed the + door behind him. Yorke tore it open; it fell from his hand. For a moment + he stood, tall, gallant, and brave, before Betty; his eyes met hers in + long, lingering farewell. +</p> +<p> + "Sir Henry leads the expedition to South Carolina to-night, Betty, and I + go with him. Nay, sweetheart, sweetheart, we shall meet again in happier + days." +</p> +<p> + She gave a little cry and flung herself into his arms; she kissed him + with all her warm frank heart on her lips, and then she slipped from his + embrace and was gone as Yorke dashed from the house, mounted his horse, + and galloped swiftly away. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVI +</h2> +<center> + MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY +</center> +<p> + It was early autumn in Connecticut, and the maples had put on their most + gorgeous robes of red and yellow. The weather had been mild for that + region up to the middle of October, when a sudden light frost had flung + its triumphant banner over hill and dale with a glow and glory seen to + its greatest perfection in New England. The morning air was somewhat + fresh, and Miss Bidwell, hearing Moppet's feet flying along the hall, + opened the door of the sitting-room and called the child. +</p> +<p> + "You will need your tippet if you are going beyond the orchard, and I + think perhaps your hood." +</p> +<p> + "Hood!" echoed Miss Moppet disdainfully, shaking her yellow curls over + her shoulders until they danced almost of themselves; "I do not need to + be muffled up as if I were a little girl, Miss Bidwell. You forget I was + twelve years old yesterday," and she waltzed around the room, spreading + her short skirt in a courtesy, to Miss Bidwell's admiring gaze. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, I am likely to recollect when I myself arranged the twelve + candles in your birthday cake." +</p> +<p> + "To be sure!" cried Moppet, with swift repentance, "and such an + excellent, rich cake as it was, too. Do you think"—insinuatingly—"that + I might have a slice, a very tiny slice, before I go forth with Betty to + gather nuts in the Tracys' woods?" +</p> +<p> + "No," replied Miss Bidwell, laughing, "you will assuredly be ill if you + touch one morsel before dinner. Run along, Miss Moppet, I see your + sister waiting for you at the gate," and Moppet, with a jump and a skip, + flew off through the side door and down the path, at the end of which + stood Betty. +</p> +<p> + It was a very lovely Betty over whom the October sunshine played that + morning, but to a keenly observant eye a different Betty from her who + had danced at the De Lancey ball, now nearly three years past. This + Betty had grown slightly taller, and there was an air of quiet dignity + about her which suggested Pamela. But the beautiful merry eyes had + deepened in expression, and it was, if anything, a still more attractive + face than of old, although the fair unconsciousness of childhood had + departed; and if mischief still lurked in the dimpled cheeks, that was + because Betty's heart could never grow old; no matter what life might + hold for her of joy or sorrow, she would always be to a certain extent a + child. And well for her that it was so; do we not all know a few rare + natures whose fascination dwells in this very quality? +</p> +<p> + The years had gone swiftly for Betty. Shortly after her parting with + Yorke an opportunity had occurred for her return to Litchfield, and + although Clarissa lamented her departure Betty was eager to fly home. + Gulian had done his best to smooth over his ill-judged and ill-tempered + effort to arrange her matrimonial affairs, and one of Betty's minor + annoyances was her sister's evident disappointment at Yorke's rejection. + Only once had she forgotten herself and flashed out upon Clarissa, + peremptorily forbidding further discussion, and Clarissa had been + positively aghast at the impetuous little creature who confronted her + with flashing eyes and quivering lips, and had speedily warned Gulian + never to broach the subject to Betty again. Peter was Betty's closest + friend in those stormy days. The urchin had a shrewd perception of how + matters stood, and many a time had Betty hugged him for very gratitude + when he made a diversion and carried her off to some boyish haunt in the + city or to the Collect, thereby giving her opportunity to regain the + self-control and spirit necessary to appear as usual. For Betty was + formed of gallant stuff. No matter if her heart ached to bursting for + sight of Geoffrey, if her ears longed, oh, so madly, for the sound of + his voice; she could suffer, aye, deeply and long, but she could also be + brave and hide even the appearance of a wound. That Gulian, and even + Clarissa, considered her a heartless coquette troubled her not at all, + and so Betty danced and laughed on to the end of her sojourn in New + York. +</p> +<p> + It had always been a source of thankfulness to her that she had been + able to go home before Geoffrey's return from the expedition to South + Carolina, for she sometimes doubted her own ability to withstand his + personal appeal if again exerted. That he had returned and then, shortly + after, gone upon another detail, she had heard incidentally from Oliver + during one of her brother's flying visits to Litchfield on his way to + New London with dispatches. Oliver had been greatly touched by Yorke's + conduct in the matter of his escape, but if he suspected that Betty's + lovely face had anything to do with the British officer's kindly + blindness, he was too clever to hint as much, for which forbearance + Betty thanked him in the depths of her heart. The only way in which he + showed his suspicion was in the occasional bits of news concerning Yorke + with which he favored her. At the battle of Cowpens Yorke had been + wounded and taken prisoner, and it fell to Oliver Wolcott to arrange for + his exchange. Then, for the first time, were Oliver's surmises changed + to certainties, for one night when he had been attending the prisoner, + whose wound was nearly healed, Yorke broke silence and in the frankest, + most manly fashion demanded news of his little sweetheart, and told + Oliver of his hopes and fears. Nothing could have appealed so directly + to the brother as Yorke's avowal that Betty had refused him because of + the coat he wore, and his eyes filled as he said, boyishly enough, + "Egad, Yorke, she has all the Wolcott pluck and patriotism; though were + this vexed question of independence settled, I wish with all my heart + that you may yet conquer this unwilling maid whom I call sister." +</p> +<p> + Yorke smiled, but he did not consider it necessary to add that Betty had + once let compassion and gratitude get the better of her loyalty in the + matter of a prisoner, to Oliver's own discomfiture. +</p> +<p> + There had been some changes in the Wolcott home: Pamela had gone forth + from the mansion a bride, after Cornwallis had surrendered at Yorktown, + and Josiah Huntington had worn a major's uniform on his wedding-day. + Betty had scarcely recovered from that break in the home circle when + Sally Tracy, with many blushes and much laughter, confessed that she, + too, was about to follow Pamela's example, and that a certain Mr. James + Gould, the gentleman from Branford, of whom Moppet had been so + suspicious, was the lucky individual upon whom she intended to bestow + her hand. Verily, with all these wedding-bells sounding, Betty began to + feel that she was likely to be left alone, but who only laughed gayly + when twitted with her fancy for maidenhood, and danced as merrily at + Sally's wedding as if her heart had lain light in her bosom instead of + aching bitterly for one whom she began to fear she should never see + more. +</p> +<p> + Little did Betty guess that bright October morning, when she and Moppet + went forth bent on a nutting excursion, that a courier was even now + speeding on his way whose coming would change the tide of her whole + existence. And when, as noon struck, Oliver Wolcott dismounted at the + door of his home and, walking straight to his father's study, delivered + a packet from General Wolcott to Miss Euphemia, his next move was a + descent upon Miss Bidwell's parlor and a hasty demand for Betty. So when + Moppet and Betty appeared, rosy with success and a fair-sized bag of + nuts as the result of their joint labors, they found the household in a + state of suppressed excitement, and lo! the cause was Oliver's + approaching marriage. +</p> +<p> + "You see," explained Oliver, when he finally got Betty to himself for a + walk in the orchard after dinner, "now that the treaty has been signed + in Paris, the British will soon evacuate New York, and when our army + enters, there will be grand doings to celebrate the event, and my + father must ride at the head of the Connecticut troops on that day. I, + too, Betty, God willing, shall be with the Rangers, and thinking the + date will be about a month hence, Kitty and Madam Cruger have set our + wedding-day as the 25th of November. I gave you Kitty's letter"— +</p> +<p> + "Yes, and a dear, kind letter it is. She bids me for her bridesmaid, + Oliver, and says that Moppet and Peter will hold her train, after the + new English fashion (which no doubt is her mother's suggestion, for I + think Kitty does not much affect fancies which come across the water), + and, oh, Oliver, I do indeed wish you joy," and Betty's eyes brimmed + full of tears as she gave him her hand. +</p> +<p> + "I know you love Kitty," said Oliver, kissing her cheek, "and we can + afford to forgive a wedding after the English mode, as, if I gain my + Kitty, I care but little how she comes." +</p> +<p> + "Betty, Betty," called Moppet's voice from the upper path, "do come in + if you and Oliver have finished your chat, for Miss Bidwell desires your + opinion on some weighty matter connected with our journey to New York." +</p> +<p> + "I will come," answered Betty; then turning bank with, as careless an + air as she could summon, "Do you happen to have heard aught of your + quondam prisoner, Captain Yorke?" +</p> +<p> + "Yorke!" replied Oliver, avoiding her eye as be stooped to throw a stick + from the path,—"Yorke! oh, aye, I did hear that he was invalided and + went home several months ago. I fancy it was not so much his health (for + he looked strong enough to my thinking the last time I met him) but more + his disgust with the turn things were taking; for you know, Betty, since + the surrender at Yorktown the British have been more insolent and + overbearing than ever, and Yorke is too much a gentleman, no matter what + his political color, to be dragged into quarrels which I hear are + incessant in the city, and the cause of many duels." +</p> +<p> + "Duels!" cried Betty, as the color left her checks; "oh, I hope he—that + is—I hope nobody whom I know has been engaged in one." +</p> +<p> + "Not I," returned Oliver, with a mischievous glance. "So you might even + be sorry for a foe, eh, Betty?" But Betty went flying up the path and + did not deign to reply. +</p> +<p> + Miss Moppet, childlike, was perfectly overjoyed at the prospect of a + wedding in which she was to play a part, and flew from her aunt to Miss + Bidwell and Betty, then back to her aunt again in a twitter of + excitement at the combination of a journey and festivity as well. + General Wolcott's letter to his sister was full of important news. As + the seat of Congress was Annapolis, General Wolcott, who was a member of + that body, had decided to close the manor house for the winter and take + a house in New York for his family, and he sent minute and particular + directions for leaving all home affairs in the hands of Miss Bidwell and + Reuben until their return to Litchfield in the spring. Oliver's intended + marriage had hastened this decision, and there would be barely time to + settle matters and reach New York in season for the wedding. They were + to stop with Clarissa, who had written most pleading letters, and after + that visit would take possession of their new quarters. +</p> +<p> + Most of the afternoon was spent in plans for their journey, with Oliver + as escort, and many a sigh rose almost to Betty's lips as these recalled + that other journey when her heart had been as light as Moppet's was now. + But she put all thought aside with a resolute heart, and finally + receiving directions from Miss Euphemia in regard to a chest of winter + clothing packed safely away in the garret, she concluded to give + Moppet's restless hands some occupation, and bade the child accompany + her upstairs. +</p> +<p> + The old garret looked familiar enough. Even the wooden stools which had + served as seats for her and Sally Tracy in the old childish days stood + in the same corner under the dormer window, through which the sun was + even now pouring its setting rays. The chest was unlocked, and presently + a goodly pile of clothing lay upon the floor ready to be carried below. +</p> +<p> + "Let me have my worsted jacket, and my flannel wrapper (indeed, I do + believe they are too small for me; can I find others in New York, + Betty?), and this pretty hood of Pamela's. Betty, Betty, do you think + Miss Bidwell could cut this one smaller for me? May I just run down and + ask? I will return at once." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Betty, intent upon counting a heap of stockings; "please + fetch me a pair of scissors when you come up again." +</p> +<p> + Off flew Moppet, marking her progress down the garret stairs by various + exclamations as she dropped the jacket and tripped on the wrapper, but, + finally reached the bottom in safety, Betty went on overlooking the + chest; there were many articles to select from, and a red skirt of + Moppet's which did not appear to be forthcoming. She ran her hand down + to the very bottom of the chest, and feeling some garment made of smooth + cloth with a gleam of red in it, dragged it forth and held it up to the + light. As she did so, her hand struck something hard and round. +</p> +<p> + "What have I found?" thought Betty, but the next moment she saw that + what she held was an officer's dark blue riding-cape fastened with brass + buttons, on each of which was engraved a crown, and the cape was lined + with British scarlet. +</p> +<p> + "What have you got there?" said Moppet's voice, as she appeared at her + side. "Why, 'tis Captain Yorke's cape that he muffled me in the day I + fell into Great Pond—Oh, Betty, Betty, what is amiss?" +</p> +<p> + Down on her knees fell Betty. She buried her face in the cape's folds, + and tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to say, "It is nothing, + nothing, I am tired—I am—Oh, Geoffrey, Geoffrey, I think my heart is + breaking." +</p> +<p> + Miss Moppet opened her eyes to their widest; then slowly and + deliberately she grasped the situation in "high Roman fashion." +</p> +<p> + "Betty Wolcott, do I live to see you weep over a scarlet coat!" +</p> +<p> + No answer; indeed, Betty scarcely heard the words. The flood-gates were + let loose and the agony of days and months must have its way. +</p> +<p> + "Betty!" this time the voice of reproving patriotism quavered somewhat. + "I do believe you are worse than Pamela." But Betty sobbed on,—sobs + that fairly racked her slender body. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I don't care what anybody says,"—and Moppet flung the Whig cause + to the wind as she cast herself down beside Betty,—"he's dear and + handsome and brave; whether he be British or Yankee, I love him, and <i>so + do you</i>, naughty, naughty Betty!" +</p> +<p> + And with her head on Miss Moppet's sympathizing shoulder, and Miss + Moppet's loving arms clasped around her neck, Betty Wolcott whispered + her confession and was comforted. +</p><p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVII +</h2> +<center> + A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON +</center> +<p> + The sun rose bright and clear over the Bay of New York. It had been a + somewhat gray dawn, but the fog and mist had gradually rolled away, and + the day bid fair to be one of those which Indian summer occasionally + gives in our northern climate. All around Fort George and the Battery + the British troops were making ready for departure; the ships for their + transportation to England lay out in the bay, for this was the 25th of + November in the year of our Lord 1783. +</p> +<p> + The streets in the upper part of the city were filled with a different + kind of crowd, but one equally eager to be off and away. Many of the + Tories and sympathizers with the Crown had found New York a most + unpleasant dwelling-place since the signing of the treaty in which "The + United States of America" were proclaimed to the world an independent + Power, and Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, had more trouble in + providing transportation for this army of discontented refugees than for + his own soldiers. However, the day was fixed, the ships ready to weigh + anchor, and the Army of Occupation about to bid adieu to American shores + forever. +</p> +<p> + "Peter," said Miss Moppet, as she danced merrily out of the + breakfast-room, "you are sure, quite sure that the grand procession, + with General Washington at its head, will come past this door? Because + we are all cordially bidden to Mistress Kitty's and perhaps Betty may + prefer to go there." +</p> +<p> + "But it will be a far better sight here," returned Peter; "it is sure to + pass our door, for I heard Oliver tell Aunt Clarissa so last night just + as he was going out." +</p> +<p> + "Oliver has overmuch on his mind to-day," remarked Moppet shrewdly; "to + ride with his troop in the morning and be married at evening is quite + enough to make him forget the route of a procession. Do you think we + might go out on the doorstep and see if there be any sign of its + approach?" +</p> +<p> + "Why not? It will be royal fun to see the British soldiers come down + from the Government House, and hear the hoots and howls the Broadway + and Vly boys are bound to give them. For once all the boys of the city + are of one mind—except the Tory boys, and they don't count for much + hereafter." +</p> +<p> + "I wouldn't jeer at a fallen foe if I were you, Peter," said Moppet, + severely, as she took up a position on the stoop, and leaned her elbows + on the iron railing; "my father says that is not manly, and besides I do + suppose there may be some decent Britishers." +</p> +<p> + "I never knew but one," retorted Peter stoutly. "What knowledge have you + of them, I'd like to know?" +</p> +<p> + "Not much," evasively. "Who was the one you mention?" +</p> +<p> + "My! but he was a prime skater; how he and Betty used to fly over + Collect Pond that winter. Do you skate up in Litchfield, Moppet?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, of course; that's where Betty learned with Oliver." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, aye, I remember; when she cut a face on the ice the day she raced + with Captain Yorke she told me her brother had taught her." +</p> +<p> + At this moment there was sound of a distant bugle; both children ran + down to the foot of the steps and gazed eagerly up the street. But it + was a false alarm, and after a few moments spent in fruitless watching + they returned to their post of observation on the stoop. +</p> +<p> + "Peter," began Moppet presently, with true feminine persistency, "what + were you saying about a British officer who knew Betty?" +</p> +<p> + "Captain Yorke? He was aide to Sir Henry Clinton." +</p> +<p> + "Was he? Will he go off to-day with all the other redcoats?" +</p> +<p> + "He sailed away to England some months ago,—I recollect he came to bid + good-by to Clarissa,—but do you know, Moppet," lowering his voice, with + a glance over his shoulder to be certain that he was not overheard, "I + think I saw him two days ago." +</p> +<p> + "In New York?" said Moppet, with a start. "Why you said he'd gone to + England." +</p> +<p> + "But he could come back, surely. Moppet, <i>I</i> think he was proper fond of + Betty." +</p> +<p> + "Peter Provoost, do you fancy that my sister would smile on a scarlet + coat? You ought to be ashamed of yourself," and Moppet looked the + picture of virtuous indignation. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I've seen her do it," retorted Peter, not in the least abashed, + "and what's more I heard him call her 'sweetheart' once." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Peter!" Moppet's curiosity very nearly got the better of her + discretion; but she halted in time, and bit her tongue to keep it + silent. +</p> +<p> + "And if you won't tell—promise?"—Moppet nodded—"not a word, mind, + even to Betty—where do you think I saw Captain Yorke the other day? + You'll never guess;—it was at Fraunces's Tavern on Broad Street, and he + was in earnest conversation with General Wolcott." +</p> +<p> + "With my father?" This time Moppet's astonishment was real, and Peter + chuckled at his success in news-telling. +</p> +<p> + "Children," called a voice from the hall, "where are you? Do you want to + come with me on an errand for Clarissa near Bowling Green, which must be + done before the streets are full of the troops?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely," cried both voices, as Peter dashed in one direction after his + cocked hat, and Miss Moppet flew in another for the blue hood. Betty + waited until the pair returned, laughing and panting, and then taking a + hand of each she proceeded up Wall Street to Broadway, and down that + thoroughfare toward Bowling Green. Before they had quite reached their + destination the sound of bugle and trumpet made them turn about, and + Peter suggested that they should mount a convenient pair of steps in + front of a large white house, which had apparently been closed by its + owners, for a number of bystanders were already posted there. They were + just in time, for around the corner of William Street came a group of + officers on horseback, their scarlet uniforms glittering in the sun. It + was Sir Guy Carleton and his staff, on their way to the Battery, where + they would take boats and be rowed over to a man-of-war which awaited + them in the bay. A murmur, then louder sounds of disapprobation, started + up from the street. +</p> +<p> + "There they go!" cried a voice, "and good riddance to Hessians and + Tories." +</p> +<p> + Betty's cheeks flushed. Oh, those hateful scarlet coats, symbols of what + had caused her so much misery. And yet—with another and deeper wave + of color—it was Geoffrey's uniform and these were his brother officers, + going where they would see him; oh, why, why, was fate so unkind, and + life so hard! Another moment and they were out of sight, but keen-eyed + Moppet caught a glimpse of Betty's downcast face and said to herself, + "Oh, I dare not tell her; I wish I did." +</p> +<p> + Out on Bowery Lane and away up in Harlem, over King's Bridge, with + measured step and triumphant hearts the Continentals were entering the + city. What a procession was that, with General Washington and Governor + Clinton at its head, and how all loyal New York spread its banners to + the wind and shouted loud and long to welcome it! There were the picked + men of the army, the heroes of an hundred fights, the men of + Massachusetts who had been at Lexington and Bunker Hill; General Knox in + command, and General Wolcott with his Connecticut Rangers, while Oliver + rode proudly at the head of his company. It was a slow march, down the + Bowery and through Chatham and Queen streets to Wall, thence up to + Broadway, where the column halted. +</p> +<p> + It would be vain to describe Betty's emotion as from the windows of the + Verplanck mansion she watched the troops and the civil concourse, and + realized that at last, after long years of heroic endurance, of gallant + fighting, of many privations, the freedom of the Colonies was an + accomplished fact. Miss Moppet and Peter flew from one window to another + and cheered and shouted to their hearts' content. Even Grandma Effingham + and Clarissa waved their handkerchiefs, while Gulian, on the doorstep, + raised his cocked hat in courtly salute to General Washington. Gulian + was beginning to learn that perhaps one might find something to be proud + of in America, even if we were lacking in the rank and titles he so + admired. +</p> +<p> + Oliver's wedding, which was set for six o'clock, to allow the + commander-in-chief to be present before the banquet at Fraunces's + Tavern, was to be on as grand a scale as Madam Cruger's ideas could make + it; for having consented to her daughter's marriage, that stately dame + proposed to yield in her most gracious fashion. It took some time to + dress Miss Moppet in the silken petticoat and puffed skirt, the tiny + mobcap and white ribbons, which Kitty had considered proper for the + occasion, and Betty found she must hasten her own toilet, or be late + herself. Moppet followed her up to the old room where Betty had spent + so many hours of varied experience, and assisted to spread out once + again the flowered brocade, which had not seen the light of day since + the De Lancey ball. +</p> +<p> + "Here are your slippers, Betty; how nicely they fit your foot." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Betty, her thoughts far across the sea, as she slipped on + one of them. +</p> +<p> + "I hope those are wedlock shoes," quoth Moppet, with a queer, + mischievous glance, as she tied the slipper strings around the slender + ankle. But Betty did not heed her; she was busy undoing the knots of + rose-colored ribbon on the waist, which she had once placed there with + such coquettish pride. +</p> +<p> + "What are you about?" cried Moppet, seizing her sister's hand as she was + in the act of snipping off one with the scissors. "Oh, Betty, the gown + will not be half so pretty without them." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, child, rose-colored ribbons are not for me to-day; I am grown too + old and sad," said Betty softly, looking with tender eyes into Moppet's + face. +</p> +<p> + "Did ever I hear such fal-lal nonsense," and Moppet's foot came down in + a genuine hot-tempered stamp which made Betty start, "Betty, Betty, I + will not have it—pray put them back this moment;" then in the coaxing + voice which she knew always carried her point, "What would Oliver and + Kitty say if you were not as gay as possible to grace their wedding? Oh, + fie, Betty dear!" +</p> +<p> + As usual Moppet had her way, and when the pair alighted at the Cruder + door Betty's knots of rose-color were in their accustomed place. +</p> +<p> + Within the mansion all was light and gay. Weddings in those times were + conducted with even more pomp and ceremony than in our day, and the + entertainments, though not upon the present scale, were fully as lavish. + Wax candles shone at every possible point, and lit up the broad + reception-hall, the polished floors and high ceilings, while mirrors on + mantels and walls reflected back many times the stately figures which + passed and repassed before them. And then there came a pause, when + voices were hushed, and down the oak staircase came Kitty, led by Gulian + Verplanck (her nearest male relative), wearing a white satin petticoat + (though somewhat scanty to our ideas in width and length), and over it + a, train of silver brocade, stiff and rustling, while a long scarf of + Mechlin lace covered her pretty dark head and hung in soft folds down + her back. The high-heeled slippers, the long lace mitts, with their + white bows at the elbow, completed her toilet. She stood before the + assembled company a fair young bride of the olden days, and behind her + came Miss Moppet and Peter Provoost, holding her silver train with the + tips of their fingers. Oliver, in full Continental uniform, his cocked + hat under his arm, awaited her at the end of the great drawing-room, and + with somewhat shortened service, the rector of old St. Paul's said the + words which made the pair man and wife. +</p> +<p> + Betty was standing near the mantel, laughing and chatting gayly with + several of her former New York gallants, when she beheld her father + advancing toward her on the arm of a gentleman. Surely she knew that + tall, elegant figure, that erect, graceful carriage? But the scarlet + uniform which was so familiar was absent; this was the satin coat, + small-clothes, and powdered hair of a civilian. Betty's head swam, her + brilliant color came and went, as her father said quietly!— +</p> +<p> + "My daughter, an old acquaintance desires that I should recall him to + your recollection; I trust it is not necessary for me to present to your + favor my friend, Mr. Geoffrey Yorke." +</p> +<p> + Betty's knees shook as she executed her most elaborate courtesy, and as + if in a dream she heard General Wolcott say to Yorke, with a somewhat + quizzical smile, "Perhaps you will kindly take Betty to the library, + where I will myself join you later after escorting General Washington to + the banquet." +</p> +<p> + Betty never knew how she crossed that room; every effort of her mind was + concentrated in the thought that she must not betray herself. What did + all this mean? Such a blaze of sunshine had fallen upon her that she did + not dare look at it; she only realized that her hand was in Geoffrey's + until they reached the quiet and deserted library, and then he was at + her feet. +</p> +<p> + "Sweetheart, sweetheart," he said, "you will not refuse to hear me now? + I have resigned the army, I have left England forever (unless you + yourself will some day accompany me there to meet my people), I have + thrown in my fortunes with the United States, and doubt not I will prove + as faithful a servant to your Commonwealth as I ever was to King + George," and kissing her hand, he, laid in it the faded knot of + rose-colored ribbon. +</p> +<p> + "But, Geoffrey" she faltered, "my father"— +</p> +<p> + "Did not General Wolcott himself bid me fetch you here? Ah. Betty, the + conditions are all fulfilled, and you are still unwilling." +</p> +<p> + She looked at him for a moment in silence, and then her most mischievous + smile dawned in Betty's eyes as she hid Geoffery's little knot of ribbon + in her gown. +</p> +<p> + "My heart but not my will, consents," she said, "Dare you take such a + naughty, perverse rebel in hand for life?" +</p> +<p> + "I dare all for love of Betty Wolcott," cried the triumphant lover, + while from the door a small person In mobcap surveyed the pair with very + round and most enraptured eyes. +</p> +<p> + "It's just like a fairy tale," quoth Miss Moppet, "and I'm in it!" +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's An Unwilling Maid, by Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN UNWILLING MAID *** + +***** This file should be named 10958-h.htm or 10958-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/9/5/10958/ + +Produced by Afra Ullah and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: An Unwilling Maid + Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American + Revolution in the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott + +Author: Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +Release Date: February 6, 2004 [EBook #10958] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN UNWILLING MAID *** + + + + +Produced by Afra Ullah and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +AN UNWILLING MAID + + +Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in +the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott + +By Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" + + +1897 + + + +TO A NINETEENTH CENTURY GIRL. + +A great-grandmother's bewitching face, + Looks forth from this olden story, +For Love is a master who laughs at place, + And scoffs at both Whig and Tory. + +To-day if he comes, as a conqueror may, + To a heart untouched by his flame, +Be loyal as she of the olden day, + That Eighteenth Century dame! + + + +CONTENTS + + +I. MISS MOPPET + +II. BULLETS FOR DEFENSE + +III. OLIVER'S PRISONER + +IV. FRIEND OR FOE + +V. A LOYAL TRAITOR + +VI. BY COURIER POST + +VII. WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER + +VIII. INSIDE BRITISH LINES + +IX. BETTY'S JOURNEY + +X. A MAID'S CAPRICE + +XI. ON THE COLLECT + +XII. A FACE ON THE WALL + +XIII. AT THE VLY MARKET + +XIV. THE DE LANCEY BALL + +XV. LOVE OR LOYALTY + +XVI. MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY + +XVII. A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MISS MOPPET + + +It was a warm summer day. Not too warm, for away up in the Connecticut +hills the sun seemed to temper its rays, and down among the shadows of +the trees surrounding Great Pond there were cool, shady glades where one +could almost fancy it was May instead of hot July. + +At a point not far from the water, leaning against the trunk of a +stately maple, stood a young man. His head, from which he had raised a +somewhat old and weather-beaten hat, was finely formed, and covered with +chestnut curls; his clothes, also shabby and worn, were homespun and +ill-fitting, but his erect military carriage, with an indescribable air +of polish and fine breeding, seemed strangely incongruous in connection +with his apparel and travel-worn appearance. + +"I wonder where I am," he said half aloud, as he surveyed the pretty +sheet of water sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Faith, 'tis hard enough +to be half starved and foot-sore, without being lost in an enemy's +country. The woman who gave me that glass of milk at five o'clock this +morning said I was within a mile of Goshen. I must have walked ten miles +since then, and am apparently no nearer the line than I was +yesterday--Hark! what's that?"--as a sound of voices struck his ear +faintly, coming from some distance on his right. "Some one comes this +direction. I had best conceal myself in these friendly bushes until I +ascertain whether 'tis friend or foe." + +So saying, he plunged hastily into a thicket of low-lying shrubs close +at hand, and, throwing himself flat upon the ground under them, was +comparatively secure from observation as long as he remained perfectly +still. The next sound he heard was horses' feet, moving at a walk, and +presently there came in view a spirited-looking bay mare and a gray +pony, the riders being engaged in merry conversation. + +"No, no, Betty," said the little girl of about nine years, who rode the +pony; "it is just here, or a few rods farther on, where we had the +Maypole set last year, and I know I can find the herbs which Chloe wants +near by on the shore of the pond. Let's dismount and tie the horses +here, and you and I can search for them." + +"It's well I did not let you come alone," said the rider of the bay +mare, laughing as she spoke. "Truly, Miss Moppet, you are a courageous +little maid to wish to venture in these woods. Not that I am afraid," +said Betty Wolcott suddenly, remembering the weight and dignity of her +sixteen years as compared with her little sister, "but in these +troublous times father says it were well to be careful." + +"Since when have you grown so staid?" said Miss Moppet, shaking her long +yellow hair back from her shoulders as she jumped off her pony and led +him up to a young ash-tree, whose branches allowed of her securing him +by the bridle to one of them, "Of all people in the world, Betty, you to +read me a lecture on care-taking," and with a mischievous laugh the +child fled around the tree in pretended dismay, as Betty sprang to the +ground and shook her riding-whip playfully in her direction. + +"Ungrateful Moppet," she said, as she tied both horses to the tree +beside her, "did I not rescue you from punishment for dire naughtiness +in the pantry and beg Aunt Euphemia to pardon you, and then go for the +horses, which Reuben was too busy to saddle. + +"Yes, my own dear Betty," cried the small sinner, emerging suddenly from +the shelter and seizing her round the waist, "but you know this +soberness is but 'skin-deep,' as Chloe says, and you need not cease to +be merry because you are sixteen since yesterday. Come, let's find the +herbs," and joining hands the two ran swiftly off to the shore, Betty +tucking up her habit with easy grace as she went. The occupant of the +covert raised his head carefully and looked after the pair, the sound of +their voices growing faint as they pushed their way through the +undergrowth which intercepted their progress. + +"What a lovely creature!" he ejaculated, raising himself on one elbow. +"I wonder who she is, and how she comes in this wild neighborhood. +Perhaps I am not so very far off my road after all; they must have come +from a not very distant home, for the horses are not even wet this warm +day. Egad, that mare looks as if she had plenty of speed in her; 't +would not be a bad idea to throw my leg over her back and be off, and so +distance those who even now may be pursuing me." He half rose as the +thought occurred to him, but in an instant sank back under the leaves. + +"How would her mistress fare without her?" he said ruefully "'Tis not to +be thought of; they may be miles from home, even here, and I am too much +a squire of dames to take such unkind advantage. There must be some +other way out of my present dilemma than this," and rolling over on the +mixture of grass and dry leaves which formed his resting-place he lay +still and began to ponder. + +Half an hour passed; the shadows began to deepen as the sun crept down +in the sky, and the horses whinnied at each other as if to remind their +absent riders that supper-time was approaching. But the girls did not +return, and the thoughts which occupied the young wanderer were so +engrossing that he did not hear a cry which began faintly and then rose +to a shriek agonized enough to pierce his reverie. + +"Good heavens!" he cried, springing to his feet, as borne on the summer +wind the frantic supplication came to him-- + +"Help, help! oh, will nobody come!" and then the sobbing cry +again--"help!" + +Tim tall muscular form straightened itself and sped through the bushes, +crushing them down on either side with a strong arm, as he went rapidly +in the direction of the cries. + +"Courage! I am coming," he cried, as, gaining the shore of the pond, he +saw what had happened. Just beyond his halting-place there was a jutting +bank, and overhanging it a large tree, whose branches almost touched the +water beneath. At the top of the bank stood the elder of the two girls; +she had torn off the skirt of her riding-habit, and was about to leap +down into the water where a mass of floating yellow hair and a wisp of +white gown told their story of disaster. As he ran the stranger flung +off his coat, but there was no time to divest himself of his heavy +riding-boots, so in he plunged and struck out boldly with the air of a +strong and competent swimmer. + +The pond, like many of our small inland lakes, was shallow for some +distance from the shore, and then suddenly shelved in unexpected +quarters, developing deep holes where the water was so cold that its +effect on a swimmer was almost dangerous. Into one of these depths the +little girl had evidently plunged, and realizing the cause of her sudden +disappearance the stranger dived with great rapidity at the spot where +the golden hair had gone down. His first attempt failed; but as the +child partially rose for the second time, he caught the little figure +and with skillful hand supported her against his shoulder, as he struck +out for the shore, which he reached quickly, but chilled almost to the +bone from the coldness of the water. + +"Do not be so alarmed," he said, as Betty, with pallid cheeks and +trembling hands, knelt beside the unconscious child on the grass; "she +will revive; her heart beats and she is not very cold. Let me find my +coat," and he stumbled as he rose to go in search of it. + +"It is here," gasped Betty; "I fetched it on my way down the slope; oh, +sir, do you think she lives?" + +For answer the young man produced from an inner pocket of his shabby +garment a small flask, which he uncorked and held toward her. + +"It is cognac," he said; "put a drop or two between her lips while I +chafe her hands--so; see, she revives," as the white lids quivered for a +second, and then the pretty blue eyes opened. + +"Moppet, Moppet, my darling," cried her sister, "are you hurt? Did you +strike anything in your fall?" + +"Why, Betty!" ejaculated the child, "why are you giving me nasty stuff; +here are the tansy leaves," and she held up her left hand, where tightly +clenched she had kept the herbs, whose gathering on the edge of the +treacherous bank had been her undoing. + +"You are a brave little maid," said the stranger, as he put the flask to +his own lips. "The shock will be all you have to guard against, and even +that is passing;" for Miss Moppet had staggered upon her feet and was +looking with astonished eyes at her dripping clothing. + +"Did I fall, Betty?" she said. "Why my gown is sopping wet,--oh! have I +been at the bottom of the pond?" + +"You had stopped there, sweetheart, but for this good gentleman," said +Betty, holding out a small, trembling hand to the stranger, a lovely +smile dimpling her cheeks as she spoke. "Sir, with all my heart I thank +you. My little sister had drowned but for your promptness and skill; I +do not know how to express my gratitude." + +"I am more than rewarded for my simple service," replied the young man, +raising the pretty hand to his lips with a profound bow and easy grace, +"but I am afraid your sister may get a chill, as the sun is so low in +the sky: and if I may venture upon a suggestion, it would be well to +ride speedily to some shelter where she can obtain dry clothing. If you +will permit me to offer you the cape of my riding-coat (which is near at +hand) I will wrap her in it at once, and then I think she will he safe +from any after-effects of her cold bath in the pond." + +"Oh, you are too kind," cried Betty, as the stranger disappeared in the +underbrush. "Moppet, Moppet, what can we say to prove our gratitude? You +had been drowned twice over but for him." + +"Ask him to come to the manor," said Miss Moppet, much less agitated +than her sister, and being always a small person of many resources. +"Father will be glad to bid him welcome, and you know"-- + +"Yes," interrupted Betty, as their new friend appeared at her elbow with +a cape of dark blue cloth over his arm. + +"Here is my cape," he said, "and though not very large it will cover her +sufficiently. Let me untie your horses and help you to mount." + +"Oh, we can mount alone," said Miss Moppet, who had by this time +recovered her spirits, "but you must come home with us; you are dripping +wet yourself; and if you like, you may ride my pony. He has carried +double before now, and I am but a light weight, as my father says." + +"Will you not come home with us?" asked Betty wistfully. "My father, +General Wolcott is away just now from the manor, but he will have warm +welcome and hearty thanks, believe me, for the strength and courage +which have rescued his youngest child from yonder grave," and Betty +shuddered and grew pale again at the very thought of what Miss Moppet +had escaped. + +"General Wolcott," said the stranger, with a start. "Ah, then you are +his daughters. And he is away?" + +"Yes," said Betty, as they walked toward the tree where the horses were +tied. "There has been a raid upon our coast by Governor Tryon and his +Hessians; we got news three days ago of the movement of the Loyalists, +and my father, with my brother Oliver, has gone to the aid of the poor +people at Fairfield. Do you know of it, sir? Have you met any of our +troops?" + +"I have seen them," said the stranger briefly, with a half smile curving +his handsome mouth, "but they are not near this point"--and beneath his +breath he added, "I devoutly hope not." + +"Which way are you traveling?" asked Betty, as she stood beside her bay +mare. "Surely you will not refuse to come to the manor? Aunt Euphemia +and my elder sister are there, and we will give you warm welcome." + +"I thank you," said the stranger, with great courtesy, "but I must be on +my way westward before night overtakes me. Can you tell me how many +miles I am from Goshen, which I left this morning?" + +"You are within Litchfield township," said Betty. "We are some four +miles from my father's house. Pray, sir, come with us; I fear for your +health from that sudden plunge into the icy waters of our pond." + +"Oh, no," said the stranger, laughing. "I were less than man to mind a +bath of this sort. With all my heart I thank you for your solicitude; +that I am unable to accept your hospitality you must lay at the door of +circumstances which neither you nor I can control." + +"But your cape, sir," faltered Betty, her eyes dropping, as she blushed +under the ardent yet respectful gaze which sought hers; "how are we to +return that? And you may need it; I am sorely afraid you will yet suffer +for your kindness." + +"Not I," said the stranger, pressing her hand, as he gave the reins into +her fingers; "as for the cape, keep it until we meet again, +and--farewell!" + +But Miss Moppet threw her arms around his neck as he bent over the gray +pony and secured the cape more tightly around her small shoulders. + +"I haven't half thanked you," she said, "but I will do so properly some +day, when you come to Wolcott Manor. Farewell," and waving her little +hand in adieu, the horses moved away, and were presently lost to sight +in the underbrush. + +"Egad!" said the stranger, gazing after thorn, as he picked up his coat +and started for the spot where he had left his hat. "What a marvelous +country it is! The soldiers are uncouth farmer lads, yet they fight and +die like heroes, and the country maids have the speech and air of court +ladies. Geoffrey Yorke, you have wandered far afield; I would you had +time and chance to meet that lovely rebel again!" and with a deep-drawn +sigh he plunged farther into the woods. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BULLETS FOE DEFENSE + + +"Oh, Betty, Betty," cried Miss Moppet, as the pair gained the more +frequented road and cantered briskly on their homeward way, "what an +adventure we have had! Aunt Euphemia will no doubt bestow a sound rating +on me, for, alas!"--with a doleful glance downward--"see the draggled +condition of my habit." + +"Never mind your habit, Moppet," said Betty. "Thank Heaven instead that +you are not lying stiff and cold at the bottom of the pond. You can +never know the agony I suffered when I saw you fall; I should have +plunged in after you in another second." + +"Dearest Betty," said the child, looking lovingly at her, "I know you +can swim, but you never could have held me up as that stranger did. Oh!" +with sudden recollection, "we did not ask his name! Did you forget?" + +"No," said Betty, "but when I told him ours and he did not give his name +in return, I thought perhaps he did not care to be known, and of course +forbore to press him." + +"How handsome he was," said Moppet; "did you see his hair? And how +tightly it curled, wet as it was? And his eyes--surely you noted his +eyes, Betty?" + +"Yes," replied Betty, blushing with remembrance of the parting glance +the hazel eyes had bestowed upon her; "he is a personable fellow +enough." + +"Far handsomer than Josiah Huntington," said Moppet mischievously, "or +even Francis Plunkett." + +"What does a little maid like you know of looks?" said Betty +reprovingly, "and what would Aunt Euphemia say to such comments, I +wonder?" + +"You'll never tell tales of me," said Moppet, with the easy confidence +of a spoiled child. "Do you think he was a soldier--perhaps an officer +from Fort Trumbull, like the one Oliver brought home last April?" + +"Very likely," said Betty. "Are you cold, Moppet? I am so afraid you may +suffer; stop talking so fast and muffle yourself more closely in the +cape. We must be hastening home," and giving her horse the whip, they +rode rapidly down hill. + +Wolcott Manor, the house of which Betty spoke, was a fine, spacious +house situated on top of the hills, where run a broad plateau which +later in its history developed into a long and broad street, on either +side of which were erected dwellings which have since been interwoven +with the stateliest names in old Connecticut. The house was double, +built in the style of the day, with a hall running through it, and large +rooms on either side, the kitchen, bakery, and well-house all at the +back, and forming with the buttery a sort of L, near but not connecting +the different outhouses. It was shingled from top to bottom, and the +dormer windows, with their quaint panes, rendered it both stately and +picturesque. As the girls drew rein at the small porch, on the south +side of the mansion, a tall, fine-looking woman of middle age, her gray +gown tucked neatly up, and a snowy white apron tied around her shapely +waist, appeared at the threshold of the door. + +"Why, Betty," she said in a surprised voice, "you have been absent so +long that I was about to send Reuben in search of you. The boxes are +undone, and we need your help; Moppet--why, what ails the child?" and +Miss Euphemia Wolcott paused in dismay us she surveyed Miss Moppet's +still damp habit and disheveled hair. + +"I've been at the very bottom of Great Pond." announced the child, +enjoying the situation with true dramatic instinct, "and Betty has all +the herbs for Chloe safe in her basket." + +"What does the child mean" asked her bewildered aunt, unfastening the +heavy cloth cape from the small shoulders, and perceiving that she had +had a thorough wetting. + +"It is true, Aunt Euphemia," said Betty, springing off her mare and +throwing the reins to Reuben as he came slowly around the house. "We +were on one of the hillocks overlooking the pond, and somehow--it all +happened so swiftly that I cannot tell how--but Moppet must have +ventured too near the edge, for the treacherous soil gave way, and down +she pitched into the water before I could put out hand to stay her. I +think I screamed, and then I was pulling off my habit-skirt to plunge +after her when a young man ran hastily along the below and cried out to +me, 'Courage!' and he threw off his coat and dived down, down,"--Betty +shuddered and turned pale,--"and then he caught Moppet's skirt and held +her up until he swam safely to shore with her. She was quite +unconscious, but by chafing her hands and giving her some spirits (which +the young stranger had in his flask) we recovered her, and, indeed, I +think she is none the worse for her experience," and Betty put both arms +around her little sister and hugged her warmly, bursting into tears, +which until now had been so carefully restrained. + +"Thank Heaven!" cried Miss Euphemia, kissing them both. "You could never +have rescued her alone, Betty; perhaps you might both have drowned. +Where is the brave young man who came to your aid? I trust you gave him +clear directions how to reach the house." + +"He would not come," answered Betty simply; "he said he was traveling +westward, and I thought he seemed anxious to be off." + +"But we pressed him, Aunt Euphemia," put in Moppet, "and I told him my +pony could carry double. And I do not know how we will return his cape; +do you?" + +"You must come indoors at once and get dry clothing," said her aunt, +"and I will tell Chloe to make you a hot posset lest you get a chill; +run quickly, Moppet, and do not stand a moment longer in those wet +clothes. Now, Betty," as the child disappeared inside, "have you any +idea who this stranger can be, or whence he came?" + +"I have not," said Betty, blushing rosy red (though she could not have +told why) under her aunt's clone scrutiny. + +"What did he look like?" questioned Miss Euphemia. + +"Like a young man of spirit," said Betty, mischief getting the better of +her, "and he had a soldierly air to boot and spoke with command." + +"I trust with all due respect as well," said Miss Euphemia gravely. + +"Truly, he both spoke and behaved as a gentleman should." + +"Do you think it could be Oliver's friend, young Otis from Boston?" said +Miss Euphemia. "He was to arrive in these parts this week." + +"It may be he," said Betty, "ask Pamela, she has met him;" and as she +turned to enter she almost fell into the arms of a tall, slender girl +who was hurrying forth to meet her. + +At first glance there was enough of likeness between the girls to say +that they might be sisters, but the next made the resemblance less, and +their dissimilarity of expression and coloring increased with +acquaintance. Both had the same slender, graceful figure, but while +Betty was of medium height, Pamela was distinctly taller than her +sister, and her pretty head was covered with golden hair, while Betty's +luxuriant locks were that peculiar shade which is neither auburn nor +golden, but a combination of both, and her eyes were hazel-gray, with +long lashes much darker than her hair. Both girls wore their hair piled +on top of the head, as was the fashion of the time, and both were +guiltless of powder, but Pamela's rebellious waves were trained to lie +as close as she could make them, while Betty's would crop out into +little dainty saucy curls over her forehead and down the nape of her +slender neck in a most bewildering fashion. Their complexions, like Miss +Moppet's, were exquisitely satin-like in texture, but there was no break +in Pamela's smooth cheeks, whereas Betty's dimples lurked not only +around her willful mouth, but perched high in her right cheek, and you +found yourself unconsciously watching to see them come and go at the +tricksy maid's changing will. There was but little more than a year's +difference in their ages, yet Betty seemed almost a child beside +Pamela's gracious stateliness. + +"What is it all about?" asked the bewildered Pamela, catching hold of +Betty. "Moppet dashes into the kitchen, damp and moist, and says she has +been at the bottom of the pond, and orders hot posset, and you, Betty, +have an air of fright"-- + +"I should think she might well," interrupted Miss Euphemia; "I will tell +you, Pamela--Betty, go upstairs and change your habit for a gown, and +then come down to assist me. We are about to mould the bullets." + +"Oh, Aunt Euphemia!" cried Betty, interrupting in her turn, "I beg your +pardon, but did those huge boxes contain the leaden statue of King +George, as my father's letter advised us?" + +"It was cut in pieces, Betty," said Pamela demurely. + +"As if I didn't know that," flashed out Betty; "and that it disappeared +after the patriots hauled it down in Bowling Green, and that General +Washington recommended it should be used for the cause of Freedom, and +that we are all to help transform it into bullets far our +soldiers,--truly, Pamela, I have not forgot my father's account of it," +and Betty vanished inside the door with a rebellious toss of her head, +resenting the implied air of older sister which Pamela sometimes +indulged in. + +"Our little Moppet has come perilously near death," said Miss Euphemia, +following Pamela into the house. "She has been rescued from drowning in +Great Pond by a gentleman whom Betty had never seen before. She +describes him as a fine personable youth, and I think it maybe Oliver's +friend, young Otis, who in expected at the Tracys' on a visit from +Boston." + +"It can hardly be he, aunt," said Pamela, "for Sally Tracy has just told +me that he will not arrive for two days, and moreover he comes with Mrs. +Footer and Patty Warren, who are glad to take him as escort in these +troublous times, I will run up to Moppet, for the girls are waiting for +you; the lead got somewhat overheated, and they want your advice as to +using it." + +Miss Euphemia went slowly down the hall and through the large +dining-room, pausing as she passed to knock at a small door opening off +the hall into a sitting-room. + +"Are you there, Miss Bidwell?" she said, as a small elderly woman, with +bent figure and pleasant, shrewd face, rose from her chair in response. +"Will you kindly go up and see that Miss Moppet be properly rubbed and +made dry, and let her take her hot posset, and then, if not too tired, +she may come to me in the kitchen." + +Miss Bidwell, who was at once house-keeper, manager, and confidential +servant to the Wolcott household, gave a cheerful affirmative; and as +she laid down the stocking she was carefully darning, and prepared to +leave the room, Miss Euphemia resumed her interrupted walk toward the +kitchen. + +Standing and sitting around the great kitchen fireplace were a group of +young people, whose voices rose in a lively chorus as she entered. Over +the fire, on a crane, hung a large kettle, from the top of which issued +sounds of spluttering and boiling, and a young man was in the act of +endeavoring to lift it amid cries of remonstrance. + +"Have a care, Francis," cried a pretty, roguish-looking girl in a gray +homespun gown, brandishing a wet towel as she spoke; "hot lead will be +your portion if you dare trifle with that boiling pot. What are we to do +with it, Miss Euphemia?" as that lady came forward in haste; "a few +drops of water flirted out of my towel and must have fallen inside, for +'t is spluttering in terrific fashion." + +"Shall I lift it off the fire?" asked the young man, whose name was +Francis Plunkett. + +"Certainly," said Miss Euphemia, inspecting the now tranquil kettle; +"here are the moulds all greased; gently, now," as she put a small ladle +inside the pot; "now move it slowly, and put the pot here beside me on +the table." + +"Will they really turn out bullets?" asked another girl in a whisper, as +Sally Tracy moved a second big pot with the intention of hanging it on +the fire, but was prevented by a tall, silent young man, who stopped his +occupation of sorting out bits of lead to assist her. + +"Thank you, Josiah," said Sally. "Turn out bullets, Dolly?--why, of +course, when they come out of the moulds. What did you suppose we were +all about?" + +Dolly Trumbull (who was on a visit to the Wolcotts') looked shy and +somewhat distressed, and promptly retired into a corner, where she +resumed her conversation with her cousin, Josiah Huntington; and +presently Betty came flying into the kitchen, her gown tucked up ready +for work, and full of apologies for her tardy appearance. Sally Tracy, +who was Betty's sworn friend and companion in all her fun and frolics, +pounced upon her at once; but Miss Euphemia called them both to assist +her with the moulds, Betty had to reserve the story of her adventure +until a more propitious moment. + +"Has there been any news from Oliver when he set forth on this last +expedition?" asked Dolly. + +"It is too soon yet to hear," said Josiah, "though possibly by to-morrow +some intelligence may reach us. Francis and I did not reach here from +New Haven for four days, and we return there on Saturday. As it was, I +left only in obedience to my father's command, and brought news of +Lyon's ravaging the city to General Wolcott, dodging Hessians and +outlying marauders by the way. Do you stop here long, Dolly, or will +you have my escort back to Lebanon?" + +"I came for a month," answered Dolly; "I was ill of spring fever, and +since then my mother thinks this mountain air benefits me. But you go +back to your duties at Yale College, though it's early yet for them." + +"My students and I have spent our vacation handling cartridges," said +Josiah grimly, for he was a tutor at Yale, and had done yeoman service +in the defense of New Haven. "'Tis a sorry sight to see our beautiful +city now laid waste; but that our faith is strong in the Continental +Congress and General Washington, I know not how heart could bear it." + +"Who speaks of faith?" said Pamela's gentle voice, as she slipped into a +chair on Dolly's right. "I think hope is ever a better watchword." + +"Aye," murmured Huntington, as Dolly summoned courage to cross the room, +"it is one I will carry ever with me, Pamela, if _you_ bid me do so." + +"I did not mean," faltered Pamela, casting down her dove-like eyes, but +not so quickly that she did not see the ardent glance of her lover, +"I--that is--oh yes, Aunt Euphemia," with sudden change of tone, "it is +growing somewhat dark, and we had better leave the moulds to harden. +Shall I tell Miss Bidwell that you are ready for supper?" + +To which Miss Euphemia returned an affirmative, and the whole party +trooped back to the dining-room, Pamela leading the way, and Huntington +following her with a half-mischievous smile curving his usually grave +mouth. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +OLIVER'S PRISONER + + +"I don't care anything about it," said Miss Moppet with decision. "It's +a nasty, horrid letter, and I've made it over and over, and it will not +get one bit plainer. Count one, two, jump one; then two stitches plain; +it's no use at all, Miss Bidwell, I cannot make it any better." And with +a deep sigh Miss Moppet surveyed her sampler, where she had for six +weeks been laboriously trying to inscribe "Faith Wolcott, her sampler, +aged nine," with little success and much loss of temper. + +"W is a hard letter," said Miss Bidwell, laying down one of the +perpetual stockings with which she seemed always supplied for mending +purposes; "you will have to rip this out again; the first stroke is too +near the letter before it;" and she handed the unhappy sampler back to +the child. + +"It's always like that," said Miss Moppet in a tone of exasperation. "I +think a sampler is the very _devil_!" + +"Oh," said Miss Bidwell in a shocked voice, "I shall have to report you +as a naughty chit if you use such language." + +"Well, it just _is_" said Moppet; "that's what the minister said in his +sermon Sunday week, and you know, Miss Bidwell, that you admired it +extremely, because I heard you tell Pamela so." + +"Admired the devil?" said Miss Bidwell. "Child, what are you talking +about?" + +"The sermon," said Miss Moppet, breaking her silk for the fourth time; +"the minister said the devil went roaring up and down the earth seeking +whom he might devour. Wouldn't I like to hear him roar. Do you conceive +it is like a bull or a lion's roar?" + +"The Bible says a lion," said Miss Bidwell, looking all the more severe +because she was so amused. + +"I am truly sorry for that poor devil," said Miss Moppet, heaving a deep +sigh. "Just think how tired he must become, and how much work he must +have to do. O--o--oh!"--a prolonged scream--"he certainly has possession +of my sampler"--dancing up and down with pain--"for that needle has +gone one inch into my thumb!" + +"Come here and let me bind it up," said Miss Bidwell, seizing the small +sinner as she whirled past her. "How often must I tell you not to give +way to such sinful temper? And talking about the devil is not proper for +little girls." + +"Why not just as well as for older folk?" said Moppet, submitting to +have a soft bit of rag bound around the bleeding thumb. "I think the +devil ought to be prayed for if he's such an abominable sinner--yes, I +do." And Moppet, whose belief in a personal devil was evidently large, +surveyed Miss Bidwell with uncompromising eyes. + +"Tut!" said Miss Bidwell, to whom this novel idea savored of +ungodliness, but wishing to be lenient toward the child whose adoring +slave she was. "Miss Euphemia would be shocked to hear you." + +"I shall not tell her," said the child shrewdly, "but I am going to pray +for the devil each night, whether any one else does or not." + +"As you cannot work any longer on the sampler, you had best go to Miss +Pamela for your writing lesson," said Miss Bidwell. + +"Pamela is out in the orchard with Josiah Huntington," said Moppet, +"and she would send me forthwith into the house if I went near her." + +"Then find Miss Betty and read her a page in the primer. You know you +promised your father you would learn to read it correctly against his +return." + +"Betty is gossiping in the garret chamber with Sally Tracy; surely I +must stop with you, Biddy, dear;" and Moppet twined her arms around Miss +Bidwell's neck, with her little coaxing face upraised for a kiss. When +Moppet said "Biddy dear" (which was her baby abbreviation for the old +servant), she became irresistible; so Miss Bidwell, much relieved at +dropping so puzzling a theological question as the propriety of +supplications for the well-being of his Satanic majesty, proposed that +she should tell Miss Moppet "a story," which met with delighted assent +from the little girl. + +Miss Bidwell's stories, which dated back for many years and always began +with "when I was a little maid," were never failing in interest besides +being somewhat lengthy, as Moppet insisted upon minute detail, and +invariably corrected her when she chanced to omit the smallest +particular. That the story had been often told did not make it lose any +of its interest, and the shadows of the great elm which overhung the +sitting-room windows grew longer, while the sun sank lower and lower +unheeded, until Miss Bidwell, at the most thrilling part of her tale, +where a bloodthirsty and evil-minded Indian was about to appear, +suddenly laid down her work and exclaimed:-- + +"Hark! surely there is some one coming up the back path," and rising as +she spoke, she hurried out to the side porch, closely followed by +Moppet, who said to herself, with all a child's vivid and dramatic +imagination, "Perhaps it's an Indian coming to tomahawk us in our beds!" +which thought caused her to seize a fold of Miss Bidwell's gown tightly +in her hand. + +As they came into the hall they were joined by Miss Euphemia, who had +also heard the sounds of approach; and as they emerged from the house +two tall figures, dusty and travel-worn, confronted them, with Reuben +following in their rear. + +"Oliver!" exclaimed Miss Euphemia, as she recognized her youngest nephew +in one of the wayfarers, "whence come you, and what news? Where is your +honored father?" + +[Illustration: MISS EUPHEMIA MEETS OLIVER AND HIS PRISONER] + +"My father, madam," said Oliver Wolcott, uncovering his head as he +motioned to Reuben to take his place near his companion, "my father is +some thirty miles behind me, but hastening in this direction. What +news?--Fairfield burnt, half its inhabitants homeless, but Tryon's +marauders put to flight and our men in pursuit." + +"And who is this gentleman?" said Miss Euphemia, as Oliver kissed her +cheek and stepped back. + +"'Tis more than I can answer," said Oliver, "for not one word concerning +himself can I obtain from him. He is my prisoner, Aunt Euphemia; I found +him lurking in the woods ten miles away this morning, and should perhaps +have let him pass had not a low-lying branch of a tree knocked off his +hat, when I recognized him for one of Tryon's crew." + +"Speak more respectfully, sir," said the stranger suddenly, "to me, if +not to those whom you term 'Tryon's crew.'" + +"I grant the respect due your arm and strength," said Oliver, "for you +came near leaving me in the smoke and din of Fairfield when you gave me +this blow," and he touched the left side of his head, where could be +seen some clotted blood among his hair. "Come, sir, my aunt has asked +the question. Do you not reply to a lady?" + +"The gibe is unworthy of you," said the other, lifting the hat which had +been drawn down closely over his brow; "and I"-- + +"Oh, Oliver, 'tis my good kind gentleman!" cried Moppet, darting forward +and seizing the stranger by the hand; "he plunged into Great Pond last +night and pulled me forth when I was nearly drowning, and we begged him +to come home with us, did we not, Betty?"--seeing her sister standing in +the doorway. "Betty, Betty, come and tell Oliver he has made a mistake." + +A smile lit up the stranger's handsome face as he bowed low to Betty, +who came swiftly to his side as she recognized him. + +"Will you not bring the gentleman in, Oliver?" she said. "The thanks +which are his due can hardly be well spoken on our doorstep," and Betty +drew herself up, and waved her hand like the proud little maid she was, +her eyes sparkling, her breast heaving with the excitement she strove to +suppress. + +Oliver looked from Moppet to Betty, in bewilderment then back at his +prisoner, who seemed the most unconcerned of the group. + +"You are right, Betty," said Miss Euphemia, beginning to understand the +situation. "Will you walk in, sir, and let me explain to my nephew how +greatly we are indebted to you?" And she led the way into the mansion, +the others following, and opened the door of the parlor on the left, +Reuben, obedient to a sign from Oliver, remaining with Miss Bidwell in +the hall. + +The stranger declined the chair which Oliver courteously offered him, +and remained standing near Betty, Moppet clinging to his hand and +looking up gratefully into his face while Miss Euphemia related to her +nephew the story of Moppet's rescue from her perilous accident of the +previous day. + +"A brave deed!" cried Oliver impetuously, as he advanced with +outstretched hand toward his prisoner, "and with all my heart, sir, I +thank you. Forgive my pettish speech of a moment since; you were right +to reprove me. No one appreciates a gallant foe more than I; and though +the fortune of war has to-day made you my prisoner, to-morrow may make +me yours." + +"I thank you," said the stranger, giving his hand as frankly in return. +"Believe me, my plunge in the pond was hardly worth the stress you are +kind enough to lay upon it, and but for the mischance to my little +friend here," smiling at Miss Moppet, who regarded him with affectionate +eyes, "is an affair of little moment. May I ask where you will bestow me +for the night, and also the privilege of a dip in cold water, as I am +too soiled and travel-worn to sit in the presence of ladies, even though +your prisoner." + +"Prisoner!" echoed Betty, with a start. "Surely, Oliver, you will not +hold as a prisoner the man who saved our little Moppet's life, and that, +too (though he makes so light of it) at the risk of his own?" + +"You will let him go free, brother Oliver," cried Moppet, flying to the +young officer's side; "you surely will not clap him into jail?" + +"It was my purpose," said Oliver, looking from one to the other, "to +confine you until to-morrow and then carry you to headquarters, where +General Putnam will determine your ultimate fate. I certainly recognize +you as the author of this cut on my head. Do you belong to the British +army or are you a volunteer accompanying Tryon in his raid upon our +innocent and unoffending neighbors at Fairfield?" + +"Sir," said the other haughtily, "I pardon much to your youthful +patriotism, which looks upon us as invaders. My name is Geoffrey Yorke, +and I have the honor to bear his majesty's commission as captain in the +Sixty-fourth Regiment of Foot." + +Betty gave a faint exclamation. Oliver Wolcott stepped forward. + +"Captain Yorke," he said, "I regret more than I can say my inability, +which you yourself will recognize, to bid you go forth free and in +safety. My duty is unfortunately but too plain. I, sir, serve the +Continental Congress, and like you hold a captain's commission. I should +be false alike to my country and my oath of allegiance did I permit you +to escape; but there is one favor I can offer you; give me your parole, +and allow me and my family the pleasure of holding you as a guest, not +prisoner, while under our roof." + +Geoffrey Yorke hesitated; he opened his lips to speak, when some +instinct made him glance at Betty, who stood directly behind her +brother. Her large, soft eyes were fixed on his with most beseeching +warning, and she raised her dainty finger to her lips as she slowly, +almost imperceptibly, shook her head. + +"Captain Wolcott," he said, "I fully appreciate your kindness and the +motive which prompts it. I have landed on these shores but one short +month ago, and Sir Henry Clinton ordered me--but these particulars will +not interest you. I thank you for your offer, but I decline to take +parole, and prefer instead the fortunes of war." + +"Then, sir, I have no choice," said Oliver. "Aunt Euphemia, will you +permit me to use the north chamber? I will conduct you there, Captain +Yorke, and shall see that you are well guarded for the night." And with +a courtly bow to the ladies Geoffrey Yorke followed his captain from the +room, as Moppet threw herself into Betty's arms and sobbed bitterly. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +FRIEND OR FOE + + +Betty Wolcott sat alone in her own room, thinking intently. The windows +were all open, and the soft night air blew the dainty curls off her +white forehead and disclosed the fact of her very recent tears. Never, +in all her short, happy life, had Betty been so moved as now, for the +twin passions of gratitude and loyalty were at war within her, and she +realized, with a feeling akin to dismay, that she must meet the +responsibility alone, that those of her household were all arrayed +against her. + +"If my father were but at home," said Betty to herself, "he would know +and understand, but Oliver will not listen, no, not even when I implored +him to keep Captain Yorke close prisoner here for two days by which time +my father is sure to arrive. Aunt Euphemia is too timid and Pamela is +much the same; as Josiah happens to agree perfectly with Oliver, Pamela +could never be induced to see how cruel it is to repay our debt in this +way. Oliver is but a boy,"--and Betty's lips curved in scorn over her +brother's four years' seniority,--"and--and--oh! I am, indeed, astray. +What, here I am, one of the loyal Wolcotts,--a family known all through +the land as true to the cause of Freedom and the Declaration,--and here +I sit planning how to let a British officer, foe to my country, escape +from my father's house. I wonder the walls do not open and fall on me," +and poor Betty gazed half fearfully overhead, as if she expected the +rafters would descend upon the author of such treasonable sentiments. +"But something must be done," she thought rapidly. "I care not whether +he be friend or foe, I take the consequences; be mine the blame," and +she lifted her pretty head with an air of determination, as a soft knock +fell upon her chamber door; but before she could rise to open it, the +latch was raised and a little figure, all in white, crept inside. + +"I can't sleep, Betty," sobbed Moppet, as her sister gathered the child +in her arms; "it's too, too dreadful. Will General Putnam hang my dear, +kind gentleman as the British hanged Captain Nathan Hale, and shall we +never, never see him more?" + +"Dear heart," said Betty, smoothing the yellow hair, and tears springing +again to her eyes as she thought of the brave, manly face of her +country's foe. "No, Moppet, Captain Yorke is not a spy, as, alas! was +poor Nathan Hale, but"-- + +"Betty," whispered Moppet, so low that she was evidently alarmed at her +own daring, "why can't we let him go free and never tell Oliver a word +about it?" + +"How did you come to think of that?" said Betty, astonished. + +"I am afraid it is the devil prompting me," said Moppet, with a sigh, +partly over her own iniquity, and part in wonderment as to whether that +overworked personage was somewhere soaring in the air near at hand; "but +I always thought the British were big ogres, with fierce eyes and red +whiskers, and I am sure my good, kind gentleman is very like ourselves." + +Betty was betrayed into a low laugh. Moppet was always original, but +this was delicious. + +"No, child," she said softly, "the British are some bad, some good, and +there are no doubt cruel men to be found in all wars. Moppet, as you +came by the north door, whom did you see on guard in the hall?" + +"Josiah Huntington," said Moppet promptly; "but you heard what Oliver +said at supper?" + +"Yes," answered Betty, "Oliver was so weary that Josiah was to watch +until twelve o'clock; then, at midnight, Reuben was to guard the hall +until four in the morning, when Oliver would take his place until +breakfast. Did you note the time on the hall clock?" + +"It was half past eleven," said Moppet; "the half hour sounded as I +rapped." + +Betty sat pondering for a moment, then she slid Moppet gently from her +lap to the floor and rose. + +"Moppet," she said gravely, "you are a little maid, but you have a true +heart, and I believe you can keep a secret. I am going to try to release +Captain Yorke, and I think you can help me. I bind you to keep silent, +except to our dear and honored father, and even to him you shall not +speak until I permit you. Promise me, dear heart?" + +"I promise," said Moppet solemnly, and Betty knew that, no matter what +happened, she could depend on her devoted little sister. + +"Moppet," said Betty, "I have a plan, but 'tis a slender one. Do you +recollect how close the great elm-tree boughs come to your window?" + +"I can put out my hand and nearly reach them," said Moppet; "you +remember Reuben cut the bough nearest, but oh, Betty, the tree has a +limb which runs an arm's length only from the north chamber." + +"So I thought," answered Betty, who was busily engaged in changing her +light summer gown for one of homespun gray; "and now, Moppet, you and I +must go into your room for the next part of my plot. I must speak to +Captain Yorke, and can you guess how I shall manage to do it?" + +Moppet's eyes grew large and round with excitement. "I know," she +whispered breathlessly, "through my doll's dungeon. Oh, Betty, how lucky +'tis that Oliver never once dreamed of that!" + +"I doubt if he even knows its existence," said Betty. "There goes the +clock," as the slow, solemn voice of the timepiece sounded out on the +night, "It is twelve o'clock, and Reuben will be coming upstairs from +the kitchen. Hark!"--extinguishing her candle and opening her door +softly. "Josiah has gone to the turn on the stairs, and is speaking to +Reuben; quick, Moppet, if you come still as a mouse they will not see us +before we can gain your door," and with swift, soft steps the two small +figures stole across the hall in the semi-darkness which the night lamp +standing near the great clock but served to make visible, and in another +second, panting and eager, they stood safely within Moppet's chamber, +clinging to each other, as they quickly fastened the latch. + +Moppet's chamber was a small one, and occupied the center of the house, +Miss Euphemia's being upon one side, and the north chamber (as one of +the great rooms was called) upon the other. The great chimney of the +mansion ran up between the large and small room, and what Moppet called +her "doll's dungeon" was a hollow place, just high enough for the child +to reach, in the back of the chimney. For some purpose of ventilation +there was an opening from this aperture into the north chamber. It was +covered with a piece of movable iron; and in summer, when no fire was +used in that part of the house, Moppet took great delight in consigning +her contumacious doll (a rag baby of large size and much plainness of +feature) to what she was pleased to call her "dungeon." To-night Betty's +quick wit had divined what an important factor the aperture might prove +to her, and directly she had secured the door, she walked softly toward +the chimney, and felt in the darkness for the movable bit of iron which +filled the back. + +When Geoffrey Yorke had finished the ample and delicious supper with +which Miss Euphemia's hospitable and pitying soul had furnished him, he +lighted his candle and made thorough search of his temporary prison to +ascertain whether he could escape therefrom. Betty's gesture of +disapproval when he was about to give his parole had seemed to promise +him assistance; could it be possible that the lovely little rebel's +heart was so moved with pity?" + +"Sweet Betty," thought Geoffrey, "was ever maid so grateful for a small +service! I wish with all my soul I might have chance and opportunity to +do her a great one, for never have I seen so bewitching and dainty a +creature," and Geoffrey's heart gave a mad leap as he remembered the +tearful, beseeching glance which Betty had bestowed upon him as Oliver +had conducted him from her presence. + +The windows, of which there were two, looking north, received his first +attention, but he found them amply secured; and although a strong arm +might wrench them open, it would be attended by such noise as could not +fail to attract the attention of his guard posted outside the door. This +reflection prompted him to inspect the door; and discovering an inside +bolt as well as the outer one, he drew it, thus assuring his privacy +from intrusion. The large chimney was his next point of investigation; +and although the flue seemed somewhat narrow, Geoffrey decided that it +afforded some slight chance, provided he had the means of descent when +once he reached the roof. Back to the windows again; yes, the great elm +of which Moppet had spoken stood like a tall sentinel guarding the +mansion, and Geoffrey felt confident that he could crawl from roof to +tree and thus reach the ground. To be sure, it was most hazardous; there +was the chance of some one sleeping in the chambers near who might hear +even so slight a noise; he might become wedged in the chimney, +or--pshaw! one must risk life, if need be, for liberty; and here +Geoffrey smiled, as it occurred to him that this was what these very +colonists were engaged in doing, and for a moment the British officer +felt a throb of sympathy hitherto unknown to him. He had landed at New +York but a month before, filled with insular prejudices and contempt for +these country lads and farmers, whom he imagined composed the +Continental army; but the fight at Fairfield, which was carried on by +the Hessians with a brutality that disgusted him, and the encounter with +such a family as this under whose roof he was, began to open his eyes, +and he acknowledged frankly to himself that young Oliver Wolcott was both +a soldier and a gentleman. + +"The boy looked every inch a soldier," thought Geoffrey, "when he +refused his sister's pleading; faith, he is made of firm stuff to +withstand her. Oh, Betty, Betty! I wonder if the fortunes of war will +ever let me see your face again," and with a sigh compounded of many +things, Geoffrey picked up a book that was lying on the table, and +resolved to read until it should be far on into the night, when he +would make a bold attempt to escape. + +The clock on the stairs struck twelve and Geoffrey, roused from the +light slumber into which he had fallen, heard the steps outside his door +as Josiah Huntington was joined by Reuben, who was to relieve his guard, +and straightened himself, with a long breath, as he rose from his chair. +As he did so, he became conscious of a slight, very slight, noise in the +direction of the chimney; and turning his eyes toward it, a soft whisper +reached his ear. + +"Captain Yorke," murmured the sweetest voice in the world; and as the +slight grating noise ceased, to his amazement a little white hand +beckoned him to approach a small aperture, which he now perceived in the +bricks about four feet from the floor. Very softly Geoffrey obeyed the +summons, and cautiously made his way to the chimney. + +"Kneel down and put your ear near me," said Betty, and the tall soldier +dropped on one knee obediently; "be very careful, for though Aunt +Euphemia's chamber is on this side, and she is usually a sound sleeper, +it might be our ill fortune that to-night she would wake. I have made up +my mind, sir; I cannot keep you prisoner under a roof that but for you +might be mourning my little sister dead." + +"I pray you say no more of that," interrupted Geoffrey softly. "I am +more than repaid by your interest in my unhappy condition." + +"It may be wrong, it doubtless is," said Betty, sighing, "but I have two +plans for your escape. Tell me, are your windows securely fastened?" + +"Too strongly to be tampered with except by making noise that is certain +to be overheard," returned Geoffrey. + +"Then we must try other means; if you can but manage to scale the +chimney,--and I think there are still some pegs inside which Reuben put +there in the spring when he went up after burning it out,--if you can +reach the roof by the chimney you will find on the south side, close to +the chimney itself, a trap-door which lets down by a ladder into our +garret. The ladder is stationary, and I will meet you there at its foot, +and from the garret there is a back stairway, down which you may creep +to the buttery, and once there 'tis but a step outside when I open the +door." + +"God bless you," whispered Geoffrey, feeling a mad desire to kiss the +pretty pink ear and soft cheek which he could just see by the dim light +of Miss Moppet's candle; "shall I start at once?" + +"No," returned Betty, "Josiah Huntington has just sought his chamber, +and he will be watchful. Wait until you hear the old clock on the +staircase strike three; that is the hour, I have been told, when all +sleep most soundly. Then Moppet will tell you if all goes right, for I +shall be waiting for you, as I said, above;" and with a soft "be very, +very careful to make no noise," Betty moved away from the "doll's +dungeon" and Yorke bounded to his feet. + +"Now, Moppet," said Betty softly, "let me wrap you well in your woolen +habit, lest you take cold." + +"Oh, Betty darling," whispered the child, "how will you ever gain the +garret stairs when Reuben is watching? He will be sure to think it +strange; can I not go for you?" + +"No, never," said Betty tenderly. "I will slip by Reuben, and you must +not fret. Sit here on my knee and go fast asleep until I wake you." + +Moppet nestled her little head down obediently on Betty's shoulder; but +try hard though she did to keep her eyes wide open, sleep at last +overcame her,--sleep so profound after all this excitement that Betty +was able to lay her softly upon her bed without awaking, and for the +remainder of those long hours Betty kept her vigil alone. It was nervous +work: for determined though she was to release Yorke, Betty possessed a +most sensitive and tender conscience, and love for her country and her +people was as the air she breathed. It proved the tenacity of her +purpose and the strength of her will that, notwithstanding her many +misgivings, when she heard the clock sound the quarter she rose from her +low seat by the window, where she had been gazing out into the night, +and whispered softly to Moppet that it was time to wake. The child +sprang up, alert and quick as Betty herself, and listened to her +sister's last warning instructions to have no fear, but wait quietly for +her return, and when the clock struck the hour to whisper through the +hole in the chimney to Yorke that she had gone. + +Very softly, her slippers held tightly in her hand, Betty pulled up the +latch of the bedroom door and stepped into the almost dark hall. The +night lamp had partly died out, but there was still enough of its +flickering light to permit her, when her eyes grew accustomed to it, to +see the dim outline of Reuben's figure sitting on a stool at the door of +the north chamber. In order to reach the garret from this part of the +house she must go directly down the hall to where it parted at the L, +where the stairs reaching the garret were shut off by a door, on the +other aide of which was a square landing, where you could turn down and +descend directly from the garret to the buttery. Once past Reuben, she +would feel comparatively safe, for although Oliver's room was opposite +he was too weary to be wakeful. It took scarcely a minute to creep +toward Reuben, and Betty drew a quick breath of relief when she +perceived that the farmer-bred lad, unaccustomed to night watches, and +feeling that his prisoner was secure behind the bolted door, had fallen +fast asleep. Another minute and she had fairly flown through the hall +and reached the door of the garret stairs; she recollected that the +latch had a troublesome creak occasionally; indeed, she had noticed it +only that very day, as she and Sally Tracy had mounted to their eyrie +in the big dormer window of the garret, where safe from all ears they +were wont to confide their girlish secrets to each other. + +"Pray Heaven it creak not to-night," said Betty to herself as she gently +and steadily pulled the handle of the latch and saw the dreaded door +open to her hand. Inside stepped Betty, and made breathless pause while +she closed it, and the amiable latch fell softly down again into its +place. Swift as a flash the girlish figure flitted up the winding narrow +stairs, and gasping but triumphant Betty seated herself on the lowest +step of the trap-ladder to await the coming of Geoffrey Yorke. + +In the bedroom below, Miss Moppet, whose soul was thrilling with mingled +delight and terror at being an actor in a "real story," waited as she +was told until she heard the deep voice of the clock, sounding rather +more awful than usual, say "one, two, three!" and then tiptoeing over +the bare floor she opened with small trembling fingers the tiny aperture +and whispered, "Are you there?" starting back half frightened as the +instant answer came, close beside her: + +"Yes, is it time?" + +"Betty is in the garret by now," she faltered. "Oh, sir, be careful and +fare you well!" + +For answer Geoffrey Yorke bent down, and taking the small cold fingers +extended to him, pressed a kiss on them, and with a soft "farewell" +began his passage up the chimney. + +It was no such very difficult task he found, to his satisfaction, for +Betty was right, and by feeling carefully with his hands he perceived +the friendly pegs which Reuben had inserted, and of which Oliver had no +knowledge, else he would not have trusted so agile and strong a prisoner +within their reach. Geoffrey's broad shoulders were the only sufferers, +but the rough homespun which covered them was a better protection than +his uniform would have been, and he again blessed the good fortune which +had thrown the disguise in his way as he left Fairfield four days +before. + +Betty, sitting on the ladder step, straining her ears to catch the first +sound, became conscious of a light sound as Geoffrey swung himself from +the chimney top to the roof, and she sped up the ladder to unhook the +door of the trap just as he reached it. + +"Speak not a word," she said in his ear, as he set his foot on the +ladder, "but fasten the hook lest they discover that the door has been +opened. Now, give me your hand," and in the darkness the strong, manly +hand closed firmly over her dainty fingers with a clasp which, strangely +enough, inspired her with fresh courage. + +"Stop," said Betty suddenly, as they were at the top stair, "you must +remove your boots: the slightest creak might wake the sleepers at the +end of the hall." + +It took but a second of time to follow her directions; and then very +softly, with many pauses, the pair crept down the winding stairs, and +Betty involuntarily held her breath until the last step was safely +passed and she raised the latch of the buttery door. + +"If Miss Bidwell has locked it," came the swift thought,--but, no! like +everything else that dreadful night, fortune seemed to favor Betty, and +with a long-drawn sigh she drew her companion across the threshold and +instantly shot the bolt behind her. + +A faint glow of dawn crept through the pantry windows, and Betty paused +a moment and regarded the rows of milk pans which adorned the shelves +of the small room with grave intentness. + +"Had you not better take a glass of milk?" she said. "You may have to +travel far without food, although I am sure that should you ask for it +at any of our Connecticut farmhouses you would be cheerfully supplied," +and raising the neat dipper she filled it and handed it to Geoffrey, who +took it gratefully from her hand. + +"And now put on your boots, for freedom lies beyond that door," she +said, still in softest tones, as she unbolted the other door which led +directly outside. "I must go with you as far as the barn, for you will +need my mare to take you out of danger of pursuit." + +"No, no," answered Geoffrey, speaking for the first time as they sped +rapidly over the grass, "I will not take her; you have dared much for +me, and I fear censure and harm may come to you for releasing me should +you be discovered." + +"Censure," said Betty, throwing back her small head haughtily, +"wherefore? Do you think I shall conceal my share in this night's work? +Oliver is but a hot-headed boy; had my father been at home it would have +been different, and to him I shall make my confession, that I have +given liberty to--oh, I cannot say a foe, after what you have done for +me--to a British officer who comes to slay my countrymen!" + +"Never your foe, Betty," cried Yorke, confronting her with face as pale +as her own, and in his admiration of her spirit and nobility forgetting +all else. "Say, rather, your adoring friend, who one day, God willing, +hopes to prove to you that there are British hearts which are true and +honest as yours, and that none will be more loyal to you than mine own." + +A hot wave of color flashed up over Betty's charming face; her lips +trembled, but no words came from them. What was this impetuous young man +daring to say to her? + +"The dawn is breaking over yonder hills," Geoffrey rushed on, "and +before the sun rises I must be as many miles away as my feet can carry +me. Farewell, farewell!--may God bless and keep you always. Go back +straightway into the mansion; I shall not stir step until I see you +safe." And through her brimming tears Betty realized that his kisses +were falling on her hands, as without a word she turned and fled toward +the open door. But when she reached it some new-born impulse tearing +madly at her heart made her pause, and looking back she saw Geoffrey +lift something from the grass at his feet which he waved toward her as +he sped down the path, and raising her hand to her gown she knew that he +had carried with him her breast-knot of rose-colored ribbon. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A LOYAL TRAITOR + + +Betty stumbled blindly over the threshold, and with shaking fingers +secured the outer bolt of the buttery door. Her head was whirling, and +she dared not stop there even to think over this extraordinary +adventure, for Moppet was doubtless waiting breathlessly for her return; +and at the recollection Betty's nerves grew steadier, and she bethought +herself that a glass of milk would be needed by the child and that she +must take it to her. So she filled the smallest dipper, not wishing to +go back into the china pantry for fear of noise, and, with the milk in +hand, concluded it was wiser to seek the main staircase in the hall, +rather than wake Reuben by drawing his attention to the exit on the +garret stairway. And fortunate it was for Betty that she had so +determined; for as she set her foot upon the first step of the stairs, +she beheld Oliver leaning over the upper balustrade, gazing gravely +down upon her. + +"Good-morning," said Betty readily, in a cheerful undertone, as she +reached his side; "you are up betimes, Oliver." + +"Where have you been?" asked her brother. + +"To the buttery," said Betty; "this is milk for Moppet. The child is +wakeful, and needs it." + +"Why did you not send Reuben?" asked Oliver, who was always kind and +attentive to his sisters. + +"Reuben?" echoed Betty. "Did you not set him as guard to your prisoner?" +and then, her heart smiting her for the gibe, "Miss Bidwell lets no one +meddle with her milk pans, and I knew best which were last night's +milk," and she went up the hall with a naughty little throb of mingled +mischief and triumph, as she thought how she had outwitted him, while +the unsuspecting Oliver seated himself near the north chamber door. + +Moppet, sitting up in bed, welcomed her sister with open arms, and drank +the milk thirstily, as Betty told her that all was safe, and that +Captain Yorke was now well on his way. + +"I'm as glad as can be," said Moppet, who was troubled with no +conscientious scruples whatsoever, and was now beginning to enjoy +herself intensely at sharing a mystery with Betty; "I told him you were +gone, after the big clock struck three, and oh, Betty, he kissed my hand +through the hole in the chimney." + +"Did he?" said Betty, flushing brightly under Moppet's keen glance. + +"And I sat there and shivered," went on Moppet, discreetly dropping that +branch of the subject, "for I could hear his feet as he climbed, and +once he slipped and I was so frightened lest he should come tumbling +down and our fine plot be discovered. Betty, Betty, what a fine flutter +Oliver and Josiah will be in at breakfast!" + +"Don't talk of it," said Betty, shivering in her turn; "go to sleep, +Moppet, and I will fly to my chamber, for it is not well that I should +be discovered here, dressed. Oliver is not one to notice; now lie still +until you are called for rising;" and Betty tripped back to her own +room, where, tearing off her dress, she threw her tired little self on +the bed to rest, if not to sleep, for the short hours that remained +before breakfast. + +The Wolcott household was one that was early astir, however, and Chloe, +the old colored cook, was out in the barn searching for eggs, and Miss +Bidwell had laid the breakfast cloth and polished the silver by half +past six, when Miss Euphemia knocked briskly at the door where Pamela +and Dolly Trumbull were slumbering sweetly, and resolved that she would +request Oliver to permit Captain Yorke to come down and breakfast with +the family. "For," mused Miss Euphemia, "our obligations to that young +man should make some difference, I think, in his treatment; I must try +to persuade Oliver to detain him here until my brother's return, for +although I did not think it prudent to say so, I confess I am no more +anxious to keep him prisoner than Betty was." + +But Miss Euphemia had not more than descended at half past seven +precisely (her usual hour) when Oliver came hastily into the room, +demanding a hammer and chisel, and with such evident dismay upon his +countenance that Miss Euphemia asked if anything was the matter. + +"I do not know," said Oliver, searching the drawer for the desired +implements; "I called and knocked smartly at Captain Yorke's door to +ask him if he desired hot water, and to offer him a change of clean +linen (as we are much the same size and build); but although I made +sufficient noise to wake the hardest sleeper, no response did I receive. +Then I unbolted the door, intending to enter, but he has fastened it on +the inside, and"-- + +"He is ill," cried Miss Euphemia, in alarm. "I noted he looked pale last +night." + +"Much more likely 'tis some device to alarm us," said Oliver, seizing +the chisel, and Miss Euphemia followed him as he went hurriedly up the +front staircase. At its top stood Huntington. + +"Captain Yorke is a sound sleeper," he said, addressing Oliver. "I have +knocked at his door several times and get no response." + +"My mind misgives me," said Oliver, fitting his chisel in the door and +striking vigorously with the hammer; "and yet I made sure there was no +chance for escape,--ha!" as the door swung open and discovered the +closed shutters and the last flickering gleams of the dying candle upon +the table. "Good heavens, Huntington, he has flown!" + +"Flown!" cried Josiah, rushing after Oliver, as Miss Euphemia joined +the party, and Pamela, with Dolly, opened her door across the hall, +hearing the commotion. "And how? Surely not by the chimney?" + +"I wish you had suggested that earlier," said Oliver bitterly. "I am a +dolt and a fool's head not to have thoroughly examined it last night," +and he rushed across into Betty's chamber to find a candle with which to +investigate the treacherous exit. + +"Have a care, Oliver," cried Betty, as her brother entered without +knocking, to find her with her hair over her shoulders, brush in hand. +"What do you please to want?" + +"Your candle," said Oliver, catching up the one upon her table, and then +pausing, as he was about to rush out again. "Did you hear any noises +last night, Betty?" + +"Noises?" answered Betty, facing him calmly, "of what nature?" + +"In the great chimney," said Oliver, eying her sternly. + +"I did not," said Betty, with truth, returning inward thanks that to +that question she could reply without falsehood. "Why did you ask?" + +"You will find out soon enough," said Oliver, dashing down the hall, +without closing the door, and hurrying to the kitchen for a light. By +the time he returned, he found Josiah half way up the chimney. + +"Here are pegs," he called out, as Oliver sent the ray of the lighted +candle upward. "'Tis easy enough to see how our prisoner escaped. Fool +that I was not to have searched this place," and he let himself down +again, where the bewildered group stood around the chimney-piece. + +"The fault is mine alone," cried Oliver furiously; "let us get out on +the roof and see if we can discover how he made his descent to the +ground." + +"By the great elm," exclaimed Pamela, who had unfastened the shutters +with Josiah's help; "see, the branches overhang the roof just here, and +I think there are some pieces of the bark on the ground below." All of +which was true, and quick-witted of Pamela; but Moppet could have +explained the presence of the bits of bark, for, as it happened, the +child had emptied her apron under the elm the day before, and the bark +was some she had gathered in the orchard for the bits of fungus which, +at night, were phosphorescent, and which Moppet called "fairy lamps." + +"True," said Josiah, leaning out of the window, "and there are +footsteps in the tall grass yonder," pointing westward, where his keen +eye perceived a fresh path broken in the meadow. "I must follow Oliver +to the roof; this will be a dire blow to him, as he thought his prisoner +so carefully guarded." + +"How clever of him to escape under our very ears," said Dolly to Pamela; +"how could Captain Yorke contrive to climb down so softly that no one +heard him? Is not Miss Euphemia's chamber on this side?" + +"Yes," said Pamela, turning away from the window, "and so is Moppet's; +where is Aunt Euphemia?" and running out into the hall, she encountered +both Betty and her aunt on the way to Moppet's apartment. + +"Hush!" whispered Betty, with hand on the latch, "I hope she is still +sleeping. Moppet came into my room in the night, Aunt Euphemia, and was +so cold and shivering that I went back with her and put her to bed. I +got a drink of milk for her, and it seemed to quiet her." + +"That was quite right," said Miss Euphemia. "I have been afraid that the +plunge in the pond did her some injury," and she opened the door +softly, only to see Miss Moppet's curly head rise up from her pillow, +and to hear her say with a sleepy yawn:-- + +"What is it all about? Where's Betty?" + +"Here I am," said Betty, giving her a kiss. "Did you sleep soundly after +the milk?" + +"Yes, and I want some more," said Moppet, seizing the situation with +such alacrity that Betty suspected on the instant that the keen little +ears had been on the alert for more minutes than Moppet cared to +acknowledge. "What are you all coming in for? Is it dinner-time?" + +"No," interrupted Pamela, "we have not even had breakfast. Captain Yorke +has escaped in the night"-- + +"Escaped!" cried Moppet, the liveliest curiosity in her tone. "Oh, I'm +so glad! Aren't you, Betty?" + +"Better not let Oliver hear you say that," said Pamela in an undertone +as Miss Euphemia drew Betty aside. + +"How did he get out?" said Moppet, giving way to laughter. "Oh, what a +ruffle Oliver must be in." + +"Naughty child," said Pamela, but unable to help smiling at Moppet's +view of the situation. "Did you happen to hear any noises on the roof or +in the big elm last night?" + +"Not a sound," said Moppet, like Betty rejoicing inwardly that she could +reply truthfully, for the little maid had never told a lie in her short +life, and had indeed spent a wakeful half hour that very morning +wondering how she would be able to evade any questions that might be put +to her. "Did Captain Yorke climb out of his window and go down the big +elm, Pamela? Do you know I thought of that at supper." + +"He could not open the window, Moppet," answered Pamela, "but he did go +down the tree from the roof, whence he climbed from the chimney here." + +"Moppet, you must instantly dress or you will lake cold," said Miss +Euphemia, interrupting, to Betty's relief, "and I will be glad if Betty +will assist you, for I must go down and see if breakfast be still hot, +as no one is ready yet to eat it," and out went Miss Euphemia, calling +the others to follow her. + +"What do you think of all this?" asked Pamela of Betty. + +"What do you suppose?" flashed out Betty, whose quick tongue had been +so long restrained that it was absolute relief to her to speak her mind. +"I am as glad as I can possibly be that Captain Yorke has escaped, and +if that be disloyal"--finished the spirited little maid, mindful of +Patrick Henry--"make the most of it!" + +"Oh, Betty!" cried Pamela, shocked beyond expression. + +"It is I that should be shocked, not you," went on Betty. "Do you hold +Moppet's dear life as nothing? Do you not wish to acknowledge an +obligation when it is doubly due? I am ashamed of you, Pamela,--you and +Oliver. I would my father were here to make you see both sides of a +question clearly." + +"Betty, Betty," implored Pamela, bursting into tears, "do I not love our +little sister as well as you? You do mistake me; I did not dare go +counterwise to Oliver and Josiah, but indeed I love you for your +courage." + +"There, say no more," said Betty, dropping the brush with which she was +reducing Moppet's rebellious locks to order, and rushing into Pamela's +arms with quick repentance. "I am cross and upset this morning, and not +fit to talk to you, my gentle Pamela, so go down and make the coffee and +forgive my petulance." + +Dolly, who had witnessed this little sisterly passage of arms in shy +fright, put her hand in Pamela's and whispered, as they gained the +staircase:-- + +"Dry your eyes, Pamela dear; Betty is most forward to speak thus to her +elder sister." + +"There you mistake," said Pamela, changing front with true feminine +inconsistency. "Betty is quite right, and I am displeased,--yes +downright displeased with myself that I did not side with her last +night," and with unwonted color flushing her usually pale cheeks Pamela +walked into the breakfast-room, Dolly following meekly behind her. + +Meanwhile, Oliver and Josiah were upon the roof of the mansion +conducting most careful investigation. They had decided that it was +useless to pursue Yorke, for he might have many hours in advance of +them, and they must take the chances that he would be recaptured by some +of Putnam's men, especially if he again mistook the country and went +west instead of north. They climbed through the trap-door, but as the +heavy dews had not yet begun there was no trace of footsteps upon the +roof beyond a faint mark, which might be the spot where the prisoner had +dropped from the chimney. It was quite possible for an agile fellow, +accustomed to use his muscle, to clamber down the sloping roof to the +elm and escape to the ground by its branches, and that he was not heard +was partly due to his own care and the unusually heavy slumbers of the +inmates of the mansion. Having reached this conclusion, Oliver was fain +to make the best of it, and in much chagrin descended to the +breakfast-table. + +Try as she did to look demure and avoid speaking upon the subject which +all were discussing, Betty could not keep her dancing eyes in order, and +before the meal was over she flashed so roguish a glance at Oliver that, +irritated at her mute opposition, he could not refrain from saying:-- + +"There sits Betty looking fairly pleased because she has her own way, +and apparently cares nothing for the escape of an enemy to her country." + +"Fie, Oliver," spoke up Pamela with unusual fire, "Betty is as loyal as +you or I, and you are unfair to tax her because she heartily +disapproves of your course in regard to Captain Yorke's detention after +the signal service he has rendered to all us Wolcotts." + +"Pamela!" cried Oliver, good temper returning, and gazing in comic +dismay at his favorite sister, much as he would at a dove who had +ruffled its plumes. "This from you, Pamela? If Betty be allowed to +demoralize the family in this wise, I think it were well my father takes +you all in hand." + +"Heyday?" said a kindly voice from the door of the sitting-room, as a +fine-looking man dressed in the Continental uniform entered the room. +"Who is it that requires my parental hand, Oliver, and why do you so +lament my absence?" + +"Father, father!" shrieked Miss Moppet, tumbling out of her chair and +flinging her arms around General Wolcott's neck as he stooped down to +embrace her. "Oh, we're so glad you are come. Why didn't you get here +last night?" + +"Because I lay over at General Putnam's headquarters," said her father. +"Oliver, you will find Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Hillhouse on the +porch. See that their horses be taken and fed, and bid them come to +breakfast." + +Oliver disappeared in haste, and Josiah, with an apology to Miss +Euphemia, followed him; while General Wolcott, casting off his hat and +gloves, seated himself with Moppet on his knee, and Miss Bidwell +appeared from the kitchen with fresh reinforcements of breakfast for the +newcomers. Betty, busying herself by fetching cups and saucers from the +china pantry, caught fragments of the conversation, and became aware +that Miss Moppet was telling the story of her adventure at Great Pond, +in the child's most dramatic fashion, and that Miss Euphemia was also +adding her testimony to the tale as it went on. They were presently +interrupted by the entrance of Oliver with his father's two aids, and +the large mahogany table was surrounded by guests, whose appetites bid +fair to do justice to Miss Bidwell's breakfast. + +No sooner was the meal fairly under way than Oliver, eager to hear his +father's opinion, began the story of his capture of the day before, and +related how and where he had found Captain Yorke, and how safely he +supposed he had imprisoned him in the north chamber, from which his +clever and ready escape had been made. Oliver's narrative was +interrupted by exclamations from the officers and questions from his +father, who displayed keen interest in the matter. + +"Father," said Moppet, seeing that the most important point had been +omitted in Oliver's story, and venturing to join in the conversation, as +few children of that period would have done, "Oliver's prisoner was my +good kind gentleman who pulled me out of the pond, and I am very, very +glad he has got away--aren't you?" + +"I was indeed hard bestead, sir," burst in Oliver. "Here were Betty and +Moppet insisting that I must let Captain Yorke go free because of his +gallant act (which I fully appreciate), and the gentleman refusing his +parole because he preferred to take the chances of war, while I felt it +my sworn duty to detain him and to forward him to General Putnam without +delay, as I know we are in need of exchange for several of our officers +now held by Sir Henry Clinton, and this man is of Clinton's staff, and +therefore a most valuable capture. Was I to blame for retaining him?" + +General Wolcott hesitated, but as he was about to make reply his eye +fell upon Betty, who confronted him across the table with parted lips +and large, beseeching eyes so full of entreaty that he changed the words +almost upon his lips. + +"It is a delicate question, my son," he said gravely, "and one I would +rather not discuss at the present moment. More especially"--and a +half-quizzical smile lit up his grave but kindly face as he turned +toward Miss Moppet and gently pinched her little ear,--"more especially +as the gentleman has taken the law in his own hands and escaped from +Wolcott Manor despite the fact that as it is the residence of a +Continental officer and the sheriff of Litchfield County it might be +supposed to have exceptional reasons for detaining him. Captain Seymour, +I will be glad to sign the papers of which General Putnam has need, and +we will go at once to my library, for you must be off by noon." + +Some two hours later, as Betty sat watching in her chamber window, she +saw the horses led around to the front door, and shortly after knew from +the sounds below that Pamela and Dolly wore bidding the young officers +good-by; so, waiting until the sound of their horses' feet had died +away in the distance, Betty, with outward composure but much inward +dismay, tripped softly downstairs and knocked at the door of the +library. + +"Pray Heaven he be alone," she sighed as she heard her father's voice +bid her enter, and then she crossed the threshold and confronted him. + +"Father," she said, steadying herself by one small hand pressed downward +on the table behind which he sat, "I--that is--I have something to tell +you." + +General Wolcott raised his head from the paper which he had been +carefully reading and looked kindly at her. + +"What is it, my child?" he asked reassuringly, motioning her to a chair. +"I thought at breakfast that you had the air of being in distress." + +"Nay, I am hardly that," replied Betty, clinging to the table, "except +so far as I may have incurred your censure, though I hope not your +displeasure. Father, Oliver has told you of the escape of Captain Yorke, +which causes him much chagrin and anger. Blame no one but me, for I +myself released him." + +"You!" exclaimed General Wolcott. + +"Yes, I," said Betty, growing paler. "If you had but been here or I +known that you were so near us, there had been no such need for haste, +and I would have been spared this confession." + +"How did you arrange the escape?" said her father quietly. + +"It was this way," faltered Betty, but gaining courage as she proceeded. +"Oliver would not listen, though I begged and plead with him to delay +until your arrival. He was so eager to deliver his captive to General +Putnam that I made no impression. Father, the Englishman had saved our +Moppet's life at the risk of his own; _he_ did not pause to ask whether +she was friend or foe when he rushed to her rescue--could we he less +humane? I do not know what they do to prisoners,"--and Betty strangled a +swift sob,--"but I could not bear to think of a gallant gentleman, be he +British or American, confined in a prison, and so I resolved I would +assist his escape. I waited until midnight, and then I spoke to him +through the aperture in the great chimney and instructed him how to +climb up through it by the pegs Reuben had left there, and I stole to +the garret and waited until he came. Ruben did not see me pass the door +of the north chamber, for he was asleep (do not tell this to Oliver, as +it might bring reproof upon poor Reuben, who was too weary to be of much +service as a sentinel), and I brought Captain Yorke safely down the +stairs which lead from the garret to the buttery. Once there, all was +easy; I opened the door, and--and--I even offered him the mare, father, +I was in such fear of his recapture; but he stoutly refused to take her. +This is all. If I am a traitor, dear father, punish me as I deserve, but +never think me disloyal to you or to my country." + +There was a pause, as Betty's sweet, passionate tones ceased; she stood +with head thrown back, but downcast eyes, as fair a picture us ever +greeted father's eye. + +"A loyal traitor, Betty," said General Wolcott slowly; "and I think that +it were well I should look after the condition of my chimneys." + +Scarcely daring to believe her ears, Betty looked up, and in another +second she had thrown her arms around her father's neck, sobbing softly +as he caressed her. + +"'Twas a daring, mad scheme, my child," said General Wolcott, his own +eyes not quite guiltless of moisture; "but bravely carried out; and +looking at the matter much as you do, I cannot find it in my heart to +censure you. Captain Yorke is doubtless a manly foe, and of such I have +no fear. It shall be our secret, yours and mine, Betty; we will not even +tell Oliver just now, else it might make sore feeling between you. For +Oliver was right, and"--smiling kindly, "so were you. Everything depends +upon the point of view, my daughter; but let me beg you never to try +your hand again to assist the escape of a British officer, or it might +cost me the friendship of General Washington." + +"Father, dear father!" cried Betty, overjoyed to find judgment so +lenient accorded her, "I crave your pardon; 'twas alone for Moppet's +sake." + +"Aye," said General Wolcott, and then paused a brief second, for his +wife's death, had been the forfeit paid for Moppet's birth, and this was +one reason why the child had become the family idol. "Now run away, for +I must close these papers in time for Oliver, who rides dispatch to Fort +Trumbull to-night. And, Betty," as she stood glowing and smiling before +him "my child, you grow more like your mother every day." and with a +hasty movement General Wolcott turned away to conceal his emotion, as +Betty went quickly from the room. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +BY COURIER POST + + +It had been a wild night, find the morning wind sobbed and sighed +through the elms, which, denuded of their leaves, stood out tall and +bare against the leaden sky, and there was a chill in the air that might +betoken snow. Pamela Wolcott stood in the sitting-room window and sighed +softly, as she gazed out at the November landscape, letting her fingers +beat soft tattoo against the lozenge-shaped pane. + +"Pamela," said Betty from the depths of a big chair, where she sat +busily knitting a little stocking whose proportions suggested Miss +Moppet, "I wish you would stop that devil's march. Believe me, you had +much better come and talk to me, and so drive away the vapors, rather +than stand there and worry over the whereabouts of Josiah." + +"It will take more than that to drive away the thoughts I cannot help," +said Pamela, coming back from the window and seating herself on the +wide settle, for Pamela was somewhat given to seeking the warmest +corner, and dreaded a New England winter. "It is full time I had some +intelligence, for Josiah promised that he would take advantage of any +courier who started for New London to dispatch me a letter, and you know +that father had news two days since from Morristown, but nothing came +for me. Betty, I am sore afraid of evil tidings." + +"You are ever faint-hearted," said Betty, glancing compassionately at +her sister. + +"And I dreamed last night of a wedding," went on Pamela, "and that, you +know, is an evil sign." + +"Best not let Aunt Euphemia hear you," Replied Betty, with a smile. "You +have been consulting Chloe, I am sure, as to the portents of dreams. +Fie, Pamela; Josiah is strong and well, and there is not likely to be a +movement of the troops just now, father says, so why worry? I am anxious +because we hear nothing of Clarissa, and I think Aunt Euphemia is the +same, for I heard her talking and sighing last night when Miss Bidwell +carried up the night light. Dear Clarissa, how I wish I could see her +again; I wonder if she be quite, quite happy shut up in New York among +the Tories." + +"No doubt; though when she married Gulian Verplanck we had little +thought of the occupation of New York by the British. Do you recollect +how pretty she looked on her wedding-day, Betty, and the little caps you +and I wore,--mine with a knot of blue, and yours of rose-color? I found +that ribbon one day last week, tucked away in a little box. Have you +kept yours?" + +"No," returned Betty, with a sudden blush and a quick, half-guilty throb +of her heart, as she remembered in whose hand she had last seen that +same bow of rose-color; "that is, I had it until last summer, when--I +lost it." And Betty dropped two stitches in her confusion, which +fortunately Pamela was too much engrossed in her own thoughts to notice. + +"It is five years last May," said Pamela. "You and I were tiny things of +ten and eleven years, and Oliver strutted about grand and dignified in a +new coat. The first wedding in our family--I wonder whose be the next?" + +"Yours, of course." said Betty quickly. "That is if you and Josiah can +ever make up your minds. I will not be like you, Pamela, trust me, when +my turn comes I'll know full well whether I will or I won't." And Betty +tossed her saucy head with a mischievous laugh as there came a rap on +the front door which caused both girls to start up and fly to the +window. + +"Why, 'tis Sally Tracy," cried Betty. "I did not know she had returned +from her visit to Lebanon." And she ran rapidly along the hall, and +opening the door, embraced her friend with all a girl's enthusiasm. + +"Welcome, Sally," said Pamela, as the pair came hand in hand towards +her, "Betty has been moping ever since you left, and had a desperate fit +of industry from sheer loneliness. I really believe she has made a +stocking and a half for Moppet--or was it a pair, Betty?" + +"The second pair, if you please," retorted Betty, rejoiced to see Pamela +smile, even if at her own expense; "and Miss Bidwell says they are every +bit as fine as yours." + +"They may well be that," said Pamela, whose pet detestation was the +manufacture of woolen stockings (then considered one of the component +parts of a girl's education in New England). "But Sally is such a +marvelous knitter that she will no doubt rejoice at your success. Had +you as severe weather in Lebanon as this? I am fearful that we will have +a hard winter, the cold has set in so early." + +"They have had one flurry of snow already," Sally answered, "but not so +much wind as we of Litchfield rejoice in. But I had a merry visit and +saw much company. Dolly bemoaned daily that you could not come, Pamela." + +"I am to go later, after or about the day set apart for Thanksgiving. +But you and Betty have much to say to each other, and I will not +interrupt you; Miss Bidwell has something for me to do, I'll warrant; +so, farewell for the present, Sally." And Pamela left the room. + +"Come, sit beside me on the settle," said Betty, putting Sally in the +warmest seat. "Your fingers are cold, and the room is not yet +sufficiently warm. Well,"--with a significant smile,--"what have you to +tell me?" + +"Not what you think," with a smiling nod, "for Francis Plunkett is far +too pressing for my taste,'' answered Sally. + +"Ha, ha," quoth Betty, much amused, "is that the way you take it? Then I +foresee that Francis will win for his much speaking." + +"Indeed he will not; I teased him well the last evening, and he dare not +resume the subject for a while at least." + +"Then there is some one else," said Betty. "Can it be that Oliver"-- + +"Oh, no," cried Sally hastily; "Oliver has not such an idea, believe me, +Betty." + +"How can you answer for him?" retorted Betty, laughing. "But your tone +answers for yourself, so I must guess again. I think I have heard +something of a handsome young lawyer from Branford"-- + +"Fie!" cried Sally, in her turn averting her face quickly, but not +before Betty had perceived her heightened color, "I have but met him +three times, and there are plenty of other personable men as well as he, +for while one stops with Dolly the officers from Fort Trumbull are ever +coming and going, you know." + +"Ah, Sally, you are growing giddy, I fear," continued Betty with comical +pretense of solemnity. "I think it behooves me to caution you." + +"Caution me, indeed!" laughed Sally. "Wait until we both go, as we all +are invited to Hartford with Dolly this winter when the Assembly meets, +and then see if you be not fully as giddy as I am." + +"I do not believe that I can go to Hartford, Sally; you know Pamela is +more Dolly's friend than mine, and I think she needs some diversion, for +ever since Josiah had his commission and joined the Continental army, +she has nearly moped herself to death. And Pamela is like my mother, not +very strong; I can see that Aunt Euphemia is somewhat troubled about her +even now, so perhaps our fine schemes for a trip to Hartford may have to +be given up, at least so far as my going is concerned." + +Sally's face fell; the visit to Hartford had been so long talked of, and +Betty's presence so much desired, that this was a dash of the coldest +possible water. + +"Oh, Betty, how truly sorry I shall be. But let us hope for the best. It +will be a sad breaking up of all my plans for the winter if you cannot +come. I was also to stop at Fairfield with Mrs. Sherman, but since the +raid of last summer her health has been so shattered that all thoughts +of visitors have to be abandoned, and therefore I was counting upon our +merry visit to Dolly as compensation." + +Sally looked so melancholy at this point that Betty took her hand and +was about to take a rather more hopeful view of things, but the words +died on her lips as the clatter of a horse's feet was heard outside, and +both girls ran to the window in time to see the rider draw rein at the +south door of the mansion and dismount in apparent haste. + +"It is some dispatch," said Betty breathlessly. "Did you not see the bag +he carried at the saddle? And there is my father--oh, Sally, I wonder if +there be news from General Washington and the army?" and struck by the +sudden fear of ill-tidings the girls ran hastily from the room. + +In the wide hall stood Miss Bidwell, and beside her the stranger, +saddle-bag in hand, as Miss Euphemia emerged from the dining-room, +whence General Wolcott had preceded her. + +"From the commander-in-chief, general," said the courier, touching his +battered hat in salute, "and special dispatches from General Steuben. +Also this private packet, which was lying waiting at King's Bridge Inn; +I have been four days on the road, owing to my horse having lamed +himself when near Chatham, and I could not make time on the nag which +stands at your door." + +"King's Bridge," murmured Miss Euphemia; "then there is news of +Clarissa. Brother, have I your permission?"--as General Wolcott gave the +small packet into her hand. + +"Break the seals," said the general briefly, "and bring me the letters +presently to my study. See that the horse and man be well taken care of; +I may have to dispatch instant answer to these," and he went quickly +down the hall, closing the door behind him. + +With fingers that trembled somewhat, Miss Euphemia opened the cover, and +disclosed three letters to the eager eyes of the girls, who stood +breathless beside her. + +"One for your father (it is Gulian Verplanck's hand), this for me, from +Clarissa, and the smaller one for you, Betty; let us go into the +sitting-room and read ours together." + +"None for me?" said Pamela's despairing voice, with a sob treading on +the words; "oh, I fear me some evil has befallen Josiah." + +"No, no," whispered Betty, stealing her hand lovingly into her sister's, +as she pulled her gently into the room; "father has the dispatches; +these are but the long-looked-for letters from New York, Pamela, and +I'll wager there is something from Josiah among father's packets. Let us +see what my letter says," and Betty, having seated Pamela and Sally on +the settle, placed herself on a convenient cricket, and broke the seal +of her letter. But before her eyes had time to see more than "Dearest +Betty," she was interrupted by a sudden exclamation from her aunt. + +"Clarissa has been at death's door," cried Miss Euphemia, startled out +of her usual composure. "I knew this long silence boded no good. Listen, +I will read it," and the three girls gathered round her chair at once. + +"Dear and Honored Aunt" (ran the letter), "I take up my pen, after many +days of pain and dire distress, to send loving greetings to you, my +Beloved father, and my dear sisters. For the hand of death was nearly +upon me; thank God that I am still preserved to my dear Husband and to +you. + +"It was a very malignant and severe attack of Fever, and Gulian procured +the services of no less than three Physicians, as for days I laid +unconscious. My little baby died at two hours old, and I never saw him. +Alas, how I have suffered! I am now very weak, altho' able to be dressed +and sit up each day. This is my first letter; and I pine so sorely for +you, my dear ones, that my dear Husband permits me to write, and begs +with me that you will permit one of my sisters to come to me and cheer +my heart"-- + +"Come to her! Good lack!" cried impetuous Betty, interrupting the +reader, "how is one to go when the British are in occupation?"-- + +"How, indeed," sighed Miss Euphemia; "but perhaps the letter will tell," +and she resumed her reading, after wiping her eyes softly. "Where was +I?--oh"-- + +"Father will no doubt be able to procure a pass from General Washington, +which will admit the bearer into the City, and Gulian will himself be +ready when you advise us, and will await you at King's Bridge Inn. Dear +Aunt, send me some one soon, and let me see a dear home face, else I +shall die of grief and homesickness, far from my own people. + +"Your loving and obedient niece, + +"CLARISSA VERPLANCK." + +By this time Pamela was sobbing aloud, and tears flowed down Miss +Euphemia's cheeks, but Betty sprang to her feet with a little impatient +stamp, crying,-- + +"Aunt, aunt, which of us shall go? Pamela, you are a gentle and charming +nurse; shall it be you?" + +"I!" sighed Pamela; "oh, I would go to the world's end for Clarissa." + +"But this is to go to New York," cried Betty, with unconscious irony; +"and as we can neither of us go alone, why could not my father arrange +for one of us to accompany Mrs. Seymour, who leaves shortly to be near +her brother for the winter? Did you not tell me, Sally, that she was +going to New York?" + +"Yes," answered Sally Tracy, "she has been making all manner of +preparations, for, as you know, her brother is imprisoned in the city; +and since her acceptance of the pleasure coach from the Mayor of New +York (which he presented her with when he was released from Litchfield +gaol), she has been pining to go to him. And, beside, she travels in her +coach as far as possible; and my mother said last night that General +Washington was to send her safe-conduct through our lines to the city." + +"We must first consult your father," said Miss Euphemia gravely, much +upset by the suggestion of making up her mind to do anything in haste, +for she was a very deliberate person, and despised hurried decisions. "I +will find him as soon as he has finished the dispatches, and, moreover, +this letter to him from Gulian may have directions. I incline to think +that you, Betty, will be the one to go. Pamela can scarce bear the +journey in this weather," and gathering her papers carefully in her +hand, Miss Euphemia left the room, and the girls gazed blankly at each +other with startled eyes and throbbing hearts. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +WHAT FOLLOWED A LETTER + + +"It was all decided last night," said Betty, tucking her little feet +carefully under her gown and clasping her knees with her hands to keep +them warm, as she sat in Moppet's chair, which stood close by the fire, +where a log burned and crackled in the big chimney--a most unusual +luxury for those days, and granted only to Moppet's youth and slight +delicacy of constitution. "Father found the pass from General Washington +among his dispatches brought by the courier; and as it includes Mrs. +Seymour's maid, he arranged with her that I go instead, as Mrs. Seymour +kindly says she can procure another attendant in New York. I can scarce +believe it possible, Sally. Oh, fancy my having to live in a city +occupied by the British!" + +"Ah," sighed Miss Moppet, pressing her head against Betty's knee, and a +spark of interest lighting up her doleful little face, "if only some of +them be like my good"-- + +"Oh, some of the Tories may be passably amusing," said Betty hastily, +giving Moppet a warning glance, as she checked the words on the child's +lips by a soft touch of her hand. "I doubt not that Gulian, my +brother-in-law, has fine qualities, else Clarissa had not been so fond +of him as to leave us all and go so far from us. But I trust that even +Gulian may not see fit to talk loyalist to me; my naughty tongue would +get me into trouble straightway." + +"You must learn to control your tongue, Betty," said Moppet primly, with +a roguish twinkle of her eyes upward. "Miss Bidwell says mine is an +unruly member, and told me a most dire tale of a little girl whose +mother for punishment pricked her tongue with a hot bodkin." + +"Ugh!" cried Sally, with a shudder, "that was in Puritan days, truly." + +"I do not crave the hot bodkin," said Betty, laughing. "Miss Bidwell's +tales are a trifle gruesome, Moppet." + +"But I always do love a flimming tale, Betty" (this was Moppet's +invariable rendering of the word "thrilling," which her lips had never +yet conquered), "and some of them are most bloody ones, I assure you. +Oh, Betty, Betty, what _shall_ I do when you are gone!" and with a +sudden realization of her loss, Moppet gave a quick sob which went to +Betty's heart. + +"Nay, sweetheart, be a brave little maid," she answered, fighting a +small lump in her own throat. "I would I could take you with me; but as +I cannot, you must hasten to learn how to make better pot-hooks and +write me letters, which Aunt Euphemia will forward with hers. And, +Moppet, I think I shall give you in special charge to Sally; how will +that please you?" + +"I love Sally," said the child simply, as the tender-hearted Sally knelt +down beside her. "Will you help console me with my primer and that +altogether dreadful sampler when my Betty is away?" + +"Indeed will I," replied Sally, much amused with Moppet's view of the +sampler; "and you shall come and see me every fine day, and the wet ones +I am sure to be here with Pamela, who has proclaimed her intention of +adopting me when Betty goes. And now I must be going, for it is nearly +the dinner hour, and my mother says as I have dined here three days she +bespeaks my presence for one out of four. So farewell until to-morrow, +Betty, when I shall be here to see you start upon your travels." + +Betty was busy enough all that day; indeed, nothing more than a confused +recollection remained with her afterward of trunk and two small boxes to +be packed; of Pamela's urging her acceptance of a new lute-string slip, +rose-colored, which had recently come to her from Boston; of Miss +Bidwell's innumerable stockings all tucked carefully away in one corner +of the hair-covered brass-nailed box, and even Miss Moppet's tenderly +cherished blue bag embroidered in steel beads, which had belonged to +their mother, but which Moppet insisted could be used by Betty with +great effect for her handkerchief at a ball. + +"Ball, indeed," sighed Betty, whose brave heart was beginning to quail +at thought of an untold length of separation from her beloved family. "I +should think the hearts of the patriots imprisoned in New York would +scarce be occupied with balls in such times as these." + +"You mistake," said Pamela, who, truth to tell, half longed for Betty's +opportunities, for was not her sister going somewhere near Josiah's +post? "I am sure Clarissa's letter which you read me bade you bring all +your best gowns and finery, and we have all heard how gay the army of +occupation make the city." + +"Aye, to those who are Tories," said Betty, with curling red lips, "but +for me--oh, Miss Bidwell, if you put in another pair of stockings I +shall require as many feet as a centipede, who I read has hundreds of +them." + +"Hundreds of feet?" echoed Miss Moppet. "Oh, Betty, do I live to hear +you tell a fairy tale as if it were real?" + +"Read your primer, and you will learn many wonderful things," quoth +Betty, snatching up the child in her arms. "I shall take you straightway +to bed, for we must be up betimes in the morning, you know." + +Very carefully and tenderly did Betty bathe Moppet's sweet little face, +comb and smooth the pretty curling hair, so like her own save in color, +and then run the brass warming-pan, heated by live coals, through the +sheets lest her tender body suffer even a slight chill. And when Moppet +was safely lodged in bed Betty sat down beside her to hold her hand +until she dropped asleep. But between excitement and grief the child's +eyes would not close, and she asked question after question, until Betty +finally announced she should answer no more. + +Moppet lay still for some moments, and just as Betty was beginning to +fancy that the long, dark eyelashes worn curling downward in sleepy +comfort the dark blue eyes opened, and a dancing imp of mischief gleamed +from their depths in Betty's face. + +"When you meet Captain Yorke, Betty," whispered Moppet, "be sure you +tell him how Oliver and Josiah hunted and hunted that morning, and how I +never, never told"-- + +"Moppet," said Betty, turning a vivid pink in the firelight, "how can +you!"-- + +"Yes," pursued Moppet relentlessly, "and you give him my love--heaps of +it--and I just hope he may never get taken a prisoner during the whole +war again." + +"Go to sleep, dear," answered Betty, biting her lip; but her cheeks did +not grow cool until long after the soft, regular breathing told that her +little sister had gone into the land of dreams. + +The Wolcott household was up early that cold winter morning, when Mrs. +Seymour's coach, with its pair of sturdy, strong gray horses, drew up at +the front door. It took some twenty minutes to bestow Betty's trunk and +boxes on the rumble behind, during which time Mrs. Seymour alighted and +received all manner of charges and advice from Miss Euphemia, who, now +that Betty was fairly on the wing, felt much sinking of heart over her +departure. Mrs. Seymour, a pretty young matron, whose natural gayety of +spirit was only subdued by the anxiety she was suffering in regard to +her only brother, now a prisoner in New York (and for whose exchange she +was bringing great influence to bear in all directions), listened with +much outward deference and inward impatience to the stately dame, and +turned with an air of relief to General Wolcott when he announced that +all was ready for their departure, and with much courtliness offered his +hand to conduct her to her coach. + +"That you will take the best care of my daughter I am assured, madam," +said the gallant gentleman. "It is our great good fortune to have found +this opportunity and your kind escort, for owing to the shortness of +time I have not been able to notify my son-in-law of Betty's coming. But +as you are going into the city yourself, I depend upon you to keep her +with you until you can place her safely in Gulian Verplanck's hands. I +trust that you have General Washington's pass close by you? It is quite +possible that you may need it even before you reach White Plains; there +are many marauding parties who infest the country beyond us." + +"It is here, general," replied Mrs. Seymour, touching the breast of her +gown. "I thought it well to carry it about my person, as I am told that +even the Hessians respect General Washington's safe-conduct to enter New +York." + +Betty, with crimson cheeks, but brave smiling eyes, threw her arms +fondly around Miss Euphemia, Pamela, Sally, and Miss Bidwell, all in +turn, but Moppet's soft cry as she buried her face in her hands made her +lip quiver, and as she bent her head for her father's farewell, a +reluctant tear forced itself down her cheek. + +"The God of our fathers be with you, my daughter," he said, taking her +in his arms; "my love and blessing to Clarissa and her husband. Remain +with them until I find safe opportunity to have you return to us; advise +us often of your health and, I trust, continued well-being; keep a brave +heart as befits your name and lineage; fare you well, fare you well!" + +Betty sank back trembling into her seat beside Mrs. Seymour, the door +was closed, and as the coach rolled off she caught a parting glimpse of +Miss Moppet lifted high in General Wolcott's arms, kissing her hand +fondly as she waved good-by. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +INSIDE BRITISH LINES + + +"Drat that knocker!" said Peter Provoost. + +The house stood on Wall Street, and to the fact that it like a few +others has been built of brick, it owed its escape from the fire which +ravaged, the city in 1776, the fire which also destroyed old Trinity +Church, leaving the unsightly ruin standing for some years in what was +aristocratic New York of the period. It was a square, +comfortable-looking mansion, with the Dutch _stoep_ in front, and the +half-arch of small-paned glass above the front door, which was painted +white and bore a massive brass knocker. That same knocker was a source +of much irritation to Peter Provoost; for although he was of fair size +for his thirteen years, he could barely reach it when mounted on the +very tips of his toes, and even then never dared touch its shining +surface unless his fingers were clean--a desirable state of neatness +which, alas! did not often adorn the luckless Peter. For though tidy and +careful enough when appearing before his guardians, Mr. and Mrs. +Verplanck, it must be confessed that going to and from school Peter was +prone to lay down both books and hat, oftentimes in the mud, and square +himself pugnaciously if he chanced to meet one of the boys of the "Vly +Market," who were wont to scoff and tease the Broadway boys +unmercifully; and fierce battles were the frequent outcome of the +feeling between the two sections, and in those Peter invariably took +part. + +The family was a small one, and consisted of Gulian Verplanck and his +wife, his grandmother, Mrs. Effingham, a lovely old Quakeress, and +Peter, who, having lost both parents at an early age, had remained in +Albany with his other guardian, Mr. Abram Lansing, until some six months +before, when it was decided that he should go to New York and be under +the Verplanck eye; and although Peter had rebelled much against the plan +in the first place, he found himself much happier under Clarissa's +gentle rule, and positively adored her in consequence. The only lion in +Peter's path at present was the strong Tory proclivity of the head of +the house; and although he had been warned by his Albany friends to be +prudent and respectful, the boy had inherited a sturdy patriotism which +burned all the more hotly for its repression. + +On this cold December afternoon Peter stood, books in hand, and surveyed +that aggravating knocker from his stand on the sidewalk. He was +painfully conscious that his feet were muddy, and his chubby fingers +certainly needed soap and water; it was Friday, and Pompey, one of the +black servants, had evidently been scrubbing the front steps. Therefore +Peter debated whether it would be wiser to skirt around the mansion and +gain entrance by the area steps, where no doubt he would encounter +Dinah, the cook (who objected to invasions of unclean shoes), or boldly +ascend the front steps, struggle with that balefully glittering knocker, +and trust to Pompey's somewhat dim eyes to escape remonstrance before he +could gain his own room and make himself presentable. The chances of a +scolding seemed pretty equally balanced to Peter, and he heaved a deep +sigh and put his foot on the first immaculate step before him as a hand +fell on his shoulder and a merry voice said behind him:-- + +"What in the world are you pondering, Peter? I have watched you since I +turned the corner of Broadway, and truly for once have seen you stand +absolutely still. In some scrape with the Vly boys, I'll warrant; do you +wish me to come in and plead for you?" and Kitty Cruger tripped lightly +up the steps as she beckoned Peter to follow. + +"Now you have done it--not I!" said Peter, with a mischievous chuckle, +as he tore up after her. + +"Done what?" asked mystified Kitty. She and Peter were fast friends. + +"Muddied the clean steps," quoth Peter with gleeful brevity. + +"Have I?" glancing down carelessly until she saw each dainty footprint +plainly depicted on the white marble, side by side with Peter's heavier +tracks. "Oh, what a shame," reaching up successfully to the brass +knocker; "but I am sure Pompey will forgive me, and you can"--stopping +short as the door opened and Pompey himself stood bowing low in the +hall. + +"Good-day, missy," said he, for Kitty Cruger was a frequent and welcome +visitor at the Verplancks'. "Miss Clarissa is pretty well to-day, thank +you, and ole madam is in the drawing-room--Law!" catching sight of +Peter, who was skillfully slipping down the hall in Kitty's wake. "Dat +you, Massa Peter? Reckon you better hurry, for it's mos' time for +dinner, sah." + +But Peter, with great discretion, paused not for reply as he vanished up +a back stair-case and reached his own chamber, panting but triumphant. + +"Good-day, dear grandma," said Kitty, crossing the hall as Pompey held +open the door of the drawing-room; "I was detained by reason of the +sewing-bee at the Morrises', and have barely time to see you and ask for +Clarissa." + +"How does thee do?" said Grandma Effingham, drawing her little drab +shawl more closely around her shapely shoulders as she laid down her +knitting. "I am pleased to see thee. Clarissa is somewhat stronger +to-day; thee knows she has been more like her old self since Gulian +dispatched the letters asking that one of her sisters be allowed to come +to her. The poor child pines for a home face; it is natural; thee sees +she has been long absent from her people." + +"Surely it is almost time to get some reply," said Kitty, as she kissed +the dear old Quakeress, for Kitty was one of Mrs. Effingham's +grandchildren, although her mother had been read out of meeting for +having married one of the "world's people." "I doubt that Clarissa will +shortly begin to worry and grow ill again unless kind Providence sends +some tidings." + +"Nay, nay," said grandma gently. "If thee had half Clarissa's patience +it would be thy gain, Kitty." + +Grandma was such a quaint, pretty picture, as she sat in her +straight-backed chair, with her Quaker cap and steel-gray silk gown, her +sleeves elbow-cut, displaying still plump and rounded arms (although she +was nearly seventy), and her smooth white fingers flew rapidly in and +out of the blue yarn as she resumed her knitting of Peter's stocking. +Peter was rather a godsend to grandma in the matter of stockings; no +wool that was ever carded could resist his vigorous onslaughts, and it +kept grandma busy all her spare moments to supply his restless feet with +warm covering. + +"Patience," echoed Kitty, with a comical sigh. "Nay, grandma, give me a +few more years without it." + +"Fie," said grandma, gazing at the bright face with her indulgent eye; +"eighteen is full late to begin to learn to conform to thy elders. I was +married and the twins were born at thy age, Kitty." + +"Good lack," quoth Kitty. "Where are the men nowadays, grandma? Save for +the redcoats, and I am not so daft over Sir Henry Clinton's gay officers +as some--no doubt't is my Quaker blood--except for the officers, where +are our gallants? Some of mine are up the Hudson beyond the neutral +ground, others with the rebels at Morristown." + +"Hush," said grandma, with an uneasy glance toward the door; "do not +talk of rebels in this house; hadn't thee better run up and see +Clarissa?" + +"If Miss Kitty pleases," spoke the voice of Pompey at the door, "will +she walk upstairs? Young madam wants to see her." + +"Coming," said Kitty, kissing grandma fondly, and then following Pompey +as he marched gravely up to open the door of Mrs. Verplanck's +morning-room. It was a tiny apartment; for when Gulian Verplanck brought +his young bride home he had added a room to the wing below, and as it +greatly enlarged their bedroom, the happy idea had struck him to throw +up a partition, corner-ways, which formed an irregularly shaped room +opening on the passage, and gave Clarissa her own cherished den in that +great house of square rooms and high ceilings. In it she had placed all +her home belongings; her spinnet, which had been her mother's (brought +by sloop to New York from New Haven), found the largest space there, and +her grandmother's small spinning-wheel was in the corner near the +chimney-piece which Gulian had contrived to have put in lest his +delicate wife might suffer with cold. + +Near the small log which blazed brightly on the hearth, in a low chair +made somewhat easy with cushions, sat a fair, fragile-looking, girlish +figure, in whose mournful dark eyes was something so pathetic that it +suggested the old-time prophecy that such "die young." Clarissa +Verplanck in that resembled none of her family, and the one reason for +her father's and aunt's anxiety about her was that she was thought the +image of a sister of her mother who fulfilled the prophecy. Be that as +it may, Clarissa was anything but a mournful person in general; her +spirits were somewhat prone to outrun her physical strength, and +therefore her sad little appeal for one of her sisters to cheer her had +come in the light of a demand to the Litchfield home, and alarmed them +more than anything else could have done. + +"Kitty, Kitty," said Clarissa, holding out a welcoming hand to her +visitor, who seated herself on a cricket beside her, "why have you not +been in this four days? I am truly glad to see you, for ever since +Gulian and I dispatched our letters to my father I have been so cross +and impatient that I fear my good husband is beginning to tire of his +bargain, and lament a peevish wife." + +"Heaven forgive you for the slander," retorted Kitty, laughing; "if ever +there was a husband who adored the ground you walk on, Gulian is"-- + +"Thank you," said a quiet voice, as a tall dark man entered from the +bedroom. + +"Let me finish my sentence--Gulian is that benighted swain," burst in +Kitty. + +"Again, my thanks," answered Gillian gravely. To none but Clarissa was +he ever seen to relax his serious manner; perhaps hers were the only +eyes who saw the tenderness behind the stern, reserved exterior. He +really liked his cousin; but although Kitty was not, like most people, +afraid of him, it must be confessed that he wearied her, and she much +preferred to have her gossip with Clarissa, when Gulian was safely out +of the house. + +"And now tell me about the letters," pursued Kitty. "You sent for your +sister, grandma told me. Which one, Clarissa?" + +"Indeed, I do not know; I left the choice to my father, but I think--I +hope it may be Betty. I only wish I might have Moppet as well," and the +quickly checked sigh told Gulian's keen ears what the unuttered thought +had been. + +"Betty--let me see--is that the sister next yourself?" + +"Oh, no; the sister next to me in age died in infancy. Then comes +Oliver, and then Pamela, who is seventeen now, and next my Betty. How I +wonder if the girls have changed; five years makes a long gap, you know, +and even my imagination can scarce fill it. Do you fancy we will hear +soon, Gulian?" + +"I cannot tell," he said gently, thinking how often he had sought reply +to the same question in the past week, and longing tenderly to give her +the expected pleasure. + +"It may be that General Wolcott may find some chance opportunity to +send his daughter at once, in which event you know there would scarce be +time to hear before she would reach us." + +"Oh, Gulian," cried Clarissa, clasping her hands, as a faint pink glow +lit her pale face, "you did not say that before. If it were only +possible"-- + +"Why not?" said Kitty encouragingly. + +"But, Gulian, you said in the letter that you would await my sister at +King's Bridge Inn. Surely you cannot go there and stop, waiting at the +Inn for days?" + +"I can ride out to-morrow, and, in fact, I hastened through some +business at the wharf to-day which enabled me to have the day free. I +can easily go to King's Bridge and inquire at the Inn for dispatches; +you will not mind my being absent all day? Perhaps Kitty will come and +bear you company while I am gone?" + +"Right gladly," replied Kitty; "will you ride alone, Gulian?" + +"I might, easily," said Gulian; "but when I procured a pass from Sir +Henry Clinton yesterday (it is an eight days' pass, Clarissa) I found +that Captain Yorke goes to-morrow to the neutral ground to inspect +troops, and I think I shall take advantage of his company." + +"I am glad of that," said Clarissa, putting her slender hand in Gulian's +and looking with grateful eyes up at him, as he stood beside her chair. +"Is he the aide-de-camp you told me of, Gulian, for whom you had taken a +liking?" + +"The same; a fine, manly fellow, the second son of Lord Herbert Yorke, +one of my father's old friends in England. You were dancing with him at +the De Lanceys' 'small and early,' were you not, Kitty, last week?" + +"Yes," said Kitty, with a quick nod and a half frown, "he has the usual +airs and graces of a newly arrived officer from the mother-country." + +"Perhaps you find the colonists more to your mind," responded Gulian +somewhat severely; but Clarissa gave his sleeve a warning twitch, as +Kitty made answer with heightened color:-- + +"My own countrymen are ever first with me, as you know full well, +Gulian, but one must dance sometimes to keep up one's heart in those +times, and Captain Yorke has a passably good step which suits with +mine." + +What Gulian would have replied to this was never known, for at that +moment an outcry arose in the hall, followed by the bump, bump of some +heavy body rolling down the staircase, and Peter's boyish voice shouting +out, between gasps of laughter,-- + +"Pompey, Pompey, I say!--it's nobody but me; oh, what a proper old goose +it is; do, somebody come and thrash him." + +In a second Gulian and Kitty were outside the door, and beheld at the +foot of the winding stairs poor Pompey, picking himself up, with many +groans and much rubbing of his shins, while Peter, rolling himself +nearly double with laughter, stood midway of the flight, with a queer +object in his hand which Gulian seized hastily. + +"It's only a gourd," gasped Peter between paroxysms. "I kept it in my +closet for a week, and half an hour ago I stole a bit of wick out of +Dinah's pantry and dipped it well in melted tallow, and than stuck it +inside, when, as you see, having carved out two eyes and a slit for the +nose, it looks somewhat ghastly when the light comes forth." + +"It's a debbil, debbil," cried Pompey. "Massa Peter sent me to find his +skates, and dat awful face"--Pompey's teeth chattered, and Peter went +off in a fresh burst of laughter. + +"It soured him properly, Uncle Gulian; and though I ran after him and +shook it (it only looks gruesome in the dark, you know) he never +stopped, and he stumbled on the first step, and then he rolled--My! how +he did bump"--and naughty Peter sat down on the stalls and held his +sides for very merriment. + +"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," said Gulian sternly, to whom +practical jokes were an utter abomination, "and you deserve to be well +punished. Pompey, stop groaning, and inform me at once whether you have +sustained any injury by your fall." + +"Law, Massa Gulian, you tink falling down dat stair gwine to hurt dis +chile?" began Pompey, who entertained a warm affection for the +mischievous Peter and dreaded nothing so much as a scolding from his +master. "Dose stairs don't 'mount to nuffin; ef it had been de area +steps dey moughten be dangerous. Massa knows boys mus' have dey fun: +please 'cuse me for makin' such a bobbery." + +"Well, I did it," said Peter sturdily, instantly sobered by the +expression of his uncle's face, and his generous heart touched with +Pompey's defense of his prank, "and nobody helped me, so let's have the +whipping right off before dinner, please, Uncle Gulian, and then I can +eat in peace--even if I am a trifle sore," wound up the sinner ruefully. + +Gulian Verplanck's sense of humor was not keen, but the situation was +too much for him, and a queer, grim smile lit up his eyes, as he said +slowly:-- + +"As Pompey seems more frightened than hurt, and has interceded for you, +I shall not punish you this time, Peter; but recollect that the very +first occasion after this that you see fit to practice a joke on any +member of my household, your skates will be confiscated for the +remainder of the winter," and with a warning glance he followed Kitty +back into his wife's room, leaving Pompey on the staircase, still +rubbing his bruised shins, while the irrepressible Peter indulged once +more in a convulsion of silent laughter which bent him double and +threatened to burst every button off his tightly fitting jacket. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +BETTY'S JOURNEY + + +Mrs. Seymour, having had the advantage of some weeks to form her plans, +had carefully arranged everything for her own comfort, so far as was +possible, and Betty Wolcott, after the first pang of parting was over, +began to enjoy the novelty of the journey most thoroughly. Except for a +few days spent at Lebanon, Betty had never been from home in her life, +and being, as we have seen, a bit of a philosopher in her own quaint +fashion, after the first day spent in Mrs. Seymour's cheerful society +she found herself much less homesick than she had expected. To begin +with, the coach was, for those times, very comfortable. It was +English-built, and had been provided with capacious pockets in +unexpected places; it amused Betty exceedingly to find that she was +seated over the turkey, ham, cake, and even a goodly pat of butter, +carefully packed in a small stone jar, while another compartment held +several changes of linen, powder, a small mirror, a rouge pot, and some +brushes. Mrs. Seymour had been born and bred in New York, and many of +her people were Tories; therefore she hoped to assist the brother who, +breaking apart from the others, had taken up arms for the colonists. + +Caesar, Mrs. Seymour's coachman, was a colored man of middle age, a +slave of her father's, and, having been brought from New York to +Connecticut, knew the route fairly well. They broke the journey first at +a small roadside tavern, where the horses were baited, while Betty and +Mrs. Seymour gladly descended, and warmed themselves well by the kitchen +fire, taking a drink of warm milk, for which the good woman who had +invited them inside refused payment. She was deeply interested when Mrs. +Seymour told her of their errand, and followed them out to the door of +the coach, bringing with her own hands the soapstone which she had +carefully warmed for their feet, and she waved a kindly good-by as they +rode off, delighted at seeing, for the first time in her life, a +"pleasure coach." + +The first night was spent by the travelers in Danbury, where they +proceeded to the house of Mrs. Seymour's cousin, Mrs. Beebe, and were +most warmly welcomed. The Beebe household, which consisted of Mrs. Beebe +and seven children (Captain Beebe being with the Connecticut Rangers), +trooped out, one and all, to meet them, to inspect the coach, interview +Caesar, and admire the horses. Billy, the second boy, fraternized with +Betty at once; and after learning all the mysteries of the coach +pockets, helping Caesar to unharness, and superintending the fetching of +an extra large log for the fireplace, he roasted chestnuts in the ashes +as they sat around the chimney-piece, and told Betty thrilling stories +of the attack on Danbury by the British. + +"We dragged the feather-beds up to the window," said Billy, "and mother +stuffed a pillow or two in the cracks. My, how the bullets did fly! The +children were all bid to stay in the attic; but as the roof shelves, you +know, it became pretty hot, especially when the fires began, and then +mother did get frightened, more especially when she saw the blaze of the +Woolford house, down the street. Didn't I just wish I was a man, to go +and help father that day! Luckily for us, the wind was in the other +direction; father said that was all that saved us." + +"And Divine Providence, my son," said Mrs. Beebe's soft voice, as she +laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Billy's only experience of war was a +sharp one for a few hours. He has been longing ever since to join his +father, but I can only find it in my mother's heart to rejoice that he +is too young to do so. Now, Billy, light the candles; for if our friends +must resume their journey to-morrow, it is full time to retire." + +Betty found the little room assigned to her, with Billy's assistance, +but before he left her he pointed out two small holes near the window +frame, where bullets had entered and remained buried in the woodwork; +and as Betty curled herself up in the centre of the great feather-bed, +she thought, with a throb of her girlish heart, that perhaps she, too, +might see some of the terrors of war before she returned to the shelter +of her dear Litchfield home. + +The next morning dawned cold and chilly; a few flakes of snow floated +through the air, and Mrs. Beebe urged strongly the wisdom of lying over +for twenty-four hours, lest a storm should come and render the roads +impassable. But Mrs. Seymour, after a consultation with Caesar, decided +that it was best to push on; winter was approaching, and each day made +the journey less feasible. There was a fairly good road between them and +White Plains, and now that she had started she was impatient to reach +the city. Betty, too, was eager to be off, so with many warm thanks, +they again packed the coach and said farewell to the hospitable Beebes, +who had insisted on adding fresh stores of provisions to their hamper; +and Billy's last act of friendliness was to slip into Betty's hand a +package of taffy, of his own manufacture, which he assured her "was not +over-sticky, provided you use care in biting it." + +This part of the journey was cold and cheerless enough. The road wound +somewhat, and the settlements were few, even the houses were far apart +from each other; and although the hills were fewer, they heard Caesar +admonish his horses more frequently than usual, and about four o'clock +in the day they came to a full stop. The snow of the morning had turned +into a sort of drizzling rain; and Caesar, dismounting from his seat, +announced to his mistress that one of the horses had cast a shoe. + +"What shall we do?" cried Mrs. Seymour in dismay, preparing to jump +down into the mud and investigate matters. + +"Dey's no use at all of madam's gettin' out," said Caesar, holding the +door of the coach,--"no use at all. I'se done got de shoe, 'cause I saw +it a-comin' off, an' here it is. De horse will do well enuf, 'caise I'll +drive wif care; but what I wants to say is that, 'cordin' to my +judgment, we had oughter take a turn to de right, just hyar, which am in +de direction ob Ridgefield, whar I ken fin' a blacksmith's shop, shuh. +Ef madam pleases, it's goin' somewhat out of de direct way to White +Plains, but what wid de weather, which madam can see is obstreperous an' +onsartain, I'm ob de opinion dat Ridgefield am de best stoppin' place +for dis night, anyhow;" and having delivered himself of this +exhortation, Caesar touched his hat respectfully, but with an air of +having settled the question. + +"Very well," said Mrs. Seymour, for she knew Caesar and Caesar's ways, +and moreover had much confidence in his ability to take care of her, as +well as of his horses. "Then take the turn to the right, as you propose. +Are you quite sure you are familiar with the road here, Caesar? It will +be dark soon, and I confess I should not like to lose our way." + +"Not gwine to lose de road wid dis chile on de box," said Caesar with +fine disdain, as he climbed to his seat and rolled himself up warmly +again, his teeth chattering as he did so. But he said to himself, as the +horses started slowly, "Pray de Lord I ain't mistooken; don't want to +fall into none ob dem old redcoats' han's, Caesar don't, dat's sartain." + +Inside the coach, which lumbered on so slowly that it almost seemed to +crawl, Mrs. Seymour and Betty tried to keep up their spirits by an +occasional remark of cheerful character, and Betty suggested that +perhaps some bread and cheese from the Beebe larder would prove +satisfactory to Caesar; but on asking the question Caesar only shook his +head, and responded that he was too busy looking after the horses to +eat; and the long hours dragged on as it grew darker and darker. Betty +rested her head against the door and peered out at the dripping trees, +whose bare limbs stood like skeletons against the leaden sky. Mrs. +Seymour had sunk into a fitful doze by her side. Suddenly the off horse +gave a plunge, the coach tilted far to one side, and then righted +itself as Caesar's loud "Whoa, dar! Steady! steady!" was heard. Then +Betty saw half a dozen shadowy forms surround them, and a voice said +sharply, "Who goes there? Halt!" and a hand was laid roughly on the door +of the coach. + +"Pray who are you who detain ladies on a journey?" said Mrs. Seymour, +addressing the man nearest her. "I am in my own coach with a maid on our +way to New York, and one of my horses has cast a shoe." + +"Stand aside there," said another voice impatiently, as an officer +dismounted from his horse, and flung the rein to one of the men. "If you +are bound to a city occupied by the British, you must have safe-conduct, +madam, else we are compelled to search and detain you." + +For answer, Mrs. Seymour drew out a folded paper, which the officer, +straining his eyes in the fast-fading daylight, read aloud, as +follows:-- + +"After the expiration of eight days from the date hereof, Mrs. Seymour +and maid have permission to go into the city of New York and to return +again." + +"Given at Morristown this second day of December. + +"G. WASHINGTON." + + +"From the commander-in-chief," said the officer, raising his hat, as he +motioned his men to stand back. "Madam, permit me to present myself as +Lieutenant Hillhouse of the Connecticut Rangers, and pray command my +services." + +"Oh," gasped Betty, from the other side, "our own troops, thank Heaven!" + +"Truly you are a welcome arrival," said Mrs. Seymour, with a +light-hearted laugh. "Betty and I have passed a bad five minutes, +fancying you were Hessians. I am on my way to the city to intercede for +my brother, Captain Seymour's exchange, and, for the once, I do not mind +telling you that my companion is Mistress Betty Wolcott, consigned to my +care by her father, General Wolcott, as her sister, Mrs. Verplanck, lies +ill in New York, and she goes there to see her, but she travels as my +maid." + +"I met Lieutenant Hillhouse last summer at my father's house," said +Betty, as the young officer came around to her side of the coach, "and +right glad I am to see you now, sir, instead of the redcoats whom +Caesar, our coachman, has been imagining would start from every bush as +we near White Plains." + +"You are not above a mile from a little settlement called Ridgefield," +answered the officer; "and while there is no tavern there, my men and I +found fairly comfortable quarters to-day. If I may suggest, you should +get there as soon as may be." + +"We would be glad to," said Mrs. Seymour ruefully, "but one of my horses +has cast a shoe, hence our slow progress. I am more than glad my servant +has not mistaken the way." + +"Madam oughter to know Caesar better," grumbled that worthy from the +box. + +"How long will it take you to drive the remaining mile?" said his +mistress soothingly. "We may perhaps have your escort, lieutenant?" + +"I am on my return there, madam; permit me to send my men in advance to +arrange for your comfort, and I will with pleasure ride beside you until +we arrive. Ridgefield lies beyond that turn," raising his whip to direct +Caesar. "If it were not for the growing darkness, you would see the +smoke from the chimney of the house where I am quartered;" and closing +the door of the coach, the officer gave directions to his men, who +marched quickly down the road, as he mounted and pursued his way with +the ladies. + +Just beyond the farmhouse which Lieutenant Hillhouse had pointed out as +his temporary quarters stood a low, wooden structure, with a lean-to in +the rear, and there Caesar drew up his tired horses. A rather +cross-looking spinster stood in the door of the house, and as Betty and +Mrs. Seymour alighted she said snappishly:-- + +"I don't own much room, as I told your men, Mister Lieutenant, but so +long as you're not Hessians I'm willing to open my door for you. It +won't be for long, will it?" + +"Oh, no," replied Mrs. Seymour, with her pretty, gracious smile, "we are +simply in need of a night's lodging. I think we have food enough in our +hampers, and if you can give us hot milk I have coffee ready for +making." + +"I don't begrudge you nothing," said the woman in a softened tone, as +Betty bade her a pleasant good-day, "but it's a poor place, anyhow," +gazing up at the bare rafters, "and as I live here all alone I have to +be precious careful of my few things." + +"But it so neat and clean," said Betty, pulling a three-legged stool +toward the fire, and surveying the recently scrubbed floor; "we are cold +and weary, and you are very good to take us in." + +Evidently the woman was amenable to politeness, for she bustled around +and insisted upon making the coffee, which Caesar produced in due time +from his hamper under the box-seat, and she laid a cloth on the +pine-wood table, and at last, after disappearing for a few minutes into +the darkness of a small inner room, reappeared with three silver spoons +and two forks in her hand, which she laid carefully down beside the +pewter plates on the table with an air of pride as she remarked, +addressing no one in particular:-- + +"The forks was my grandmother's, and my father fetched the spoons from a +voyage he made on the Spanish main, and he always said they was made of +real Spanish dollars." + +Thereupon Mrs. Seymour and Betty fell to admiring the queer-looking +articles (which from their workmanship were really worthy of +admiration), and the spinster relaxed her severe air sufficiently to +accept a cup of the coffee they were drinking. And then Mrs. Seymour +induced her to give consent that Caesar should have a shake-down in a +corner of the kitchen, and although the bed which Betty and the pretty +matron had to share was hard, it was clean, and the pillows soft, and +they slept soundly and well amid their rough surroundings, and, to +confess the truth, enjoyed the novelty of the situation. + +Lieutenant Hillhouse aroused them early in the morning by a message; and +as Mrs. Seymour was not ready to receive him, Betty ran out and met him +at the door. + +"You look so fresh and bright that I am sure your night spent upon the +roadside has not harmed you," said the officer, bidding her +good-morning. "I am off at once, as I carry an order to General Wolcott +for quartermaster's stores in Litchfield. What shall I say to your +father for you?" + +"Oh," cried Betty, rejoiced at this chance to send word of mouth to her +beloved ones, "how truly fortunate! Tell my father we are well and in +good spirits, and hope to reach the neutral ground to-night at +farthest." + +"You may easily do that; the storm has passed, as you see, and if my +friend Caesar can urge his horses somewhat, you are not likely to meet +with detentions. One of my men has assisted in shoeing the horse, and if +you can, you should start at once." + +The coach and Mrs. Seymour appeared at this moment simultaneously, and +the lieutenant insisted upon seeing the ladies safely started. Betty +seized the opportunity to ask for news of Josiah Huntington, and was +told of his having rendered good service, and that he gained in +popularity daily. + +"And Oliver--my brother," said Betty, leaning from the coach as they +were about to move off: "what tidings of him?" + +"He has not been with me," replied Hillhouse with some constraint; +"indeed, I think he was to be sent on some special service." + +"Give him my best affection," said Betty. "And oh, sir, to my little +sister at home pray deliver my fondest love," and tears were brimming in +Betty's eyes as Caesar flicked his whip at the horses' heads and the +coach started. + +The road being somewhat better than that already traveled, the miles +which intervened between Ridgefield and White Plains were more briskly +done, and Caesar had the satisfaction of pulling up his horses in good +condition before the well-known tavern at the latter place in time for +dinner. The somewhat pretentious sign hanging out over the door had been +changed to suit the times and the tempers of the guests, for what had +previously read "The King's Arms, Accommodations for Man and Beast," was +now "The Washington Inn," and beneath it a picture in Continental +uniform of a man whose rubicund countenance required considerable +imagination to transform into a likeness of the commander-in-chief. As +their happened to be a lack of hostlers, it took some time to get the +horses baited, and it was later than Mrs. Seymour could have wished when +Caesar finally made his appearance and informed his mistress that all +was ready for their departure. The weather had been growing colder +steadily, and greatly to their surprise the travelers learned that in +all probability Harlem River was frozen, and grave doubts were expressed +by mine host of the inn whether the ladies could gain their journey's +end without much discomfort and exposure. But Mrs. Seymour and Betty +were both of the opinion that it was inexpedient to linger longer on the +road, so for the fourth time they climbed into the coach, and, muffling +themselves as closely as possible to keep out the cold, pursued their +onward way. + +Five miles, eight miles, were covered with fair speed, and Betty's +spirits were rising rapidly at the thought that New York and Clarissa +were not far away, when Caesar turned around on his box, and, bringing +his horses to a walk, said in an awestruck whisper,-- + +"'Fore de Lord, madam, I done suspect de redcoats is comin'; d'ye heah +'em from de woods ober dar?" pointing with trembling hand in the +direction of a sound which rang out on the frosty air at first +indistinctly, and then resolved itself into a song. + +"Under the trees in sunny weather, +Just try a cup of ale together. +And if in tempest or in storm, +A couple then, to make you warm,"[1]-- + +sang a rollicking voice, in fairly good time and tune, as a group of men +came in sight. As they neared the coach, the man in advance trolled out +in an accent which betrayed his Teutonic origin,-- + +"But if the day be very cold, +Then take a mug of twelve months old!" + + +[Footnote 1: A topical song then in vogue in New York. (See _Story of +the City of New York_.)] + +"Hello, halt there!" came the command, as the singer seized the horse +by the bridle, and another soldier dragged Caesar roughly from his seat; +"who are you, and whence bound?" + +"Ask my mistress," gasped Caesar, almost convinced that his last hour +had come, but still having firm faith in Mrs. Seymour. "Dun you know how +to speak to a lady?" + +"I have safe-conduct from General Washington to enter New York," said +Mrs. Seymour calmly, extending her hand with the precious paper toward +the first speaker. The man took it, and gazed stupidly at it. Evidently +being German, he could not read it; but having turned it upside down and +gazed at it for some seconds, he gave a drunken leer as he peered inside +the coach. + +"What you got in your hamper? blenty cognac, eh? Give us a pottle; +that's better than mugs of ale, eh, poys?" and he laughed uproariously. + +"I shall give you nothing," said Mrs. Seymour firmly; "if you cannot +read my safe-conduct yourself, is there not one of your men who can?" + +The Hessian was about to make angry reply, when a young fellow, +evidently an Englishman, shoved his way through the men to the coach +door. + +"Stop that, Joris," he said, prodding the corporal with his elbow; "give +me the paper; I can read it." But Joris, who evidently had reached the +stage of ugly intoxication, did not choose to give it up, and stood his +ground. + +"Ve wants cognac," he shouted, "an' you comes out, lady, an' ve'll find +for ourselves vhat you is," and seizing Mrs. Seymour by the arm he +attempted to drag her from her seat with some violence. + +"The pistol, Betty!" cried the plucky little woman as her feet touched +the ground; but as Betty, with equally reckless courage, drew their only +weapon from its hiding-place, the young Englishman rushed at Joris with +an oath, exclaiming,-- + +"Look out, you fool--here comes the officer's patrol," and there was a +clatter of horses' feet, a swift rush, and a voice demanding in stern +fashion, "Stand back, there! Whose coach is this? What do you mean, +fellow, by handling a lady in that manner?" and Geoffrey Yorke struck +Joris a blow with his sheathed sword which nearly sobered him on the +spot. + +Back into the corner of the coach sank Betty, and as she pulled her hood +still farther over her face, she felt as if every drop of blood she +possessed was tingling in her cheeks, as she saw Geoffrey, hat in hand, +dismount and read General Washington's safe-conduct. + +"I deeply regret, madam," he said, with stately courtesy to Mrs. +Seymour, "that a corporal's guard should have caused you such annoyance, +and I shall see that the fellow who treated you so roughly be properly +punished. Meantime, if you intend to enter New York you will be obliged +to leave your coach a mile farther on, and cross the river on horseback. +King's Bridge, as you may know, was fired some months ago by the rebels, +and the flatboat used for ferrying has been abandoned on account of the +ice. It will afford me pleasure to do what I can for your comfort and +that of your companion. But it is my duty, unfortunately, to make +passing search of your coach; will you pardon me if I do so?" + +As he spoke, Captain Yorke advanced to the door and extended his hand to +assist the occupant of the vehicle to alight, but Betty, ignoring +assistance, attempted to spring past him to the ground. As the willful +maiden did so the topknot of her hood caught in a provoking nail of the +open door and was violently pulled from her head: and as her lovely, +rosy face almost brushed his sleeve, Geoffrey started back with a low +cry,-- + +"_Betty!_" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +A MAID'S CAPRICE + + +"Mistress Betty, sir," came the swift whisper in retort, and with so +haughty a gesture that Geoffrey stepped back as if he had been struck, +while Betty, with a slight inclination of her head, passed on to where +Mrs. Seymour stood with Caesar on the other side of the coach. But if +she expected him to follow she was swiftly made aware of her mistake, +for Geoffrey merely pursued his intention of searching the pockets of +the coach, and when he emerged from it he came, hat in hand, toward the +ladies with face more calm and unruffled than Betty's own. + +"If you will resume your seats," he said, addressing Mrs. Seymour, +without a glance at Betty, who (now that her anger born partly of terror +had passed) stole a quick look at him, and as quickly looked away, "I +will ride on before you and be waiting at the river; if it be safe, you +will cross on horseback; if not, on foot, and I shall take great +pleasure in seeing that you reach King's Bridge Inn in safety." +Whereupon he escorted Mrs. Seymour to the coach, and when he turned to +assist Betty found that she was in the act of climbing inside by the +other door, where Caesar stood in attendance. + +"What a provoking child it is!" said Geoffrey to himself as he flung +into his saddle, smiling at the recollection of Betty's rebuke and proud +little toss of her head. "'Mistress Betty'! Very well, so be it; and +thanks to the star of good fortune which guided my steps up the road +to-day. I wonder how she comes here, and why," and Captain Yorke gave +his horse the spur as he galloped on. + +Some distance behind him the coach lumbered forward, and Mrs. Seymour's +tongue rattled on gayly. So engrossed was she with being nearly at her +journey's end, and their good luck at having fallen in with Yorke, that +Betty's silence passed unnoticed. + +"To think that we should meet again," ran Betty's thoughts. "'Betty,' +forsooth! How dare he use my name so freely! What would Mrs. Seymour +have thought had she heard him, and how could I possibly have explained +with any air of truth unless I told her the whole story--which I would +rather die at once than do. He has not changed at all; I should have +known him anywhere, even in that hateful scarlet coat, which becomes him +so mightily. I wonder if my rebuke was too severe"--and here she became +conscious of Mrs. Seymour again. + +"Yorke--did not that handsome young officer say his name was Yorke? Why, +then he must have some kinship with the Earl of Hardwicke; very probably +this young man may be a grandson of the earl. I must ask my sister; she +will have some information about it." + +"Worse and worse," thought Betty. "A British officer--kinsman of an +earl--oh, me, in what a coil am I enveloped! But at least my father +knows all, and he would not hold me disloyal." + +The coach bumped and jolted along, and finally came to a standstill, +while Caesar's voice was heard addressing some one. Betty looked out of +the window and behold a dismal prospect enough. The bank shelved +gradually down to the river, which at this point was narrow, and between +them and the other shore stretched a mixture of snow and ice; she could +distinguish the flat-bottomed boat used for ferrying purposes stuck fast +almost in the middle of the stream. + +"How are we to cross?" said Mrs. Seymour dolefully, looking down at her +feet. "I wish I had an extra pair of woolen stockings to pull over my +shoes; the snow and ice will be cold walking. What are they doing to the +horses?" + +"Will it please you to alight, madam?" said Geoffrey, springing from his +saddle at the door of the coach. "My men are of the opinion that the ice +will not bear so much weight as your coach with you ladies and Caesar in +it, but if you can mount your horses we can lead them and you can cross +in safety. Meanwhile Caesar can remain here to guard your property, and +when my men fetch the horses back they can assist him to transport the +coach to the other side. I hope the plan meets your approbation. It +seems the only feasible one, provided you ladies can ride without a +saddle." + +"Bless me," cried Mrs. Seymour, "I shall surely slip off on the ice! +Betty here is a horsewoman, but, alas! I am not." + +"Then we must contrive a way," replied Geoffrey. "If a blanket be +strapped over my saddle I think you can sit on it.--Caesar, put one of +those blankets on my horse instead of yours." + +"Oh, that will do nicely; how kind you are, Captain Yorke." + +"Will the young lady be able to ride one of your horses?" asked +Geoffrey, addressing Mrs. Seymour. + +"I can ride anything," said Betty hastily, "for my mare is"--and then +she bit her lip and colored brightly as Geoffrey turned toward her. + +"You will be quite safe, for I shall lead your horse myself. Let me +first attend Mrs. Seymour." + +Between terror and small gasps of laughter Mrs. Seymour's mounting was +accomplished, and then Geoffrey (artful fellow!) summoned a tall, +good-looking trooper from the patrol, and, placing the reins in Mrs. +Seymour's hand, gave directions to the man. + +"You will hold the horse by the bridle and guide every step with care, +letting the lady put her hand on your shoulder to steady herself. Be +watchful of the air-holes; I think you know the path well." + +"Yes, captain," said the trooper, saluting respectfully. "Am I to +dismount the lady at the Inn?" + +"Aye; go down the path before me;" and Geoffrey turned toward Betty, but +again the mischievous maid had been too quick for him, and he beheld her +already mounted on one of the coach horses, where she sat demurely and +at ease awaiting him. Geoffrey seized the bridle and walked slowly down +the bank, taking great care of his own steps lest he should by slipping +cause the horse to stumble, and in a few seconds they were slowly +picking their way over the rough ice. The horse's hoofs crunched into +the snow, and Betty held her breath, and a little thrill went over her +as she fancied she heard the ice crack under them. + +"Oh!"--a half-involuntary cry escaped her, and Geoffrey looked up +reassuringly as he stroked the horse's neck and checked him for a brief +second. Mrs. Seymour and the trooper were somewhat in advance and had +almost reached the opposite shore. + +"I--you--that is"--faltered Betty, meekly dropping her eyelids--"Oh, +sir, do you really think we shall gain the Inn safely?" + +"There is no cause for fear," said Geoffrey coldly. "I know the path;" +and he plodded on in silence. Another few rods, a slip, a half halt; but +this time it was Yorke who stumbled and fell on one knee. + +"Confound my sword," he cried, recovering his feet. "But we are nearly +there. See, Mrs. Seymour has gained the road and is riding on to the +Inn." + +No reply from Betty; in truth, if he had but known it, she dared not +trust her voice lest its first sound should be a sob. And Yorke, divided +between amusement and wrath at her perversity, vowed he would say no +more until she grew less capricious. + +The road was well trodden and the snow light as the pair pursued it in +silence. The famous hostelry known as King's Bridge Inn was upon the +highway going up the Hudson, where Spuyten Duyvil Creek ran down to +Harlem River, and many a rendezvous and intrigue had been carried on +within its low, wide rooms since the Colonies had declared their +independence of British rule. As Yorke approached the door, inside which +Mrs. Seymour had already disappeared, a tall, dark man in riding-boots +and long coat came hastily forth, and as Betty dropped the reins of her +horse he was at her side. "Oh, Gulian," cried she, stretching out both +hands, "don't you know me? 'Tis I, Betty Wolcott; have I outgrown your +recollection?" + +"Betty, indeed," replied Gulian Verplanck, lifting her off the horse, +"and right glad am I to welcome you. What good fortune brought you in +contact with Captain Yorke's patrol? Had I known of your near approach, +I should myself have ridden forth with him, but the air was chilly and I +deemed it more prudent to stop at the Inn until to-morrow." + +"Since I see you safe"--began Geoffrey, as Betty half turned toward him. + +"You do not know whom you have so kindly assisted," broke in Verplanck; +"this is Mistress Betty Wolcott, sister to my wife. Betty, I present to +you Captain Geoffrey Yorke, aide to Sir Henry Clinton, and my friend." + +Betty executed her most stately and deepest courtesy, and Yorke swept +his hat gracefully to the very ground; but as she raised her eyes she +said, with a mischievous glance, "I am pleased to learn the name of this +gentleman. Sir, I thank you," and giving him a little gracious nod, +Betty vanished inside the open door of the Inn. + +"Verplanck," called Geoffrey, as his friend was about to follow her, "I +shall go directly back to the city, for Sir Henry has to make ready +dispatches for England and will need me. Mrs. Seymour's coach will be +brought over at once; my men are assisting the negro servant in the +transit. Do you follow me shortly?" + +"Unless the ladies are too weary we will go at once, for I can obtain +fresh horses here and the Inn seems somewhat over-crowded to stop the +night. But if you are in haste, Yorke, do not wait." + +"Very well, then, I will depart at once. But you must have at least two +of my men as escort for the coach and yourself. You know there are +plenty of footpads outlying the city." + +"I accept the escort gladly," said Verplanck. "Farewell, then, and my +hearty thanks." + +Betty and Mrs. Seymour had been ushered into a small bedchamber, where +they were making some slight changes of dress when Gulian Verplanck +knocked at the door and informed them that the coach would shortly be +ready for the continuation of their journey. Betty followed him back +into the waiting-room, where a good fire was burning, and Verplanck +sought to find a seat for her near the hearth. The room was occupied by +perhaps a dozen persons, all men: some troopers, and a group of traders +whose bundles of furs, lying on the floor beside the table where they +were partaking of glasses of home-brewed beer, told their occupation. On +one settle, close by the chimney, sat an old man, somewhat ragged, who +had fallen asleep with his head resting against his bundle and stick, +which shared the bench with him; on the other sat a slight youth dressed +in homespun clothing, who instantly rose as Betty approached, and +offered her his seat. + +"I am warmed enough," he said, as Verplanck gave brief thanks; "besides +there is room here. Wake up, grandfather," and he gave the sleeping man +a gentle push as he squeezed himself down beside him. + +"Stay here till the coach is ready, Betty," said Verplanck. "Mrs. +Seymour will join you presently," and he departed to hasten the +hostlers, who could be heard outside, evidently engaged in harnessing +the horses they were to use. + +Betty looked around her curiously. The room, with its low ceilings, +dark rafters, and sanded floor, was fairly tidy, and, in the light and +shade of the shifting fire, picturesque and strange. A short, thick-set +man, evidently the host, a comfortable-looking Dutchman, bustled in and +out, giving directions in a perfectly audible aside to a maid, who wore +a queer straight cap and brought in trays of beer to the thirsty party +of traders. A little boy in one corner was playing with some nails and a +pewter plate; each time he dropped the nails, making a jingling noise, +the landlord said, "Hush, there, Hans," in a loud whisper, to which the +child paid no attention. Betty wondered if it was his son, and felt as +if she would like to go over and play with him; and then thought, with a +half-homesick longing, of Moppet and the dear New England home. Far, far +away ran Betty's thoughts, as minute after minute sped along and no one +came to disturb her reverie. So engrossed was she that not even a low, +but distinctly spoken "_hist_," which came from the settle near her, +aroused her until it had been given the third time. Then she started; +there was something familiar in the sound--was any one speaking to her? + +"Hist! do not look this way," whispered a voice which came from the +pair opposite her on the other side of the chimney. "Contrive to pass +near me as you go out--be cautious!" + +"All ready, Betty?" said Mrs. Seymour's gay voice, as she came across +the room toward her. "Where is Mr. Verplanck?" + +"Here," answered Gulian, from the other door. "Hasten, Betty; the horses +are eager to be off." + +"I am coming," replied Betty, as she rose hurriedly and dropped her silk +reticule directly in front of the mysterious pair on the settle. The boy +darted up, giving the bag a furtive kick which sent it under the bench. + +"I'll reach it for you, madam," he said aloud, diving down for it as +Betty paused a brief second. The old man stirred sleepily, raised his +head from his bundle, and keen bright eyes that Betty knew well flashed +into hers as he whispered rapidly:-- + +"Show no alarm, Betty, but no matter how or where you see me, make no +sign of recognition." + +"Here's your bag," said the boy, springing to his feet. But Betty, +never stopping to thank him, ran rapidly across the room, out of the +door, and darted into the waiting coach, afraid to even glance behind +her, her heart sinking with dismay, for the voice and eyes of that +ragged old man were those of her brother Oliver! + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +ON THE COLLECT + + +"Peter, Peter," said Grandma Effingham in a tone of gentle remonstrance, +"if thee would only let the ball alone Tabitha would keep quiet." + +"Stop it, Peter," said Betty, from the doorway, as the irrepressible +youngster rolled over and over on the rug, himself, the gray cat, and +the ball of gray yarn hopelessly entangled. "Much you deserve all the +stockings that grandma knits for you so perseveringly; just look at the +condition of that ball"--and by a skillful flank movement she rescued +the yarn as Tabitha's pranks and Peter's tumble came to a hasty +conclusion, and the chief culprit gained his feet and began to apologize +for his frolic, as the cat fled through the door. + +"I was just waiting for you, Betty; you girls take such a long time to +put on your capes and furbelows. I'll warrant Kitty will detain us when +we stop for her, and we must hasten, for the sun will not stay up much +longer. Just let me find my muffler and my skates," and off tore Peter, +while Betty tucked up her gown preparatory to an afternoon on the +Collect Pond, whose frozen surface was the resort of all fashionable New +York, both those who joined the skaters, and others who watched them +from the surrounding banks, making a gay, bright winter scene for the +spectators as well as the participants. + +It was some three weeks since Betty's eventful journey, and as the +strangeness of her new home and surroundings wore off she was beginning +to enjoy herself. First of all, the dear happiness of being once more +with Clarissa, who had brightened and strengthened each day since her +arrival; then Grandma Effingham's storehouse of anecdotes and pleasant +stories, to which Betty listened with delight and the respectful +deference that youth of those days paid to age; and last (though Betty +would have denied it stoutly) the frequent visits to the Verplancks of a +certain tall soldier, whose red coat made her eyes sparkle with disdain, +even while her heart beat quicker at sound of his voice. Truly, Betty's +soul was torn within her, and for every smile that Yorke succeeded in +winning he was sure to receive such dainty snubs, such mischievous +flouting following swiftly after, that he almost despaired of ever +carrying the outworks, much less the citadel of the willful maid's +heart. + +Kitty Cruger had received Betty most cordially, but the acquaintance had +not yet progressed toward intimacy. On several occasions when Betty had +been especially teasing, Yorke had seen fit to retaliate by seeking +Kitty's side, and, although he was far from suspecting it, he had thus +piqued his little lady-love extremely. For Kitty was a reigning belle, +and the toast of the British officers as she had been of the +Continentals, and she liked Yorke and Yorke's attentions. If Betty had +only known whose face came oftenest in Kitty's dreams, and that a blue +sword-knot was her most cherished possession, perhaps the dawning +jealousy which she felt toward her would never have existed. Who can +say? + +The winter had set in with great rigor, and the troops had even crossed +on the ice from Staten Island to the city; sad tales reached Betty's +watchful ears of privations endured in the army of General Washington, +and it made her cheeks burn and tingle to hear the jests and laughter of +the Tory guests who visited the house, at the expense of the so-called +"rebels" against King George. Of Oliver, Betty had no sign; whether he +had been in the city and accomplished whatever mission he had in view, +she knew not. She did not dare to confide in Clarissa, for even had her +sister's health permitted, Betty deemed it scarcely safe to put her to +the test of loyalty as between husband and brother. + +All these thoughts and many more were crowding Betty's brain as she ran +down the steps of the Verplanck mansion and followed Peter toward Queen +Street, where Kitty lived. The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp +and clear; Betty looked charming in her dainty hood, tied with a +rose-colored ribbon which nestled softly under her chin and played at +confining the dancing curls. Contrary to Peter's expectations, Kitty was +watching for them, and they proceeded with some speed along the snowy +streets until they reached the Minetta Water, as the small stream was +called which wound its way across the Lispenard Meadows, and connected +the "Collect" (or Fresh Water Pond) with the Hudson River. At the end of +Great Queen Street was a wooden bridge, and crossing it, the little +party continued up Magazine Street until they reached the Collect Pond, +on two sides of which were low buildings of various kinds, being +rope-walks, furnaces, tanneries, and breweries, all run by water from +the pond. Betty thought she should some day like to come out and +investigate them with Peter; they were not very sightly, but they might +prove interesting. These buildings shut out the view, and until Betty +stood on the very bank she had no idea how brilliant a scene the Collect +presented. The ground on the north side between them and Broadway rose +to the height of a hundred feet, and this hillside was covered with +spectators who were watching the skaters with which the ice was alive. +Among the crowd were many women of fashion, muffled in their furs, +carrying huge muffs to keep their fingers warm, and scarlet uniforms, +dotted here and there, served to heighten the effect of brilliancy and +animation. As they turned the corner of a furnace whose big chimney had +sheltered them for a moment, a young man darted up the bank and greeted +Kitty. + +"How late you are," he said reproachfully. "Philip Livingston and I +have been watching for you this hour. The ice is in fine condition; may +I put on your skates?" + +While young De Lancey was thus engaged Peter and Betty were making ready +also. Up in the Litchfield hills, where the winter set in early and +lasted late, Betty had learned to use her skates well, and she and her +brother Oliver had been the best skaters in the township when she was +hardly more than a child. Even the timid Pamela had gained boldness and +dexterity on the clear, frozen pond; and therefore when Betty, with the +ease of a practiced skater, glided off without assistance, Peter flew +after her in round-eyed amazement. + +"I say, Betty," he exclaimed, breathless with his effort to catch her, +"how you do fly! My eye! there isn't one of these New York dames or +maids who can equal you," and he chuckled with triumph as Betty began to +execute some very difficult motions which she and Oliver had often +practiced together. + +"Give me your hand, Peter; there, now, glide this way, and take the +outside roll--oh! have a care; if you turn like that you will surely +catch your skate in mine. That's better; now cross hands, and go +gently; see, I am cutting a face on the ice." + +Surely enough, as Peter glanced behind he saw a gigantic profile grow on +the smooth surface beneath Betty's little foot, and the skaters around +them paused to wonder and admire. + +"There," said Betty, making a final flourish, "come back to the bank and +let us find Kitty." But as they flew along Betty saw a familiar red coat +appear beside Kitty's advancing figure, so dropping Peter's hand she +dashed off in an opposite direction. She headed for the north bank, +which was less crowded, but slacked her speed a little, fearing an +air-hole, as she debated which way to turn. + +"Mistress Betty," said a voice just behind her, and with a little start +she realized that the obnoxious scarlet coat had reached her side, "will +you skate a turn with me down the pond?" + +"Surely," and Betty's most roguish smile beamed into Yorke's eyes as she +wheeled toward him. "Perhaps you will try a race with me, Captain +Yorke?" + +"With pleasure, and for what stakes?" returned Yorke, bending down to +secure a strap which he felt loosen. + +"I meant but a trial of speed to the bridge there, where we cross the +Minetta Water. A stake? Well, name it." + +"A knot of rose-colored ribbon," said Yorke softly. + +"Another!" cried Betty unguardedly, and could have promptly bitten her +tongue for the betrayal of her thought. + +"Ah, then you do remember?" asked Yorke. "In what have I so deeply +offended that I can scarce gain speech of you! Why do you flout one who +longs to show you his devotion?" + +"You forget, sir," said Betty coldly, "the coat you wear. Do you fancy +that scarlet commends itself to a rebel maid like me, or that the cause +you represent can be aught but hateful to a loyal Wolcott?" + +"Betty, Betty! I do beseech you"-- + +"Nay, we will put entreaty outside the question. A race, I think I said, +Captain Yorke. I will make the stake that self-same bow of +rose-color--if you have kept it so long." + +An indignant flush dyed Yorke's face. "So be it," he said briefly, and +in a flash they were off; she, graceful, and almost like a winged bird, +as she sped along; and he, tall, straight, and muscular, with a long, +staying stroke, which impelled Betty's admiration. The distance to the +bridge was a good half mile, and the spectators on the hill presently +perceived the racing pair, and from the cries and shouts which arose she +learned, to her added chagrin, that they were seen, and their trial of +speed would be eagerly followed. On flew Betty, so intent upon reaching +her goal that she never noticed how Yorke crept closer and closer; they +were almost to the bridge, when his voice sounded at her shoulder:-- + +"You should have the race, sweetheart, but I cannot part with the +ribbon," and with a sudden rush Yorke darted past her and gained the +bridge barely three seconds in advance. + +"Forgive me," he had time to whisper, as Betty stood still, with +flashing eyes and half-quivering lip, while they waited for Peter, +Kitty, and Philip Livingston, who had followed them down the course; +"'twas too dear a stake for me to lose." But as the words left his lips, +to his astonishment and delight, with all a child's frankness, Betty +gave him her hand. + +"Nay, you won the race fairly, and Betty Wolcott craves your pardon." + +"Oh, my eye!" shouted Peter, as he flung himself between them; "'t was +the prettiest race of the season, was it not, Kitty? Do, do try a game +with the rest of us, and I'll be your hurlie myself." + +A hurlie, be it known, was a small boy or man who, in the fashion of a +ball-game of the day, propelled the balls along the icy surface of the +pond with a long, sharp-pointed stick, and the race was accorded to +whoever first caught the ball,--often a trial of both speed and +endurance when the course was a long one. + +"Are you deserting me, Peter?" put in Kitty playfully; "the other +hurlies are busy with the De Lancey party; we must have two or three at +least." + +Yorke moved a step forward; his first impulse was to offer his services +to Kitty, as he had done before, but some fine instinct warned him not +to jeopardize his half-reconciliation with Betty, and before he could +speak, Philip Livingston whistled to a tall, slight lad who was standing +looking at them from the bank close at hand. In response the lad ran +down, leaped on the ice, and said pleasantly,-- + +"Your pleasure, sir. Did you call me?" + +"Can you drive a ball for me?" asked Philip; "if so, I'll promise you a +shilling for an hour of your time." + +"Indeed I will," said the boy; "but let me first go tell Jim Bates, +there, who maybe will be returning to Paulus Hook, and I'll just bid him +wait for me over yonder in the tan-yard until you gentlefolks have had +your game." + +Off darted the new recruit, and was seen to join a man wearing the wide +hat and somewhat greasy garb of a fisherman, who, after a few words, +nodded assent, and with somewhat slouching gait proceeded leisurely +across the bridge in the direction of the tan-yard referred to. Amid +much laughter the game began; some other acquaintances came down the +bank and joined them, and presently Betty found herself darting over the +ice hither and thither, following Peter's purposely erratic course, and +pursuing the ball, determined this time to outdo Yorke, who followed her +every motion, and whom she again began to tease and laugh at. But to +Yorke anything was better than her scorn or displeasure, and when, by a +lucky stroke and a quick turn of her skates, Betty bent down and +captured the elusive ball, he was the first to raise a shout of +triumph, in which the merry party joined with the heartiness of +good-fellowship and breeding. + +It was growing dark and cold as Betty climbed up the bank and seated +herself on a pile of boards, while Peter unstrapped her skates. As she +looked up, she saw Yorke and Philip Livingston talking with the boy who +had been hurlie for Kitty, and it crossed her mind to wonder where Kitty +had vanished. So she rose to her feet and walked leisurely along with +Peter toward the tan-yard and turned the corner of the furnace chimney. +As she did so, she almost stumbled against a man, who drew back +suddenly; on the other side stood Kitty, and Betty distinctly saw a +piece of white paper pass from Kitty's muff into the hand of the +stranger, whom she instantly recognized as the greasy fisherman who had +crossed the bridge half an hour before. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A FACE ON THE WALL + + +Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side +farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day +before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into +small bunches and wreaths. Of these a large hamperful stood at her +elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of +importance. + +"So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his +cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin +obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris +Kringle and his prancing reindeers? My, what fun we boys had up in the +old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the +recollection of past pranks. "Down here in the city it is chiefly New +Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently +Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas." + +"Yes?" murmured Betty, her thoughts far away as she wondered what +Moppet was doing up in the Litchfield hills, and whether Oliver had got +back safely to the army again. Surely, he had cautioned her not to +recognize him, but luckily her fortitude had not been put to proof. And +then she wondered what secret mission Kitty had been engaged upon that +day at Collect Pond. Somehow Kitty and she had been more confidential +since then; and one night, sitting by the fire in Betty's room, Kitty +had confessed that she too was a rebel--yes, a sturdy, unswerving rebel, +true to the Colonies and General Washington, and Betty's warm heart had +gone forth toward her from that very moment. + +"Clarissa has a huge crock full of _olykeoks_ in the pantry," pursued +Peter, to whom the Dutch dainty was sufficiently toothsome; "and Pompey +has orders to brew a fine punch made of cider and lemons for the +servants, and oh! Betty, do you know that Miranda has a new follower? +His name is Sambo, and he comes from Breucklen Heights; he has been +practicing a dance with her, and old Jan Steen, the Dutch fiddler, has +promised to come and play for them and their friends in the kitchen, +and for my part I think there will be more fun there than at Clarissa's +card-party--don't you? Wake up, Betty; I don't believe you've heard one +word I've been saying." + +"Indeed I have," replied Betty, returning to her present surroundings +with a start. "A dance, Peter? Why, it seems to me the servants have +great liberty here." + +"Don't you give yours a holiday up in New England? I thought you had +negro servants as well as we?" + +"So we do; you know that Miranda is the daughter of our old cook, Chloe. +She came here with Clarissa when she was a bride; oh, we have a few +negro servants in dear New England, Peter, but not so many as here. +Gulian told me that there are some three thousand slaves owned in the +city and its environs. But our negroes go to church and pray; they do +not dance, and I know Chloe would be shocked with Miranda's flippant +ways. She was ever opposed to dancing." + +"Don't be prim, Betty." + +"I--prim?"--and Betty went off into a shout of girlish laughter, as she +flung a pine needle at Peter, who dodged it successfully; "that I live +to hear myself called what I have so often dubbed Pamela. Fie, Peter, +let Miranda dance if she will; I should love to see her. It would be far +more amusing than cards." + +"Betty," said Peter, edging nearer her and lowering his voice to a +whisper, "I heard that the Sons of Liberty had another placard up near +the Vly Market last night, and that Sir Henry Clinton is in great wrath +because they are growing daring again. My! wouldn't I just like to see +one of them; but they say (so Pompey told me) that they are all around +us in different disguises. That's why they're so difficult to catch; it +would go hard with them if the Hessians lay hands on the author of the +placards." + +"But they will not; I heard Gulian say only last night that the +cleverness with which the placards are prepared and placed was +wonderful. Who tells you these things, Peter? Do have a care, for we are +under Gulian's roof, and he would be very angry if he knew that your and +my sympathies are all on the side of the Whigs." + +"Oh, I hear things," murmured Peter evasively. Then whispering in +Betty's ear, "Did you ever hear Kitty speak of Billy the fiddler?" + +"There's no one within hearing," said Betty, as she finished her twelfth +wreath and laid it carefully on the floor beside her cricket. "Get the +other big branch outside the door, and sit down here close by me while +you pull the twigs off; then you can tell me safely, for Clarissa is +sleeping, and she will call me when she wakes. Of course I never heard +of the man you mention." + +Peter threw back his howl in a prolonged chuckle, as he followed Betty's +instructions and edged his cricket close to her elbow. + +"Man!--well, he's more like a monkey than anything. He only comes to my +shoulder, and yet he's old enough to be my father." + +"A dwarf, do you mean?" + +"No, not precisely; the boys call him a manikin, for he's not deformed; +only very, very small; not above four feet high. He is Dutch and has +been a drummer, it's whispered, in General Washington's army. They say +he was in the battle of Harlem Lane, and beat the rally for our troops +when Knowlton fell. The Vly boys are great friends with him." + +"But, I thought you were at daggers drawn with the boys of the Vly +Market, Peter? Surely, you told me blood-curdling tales of the fights +between them and you Broadway boys?" + +"Oh, aye, but that's for right of way" and don't mean much except when +we are actually punching each other's heads. Billy can tell great yarns; +how his eyes flash when he speaks of the prison ships, though I only +heard him once, when Jan Steen was talking foolish Tory stuff." + +"Do you think 'Billy the fiddler,' as you call him, is one of the Sons +of Liberty?" + +"H-u-s-h!" and Peter looked fearfully around. "I don't dare say, but I'm +sure he's true and steady. Betty, I wish I was a little taller; if I +were I'd run away some fine morning and go for a drummer boy with +General Washington." + +Betty looked up with affectionate eyes at the sturdy urchin. "I know how +you feel, Peter; but wait a bit. It's sad and disheartening enough now, +God knows, but perhaps better days may dawn for the patriots. My father +says we must keep up our hearts as best we can, and trust in God and the +Continental Congress. Did I tell you how we moulded the bullets last +summer? We kept the tally, and over forty-two thousand cartridges were +made from the statue of King George, so the women of Litchfield have +contributed their aid to the cause in good practical fashion."' + +"Aye, that was fine! It must have been jolly fun, too." + +"It was very hot," said Betty, laughing; "we tried it in our big +kitchen, but finally had to melt the lead in larger kettles hung over a +crane in the shed down in orchard. Aunt Euphemia thought we would fire +the house, and for many nights Miss Bidwell and she, protected by Reuben +with a lantern, paraded the place before closing up, hunting for stray +sparks which she fancied might fly in the wrong direction." + +"What a lot this hamper holds," said Peter, diving down into it. "You've +made enough wreaths to decorate the rooms, I'm sure, and your hands are +getting black." + +"Never mind my hands; soap and water will cleanse them. Clarissa wants a +'real English Christmas,' she said, and poor dear! she shall have it. It +does my heart good to see her brighten and glow like her old pretty +self." + +"You can thank Captain Yorke for putting the 'real English Christmas' +into her head; there's a fine Tory for you, Betty. Sometimes I forget +he's one of our foes--he's almost nice enough to be a patriot." + +"He thinks he is one, Peter; he owes his loyalty to his king, and were +less than a man not to give his services where ordered." + +"Ha, ha!" quoth Peter teasingly; "you'll be as bad as Kitty presently." + +"How so?" returned Betty, biting her lip as she turned her face away +from Peter's roguish eyes. + +"Why, Kitty had a walk-over course with the scarlet coats until you +came, and Captain Yorke was one of her gallants. But now I find him at +your elbow whenever you give him half a chance. But I've seen you snub +him well, too; you girls are such changeable creatures. I'd not have a +scarlet coat dancing around after me if I were you, Betty;" and Peter +endeavored to look sage and wise as he cocked his head on one side like +a conceited sparrow. What reply Betty might have made to his pertness +was uncertain, but at that moment both doors of the room opened and +Clarissa entered by one as Kitty flew in the other. + +"How industrious you are," cried Kitty, as she bade them all good-day; +"the rooms will be a bower of green, such as Captain Yorke tells about. +I came, Clarissa, to beg a note of invitation for Peggy Van Dam. She has +but just returned from Albany, and will be mightily pleased to be bidden +to your card-party." + +"I wondered if she would be in time," said Clarissa, seating herself at +her claw-legged, brass-mounted writing-table. "Has she changed much, +Kitty--not that I mean"--and Clarissa's sentence ended in a laugh. + +"There was room for it," finished Kitty. "No, she is just the same: +aping youth, with the desire to conceal age." + +"Oh, Kitty, that's the severest speech I ever knew you guilty of!" + +"Ill-natured, aye," quoth Kitty, with a comical sigh; "the world's awry +this morning and I must vent my crossness on somebody, so let it be +Peggy. But if I can carry her your note it will atone for my peevish +speech a dozen times, for is not Captain Sir John Faulkner coming, and +you know as well as all of us that Peggy's airs and graces are most +apparent in his company." + +Betty looked quickly up into Kitty's face as she rattled on gayly, and +detected an air of trouble and anxiety that was most unusual. And as +they presently followed Clarissa downstairs, she paused at the landing +and slid her little fingers into Kitty's as she whispered:-- + +"What's amiss? You are worried, I perceive; can I help you?" Kitty +started, and turning her head over her shoulder said softly:-- + +"Not now, but I know that you are true-hearted and quick-witted; I dare +not say one word more," and with an affectionate pressure, she dropped +Betty's hand and ran swiftly down the staircase. + +The drawing-room in the Verplanck mansion was high of ceiling, a +spacious, stately room, and its quaint, straight-backed chairs, stuffed +ottomans, and carved mahogany sofas were the acme of elegance of those +days. The highly polished floor had received extra attention from Pompey +and his assistants, while the mirrors shone brightly and reflected the +candles of the brass sconces on either side of their glittering +surfaces. Betty, at Clarissa's request, superintended the placing of the +card-tables, and also that of a huge silver salver, on which the tiny +cups for chocolate and the tall glasses for mulled wine would be served +from a table in the dining-room early in the evening before supper; also +a famous bowl of Indian china, where hot caudle would appear, caudle +being an English compound with which Betty was not familiar. Peter +explained it to her with due regard to detail; and smacked his lips over +the bottle as it smoked away on Dinah's kitchen table, where he had +invited Betty to come out and see it. + +"Dinah makes a sort of posset first, of oaten-meal, and then she puts in +coriander seeds, and raisins, all carefully stoned (I ought to know +that, for I helped her one mortal hour last night and got my fingers +sticky with the plagued stones), and some cloves in a muslin bag, which +are let lie till the caudle boils, and then removed, and last of all, +just as it's ready to serve, she pops in a good half bottle of +cognac--my! but it's prime!" and Peter cut a pigeon-wing and gave a +regular Mohawk war-whoop, as he danced around the kitchen and +disappeared through the door just in time to avoid Dinah's wet +dishcloth, which she sent spinning at his close-cropped pate. + +Betty stood in her small chamber at six o'clock that evening, +contemplating her gown with critical eye. Parties in those days were +early affairs, and in New York were known to assemble as early as half +past seven. The lanterns which hung outside every seventh house for the +purpose of lighting the streets were lit by the watchmen at half past +six, for the winter days were short, and the denizens of Wall Street +were wont to pick their way most carefully since the great fire, the +debris of which in many instances was still left to disfigure the sites +where had stood stately mansions. Betty deliberated for some minutes; +here were two gowns: one must be worn to-night for her dear Clarissa; +the other kept for the De Lancey ball, an event over which all +fashionable New York was agog, and which would take place on New Year's +night, just one week ahead. + +On the high, four-posted bed lay the gowns; one, which had been her +mother's, was a white satin petticoat, over which was worn a slip of +India muslin covered with fine embroidery, so daintily worked that it +was almost like lace itself. The dames of Connecticut, and, indeed, of +all New England, were much more sober in their dress than those of New +York, where the Dutch love of color still lingered, and the Tories clung +to the powdered heads and gay fashions of the English court circles. The +other gown (which in her secret soul Betty longed to wear) had been +given her by Gulian, who was the most generous of men, and who admired +his pretty sister-in-law far more than he would have told her. A ship +had recently arrived from England bringing him a box of gowns and +gewgaws ordered long since for his wife, and of these Gulian had made +Clarissa happy by bidding her bestow on Betty a gown such as he +considered fitting for a grand festivity like the De Lanceys' New Year +ball. + +"Alack!" sighed the pretty maid to herself, as she contemplated the +white satin, "I will not even raise the paper which contains Clarissa's +present, for both she and Gulian have set their hearts upon my wearing +it on New Year's day, so 't is useless to fill my breast with discontent +when I have so good a gown as this to wear to-night. The skirt is a +little frayed--oh! how vexing!" and Betty flew to her reticule for +needle and thread to set a timely stitch; "now that will not show when +the muslin slip goes over." Another anxious moment, and with a sigh of +relief Betty slipped on the short waist with its puffed sleeves and +essayed to pin the fichu daintily around her neck. Then she dived down +to the very depths of a chest of drawers, whence she produced a small +box, and out of this came a single string of pearls,--the pearls which +her mother had worn upon her wedding-day, and Pamela had pressed into +her hand at parting. Next, Betty with cautious steps, candle in hand, +approached the mirror, which graced the farther end of her tiny chamber, +and holding it at arm's length surveyed herself as far as she could see, +which was not below her dainty waist, as suited the dimensions of the +mirror aforesaid. + +"I am too white," thought Betty, with a little frown, all unconscious of +her lovely coloring and exquisite red-gold hair, which, guiltless of +powder, was massed as usual on top of her head and clustered in wayward +little curls on the nape of her snowy neck and over her white forehead; +"but never mind,"--with childlike philosophy,--"my gown for the New Year +ball has both breast and shoulder knots of rose-color; I wish I dare +steal one for to-night! But perhaps Clarissa would not be pleased, so I +will descend as I am. I hear Peter clattering on the staircase; he is no +doubt superintending the servants' dance," and Betty extinguished her +candle and tripped lightly down past Clarissa's door. + +From the sounds and lights she became aware that she was late, and had +lingered too long over her toilet, so she hesitated for a brief moment +as she reached the door of the drawing-room, where she could see +Clarissa and Grandma Effingham standing with a number of guests, both +dames and gentlemen. As she paused on the threshold a graceful, girlish +picture, a tall form emerged from the dim shades of the hall, and a hand +met hers. + +"Mistress Betty, I salute you," said Geoffrey Yorke, bowing low, "and +may I also beg your acceptance of a bunch of clove pinks? They were +grown by my Dutch landlady in a box kept carefully in her kitchen +window, and I know not whether she or I have watched them the more +carefully, as I wished to be so fortunate as to have them bloom for you +to-night." + +"For me?" said Betty, in a delighted whisper, turning such glowing eyes +upon him that the young man fell more madly in love with her than ever. +"How kind!--and at this season? Oh, they are sweet, and recall the +garden walk at home. Indeed, sir, I thank you," and scarcely thinking +what she did, in her pleasure at his pretty attention, she thrust the +bunch of pinks in her fichu, where they lay close to her white throat +and gave her toilet the one touch of color for which she had longed. +Small wonder that Geoffrey's handsome face lit up with triumph, or that +Clarissa said to herself as the pair approached her, Betty dimpling with +smiles, "What a charming couple they make! I wonder if my father would +object?" + +This was Clarissa's first appearance in society for many months, and the +warmth with which she was greeted showed how large a place the New +England girl had made in the regard of her husband's friends. The party +was given chiefly for Betty, that she might have plenty of partners at +the New Year ball; and although these were mostly young people, there +was also a goodly sprinkling of dames and dowagers, who smiled +approvingly when Betty was presented to them, before seating themselves +at the all-absorbing card-tables. Cards were much the mode of the day, +and an hour or more was given to them; then as the metheglin (a +delicious beverage made of honey) and the mulled wine was passed, the +younger portion of the company began moving through the suite of three +rooms, breaking up into small groups as they did so. + +Peter, who had constituted himself master of ceremonies for the fun in +low life which was going on in the kitchen, darted up to Betty as she +stood talking with Philip Livingston. + +"They're just going to begin to dance," he said. "Miranda is perked out +in a wonderful pink gown, and Aunt Dinah has her best turban on her +head. Do, Betty, persuade some of the company to come out and see the +negroes dance. Don't you hear the music beginning?" + +Surely enough the distant scraping of the violin could be heard, and +Betty, seizing Kitty by the hand, tripped up to Clarissa and repeated +Peter's request. Clarissa hesitated an instant. + +"Oh, Gulian," cried Betty, catching hold of her brother-in-law as he +came forward, "may we not visit the kitchen and see the servants dance? +Captain Yorke tells me that is what is done in England on Christmas Eve, +and I am sure it would afford us all a new amusement." + +Artful Betty! She knew full well that any suggestion of England and +English ways would appeal to Gulian, and Yorke, who followed closely at +her side, threw the potent weight of his opinion in the scale by saying +quietly:-- + +"I am told your slaves have the very poetry of motion, Verplanck; permit +me to escort Mistress Betty to the servants' hall." + +"Servants' hall!" whispered Betty mischievously to Yorke as Gulian led +the way with Clarissa; "we have nothing so fine in our humble colonies, +sir; our kitchens must serve for our dusky retainers." + +"You know I did not mean"--he began reproachfully. But seeing Betty's +laughing eyes, he added, with a smile:-- + +"Nay, you shall not tease me into vexing you to-night if I can avoid it; +I will strive to train my tongue to please you." + +The kitchen presented a quaint and most picturesque appearance. It was +a low, wide room, and around the wall ran shelves and dressers, on which +the pewter plates and copper covers shone with such fine polish that one +could almost see in their surfaces as in a mirror. Between those hung +bunches of herbs and strings of bright-hued peppers, and in and out on +the walls, and above, from the rafters, were Christmas greens, all +arranged by the servants themselves, with that unerring eye for grace +and color which is an attribute of the colored race. Aunt Dinah, the +presiding genius of the kitchen, stood at one end of the room. Her large +and portly person was clothed in a gay cotton print of many colors; and +upon her head was twisted a bright silk handkerchief, with a most +rakish-looking bow which reposed over her left ear. The Verplanck +slaves, some twelve of them, were augmented in numbers by those of the +Ludlow, De Lancey, and De Peyster families, and half filled the spacious +kitchen us they stood back in rows, courtesying and bowing, showing +their white teeth in smiles and low laughter, as they recognized some +"young massa," or "ole madam" among the gentlemen and dames who smiled +back upon their faithful, kindly faces. + +The dance began with a special contra-dance, in which the performers +copied with great exactness the profound bows and deep courtesies of the +period, mimicking their masters and mistresses with curious grotesque +grace. At the extreme end of the room, near Aunt Dinah, sat the fiddler, +wielding his bow with an extra flourish befitting the occasion. Jan +Steen was a well-known character, and his coming was looked upon as a +special favor, only accorded to the servants because they belonged to +the Verplancks, a family greatly honored and beloved among the Dutch +settlers of Manhattan Island. + +After the contra-dance was concluded, amid the applause and laughter of +the spectators, four young slaves were singled out from the others, and +took their places on the floor. Two of these were girls, pretty +mulattoes, and two young, bright-colored negro men as their partners. To +rather slow music they went through with a rhythmic dance, in which +their figures swayed to and fro, chiefly from the waist, a gliding +serpentine dance, evidently copied from the slaves of Martinique, and +brought to New York by the French families. And then, to Peter's great +delight, came the event of the evening, in his eyes,--the dance of +Miranda with her new admirer from Broucklen Heights. + +"Miranda is my maid," explained Clarissa to Madam De Lancey and Mrs. +Morris, as they waited for the performers to take their places. "I +fetched her from Connecticut when I was married, and she is, as you see, +very pretty and most graceful. The dance is a species of Spanish dance, +I fancy, for it is done with two scarfs of red and yellow; I purchased +the stuff a year ago from a Dutch peddler, and Miranda begged it of me +last week." + +"Cousin Clarissa," said Peter, rushing up, "we will want more light to +enable you to see this; the candles are getting low. With your +permission, may Pompey light the big lantern on the wall?" + +About the middle of the kitchen hung a lantern which had once been used +for illuminating purposes outside the mansion. It contained a piece of +tin which acted as a reflector; and Peter, who had never yet had the +pleasure of seeing it lit, had amused himself that very morning by +putting in the candles for which it was prepared, and informed Aunt +Dinah that he meant to light it by way of a climax to the festivities of +Christmas Eve. + +"The big lantern?" replied Clarissa; "it has not been lit this three +years." + +"I made it ready this morning; oh, do say yes." + +"Certainly," said Clarissa, smiling; "but tell Pompey to be careful, +Peter." + +Off flew Peter, and up on a bench mounted Pompey, nothing loth to add +dignity to the scene by illuminating it. Jan Steen drew his bow across +his violin with a long, sweet note, and out on the floor glided Miranda, +holding the hand of a tall, athletic-looking young negro, whose motions +were grace itself. They began at the top of the room, holding the scarfs +aloft, and slowly made their way down until they were in the centre, +when the full light gleamed strongly upon their raised arms, their heads +well up. Soft murmurs of applause began to steal around the room. Betty +stood with Captain Yorke and Kitty directly under the lantern, beating +time with her fan. + +"How graceful they are," said Yorke softly. "See, even their shadows on +the wall opposite are picturesque and wild. How distinct the faces +are!" + +"Silhouettes!" burst in Kitty; "have you seen the pictures made by the +new artist who came from Albany? Some folks like to be done thus, but +for me I do not care for a black profile of my own face. They are cut +skillfully enough in paper, however." + +Betty, wondering what had possessed Kitty to set off on an animated +description of silhouettes, looked up at the wall, and then her heart +almost stood still. That fine, high forehead, the curving lips, the +nose, with its clear-cut nostrils,--not even the disfiguring woolly wig, +stiff collar, and blackened face and hands could disguise them to her. +She gazed with sickening apprehension at the dancers; how often she had +seen Oliver dancing with Miranda when they were children together at +home, the performance usually taking place in the garret, for fear of +scoldings upon the sinfulness of dancing from Chloe, Miranda's mother; +oh, how did he dare do this here, where any moment might bring discovery +and death? Why, why, had she failed to see and recognize him! his +disguise was very perfect, and yet-- + +The applause rang out heartily as the dancers tripped faster and +faster; Betty wondered if her torture would ever end. Perhaps it had +only begun, for Oliver had said-- + +"Mistress Betty," spoke Yorke, and his voice was low and very tender, +"may I offer you my arm? A glass of mulled wine would, I think, be of +service to you." Stumbling a little in her agitation, Betty slipped +through the door with him, on into the dining-room, where he placed her +in a corner of the wide sofa and fetched the wine. + +"Drink it, every drop," he said, smiling down at her with a masterful +look in his dark eyes that Betty had never seen before. "Sweetheart, +trust me, and sit here till I return." + +Betty sipped her wine and the truant color came back to her cheeks, as +she saw him vanish through the door. + +"Have I grown a coward?" she thought indignantly. "I was brave up in the +Litchfield hills--how dare I fail now! Captain Yorke must have seen--and +yet, how could he know Oliver's face sufficiently well? Ah,"--and Betty +almost cried out,--"it is I, miserable I, who have betrayed my brother. +We are so strongly alike that"-- + +"Mistress Betty,"--Yorke was at her side again,--"I left you to bestow +a few shillings on yonder fellow who danced so well, but I could not +find him, and Mistress Kitty Cruger tells me he left at once for +Breucklen Heights, whence he came, as there is a party crossing before +daybreak. I trust you are better; the air was close in your kitchen." + +Betty's two small hands clasped each other mutely; her large eloquent +eyes were raised to his in the sweetest glance that ever maiden gave. + +"God bless you!" she cried impulsively, and, turning, fled through the +open door. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +AT THE VLY MARKET + + +It was a bright sunny morning, but very cold, and snow lay packed hard +and firm in the streets of New York, which, narrow as they were, +afforded little opportunity for the sun's rays to penetrate with +sufficient strength to warm the shivering pedestrians who were hurrying +down Maiden Lane in the direction of the Vly Market. At the farthest end +of the street were the shops, and one of these, "The Sign of the Cross +Swords," stood within a stone's throw of the market itself. It was a +small affair, with little grimy window-panes, where were displayed +knives, scissors, and razors, with locks and keys of many odd sorts. At +the door stood a half-grown boy, stamping his feet to keep warm, as he +droned out in sing-song fashion: "Walk in, gentlefolk, and have your +razors ground; we have all manner of kitchen furniture in cutlery +within, also catgut and fiddle strings at most reasonable rates." + +But these attractions did not appear to bring many customers inside the +little shop, as the passersby seemed chiefly eager to gain the Vly +Market, where the stalls were crowded with purchasers who were getting +the good things there displayed to indulge in keeping New Year's day +with the proper spirit of festivity; and the shop-boy was about to slip +inside for the comfort of warming his fingers and toes, when a tall, +slender fellow in fisherman's dress accosted him. + +"Hey, you there! Have you fish-hooks and nets within?" + +"Aye, sir, in plenty. Will it please you to enter?" And the boy made +room for the stranger to pass through the narrow doorway. The shop was +apparently empty, except for a middle-aged man who rose from his seat on +a high stool near the window, where he was busily engaged in polishing a +pair of razors. As he came forward, the fisherman addressed him:-- + +"Good day, friend. A frosty morning." + +"But the wind will turn to east at sunset," said the other, with a quick +glance from under his heavy eyebrows. + +"A good wind, then, for the Sturdy Beggar," was the reply, as the +fisherman clasped his hands behind his neck with a peculiar gesture. + +"Then all's well," returned the shopkeeper, laying down his razors, and +motioning his customer to come farther inside. "Whom do you seek here, +sir?" + +"Mynheer Wilhelm Hoffmeister, known commonly as 'Billy the fiddler.'" + +"He is off on duty since last Tuesday, but must be here to-night to play +at a grand ball given at one of the Tory houses; there must be news, for +you are the third one who has asked for him since yesterday." + +"News?" said the fisherman eagerly; "perhaps you have a billet for me?" + +"And what may you be called?" asked the other cautiously. + +"Jim Bates, from Breucklen Heights." + +"Then you're all right, sir; why didn't you say so before?" and the man, +casting a swift glance to make sure that the boy at the door was not +looking, pulled a scrap of dirty paper from his pocket, which was +instantly seized and opened by the fisherman. As he read the few words +it contained, the anxious lines on his face grew deeper. + +"It is the only way," he muttered to himself, as he tore the scrap into +tiniest fragments, "but I must know from Kitty the hour." Then aloud, +"Have you a bit of paper, friend, on which I can write a message?" + +"Surely," said the shopkeeper; "wait here a moment until I fetch it," +and he went hurriedly through a small door at the back of the shop, +leaving the fisherman standing near the window, from which he could see +the crowd outside. Suddenly the man uttered an exclamation, and made a +dash for the door, nearly upsetting the boy on the threshold. + +"Tell your master I will return shortly," he said hurriedly, and +disappeared in the direction of the Vly Market. + +It happened that Madam Cruger, thrifty housewife though she was, had +forgotten to order an extra number of the large, flat seedcakes, known +as New Year Cakes (and without which no gathering could be considered +complete for New Year day, when they were handed to all callers with the +accompanying glasses of mulled wine and metheglin), and had therefore +dispatched her daughter, with a colored servant carrying a capacious +basket on his arm, to purchase the dainty from the one stall in the Vly +Market where the aristocratic folk were wont to deal. Truth to tell, +Madam Cruger had made matters somewhat uncomfortable for her portly cook +when she learned that the cakes made by that functionary were too few to +meet her ideas of hospitality; and although Kitty knew that it would +require speed on her part to go to the market and return in time to +dress and be ready to receive their visitors in the drawing-room by +twelve o'clock, she preferred to pour oil on the troubled waters and +procure domestic peace at the expense of a little personal fatigue. +Beside, it was not unpleasant to trip along with the merry crowd, bent +on enjoying themselves, and Kitty knew that she would meet many an +acquaintance, out, like herself, on some belated errand for New Year +day. + +But there was one occurrence for which Kitty had not bargained, and that +befell her as she gained the market door. The fisherman, who had +followed her as swiftly as he dared without creating notice, passed +close at her elbow, then turned and met her face to face. Kitty grew a +little pale as he touched his cap respectfully, but she stopped in +obedience to the glance which met hers. + +"A Happy New Year to you, my good man," she said. "I fear that you and +your brother craftsmen suffer this terribly cold winter. Stand aside out +of the chilly wind which meets us through the market door and I will +speak to you. Cato," to her servant, "go on to Fran Hansel's stall, and +let her weigh out five pounds of seedcakes for my mother; I will join +you there in a moment," and she turned back to the fisherman, knowing +that in the crowd she was comparatively safe, provided her voice was not +loud enough to attract attention. + +"What is it?" she murmured, almost breathless from excitement, yet +striving to maintain a quiet, even careless exterior. "I hoped you had +fulfilled your dangerous errand and gone hence two days ago." + +"I cannot leave until my mission is completed; we have almost certain +news of an incursion by the British across the Kill von Kull, which will +do much injury to the peaceful country folk of Elizabethtown and Newark. +The man they call 'Billy the fiddler' will have a message for me +to-night of the greatest importance, and he plays with others at the De +Lancey ball; are you to be there, and at what hour?" + +"I, Oliver?" said Kitty, and turned rosy red as the incautious word +escaped her; "all New York is going at eight o'clock, but what has that +to do with"-- + +"This," whispered Oliver Wolcott, pulling his hat further down over his +eyes, and motioning Kitty to walk a few steps away from the door: "I +must be there." + +"You are mad!" and Kitty turned pale at the idea. + +"Oh, no, I am coming as one Diedrich Gansevoort, from Albany. Do not +fear for me; my disguise will be very perfect, and I go introduced by +Abram Lansing, from whom I bring a letter to Madam De Lancey. They are +old friends, though he is as stanch a Whig as she a Tory. I tell you, +Kitty, 't is of vital importance that I ascertain the facts of this +rumored raid upon the patriots, and I must risk all to gain it. Warn +Betty, lest she give way to alarm; be brave and fear nothing." + +"A Happy New Year, Mistress Kitty," said a gentleman who approached her, +followed by his negro servant. "I shall do myself the honor to pay my +respects to your mother a little later;" and Mr. Van Brugh raised his +three-cornered hat in courtly salute, staring hard at Kitty and the +fisherman as he passed them. + +"We are noticed," said Oliver calmly; "go on and do your errand." + +"But I am so fearful for you," gasped poor Kitty, whose usual composure +seemed to be deserting her. "You try me too far, unless I may do +something to aid your escape, for a horrible sinking of my heart seems +to bode no good to you." + +"Put no faith in omens," answered Oliver, with a smile. "I shall be off +at daybreak. Farewell, Kitty, and have no fear; I am well protected," +and mingling in the crowd, he passed out of the market door and was +gone. + +With what courage she could summon, Kitty sped on to Fran Hansel's +stand. The seedcakes had been weighed, decked with a handful of +Christmas greens, and placed in the basket, and Kitty, after a few kind +words to the old Dutch market-woman, made her way swiftly through the +crowd and gained the street. + +"I must warn Betty," she thought an she proceeded up Maiden Lane, and as +she came to Queen Street she paused. "Go directly home," she said to her +servant; "tell my mother I have stopped to see Grandma Effingham and +wish her a Happy New Year. I will be back in time to dress," and off she +sped in the direction of Wall Street. + +Betty, who like Kitty, had been spending her morning assisting in +preparations for the New Year callers who would present themselves later +in the day, was dusting the quaint Dresden Shepherdess who presided over +a corner of the drawing-room mantel, when a sharp knock at the front +door announced a visitor; and she fled out of the drawing-room only to +encounter Kitty in the hall. + +"A Happy New Year to you," said Kitty, in a tone of gayety which she was +far from feeling. "I ran over to give greeting to grandma, and as I came +my petticoat gave way; let me mount to your chamber and fasten it before +I go to grandma's." + +"Certainly," said Betty, and seizing hands both girls ran rapidly up the +staircase. Inside the small chamber, Kitty closed the door, and set her +back against it. + +"The petticoat is fast enough, Betty, but I have something grave to say. +Oliver is still in the city--he goes to the De Lanceys' to-night--I was +to warn you." + +"In what disguise?" asked Betty breathlessly. + +"Indeed, I know not, except that he will represent Mynheer Diedrich +Gansevoort, from Albany; oh, Betty, I am sore afraid." + +"Nay, wherefore?" and Betty's eyes sparkled as her color rose. "We +Wolcotts are not wont to fail, and I am now too accustomed to Oliver's +hairbreadth escapes for fright." + +"You were well alarmed at the servants' dance; oh, how rash he is!" + +"We spare nothing in our country's cause," said Betty, with a proud +little toss of her head; "but, Kitty, forgive me if I appear +intrusive--I am puzzled to know how and where you and Oliver"-- + +"You should have known long ago," interrupted Kitty, blushing deeply, +"but, somehow, I never could approach near enough to your heart to +confess that Oliver and I are trothplighted though my mother's consent +is lacking. We met in Albany--again at West Point, and oh, Betty, how I +have longed to tell you. I have seen you look at me with eyes so like +his; with such scornful glance when I laugh and jest with those hateful +redcoats, such kindly smile when I showed you that I am at heart a +patriot. Forgive me, dear, and let us do all we can to help Oliver +to-night, for he is determined to be at the De Lanceys' as by going +there he can obtain certain important information for the cause of +freedom." + +Betty threw her arms around Kitty; why did she feel as if the innocent +words stabbed her? Had the "hateful redcoats" ceased to be hateful to +her? + +"Trothplighted," she whispered, with wide-open eyes of delight; "I hoped +as much--how happy my father will be when Oliver"-- + +"Nay, nay," cried blushing Kitty, "you go too fast; think of madam, my +mother, and her antipathy to the 'rebels,' as she calls them, quite +forgetting that my aunt (where I made my home in Albany for three years) +is one, as well as her naughty daughter. Good lack! my fortunes were +told long ago had I but bowed to her wishes; and at the moment, +Betty,--to let you into a profound secret,--the most desirable husband +for me in her eyes is Captain Yorke." + +"Indeed!" said Betty coldly, but Kitty was too engrossed in her own +discourse to notice. + +"Not that he has such an idea, mind you; he loves to dance and jest +with me, as a score of others do. But, Betty, your confidence in Oliver +is well sustained so far, and it lightens my heart. Beside, there is no +one here who would be apt to recognize him except you and me; though for +the matter of that why Clarissa did not see and know his shadow at the +servants' dance I have not yet ceased to marvel." + +"You forget that she had no knowledge of his presence in New York, and +Oliver has changed greatly since she saw him full three years ago." + +"And now to grandma," said Kitty, releasing the latch of the door, which +she had held carefully in her hand since entering the room, as a +precaution against intruders; "and fare you well, Betty, till we meet at +the ball to-night." + +All through that New Year day Betty's heart throbbed with excitement, as +a steady stream of visitors passed in and out of the mansion, where +Grandma Effingham and Clarissa bade welcome to old friends and young +ones, to stately gentlemen in small clothes and powdered queues, with a +fine selection of British officers, beginning with Sir Henry Clinton, +who arrived in great state and descended from his sleigh, with its +coal-black horses, accompanied by his aides, for the English commander +liked to conciliate the Tories of New York, and, as he was then making +secret preparations to accompany an expedition to South Carolina, +thought best to appear in public even more than usual. + +"Mistress Betty," said Geoffrey Yorke, under cover of sipping a glass of +port wine which she had offered him, "I drink to your very good health;" +then softly, "I have not seen you for a week; have you been quite well +since the Christmas party?" + +"Is it so long?"--willfully; "Clarissa said you called one day." + +"Surely--to ask for you, and you never came inside the room." + +"Because I was busy, sir," replied Betty. Then relenting as a swift +remembrance crossed her mind, "I was skating at the Collect, where I +went with Peter late in the day." + +"Will you dance with me to-night at the ball--promise me all the dances +you can possibly spare?" and Geoffrey's voice took its most tender tone +as he fixed his eyes on Betty's charming face. + +"All my dances? Nay, two, possibly three, are as many as Clarissa would +deem consistent with good manners," returned the maid, unable to forego +the pleasure of teasing him; "indeed, I am bewildered even now +remembering sundry engagements already made." + +"The first dance, Betty," said Yorke pleadingly, as he saw the general +taking leave, and prepared to accompany him. "Surely you will not deny +me that grace?" + +But Betty only gave him the tips of her fingers in reply as she swept a +graceful courtesy. Was it the slight pressure of his hand which +accompanied the farewell that made Geoffrey spring gayly into the sleigh +and drive off with a half-boyish, half-triumphant smile? + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE DE LANCEY BALL + + +The De Lancey mansion, then one of the most famous houses in New York, +was on the Bloomingdale Road, and the drive out Bowery Lane ran through +meadow-land and green trees in summer, but over hard-packed snow and ice +in winter, for it was part of the highroad to Albany. So both Grandma +Effingham and Clarissa ordered the fur muffs and hot-water bottles for +the feet placed carefully in the sleigh, which Pompey brought to the +door just as the night watch went down the street, crying in his slow, +bell-like tones, "Eight o'clock, and all's w-e-ll!" Betty, standing +muffled in long cloak and fur hood, on the steps of the house, said to +herself, with a thrill of excitement, "All's well; please God I may say +as much when midnight sounds to-night." + +The sleigh was a large, roomy one, with back and front seats, and its +big hood was drawn up and extended like a roof over the top, covering +the heads of its occupants, but open at the sides. Clarissa was seated +first, and well wrapped in the bearskin robes which adorned the sleigh, +and then Betty tripped lightly down to have her little feet bestowed in +a capacious foot-muff, as she carefully tucked her new gown around her +and sat beside Clarissa. Gulian, in full evening dress, with small +clothes, plum-colored satin coat and cocked hat, took possession of the +front seat. Pompey cracked his whip, and the spirited horses were off +with a plunge and bound, as Peter, the irrepressible, shouted from the +doorway, where with grandma he had been an interested spectator of +proceedings, "A Happy New Year to us all, and mind, Betty, you only take +the handsomest gallants for partners." De Lancey Place had been the +scene of many festivities, and was famed far and wide for its +hospitality, but (it was whispered) this New Year ball was to excel all +others. The mansion stood in the centre of beautiful meadow-land, with a +background of dark pines, and these showed forth finely against the snow +which covered the lawns and feathered the branches of the tall +oak-trees in front of the door. Lanterns gleamed here and there, up the +drive and across the wide piazza; at the door were the colored servants, +in livery imported direct from England, and from within came sounds of +music. As Pompey swept his horses up to the step with an extra flourish +of his whip, a group of British officers, who had just alighted from +another sleigh, hastened to meet Clarissa and assist her descent. + +"On my word, Clarissa," said Gulian, a few minutes later, as he offered +her his hand to conduct her to the ballroom, "I never saw Betty look so +lovely. Your pink brocade becomes her mightily, and her slender shape +shows forth charmingly. Where did you procure those knots of +rose-colored ribbon which adorn the waist? I do not remember them." + +"That is my secret--and Betty's; she vowed the gown would not be +complete without them, so I indulged the child, and I find her taste in +dress perfect. Captain Sir John Faulkner seems greatly taken with her, +does be not?" + +"Aye, but let us hasten to find our hostess. They will be forming for +the minuet directly, and you must dance it with me, sweet wife,--unless +you prefer another partner." + +Clarissa's response to this lover-like speech was evidently +satisfactory, for presently Betty beheld her sister and Gulian take +places at the head of the room, next Madam De Lancey, who opened her +ball with Sir Henry Clinton. Betty, since her arrival in New York, had +been trained and tutored for the minuet by both Clarissa and Kitty, and +here was Captain Sir John Faulkner, an elderly but gallant beau, +supplicating for the honor of her hand in the opening dance. + +"I am loth to decline," began Betty, a little overpowered by the +compliment, "but I have already promised this dance." + +"To me," said Geoffrey Yorke, at her side, and looking up, Betty, for +the first time, saw her lover in all the bravery of full uniform, +powdered hair, and costly laces. If he had been strikingly handsome in +the old homespun clothes in which he first appeared before her on the +shores of Great Pond, he was ten times more so now. Betty forgot that +his coat was scarlet, that he represented an odious king and all she +had been taught to despise; she only saw the gallant manly form and +loving eyes which met hers so frankly, and the hand she gave him +trembled as he led her out upon the floor. For Betty did not +know--though the realization came to her later, with bitter tears-- +that all unconsciously she had entered that fabled kingdom, the +knowledge of which makes life a mystery, death a glory! + +The music swelled on in slow and stately measure; jewels flashed in the +blaze of wax candles, silken brocades rustled a soft accompaniment to +the steps and courtesies of their fair wearers, as Betty dreamed her +dream of happiness, only half aware that she was dreaming. And when, at +the close of the minuet, Geoffrey led her to Clarissa, there was no lack +of gallants nor partners, and Peter would have chuckled with delight +could he have seen that no one was so eagerly sought for as the lovely, +roguish maid, who wore the knots of rose-colored ribbon. + +It was time for supper, and instruments were being tuned into order for +a grand march, to be led by Madam De Lancey, when Betty, standing near a +large Indian screen, talking with Mr. Van Brugh, who was a dear friend +of her father's, became aware of subdued voices at her elbow, on the +other side of the screen. + +[Illustration: THE MINUET] + +"I tell you I am right," said one of these testily; "I would stake my +sword that he is not what he seems. I saw him exchange a bit of paper +with yonder manikin fiddler, who has been under suspicion for some +weeks, and cleverly they did it, too. It's not the first time, I'll +warrant, that Mynheer von Gam--" + +"No, no, not Von at all; you are safe to be mistaken, Colonel Tarleton; +the gentleman is one Diedrich Gansevoort from the Albany beverwyck. +Madam De Lancey herself made us acquainted; he is no spy." + +Betty's heart sank. She murmured something in reply as Mr. Van Brugh +paused. This was the famous and cruel Colonel Tarleton. If he had traced +Oliver, then all was lost. She strained her ears for further +information, smiling up at Mr. Van Brugh as she waved her fan gently to +and fro. + +"If you are so sure of it, why did he, an apparent stranger, have aught +to communicate to that fiddler yonder? Go quietly through the crowd and +watch the gentleman as he appears at supper; I'll have a word with Yorke +on the subject," and they moved off in the direction of the ballroom. + +"Will he, indeed?" thought Betty, as she saw Geoffrey coming toward her +from the hall; "not while I can hold him at my side," and with somewhat +paler face, but with calm demeanor she moved away, obedient to +Geoffrey's request that she should go to supper. + +Kitty Cruger's evening, unlike Betty's, had been full of dangerous +excitement. Arriving at the ball with her mother, she had been dancing +with her usual spirit, keeping, however, anxious watch for Oliver. But +she perceived no one whom she could possibly imagine was he, even in +disguise, and therefore it was with almost a shock of dismay that she +found herself stopped, as she was passing the supper-room door, by her +hostess, who "craved the favor of presenting a gentleman just arrived +from Albany, who knew her family there." Kitty dropped her most formal +courtesy and raised her eyes to the face of the stranger. Verily, Oliver +possessed positive genius for disguises, and troubled as she was Kitty +could not restrain a smile as she recognized in the rubicund +countenance and somewhat portly form of the gentleman bowing before her +an admirable caricature of no less a person than her respected uncle, +Cornelius Lansing, an antiquated Albany beau. + +Yorke, with Betty, was just inside the door as the pair entered, and as +Kitty perceived them she paused for a moment to say good-evening. + +"Where have you been? I was looking for you. Permit me to present +Mynheer Gansevoort, of Albany. Mistress Betty Wolcott and Captain Yorke. +As for you, sir,"--to Yorke, with a playful tap of her fan to engage his +attention,--"you have not yet claimed my hand for a dance. Pray, what +excuse can you devise for such neglect?" + +Betty seized her opportunity. She must warn Oliver at all hazards. "Have +you lately arrived?" she said, fixing her eyes on him; then, in so low a +whisper that it barely reached him by motion of her lips, "You are +watched; be careful!" + +"I am somewhat deaf," returned Oliver, with great readiness, bending his +ear toward her. "By whom?"--with equal caution. + +"Colonel Tarleton. Escape as speedily as you can." + +"Did you speak?" said Geoffrey, turning suddenly, to Betty's dismay, and +casting a penetrating glance at Oliver, which he returned with the +utmost calmness. + +"This gentleman is somewhat deaf, I find," answered Betty. "It is a sad +affliction, sir; has it troubled you long?" + +"Some years. May I offer Captain Yorke a pinch of snuff?" and the +pretended Mynheer Gansevoort produced a gold snuff-box from his +waistcoat pocket, which he courteously extended to the English officer. + +"You must excuse me; I have not yet acquired the habit," replied +Geoffrey. "A glass of wine with you, sir, instead, if you will do me the +honor." + +"With great pleasure." And as they moved a step onward, Kitty passed +first with Yorke, thereby giving Betty time to whisper to Oliver what +she had overheard behind the screen. + +"Your very good health, sir," said Geoffrey, as he took the glasses of +port wine from a servant standing near the lavishly filled table; "and +if you will not consider me intrusive, do you purpose stopping in New +York?" + +"That is as may be," replied the other. "I am not, however, returning +to Albany immediately. Will you name a toast?" + +"Aye," said Yorke quickly, raising his glass, with a searching look into +Oliver's eyes,--"To your _safe_ return to the Albany beverwyck; the +climate of New York is somewhat unhealthy at present." + +"Yorke," said a young officer, coming hastily up behind the group, +"Colonel Tarleton desires speech with you for a moment; you will find +him and Sir Henry by the screen in the ballroom." + +"You heard?" whispered Betty, as Geoffrey left them; "Captain Yorke has +recognized you--fly, fly, at once!" + +"Is there another exit from this room, Kitty?" asked Oliver, finishing +his glass of wine as he spoke, and handing the empty glass to the +waiting servant. + +"Only the window behind us," gasped Kitty; "quick! they are all too busy +eating and drinking to notice if you slip through the curtains, and the +balcony is but a few feet from the ground." + +"Then I must run for it. Farewell," murmured Oliver, as the heavy damask +curtains dropped back over his vanishing figure. The two girls gazed +into each other's faces with dilated eyes and quivering lips. Would the +alarm be speedily given, and would they see him captured and carried to +certain death? For one breathless moment they listened, and then Kitty +turned sick and faint; her eyes closed as Betty flung an arm around her +waist. + +"Some wine at once," she said aloud, and two gentlemen sprang forward to +assist her to place Kitty in a chair. "She is affected by the heat of +the room; it will pass in a moment," and she gave the reviving girl a +good hard pinch, which made her start in her chair. "Oh, Gulian, I am +glad you are here. Had you not better seek Madam Cruger?" + +"No, no," cried Kitty, struggling to rise, and most heartily ashamed of +herself for her lack of self-control. "My mother is not strong and must +not be alarmed. I am better; will you come into the hall with me, Betty? +It is cooler there." + +"Of course, and you can rest awhile; Gulian will bring us supper." + +But supper and everything connected with it was far from Betty's +thoughts; all she wished was a few words with Kitty alone, which she +knew Gulian's absence would give her. + +"Betty," said Kitty the instant he left them, "you do not know half the +danger. If he has not the means of escape close at hand--if the British +officers arrest the fiddler--Oliver is totally lost. Can you see through +yonder door if the man be there still with the others?" Betty rose from +her chair and stepped inside the ballroom, now nearly deserted, for the +guests were all at supper. She glanced eagerly toward the upper end of +the room; no, the manikin fiddler had disappeared. Then an idea darted +into her quick brain; inaction under the circumstances was maddening; +back she darted to Kitty's side. + +"Kitty, come with me instantly. We will muffle ourselves in our cloaks +and hoods and steal forth for a moment. I'll find Pompey and our sleigh, +and if worst comes, let Oliver fly in that fashion; Gulian's horses are +fleet enough to distance pursuers." + +Without another word both girls flew into the room near the front door +where they had left their wraps. Not a soul was there; the servants had +gone elsewhere, knowing that their services would not be required until +the early morning hours, when the ball broke up. It took but a moment +pounce on their cloaks, and Betty also seized a long dark wrap, which +lay conveniently at her hand, thinking it might be useful. Out into the +hall they dashed swiftly and silently, past the lanterns on the broad +piazza; and as luck had it, Pompey himself, who had come up to witness +the festivities from the outside, popped up at the steps. + +"What you 'so doin' hyar, little missy?" he began wonderingly, but Betty +cut him short. + +"Fetch the sleigh at once, Pompey. Mistress Kitty is ill, and I want to +take her home." + +Pompey, somewhat alarmed at the tone and catching sight of Betty's white +face and burning eyes, vanished on the instant. The girls drew into the +shadow as far as they were able, and holding their breath peered into +the darkness. + +"What is that?" whispered Kitty, as a swift footstep crossed the piazza. +"Oh, 'tis Yorke! Have a care, Betty, or we are discovered," and she +endeavored to drag her farther back against the wall. As she did so, +the crouching figure of a man rose up against the trunk of one of the +oak-trees on the lawn; it was Oliver. His padded coat cast off, they +could dimly distinguish his tall slender form. Some singular instinct +for which he could never account made Yorke pause as he set his foot on +the threshold of the front door; he wheeled just in time to see Betty's +face, as one pale ray from a distant lantern fell across it. + +"Betty, what are you doing here?" he cried, darting to her side. At that +instant a sound of voices broke on the stillness of the night; it came +from behind the mansion in the direction of the pine woods. + +"Kitty is ill," faltered Betty. "I am taking her home--do not, I pray +you, detain me--oh, there is Pompey"--as the welcome sound of +sleigh-bells rang out on the frosty air. "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, let me +go!" + +Her tone of agonized supplication went to Geoffrey's heart. Kitty flew +down the steps into the sleigh, unassisted, and Betty followed, her hand +in Yorke's. There arose a hoarse shout "The spy, the spy--he has escaped +by the road!" and as Betty set her foot on the runner, a dark figure +vaulted over Kitty and buried itself in the robes at the bottom of the +sleigh. + +"At last, sweetheart, I pay my debt," whispered Yorke in her ear, as he +thrust Betty safely into the seat. "Pompey, drive for your life!" The +startled negro needed no second bidding, down came the whip-lash on the +horses' backs, and with a furious plunge, a mad rear, they were off, a +quarter of a mile ahead before their pursuers turned the corner of the +mansion. + +Oh, that wild race through the snow! Even in after years, when long days +of happiness had crowded out much of those stirring times from Betty's +mind, a shudder would creep over her, and closing her eyes she could see +again the tall gaunt trees, the frozen road, the snow that glittered so +still and cold in the cruel starlight, and hear the distant shouts that +she feared told of pursuit. On they flew, Oliver giving occasional +directions to the trembling and excited Pompey. Now that he knew the +danger, the faithful negro would have died sooner than fail to carry the +fugitive into comparative safety. On, through the Lispenard meadows, +on,--until they struck Broadway; no pursuers within sight, and at Crown +Street Oliver bade him turn in the direction of the river, and drive +down until he reached the slip which lay at the foot of the street. All +was still. Save an occasional belated pedestrian, nothing seemed +stirring, and as they neared the dingy old tavern at the Sign of the +Sturdy Beggar, Pompey pulled up his smoking, panting horses. + +"Don't want to got too near dose lights," he said, pointing to the +swinging lantern which adorned the hostelry; "darsen't let nobody see my +young mistress; Massa Gulian would flog Pompey for shuah if dis tale +gets tole." + +"You're right, Pompey," answered Oliver, springing up and flinging the +long dark cloak with which Betty had provided herself around his +shoulders; "take the ladies home slowly. Kitty, my beloved, +farewell--farewell, Betty, brave little soul that you are; I'll tell my +father how your quick wits came to my relief. Here I cross the river on +the ice, and, God willing, reach the commander-in-chief with the tidings +he desires by eight o'clock in the morning." + +A sob from Kitty, a low "God guard you!" from Betty, and Oliver vanished +as Pompey turned his horses and proceeded leisurely back to Broadway. +The girls were literally too spent with emotion to do more than sink +down breathless among the fur robes, and not one word did they exchange +as they drove through Wall Street and finally drew up at the Verplancks' +door. On the steps stood Gulian, a tall and silent figure, awaiting the +truants. + +"What does this mean?" he began sternly, as he lifted Kitty out. "Did +the hue and cry for that wretched, miserable Whig spy frighten the +horses? Clarissa is nearly distracted"-- + +"I will explain all to your satisfaction," interrupted Betty. "Meantime, +listen, and be thankful;" and as she held up a warning hand, they heard +through the stillness of the night the watchman's distant cry float down +the frosty air:-- + +"Half past three o'clock--and all's--well!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +LOVE OR LOYALTY + + +"Do you mean to tell me that you, Clarissa's sister, had anything to do +with the escape of a Whig spy?" + +"Even so," said Betty calmly, though her face was pale and her brilliant +eyes burning with excitement. + +"Damnation!" retorted Gulian angrily. "Even your mistaken ideas of +patriotism could hardly carry a well-behaved maiden so far." + +"Gulian! how _dare_ you!" + +"What am I to conclude?" with a scornful wave of his hand; "your story +is somewhat disjointed. Kitty is taken ill; you suddenly decide to carry +her off in my sleigh without farewell of any kind to your hostess, +without paying your sister or me the respect to ask permission. Then you +state that a man--confound the beggar's impudence!--sprang into the +sleigh, and you were foolish enough to fetch him out of the danger of +pursuit, all because of loyalty to the cause of so-called freedom. I +cannot understand--Stay! Captain Yorke was on the steps as I came out, +hearing the shouts; did he witness this extraordinary occurrence?" + +"I told you the fugitive had concealed himself in the bottom of the +sleigh before I entered it," said Betty, terror seizing her lest a +chance word should implicate Geoffrey in the matter. "Would you have me +turn a helpless man loose among your Hessians? I have too vivid +recollection of Nathan Hale's fate to contribute another victim to +English mercy." + +The taunt stung Verplanck, for, like many of the more liberal Tories, he +had deeply deplored the tragic ending of the gallant Hale, although +forced to regard it as one of the stern necessities of war. He bit his +lip as he answered:-- + +"Thank you, Betty; I am glad Clarissa does not regard me as quite so +bloodthirsty as you evidently deem me." Then, eying her keenly, as if +struck by a sudden thought, "Did you know the man, or was it all pure +patriotism?" + +"Yes," returned Betty, filled with indignation at the sneer, and facing +him with all her native courage; "yes, I know him well." + +"Know him?" echoed the bewildered Gulian, "are you mad or am I +dreaming?" + +"Neither, I trust. The Whig spy, as you are pleased to call him, was my +brother, Oliver Wolcott. Thank God that he has made good his escape, and +congratulate yourself, Gulian, that you aided, even remotely, in it." + +"Betty, Betty, if this be true, I trust Clarissa does not know." + +"Never fear," with a choking sob; "I shall not tell her. She suffers +enough, poor soul, with her husband upon one side and her people upon +the other of this most cruel war." + +"Betty, go to your chamber," said Gulian sternly. "I will myself escort +Kitty to her own door, and impress upon her the necessity of keeping the +matter a close secret. My mortification would be great were it known. +Why, it might even endanger my friendship with Sir Henry Clinton." + +Betty left the room, but her lip curled as she said to herself, "A Tory +to the tips of his fingers; God forbid that I should ever feel what +Clarissa must." + +Very little sleep visited Betty that night (or what remained of it) as +she lay with open eyes that strained into the growing dawn, picturing to +herself Oliver's flight across the North River, and hoping fervently +that she had thrown the pursuit skillfully off his track. When at last +she fell into a doze it was nearly seven o'clock in the morning, and +Miranda, who softly entered the room, bringing fresh water, halted at +the pillow, loth to waken her. + +"Mistress Betty," she whispered. No reply, but the sleeper turned +uneasily, and then opened her eyes. "I certainly do hate to call you, +but jes' look here; what you say for dat, little missy?" and Miranda +held up a letter. "Dat was left wif me at daybreak by de young boy who +came wif Sambo--missy knows who I mean,"--rolling her eyes fearfully +around the room,--"and he said tell you that Jim Bates, of Breucklen +Heights, had tole him to fetch it to you." + +Betty seized the package; it consisted of a half-sheet of paper which +inclosed a letter, doubled over and sealed with wax in the fashion of +the day. + +"I am safely across the river," wrote Oliver on the outer sheet, "and +send this to ease your mind and Kitty's. Moppet's letter came to me +inside one from my father by private hand a few days since, on chance of +my being able to give it you. My service in the city is over, my object +attained; hereafter I shall be on duty with our troops. God be with you +till we meet again." + +Betty broke the seal of her letter and between sobs and laughter +deciphered the queer pot-hooks and printed letters with which Miss +Moppet had covered the pages. Dear little Moppet; Betty could almost see +the frowns and puckered brow with which the child had penned the words. + +"My Betty dear," the letter ran, "we miss you sorely, especially the +Mare and me. She whinnies when I seek the Stable, and I was going to say +I cry too, but never mind." (This was partly erased, but Betty made it +out.) "It is so cold the Chickens are kept in the kitchen at night lest +they freeze. We hope it may thaw soon, as we Desire to get the maple +syrup from the trees. Aunt Euphemia is well. Miss Bidwell is still +knitting Socks for our poor soldiers, and I made Half of one, but the +Devil tempted me with Bad temper and I threw it on the Fire, for which +I was well Punished. Pamela cries much; I do not see why she is so +Silly. Sally Tracy is the only merry one, now you are away; she spends +too much, time, to my thinking, reading and walking with a young +Gentleman who comes from Branford. I have not yet learned how to spell +his Name, but you may Guess who I mean. When are you coming home, Betty? +I want so to see your dear face. My Respects to Gulian and Clarissa, and +Obedience to Grandma--I do not Recollect her whole Name. My Sampler is +more perfectly Evil than ever, but I have completed the Alphabet and I +danced on it, which Miss Bidwell said was Outrageous naughty, but my +temper Felt calmed afterward. It has taken four Days to write this, +farewell, from your lonesome little sister, + +"FAITH WOLCOTT. + +"Nota Bene. I send my Love to You know Who." + +There were others of the Verplanck household who slept late that +morning. Gulian's usually calm and somewhat phlegmatic temper had been +moved to its depths by the startling and most unexpected revelation of +Oliver Wolcott's identity with the spy, whose escape Betty had aided +and in which he was also indirectly implicated by the use of his horses +and servant. Gulian's strict sense of justice told him that Betty was +right in seizing the means at hand to rescue her brother, but that did +not lessen his irritation at being used for anything which appertained +to the Whig cause, for Gulian Verplanck was a Tory to the backbone. +Educated in England, brought up to consider that the divine right of +kings was a sacred principle, he carried his devotion to the Tories to +such an extent that had he foreseen the conflict between King and +Colonies it is safe to say he would never have wedded Clarissa Wolcott. +His love for his wife was too great to permit him to regret his +marriage, and he was too thorough a gentleman to annoy her by alluding +to their political difference of opinion, except occasionally, when his +temper got the better of him, which, to do him justice, was seldom. But +Clarissa's very love for him rendered her too clear-sighted not to +perceive the state of his mind, and the unspoken agitation which she +suffered on this score had been partly the cause of her homesickness and +longing for her sister's companionship. He had been both kind and +considerate in sending for Betty; his conscience approved the action; +and now to have this escapade as the outcome was, to a man of his +somewhat stilted and over-ceremonious ideas, a blow of the most annoying +description. + +When he sallied forth from his house some two hours later than his wont, +on his way to the wharf, where his business was located, he +congratulated himself that he had so far escaped questioning from his +wife on the occurrences of the night before. When Betty left him, he had +taken Kitty home in the sleigh, and refrained from lecturing her except +so far as insisting upon her not mentioning the matter of Oliver's +escape to her mother. Exhausted as she was, mirth-loving Kitty was moved +to a smile as she listened to Gulian's labored sentences, in which he +endeavored to convince his listener and himself that what he considered +almost a crime against the King's majesty--permitting the escape of a +rebel spy--was, so far as Betty was concerned, a meritorious act. So +Kitty promised, with the utmost sincerity, that not one syllable would +she breathe of the matter to her mother, or, in fact, to any human +being, and hugged herself mentally as she thought of Gulian's horror if +he only knew what a personal interest she had in that night's mad race +for freedom. Clarissa, sweet soul, had lain down quietly, when told that +their horses had nearly run away, being badly frightened by the hue and +cry of an escaping rebel; and uttering heartfelt thanksgivings that +Pompey had brought the girls home in safety, she went fast asleep and +remained so long after Gulian had risen, breakfasted, and gone down +Maiden Lane. + +Business was somewhat dull that morning, and Gulian was conscious that +each time his office door opened he feared some one would enter who had +learned, he hardly knew how, of his having been connected with the +hateful affair occupying his thoughts. It was therefore with a genuine +feeling of relief that just as he was preparing to lock up his books he +heard the outer door open, and a familiar voice inquire if he was +within. + +"Pray come in at once, Yorke," he said, throwing open the door of his +private room with alacrity, as he held out a hand of welcome to his +visitor. "Did you rise early this morning? I am ashamed to own how late +I was, but the balls at De Lancey Place are promoters of sleep next day, +I find." + +"I can usually plead guilty to sleep," replied Yorke, throwing off his +military cloak, and taking the chair which Gulian offered him, "but I +had to be stirring early to-day, for Sir Henry had pressing affairs, and +I was at headquarters before seven o'clock." + +"Did you take horse in pursuit of the spy last night?" asked Gulian, +with somewhat heightened color. + +"Not I," answered Yorke carelessly; "the poor devil had luck on his +wide, or doubled marvelously well on his pursuers, for I am told that +not a trace of him nor of his confederate, the little fiddler, did our +men find. It's well for them, as Sir Henry was much enraged and their +shrift would have been short, I fear, had they been captured." + +"These rebels grow bolder than ever," said Gulian, uttering a secret +thanksgiving which spoke better for his kindness of heart than his +loyalty to King and Crown; "I marvel at their adroitness." + +"So do we all;--but, Verplanck, I came on a different errand to-day than +politics. I came"--and Geoffrey hesitated, as a questioning look came +on Gulian's face--"I came--I--In short, am I right in esteeming you for +the present as brother and guardian to Mistress Betty Wolcott?" + +"Aye; in her father's absence, of course, I stand in that relation +toward her. Well, what of Betty?" + +"Only this," and rising, Yorke bowed in courtly fashion: "I have the +honor to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your sister, +Mistress Betty." + +"To Betty?" was Gulian's astonished and delighted response. "You +surprise me. Your acquaintance is but recent, and, I think, somewhat +formal?" + +"Love is hardly a matter of time or formality," returned Yorke, with a +smile, as a remembrance of his first meeting with Betty occurred to him, +"and that I do truly and honestly love her you have my honorable +assurance. Do you give me your permission to proceed in the matter?" + +"With all my heart," said Gulian, this new aspect of things driving all +unpleasantness connected with Betty from his head; "but her father's +consent is, I fear me, quite a different matter." + +"That is not for to-day," cried the lover, as he shook Gulian's hand +with almost boyish delight, "and to-morrow may take care of itself if I +can but gain Betty's ear." + +"But my consent and Clarissa's can be but conditional," proceeded +Gulian, his habitual caution returning to him. "I am not sure that I +should be altogether justified--Nay," seeing Yorke's face cloud with +keen disappointment, "I will myself lay the matter before Betty, and +endeavor to ascertain if she may be well disposed toward you." + +"Heaven forbid!" thought the impetuous lover. But he only said aloud, +"Thank you, Verplanck, I am delighted to receive your sanction. How are +you spending the afternoon?" + +"I have business at Breucklen Heights, but I shall be at home this +evening, when I will approach Betty in the matter, and tell my wife of +the honor you do us. For I have not forgotten my many visits to your +father, Lord Herbert, at Yorke Towers, and the kindness extended me +while in England. Indeed, Yorke, for my personal share in the matter, I +know of no alliance which could gratify me more." + +This was unwonted warmth on Gulian's part, and Yorke, feeling it to be +such, grasped his hand warmly at parting, as he flung himself in his +saddle, and rode gayly up Maiden Lane. + +But the "best laid plans o' mice and men" often meet with unsuspected +hindrances, as both Gulian and Yorke were destined to discover. What +special imp prompted Betty to sally forth for a walk after dinner, +thereby missing a call from Yorke (who came thus early to prevent +Gulian's intended interview), it would be vain to speculate; but when +the maid returned, feeling more like her old happy self than she had +done in weeks, the irony of fate prompted an encounter with her +brother-in-law at the library door. + +"I have somewhat to say to you, Betty," began Gulian, with an air of +importance, which set Betty's nerves on edge at once. If there was one +thing more than another that annoyed her it was Gulian's pompous manner. +"Will you come inside before going upstairs? I will not detain you +long." + +Wondering what could have occurred to wipe out the displeasure with +which he had dismissed her to bed the last time they met, Betty +followed him, and throwing off her hood and cloak seated herself calmly +as Gillian entered and closed the door with the solemnity he considered +befitting the occasion. + +"I had the unhappiness--the very great unhappiness," he began, "to feel +much displeased with you last night; but upon thinking the whole matter +over carefully, I am convinced that in assisting your unfortunate +brother to escape you did your best under the circumstances, and were +justified in yielding to a very natural and proper sisterly impulse." + +"Thank you," said Betty demurely, but with a sparkle of fun in her +liquid eyes as she turned them upon Gulian, secretly amused at this +curiously characteristic apology. + +"We will dismiss that event and endeavor to forget it; I only wish, to +repeat my injunction that I desire Clarissa should know nothing of the +matter." He paused, and Betty made a movement of assent. + +"How old are you, Betty?" came the next remark. + +"I am turned sixteen," replied Betty, somewhat surprised at the +question. + +"So I thought." Gulian paused again to give weight and dignity to the +disclosure. "You are now of a marriageable age. I have this morning +received a proposal for your hand." + +"Indeed," said Betty calmly, "And who, pray, has done me that honor, in +this city, where I am but a recent comer?" + +"Precisely what I remarked; the acquaintance has been, perhaps, unduly +short. But nevertheless a most honorable and distinguished gentleman +intends to offer you, through me, his hand"-- + +"He had been wiser to present _me_ with his heart," interrupted Betty, +with a mischievous laugh. But mirth died on her lips as Gulian, frowning +slightly, proceeded with his story in his own way. + +"His hand, and I presume his heart; do not be flippant, Betty; it ill +becomes you. This young gentleman will be called upon to fill a high +position; he is the son of a man of title and"-- + +"Stay," said Betty coldly. "It is not necessary to rehearse his +advantages. May I ask the name of this somewhat audacious gentleman?" + +"Audacious?" ejaculated Gulian, falling back a step to gaze full at the +haughty face uplifted toward him. "Surely you misunderstand me. Pending +your father, General Wolcott's consent, I trust you are able to perceive +the advantages of this match, for Captain Geoffrey Yorke is a son of +Lord Herbert Yorke, and grandson of the Earl of Hardwicke. It is an +exceptionally good offer, in my opinion, for any colonist, as in this +country, alas, we have no rank. Moreover, Betty, when the war ends it +will be wise to have some affiliation with the mother country, and by so +doing be in a position to ask protection for your unhappy and misguided +relatives who now bear arms against the King." + +Up rose Mistress Betty, her slender form trembling with indignation, her +eyes flashing, and her cheeks scarlet.-- + +"I would to God," she cried passionately, "that my father could hear you +insult his child, his country, and his cause. There is no need for you +to ask his consent to my marriage with Captain Yorke, for here, this +moment, I promptly decline any alliance which possesses the advantages +you so feelingly describe." + +"Betty, Betty "--Gulian saw his mistake, but it was too late; on rushed +the torrent of her indignation. + +"I wish you--and him--to understand that Betty Wolcott is heart and soul +with her 'misguided relatives' in rebellion against British rule; that +nothing--no, nothing, would induce her to wed an enemy to her country." + +"Nothing, Betty?" said a manly voice behind her, as Yorke himself +crossed the threshold, where for the last few seconds he had been an +angry listener to Gulian's blunders. "Surely you will grant me a moment +to plead on my own behalf?" + +"And wherefore?" cried Betty. "You sent your message by him," with a +scornful wave of her hand toward Gulian's retreating figure; "through +him, then, receive my reply." + +"I will not," said Geoffrey firmly, as the door closed behind Verplanck. +"Sweetheart, will you listen to me?" + +"It is useless," murmured Betty, with a choking sob. "I was mad to even +dream it might be possible. Gulian has made it all too plain to me." + +"Nay, you must and shall hear me. I will not leave you until I tell you +that I love you devotedly; ah, why should politics and war come between +our hearts? Consider, Betty, I will do all a gentleman and a man of +honor can to please you"-- + +"But you cannot desert your own people," she said despairingly. "I could +not love you if you did, for, Geoffrey, it is but due you to confess in +this hour of parting that you are very, very dear to me," and the last +words just reached his eager ears as Betty sank, trembling, into a +chair. + +"Dearest," he cried, kissing the little hand which lay in his, "will you +not bid me hope? Think, the tide may turn; we are both young, and who +can predict the fortunes of war? I will not bind you, but to you I must +myself be bound by the passionate love I bear you." + +"Oh, Geoffrey, my beloved, it cannot be! I know what my dear and honored +father would say. God guard you--farewell!" + +He caught the dainty form in his arms, he held her next his heart and +vowed that come what would he defied fate itself to separate her from +him. "See," he cried, snatching the knot of rose-colored ribbon from his +breast, "I will wear this token always as I have done since the day it +dropped from your gown on the grass. If it be twenty years, I will yet +come, with your father's consent, to win you, and then, _then_, +sweetheart, may I claim my reward?" + +"I cannot wed my country's foe," she faltered. "Oh, Geoffrey, be +merciful--let me go." At that moment there came a violent knock upon the +street door, a sound of voices, and Pompey's slow step approaching the +library door. + +"An express for Massa Captain brought by Sir Henry's orderly," said the +faithful old negro, handing a sealed envelope to Yorke, as he closed the +door behind him. Yorke tore it open; it fell from his hand. For a moment +he stood, tall, gallant, and brave, before Betty; his eyes met hers in +long, lingering farewell. + +"Sir Henry leads the expedition to South Carolina to-night, Betty, and I +go with him. Nay, sweetheart, sweetheart, we shall meet again in happier +days." + +She gave a little cry and flung herself into his arms; she kissed him +with all her warm frank heart on her lips, and then she slipped from his +embrace and was gone as Yorke dashed from the house, mounted his horse, +and galloped swiftly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +MOPPET MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +It was early autumn in Connecticut, and the maples had put on their most +gorgeous robes of red and yellow. The weather had been mild for that +region up to the middle of October, when a sudden light frost had flung +its triumphant banner over hill and dale with a glow and glory seen to +its greatest perfection in New England. The morning air was somewhat +fresh, and Miss Bidwell, hearing Moppet's feet flying along the hall, +opened the door of the sitting-room and called the child. + +"You will need your tippet if you are going beyond the orchard, and I +think perhaps your hood." + +"Hood!" echoed Miss Moppet disdainfully, shaking her yellow curls over +her shoulders until they danced almost of themselves; "I do not need to +be muffled up as if I were a little girl, Miss Bidwell. You forget I was +twelve years old yesterday," and she waltzed around the room, spreading +her short skirt in a courtesy, to Miss Bidwell's admiring gaze. + +"Indeed, I am likely to recollect when I myself arranged the twelve +candles in your birthday cake." + +"To be sure!" cried Moppet, with swift repentance, "and such an +excellent, rich cake as it was, too. Do you think"--insinuatingly--"that +I might have a slice, a very tiny slice, before I go forth with Betty to +gather nuts in the Tracys' woods?" + +"No," replied Miss Bidwell, laughing, "you will assuredly be ill if you +touch one morsel before dinner. Run along, Miss Moppet, I see your +sister waiting for you at the gate," and Moppet, with a jump and a skip, +flew off through the side door and down the path, at the end of which +stood Betty. + +It was a very lovely Betty over whom the October sunshine played that +morning, but to a keenly observant eye a different Betty from her who +had danced at the De Lancey ball, now nearly three years past. This +Betty had grown slightly taller, and there was an air of quiet dignity +about her which suggested Pamela. But the beautiful merry eyes had +deepened in expression, and it was, if anything, a still more attractive +face than of old, although the fair unconsciousness of childhood had +departed; and if mischief still lurked in the dimpled cheeks, that was +because Betty's heart could never grow old; no matter what life might +hold for her of joy or sorrow, she would always be to a certain extent a +child. And well for her that it was so; do we not all know a few rare +natures whose fascination dwells in this very quality? + +The years had gone swiftly for Betty. Shortly after her parting with +Yorke an opportunity had occurred for her return to Litchfield, and +although Clarissa lamented her departure Betty was eager to fly home. +Gulian had done his best to smooth over his ill-judged and ill-tempered +effort to arrange her matrimonial affairs, and one of Betty's minor +annoyances was her sister's evident disappointment at Yorke's rejection. +Only once had she forgotten herself and flashed out upon Clarissa, +peremptorily forbidding further discussion, and Clarissa had been +positively aghast at the impetuous little creature who confronted her +with flashing eyes and quivering lips, and had speedily warned Gulian +never to broach the subject to Betty again. Peter was Betty's closest +friend in those stormy days. The urchin had a shrewd perception of how +matters stood, and many a time had Betty hugged him for very gratitude +when he made a diversion and carried her off to some boyish haunt in the +city or to the Collect, thereby giving her opportunity to regain the +self-control and spirit necessary to appear as usual. For Betty was +formed of gallant stuff. No matter if her heart ached to bursting for +sight of Geoffrey, if her ears longed, oh, so madly, for the sound of +his voice; she could suffer, aye, deeply and long, but she could also be +brave and hide even the appearance of a wound. That Gulian, and even +Clarissa, considered her a heartless coquette troubled her not at all, +and so Betty danced and laughed on to the end of her sojourn in New +York. + +It had always been a source of thankfulness to her that she had been +able to go home before Geoffrey's return from the expedition to South +Carolina, for she sometimes doubted her own ability to withstand his +personal appeal if again exerted. That he had returned and then, shortly +after, gone upon another detail, she had heard incidentally from Oliver +during one of her brother's flying visits to Litchfield on his way to +New London with dispatches. Oliver had been greatly touched by Yorke's +conduct in the matter of his escape, but if he suspected that Betty's +lovely face had anything to do with the British officer's kindly +blindness, he was too clever to hint as much, for which forbearance +Betty thanked him in the depths of her heart. The only way in which he +showed his suspicion was in the occasional bits of news concerning Yorke +with which he favored her. At the battle of Cowpens Yorke had been +wounded and taken prisoner, and it fell to Oliver Wolcott to arrange for +his exchange. Then, for the first time, were Oliver's surmises changed +to certainties, for one night when he had been attending the prisoner, +whose wound was nearly healed, Yorke broke silence and in the frankest, +most manly fashion demanded news of his little sweetheart, and told +Oliver of his hopes and fears. Nothing could have appealed so directly +to the brother as Yorke's avowal that Betty had refused him because of +the coat he wore, and his eyes filled as he said, boyishly enough, +"Egad, Yorke, she has all the Wolcott pluck and patriotism; though were +this vexed question of independence settled, I wish with all my heart +that you may yet conquer this unwilling maid whom I call sister." + +Yorke smiled, but he did not consider it necessary to add that Betty had +once let compassion and gratitude get the better of her loyalty in the +matter of a prisoner, to Oliver's own discomfiture. + +There had been some changes in the Wolcott home: Pamela had gone forth +from the mansion a bride, after Cornwallis had surrendered at Yorktown, +and Josiah Huntington had worn a major's uniform on his wedding-day. +Betty had scarcely recovered from that break in the home circle when +Sally Tracy, with many blushes and much laughter, confessed that she, +too, was about to follow Pamela's example, and that a certain Mr. James +Gould, the gentleman from Branford, of whom Moppet had been so +suspicious, was the lucky individual upon whom she intended to bestow +her hand. Verily, with all these wedding-bells sounding, Betty began to +feel that she was likely to be left alone, but who only laughed gayly +when twitted with her fancy for maidenhood, and danced as merrily at +Sally's wedding as if her heart had lain light in her bosom instead of +aching bitterly for one whom she began to fear she should never see +more. + +Little did Betty guess that bright October morning, when she and Moppet +went forth bent on a nutting excursion, that a courier was even now +speeding on his way whose coming would change the tide of her whole +existence. And when, as noon struck, Oliver Wolcott dismounted at the +door of his home and, walking straight to his father's study, delivered +a packet from General Wolcott to Miss Euphemia, his next move was a +descent upon Miss Bidwell's parlor and a hasty demand for Betty. So when +Moppet and Betty appeared, rosy with success and a fair-sized bag of +nuts as the result of their joint labors, they found the household in a +state of suppressed excitement, and lo! the cause was Oliver's +approaching marriage. + +"You see," explained Oliver, when he finally got Betty to himself for a +walk in the orchard after dinner, "now that the treaty has been signed +in Paris, the British will soon evacuate New York, and when our army +enters, there will be grand doings to celebrate the event, and my +father must ride at the head of the Connecticut troops on that day. I, +too, Betty, God willing, shall be with the Rangers, and thinking the +date will be about a month hence, Kitty and Madam Cruger have set our +wedding-day as the 25th of November. I gave you Kitty's letter"-- + +"Yes, and a dear, kind letter it is. She bids me for her bridesmaid, +Oliver, and says that Moppet and Peter will hold her train, after the +new English fashion (which no doubt is her mother's suggestion, for I +think Kitty does not much affect fancies which come across the water), +and, oh, Oliver, I do indeed wish you joy," and Betty's eyes brimmed +full of tears as she gave him her hand. + +"I know you love Kitty," said Oliver, kissing her cheek, "and we can +afford to forgive a wedding after the English mode, as, if I gain my +Kitty, I care but little how she comes." + +"Betty, Betty," called Moppet's voice from the upper path, "do come in +if you and Oliver have finished your chat, for Miss Bidwell desires your +opinion on some weighty matter connected with our journey to New York." + +"I will come," answered Betty; then turning bank with, as careless an +air as she could summon, "Do you happen to have heard aught of your +quondam prisoner, Captain Yorke?" + +"Yorke!" replied Oliver, avoiding her eye as be stooped to throw a stick +from the path,--"Yorke! oh, aye, I did hear that he was invalided and +went home several months ago. I fancy it was not so much his health (for +he looked strong enough to my thinking the last time I met him) but more +his disgust with the turn things were taking; for you know, Betty, since +the surrender at Yorktown the British have been more insolent and +overbearing than ever, and Yorke is too much a gentleman, no matter what +his political color, to be dragged into quarrels which I hear are +incessant in the city, and the cause of many duels." + +"Duels!" cried Betty, as the color left her checks; "oh, I hope he--that +is--I hope nobody whom I know has been engaged in one." + +"Not I," returned Oliver, with a mischievous glance. "So you might even +be sorry for a foe, eh, Betty?" But Betty went flying up the path and +did not deign to reply. + +Miss Moppet, childlike, was perfectly overjoyed at the prospect of a +wedding in which she was to play a part, and flew from her aunt to Miss +Bidwell and Betty, then back to her aunt again in a twitter of +excitement at the combination of a journey and festivity as well. +General Wolcott's letter to his sister was full of important news. As +the seat of Congress was Annapolis, General Wolcott, who was a member of +that body, had decided to close the manor house for the winter and take +a house in New York for his family, and he sent minute and particular +directions for leaving all home affairs in the hands of Miss Bidwell and +Reuben until their return to Litchfield in the spring. Oliver's intended +marriage had hastened this decision, and there would be barely time to +settle matters and reach New York in season for the wedding. They were +to stop with Clarissa, who had written most pleading letters, and after +that visit would take possession of their new quarters. + +Most of the afternoon was spent in plans for their journey, with Oliver +as escort, and many a sigh rose almost to Betty's lips as these recalled +that other journey when her heart had been as light as Moppet's was now. +But she put all thought aside with a resolute heart, and finally +receiving directions from Miss Euphemia in regard to a chest of winter +clothing packed safely away in the garret, she concluded to give +Moppet's restless hands some occupation, and bade the child accompany +her upstairs. + +The old garret looked familiar enough. Even the wooden stools which had +served as seats for her and Sally Tracy in the old childish days stood +in the same corner under the dormer window, through which the sun was +even now pouring its setting rays. The chest was unlocked, and presently +a goodly pile of clothing lay upon the floor ready to be carried below. + +"Let me have my worsted jacket, and my flannel wrapper (indeed, I do +believe they are too small for me; can I find others in New York, +Betty?), and this pretty hood of Pamela's. Betty, Betty, do you think +Miss Bidwell could cut this one smaller for me? May I just run down and +ask? I will return at once." + +"Yes," said Betty, intent upon counting a heap of stockings; "please +fetch me a pair of scissors when you come up again." + +Off flew Moppet, marking her progress down the garret stairs by various +exclamations as she dropped the jacket and tripped on the wrapper, but, +finally reached the bottom in safety, Betty went on overlooking the +chest; there were many articles to select from, and a red skirt of +Moppet's which did not appear to be forthcoming. She ran her hand down +to the very bottom of the chest, and feeling some garment made of smooth +cloth with a gleam of red in it, dragged it forth and held it up to the +light. As she did so, her hand struck something hard and round. + +"What have I found?" thought Betty, but the next moment she saw that +what she held was an officer's dark blue riding-cape fastened with brass +buttons, on each of which was engraved a crown, and the cape was lined +with British scarlet. + +"What have you got there?" said Moppet's voice, as she appeared at her +side. "Why, 'tis Captain Yorke's cape that he muffled me in the day I +fell into Great Pond--Oh, Betty, Betty, what is amiss?" + +Down on her knees fell Betty. She buried her face in the cape's folds, +and tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to say, "It is nothing, +nothing, I am tired--I am--Oh, Geoffrey, Geoffrey, I think my heart is +breaking." + +Miss Moppet opened her eyes to their widest; then slowly and +deliberately she grasped the situation in "high Roman fashion." + +"Betty Wolcott, do I live to see you weep over a scarlet coat!" + +No answer; indeed, Betty scarcely heard the words. The flood-gates were +let loose and the agony of days and months must have its way. + +"Betty!" this time the voice of reproving patriotism quavered somewhat. +"I do believe you are worse than Pamela." But Betty sobbed on,--sobs +that fairly racked her slender body. + +"Well, I don't care what anybody says,"--and Moppet flung the Whig cause +to the wind as she cast herself down beside Betty,--"he's dear and +handsome and brave; whether he be British or Yankee, I love him, and _so +do you_, naughty, naughty Betty!" + +And with her head on Miss Moppet's sympathizing shoulder, and Miss +Moppet's loving arms clasped around her neck, Betty Wolcott whispered +her confession and was comforted. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A KNOT OF ROSE-COLORED RIBBON + + +The sun rose bright and clear over the Bay of New York. It had been a +somewhat gray dawn, but the fog and mist had gradually rolled away, and +the day bid fair to be one of those which Indian summer occasionally +gives in our northern climate. All around Fort George and the Battery +the British troops were making ready for departure; the ships for their +transportation to England lay out in the bay, for this was the 25th of +November in the year of our Lord 1783. + +The streets in the upper part of the city were filled with a different +kind of crowd, but one equally eager to be off and away. Many of the +Tories and sympathizers with the Crown had found New York a most +unpleasant dwelling-place since the signing of the treaty in which "The +United States of America" were proclaimed to the world an independent +Power, and Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, had more trouble in +providing transportation for this army of discontented refugees than for +his own soldiers. However, the day was fixed, the ships ready to weigh +anchor, and the Army of Occupation about to bid adieu to American shores +forever. + +"Peter," said Miss Moppet, as she danced merrily out of the +breakfast-room, "you are sure, quite sure that the grand procession, +with General Washington at its head, will come past this door? Because +we are all cordially bidden to Mistress Kitty's and perhaps Betty may +prefer to go there." + +"But it will be a far better sight here," returned Peter; "it is sure to +pass our door, for I heard Oliver tell Aunt Clarissa so last night just +as he was going out." + +"Oliver has overmuch on his mind to-day," remarked Moppet shrewdly; "to +ride with his troop in the morning and be married at evening is quite +enough to make him forget the route of a procession. Do you think we +might go out on the doorstep and see if there be any sign of its +approach?" + +"Why not? It will be royal fun to see the British soldiers come down +from the Government House, and hear the hoots and howls the Broadway +and Vly boys are bound to give them. For once all the boys of the city +are of one mind--except the Tory boys, and they don't count for much +hereafter." + +"I wouldn't jeer at a fallen foe if I were you, Peter," said Moppet, +severely, as she took up a position on the stoop, and leaned her elbows +on the iron railing; "my father says that is not manly, and besides I do +suppose there may be some decent Britishers." + +"I never knew but one," retorted Peter stoutly. "What knowledge have you +of them, I'd like to know?" + +"Not much," evasively. "Who was the one you mention?" + +"My! but he was a prime skater; how he and Betty used to fly over +Collect Pond that winter. Do you skate up in Litchfield, Moppet?" + +"Yes, of course; that's where Betty learned with Oliver." + +"Oh, aye, I remember; when she cut a face on the ice the day she raced +with Captain Yorke she told me her brother had taught her." + +At this moment there was sound of a distant bugle; both children ran +down to the foot of the steps and gazed eagerly up the street. But it +was a false alarm, and after a few moments spent in fruitless watching +they returned to their post of observation on the stoop. + +"Peter," began Moppet presently, with true feminine persistency, "what +were you saying about a British officer who knew Betty?" + +"Captain Yorke? He was aide to Sir Henry Clinton." + +"Was he? Will he go off to-day with all the other redcoats?" + +"He sailed away to England some months ago,--I recollect he came to bid +good-by to Clarissa,--but do you know, Moppet," lowering his voice, with +a glance over his shoulder to be certain that he was not overheard, "I +think I saw him two days ago." + +"In New York?" said Moppet, with a start. "Why you said he'd gone to +England." + +"But he could come back, surely. Moppet, _I_ think he was proper fond of +Betty." + +"Peter Provoost, do you fancy that my sister would smile on a scarlet +coat? You ought to be ashamed of yourself," and Moppet looked the +picture of virtuous indignation. + +"Well, I've seen her do it," retorted Peter, not in the least abashed, +"and what's more I heard him call her 'sweetheart' once." + +"Oh, Peter!" Moppet's curiosity very nearly got the better of her +discretion; but she halted in time, and bit her tongue to keep it +silent. + +"And if you won't tell--promise?"--Moppet nodded--"not a word, mind, +even to Betty--where do you think I saw Captain Yorke the other day? +You'll never guess;--it was at Fraunces's Tavern on Broad Street, and he +was in earnest conversation with General Wolcott." + +"With my father?" This time Moppet's astonishment was real, and Peter +chuckled at his success in news-telling. + +"Children," called a voice from the hall, "where are you? Do you want to +come with me on an errand for Clarissa near Bowling Green, which must be +done before the streets are full of the troops?" + +"Surely," cried both voices, as Peter dashed in one direction after his +cocked hat, and Miss Moppet flew in another for the blue hood. Betty +waited until the pair returned, laughing and panting, and then taking a +hand of each she proceeded up Wall Street to Broadway, and down that +thoroughfare toward Bowling Green. Before they had quite reached their +destination the sound of bugle and trumpet made them turn about, and +Peter suggested that they should mount a convenient pair of steps in +front of a large white house, which had apparently been closed by its +owners, for a number of bystanders were already posted there. They were +just in time, for around the corner of William Street came a group of +officers on horseback, their scarlet uniforms glittering in the sun. It +was Sir Guy Carleton and his staff, on their way to the Battery, where +they would take boats and be rowed over to a man-of-war which awaited +them in the bay. A murmur, then louder sounds of disapprobation, started +up from the street. + +"There they go!" cried a voice, "and good riddance to Hessians and +Tories." + +Betty's cheeks flushed. Oh, those hateful scarlet coats, symbols of what +had caused her so much misery. And yet--with another and deeper wave +of color--it was Geoffrey's uniform and these were his brother officers, +going where they would see him; oh, why, why, was fate so unkind, and +life so hard! Another moment and they were out of sight, but keen-eyed +Moppet caught a glimpse of Betty's downcast face and said to herself, +"Oh, I dare not tell her; I wish I did." + +Out on Bowery Lane and away up in Harlem, over King's Bridge, with +measured step and triumphant hearts the Continentals were entering the +city. What a procession was that, with General Washington and Governor +Clinton at its head, and how all loyal New York spread its banners to +the wind and shouted loud and long to welcome it! There were the picked +men of the army, the heroes of an hundred fights, the men of +Massachusetts who had been at Lexington and Bunker Hill; General Knox in +command, and General Wolcott with his Connecticut Rangers, while Oliver +rode proudly at the head of his company. It was a slow march, down the +Bowery and through Chatham and Queen streets to Wall, thence up to +Broadway, where the column halted. + +It would be vain to describe Betty's emotion as from the windows of the +Verplanck mansion she watched the troops and the civil concourse, and +realized that at last, after long years of heroic endurance, of gallant +fighting, of many privations, the freedom of the Colonies was an +accomplished fact. Miss Moppet and Peter flew from one window to another +and cheered and shouted to their hearts' content. Even Grandma Effingham +and Clarissa waved their handkerchiefs, while Gulian, on the doorstep, +raised his cocked hat in courtly salute to General Washington. Gulian +was beginning to learn that perhaps one might find something to be proud +of in America, even if we were lacking in the rank and titles he so +admired. + +Oliver's wedding, which was set for six o'clock, to allow the +commander-in-chief to be present before the banquet at Fraunces's +Tavern, was to be on as grand a scale as Madam Cruger's ideas could make +it; for having consented to her daughter's marriage, that stately dame +proposed to yield in her most gracious fashion. It took some time to +dress Miss Moppet in the silken petticoat and puffed skirt, the tiny +mobcap and white ribbons, which Kitty had considered proper for the +occasion, and Betty found she must hasten her own toilet, or be late +herself. Moppet followed her up to the old room where Betty had spent +so many hours of varied experience, and assisted to spread out once +again the flowered brocade, which had not seen the light of day since +the De Lancey ball. + +"Here are your slippers, Betty; how nicely they fit your foot." + +"Yes," said Betty, her thoughts far across the sea, as she slipped on +one of them. + +"I hope those are wedlock shoes," quoth Moppet, with a queer, +mischievous glance, as she tied the slipper strings around the slender +ankle. But Betty did not heed her; she was busy undoing the knots of +rose-colored ribbon on the waist, which she had once placed there with +such coquettish pride. + +"What are you about?" cried Moppet, seizing her sister's hand as she was +in the act of snipping off one with the scissors. "Oh, Betty, the gown +will not be half so pretty without them." + +"Nay, child, rose-colored ribbons are not for me to-day; I am grown too +old and sad," said Betty softly, looking with tender eyes into Moppet's +face. + +"Did ever I hear such fal-lal nonsense," and Moppet's foot came down in +a genuine hot-tempered stamp which made Betty start, "Betty, Betty, I +will not have it--pray put them back this moment;" then in the coaxing +voice which she knew always carried her point, "What would Oliver and +Kitty say if you were not as gay as possible to grace their wedding? Oh, +fie, Betty dear!" + +As usual Moppet had her way, and when the pair alighted at the Cruder +door Betty's knots of rose-color were in their accustomed place. + +Within the mansion all was light and gay. Weddings in those times were +conducted with even more pomp and ceremony than in our day, and the +entertainments, though not upon the present scale, were fully as lavish. +Wax candles shone at every possible point, and lit up the broad +reception-hall, the polished floors and high ceilings, while mirrors on +mantels and walls reflected back many times the stately figures which +passed and repassed before them. And then there came a pause, when +voices were hushed, and down the oak staircase came Kitty, led by Gulian +Verplanck (her nearest male relative), wearing a white satin petticoat +(though somewhat scanty to our ideas in width and length), and over it +a, train of silver brocade, stiff and rustling, while a long scarf of +Mechlin lace covered her pretty dark head and hung in soft folds down +her back. The high-heeled slippers, the long lace mitts, with their +white bows at the elbow, completed her toilet. She stood before the +assembled company a fair young bride of the olden days, and behind her +came Miss Moppet and Peter Provoost, holding her silver train with the +tips of their fingers. Oliver, in full Continental uniform, his cocked +hat under his arm, awaited her at the end of the great drawing-room, and +with somewhat shortened service, the rector of old St. Paul's said the +words which made the pair man and wife. + +[Illustration: "I HOPE THESE ARE WEDLOCK SHOES"] + +Betty was standing near the mantel, laughing and chatting gayly with +several of her former New York gallants, when she beheld her father +advancing toward her on the arm of a gentleman. Surely she knew that +tall, elegant figure, that erect, graceful carriage? But the scarlet +uniform which was so familiar was absent; this was the satin coat, +small-clothes, and powdered hair of a civilian. Betty's head swam, her +brilliant color came and went, as her father said quietly!-- + +"My daughter, an old acquaintance desires that I should recall him to +your recollection; I trust it is not necessary for me to present to your +favor my friend, Mr. Geoffrey Yorke." + +Betty's knees shook as she executed her most elaborate courtesy, and as +if in a dream she heard General Wolcott say to Yorke, with a somewhat +quizzical smile, "Perhaps you will kindly take Betty to the library, +where I will myself join you later after escorting General Washington to +the banquet." + +Betty never knew how she crossed that room; every effort of her mind was +concentrated in the thought that she must not betray herself. What did +all this mean? Such a blaze of sunshine had fallen upon her that she did +not dare look at it; she only realized that her hand was in Geoffrey's +until they reached the quiet and deserted library, and then he was at +her feet. + +"Sweetheart, sweetheart," he said, "you will not refuse to hear me now? +I have resigned the army, I have left England forever (unless you +yourself will some day accompany me there to meet my people), I have +thrown in my fortunes with the United States, and doubt not I will prove +as faithful a servant to your Commonwealth as I ever was to King +George," and kissing her hand, he, laid in it the faded knot of +rose-colored ribbon. + +"But, Geoffrey" she faltered, "my father"-- + +"Did not General Wolcott himself bid me fetch you here? Ah. Betty, the +conditions are all fulfilled, and you are still unwilling." + +She looked at him for a moment in silence, and then her most mischievous +smile dawned in Betty's eyes as she hid Geoffery's little knot of ribbon +in her gown. + +"My heart but not my will, consents," she said, "Dare you take such a +naughty, perverse rebel in hand for life?" + +"I dare all for love of Betty Wolcott," cried the triumphant lover, +while from the door a small person In mobcap surveyed the pair with very +round and most enraptured eyes. + +"It's just like a fairy tale," quoth Miss Moppet, "and I'm in it!" + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's An Unwilling Maid, by Jeanie Gould Lincoln + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN UNWILLING MAID *** + +***** This file should be named 10958.txt or 10958.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/9/5/10958/ + +Produced by Afra Ullah and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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