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diff --git a/26217-h/26217-h.htm b/26217-h/26217-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d4582ef --- /dev/null +++ b/26217-h/26217-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13246 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Loyalist, by James Francis Barrett. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + text-indent: 0px; + } /* page numbers */ + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .right {text-align: right;} + .tbrk { margin-top: 1.5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem div {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem div.i1 {display: block; margin-left: 1em;} + .poem div.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + + .block {margin: auto; text-align: center; width: 35em;} + + /* index */ + + div.index ul li { padding-top: 1em ;text-align: left; } + + div.index ul ul ul, div.index ul li ul li { padding: 0; text-align: left; } + + div.index ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; } + + div.index ul, div.index ul ul ul li { display: inline; } + + div.index .subitem { display: block; padding-left: 2em; } + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Loyalist, by James Francis Barrett + +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: The Loyalist + A Story of the American Revolution + +Author: James Francis Barrett + +Release Date: August 8, 2008 [EBook #26217] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOYALIST *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Martin Pettit and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="center"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" width='440' height='700' alt="THE LOYALIST A Story of the American Revolution BY JAMES FRANCIS BARRETT +[Illustration: Publisher's logo] P. J. KENEDY & SONS NEW YORK" /></div> + +<hr /> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1920, By<br />P. J. Kenedy & Sons, New York</span></p> + +<p class="center"><i>Printed in U. S. A.</i></p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<h4>TO<br />MY SISTER<br />AS A SLIGHT TOKEN OF<br />LOVE AND ESTEEM</h4> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class="index"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#FOREWORD">FOREWORD</a></li> +<li><a href="#THE_LOYALIST">PART ONE</a> +<ul> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></li> +</ul></li> +<li><a href="#PART_TWO">PART TWO</a> +<ul> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AI">CHAPTER I</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AII">CHAPTER II</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AIII">CHAPTER III</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AIV">CHAPTER IV</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AV">CHAPTER V</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AVI">CHAPTER VI</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AVII">CHAPTER VII</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AVIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AIX">CHAPTER IX</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AX">CHAPTER X</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_AXI">CHAPTER XI</a></li> +</ul></li> +<li><a href="#PART_THREE">PART THREE</a> +<ul> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BI">CHAPTER I</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BII">CHAPTER II</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BIII">CHAPTER III</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BIV">CHAPTER IV</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BV">CHAPTER V</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BVI">CHAPTER VI</a></li> + <li class="subitem"><a href="#CHAPTER_BVII">CHAPTER VII</a></li> +</ul></li> +</ul> +</div> + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="FOREWORD" id="FOREWORD"></a>FOREWORD</h2> + +<p>Historical facts constitute the background of this story. Its hero and +its heroine are, of course, fictitious; but the deportment of General +Arnold, the Shippen family, the several military and civic personages +throughout the story is described, for the most part, accurately and in +conformity with the sober truths of history. Pains have been taken to +depict the various historical episodes which enter into the story—such +as the attempted formation of the Regiment of Roman Catholic Volunteers, +the court-martial of Major General Arnold, the Military Mass on the +occasion of the anniversary of American Independence—with as much +fidelity to truth as possible. The anti-Catholic sentences, employed in +the reprimand of Captain Meagher, are anachronisms; they are identical, +however, with utterances made in the later life of Benedict Arnold. The +influence of Peggy Shippen upon her husband is vouched for by eminent +authority.</p> + +<p>Due appreciation and sincere gratitude must be expressed to those +authors from whom much information has been taken,—to John Gilmary +Shea, in his "History of the Catholic Church in the United States"; to +Martin I. J. Griffin's "Catholics and the American Revolution"; to F. J. +Stimson's excellent work, "Memoirs of Benedict Arnold"; to John Fiske's +"American Revolution," and to the many other works which have freely +been made use of in the course of this writing. Cordial thanks are also +due to those who have generously assisted by suggestions and criticisms, +and especially to those who have devoted their valuable moments to the +revision of the proof sheets.</p> + +<p class="right">J. F. B.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + +<h1><a name="THE_LOYALIST" id="THE_LOYALIST"></a>THE LOYALIST</h1> + +<h2>PART ONE</h2> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<p>"Please continue, Peggy. You were telling me who were there and what +they wore. Oh, dear! I am so sorry mother would not give me leave to go. +Was it all too gay?"</p> + +<p>"It was wonderful!" was the deliberate reply. "We might have danced till +now had not Washington planned that sudden attack. We had to leave +then,—that was early this morning,—and I spent the day abed."</p> + +<p>It was now well into the evening and the two girls had been seated for +the longest time, it seemed, on the small sofa which flanked the east +wall of the parlor. The dusk, which had begun to grow thick and fast +when Marjorie had come to visit Peggy, was now quite absorbed into +darkness; still the girls had not lighted the candles, choosing to +remain in the dark until the story of the wonderful experience of the +preceding day had been entirely related.</p> + +<p>The grand pageant and mock tournament, the celebrated Mischienza, +arranged in honor of General Howe, who had resigned his office as +Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's forces in America to return to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> +England, there to defend himself against his enemies in person, as +General Burgoyne was now doing from his seat in Parliament, was an event +long to be remembered not alone from the extravagance of its display, +but from the peculiar prominence it afforded the foremost families of +the city, particularly that of the Shippens.</p> + +<p>Edward Shippen was a gentleman of rank, of character, of fortune, a +member of one of the oldest and most respected families in the city of +Philadelphia, whose ancestor, of the same name, had been Mayor of the +city nigh an hundred years before. He belonged to the Society of +Friends, or Quakers, and while he took no active interest on either side +during the years of the war, still he was generally regarded as one of +the sympathizers of the Crown. Because of the social eminence which the +family enjoyed and the brilliance and genial hospitality which +distinguished their affairs, the Shippens were considered the undisputed +leaders of the social set of Philadelphia. The three lovely Misses +Shippen were the belles of the more aristocratic class. They were +toasted frequently by the gay English officers during the days of the +British occupation, for their father's house was often the rendezvous of +the titled celebrities of the day.</p> + +<p>"And was your Captain there, too?" continued Marjorie, referring, of +course, to Captain Monstresor, the engineer of the undertaking, an +erstwhile admirer of Mistress Peggy.</p> + +<p>"You must know, my dear, that he arranged the spectacle. I saw little of +him until the dance. In truth, he seemed more popular than General Howe +himself."</p> + +<p>Marjorie sat up.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p><p>"Tell me! Did the tournament begin the program?"</p> + +<p>"No!" replied Peggy. "The military procession of boats and barges with +Lords Howe and Rawdon, General Howe and General Clinton, opened the +event in the late morning, sailing up the river to the Wharton House, +the scene of the tournament."</p> + +<p>Marjorie nodded.</p> + +<p>"The noise of the guns was deafening. When the flotilla arrived at +Walnut Grove, which was lined with troops and bedecked brilliantly with +flags and bunting, the pageant opened."</p> + +<p>"Where were you in the meantime?" asked Marjorie, careful to lose no +detail.</p> + +<p>"We were seated in the pavilions,—seven ladies in each,—clothed in +Turkish garments, each wearing in her turban the favor to be bestowed on +her victorious knight."</p> + +<p>"And who was your knight?"</p> + +<p>"The Honorable Captain Cathcart," quickly replied Peggy, her eyes +beaming with a smile of evident satisfaction and proud joy.</p> + +<p>"Lord Cathcart, whom I met here?"</p> + +<p>"The same," answered Peggy. "He was the leader of the 'Knights of the +Blended Rose.'"</p> + +<p>"What an odd name!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"I know it. They were named after their device. They were dressed in +white and red silk, mounted on gray horses and attended by esquires. +They were preceded by a herald who bore their device, two roses +intertwined above the motto, 'We droop when separated.' My knight rode +at the head, attended by two British Officers, and his two esquires, the +one bearing his lance, the other his shield emblazoned with his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> +device—Cupid astride a lion—over the motto, Surrounded by love.'"</p> + +<p>"You little Tory," interrupted Marjorie. "I shall tell General +Washington that you are disloyal and have lent your sympathy to a +British Officer."</p> + +<p>"I care little. The Yankees are without refinement——"</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare say that," snapped Marjorie, her whole being animated +with sudden anger. "It is untrue and you know it. They are patriots +and——"</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, dear," murmured Peggy, laying her hand on the arm of her +irate friend. "I said that only in jest. I shan't continue if you are +vexed."</p> + +<p>There was silence.</p> + +<p>"Please! I am not angry," Marjorie pleaded. "Do continue."</p> + +<p>"I forget my story now. What did I tell? There was so much that I am +confused."</p> + +<p>"The Knights of the Rose!" suggested Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! Well, this body of knights made the circuit of the square and +then saluted their ladies. On a sudden, a herald advanced with a +flourish of trumpets and announced that the ladies of the Blended Rose +excelled in wit, beauty, grace, charm and accomplishments those of the +whole world and challenged a denial by deeds of arms. Whereupon a +counter sound of trumpets was heard from afar and another herald +galloped before a body of knights in black and orange silk with the +device—a wreath of flowers surrounding a burning heart—over the motto, +'Love and Glory.' These were the Knights of the Burning Mountain, who +came to dispute the claim of the Knights of the Blended Rose."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p><p>"It must have been gorgeous!" exclaimed Marjorie, clasping her hands +before her.</p> + +<p>"Indeed it was. Well, after several preliminaries, the encounter took +place, the knights receiving their lances together with their shields +from their esquires, whereupon they saluted and encountered at full +speed, shivering their spears against the shield of their adversaries. +They next encountered and discharged their pistols and then fought with +swords. Again the two chiefs of the warring factions, Captain Cathcart +of the Blended Rose and Captain Watson of the Burning Mountain, met in +mid field to try their arms as champions of their respective parties. +They parried and thrust with true knightly valor until Major Grayson, as +marshal of the field, intervened at the critical moment, declaring the +ladies of both parties to be fully satisfied with the proofs of love and +the feats of valor displayed by their knights. He then commanded the +combatants to desist. Thus ended the tournament."</p> + +<p>"How wonderful!" sighed Marjorie. "I would I had been present. And your +knight was the hero?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied Peggy with a smile. "I am sure that he would have +worsted Captain Watson, had not the Major stepped in. But the banquet +was splendid."</p> + +<p>"And Captain Cathcart!" reminded Marjorie, with a slight manifestation +of instinctive envy.</p> + +<p>"Why! He attended me, of course," was the proud response. "Each knight +escorted his lady through the triumphal arches erected in honor of the +Generals who were present, along the long avenue lined on both sides +with the troops and the colors of the army. At the third arch, which was +dedicated to General Howe and which bore on its top a huge flying figure +of Fame, we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> entered the great Hall. There refreshments were served and +the dancing began. It continued until midnight. The windows were then +thrown open and we witnessed the wonderful display of fireworks. And +then the supper!</p> + +<p>"Gorgeous, of course!" exclaimed Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Gorgeous, indeed!" Peggy repeated—"a great room, with fifty or more +pier glasses, draped with green silk and hundreds of varieties of +flowers of as many hues and shades. An hundred branches of lights, +thousands of tapers, four hundred and thirty covers, and there must have +been more than twelve hundred dishes. The attendants were twenty-four +black slaves garbed oriental fashion with silver collars and bracelets. +And then we danced and danced until dawn, when we were interrupted by +the sound of distant cannon."</p> + +<p>"And then your knights were called to real war," remarked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"For the moment all thought this to be part of the program, the signal +for another great spectacle. Suddenly everything broke into confusion. +The officers rushed to their commands. The rest of us betook ourselves +as best we could. We came home and went to bed, tired in every bone. +Mother is sorry that I attended, for she thought it too gay. But I would +not have lost it for the world."</p> + +<p>And perhaps her mother was right. For Peggy was but eighteen, the +youngest of the Shippen family. The other girls were somewhat older, yet +the three were considered the most beautiful débutantes of the city, the +youngest, if in anything, the more renowned for grace and manner. Her +face was of that plumpness to give it charm, delicate in contour, rich +with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> freshness of the bloom of youth. Her carriage betrayed +breeding and dignity. And all was sweetened by a magnetism and vivacity +that charmed all who came within her influence. Still her attitude was +the more prepossessing than permanent.</p> + +<p>Like her father, she was a Quaker in many of her observances. To that +creed she adhered with a rigorous determination. She had so often +manifested her political sympathies, which were intensified to an +irrational degree as appeared from passionate disclosures, that her +father was led to observe that she was more a Tory at heart than General +Howe himself.</p> + +<p>Her companion, Marjorie Allison, was about her own age, but as intensely +American as she was English. Her parents had always lived in +Philadelphia, as their parents had before them, coming originally from +the Mother country to which they were now opposed in martial strife. The +thrill of patriotism for the cause of the infant republic, which +throbbed violently within her breast, had been inspired to enthusiasm +more by the intense antipathy for the Church of England than for the +government itself. This antipathy was kept alive and invigorated by the +doleful memory of the privations and adversities endured by her +ancestors from the agents of this same government because of their +Catholic worship and their heroic efforts to follow their religious +convictions.</p> + +<p>The sympathies of the Allisons were undivided. They were notorious +Whigs, ardent champions of the rights which the new government so +strongly asserted, and which they had pledged themselves stoutly to +defend; ardent champions of the eternal principles on which the new +republic was built. The psychology of the Allisons' allegiance did not +differ from that of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> innumerable other families. Usually, strange to +relate, society, while constantly moving forward with eager speed, is +just as constantly looking backward with tender regrets. But no regrets +were here. Religious persecution leaves no tender memories in its trail. +Dissatisfaction with the past is seldom rendered more memorable than by +the fanatic attempt to separate the soul from its God.</p> + +<p>Marjorie and Peggy had been friends from girlhood. They understood each +other very well. Each knew and appreciated the other's peculiarities, +her virtues and her foibles, her political propensities and religious +convictions. They never discussed their religious differences. They +avoided such a clash out of respect for each other's convictions. Not +so, however, in matters relating to the form of government. Marjorie was +a Whig, an ardent champion of the rights of the Colonists, while her +more aristocratic friend was Tory in her sentiments, moderate, it is +true, but nevertheless at times much inclined to the extreme. +Notwithstanding these differences, their friendship had been constant +and they had always shared their joys and sorrows.</p> + +<p>The days of the British occupation of the city had been glorious ones +for Peggy and her sisters. The love of display and finery which was +characteristic of them was satiated by the brilliance and the gayety of +the winter season during which the titled British Officers were fêted +and entertained extravagantly. None outshone the Shippens in the +magnificence of their entertainments. Their house was ever open in +hospitality, and more than once it had been whispered about that their +resources had reached the point of exhaustion.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p><p>At these functions Marjorie found herself a welcome guest. For Peggy +took care that her little friend was never overlooked, even if on one +occasion a pang of regret sent her to bed with copious tears when the +favor for the evening had been bestowed upon her fair guest. Marjorie, +however, maintained a mature composure and a marked concern, as was her +wont, throughout it all, and Peggy again reassured herself that her +misgivings were without foundation. For Marjorie disliked the titled +gentry. They were without exception hostile to the faith to which she so +steadfastly adhered. She bore with them merely for the pleasure which +she derived from the coterie made brilliant by their participation.</p> + +<p>And so the winter passed, giving way to lovely, spring, whose gentle +zephyrs dispelled the cold, the ice and the snow that had sent the +British into the ballrooms for protection, and had afflicted and +distressed the patriots at Valley Forge. With the advent of favorable +weather, operations began anew; the hopes and the courage of the +colonists were now exalted to the highest pitch. The disasters of Long +Island and Fort Washington had been offset by the victory at Saratoga. +While the British had taken and held the important cities of New York +and Philadelphia as well as the town of Newport, still they had lost an +army and had gained nothing but the ground on which they were encamped.</p> + +<p>Now, at the beginning of the fourth period of the war, the joyful news +was heralded far and wide that the government of France had formally +acknowledged the independence of the United States and that help was on +the way to assist the Colonists in their struggle. At the same time the +conciliatory measures of Lord<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> North in Parliament gave indication to +the patriots that the British Government was weakening. The joy of the +Whigs knew no bounds, and Marjorie was beside herself as she related the +glad tidings over and over again. The fourth epoch of the war augured +well for the success of the cause.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>In all the Colonies there was at this stage of the war no city more +important than Philadelphia. Whatever there was among the Colonists of +wealth, of comfort, of social refinement, of culture and of courtly +manners was here centered. Even the houses were more imposing than +elsewhere throughout the country. They were usually well constructed of +stone or brick with either thatched or slated roofs. They were supplied +with barns bursting with the opulence of the fields. The countryside +round about was teeming with fatness. Indeed, in all the colonies no +other place was so replete with affluence and comfort.</p> + +<p>Nor was it without its gentry, cultured and dignified. Its inhabitants +were, for the most part, made up of members of old Quaker families and +others faithful to the Church of England and devoted to the political +principles of the Mother country,—the proud possessors of wealth and +the exemplars of the most dignified deportment. Already were its fair +sex renowned abroad as well as at home for their "beauty, grace and +intelligence." They moved with all the gayety and charm of court ladies. +The wealth and luxury of a capital city were there; for even in the +infancy of the republic, Philadelphia had attained a distinction, +unique<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> and preëminent. What was more natural, then, than that their +allegiance should be divided; the so-called fashionable set adhering to +the crown; the common townsfolk, the majority of whom were refugees from +an obnoxious autocracy, zealously espousing the colonists' cause, and +the middle class, who were comprised of those families holding a more or +less neutral position in the war, and who were willing to preserve their +estates and possessions, remaining undecided, and in their manner +maintaining good offices with both sides throughout the strife.</p> + +<p>The British Army took possession of the city, after its victorious +encounter on the Brandywine, on the twenty-sixth of September, 1777. Sir +William Howe selected for his headquarters the finest house in the city, +the mansion which was once the home of Governor Richard Penn, grandson +of William Penn. Here General Howe and his staff of officers passed a +gay winter. They were much more interested in the amusements, the +gayeties, the dissipations carried on in this old Quaker City than in +any efforts to capture the army of General Washington.</p> + +<p>The infatuate populace, indifferent to the progress of the Revolution, +unaffected for the most part by the righteousness of the cause of the +Colonists, became enamored of the brilliance and the fashion and the +display of the English nobility. They cordially welcomed General Howe +and his young officers, electing them the leaders and the favorites in +all the social gayeties and amusements of the season. Such was the +luxury and dissipation of the British in the city, at dinner parties, +cock-fights, amateur theatrical performances, that Dr. Franklin was led +to remark in Paris<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> that General Howe had not taken Philadelphia as much +as Philadelphia had taken General Howe.</p> + +<p>The general plan of campaign for the year 1777 did not include the +capture of Philadelphia. Howe had been ordered to march from New York, +which he had taken the preceding August, to the vicinity of Albany. +There he was to join forces with the army from Canada under General +Burgoyne, which was to penetrate northern New York. Why he elected to +march against Philadelphia and be obliged to retrace his steps in order +to reach Burgoyne was unknown at the time. The total collapse of +Burgoyne's expedition at Saratoga and the menace of the American Army +under General Washington obliged him to alter his plan and to remain in +the vicinity of Philadelphia, which city he made his headquarters for +the winter.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the army of General Washington, which had been +continually harassing the English forces, went into winter quarters in +close proximity, at Valley Forge, a bare twenty miles distant, northwest +of the city. Here the little army of the Colonists menaced the position +of the British while enduring with heroic fortitude the severities of +the winter season. Shoeless and shivering, the soldiers prepared these +winter quarters of cold huts, rudely constructed; themselves overcoated +in torn blankets, with stuffed straw in their boots for want of +stockings. Their food was as scarce as their clothing and at one time +more than two thousand men were reported unfit for duty because barefoot +and otherwise naked. Many a night the men were compelled to remain +seated by the fire for want of blankets. Day by day the supply of fuel +diminished, and the neighborhood became more destitute of trees and +timber.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p><p>The morale of the troops seemed to feed on misfortune; but their hopes +and courage were suddenly intensified when the news of the Alliance with +France reverberated throughout the camp to the booming of cannon and the +shouts of the whole army. There was no respite, however. While the enemy +was living in luxury and comfort in the gay city, the Continentals under +the patience of Washington, and the military genius of Von Steuben, were +being rounded into a toughened and well drilled fighting machine, strong +in organization and bold in spirit, a worthy match for the rapid and +accurate movements for which the better equipped British army was +becoming famous.</p> + +<p>That Sir William Howe found it easier to loiter in Philadelphia than to +play a strategic game against Washington in the depths of an American +winter, was due no less to the want of decision which characterized all +of his actions than to the stupid mismanagement with which the campaign +of 1777 was directed. The British had gained the two most important +American cities, New York and Philadelphia, but the entire American army +was still in the field. The acquisition of territory was of no military +importance while the forces of the enemy remained intact and well +organized. Moreover, Burgoyne was left to his fate and at Saratoga an +army was lost.</p> + +<p>Nor was any advantage to be derived from the possession of the American +capital. Washington's position at Valley Forge had held the British in +check all winter. And whatever of work the Congress was required to do +could as well be done at York as at Philadelphia. As a basis for +military operation the city was without value, for it was difficult to +defend and hard to supply with foodstuffs. But it was rich, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>extravagant, fashionable, a "place of crucifying expenses," and its +fine houses, good pavements, and regular arrangement of streets, +impressed Howe as the most fitting place for the British Army to +establish winter quarters. And so they sat down to wait for spring.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"We shall never forget the splendor of it all; it was wonderful!" +exclaimed Peggy with a deep sigh.</p> + +<p>"A farewell party!" said Marjorie. "Undoubtedly the gallant Britishers +outdid themselves. Howe leaves soon, does he not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Next week."</p> + +<p>"Which means that the period of entertaining is about to come to an +end."</p> + +<p>"I suppose. But wasn't the winter glorious? I shall never forget it."</p> + +<p>A smile covered her face, dotting her cheeks with two tiny dimples. She +held her hands together over her knees while she sat quite motionless, +her eyes looking out into the darkness of the room.</p> + +<p>Presently she bethought herself.</p> + +<p>"Let us light the tapers!" she announced, jumping up from the sofa.</p> + +<p>"It is late," Marjorie remarked, as she, too, prepared to arise. "I must +leave for home."</p> + +<p>"Stay! It is still early. Soon we shall be obliged to settle into +quietude. Dark days are before us."</p> + +<p>"Why!" Marjorie exclaimed. "I should think that the future augurs well. +I do wish the soldiers would evacuate the city."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p><p>"When General Howe leaves, all may as well leave with him."</p> + +<p>"When does he leave, did you say?" impatiently asked her true American +friend.</p> + +<p>"Next week, I understand. The great Mischienza, you know, was arranged +in his honor as a farewell celebration."</p> + +<p>"General Clinton, I presume, will succeed. He seems the most logical +choice."</p> + +<p>"Yes. He already has been appointed to the supreme command."</p> + +<p>"I hope he decides to evacuate."</p> + +<p>"I do not know. Perhaps," was the sole response.</p> + +<p>But it already had been decided. Upon the departure of General Howe, +instructions were forwarded from the ministry to Sir Henry Clinton, the +new Commander-in-chief, to evacuate the city at once. The imminent +arrival of the French fleet, together with the increasing menace of the +Continental Army at Valley Forge, constituted a grave peril to the +isolated army of the British. Hence it was determined that the capital +city must be abandoned.</p> + +<p>Clinton intended to transfer his army to New York by water in order that +the bulk of his forces might be concentrated for the spring campaign. On +account of the vast number of Tories who, apprehensive of their personal +effects, had begged to be transferred with him, he was obliged to forego +his original intention of sailing by water in favor of a march overland. +Accordingly on the morning of June 18, 1778, the rear-guard of the +British marched out of the city and on that same afternoon the American +advance entered and took possession with Major General Benedict Arnold, +the hero of Saratoga, as Military Governor.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p><p>The joy of the Whig populace knew no bounds. No longer would the +shadows of dark despair and abandoned hope hang like a pall over the +capital city. No longer would the stately residences of the Tory element +be thrown open for the diversion and the junket of the titled gentry. No +more would the soldiery of an hostile army loiter about the street +corners or while away the hours at the Taverns or at the Coffee Houses. +The Congress was about to return. The city would again become the +political as well as the civic center of American affairs. The people +would be ruled by a governor of their own accord and sympathy. +Philadelphia was to enter into its own.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"It won't do, I tell you. And the sooner he realizes this the more +satisfactory will it become for all concerned."</p> + +<p>"Sh-h-h," answered Mrs. Allison in a seemingly heedless manner. She was +seated by the side window in her old rocker, intent only on her three +needles and the ball of black yarn. "Judge not, that you may not be +judged!" she reminded him.</p> + +<p>"He is too imprudent. Only today he contemptuously dismissed the Colonel +and the secretary; later he requested them to dine with him. We don't +like it, I tell you."</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, there was no more staunch defender or constant +advocate of the cause of the Colonists than Matthew Allison himself; and +when the proclamation of the new Military Governor ordering the closing +of the shops and the suspension of business in general until the +question of ownership was established, had been issued, he was among the +first of the citizens to comply with it. True, his sole source of income +had been temporarily suspended. But what matter? It meant order and +prevented the wares from falling into the hands of the enemy. His small +shop had enabled himself together with his wife and daughter to eke out +a comfortable existence. Their cozy home while unmistakably plain and +unadorned with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> finer appointments indicative of opulence, +nevertheless was not without charm and cheeriness. It was delightful in +simplicity and neat arrangement.</p> + +<p>Allison had welcomed the entry of General Arnold into the city as a hero +coming into his own, but he was not slow in perceiving that the +temperament of the man rendered him an unhappy choice for the +performance of the onerous duties which the successful administration of +the office required. Readily and with genuine satisfaction did he yield +to the initial mandate of the Governor; but when the scent of luxury +from this same Governor's house, the finest mansion in the city and the +identical one lately occupied by the British commander, was diffused +throughout the city causing murmurs of criticism and dissension, Matthew +Allison forgot for the moment his oath of fealty and gave expression to +pain and dissatisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Why allow yourself to be disturbed at his manner of living?" asked his +wife, picking up the conversation at the point where he had left it.</p> + +<p>"And you and I and the vast majority of us sacrificing our all. Why they +tell me that his quarters abound in luxury to a degree never excelled by +Howe himself."</p> + +<p>"Well!" was the simple reply.</p> + +<p>"And the Massachusetts Regiment has been appointed his guard of honor; +and that two armed soldiers have been stationed at the doorposts."</p> + +<p>Allison spoke with evident passion, the ardor of which pervaded his +entire being.</p> + +<p>"And yet I dare say you would be the first to disapprove of the other +extreme," admonished Mrs. Allison in her soft and gentle way. "Under +martial law you know, there must be no relaxation of discipline,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> +notwithstanding the fact that the Americans once more control the city."</p> + +<p>"Laxity or no laxity, it is extravagant for him to be housed in the +finest mansion in the city with a retinue of servants and attendants +only excelled by Sir William Howe; to be surrounded by a military guard +of selective choice; to maintain a coach and four with footmen and +servants, all equipped with livery of the most exclusive design; to live +in the greatest splendor, notwithstanding the avowed republican +simplicity of the country as well as the distressed condition of our +affairs and finances. Who is paying for this extravagance? We, of +course. We are being taxed and supertaxed for this profligate waste +while our shops are closed to all future trade. These are not alone my +opinions; they are the expressions of the men about town. This was the +sole topic of conversation today at the Coffee House."</p> + +<p>For where else would the news of the day be found if not on the street +corners or at the Coffee House? This latter institution, like its London +prototype, was the chief organ through which the public opinion of the +metropolis continually asserted itself. Its convenience lay in its +adaptability for the making of appointments at any hour of the day, or +for the passing of an evening socially for a very small charge. It had +its characters who became as famous as the institution itself, its +orators to whose eloquence the crowd listened with admiration, its +medical men who might be consulted on any malady merely for the asking, +its poets and humorists who in winter occupied the chairs of learning +nearest the stove and in summer held the choice places on the balcony, +and who discoursed fables and politics with renewed embellishment upon +the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>advent of every newcomer. The atmosphere always reeked with the +fumes of tobacco. Nowhere else was smoking more constant than at the +Coffee House. And why any one would leave his own home and fireside to +sit amid such eternal fog, was a mystery to every good housewife. But +every man of the upper or the middle class went daily to the Coffee +House to learn and discuss the news of the day.</p> + +<p>"I suppose Jim Cadwalader waxed warm today on the subject and gave you +inspiration," submitted Mrs. Allison. "Why do you not suspend your +judgment for a while until you learn more about the Governor,—at any +rate give him the benefit of a doubt until you have some facts," mildly +replied Mrs. Allison with that gentle manner and meekness of temper +which was characteristic of her.</p> + +<p>"Facts!" said he, "I am telling you that these are facts. The Colonel +saw this, I tell you, for he dined with him. And I want to tell you +this," he announced pointing towards her, "he hates the Catholics and is +strongly opposed to any alliance with a Catholic country."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, my dear. We cannot suffer for that."</p> + +<p>"I know, but it may concern us sooner or later. Our fathers endured +severe tortures at the hands of a bigoted Government, and if the new +republic gives promise of such unhappy tidings, we may as well leave the +earth."</p> + +<p>"I would not take any undue alarm," quietly answered Mrs. Allison as her +deft fingers sped on with the knitting. "General Washington is +broad-minded enough to appreciate our loyalty and our spirit of +self-sacrifice. And besides the new French Alliance will prevent any of +the intolerance which made itself <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>manifest in the person of King +George. With a Catholic ally, the government cannot very well denounce +the Catholics as you will discover from the repealing of several of the +laws which rendered life more or less obnoxious in some of the colonies. +And I think, too, that we have given more than our share to the cause. +With so much to our credit, no public official, whatever his natural +inclination, can afford to visit his bigotry on us. I would not worry +about General Arnold. He will not molest us, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"I don't think that he pleases me anyway."</p> + +<p>"And why?" she paused to ask. "Because he maintains too expensive a +livery, or has surrounded himself by too many attendants?"</p> + +<p>"No. I dislike the man. I do not like his traits."</p> + +<p>"It is unkind of you to say that. Who enjoys a greater reputation for +skill or bravery or personal courage than he? What would have become of +Gates, or our army, or the French Alliance were he not at Saratoga, and +there too without a command, you must remember."</p> + +<p>"I know all that, but he is too blunt, too headstrong, too proud, too——"</p> + +<p>Marjorie's figure at the door interrupted him.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>Although Mistress Allison was not twenty, she maintained the composure +of a married woman, sedate and reserved like the matrons of this period. +Her dress was neat and well chosen, a chintz cotton gown, of a very +pretty blue stamp, blue silk quilt and a spotted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> figured apron. The +vivacity of her manner and the winsomeness of her behavior were +prepossessing, and she was beautiful to look upon: her complexion as +dazzling white as snow in sunshine; except her cheeks, which were a +bright red; and her lips, of a still deeper crimson. Her small oval face +was surmounted by a wealth of dark brown hair, craped up with two rolls +on each side and topped with a small cap of beautiful gauze and rich +lace,—a style most becoming to a girl of her age. Health, activity, +decision were written full upon her, whether in the small foot which +planted itself on the ground, firm but flexible, or in the bearing of +her body, agile or lofty.</p> + +<p>She was the only child of Mr. Allison and a much admired member of the +city's middle class. And while it is true that a certain equality in +class and social refinement was an attribute of the American people +which found great favor in the eyes of the older world inhabitants, it +is equally true that this equality was more seeming than real. This was +due to a great extent to the distinction established by the wealth and +the liberties enjoyed by the various classes of people. It was said, and +not without a semblance of truth, that the inhabitants of Philadelphia +were rated according to their fortunes. The first class was known as the +carriage folk, who proclaimed, almost without exception, their pretended +descent from the ancient English families by their coats of arms +imprinted upon their carriage doors. The second class was composed of +the merchants, lawyers, and business men of the city; and the third +class, were those who exercised the mechanical arts. These felt their +social inferiority and never hoped for any association with the upper +classes. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> Allisons were of the middle rank, and were looked upon as +its most respected members.</p> + +<p>Plain, simple-living folk, they made no pretense to display. Neither did +they affect aristocracy. Their manner of living was as comfortable as +their modest means would allow. It was a common habit for the people of +this class to indulge in luxury far beyond their resources and no small +amount of this love of ostentation was attributed to the daughters of +the families. In this respect Marjorie offended not in the least. +Whether assisting her father in the shop during the busy hours, or +presiding at the Coffee House, or helping her mother with the affairs of +the household, she was equally at home. Neither the brilliance of the +social function, nor the pleasures of the dance roused unusual desires +in her. Indeed she seldom participated in such entertainments, unless on +the invitation and in company with the Shippen family with whom she was +on the most intimate terms of friendship. The gay winter season of the +British occupation of the city produced no change in her manner or +attire. The dazzling spectacle of the Mischienza found her secluded in +her home, more from her own desire than from her pretended deference to +the wishes of her mother.</p> + +<p>Her happiness was in her homelife. This was the center of her affection +as well as of her tenderest solicitude. Here she busied herself daily, +either in the care of the house, and the preparation of the meals, which +were by no means sumptuous owing to the scarcity of all foodstuffs, or +at the wheel where she made shirtings and the sheetings for the army. A +touch of her hand here and there, to this chair, slightly out of place, +to this cup or that plate in the china-chest, to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> miniature on the +wall, leaning slightly to one side, or the whisk of her sweeping-brush +through the silver-sand on the floor, transformed a disorderly aspect +into one of neatness and taste. It was here that she spent her days, +enduring their unvarying monotony, with sweet and unbroken contentment.</p> + +<p>As she hurriedly entered the house, she arrested the attention of her +father and put a period to the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, have you heard?"</p> + +<p>"What news now, child!"</p> + +<p>"Washington has engaged the British."</p> + +<p>"And how fared?"</p> + +<p>"They were compelled to withdraw."</p> + +<p>"Thank God."</p> + +<p>"Where, Marjorie, did you come by this good news?" inquired the mother.</p> + +<p>"At the State House. A courier arrived from Monmouth with the tidings," +answered Marjorie, still nervous to narrate the story, and forgetting to +remove her hat.</p> + +<p>"When did this happen?" asked her father, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"It seems that General Washington started in pursuit of Clinton as soon +as he had evacuated the city. He had decided that an attack must be made +as soon as possible. When the British reached Allentown, they found the +American army gaining the front and so they turned towards Monmouth. +Near the Court House the British were outflanked and the Americans +gained the superior ground and so the battle was won. Then General Lee +ordered a retreat."</p> + +<p>"A retreat?" exploded Mr. Allison. "What for?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know, but that was the report. Lee <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>retreated when Washington +arrived on the scene," continued Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"And then?"</p> + +<p>"He rallied the troops to another front and began the attack anew, +driving the British back a considerable distance. Nightfall ended the +battle, and when day broke, Clinton had withdrawn."</p> + +<p>"And Lee ordered a retreat!" exclaimed Mr. Allison. "A damned poltroon!"</p> + +<p>"All say the same. The crowd was furious upon hearing the message, +although some thought it too incredible. The joy of victory, however, +made them forget the disgraceful part."</p> + +<p>"My faith in him has never faltered," quietly observed Mrs. Allison, as +she prepared to resume the knitting from which she had ceased on the +sudden entry of Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"And his pretended friends must now croak forth his praises," rejoined +her husband.</p> + +<p>"There were shouts and cheers," continued Marjorie, "as the news was +being announced. Each newcomer would add another detail to the story +with beaming delight. All said that the retreat from the city and the +defeat of the British augured a speedy termination of the war. The +country is wholly united again under General Washington."</p> + +<p>"And what will become of Lee?" asked the father.</p> + +<p>"The traitor!" snapped Marjorie. "They ought to court-martial him. The +crowd greeted his name with hisses when the details began to impress +themselves upon them. I dare say, he has few friends in the city +tonight, expect perhaps among the Tories. He is a disgrace to the +uniform he wears."</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly, the losses were heavy."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p><p>"No one seemed to know. The minor details of the engagement are still +unknown. They will come later. The consoling feature is that the enemy +were compelled to withdraw, which would indicate that they were worsted. +The remnants, I suppose, will concentrate at New York. There will occur +the next great battle."</p> + +<p>"God grant that it will soon be over," exclaimed Mrs. Allison.</p> + +<p>"And now, daughter, have you more news?" asked her father.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! General Arnold is going to give a ball at the City Tavern on +the Fourth of July to the officers of the French Army. It will be under +the auspices of the American officers of Washington's command and in +honor of the loyal ladies who had withheld from the Mischienza. And I +have been invited to attend."</p> + +<p>"I should think that we have had enough of social life here during the +past winter," quietly announced the father.</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Marjorie, "this affair is to exclude all who +participated in the English Army festivities. Only Americans will be +present."</p> + +<p>"How did you come by this report?" asked her mother.</p> + +<p>"Peggy Shippen. I stopped there for a short time. They told me of the +proposed invitation and that I was included."</p> + +<p>"How came they by the news?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose General Arnold told them."</p> + +<p>"Is he acquainted with them? I wonder——"</p> + +<p>"Yes. They were presented to him, and he has already honored them with +his visit."</p> + +<p>"I don't like this," said Mr. Allison, "and you can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> be assured that +there will be little restriction as to the company who will comprise +this assemblage. The Governor will take sides with the wealthy, be their +sympathies what they may. Well, if he establish the precedent, I dare +say, none will be so determined as to oppose him. Do you wish to go, +daughter?"</p> + +<p>"I think I might enjoy it. The French soldiers are so gallant, I might +find much pleasure there."</p> + +<p>"Very well, you shall attend," said her father.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>And so it was decided that Marjorie would be present at the Governor's +Ball. As custom did not require mothers to accompany their daughters to +such functions, but allowed them to go unattended, Mrs. Allison +preferred to remain at home. To what splendor and gayety the affair +would lend itself was a matter of much speculation. This was the +Governor's first event, and no one was aware of his prowess on the +ballroom floor.</p> + +<p>Once the list of invitations had become public, it was understood quite +generally that no distinction was made between those that had, and those +that had not, attended the Mischienza. Whether the number would be +surprisingly small, or whether the affair would fail of success without +the Mischienza ladies, could not be foretold. Indeed such speculations +were idle, since no discrimination had been made. There were a number of +young French Officers in the town and one or two of General Washington's +aides had remained because of the pressure of immediate business after +the British evacuation. These of course would attend.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> All the other +available young men belonged to the families who had held a more or less +neutral position in the war, and who had not offered their services to +the patriots nor yielded allegiance to the foe. As these neutrals were +among the most prominent people of the city, their presence would, of +course, be altogether desirable.</p> + +<p>Marjorie was invited through the efforts of Peggy Shippen, who had +proposed her name to His Excellency on the occasion of his visit to her +house. She would be included in their party and would be assigned a +partner befitting her company. Because of the prominence of the +Shippens, it was thought that the gallant young French Officers, would +be assigned to them. Marjorie rejoiced at this although the Shippen +girls evinced no such sentiment. Whether it was because the French +alliance was distasteful to them or because their Tory leanings took +precedence, they preferred other guests for partners. But as the matter +was to be decided by lot, their likings were not consulted.</p> + +<p>Ere long the city was agog with speculation respecting the coming ball. +The battle of Monmouth was accorded a second place. The disdain of the +middle class, who had been embittered against such demonstrations by the +profligacy displayed during the days of the British occupation, soon +began to make itself felt. That it was the first official or formal +function of the new republic mattered little. A precedent was about to +be established. There was to be a continuation of the shameful +extravagance which they had been compelled to witness during the winter +and which they feared they would be forced to maintain for another +protracted period. Living was high, extremely high, and the value of the +paper currency had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>depreciated to almost nothing. Indeed it was said +that a certain barber in the town had papered his entire shop with the +bills and that a dog had been led up and down the streets, smeared with +tar, and adorned cap-a-pie with paper money. To feed and clothe the army +was expense enough without being compelled to pay for the splendors of a +military ball. Small wonder that the coming event aroused no ordinary +speculation.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless preparations went on with growing vigor and magnificence, +and not the least interested was Marjorie. The event was now awaited +with painful anxiety. Even the war for a moment was relegated to a place +of minor import.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>An imposing spectacle greeted Marjorie's eyes as she made her way in +company with the Shippen girls into the ballroom of the City Tavern. The +hall was superb, of a charming style of architecture, well furnished and +lighted, and brilliantly decorated with a profusion of American and +French flags arranged in festoons and trianguloids and drapings +throughout its entire length and breadth, its atmosphere vocal with the +strains of martial music. Everywhere were women dressed with elegance +and taste. The Tory ladies, gowned in the height of fashion, were to +Marjorie a revelation at once amazing and impressive.</p> + +<p>On a raised dais sat the Governor in his great chair. He was clothed in +the regulation buff and blue uniform of a Major General of the +Continental Army. On his shoulders he wore the epaulets and about his +waist the sword knots General Washington had presented to him the +preceding May. He bore also upon his person the most eloquent of martial +trophies, for his leg, wounded at Quebec and Saratoga, rested heavily on +a small cushion before him.</p> + +<p>Marjorie who saw him for the first time, was attracted at once by his +manly bearing and splendid physique. His frame was large, his shoulders +broad, his body inclined to be fleshy. His very presence, however, was +magnetic, still his manner was plain and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>without affectation. He looked +the picture of dignity and power as he received the guests in their turn +and greeted each with a pointed and pleasant remark.</p> + +<p>"Isn't he a handsome figure?" whispered Peggy to Marjorie as they made +their way slowly to the dais.</p> + +<p>Marjorie acquiesced in the judgment. He was still young, hardly more +than thirty-five, his weather-beaten face darkened to bronze from +exposure. His features were large and clean cut with the power of +decision written full upon them. A firm and forcible chin, with heavy +lines playing about his mouth; eyes, large and black, that seemed to +take toll of everything that transpired about them, suggested a man of +extravagant energy, of violent and determined tenacity in the face of +opposition. No one could look upon his imposing figure without calling +to mind his martial achievements—the exploits of Canada, of the Mohawk, +of Bemis Heights.</p> + +<p>"So this is your little friend," said he to Peggy, eyeing Marjorie as +she made her presentation courtesy. He was now standing, though resting +heavily on his cane with his left hand.</p> + +<p>"Mistress Allison, this privilege is a happy one. I understand that you +are a violent little patriot." He smiled as he gently took her hand.</p> + +<p>"I am very pleased, Your Excellency. This is an occasion of rare delight +to me."</p> + +<p>"And are you so intensely loyal? Your friends love you for your +devotion, although I sometimes think that they miss General Howe," and +he smiled in the direction of Peggy as he turned to her with this +remark.</p> + +<p>"You know, General," Peggy was always ready with an artful reply, "I +told you that I was neither the one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> nor the other; and that I wore +black and white at the Mischienza, the colors now worn by our American +soldiers in their cockades in token of the French and American +Alliance."</p> + +<p>"So you did. I had almost forgotten."</p> + +<p>"And that there were some American gentlemen present, as well, although +aged non-combatants," she continued with a subtle smile.</p> + +<p>"For which reason," he responded, "you would, I suppose, have it assume +a less exclusive appearance."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! I do not mean that. It was after all a very private affair, +arranged solely in honor of General Howe."</p> + +<p>"Were some of these young ladies at the Mischienza? And who were they +that rewarded the gallant knights?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Well, the Chew girls, and my sisters, and Miss Franks. There was Miss +White, and Miss Craig," she repeated the list one after the other as her +eyes searched the company assembled in the hall. "And that girl in the +corner, Miss Bond, and beyond her, her sister: then there was Miss +Smith. Miss Bond I am told is engaged to one of your best Generals, Mr. +John Robinson."</p> + +<p>"We are accustomed to call Mr. Robinson, General Robinson in the army," +he ventured with a smile.</p> + +<p>She blushed slightly. "We call him Mr. Robinson in society, or sometimes +Jack."</p> + +<p>"And who might have been your gallant knight? May I ask?"</p> + +<p>"The Honorable Captain Cathcart," was her proud reply.</p> + +<p>"And who has the good fortune to be your knight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> for this occasion?" he +questioned, seeking in their hands the billet of the evening.</p> + +<p>"We do not know," Marjorie murmured. "We have not as yet met the Master +of Ceremonies."</p> + +<p>He looked about him, in search evidently of some one. "Colonel +Wilkinson!" he called to a distinguished looking officer on his right, +"have these fair ladies been assigned to partners?"</p> + +<p>The Colonel advanced and presented them with their billets, which were +numbered and which bore the name of the partner that was to accompany +them during the entire evening. Peggy opened hers and found the name of +Colonel Jean Boudinot, a young French Officer. Marjorie saw written upon +hers a name unknown to her, "Captain Stephen Meagher, aide-de-camp."</p> + +<p>"Captain Meagher!" exclaimed the Governor. "He is one of General +Washington's aides, detailed for the present in the city. Do you know +him?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied Marjorie timidly, "I do not, I am sorry to say. I have +never had the privilege of meeting him."</p> + +<p>"There he is now," said he, indicating with a gesture of the eyes a tall +young officer who stood with his back toward them.</p> + +<p>Marjorie looked in the direction indicated. A becomingly tall and erect +figure, clad in a long blue coat met her gaze. Further scrutiny +disclosed the details of a square cut coat, with skirts hooked back +displaying a buff lining, and with lappets, cuff-linings and standing +capes of like color. His bearing was overmastering as he stood at +perfect ease, his hand resting gently on a small sword hanging at his +side; his right wrist showed a delicate lace ruffle as he gestured to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +and fro in his conversation. As he slightly turned in her direction, she +saw that he wore his hair drawn back from the face, with a gentle roll +on each side, well powdered and tied in a cue behind. His features were +pleasant to look upon, not large but finely chiseled and marked with +expression. Marjorie thought what a handsome figure he made as he stood +in earnest conversation, dominating the little group who surrounded him +and followed his every move with interest and attention.</p> + +<p>"Let me call him," suggested the Governor to Marjorie who at that moment +stood with her eyes fixed on the Captain. "I am sure he will be pleased +to learn the identity of his fair partner," he added facetiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh! do," agreed Peggy. "It would afford pleasure to all of us to meet +him."</p> + +<p>The General whispered a word to an attendant who immediately set off in +the direction of the unconcerned Captain. As the latter received the +message he turned, looked in the direction of the dais and gazed +steadily at the Governor and his company. His eyes met Marjorie's and +she was sure that he saw her alone. The thought thrilled her through and +through. He excused himself from the company of his circle, and as he +directed his footsteps towards her, she noted his neat and close fitting +buff waistcoat, and his immaculate linen revealing itself at the throat +and ruffled wrists. Nor did she fail to observe that he wore a buff +cockade on his left breast and gilt epaulets upon his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Captain Meagher," announced General Arnold. "I have the honor of +presenting you to your partner for the evening, Mistress Allison."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p><p>Marjorie courtesied gracefully to his courtly acknowledgment.</p> + +<p>"And the Misses Shippen, the belles of the Mischienza!"</p> + +<p>Stephen bowed profoundly.</p> + +<p>"I was just remarking, Captain, that General Washington has honored you +with a special mission, and that you have run away from your duties +tonight to mingle with the social life of the city."</p> + +<p>"Or rather, Your Excellency, to acquaint myself with their society," +Stephen replied good-naturedly.</p> + +<p>"Then you do not relax, even for an evening," inquired Peggy, with a +coquettish turn of the head.</p> + +<p>"It is the duty of a soldier never to relax." Stephen's reply was more +naïve than usual.</p> + +<p>"And yet one's hours are shortened by pleasure and action," continued +Peggy.</p> + +<p>"As a recreation it is far sweeter than as a business. It soon exhausts +us, however, and it is the greatest incentive to evil."</p> + +<p>"But you dance?" interrupted the General.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! Your Excellency," replied Stephen, "after a fashion."</p> + +<p>"Well, your partner is longing for the music. Come, let ye assemble."</p> + +<p>And as the dance was announced, the first one being dedicated to "The +Success of the Campaign," Stephen and Marjorie moved off and took their +places. Peggy and her sisters were soon attended and followed. They were +soon lost in the swirl of excitement among the throng.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"And you live alone with your father and mother?"</p> + +<p>Marjorie and her partner were sitting in a distant corner whither they +had wandered at the conclusion of the dance. Stephen began to find +himself taking an unusual interest in this girl and was inquiring +concernedly about her home life.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Father's time is much consumed with his attention to the shop. +Mother and I find plenty to occupy us about the house. Then I relieve +Father at times, and so divide my hours between them," quietly answered +Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"You have not as yet told me your name," Stephen reminded her.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie," was the timid reply.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" Then, taking advantage of her averted look, he stole secret +glances at her small round face, her lips, firmly set but curving +upwards, her rose-pink cheeks. Presently, his eye rested on her +finger-ring, a cameo with what looked like an ectypal miniature of the +"Ecce Homo." Was this girl of his faith?</p> + +<p>"Marjorie Allison," he repeated again. "Do you know that sounds like a +Catholic name?"</p> + +<p>"It is," Marjorie replied proudly. "Our family have been Catholics for +generations."</p> + +<p>"Mine have, too," Stephen gladly volunteered the information. "Irish +Catholics with a history behind them."</p> + +<p>"Is your home here?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Here in this country, yes," admitted her escort. "But I live in New +York and it was there I volunteered at the outbreak of the war, and saw +my first service in the New York campaign."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p><p>"And are your parents there, too?" inquired the girl.</p> + +<p>And then he told her that his father and mother and only sister lived +there and that when the war broke out he determined to enlist in company +with a number of his friends, the younger men of the neighborhood. How +he took part in the campaign about New York and his "contribution to our +defeat," as he styled it. Of the severe winter at Valley Forge and his +appointment by Washington to his staff. She listened with keen interest +but remained silent until the end.</p> + +<p>"And now you are in the city on detailed duty?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Work of a private nature for the Commander-in-chief."</p> + +<p>"It must be a source of satisfaction to be responsive to duty," observed +Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"It is God's medicine to detach us from the things of this world. For, +after all has been said and done, it is love alone which elevates one's +service above the domain of abject slavery. In such a manner do the +commands of heaven afford the richest consolations to the soul."</p> + +<p>"And still, a certain routine must manifest itself at times."</p> + +<p>"Not when the habit is turned to pleasure."</p> + +<p>"You are a philosopher, then?"</p> + +<p>"No. Just a mere observer of men and their destinies."</p> + +<p>"Have you included the duration of the war in your legitimate +conclusions?"</p> + +<p>"It is not over yet, and it will not terminate, I think, without an +improvement in the present condition of affairs. The proposed help from +France must become a reality of no ordinary proportion, else the +discordant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> factions will achieve dire results. Tell me," he said, +suddenly changing the topic of conversation, "were you in attendance at +the Mischienza?"</p> + +<p>"No, I did not care to attend."</p> + +<p>"I would I had been present."</p> + +<p>"You would have been expelled in your present capacity."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes! But I would have affected a disguise."</p> + +<p>"You would expect to obtain important information?" She fingered her +gown of pink satin as she spoke, oblivious of everything save the +interest of the conversation.</p> + +<p>"I might possibly have stumbled across some items of value."</p> + +<p>"None were there save the British Officers and their Tory friends, you +know."</p> + +<p>"A still greater reason for my desire to be present. And why did you not +dance attendance?" This question was frank.</p> + +<p>"Do you really want to know my sole reason?" She looked at him somewhat +suspicious, somewhat reliant, awaiting her womanly instinct to reveal to +her the rectitude of her judgment.</p> + +<p>"I should not have asked, otherwise," Stephen gravely replied.</p> + +<p>"Well, it was for the simple reason that my soul would burn within me if +I permitted myself to indulge in such extravagance and gayety the while +our own poor boys were bleeding to death at Valley Forge."</p> + +<p>Stephen grasped her hand and pressed it warmly. "You are a true +patriot," was all he could say.</p> + +<p>Whether it was his emotion for the cause of his country or the supreme +satisfaction afforded him by the knowledge that this girl was loyal to +the cause,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> Stephen did not know, nor did he try to discover. He knew +that he was thrilled with genuine gratification and that he was joyously +happy over the thought which now relieved his mind. Somehow or other he +earnestly desired to find this girl an ardent patriot, yet he had dared +not ask her too bluntly. From the moment she had entered the hall in +company with the other girls, he had singled her alone in the midst of +the company. And, when the summons came to him from the Governor, he had +seen her standing at the side of the dais, and her alone. Little did he +suspect, however, that she bore his billet, nor did he presume to wish +for the pleasure of her exclusive company for the evening.</p> + +<p>She danced with grace and was wholly without affectation. How sweet she +looked; pink gown, pink flowers, pink ribbon, pink cheeks! How +interesting her conversation, yet so reserved and dignified! But she +lived in the city and the city he knew teemed with Loyalists. Was she +one of these! He dared not ask her. To have her so declare herself +enraptured him. She was one of his own after all.</p> + +<p>Moreover she was one with him in religious belief—that was a distinct +comfort. Catholics were not numerous, and to preserve the faith was no +slight struggle. He was thoroughly conversant with the state of affairs +in the province of New York where Catholics could not, because of the +iniquitous law and the prescribed oath of office, become naturalized as +citizens of the state. He knew how New Jersey had excluded Roman +Catholics from office, and how North and South Carolina had adopted the +same iniquitous measure. Pennsylvania was one of the few colonies +wherein all penal laws directed against the Catholics had been +absolutely swept away. To meet with a member of his own <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>persecuted +Church, especially one so engaging and so interesting as Marjorie, was a +source of keen joy and an unlooked-for happiness.</p> + +<p>"You will not deny me the pleasure of paying my respects to your father +and mother?" Stephen asked.</p> + +<p>She murmured something as he let go her hand. Stephen thought she had +said, "I had hoped that you would come."</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow?" he ventured.</p> + +<p>"I shall be pleased to have you sup with us," she smiled as she made the +soft reply.</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow then it shall be."</p> + +<p>They rose to take their part in the next dance.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>As the evening wore on Peggy, wearied of the dance, sought a secluded +corner of the great room to compose herself. She had been disappointed +in her lottery, for she detested the thought of being a favor for a +French officer and had taken care to so express herself at home long +before. She could not rejoice at Marjorie's good fortune as she thought +it, and found little of interest and less of pleasure in the evening's +doings.</p> + +<p>She was aroused from her solitude and made radiant on the instant at +sight of the Military Governor, limping his way across the hall in her +direction. He had seen her seated alone, and his heart urged him to her +side. With the lowest bow of which he was then capable, he sought the +pleasure of her company. Her color heightened, she smiled graciously +with her gray-blue eyes, and accepted his hand. He led the way to the +banquet room and thence to the balcony, where<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> they might hear the music +and view the dancing, for his lameness made dancing impossible.</p> + +<p>"I hesitate to condemn a young lady to a prison seat, when the stately +minuet sends a summons," he said as he led her to a chair a little to +one side of the balcony.</p> + +<p>"You should have thought of that before you made us cast lots," she +replied quickly. "I was wearying of the rounds of pleasure."</p> + +<p>"Is the company, then, all too gay?"</p> + +<p>"No, rather extravagant."</p> + +<p>"You insisted on the Mischienza ladies being present."</p> + +<p>"And can you not distinguish them? Do they not appear to better +advantage than the others? Their gowns are superior, they give evidence +of more usage in society, their head-dress is higher and of the latest +fashion."</p> + +<p>"And their hearts, their hopes, their sympathies! Where are they?"</p> + +<p>"You know where mine lay," she adroitly replied.</p> + +<p>"True, you did wear a French cockade," he laughed.</p> + +<p>"Please do not call it 'French.' I scorn all things 'French.'"</p> + +<p>"They are our allies now, you must know."</p> + +<p>"For which I am most sorry. I expect no mercy from that scheming Papist +country," she replied bitterly.</p> + +<p>"But they have lent us much money at a time when our paper currency is +practically worthless, and the assistance of their fleet is now +momentarily expected," the General went on to explain.</p> + +<p>"And to what purpose? Lord North has proposed to meet our demands most +liberally and with our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>constitutional liberties secured, I fail to see +why further strife is necessary."</p> + +<p>"But our independence is not yet secure."</p> + +<p>"It was secure after your brilliant victory at Saratoga. With the +collapse of Burgoyne, England saw that further campaigning in a country +so far removed from home was disastrous. It only remained to formulate +some mutual agreement. We have triumphed. Why not be magnanimous? Why +subject the country to a terrible strain for years for a result neither +adequate nor secure?"</p> + +<p>She talked rapidly, passionately. It was evident from the manner of her +address that the subject was no new one to her.</p> + +<p>"You can be court-martialed for treason?" he remarked with a slight +smile playing about the heavy lines of his mouth.</p> + +<p>"Is it treason to talk of the welfare of the country? I look upon the +alliance with this Catholic and despotic power as more of an act of +treason than the total surrender of our armies to King George. To lose +our independence is one thing; but to subject our fair land to the +tyranny of the Pope and his emissary, the King of France, is a total +collapse. Our hopes lie in England alone."</p> + +<p>The Governor was struck by this strange reasoning. Why had this mere +child dared to express the very thoughts which were of late intruding +themselves upon his mind, but which he dared not permit to cross the +seal of his lips? She was correct, he thought, in her reasoning, but +bold in her denunciation. No one else had dared to address such +sentiments to him. And now he was confronted with a young lady of quick +wit and ready repartee who spoke passionately the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>identical reflections +of his more mature mind. Clearly her reasoning was not without some +consistency and method.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid that you are a little Tory." He could not allow this girl +to think that she had impressed him in the least.</p> + +<p>"Because I am frank in the expression of my views?" She turned and with +arched eyebrows surveyed him. "Pardon me, if you will, but I would have +taken no such liberty with any other person. You gave me that privilege +when you forbade my alluding to your former brilliant exploits."</p> + +<p>"But I did not want you to become a Tory."</p> + +<p>He spoke with emphasis.</p> + +<p>"I am not a Tory I tell you."</p> + +<p>"But you are not a Whig?"</p> + +<p>"What, an ordinary shop maid!"</p> + +<p>"They are true patriots."</p> + +<p>"But of no social standing."</p> + +<p>"Tell me why all the Mischienza ladies courtesied to me after so courtly +a fashion," he asked.</p> + +<p>"They like it. It is part of their life. You must know that nothing +pleases a woman of fashion more than to bow and courtesy before every +person of royalty, and to count those who precede her out of a room."</p> + +<p>"Surely, Margaret, you are no such menial?" He compressed his lips as he +glanced at her sharply. He had never before called her by her first name +nor presumed to take this liberty. It was more a slip of the tongue than +an act of deliberate choice, yet he would not have recalled the word. +His concern lay in her manner of action.</p> + +<p>"And why not a menial?" Evidently she took no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> notice of his +presumption, or at least pretended not to do so. "Piety is by no means +the only motive which brings women to church. Position in life is +precisely what one makes it."</p> + +<p>"Does social prestige appeal to you then?"</p> + +<p>"I love it." She did not talk to him directly for her attention was +being centered upon the activities on the floor. "I think that a woman +who can dress with taste and distinction possesses riches above all +computation. See Mrs. Reed, there. How I envy her!"</p> + +<p>"The wife of the President of the Council?" he asked apprehensively, +bending forward in the direction of the floor.</p> + +<p>"The same. She enjoys a position of social eminence. How I hate her for +it." She tapped the floor with her foot as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"You mean that you dislike her less than you envy her position?"</p> + +<p>Just then her young squire came up and she gave him her hand for a +minuet, excusing herself to the Governor as graciously as possible.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had she disappeared when he began to muse. What a fitting +companion she would make for a man of his rank and dignity! That she was +socially ambitious and obsessed with a passion for display he well knew. +She was not yet twenty but the disparity in their ages,—he was about +thirty-seven and a widower with three sons,—would be offset by the +disparity of their stations. No one in the city kept a finer stable of +horses nor gave more costly dinners than he. Everybody treated him with +deference, for no one presumed to question his social preëminence. The +Whigs admired him as their dashing and perhaps their most successful +General. The Tories liked him because of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> his aristocratic display and +his position in regard to the Declaration of Independence. Why not make +her his bride?</p> + +<p>She possessed physical charms and graces in a singular degree. She +dressed with taste; her wardrobe was of the finest. Aristocratic in her +bearing, she would be well fitted to assume the position of the first +lady of the town. Peggy, moreover, possessed a will of her own. This was +revealed to him more than once during their few meetings, and if proof +had been wanting, the lack was now abundantly supplied. She would make +an ideal wife, and he resolved to enter the lists against all suitors.</p> + +<p>Her mind was more mature than her years, he thought. This he gleaned +from her animated discussion of the alliance. And there was, after all, +more than an ounce of wisdom in her point of view. Mischief brewed in +the proposed help from a despotic power. His own signal victory ended +the war if only the Colonists would enter into negotiations or give an +attentive ear to the liberal proposals of Lord North. The people did not +desire complete independence and he, for one, had never fully endorsed +the Declaration. Her point of view was right. Better to accept the +overtures of our kinsmen than to cast our lot with that Catholic and +despotic power.</p> + +<p>His musings were arrested by the arrival of an aide, who announced that +he was needed at headquarters. He arose at once to obey.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>Stephen awoke late the next morning. As he lay with eyes closed, half +asleep, half awake, the image of his partner of the evening sweetly +drifted into his dreamy brain, and called up a wealth of associations on +which he continued to dwell with rare pleasure. But the ominous +suggestion that her heart could not possibly be free, that perhaps some +gay officer, or brilliant member of Howe's staff, or a gallant French +official, many of whom had now infested the town, was a favored +contestant in the field, filled his mind with the thoughts of dread +possibilities, and chased away the golden vision that was taking shape. +He sat upright and, pulling aside the curtains of the little window that +flanked his bed, he peered into the garden behind the house. The birds +were singing, but not with the volume or rapture which is their wont in +the early morning. The sun was high in the heavens and flung its +reflecting rays from the trees and foliage; whence he concluded that the +morning was already far advanced and that it was well past the hour for +him to be astir.</p> + +<p>And what a day it was! One of those rare July days when the tints of the +earth and the hues of the sky though varied in color, seem to blend in +one beautiful and harmonious whole. The cypress and the myrtle, emblems +of deeds of virtue and renown, had already<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> donned their summer dress. +The many flowers bowed gently under the weight of the flitful butterfly, +or the industrious bee, or tossed to and fro lightly in the arms of the +morning breeze. Overhead maples, resplendent in their fabric of soft and +delicate green, arched themselves like fine-spun cobwebs, through which +filigree the sun projected his rays at irregular and frequent intervals, +lending only an occasional patch of sunlight here and there to the more +exposed portions of the garden.</p> + +<p>But nature had no power to drive Marjorie's image from his mind. Try as +he would, he could not distract his attention to the many problems which +ordinarily would have engaged thoughts. What mattered it to him that the +French fleet was momentarily expected, or that the Continental Congress +was again meeting in the city, or that he had met with certain +suspicious looking individuals during the course of the day! There was +yet one who looked peculiarly suspicious and who was enveloped, as far +as his knowledge was concerned, in a veil of mystery of the strangest +depth. She, indeed, was a flower too fair to blush unseen or unattached. +His own unworthiness confounded him.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless he was determined to call on her that very day, in response +to her generous invitation of last night, and in accordance too with the +custom of the time. He would there, perchance, learn more of her, of her +home, of her life, of her friends. But would he excite in her the +interest she was exciting in him? The thought of his possible remoteness +from her, pained him and made his heart sink. The noblest characters +experience strange sensations of desolation and wretchedness at the +thought of disapproval and rejection. Esteem, the testimony of our +neighbor's appreciation,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> the approval of those worth while, these are +the things for which we yearn with fondest hopes. To know that we have +done well is satisfaction, but to know that our efforts and our work are +valued by others is one of the noblest of pleasures. Stephen longed to +know how he stood in the lady's esteem, and so her little world was his +universe.</p> + +<p>Dispatching the day's business as best he could, the expectant knight +set out to storm the castle of his lady. Eager as he was, he did not +fail to note the imposing majesty of the great trees which lined each +side of the wide road and arched themselves into a perfect canopy +overhead. An air of abundance pervaded the whole scene and made him +quite oblivious of the extreme warmth of the afternoon.</p> + +<p>Ere long the little white house of her describing rose before him. He +had seen it many times in other days, but now it was invested with a new +and absorbing interest. There it stood, plain yet stately, with a great +pointed and shingled roof, its front and side walls unbroken save for a +gentle projection supported by two uniform Doric pillars which served as +a sort of a portal before the main entrance. Numerous windows with small +panes of glass, and with trim green shutters thrown full open revealing +neatly arranged curtains, glinted and glistened in the beams of the +afternoon sun. The nearer of the two great chimneys which ran up the +sides, like two great buttresses of an old English abbey, gave +indications of generous and well-fed fireplaces recessed in the walls of +the inner rooms. The lawns and walks were uncommonly well kept, and the +whole atmosphere of the little home was one of comfort and simplicity +and neatness, suggesting the sweet and serene happiness reigning within.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p><p>Stephen closed the gate behind him. A moment later he had seized the +brass knocker and delivered three moderate blows.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"Captain Meagher!" gasped a soft voice. "I am so pleased you have come."</p> + +<p>"Mistress Allison, the pleasure is indeed mine, I assure you," replied +Stephen as he grasped her hand, releasing it with a gentle pressure.</p> + +<p>She led the way into the narrow hall.</p> + +<p>"Mother!" she addressed a sweetly smiling middle-aged woman who now +stood at her side, "I have the honor of presenting to you, Captain +Meagher, of the staff of General Washington, my partner of last +evening." And she betrayed a sense of pride in that bit of history.</p> + +<p>Stephen took the matron's hand, for among the Americans the custom +prevailed of shaking hands, albeit the French visitors of the time +maintained that it was a "comic custom." Stephen thought it democratic, +and in keeping with the spirit of the country.</p> + +<p>The parlor opened immediately to the right and thither Stephen was +conducted without further ceremony. Mr. Allison would be in shortly; he +was as yet busied with the trade at the shop. The old clock at the +corner of the room, with its quaint figure of Time adorning the top, and +its slowly moving pendulum, proclaimed the hour of five, the hour when +the duties of the day came to a close and social life began. The old +fireplace, black in this season of desuetude, but brilliant in its huge +brass andirons like two pilasters of gold, caught the eye at the extreme +end of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> room, while in the corner near the window a round mahogany +tea-table, stood upright like an expanded fan or palm leaf.</p> + +<p>Stephen seated himself in a great chair that lay to one side of the +room.</p> + +<p>"I had the good fortune of being your daughter's partner for the +evening, and I am happy to be enabled to pay my respects to you." +Stephen addressed Mrs. Allison who was nearer to him on his left.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie told me, Captain, of your extreme kindness to her. We +appreciate it very much. Did she conduct herself becomingly? She is a +stranger to such brilliant affairs."</p> + +<p>"Splendidly!" answered Stephen. "And she danced charmingly," and he +slyly looked at her as he spoke and thought he detected a faint blush.</p> + +<p>"I did not attend on account of its extravagance," remarked Mrs. +Allison. "I had duties at home, and Marjorie was well attended."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" pronounced Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"It was magnificent, to be sure," went on Stephen, "but it will excite +no uncertain comment. Republican simplicity last night was lost from +sight."</p> + +<p>"Which I scarce approve of," declared Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"You did not suit your action to your thought," smiled her mother.</p> + +<p>"True," replied the girl, "yet I told you that I was anxious to attend +simply to behold the novelty of it all. Now that it is over, I +disapprove of the splendor and extravagance especially in these times of +need."</p> + +<p>"Yes," volunteered Stephen, "she did voice similar sentiments to me last +evening. Nevertheless she is not alone in her criticism. The <i>Gazette</i> +today publishes a leading article excoriating the Military Governor for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> +his use of the teams, which he had commanded under pretense of +revictualing of the army, for the transportation of his private effects +to and from the City Tavern. It spells dissatisfaction at best."</p> + +<p>"There has been dissatisfaction from the first day on which he took up +residence at the Slate Roof House," said Mrs. Allison.</p> + +<p>The figure of Mr. Allison appeared in the room to the rear. Stephen made +haste to stand to greet him, expressing his extreme pleasure.</p> + +<p>It was a great day for a tradesman when an officer of the Continental +Army supped at his table. The house was in a mild uproar since Marjorie +announced the coming distinction on her return from the ball. From the +kitchen chimney went up a pillar of smoke. Mrs. Allison and two of her +neighbors who were proud to lend assistance on such an important +occasion could be seen passing in and out continually. A large roast lay +simmering and burnished in the pan diffusing savory and provoking fumes +throughout the house. And it was with distinct pride that Mrs. Allison +announced to the company that they might take their places about the +festive board.</p> + +<p>The discourse bore on various matters, prominence being given to +politics and the affairs of the army. Mr. Allison took care to ask no +question that might give rise to embarrassment on the part of Stephen. +The complaints of the tradesmen, the charges of the Whigs, the +murmurings of the Tories and the annoying articles in the morning +<i>Gazette</i>, all, were touched upon in the course of the meal. Stephen +volunteered the information that Conway and Gates were in hiding and +that Clinton was driven to New York where Washington<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> was watching his +every move, like a hawk, from the heights of Morristown.</p> + +<p>"General Washington holds General Arnold in the highest esteem," +remarked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"As the bravest general in the Continental Army," quietly replied +Stephen.</p> + +<p>"He would make a poor statesman," went on the host.</p> + +<p>"He is a soldier first and last."</p> + +<p>"Should a soldier be wanting in tact and diplomacy?"</p> + +<p>"A good soldier should possess both."</p> + +<p>"Then General Arnold is not a good soldier," declared Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"A criticism he hardly deserves," was the simple reply.</p> + +<p>"You saw the <i>Gazette</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I read that article to which you undoubtedly refer."</p> + +<p>"And you agree with it?"</p> + +<p>"No. I do not."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry about it all. Yet I am inclined to hold the Governor +responsible to a great extent. He would be an aristocrat, and it is the +society of such that he covets."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps jealousy might inspire criticism. Envy, you know, is the +antagonist of the fortunate."</p> + +<p>"But it is not his deeds alone that cause the unrest among our citizens. +It is not what he does but what he says. It helps matters not in the +least to express dissatisfaction with the manner of conducting the war, +neither by criticizing the enactments of the Congress, nor vehemently +opposing the new foreign alliance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> This does not sound well from the +lips of one of our foremost leaders and we do not like it."</p> + +<p>"I was not aware that he voiced any opposition to the furtherance of the +alliance with France," declared Stephen.</p> + +<p>"He might not have spoken in formal protest, but he has spoken in an +informal manner times without number," replied Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to hear that. I did not expect such from General Arnold," +muttered Stephen.</p> + +<p>Marjorie had as yet taken no part in the conversation. She was +interested and alive, however, to every word, anxious, if possible, to +learn Stephen's attitude in respect to the common talk. She took delight +in his defense of his General, notwithstanding the overwhelming evidence +against him and was proud of the trait of loyalty her guest disclosed in +the face of her father's opposition.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Allison and Marjorie participated in the conversation when the +topics bore, for the most part, on current events, uninteresting to Mr. +Allison, who munched in silence until some incomplete sentence called +for a remark or two from him by way of a conclusion. Stephen's animated +interest in the more common topics of the day led Mrs. Allison and +Marjorie to the conclusion that he was a more practical and a more +versatile man than the head of their own house.</p> + +<p>All in all he made a profound impression on the family, and when the +repast was finished and the table had been cleared, they sat over the +fruit and the nuts, before retiring to the living room for the evening.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"You are not in the habit of frequenting brilliant functions?" Stephen +asked of Marjorie when they were quite alone. It was customary for the +older folks to retire from the company of the younger set shortly after +the dinner grace had been said. Of course grace had to be said; Mr. +Allison would permit no bread to be broken at his house without first +imploring benedictions from Heaven, and, when the formalities of the +meal had been concluded, of returning thanks for the good things +enjoyed.</p> + +<p>"I never have attended before," answered Marjorie, smoothing out a side +of her apron with her hand.</p> + +<p>"You are quite friendly with the Shippen family, I understand."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! For several years we have been united. I am invited to all +their functions. Still I am not fond of society."</p> + +<p>"And you spend your time alone?" Stephen was persistent in his questions +as he sat opposite to her and studied her expression.</p> + +<p>"Between here and the store, and perhaps with Peggy. That is about all +for I seldom visit. I am hopelessly old-fashioned in some things, mother +tells me, and I suppose you will say the same if I tell you more," and +she looked at him slyly, with her head half-raised, her lips parted +somewhat in a quizzical smile.</p> + +<p>"Not at all! You are what I rather hoped to find you, although I did not +dare to give expression to it. You can, possibly, be of some assistance +to me."</p> + +<p>"Gladly would I perform any service, however<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> humble, for the cause of +our country," Marjorie sat upright, all attention at the thought.</p> + +<p>"You remember I told you that I was detailed in the city on special +work," Stephen went on.</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Well, it is a special work but it also is a very indefinite work. There +is a movement afoot, but of its nature, and purpose, I at this moment am +entirely ignorant. I am here to discover clews."</p> + +<p>"And have you no material to work on except that? It is very vague, to +say the least."</p> + +<p>"That and suspicion. Howe found the city a nest of Tories; but he also +found it swarmed with patriots, whose enthusiasm, and vigor, and +patience, and determination must have impressed him profoundly, and +portended disaster for the British cause. With the morale of the people +so high, and renewed hope and confidence swelling their bosoms, a +complete military victory must have appeared hopeless to the British +General. What was left? Dissension, or rebellion, or treason, or +anything that will play havoc with the united determination of the +Colonists."</p> + +<p>She breathed heavily as she rested her chin on her hand absorbed in the +vision that he was calling up.</p> + +<p>"Arnold's victory at Saratoga has convinced Britain that the war over +here cannot be won," he continued. "Already has Lord North thrown a bomb +into the ranks of the proud Tories by his liberal proposals. Of course +they will be entirely rejected by us and the war will continue until +complete independence is acknowledged. True, we had no such idea in mind +when we entered this conflict, but now we are convinced that victory is +on our side and that a free and independent form of government is the +most suitable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> for us. We have enunciated certain principles which are +possible of realization only under a democratic form of government, +where the people rule and where the rulers are responsible to the +people. Such a system is possible only in a great republic, and that is +what England must now recognize. Otherwise the war must go on."</p> + +<p>"Have our aims taken such definite form. I know——"</p> + +<p>"No! They have not," interrupted Stephen, "they have not and that is +where trouble is to be expected. Such is the state of mind, however, of +many of the more experienced leaders, but their opinion will lose +weight. It is because all are not united in this, that there is room for +treason under the motive of misguided patriotism. And it is to scent +every possible form of that disloyalty that I have been sent here; sent +to the very place where the Tories most abound and where such a plot is +most liable to take root."</p> + +<p>"And you expect me to be of assistance to you?" asked Marjorie, proud of +the confidence which she so readily gained.</p> + +<p>"I expect much. But perhaps nothing will eventuate. I can rely on you, +however. For the present, naught is to be done. When the time comes, I +shall tell you."</p> + +<p>"But what can I do? I am but a mere girl."</p> + +<p>"Did I think you to be ordinary, I might not have asked you," quickly +exchanged Stephen.</p> + +<p>Marjorie dropped her head and began studying the stitches in her gown. +But only for a second, for she as quickly raised her head and asked:</p> + +<p>"Wherein, then, can I be of service to you?"</p> + +<p>"Listen!" He brought his chair to a point nearly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> opposite hers. She was +seated on the settee, yet he made no attempt to share it with her.</p> + +<p>"You are friendly with the Shippen family," he went on. "Now, do not +misinterpret me. I shall require no betrayal of confidence. But it is +generally known that the Shippens are Tories, not avowedly so, yet in +heart and in thought. It is also generally known that their house was +the center of society during the days of the British occupation, at +which all manner of men assembled. The walls of that house, could they +but speak, would be able to relate many momentous conversations held +over the teacups, or in quiet corners. The family themselves must know +many things which might be invaluable to us."</p> + +<p>"And you want me to learn that for you?" inquired Marjorie in alarm as +the horrible thought forced itself upon her.</p> + +<p>"I want you to do nothing of the kind," quickly answered Stephen. "Far +be it from me to require you to barter your benevolence. I should +deplore any such method as most dishonorable and unworthy of the noble +cause in which we are engaged. No! I ask this, simply, that through you +I might be permitted the honor of visiting the home of Miss Shippen and +that by being acquainted with the family I might acquire a general +entrée to the Tory social circle. In this way I might effect my purpose +and perchance stumble across information of vital importance. Thus can +you be of great assistance to me."</p> + +<p>"I shall be delighted to do this, and I shall tell you more—perhaps you +may ask me to do something more noble—sometime——" She hesitated to +express the wish which was father to her thought.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p><p>"Sometime I expect you to be of real service to me and to our +country—sometime——"</p> + +<p>Marjorie did not answer. She knew what she would like to say, but dared +not. Why should he unfold his mission to her at this, almost their first +meeting? And why should he expect her to be of such assistance to him, +to him, first, and then to the country? And then, why should she feel so +responsive, so ready to spend herself, her energy, her whole being at +the mere suggestion of this young man, whom until last evening, she had +never thought to exist. She felt that she was as wax in the hands of +this soldier; she knew it and enjoyed it and only awaited the moment +when his seal would come down upon her and stamp her more to his liking. +She was slightly younger than he, and happily his contrary in nearly all +respects. He was fair, she was dark; his eyes were blue, hers brown; he +was lusty and showed promise of broadness, she was slender.</p> + +<p>Twice she opened her mouth as if to speak to him, and each time she +dropped again her head in reflective silence. She did not talk to this +young man as she might to any number of her more intimate acquaintances. +Even the very silence was magnetic. Further utterance would dispel the +charm. That she would enlist in his service she knew as well as she knew +her own existence, but that he should arouse so keen an interest in her, +so buoyant an attitude, so secure an assurance, amazed her and filled +her with awe. She had never before experienced quite the same sensation +that now dismayed her nor had any one ever brought home to her her worth +as did this young soldier. Yes she would help him, but in what way?</p> + +<p>And so they sat and considered and talked. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> soon forgot to talk +about His Excellency, or the Army, or the Shippens. Neither did they +resolve the doubts that might have been entertained concerning the +manner of men who frequented the home of Peggy and her sisters; nor the +Alliance which had just been established, nor the vital signification of +the event. They just talked over a field of affairs none of which bore +any special relation to any one save their own selves. At length the old +clock felt constrained to speak up and frown at them for their unusual +delay and their profligate waste of tallow and dips.</p> + +<p>Stephen rose at once. Marjorie saw him to the door, where she gave him +her hand in parting.</p> + +<p>"We have indeed been honored this day, Captain, and I trust that the +near future will see a return of the same. I am entirely at your +service," whispered Marjorie, wondering why the words did not come to +her more readily.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, Miss Allison, it is I who have been privileged. My +humble respects to your parents. Adieu!"</p> + +<p>He bowed gracefully, wheeled, and went out the door.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>The Corner of Market and Front Streets was brisk with life and activity +at twelve, the change hour, every day. Here assembled the merchants of +the city, members of the upper class who cared enough about the rest of +the world to make an inquiry into its progress; men of leisure about +town whose vocation in life was to do nothing and who had the entire day +in which to do it. All conditions, all varieties of character joined the +ranks. Soldiers, restless from the monotony of army life and desirous of +the license usually associated with leave of absence; civilians eager in +the pursuit of truth or of scandal; patriots impatient with the yoke of +foreign rule; Tories exasperated with the turn of the war and its +accompanying privations;—all gathered together at the Old London Coffee +House day after day.</p> + +<p>It stood, an imposing three-storied, square structure, with a great wing +extending far in the rear. Its huge roof, fashioned for all the world +after a truncated pyramid with immense gables projecting from its sides, +gave every indication of having sheltered many a guest from the snows +and rains of winter. A great chimney ran up the side and continually +belched forth smoke and sparks, volumes of them, during the days and +nights of the cold winter season. A portico of no particular style of +architecture ran around two sides of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> ancient building and afforded +a meeting place for the majority of the guests. It was furnished with +many chairs, faithfully tenanted when the season was propitious.</p> + +<p>Thither Stephen and Mr. Allison were directing their steps more than a +week after they had last met at the home of the latter. It was by the +merest chance they encountered. Stephen was seeking a healthful reaction +from a vigorous walk through the less-frequented part of the city; Mr. +Allison was making his daily visit to the Coffee House. Stephen had +often heard of the tavern, but had never been there. Still he was +resolved to seek an introduction to its clientèle at the first +propitious moment. That moment had now come.</p> + +<p>Upon entering, their attention was at once arrested by the animated +discussion in progress at a table in the nearest corner of the room. An +officer of the Governor's Guard, in full regimentals, booted and +spurred, in company with a gentleman, finely dressed, was talking loudly +to Jim Cadwalader, who was seated before them holding a half-opened +newspaper in his hand. It was plain to be seen that the soldier was +somewhat under the influence of liquor, yet one could not call him +intoxicated.</p> + +<p>"Gi' me that an' I'll show y'," exclaimed the soldier as he grabbed the +paper from Cadwalader's hand.</p> + +<p>"Y' were told," he went on to read from it, "that it was t' avoid the +'stabl'shment 'r count'nancin'," he half mumbled the words, "of Pop'ry; +an that Pop'ry was 'stabl'shed in Canada (where 't was only tol'rated). +And is not Pop'ry now as much 'stabl'shed by law in your state 's any +other rel'gion?" "Just what I was sayin'," he interpolated. "So that +your Gov'nor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> and all your rulers may be Papists, and you may have a +Mass-House in ev'ry corner o' your country (as some places already +'xper'ence)."</p> + +<p>"There!" he snarled as he threw back the paper. "Isn't that what I wuz +tryin' t' tell y'."</p> + +<p>"You can't tell me nothin', Forrest," retorted Jim.</p> + +<p>"Course I can't. Nobody kin. Y' know 't all."</p> + +<p>"I can mind my own bus'ness."</p> + +<p>"There y' are agin," shouted Forrest, "y' know 't all, ye do."</p> + +<p>"Don't say that again," Jim flared back at him. "I'll—I'll—I'll——. +Don't say it again, that's all."</p> + +<p>"'Cause y' know 'ts true."</p> + +<p>"It's a lie," Jim interrupted him. "Ye know it's a lie. But I don't +'spect much of ye, 'r of the Gov'nor either. None of ye 'll ever be +Papists."</p> + +<p>"Now you're talkin' sens'ble; first sens'ble thing you've said t'day. No +Papists here if we kin help it."</p> + +<p>Stephen and Mr. Allison, keenly interested in this remark, moved nearer +to the table. Cadwalader was well known to Mr. Allison. The others were +total strangers.</p> + +<p>"What's he goin' t' do about the help from France? Refuse it 'cause it's +from a Catholic country?" asked Jim.</p> + +<p>"He don't like it and never did."</p> + +<p>"Is he fool 'nough t' think we can win this war without help?"</p> + +<p>"He won it once."</p> + +<p>"When?"</p> + +<p>"Saratoga."</p> + +<p>"That's his story. We didn't have it won and it won't be won without +troops and with somethin' besides shin-plasters." He turned sideways, +crossed one leg<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> over the other and began to drum upon the table.</p> + +<p>"We must hev help," he went on. "We must hev it and it must come from +France 'r Spain."</p> + +<p>"They y' are agin," repeated Forrest, "as if one wuzn't as much under +th' Pope as th' other."</p> + +<p>"Forrest!" he turned toward him and shook his finger at him in a +menacing sort of way. "Don't say that agin. Mind what I tell ye. Don't +say it again—that's all. When I'm mad, I'm not myself."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? I s'pose I'm wrong agin, an' you're right. Tell me this. +What did yer fool leg'slature in Vi'ginya do th' other day?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," murmured Jim. "What did they do?"</p> + +<p>"There y' are agin. I thought y' knew it all. Think y' know ev'rythin' +an' y' know nothin'. Passed a resolution fur a Papist priest, didn't +they?"</p> + +<p>"And why?" pronounced Jim, flushed with anger, his lower lip quivering +with emotion. "'Cause he did more fur his country, than you or I'll ever +do. Father Gibault! And if it wazn't fur him, Colonel Clark'd never hev +op'nd th' Northwest."</p> + +<p>"That's just what I say. The Papists'll soon own the whole damn +country."</p> + +<p>Stephen and Mr. Allison moved as if to join the discussion, which had at +this juncture become loud enough to lose the character of intimacy. Jim +was well known to the guests of the house. The man who was known as +Forrest, was, it was plain from his uniform, a Colonel in the army. The +other man was a stranger. Much younger than his companion, tall, manly, +clad in a suit of black, with his hair in full dress, well-powdered and +gathered behind in a large silken bag, he gave every appearance of +culture and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>refinement. He wore a black cocked hat, whose edges were +adorned with a black feather about an inch in depth, his knees as well +as his shoes adorned with silver buckles.</p> + +<p>"If they did own th' country," was Jim's grave reply, "we'd hev a +healthier place to live in than we now hev."</p> + +<p>"An' whose doin' it?" shouted Forrest. "The Papists."</p> + +<p>"Thou liest!" interrupted Mr. Allison, intruding himself into their +midst, "a confounded lie. Remember, the Catholics have given their all +to this war—their goods, their money, their sons."</p> + +<p>"Heigh-ho! who're you?" asked the soldier. "What d' you know 'bout the +army? Hardly 'nough 'f them to go aroun'."</p> + +<p>"A malicious untruth. Why, half the rebel army itself is reported to +have come from Ireland."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?"</p> + +<p>"From the testimony of General Robertson in the House of Lords. And if +these soldiers are Irishmen, you can wager they're Catholics. And why +should we pass laws 'gainst these crowds of Irish Papists and convicts +who are yearly poured upon us, unless they were Catholic convicts +fleeing from the laws of persecution?"</p> + +<p>"What ails ye, Forrest," rejoined Jim, "can't be cured."</p> + +<p>"Take care 'f yourself," angrily retorted the Colonel, "an' I'll take +care o' myself."</p> + +<p>"If ye did, and yer likes did the same, we'd git along better and the +war'd be over. I s'pose ye know that yer friend Jay lost Canada to us."</p> + +<p>"What if he did. Wazn't he right?"</p> + +<p>And then he explained to him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>Canada had been surrendered to England by France in a clause of the +Treaty of Paris in 1763, with a stipulation, however, that the people of +the territory in question would be permitted the free use of the French +language, the prescriptions of the French code of laws, and the practice +of the Catholic religion.</p> + +<p>South of this region and west of the English colonies between the Ohio +and the Mississippi rivers, stretched a vast expanse of territory known +as the Northwest Territory, where dwelt a large population without laws, +with no organized form of government save the mere caprices of petty +military tyrants, placed over them by the various seaboard colonies who +severally laid claim to the district. At the request of the people of +Canada it was voted by the English Parliament to reannex the territory +northwest of the Ohio to Canada and to permit the settlers to share in +the rights and privileges of the Canadian province. This was effected by +the Quebec Act in 1774.</p> + +<p>It was truly a remarkable concession. The inhabitants of this vast +stretch of territory were freed for all time from the tyranny of +military despots, their lands and churches secured to them and their +priests given a legal title to their tithes. It was the freest exercise +of the Catholic religion under the laws of the English Government.</p> + +<p>But what a storm of abuse and protestation was raised by the fanatical +portion of the Protestant population! The newspapers of the day abounded +with articles, with songs and squibs against the King and His +Parliament. The mother country witnessed no less virulent a campaign +than the colonies themselves. "We<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> may live to see our churches," writes +one writer to the <i>Pennsylvania Packet</i>, "converted into mass-houses, +and our lands plundered of tithes for the support of a Popish clergy. +The Inquisition may erect her standard in Pennsylvania and the city of +Philadelphia may yet experience the carnage of St. Bartholomew's day." +Processions were formed about the country and in some places the bust of +George III, adorned with miter, beads and a pectoral cross, was carried +in triumphal march.</p> + +<p>The forms of protest found their way ultimately into the halls of the +First American Congress which convened in Philadelphia in 1774. The +recent legislation was enumerated among the wrongs done the colonies by +the mother country. Feeling became so bitter that an address was issued +by the Congress on the fifth of September, 1774, "to the people of Great +Britain" saying: "We think the Legislature of Great Britain is not +authorized by the Constitution to establish a religion, fraught with +sanguinary and impious tenets, or to erect an arbitrary form of +government in any quarter of the globe." "By another act the Dominion of +Canada is to be extended, modeled and governed, as that being disunited +from us, detached from our interests by civil as well as religious +prejudices, that by their numbers daily swelling with Catholic emigrants +from Europe, and by their devotion to administration so friendly to +their religion, they might become formidable to us, and on occasion be +fit instruments in the hands of power to reduce the ancient free +Protestant colonies to the same state of slavery with themselves." +Little did they think that the breach they were attempting to heal was +widened by their procedure. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> author of the address was John Jay, a +lawyer from New York, with whom Papaphobia was a mania.</p> + +<p>Nor did the failure of this method of diplomacy become apparent until +several years later. The measure of appreciation and the expression of +sentiment of the Canadian people in regard to this ill-timed and +unchristian address, conceived in a fit of passion and by no means +representative of the sentiments of the saner portion of the population, +took expression at a more critical time. When, in 1776, the members of +the same Congress, viewing with alarm the magnitude of the struggle upon +which they had entered and to whose success they had pledged their +honor, their fortunes and their lives, sought to enlist the resources of +their neighbors in Canada, they met with a sudden and calamitous +disappointment. To effect an alliance with the border brethren, three +commissioners were appointed—Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase, and +Charles Carroll of Carrollton. Father John Carroll, a Jesuit priest, was +invited by the Congress to accompany the party.</p> + +<p>Arriving in Canada, it soon became evident to the committee, that their +mission was to be unproductive of results. The government did not take +kindly to them, nor would the Bishop of Quebec and his clergy trust the +vague expressions of the United Colonies, whose statute books, they +pointed out, still bore the most bitter and unchristian sentiments +against all priests and adherents of the ancient church. Bigotry had +apparently defeated their purpose. How it had done this was still quite +obscure, until it was discovered that the British Government had taken +John Jay's address, translated it into French and spread it broadcast +throughout Canada. "Behold the spirit of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> Colonists," it went on to +remind the people, "and if you join forces with them, they will turn on +you and extirpate your religion, in the same manner as they did in the +Catholic colony of Maryland."</p> + +<p>The effect is historical. The commissioners were compelled to return; +the brave Montgomery was killed before the walls of the city; Canada was +lost to the Colonies and forever forfeited as an integral part of the +United States; all of which was due to the narrowness and intolerance of +those who in the supreme hour could not refrain from the fanaticism of +bigotry.</p> + +<p>It must be said, however, out of justice to the colonists that they did +not persist in their spirit of antagonism towards the Catholics. The +commencement of the struggle against the common foe, together with the +sympathetic and magnanimous concurrence of the Catholics with the +patriots in all things, soon changed their prejudice in favor of a more +united and vigorous effort in behalf of their joint claims. The despised +Papists now became ardent and impetuous patriots. The leaders in the +great struggle soon began to reflect an added luster to the nation that +gave them birth and to the Church which taught them devotion to their +land. The rank and file began to swarm with men of the Catholic faith, +so many, indeed, that their great Archbishop, John Carroll, could write +of them that "their blood flowed as freely (in proportion to their +numbers) to cement the fabric of independence, as that of any of their +fellow citizens. They concurred with perhaps greater unanimity than any +other body of men in recommending and promoting that government from +whose influence America anticipates all the blessings of justice, peace, +plenty, good order, and civil and religious liberty."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p><p>Only among the few was the spirit of intolerance still rampant, and +among these might be numbered Colonel Forrest.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"See now who's t' blame, don't ye? The likes o' ye an' that poltroon, +Jay, up there in New York. See who started this affair, don't ye?"</p> + +<p>"That's what you say. Egad, I could say all that an' save half the +breath. I've got my 'pinion, though, and that'll do fur me."</p> + +<p>"Ye're so narrow, Forrest, ye've only one side."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Well, so is the Governor."</p> + +<p>"Is that his opinion, too?" impatiently asked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"Does he view matters in that light?"</p> + +<p>"Did I say he did."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>There was no further response.</p> + +<p>Stephen had, by this time, become thoroughly exasperated with this man, +and was about to eject him forcibly from the room. His better judgment, +however, bade him restrain himself. A tilt in a public drinking house +would only noise his name abroad and perhaps give rise to much +unpleasantness.</p> + +<p>"How can a man consistently be subject to any civil ruler when he +already has pledged his allegiance, both in soul and in body, to another +potentate?"</p> + +<p>This from the man in black, the fourth member of the party, who +heretofore had maintained an impartial and respectful silence, not so +much from choice <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>perhaps as through necessity. His name proved to be +John Anderson.</p> + +<p>"You mean an alien?" Stephen inquired.</p> + +<p>"If you are pleased so to term it. The Pope is a temporal lord, you +understand, and as such is due allegiance from every one of his +subjects."</p> + +<p>And then Stephen took pains to explain, clearly and concisely, the great +difference between the two authorities—the civil and the religious. The +Prince of Peace had said, "Render unto Cæesar the things that are +Cæesar's, and to God the things that are God's," which declaration +admitted of an interpretation at once comprehensive and exclusive. He +explained how the Catholic found himself a member of two distinct and +perfect societies, each independent and absolute within its own sphere, +the one deriving its charter from the natural law, the other directly +from God. He then pointed out how these societies lived in perfect +harmony, although armed with two swords, the one spiritual, the other +temporal, weapons which were intended never to clash but to fight side +by side for the promotion of man's happiness, temporal and eternal.</p> + +<p>"But it is inconceivable how a clash can be avoided," Mr. Anderson +reminded him.</p> + +<p>"Not when it is remembered that each authority is independent of the +other. The Church has no power over civil legislation in matters purely +secular, nor has the state a right to interfere in ecclesiastical +legislation, in matters purely spiritual, nor over spiritual persons +considered strictly as such. In every Catholic country the King, as well +as the humblest peasant, is subject to the laws of his country in +secular matters, and to the laws of his church in matters spiritual."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p><p>"Yet at the same time he cannot fail to recognize that the one is +superior to the other."</p> + +<p>"Only in so far as the spiritual order is superior to the secular."</p> + +<p>"Not in temporal affairs as well?"</p> + +<p>"Not in the least. Only in the recognition of the fact that the +salvation of the soul is of more importance than the welfare of the +body. In this is the mission of the state considered inferior to that of +the Church."</p> + +<p>"If this be true, how can a Catholic pay allegiance to a society which +he believes to be a subordinate one?"</p> + +<p>"He does not consider it subordinate. It is supreme within its own +sphere. Theoretically it is subordinate in this: that the care of the +soul comes first; then that of the body. The state is the greatest +institution in matters secular, and in this respect superior to the +Church. The Church makes no pretense of infallibility in statesmanship. +Hence, a Catholic who is true to his Church and her teachings makes the +best citizen."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because, to him, patriotism is inculcated by religion. Throughout his +whole life his soul has been nurtured by his Church on a twofold +pabulum,—love of God and love of country."</p> + +<p>"The Catholic Church expressly teaches that? I thought——"</p> + +<p>"Exactly," agreed Stephen, interrupting him. "The Catholic has been +taught that the civil authority, to which he owes and pays allegiance, +is something divine; for him it is the authority of God vested in His +creatures and he gives ear to its voice and yields to it a sweet and +humble submission as befits a child of God,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> doing His Will in all +things. For he recognizes therein the sound of the Divine Voice."</p> + +<p>"I see."</p> + +<p>"He remembers the teaching of his Church, derived from the words of St. +Paul writing on this subject to the citizens of Rome, 'Let every man be +subject to higher powers, for there is no power but from God; and those +that are, are ordained of God,' and the letter of St. Peter, the first +Pope, 'Be ye subject, therefore, to every human creature for God's sake; +whether it be to the king as excelling; or to governors as sent by +him—for so is the will of God.'"</p> + +<p>"You must have been reading the Bible," interrupted Mr. Allison with a +smile.</p> + +<p>"I have," answered Stephen, as he continued with little or no attention +to the interruption.</p> + +<p>"The Catholic obeys the voice of his rightly constituted authority +because he feels that he is obeying the voice of his God, and when he +yields obedience to the law of his land, he feels that he is yielding +obedience to God Himself. His ruler is the mouthpiece of God; the +Constitution of his state a most sacred thing because it is the +embodiment of the authority of God and he would rather die than commit +any untoward or unlawful deed which might undermine or destroy it, +precisely because it is from God."</p> + +<p>There was no response. All had listened with attention to Stephen as he +emphasized point after point. All, save Colonel Forrest, who wore a +sardonic smile throughout it all.</p> + +<p>"You should 've talked like that on Guy Fawkes' Day," he muttered, "if +you wanted t' hev some fun. We'd hev some hot tar fur you."</p> + +<p>"Thank God!" replied Stephen. "We shall witness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> no more such outbreaks +of fanaticism. They have long enough disgraced our country. They are, I +trust, forever ended."</p> + +<p>"The Pope Day Celebration ended?" asked Anderson in surprise.</p> + +<p>"I hope so. Since General Washington issued the order soon after taking +command of the army, abolishing the celebration, the practice has never +been resumed."</p> + +<p>"Wash'ton thinks he owns th' country," mumbled Forrest in a half +articulate manner. "Likes th' Papists, he does. No more Pope Day! +Cath'lic gen'rals! French al-lies! P'rhaps 'll send fur th' Pope next. +Give 'm 'is house, p'rhaps. Give 'im th' whole coun'ry. No damn good to +us, he ain't. No damn good——"</p> + +<p>The next moment Stephen was upon him with his hands about his throat, +his face flaming with rage and passion.</p> + +<p>"You hound! No more of that; or your treason will end forever."</p> + +<p>He shook his head violently, tightening his fingers about his throat. As +he did, Forrest writhing in the chair under his attack, began to fumble +with his hand at his hip as if instinctively seeking something there. +Stephen's eyes followed the movement, even while he, too, relaxed his +hold to seize with his free hand the arm of his adversary. Only for a +moment, however; for he immediately felt himself seized from behind by +the shoulders and dragged backwards from his man and completely +overpowered.</p> + +<p>The man who was known as Anderson took charge of the Colonel, helping +him to his feet, and without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> further words led him to one side of the +room, talking softly but deliberately to him as he did so.</p> + +<p>A moment later they had passed through the door and vanished down the +street in the direction of the Square.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>The morrow was one of those rare days when all nature seems to invite +one to go forth and enjoy the good things within her keeping. The +sunrise was menacing; unless the wind shifted before noon it would be +uncomfortably warm. Still, the air was bracing and fragrant with the +soft perfume distilled by the pines.</p> + +<p>Stephen felt in tune with nature as he made his early morning toilet. He +gazed the while into the garden from his widely opened window, and +responded instinctively to the call of the countryside. The disagreeable +episode of the preceding day had left unpleasant recollections in his +mind which disconcerted him not a little during his waking hours, the +time when the stream of consciousness begins to flow with an +unrestrained rapidity, starting with the more impressive memories of the +night before. He did not repent his action; he might have repeated the +performance under similar circumstances, yet he chided himself for his +lack of reserve and composure and his great want of respect to a +superior officer.</p> + +<p>He was early mounted and on his way, striking off in the direction of +the Germantown Road. He had left word with his landlady of his intended +destination, with the added remark that he would be back in a short +time, a couple of hours at the most, and that he would attend to the +business of the day upon his return.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> What that might amount to he had +no idea at all, being preoccupied entirely with what he had to do in the +immediate present, for he made it a point never to permit the more +serious affairs of life to intrude upon his moments of relaxation.</p> + +<p>He was a pleasant figure to look upon; smooth-faced and athletic, well +mounted and dressed with great preciseness. On his well shaped hands he +wore leathern gauntlets; he was in his uniform of buff and blue; beneath +his coat he had his steel-buckled belt with his holster and pistol in +it; he wore his cocked hat with a buff cockade affixed, the insignia of +his rank in the service.</p> + +<p>The road lay in the direction of Marjorie's house. Perhaps he chose to +ride along this way in order that he might be obliged to pass her door, +and then again, perhaps, that was but of secondary import. This was no +time for analysis, and so he refused to study his motives. He did know +that he had not seen her for a long time, the longest time it seemed, +and that he had had no word from her since their last meeting, save the +intelligence received from her father yesterday in response to his +repeated inquiries concerning her welfare and that of her mother.</p> + +<p>"Let us turn up here, Dolly, old girl." He leaned forward a little to +pat the mare's neck affectionately as he spoke; while at the same time +he pulled the right rein slightly, turning her head in the direction +indicated. "And, if we are fortunate, we shall catch a glimpse of her."</p> + +<p>Dolly raised her ears very erect and opened full her nostrils as if to +catch some possible scent of her, of whom he spoke. She pierced the +distance with her eyes, but saw no one and so settled herself into an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> +easy canter, for she knew it to be more to her rider's advantage to +proceed at a slowing pace until they had passed the house in question.</p> + +<p>"You are an intelligent old girl, Dolly, but I must not let you too far +into the secrets of my mind. Still, you have shared my delights and woes +alike and have been my one faithful friend. Why should I not tell you?"</p> + +<p>And yet they had been friends for no great length of time. It was at +Valley Forge they had met, shortly after Stephen's appointment to +General Washington's staff. As an aide he was required to be mounted and +it was by a piece of good fortune that he had been allowed to choose +from several the chestnut mare that now bore him. He had given her the +best of care and affection and she reciprocated in as intelligent a +manner as she knew how.</p> + +<p>"You have served well, but I feel that there is much greater work before +us, much greater than our quest of the present."</p> + +<p>They were nearing the house. For some reason or other, Dolly whinnied as +he spoke, probably in acquiescence to his thought, probably in +recognition of the presence of her rival. She might have seen, had she +cared to turn her head, a trim, lithe form passing to the rear of the +house. Stephen took pains to see her, however, and, as she turned her +head, doffed his hat in salute. The next moment Dolly felt the reins +tighten, and, whether she desired it or not, found her head turned in +that direction. Her rider was soon dismounted and was leading her to the +side of the road.</p> + +<p>"You are early astir, Mistress Marjorie. I had anticipated no such +pleasure this morning."</p> + +<p>"It is indeed mutual," replied Marjorie, smiling as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> she offered him her +hand. "How came you so early? No new turn of events, I hope!"</p> + +<p>"Not in the least. I desired a few hours in the saddle before the heat +of the day set in, and my guardian angel must have directed me along +this path."</p> + +<p>Dolly raised both her ears and turned towards him, while she noisily +brought her hoof down upon the sod.</p> + +<p>"What a rascal!" she thought to herself.</p> + +<p>The girl dropped her eyes demurely and then asked hurriedly:</p> + +<p>"There are no new developments?"</p> + +<p>"None that I know of."</p> + +<p>"Nothing came of the trouble at the Inn?"</p> + +<p>"Then you know?"</p> + +<p>"All. Father told me."</p> + +<p>"He should not have told you."</p> + +<p>"It was my doing. I gave him no peace until I had learned all."</p> + +<p>Dolly grew weary of this pleasantry and wandered away to gladden her +lips on the choice morsels of the tender grass.</p> + +<p>"I deeply regret my indiscretion, though it was for his sake."</p> + +<p>"You mean——?"</p> + +<p>"His Excellency."</p> + +<p>"I might have done likewise, were I able. Colonel Forrest is most +disagreeable."</p> + +<p>"He was not wholly culpable and so I forgave his insulting remarks +against us, but I forgot myself entirely when General Washington's name +was besmirched."</p> + +<p>"I fear further trouble," she sighed.</p> + +<p>"From him?"</p> + +<p>She nodded her head.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p><p>"Nonsense! There will be naught said about the whole affair and it will +end where it began. Forrest is no fool."</p> + +<p>"I have other news for you, Captain," announced Marjorie, her eyes +beaming at the prospect.</p> + +<p>"And how long have you been preserving it for me?" asked Stephen.</p> + +<p>"But a few days."</p> + +<p>"And you made no attempt to see me?"</p> + +<p>"Had I not met you now, I would have done so this day," answered +Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"You would have written?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps."</p> + +<p>"It is my forfeiture to your reserve."</p> + +<p>"And made gallantly."</p> + +<p>"Come now! What had you to tell?"</p> + +<p>"This. Peggy desires the honor of your company. You will receive the +invitation in a day or two. Just an informal affair, yet I sensed the +possibility of your pleasure."</p> + +<p>"You did right. I am pleased as I am honored, but neither so much as I +am elated at the hopes for the future. Of course, I shall accept, but +you will have to promise to denote my path for me in the tangled maze of +society, in whose company I am as yet merely a novice."</p> + +<p>"Lud! I ne'er heard one so illiberal of his graces."</p> + +<p>"Nor one more candid," Stephen rejoined as quickly. If he were good at +repartee he had met with one who was equally as apt.</p> + +<p>"You know the Governor will be in attendance," she declared in a +matter-of-fact manner.</p> + +<p>"How should I know that? Is it unusual for him to frequent the company +of the gay?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p><p>"Not of late, the more especially where the presence of Peggy is +concerned," added the little tale-bearer with a keen though reckless +wit.</p> + +<p>"And why Peggy?" He was innocent enough in his question.</p> + +<p>"Have you not heard of His Excellency's courting? Mr. Shippen has +already made public the rumor that a certain great General is laying +close siege to the heart of Peggy. And I have Peggy's own word for it."</p> + +<p>"To Peggy?" He asked with evident surprise. "Why, she but halves his +age, and he is already a widower."</p> + +<p>"With three sons," Marjorie gayly added. "No matter. Peggy will meet the +disparity of ages by the disparity of stations. She has avowed to me +that no one dares to question the social preëminence of the Military +Governor, nor the fact that he is the most dashing and perhaps most +successful general of the Continental Army. Position in life is of prime +importance to her."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? I had not so judged her," was the comment.</p> + +<p>"She admits that herself, and makes no secret of it before any one. Did +you not observe her sullen silence at the Ball upon learning of the +identity of her inferior partner? And that she sat out the major portion +of the dance in company with the Military Governor?"</p> + +<p>"It escaped my attention, for I was too deeply concerned with another +matter which distracted me for the entire evening," he answered with a +smile.</p> + +<p>She pretended to take no notice, however, and continued.</p> + +<p>"Well, he has been calling regularly since that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>evening, and this quiet +and informal function has been arranged primarily in his honor, although +it will not be announced as such. You will go?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I shall be pleased to accept her invitation. May I accompany you?"</p> + +<p>"Thank you. I almost hoped you would say that. Men folks are so sadly +wanting in intuition."</p> + +<p>"Friday, then? Adieu! The pleasure that awaits me is immeasurable."</p> + +<p>"Until Friday."</p> + +<p>She extended to him her hand, which he pressed. A moment later he was +mounted.</p> + +<p>"My kindest to your mother. She will understand." Dolly broke into a +gallop.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>Marjorie stood at the gate post until he was quite lost from view around +the turn of the road. He did not look back, yet she thought that he +might have. She slowly turned and as slowly began to walk towards the +house, there to resume the duties which had suffered a pleasant +interruption.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, she tried to analyze this young man. He was rather deep, of +few words on any given subject, but wholly non-communicative as regards +himself. He perhaps was possessed of more intuition than his manner +would reveal, although he gave every appearance of arriving at his +conclusions by the sheer force of logic. His words and deeds never +betrayed his whole mind, of that she was certain, yet he could assert +himself rather forcibly when put to the test, as in the painful incident +at the Coffee House. He would never suffer from soul-paralysis, thought +she, for want of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> decision or resolution, for both were written full +upon him.</p> + +<p>That she was strangely attracted to him she knew very well, but why and +how she was unable to discover. This was but their third meeting, yet +she felt as if she had known him all her life, so frank, so unreserved, +so open, so secure did she feel in his presence. It seemed the most +natural thing in the world for her to have waved her hand in salute to +him that morning as he passed; she did it with the same unconcern as if +she had known him all her life. She felt it within her, that was all, +and could give no other possible interpretation to her action.</p> + +<p>There was something prepossessing about him. Perhaps it was his faculty +for doing the unexpected. Most women desire to meet a man who is +possessed of a distinctive individuality, who lends continual interest +to them by his departure from the trite and commonplace. What Stephen +might say or do was an entirely unknown quantity until it had actually +taken place, and this attracted her on the instant, whether she was +conscious of it or not. His manner, too, was affable, and gave him an +air at once pleasing and good-natured. He never flattered, yet said most +agreeable things, putting one perfectly at ease and inspiring sympathy +and courage. He bore himself well; erect, manly, dignified, without +ostentation or display. His seriousness, his evenness, his gravity, his +constancy and his decision stamped him with a certain authority, a man +of marked personality and character.</p> + +<p>So she mused as she entered the door, her thoughts in a lofty hegira to +the far off land of make believe—her better self striving to marshal +them to the cold realities of duty that lay before her. She had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> +cleaning the little addition at the rear of the dwelling proper, used as +a kitchen, and her work took her into the yard. Dolly's whinny had +caused her to turn her head, and the next moment cares and +responsibilities and all else were forgotten. Now she wondered what she +had been about! Seizing a cloth she began to dust industriously. The +crash of one of the dishes on the kitchen floor brought her to her +senses. Her mother heard the noise from the adjoining room.</p> + +<p>"What ails thee, child? Hast thou lost thy reason?"</p> + +<p>"I believe so, mommy. I must have been thinking of other things." And +she stooped to gather the fragments.</p> + +<p>"Was it Captain Meagher? I saw you two at the gate."</p> + +<p>A guilty smile stole over the corners of her mouth.</p> + +<p>"He was passing while I was in the yard, and he stopped only to wish me +the greetings of the day. I was right glad that he did, for I had an +opportunity of extending to him the invitation from Peggy."</p> + +<p>"He will go, I suppose?" she queried, knowing well what the answer might +be. She did not spare the time to stop for conversation, but continued +with her duties.</p> + +<p>"He is quite pleased. And, mommy, he will call for me."</p> + +<p>"Be careful, now, to break no more dishes."</p> + +<p>"Lud! I have not lost my head yet. That was purely an accident which +will not happen again."</p> + +<p>"That poor unfortunate Spangler made a better defense."</p> + +<p>"He deserved what he got. So did Lieutenant Lyons and the other officers +of the Ranger who deserted to the enemy. But my sympathies go out to the +old man who kept the gates under the city. These<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> court-martials are +becoming too common and I don't like them."</p> + +<p>"That is the horrible side of war, my dear. And until our people learn +the value of patriotism, the need of abolishing all foreign ties and +strongly adhering to the land that has offered them a home and a living, +the necessity of these dreadful measures will never cease."</p> + +<p>"A little power is a dangerous weapon to thrust into a man's hand, +unless he be great enough to wield it."</p> + +<p>"Now you are going to say that General Arnold is to blame for these +tragedies."</p> + +<p>"No, I am not. But I do think that a great deal more of clemency could +be exercised. Many of those poor tradesmen who were convicted and +sentenced to be hanged could have been pardoned with equal security."</p> + +<p>"That is the law, my dear, and the law is God's will. Leave all to Him."</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>Mrs. Allison was one of those good souls who saw no harm in the vilest +of creatures; faults were hidden by her veil of sympathy. When +distressing reverses or abject despair visited any one, Mrs. Allison's +affability and indescribable tenderness smoothed over the troubled +situation and brought forth a gleam of gladness. Quiet, kindly, +magnanimous, tolerant, she could touch hearts to the depths in a manner +both winning and lasting. Whether the fault entailed a punishment +undeserved or inevitable, her feeling of pity was excited. She always +sympathized without accusing or probing the source of the evil. She +stretched forth a helping hand merely to aid. No nature, however hard,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> +could be impervious to the sympathy and the sweetness of her +affectionate disposition.</p> + +<p>Motherly was the quality written full upon Mrs. Allison's face. Her +thoughts, her schemes, her purposes, her ambitions of life, were all +colored by this maternal attribute. In her daily homage and obeisance to +God, Whom she worshiped with the most childlike faith and simplicity; in +the execution of the manifold duties of her home, Marjorie was to her +ever a treasure of great price. She was sustained in her aims and +purposes by an enduring power of will,—a power clothed with the soft, +warm, living flesh of a kindly heart.</p> + +<p>Her marriage with Matthew Allison had been happy, a happiness +intensified and concretely embodied in Marjorie, the only child +vouchsafed to them by the Creator. How often, at the time when the +deepening shadows moved their way across the dimming landscape, +announcing to the work worn world the close of another day, would she +sit for a brief while in silence and take complacence in the object of +her hopes and aspirations! It was Marjorie for whom she lived and toiled +and purposed. And it was Marjorie who embodied the sum-total of her +fancies and ambitions and aspirations, and translated them into definite +forms and realities.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>A beautiful landscape unrolled itself before Stephen as he leisurely +rode along the Germantown road. The midsummer sun was now high in the +heavens, with just a little stir in the air to temper its warmth and +oppressiveness. Fragments of clouds, which seemed to have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> torn +themselves loose from some great heap massed beyond the ridge of low +hills to the westward, drifted lazily across the waste of blue sky, +wholly unconcerned as to their ultimate lot or destination. Breaths of +sweet odor, from freshly cut hay or the hidden foliage bounding the +road, were wafted along in the embraces of the gentle breeze. Away to +the left and before him, as his horse cantered along, swelled the +countryside in gentle undulations of green and brown, disfigured now and +again by irregular patches of field and orchard yielding to cultivation; +while to the side a stone wall humped itself along the winding road into +the distance, its uniformity of contour broken here and there by a +trellis work of yellow jasmine or crimson rambler, alternately +reflecting lights and shadows from the passing clouds and sunshine. It +was a day when all nature was in perfect tune, its harmony sweetly +blending with the notes of gladness that throbbed in Stephen's heart. +Yet he was scarce aware of it all, so completely absorbed was he in the +confusion of his own thought.</p> + +<p>Stephen had a very clear idea of what he was to do in the immediate +present, but he had no idea at all of what was to be done in the +immediate future. First of all he would attend Mistress Marjorie at this +informal affair, where, perhaps, he might learn more about the Military +Governor. He half surmised that His Excellency was not kindly disposed +towards Catholics in general, although he could not remember any +concrete case in particular to substantiate his claim. Still he knew +that he was avowedly opposed to the French Alliance, as were many +illustrious citizens; and he presumed his feelings were due in part at +least to the fact that France was a recognized Catholic country. There +was a negative argument, too: no Catholic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> name was ever found among his +appointments. These were but surmises, not evidence upon which to base +even a suspicion. Nevertheless, they were worthy of some consideration +until a conclusion of a more definite nature was warranted.</p> + +<p>That the Governor was becoming decidedly more unpopular every day and +that this unpopularity was quite consequential, more consequential if +anything than preconceived,—for it cannot be gainsaid that many had +frowned upon his appointment from the very beginning,—Meagher knew very +well. Unfavorable comparisons already had been drawn between the gayety +of life under a free country and that of a colonial government. The fact +that Arnold possessed the finest stable of horses in the city, and +entertained at the most costly of dinners, at a time when the manner of +living was extremely frugal, not so much from choice as from necessity, +and at a time when the value of the Continental currency had depreciated +to almost nothing, occasioned a host of acrid criticisms not only in the +minds of the displeased populace, but also in the less friendly columns +of the daily press.</p> + +<p>Censures of the harshest nature were continually uttered against the +Governor's conduct of the affairs of the city government together with +his earlier order closing the shops. Now, the use that he began to make +of the government wagons in moving the stores excited further complaints +of a more public nature, the more so that no particular distinction was +being made as to whether the stores belonged to the Whigs or the +offending Tories. It was no idle gossip that he curried favor with the +upper Tory class of the city, now particular mention was made of his +infatuation with the daughter of Edward Shippen. It was whispered, too,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> +that the misuse of his authority in the grant of safe passes to and from +New York had led to the present act of the Congress in recalling all +passes. Stephen knew all this and he logically surmised more; so he +longed for the opportunity to study intimately this man now occupying +the highest military post in the city and the state.</p> + +<p>For the present he would return home and bide his time until Friday +evening when he would have the happiness of escorting Marjorie to the +home of Peggy Shippen.</p> + +<p>"I wonder, Dolly, old girl, if I can make myself bold enough to call her +'Marjorie.' 'Marjorie,' Margaret,'" he repeated them over to himself. "I +don't know which is the prettier. She would be a pearl among women, and +she is, isn't she, Dolly?"</p> + +<p>He would ask her at any rate. He would be her partner for the evening, +would dance with her, and would sit by her side. Peggy would be there, +too, and the General. He would observe them closely, and perchance, +converse with them. Colonel Forrest and the General's active +aide-de-camp, Major Franks, a Philadelphian, and a Jew would also be +present. Altogether the evening promised to be interesting as well as +happy.</p> + +<p>He was musing in this manner when he heard the hoof beats of a horse, +heavily ridden, gaining upon him in the rear. He drew up and half turned +instinctively at the strange yet familiar sound. Suddenly there hove +into view at the bend of the road an officer of the Continental Army, in +full uniform, booted and spurred, whose appearance caused him to turn +full about to await him. It was not long before he recognized the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> +familiar figure of the aide, Major Franks, and he lifted his arm to +salute.</p> + +<p>"Captain Meagher, I have orders for your arrest."</p> + +<p>"Sir?" answered Stephen in alarm.</p> + +<p>"On charges preferred by Colonel Forrest. You are to come with me at +once."</p> + +<p>An embarrassing silence ensued.</p> + +<p>Stephen then saluted, and handed over his side arms. He wheeled his +horse and set off in the direction indicated, his thoughts in a turmoil.</p> + +<p>The Major fell in at the rear.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<div class="block"> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<div>"For still my mem'ry lingers on the scenes</div> +<div class="i1">And pleasures of the days beyond recall."</div> +</div></div></div> + +<p>Peggy's voice, timid, soft though pretty, died away into an enraptured +silence which seemed to endure for the longest while before the room +burst into a generous measure of applause. She was very well accompanied +on the clavichord by Miss Rutteledge and on the harp by Monsieur Ottow, +Secretary to the French Minister. The evening had been delightful; the +assembly brilliant in quality, and unaffectedly congenial and diverting. +The music had contributed much to the pleasures of the function, for the +Shippens' was one of the few homes in the city where such a resource was +at all possible.</p> + +<p>"Major! Major Franks! What do you think of my little girl? Do you think +'twould be well for her to cultivate such a voice?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Shippen turned sideways. There was gratification, genuine, +complacent gratification, visible in every line of her smiling face.</p> + +<p>"Splendid! Splendid! Of course. Madame, she sings very prettily," +replied the Major, gathering himself from the state of partial repose +into which he had fallen.</p> + +<p>He sat up.</p> + +<p>"And do you know, Major," went on the fond<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> mother, "she never had a +tutor, except some of our dear friends who made this their home during +the winter."</p> + +<p>"You mean the British?"</p> + +<p>"Of course they did not make so free with everybody in the city, with +only a few, you know. It was for General Howe himself that Margaret +first made bold enough to sing."</p> + +<p>"She does very well, I am sure," was the reply.</p> + +<p>The little group again lapsed into silence as Peggy responded with an +encore, this selection being a patriotic air of a lighter vein. The +Major again lapsed into an easy attitude, but Mrs. Shippen was visibly +intent upon every motion of the singer and followed her every syllable.</p> + +<p>"How much does music contribute to one's pleasure!" she remarked when +the conversation began to stir.</p> + +<p>"It is charming," Mr. Anderson observed.</p> + +<p>"And do you know that we inherited that clavichord? It is one of the +oldest in the country."</p> + +<p>"It appears to be of rare design," remarked Mr. Anderson, as his eyes +pierced the distance in a steady observance of it.</p> + +<p>"It belonged to Mr. Shippen's father," she boasted. "This house, you +know, was the home of Edward Shippen, who was Mayor of the city over an +hundred years ago. It was then, if I do say it, the most pretentious +home in the city. My husband was for disposing of it and removing to +less fashionable quarters, but I would not hear of it. Never!"</p> + +<p>Major Franks surveyed the great room deliberately.</p> + +<p>"'Twould make a fine castle!" he commented as he half turned and crossed +one knee over the other. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> felt that this would be his last visit if +he continued to take any less interest, yet even that apparently caused +him no great concern.</p> + +<p>And yet, a great house it was, the quondam residence of Edward Shippen, +the progenitor of the present family, a former Mayor of the city, who +had fled thither from Boston where he had suffered persecution at the +hands of the Puritans who could not allow him to be a Quaker. It stood +on an eminence outside the city. It was well surrounded, with its great +orchard, its summer house, its garden smiling with roses, and lilies; +bordered by rows of yellow pines shading the rear, with a spacious green +lawn away to the front affording an unobstructed view of the city and +the Delaware shore. It was a residence of pretentious design and at the +time of its construction was easily the most sumptuous home in the city.</p> + +<p>The Shippens had been the leaders of the fashionable set, not alone in +days gone by, the days of colonial manners when diversions and +enjoyments were indulged in as far as the austerities of the staid old +Quaker code would allow; but also during the days of the present +visitation of the British, when emulation in the entertainment of the +visitors ran riot among the townsfolk. Small wonder that the present +lord of the manor felt constrained to write to his father that he should +be under the necessity of removing from this luxurious abode to +Lancaster, "for the style of living my fashionable daughters have +introduced into my family and their dress will I fear before long oblige +me to change the scene." Yet if the truth were told, the style of living +inaugurated by the ambitious daughters was no less a heritage than a +part of the discipline in which they had been reared.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p><p>If the sudden and forced departure of the dashing as well as the +eligible British Officers from the city had totally upset the cherished +social aspirations of the mother of the Shippen girls, the advent of the +gallant and unmarried Military Governor had lifted them to a newer and +much higher plane of endeavor. The termination of a matrimonial alliance +with the second in command of the patriotic forces not less than the +foremost in rank of the city gentry, would more than compensate for the +loss of a possible British peerage. Theirs was a proud lineage to boast +of and a mode of unfeigned comfort and display. And it took but the +briefest possible time for the artful mother to discern that her clever +and subtle devices were beginning to meet with some degree of success.</p> + +<p>The present function was wholly her affair, and while it was announced +as a purely informal gathering, the manner and the scheme of the +decorations, the elegance and the care with which the women dressed, the +order, the appointments, the refreshments, not to mention the +distinguished French visitors, would permit no one to surmise that, even +for a moment. Care had been taken to issue invitations to the +representative members of the city's upper class, more especially to the +newly arrived French Officers and their wives, as well as the +commissioned members of the Continental Army. There were the Shippen +girls, their persistent friend, Miss Chew, as well as Miss Franks, whose +brother was now attached to the staff of General Arnold, and a dozen +other young ladies, all attractive, and dressed in the prevailing +elegance of fashion; the hair in an enormous coiffure, in imitation of +the fashions of the French, with turbans of gauze and spangles and ropes +of pearls, the low bodices with the bow in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> front, the wide sashes +below. It was an altogether brilliant assembly, with the Military +Governor the most brilliant of all.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Major," asked Mrs. Shippen in measured and subdued language as +she leaned forward in an apparently confidential manner, "does General +Arnold visit often?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" replied the Major at once, "he is very generous with his +company."</p> + +<p>Her face fell somewhat.</p> + +<p>"Now, isn't that strange? I was told that he made a practice of calling +at no home outside of ours."</p> + +<p>He uncrossed his leg and shifted in his chair rather uneasily.</p> + +<p>"Quite true." He saw at once that he had made an unhappy remark. "But of +course he makes no social calls, none whatsoever. You must know that the +affairs of state require all of his time, for which duty he is obliged +to visit many people on matters of pure business."</p> + +<p>"Oh!"</p> + +<p>She appeared satisfied at this explanation.</p> + +<p>"It seems as if we had known him all our lives. He feels so perfectly at +home with us."</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"You have met him often with us, haven't you, Marjorie?"</p> + +<p>"I first met him at the Military Ball through Peggy," Marjorie replied +naïvely.</p> + +<p>"But you must have met him here. He has been here so often," she +insisted.</p> + +<p>"Then I vow our General has felt the smite of your fair daughter's +charms," remarked Mr. Anderson.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p><p>Marjorie breathed a sigh of relief at the timely interruption.</p> + +<p>"Do you really think so?" asked Mrs. Shippen, with no attempt to conceal +her impatience.</p> + +<p>"Unquestionably.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<div class="i4">'Smiles from reason flow,</div> +<div>To brute denied, and are of love the food.'</div> +</div></div> + +<p>So sang the bard, and so sing I of His Excellency."</p> + +<p>"But his age! He cannot now be thinking of matrimony."</p> + +<p>"Age, my dear Mrs. Shippen, is a matter of feeling, not of years. The +greatest miracle of love is to eradicate all disparity. Before it age, +rank, lineage, distinction dissolve like the slowly fading light of the +sun at eventide. The General is bent on conquest; that I'll wager. What +say you, Major? A five pound note?"</p> + +<p>"Not I. 'Old men are twice children,' you know."</p> + +<p>"Well, if I do say it," remarked Mrs. Shippen, "my daughter has had a +splendid education and is as cultured a girl as there is in the city and +would make a fitting helpmate for any man, no matter what his position +in life may be."</p> + +<p>The orchestra began to fill the room with the strains of the minuet. Mr. +Anderson arose and advanced towards Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"May I have the pleasure of your company?" he said.</p> + +<p>Marjorie arose and gave him her arm.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>She tripped through the graces of the minuet in a mechanical sort of a +fashion, her thoughts in a far off<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> land of amazement and gloomy +desolation. The unexpected and adverse stroke of fortune which had +descended with hawk-like velocity upon Stephen had thoroughly +disconcerted her. Try as she would, her imagination could not be brought +under her control. There was one image that would not out, and that was +Stephen's.</p> + +<p>A short note from him gave the first inkling to her. He had been placed +under arrest by order of Major-General Arnold on the charge of striking +his superior officer, in violation of the Fifth Article, Second Section +of the American Articles of War. The charge had been preferred on the +evening previous to his arrest and bore the signature of Colonel +Forrest, with whom, she called to mind, he had participated in the +affray at the Inn.</p> + +<p>Little would come of it. Of that she could rest assured. For if he chose +to present his side of the case, cause might be found against the +Colonel in the matter of disrespectful language against the +Commander-in-chief. On that account the affair would very probably end +where it had begun and his sword would once more be restored to him. +Should the Colonel press the case, however, it would result in a +court-martial, that being the usual tribunal before which such matters +were tried.</p> + +<p>For the present he was under arrest. He was not confined and no limits +were assigned to him in the order of his arrest, yet he was deprived of +his sword and therefore without power to exercise any military command +pending his trial. Since it was considered indecorous in an officer +under arrest to appear at public places, it would be impossible for him +to accompany her to the home of the Shippens on Friday evening.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> This +caused him the greater concern, yet his word of honor obliged him to +await either the issue of his trial or his enlargement by the proper +authority.</p> + +<p>He bade her be of good cheer and asked a remembrance in her prayers, +assuring her she would be ever present in his thoughts. Since he was +allowed the use of his personal liberty, he would soon make use of a +favorable opportunity to pay her a call. Until then, he could tell her +no more, save the desire to have her attend the party and to enjoy +herself to the utmost.</p> + +<p>From the moment of her receipt of this letter, she had rehearsed the +incidents therein narrated over and over again. Go where she would her +thought followed her as instinctively as the homeward trail of the bee. +Reflection possessed her and she was lost in the intricate maze of the +world of fancy.</p> + +<p>To follow mere instinct does not beseem a man, yet for woman this +faculty is the height of reason and will be trusted by her to the very +end. Marjorie's instinct told her that all would not be well with +Stephen, notwithstanding his place of honor on the staff of the +Commander-in-chief, to whom he might readily appeal should the occasion +require. The charge was of minor consequence, and could under ordinary +circumstances be dismissed; but it would not be dismissed. He would be +tried, found guilty, and sentenced. A consummation too horrible for +thought!</p> + +<p>She could not enjoy herself at Peggy's function, that she knew. But she +must attend, if for no other reason than for appearance. The strange +regard for this officer, which she had discovered to be growing daily in +intensity and depth, had been brought to definite realization by the +sudden crisis in Stephen's fortunes. The sudden revelation of this truth +from which she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> was wont to recoil with petulant diffidence alarmed her +not a little. She must not allow herself to be perturbed over this +incident, and no one, not even her mother, must ever be permitted to +detect the slightest concern on her part.</p> + +<p>"You seem unusually preoccupied this evening, Mistress Allison," +remarked Mr. Anderson as he led her to one side of the room at the +conclusion of the dance.</p> + +<p>Marjorie started. She could feel herself coloring into a deep scarlet, +which endured the more as she strove desperately to retain her natural +composure.</p> + +<p>"I? Why? No! Did I appear absent-minded?"</p> + +<p>"As if sojourning in some far off land."</p> + +<p>She thought for a moment.</p> + +<p>"We all inhabit dream countries."</p> + +<p>"True. We do. And there is no swifter vehicle to that fair land than an +inattentive companion."</p> + +<p>"You mean——"</p> + +<p>"That I am entirely at fault for allowing you to wander there."</p> + +<p>"You are unkind to yourself to say that."</p> + +<p>"I vow I mean it."</p> + +<p>They neared the settee into which he gallantly assisted her. She made +room for him by drawing back the folds of her gown.</p> + +<p>"Have you ever had a miniature made?" he asked of her.</p> + +<p>"Never. I scarce gave it a thought," she replied nonchalantly.</p> + +<p>"In that gown, you would make a perfect picture."</p> + +<p>"Couldst thou paint it?" she asked quickly with the attitude of one who +has proposed an impossible question.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p><p>"Aye, and willingly, would I," he smartly replied.</p> + +<p>"I should love to see it. I should scarce know mine own face."</p> + +<p>She regarded the subject with ridicule, observing as she spoke the end +of the sash with which her fingers had been fumbling.</p> + +<p>"You shall see it as it is with no artful flattery to disfigure it. May +I bring it in person? The post-rider's bag is too unworthy a messenger."</p> + +<p>"Lud! I shall be unable to restrain my curiosity and await the carrier."</p> + +<p>"Then I shall be the carrier."</p> + +<p>"Nothing would afford me more pleasure."</p> + +<p>Neither of the two spoke for a moment.</p> + +<p>She wondered if she were imprudent. While she had not known this man +before this evening, still she knew of him as the one who took part in +the disturbance at the Coffee House.</p> + +<p>He seemed unusually attentive to her, although not unpleasantly so, and +innocently enough the question presented itself to her as to the import +of his motives. He had sought no information nor did he disclose any +concerning himself, for at no time did their conversation arise to any +plane above the commonplace. Yet she was willing to see him again and to +discover, if possible, the true state of his mind.</p> + +<p>Stephen, she knew, would approve of her action; not only because of the +personal satisfaction which might be derived therefrom, but also because +of the possibilities which such a meeting might unfold. That Anderson +was prompted by some ulterior motive and that he was not attracted so +much by her charms as by the desire of seeking some advantage, she was +keen enough to sense. Just what this quest might lead to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> could not be +fathomed, yet it presented at all hazards a situation worthy of more +than a passing notice.</p> + +<p>She mistrusted General Arnold, a mere opinion it was true, for she +possessed no evidence to warrant even a suspicion, yet something about +the man created within her heart a great want of confidence and +reliance. He was supremely overbearing and unusually sensitive. This, +together with his vaulting ambition and love of display,—traits which +even the merest novice could not fail to observe,—might render him +capable of the most brilliant achievements, such as his exploits before +the walls of Quebec and on the field of Saratoga, or of unwise and +wholly irresponsible actions, of some of which, although of minor +consequence, he had been guilty during the past few months. He disliked +her form of religious worship, and she strongly suspected this was the +reason he so openly opposed the alliance with the French. She regarded +this prejudice as a sad misfortune in a man of authority. His judgments +were liable to be clouded and unfair.</p> + +<p>She knew Peggy like a book and she could easily imagine the influence +such a girl could exert, as a wife, on a man so constituted. Peggy's +social ambition and her marked passion for display and domination, +traits no less apparent in her than in her mother, would lead her to +view the overtures of her impetuous suitor with favor, notwithstanding +the fact that he was almost double her own age. As his wife she would +attain a social prestige. She was a Tory at heart, and he evidenced at +sundry times the same inclinations. She was a Quaker, while he belonged +to the religion of His Majesty, the King; nevertheless, both agreed in +this, that the miserable Papists were an ambitious and crafty lot, who +were bent on obtaining an early and complete<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> mastery over this country. +The pair were well mated in many respects, thought Marjorie, the +disparity in their ages was all that would render the match at all +irregular, although Peggy's more resolute will and intense ambition +would make her the dominant member of the alliance. Little as the +General suspected it, Marjorie thought, he was slowly, though surely, +being encircled in the web which Peggy and her artful mother were +industriously spinning about him.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>Marjorie and Anderson sat conversing long and earnestly. Several dances +were announced and engaged in, with little or no manifest attention on +their part, so engrossed were they in the matter of more serious import. +At length they deserted their vantage ground for the more open and +crowded room, pausing before Peggy and the General, who were sheltered +near the entrance.</p> + +<p>"Heigho, John!" exclaimed His Excellency upon their approach, "what +strange absconding is this? Have a care, my boy, lest you have to answer +to Captain Meagher."</p> + +<p>Marjorie felt the gaze of the group full upon her. She flushed a little.</p> + +<p>"Little or no danger, nor cause alleged," she laughed.</p> + +<p>"Captain Meagher!" recollected Anderson, "does he excel?"</p> + +<p>"I scarce know," replied Marjorie. "I have met him not over thrice in my +life."</p> + +<p>"Once is quite sufficient," said the General. "First impressions often +endure. But stay. Draw your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> chairs. I was only saying that I may be +required to leave here shortly."</p> + +<p>"You have been transferred?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"No! But I have written to Washington begging for a command in the navy. +My wounds are in a fair way and less painful than usual, though there is +little prospect of my being able to be in the field for a considerable +time."</p> + +<p>They sat down as requested, opposite Peggy and the General.</p> + +<p>"But, General, have you not taken us into your consideration?" asked +Anderson.</p> + +<p>"I have, yet the criticism is becoming unendurable. Of course you have +heard that matters have already become strained between the civil +government and myself. Only last week my head aide-de-camp sent for a +barber who was attached to a neighboring regiment, using as a messenger +the orderly whom I had stationed at the door. For this trifling order +there has been aroused a hornet's nest."</p> + +<p>"Wherein lay the fault?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"In this. It appears from a letter which I have already received from +the father of the sergeant (Matlack is his name, to be exact) that the +boy was hurt by the order itself and the manner of it, and as a freeman +would not submit to such an indignity as to summon a barber for the aide +of a commanding officer. We have a proud, stubborn people to rule, who +are no more fitted for self-government than the Irish——"</p> + +<p>He stopped short.</p> + +<p>Marjorie bit her lip. "I wish, General, you would withdraw your +comparison. It is painful to me."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, Mistress Allison. As a matter of fact I hardly knew what I +had said. I do withdraw it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p><p>"Thank you so much."</p> + +<p>Then he went on.</p> + +<p>"These Americans are not only ungrateful, but stupidly arrogant. What +comparison can be drawn between this dullard, Matlack, whose feelings as +a citizen were hurt by an order of an aide-de-camp, and I, when I was +obliged to serve a whole campaign under the command of a gentleman who +was not known as a soldier until I had been some time a brigadier. My +feelings had to be sacrificed to the interest of my country. Does not +the fool know that I became a soldier and bear the marks upon me, to +vindicate the rights of citizens?"</p> + +<p>He talked rapidly, yet impassionately. It was plain, however, that he +was seriously annoyed over the turn of events, on which subject he +conversed with his whole being. He made gestures with violence. His face +became livid. His attitude was menacing.</p> + +<p>"On my arrival here, my very first act was condemned. It became my duty, +because of sealed orders from the Commander-in-chief, who enclosed a +resolution adopted by Congress, to close the shops. From the day, +censure was directed against me. I was not the instigator of it. Yet I +was all to blame."</p> + +<p>He sat up with his hands on his knees, looking fiercely into the next +room.</p> + +<p>"I would not feel so bitter, your Excellency," volunteered Anderson. +"Military orders, however necessary, always seem oppressive to civilians +and shopkeepers."</p> + +<p>"I have labored well for the cause, and my reward has been this. I took +Ticonderoga, although Allen got the credit for it. I would have taken +Canada, if Congress had not blundered. I saved Lake Champlain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> with my +flotilla,—a fleet that lived to no better purpose nor died more +gloriously,—and for this I got no promotion, nor did I expect one. I +won at Ridgefield and received a Major-Generalship, only to find myself +outranked by five others. At Saratoga I was without a command, yet I +succeeded in defeating an army. For that service I was accused of being +drunk by the general in command, who, for his service, received a gold +medal with a vote of thanks from Congress, while I—well, the people +gave me their applause; Congress gave me a horse, but what I prize more +than all,—these sword knots," he took hold of them as he spoke, "a +personal offering from the Commander-in-chief. I gave my all. I received +a few empty honors and the ingratitude of a jealous people."</p> + +<p>He paused.</p> + +<p>"General," began Marjorie, "you know the people still worship you and +they do want you for their popular leader."</p> + +<p>"I know differently," he snapped back. "I have already petitioned +Congress for a grant of land in western New York, where I intend to lead +the kind of life led by my friend Schuyler in Livingston, or the Van +Renssalaers and other country gentlemen. My ambition now is to be a good +citizen, for I intend never to draw a sword on the American side."</p> + +<p>He again grew silent.</p> + +<p>Whether he was sincere in his remarks, and his manner of expression +seemingly revealed no other disposition of mind, or was swayed simply by +some unfounded antipathy which caused the image of his aversion to +become a sort of hallucination, Marjorie could not decide. She knew him +to be impulsive and irrepressible, a man who, because of his deficiency +in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> breadth, scope of intelligence, and strong moral convictions, +invariably formed his opinions in public matter on his personal +feelings. He was a man of moods, admirably suited withal for a command +in the field where bluntness and abruptness of manner could cause him to +rise to an emergency, but wholly unfitted for this reason for a +diplomatic office where the utmost delicacy of tact and nicety of +decision are habitually required.</p> + +<p>She knew, moreover, that he ever bore a fierce grudge towards Congress +for the slights which it had put upon him, and that this intense +feeling, together with his indomitable self-will, had brought him into +conflict with the established civil authority. He was Military Governor +of the city and adjacent countryside, yet there existed an Executive +Council of Pennsylvania for the care of the state, and the line of +demarcation between the two powers never had been clearly drawn. +Accordingly there soon arose many occasions for dispute, which a more +even-tempered man would have had the foresight to avoid. His point of +view was narrow, not only in affairs civil and political, but it must be +said, in social and religious as well. Of all commanders, he was the +most unsuited for the task.</p> + +<p>Furthermore she knew that he was becoming decidedly more unpopular each +day, not only because of the extravagance in his manner of living, but +also because of his too frequent association with the Tory element of +the city. While the British had held the city many of the more +aristocratic inhabitants had given them active aid and encouragement, +much to the displeasure of the more loyal though less important lower +class. Consequently when the days of the evacuation had come and the +city had settled down once again<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> to its former style of living, many of +the Tory element were compelled to leave town while those who had +remained behind were practically proscribed. Small wonder was it that +indignation ran riot when the first Military Governor openly cast his +lot with the enemies of the cause and consorted with them freely and +frequently.</p> + +<p>It was entirely possible that he would abide by his decision to resign +all public office and retire to private life, notwithstanding the fact +that he already had at this same moment despatched a letter to General +Washington requesting a command in the navy. But she read him +differently and found herself surprised to learn of his intended +withdrawal, for his very nature seemed to indicate that he would fight +his cause to the bitter end, and that end one of personal satisfaction +and revenge.</p> + +<p>Several of the guests prepared to depart. The little group disbanded as +Peggy made her way to their side.</p> + +<p>Marjorie and John Anderson lost each other for the first time in the +mêlée which ensued.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>"Perhaps I ought to return," Marjorie muttered to herself, now that she +was quite alone. "I am sure that he dropped something."</p> + +<p>And she began to retrace her steps.</p> + +<p>She felt positive that she saw General Arnold accidentally dislodge what +appeared to be a folded note from his belt when he took hold of the +sword knots in the course of his conversation. Very likely it was a +report of some nature, which had been hurriedly thrust into his belt +during some more preoccupied <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>moment. At any rate it might be safer in +her hands than to be left to some less interested person. She would +investigate at any rate and resolve her doubts.</p> + +<p>Sure enough, there it was. Just behind the armchair in which he had been +seated but a few moments before. None of the others had observed it, she +thought, for she alone was in a position, a little to his left, to +notice it, when it had become loosed.</p> + +<p>She picked it up and regarded it carelessly, nervously, peering the +while into the great room beyond to discover, if possible, an +eye-witness to her secret. From its appearance it was no more than a +friendly communication written on conventional letter paper. It was +unsealed, or rather the seal had been broken and from the wrinkled +condition of the paper gave evidence of not a little handling. It +belonged to Peggy. There was no doubt about that, for there was her name +in heavy bold script on the outside.</p> + +<p>She balanced it in her hand, weighing, at the same time, within her +mind, one or two possibilities. She might read it and then, if the +matter required it, return it immediately to His Excellency with an +explanation. Yet it would smack of dishonor to read the private +correspondence of another without a sufficiently grave reason. It +belonged to Peggy, who, in all probability, had been acquainting the +General with its contents as Mr. Anderson and herself intruded upon the +scene. She therefore resolved to return it unread.</p> + +<p>Hastily folding it, she stuck it into her bodice, and made her way into +the room where she became lost among the guests. There would be time +enough when the formalities of the departure were over, when Peggy was +less occupied, to hand it her. She would wait at any rate until later in +the evening.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>But she did not return the paper. For with the commotion of the guests +in the several orders of their going, a serious business of felicitation +and devoir was demanded alongside of which all other matters only served +as distractions. Consequently, the note once placed within her bodice, +all thought of it vanished for the remainder of the evening.</p> + +<p>Only when she had returned home that night, fatigued and almost +disgusted with the perfunctory performances of the evening, did she +discover it, and then not until she was about to remove the garment +within whose folds it lay concealed. It fell to the ground; she stooped +to pick it up.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear! I quite forgot it. I must attend to it the first thing in the +morning."</p> + +<p>And she placed it on the dresser where it could not escape her eye. Then +she retired.</p> + +<p>But she did not sleep. There she lay wide awake tossing nervously to and +fro. She tried to close her eyes only to find them wandering about the +room in the obscure dimness, focusing themselves now on the old mahogany +dresser, now on the little prie-Dieu against the inner wall with the +small ivory crucifix outlined faintly above it, now on the chintz +hangings that covered the window. She could hear her heart, pounding its +great weight of bitterness against the pillow;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> and as she listened she +thought of Stephen's arrest and of its thousand and one horrible +consequences. She tried to congratulate herself on her sweet serenity +and the serenity only mocked her and anticipation loomed as fiercely as +before.</p> + +<p>The next she knew was a quiet awakening, as if her mother's hand had +been put gently on her arm. Outside ten thousand light leaves shivered +gently and the birds were calling to one another in melodious tones. +This was her first glimpse of the day and it sent her suddenly to her +knees.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>Stephen came late that afternoon. He had not been expected; yet she was +happy because he came. She had done little that day; had not left the +house, nor dressed for the occasion. The note was where she had left it, +and all reference to it buried with her thoughts of the evening.</p> + +<p>"I cannot yet tell how it has been decided. They went into executive +session at once."</p> + +<p>"But,... Surely,... They could not find you guilty?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, well."</p> + +<p>"Please.... Won't you tell me?"</p> + +<p>"There is little to tell. It was very brief."</p> + +<p>He could not become enthusiastic.</p> + +<p>"Then you were put to trial?" she asked with an apprehension uncertain +in quality.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Go on. Tell me."</p> + +<p>He was silent. He desired to withhold nothing from her, yet he could not +find the words he wanted.</p> + +<p>"What happened?" She was persistent.</p> + +<p>"Well.... I don't know.... I soured on the whole<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> proceeding. The +court-martial met, the Regimental Court Martial, with three members. +This was permissible. They began, reading the charge as preferred by +Colonel Forrest, which was to the effect that I had been guilty of +striking my superior officer, Colonel Forrest, by attempting to choke +him. To this was added the accusation of abusive, threatening language +as well as a threat of murder. I, of course, pleaded not guilty; nor did +I prepare any defense. The affair was so trivial that I was surprised +that it ever had been brought to trial."</p> + +<p>"How long did the proceedings last?"</p> + +<p>"They were very brief. Several witnesses were examined, the chief one +being Mr. Anderson."</p> + +<p>"I know him," remarked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"You know him?"</p> + +<p>"I met him last evening at Shippens'."</p> + +<p>"Did he say aught about me?"</p> + +<p>"Not a word."</p> + +<p>"Well, he appeared against me. After a few more preliminary questions I +was put on the stand in my own defense. I told briefly the circumstances +which led to the incident (I would not call it an assault, for I +continually maintained it to be of a trivial nature and worthy only of +an explanation). I told how the Colonel had used certain derogatory +remarks against the faith that I believed and practiced, which +occasioned a violent argument. This, I think, was the great mistake I +made, for it appeared to make an unfavorable impression upon the Court. +In this respect they were unquestionably on the side of Forrest. Then I +related the remark incident to my action, and announced that I would +repeat the deed under similar circumstances were the same disrespectful +language<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> directed against the Commander-in-chief. This, I fear, made +little impression either since I was already attached to the staff of +General Washington. And a jealous rival general was about to decide my +guilt. That ended it. I was excused and the Court adjourned."</p> + +<p>He paused.</p> + +<p>"For these reasons I have serious misgivings as to my fate."</p> + +<p>"What can happen to you?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know. It may result in a suspension, and it may result in a +verdict of 'not guilty.'"</p> + +<p>"Will you know very soon?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be summoned before them."</p> + +<p>Neither spoke for a time.</p> + +<p>"Do you know," observed Marjorie, "I greatly mistrust General Arnold and +I fear that he already has decided against you."</p> + +<p>"What causes you to say that?"</p> + +<p>"Well ... I don't know ... I just think it. While listening to him last +evening I drew that impression."</p> + +<p>"Did he say anything against us?"</p> + +<p>"He is enraged at Congress and he has long felt persecuted and insulted +by the people. He desires a command in the navy and has already written +Washington to that effect; and again he would petition Congress for a +grant of land in New York where he would retire to private life, for he +vows he never will again draw sword on the American side."</p> + +<p>"Did he say this?" asked Stephen.</p> + +<p>"He did."</p> + +<p>"Do you think that he was sincere?"</p> + +<p>"I really do. He talked with all the earnestness of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> a man of +conviction. Somehow or other I greatly mistrust him. And he is extremely +bigoted."</p> + +<p>"I rather suspect this, although I have had no proofs of it. If he is, +it will out very soon."</p> + +<p>"And you may be assured, too, that he will have an able adjutant in +Peggy. She is his counterpart in every particular."</p> + +<p>He looked at her as she spoke, and was amazed by the excitement in her +face. She talked excitedly; her eyes, those large vivacious brown eyes +that looked out of her pretty oval face, were alight, and her face had +gone pale.</p> + +<p>"I was interested in them last evening and with the apparent zeal +displayed by Peggy's mother in favor of the match. I would not be +surprised to hear of an announcement from that source at any time."</p> + +<p>"Has it reached that stage?"</p> + +<p>"Most assuredly! I decided that they already are on terms of intimacy +where secrets now obtain a common value."</p> + +<p>"You think that?"</p> + +<p>"Well.... I do.... Yes. I know, for instance that he had a letter in his +possession which was addressed to her, which letter had its origin in +New York."</p> + +<p>"How came he by it?"</p> + +<p>"She must have given it to him. I have it now."</p> + +<p>"You have it?"</p> + +<p>He sat up very much surprised.</p> + +<p>"Where did you get it?"</p> + +<p>"I found it."</p> + +<p>"Did you read it?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p><p>She smiled at him, and at his great perplexity over the apparent +mystery.</p> + +<p>And then she told him of the little party; of herself and Mr. Anderson, +and their intrusion upon General Arnold and Peggy; of their conversation +and the falling of the note; of her subsequent return for it together +with the placing of it within her bodice and the state of temporary +oblivion into which the incident finally had lapsed.</p> + +<p>"You have that letter now?" he asked with no attempt to conceal his +anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Upstairs."</p> + +<p>"May I see it? Really I would not ask this did I not think it quite +important."</p> + +<p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>She left to fetch it.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>"Who is this man, Anderson?" Stephen asked upon her return. "Do you know +him?"</p> + +<p>"No. But he is very engaging. He was my partner during the evening."</p> + +<p>She did not deem it wise to tell him everything, at least not at this +time.</p> + +<p>"How long have you known him?" he inquired impatiently.</p> + +<p>She smiled sweetly at him.</p> + +<p>"Since last night," was the brief response.</p> + +<p>"Where did he come from?"</p> + +<p>"I scarce know. You yourself mentioned his name for the first time to +me. I was greatly surprised when presented to him last night."</p> + +<p>"Did he come with General Arnold's party, or is he a friend of Peggy's?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think Peggy knew him before, although<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> she may have met him +with some of the officers before last evening. I should imagine from +what you already know that he is acquainted with the Governor's party +and through them received an invitation to be present.</p> + +<p>"Did he say aught of himself?"</p> + +<p>"Scarcely a thing. He has not been a resident of the city for any length +of time, but where he originated, or what he purposes, I did not learn. +I rather like him. He is well-mannered, refined and richly talented."</p> + +<p>"I sensed immediately that he was endowed with engaging personal +qualities, and gifted with more than ordinary abilities," Stephen +commented. "I have yet to learn his history, which is one of my duties, +notwithstanding the unfortunate state of affairs which has lately come +to pass."</p> + +<p>He stopped and took the letter which she held out to him. He opened it +and read it carefully. Then he deliberately read it again.</p> + +<p>"You say no one knows of this?"</p> + +<p>"I am quite sure. Certainly no one saw me find it, although I am not +certain that I alone saw it fall."</p> + +<p>"You are sure that it was in the Governor's possession?"</p> + +<p>"Quite. I saw it distinctly in his belt. I saw it fall to the ground +when he caught hold of the sword knots."</p> + +<p>He leaned forward and reflected for a moment with his eyes intent on the +note which he held opened before him. Suddenly he sat back in his chair +and looked straight at her.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie," he said, "you promised to be of whatever assistance you +could. Do you recall that promise?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p><p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>"Will you lend your assistance to me now?"</p> + +<p>She hesitated, wondering to what extent the demand might be made.</p> + +<p>"Are you unwilling?" he asked, for he perceived her timid misgiving.</p> + +<p>"No. What is it you want me to do?"</p> + +<p>"Simply this. Let me have this note."</p> + +<p>She deliberated.</p> + +<p>"Would not that be unfair to Peggy?"</p> + +<p>She feared that her sense of justice was being violated.</p> + +<p>"She does not know that you have it."</p> + +<p>"But I mean to tell her."</p> + +<p>"Please!... Well!... Well!... Need you do that immediately? Could you +not let me have it for a few days? I shall return it to you. You can +then take it to her."</p> + +<p>"You will let no one see it?"</p> + +<p>"Absolutely!"</p> + +<p>"Very well. And you will return it to me?"</p> + +<p>"I promise."</p> + +<p>And so it was agreed that Stephen should take the letter with him, which +he promised to return together with the earliest news of the result of +his court-martial.</p> + +<p>He stood up.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>Stephen came out the little white gate closing it very deliberately +behind him and immediately set off at a brisk pace down the street. +Every fiber within him thrilled with energy. The road was dusty and hot, +and his pace grew very strenuous and fervent. There<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> was no breeze; +there was no sound of wheels; all was quiet as the bells tolled out the +hour of six. Nevertheless he trudged along with great haste without once +stopping until he had reached the door of his lodgings.</p> + +<p>He turned the key and entered, closing the door behind him and taking +the greatest of care to see that it was properly bolted. Flinging his +hat into a chair as he passed, he went immediately to the table which +served as his desk. While he pulled himself close to it, he reached into +his pocket for the letter. He opened it before him and read it. Then he +sat back and read it again; this time aloud:</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>Co. 13</p> + +<p class="right">Headquarters, New York.<br />15 July, 1778. </p> + +<p>Madame:—I am happy to have this opportunity to once again express my +humble respects to you and to assure you that yourself together with +your generous and hospitable friends are causing us much concern +separated as we are by the duress of a merciless war. We lead a +monotonous life, for outside of the regularities of army life, there is +little to entertain us. Our hearts are torn with pangs of regret as we +recall the golden days of the Mischienza.</p> + +<p>I would I could be of some service to you here, that you may understand +that my protestations of zeal made on former occasions were not without +some degree of sincerity. Let me add, too, that your many friends here +present unite with me in these same sentiments of unaffected and genuine +devotion.</p> + +<p>I beg you to present my best respects to your sisters, to the Misses +Chew, and to Mrs. Shippen and Mrs. Chew.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p><p>I have the honor to be with the greatest regard, Madame, your most +obedient and most humble servant.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">W. Cathcart.</span></p> + +<p>Miss Peggy Shippen,<br />Philadelphia.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>His face was working oddly, as if with mingled perplexity and pleasure; +and he caught his lip in his teeth, as his manner was. What was this +innocent note? Could it be so simple as it appeared? Vague possibilities +passed through his mind.</p> + +<p>The longer he gazed at it the more simple it became, so that he was on +the point of folding it and replacing it in his pocket, sadly +disconcerted at its insignificance. He had hoped that he might have +stumbled across something of real value, not only some secret +information concerning the designs of the enemy, but also some evidence +of an incriminating nature against his own acquaintances in the city.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he thought he saw certain letters dotted over, not entirely +perceptible, yet quite discernible. He turned the paper over. The +reverse was perfectly clear. He held it to the light but nothing +appeared through.</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" he exclaimed softly.</p> + +<p>He looked closely again. Sure enough there were faint markings on +several of the letters. The "H" was marked. So with the "V" in "have," +and the "A" and the "L." Snatching a pencil and a sheet of paper he made +a list of the letters so marked.</p> + +<p class="center">HVANLADERIIGAERODIRCUTN</p> + +<p>This meant nothing. That was apparent; nor could he make sense out of +any combination of letters. He knew that there were certain codes +whereby the two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> progressions, arithmetical and geometric were employed +in their composition, but this seemingly answered to none of them. He +went over the list again, comparing them with the marked letters as +found in the note. Yes, they were identical. He had copied them +faithfully.</p> + +<p>He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.</p> + +<p>"So this was sent to Peggy from New York," he muttered to himself. "I +strongly suspected that she was in communication with her British +friends, although I never came in contact with the slightest evidence. +This certainly proves it."</p> + +<p>He held the letter at a distance from him, attentively surveying it.</p> + +<p>"And General Arnold has been interested, too. Very likely, Marjorie's +hypothesis is the true one. They had been reading the note when the +newcomers arrived on the scene and the General stuck it in his belt +until their greetings had been ended. Neither of them now know of its +whereabouts; that much is certain."</p> + +<p>He stood up suddenly and strode about the room, his hands clasped behind +him. Going to the window, he peered out through the small panes of glass +of the uncurtained upper half. There burned the light across the dusk—a +patch of jeweled color in the far off western sky. Yet it awakened no +emotion at all.</p> + +<p>His mind was engaged in the most intricate process of thought. He +deduced a hundred conclusions and rejected them with equal promptitude. +He greatly admired General Arnold as the bravest leader in the line, +whose courage, whose heroism, whose fearlessness had brought him signal +successes. There was no more popular soldier in the army, nor one more +capable of more effective service. To have his career clogged or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> goaded +by a woman, who when she either loves or hates will dare anything, would +be a dreadful calamity. Yet it seemed as if he had surrendered his +better self.</p> + +<p>This man Anderson puzzled him. Personally he was disposed to dislike +him, that being the logical effect of his relations with him. At the +Coffee House, where he had met him, and where he had suffered his better +judgment to become dormant, it was this man who had brought him to the +pitch of irritation by means of a religious argument, while at the trial +it was the same Anderson who appeared as an excellent witness and who by +his clever, deliberate and self-possessed manner, made a strong point +for the Colonel in the minds of the court.</p> + +<p>What was his origin? That he might never know, for of all subjects, this +was the most artfully avoided. In the capacity of a civilian he was +engaged in no fixed occupation so far as could be learned, and it was +commonly known that he was a frequent visitor at the Governor's mansion. +That he did not belong to the service, he knew very well, unless the man +was affecting a disguise; this, however, he thought highly improbable. +The French Alliance had been further confirmed by the arrival of the +fleet, which brought many strangers to the city. Now as he thought of +it, he had a certain manner about him somewhat characteristic of the +French people, and it was entirely possible that he might have +disembarked with the French visitors. He was a mystery anyhow.</p> + +<p>"Strange I should stumble across this chap," he mumbled to himself.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>He awoke with a start.</p> + +<p>Just what the hour was, he could not know, for it was intensely dark. He +reckoned that it could not be long after midnight, for it seemed as if +he had scarcely fallen asleep. But there was a wonderful burst of light +to his mind, a complete clarity of thought into which often those do +awake who have fallen asleep in a state of great mental conflict. He +opened his eyes and, as it were, beheld all that he was about to do; +there was also a very vivid memory of his experience of the evening.</p> + +<p>He arose hurriedly and struck a light. He seized the letter in search of +the momentous something that had dawned upon him with wonderful +intensity.</p> + +<p>"Company Thirteen," he remarked with deliberate emphasis. "That must be +the key."</p> + +<p>And seizing a paper he wrote the order of letters which he had copied +from the note a few hours before.</p> + +<p class="center">HVANLADERIIG</p> + +<p>He stopped at the thirteenth, and began a second line immediately under +the line he had just written.</p> + +<p class="center">AERODIRCUTN</p> + +<p>It inserted perfectly when read up and down beginning with the letter +"H". He completed the sentence.</p> + +<p class="center">HAVE ARNOLD AID RECRUITING</p> + +<p>He could not believe his eyes. What did it all mean? What regiment was +this? Why should this be sent from a British officer to Peggy Shippen? +There were mixed considerations here.</p> + +<p>There was a satisfaction, a very great satisfaction,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> in the knowledge +that he was not entirely mistaken in his suspicions concerning Peggy. +She was in communication with the British and perhaps had been for some +time. This fact in itself was perfectly plain. The proof of it lay in +his hand. Whether or not His Excellency was involved in the nefarious +work was another question quite. The mere fact of the note being in his +possession signified nothing, or if anything, no more than a +coincidence. He might have read the note and, at the same time, have +been entirely ignorant of the cipher, or he might have received this +hidden information from the lips of Peggy herself, who undoubtedly had +deciphered it at once.</p> + +<p>Yet what was the meaning of it all? There was no new call for +volunteers, although, Heaven knows, there was an urgent need for them, +the more especially after the severe winter at Valley Forge. Recruits +had become exceedingly scarce, many of whom were already deserting to +the British army at the rate of over a hundred a month while those who +remained were without food or clothing. And when they were paid, they +could buy, only with the greatest difficulty, a single bushel of wheat +from the fruits of their four month's labor. And did it prove to be true +that a new army was about to be recruited, why should the enemy manifest +so much interest? The new set of difficulties into which he was now +involved were more intricate than ever before.</p> + +<p>He extinguished the light and went to bed.</p> + +<p>The next day a number of copies of the New York <i>Gazette</i> and <i>Weekly +Mercury</i> of the issue of July 13, 1778, found their way into the city. +They were found to contain the following advertisement:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<blockquote><p class="center">For the encouragement of all<br />Gentlemen Volunteers,<br /> +Who are willing to serve in his Majesty's Regt. of<br />Roman Catholic Volunteers,</p> + +<p class="center">Commanded by</p> + +<p class="center">Lieut.—Col. Commandant,</p> + +<p class="center">ALFRED CLIFTON</p> + +<p class="center">During the present wanton and unnatural Rebellion,<br />AND NO LONGER,<br /> +The sum of FOUR POUNDS,<br />will be given above the usual Bounty,<br /> +A suit of NEW CLOTHES,<br />And every other necessary to complete a Gentleman soldier.</p> + +<p>Those who are willing to show their attachment to their King and +country by engaging in the above regiment, will call at Captain +M'Kennon, at No. 51, in Cherry-street, near the Ship Yards, NEW +YORK, or at Major John Lynch, encamped at Yellow-Hook, where +they will receive present pay and good quarters.</p> + +<p>N. B.—Any person bringing a well-bodied loyal subject to either +of the above places, shall receive ONE GUINEA for his trouble.</p> + +<p class="center">God Save the King.</p></blockquote> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>It was not until the following Wednesday night that John Anderson was +ready to pay his respects to Mistress Marjorie.</p> + +<p>He had worked on the miniature since Saturday, and had regarded his +finished product with eminent satisfaction. He had drawn her as she +appeared to him on the night of the reception in the pose which he had +best remembered her during the interval when she sat out the dance with +him; her head turned partly towards him, revealing her small oval face +surmounted by a wealth of brown hair, powdered to a gray; her small nose +with just a suggestion of a dilatation lending to the face an expression +of strength that the rest of the countenance only gave color to; the +mouth, firmly set, its lines curving upward, as it should be, to +harmonize with her disposition; the eyes, a soft brown, full of candor +and sincerity, delicately shadowed by slender and arched eyebrows on a +smooth forehead.</p> + +<p>Marjorie could not conceal her enthusiasm as he handed it to her. Unable +to restrain her curiosity, she arose hurriedly and went to the window to +benefit by the less obscure light.</p> + +<p>"Is—am I as pretty as that?" she exclaimed from her vantage point, +without lifting her eyes from the portrait.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p><p>"Only more so," responded Anderson. "My memory poorly served me."</p> + +<p>"Lud!" she remarked, holding it at arms length from her, "'Tis vastly +flattering. I scarce recognize myself."</p> + +<p>She returned to her chair.</p> + +<p>"I swear on my honor, that it fails to do you full justice."</p> + +<p>She continued to study it, paying but little heed to his remark. It was +a water-colored portrait done on ivory of the most delicate workmanship +and design, set in a fine gold case, delicately engraved, the whole +presenting an appearance of beauty, richly colored. She turned it over +and saw the letters J.A.M.A. interlaced over the triplet:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<div>"Hours fly; flowers die;</div> +<div>New days, new ways,</div> +<div>Pass by. Love stays."</div> +</div></div> + +<p>"It is very pretty," was her only comment.</p> + +<p>"Hast no one told thee how well thou might appear in a ball gown?"</p> + +<p>"I ne'er gave thought to such."</p> + +<p>"Nor what an impression thou wouldst make at court?"</p> + +<p>"Hast thou seen court beauties?"</p> + +<p>She resolved to learn more about him.</p> + +<p>"Aye! Oft have I been in their company."</p> + +<p>"At St. James?"</p> + +<p>"No. Much as I would have been pleased to. I know only Versailles."</p> + +<p>So she thought he must be a French nobleman, who like Lafayette had +incurred the royal displeasure by running away from court to fit out a +vessel at his own<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> expense in the hope of furthering the cause of the +Colonists. The great impulse given to the hopes of the disheartened +population by the chivalrous exploit of the latter, the sensation +produced both by his departure from Europe and by his appearance in this +country, might behold a glorious repetition in the person of this +unknown visitor.</p> + +<p>Her interest accordingly grew apace.</p> + +<p>"It was magnanimous of His Majesty to take our cause to his heart. We +can never fail in our gratitude."</p> + +<p>"It is only natural for man to resist oppression. It has been written +that it is only the meek who should possess the land."</p> + +<p>"An ideal which is often badly shattered by the selfish ambitions and +perverse passions of godless men."</p> + +<p>"You are a Catholic?" he asked suddenly.</p> + +<p>"I am proud of it."</p> + +<p>"And your fellow patriots are of the same form of worship?"</p> + +<p>"A goodly proportion of them."</p> + +<p>"How many might you assume?"</p> + +<p>"I scarce know. We have no method of compiling our numbers, not even our +total population."</p> + +<p>"Surely there must be a great percentage, if one considers the influx +from France and England, not to mention Ireland, whence many fled from +persecution."</p> + +<p>"I once heard Father Farmer say that there must be over seven thousand +Catholics in Pennsylvania, while Maryland has about fifteen thousand. +Whatever there remain are much scattered, except of course New York with +its thousand."</p> + +<p>"I never dreamt they were so numerous! So great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> is the spirit of +intolerance, that the wonder is that a single Catholic would remain in +the Colonies."</p> + +<p>"I know it. Formerly Maryland and Pennsylvania were the two only +colonies where Catholics were allowed to reside, and even there were +excluded from any civil or military office. And the time has not yet +arrived for complete religious freedom, though the arrival of the French +fleet with its Catholic army and Catholic chaplains will make a +favorable impression upon our less enlightened oppressors."</p> + +<p>"It seems strange that you should throw in your lot with a people who +prove so intolerant."</p> + +<p>"Father Farmer, our pastor, says that no influence must ever be used +except for the national cause, for we must be quickened by the hope of +better days. He pleads with his people to remain faithful and promises +the undivided sympathy of his fellow priests with their kinsmen in the +struggle. For these reasons I hardly think that many Catholics will +desert our cause."</p> + +<p>"Yet you must know that it was England that bestowed the most liberal +grants to the inhabitants of the Northwest territory."</p> + +<p>"You mean the Quebec Act?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes. And you know that Canada would be allied with you, heart and soul, +were it not for the intolerant spirit of your fellow colonists."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it would."</p> + +<p>"Now, would it not be better——"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to suggest to me that we turn traitor?" she interrupted, +turning full upon him, her eyes flashing with intense feeling.</p> + +<p>"No ... pardon ... I meant no offense.... The fact is I was only +remarking on the sad plight of our co-religionists."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p><p>"I fail to perceive how ill we fare. Our compatriots render us honor, +and as Father Farmer says, 'we may cherish the hope of better days, +which are inevitable.' You must know that one of the signers of the +Declaration of Independence is a Catholic; and that the army and navy +boast of a considerable quota."</p> + +<p>"We are not ungenerous of our service, it seems."</p> + +<p>"Rather are we proud of our efforts. We are proud of the fact that there +has been found among us not one false to his country. We point with +pride to him who was privileged to first read the Declaration of +Independence to the public. We are proud of the composition of +Washington's 'Life Guard'; and we are proud of our mutual friend, whom, +perhaps, you know," and she glanced at him with a merry twinkle, +"Captain Meagher, Washington's aide-de-camp."</p> + +<p>And so they talked. Marjorie became completely absorbed in her subject, +once her religion became the topic, and she almost forgot her game in +regard to her visitor. She desired to appear to the best advantage, +however, for which purpose she talked freely, in the hope of extracting +from him some information concerning himself and his intents. Still, +however, there was another extreme which, though apparently less +dangerous, she must be careful to avoid. The imaginations of men are in +a great measure under the control of their feelings and it was +absolutely necessary for her to refrain from imparting too much +information lest it might deflect from its purpose the very object she +was seeking to obtain.</p> + +<p>There was a subtle influence about him, an adroitness of speech, a +precision of movement which, unless sufficiently safeguarded against, +was insidious. He had the most wonderful way of getting one's +confidence, not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> only by reason of his genial and affable disposition, +but also by his apparent and deliberate sincerity. And while it was true +that she had determined upon a method which was originally intended to +redound to her own advantage, she soon learned that she was playing with +a boomerang which soon put her upon the defensive against the very +strategy which she had herself directly planned.</p> + +<p>He was not sincere in his protestations of admiration; that she +perceived immediately. But she was resolved to let him think that she +believed him in order that she might discover his true intents and +purposes. Her knowledge of human nature was sufficient to enable her to +conclude that one cannot unite the incompatible elements of truth and +deception, the discernment of reality and the enjoyment of fiction for +any great length of time. The reality is bound to appear.</p> + +<p>For this reason she was not disposed to dismiss him at once but rather +to allow him to call and see her frequently, if need be, until she had +been thoroughly satisfied as to his true character. Nevertheless she +sensed, at this very moment, that she was playing with a skillful +adversary, one thoroughly versed in the game of diplomacy, against whom +she would be called upon to employ every manner of weapon at her +command. She realized the weight of the foe, and thought she understood +his tactics. So she accepted the challenge.</p> + +<p>"You are interested in Captain Meagher?" he asked serenely.</p> + +<p>There was a pause. Marjorie looked slightly perturbed.</p> + +<p>"Well," she confessed, "there is this much about him. I chanced to know +the details of the offense with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> which he has been charged and I am +naturally interested to learn the result of his trial."</p> + +<p>"He may be found guilty," he quietly announced.</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that?"</p> + +<p>"The evidence was wholly against him."</p> + +<p>"And there was no testimony to the effect that Colonel Forrest was +somewhat intoxicated, or that he spoke disparaging words against the +Captain's co-religionists, or that he attacked the character of the +Commander-in-chief?"</p> + +<p>"There was to some extent, but it did not seem to make any impression."</p> + +<p>"I presume that you know the reason."</p> + +<p>Her eyes gleamed a little.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>There was a pause.</p> + +<p>"The verdict has not been given. I shall be pleased to inform you of it +at the earliest opportunity."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. I shall be delighted. But let's not talk about it any more," +she added. "Let's leave it."</p> + +<p>Mr. Anderson smiled.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>It was perhaps an hour after dawn that Stephen awoke for about the third +or fourth time that night; for the conflict still surged within him and +would give him no peace. And, as he lay there, awake in an instant, +staring into the brightness of the morn, once more weighing the +mysterious disclosures of the evening, swayed by the desire for action +at one moment, overcome with sadness at the next, the thought of the +impending verdict of his trial occurred at him and made him rise very +hurriedly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p><p>He was an early arrival at Headquarters. There had been several matters +disposed of during the preceding day and the verdicts would be announced +together. The room where the court was being held was already stirring +with commotion; his judge-advocate was there, as was Colonel Forrest, +Mr. Anderson, several members of the General's staff, and Mr. Allison, +who had sought entry to learn the decision. Suddenly a dull solemn +silence settled over all as the members of the court filed slowly into +the room.</p> + +<p>They took their places with their usual dignity, and began to dispose of +the several cases in their turn. When that of Captain Meagher was +reached Stephen was ordered to appear before the court to hear his +sentence.</p> + +<p>He took his place before them with perfect calmness. He observed that +not one of them ventured to meet his eye as he awaited their utterance.</p> + +<p>They found that he was not justified in making the attack upon a +superior officer, notwithstanding the alleged cause for provocation, and +that he was imprudent in his action, yet because of his good character, +as testified to by his superior officers, because of the mitigating +circumstances which had been brought to light by the testimony of the +witnesses during the course of the trial and because the act had been +committed without malice or criminal intent, he was found not guilty of +any violation of the Articles of War, but imprudent in his action, for +which cause he had been sentenced to receive a reprimand from the +Military Governor.</p> + +<p>Stephen spoke not a word to any one as he made his way back to his seat. +Why could they not have given him a clear verdict? Either he was guilty +or he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> not guilty. He could not be misled by the sugary phrases in +which the vote of censure had been couched. The court had been against +him from the start.</p> + +<p>At any rate, he thought, the reprimand would be only a matter of form. +Its execution lay wholly with him who was to administer it. The court +could not, by law, indicate its severity, nor its lenity, nor indeed add +anything in regard to its execution, save to direct that it should be +administered by the commander who convened the court. And while it was +undoubtedly the general intention of the court-martial to impose a mild +punishment, yet the quality of the reprimand was left entirely to the +discretion of the authority commissioned to utter it.</p> + +<p>When Stephen appeared before the Military Governor at the termination of +the business of the day, he was seized with a great fury, one of those +angers which, for a while, poison the air without obscuring the mind. +There was an unkind look on the face of the Governor, which he did not +like and which indicated to him that all would not be pleasant. He bowed +his head in answer to his name.</p> + +<p>"Captain Meagher," the Governor began. "You have been found guilty by +the Regimental Court-Martial of an action which was highly imprudent. +You have been led perhaps by an infatuate zeal in behalf of those, whom +you term your co-religionists, to the committal of an offense upon the +person of your superior officer. It is because of this fact that I find +it my sad duty to reprimand you severely for your misguided ardor and to +admonish you, together with the other members of your sect, of whom an +unfair representation is already found in the halls of our Congress and +in the ranks of our forces, lest similar outbreaks occur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> again. Did you +but know that this eye only lately saw the members of that same Congress +at Mass for the soul of a Roman Catholic in purgatory, and participating +in the rites of a Church against whose anti-Christian corruptions your +pious ancestors would have witnessed with their blood? The army must not +witness similar outbreaks of religious zeal in the future."</p> + +<p>He finished. Stephen left the room without a word, turned on his heel +and made his way down the street.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>Nature is a great restorer when she pours into the gaping wounds of the +jaded system the oil and wine of repose. Divine grace administers the +same narcotic to the soul crushed by torture and anguish. It is then +that tears are dried, and that afflictions and crosses become sweet.</p> + +<p>Desolation, a very lonely desolation, and a deep sense of helplessness +filled the soul of Stephen as he retraced his steps from the court room. +His life seemed a great burden to him, his hopes swallowed up in his +bereavement. If he could but remove his mind from his travail of +disappointments and bitterness, if his soul could only soar aloft in +prayer to the realms of bliss and repose, he might endure this bitter +humiliation. He felt the great need of prayer, humble, submissive +prayer. Oh! If he could only pray!</p> + +<p>He was invisibly directed into the little doorway of St. Joseph's. His +feeling was like that of the storm tossed mariner as he securely steers +for the beacon light. The church was nearly empty, save for a bare +half-dozen people who occupied seats at various <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>intervals. They were +alone in their contemplation, as Catholics are wont to be, before their +God, without beads or prayer-book, intent only upon the Divine Person +concealed within the tabernacle walls, and announced by the flickering +red flame in the little lamp before the altar. Here he felt himself +removed from the world and its affairs, as if enclosed in a strange +parenthesis, set off from all other considerations. And straightway, his +soul was carried off into a calm, pure, lofty region of consolation and +repose.</p> + +<p>To the human soul, prayer is like the beams of light which seem to +connect sun and earth. It raises the soul aloft and transports it to +another and a better world. There basking in the light of the divine +presence it is strengthened to meet the impending conflict. Nothing +escapes the all-seeing eye of God. He only waits for the prayer of his +children eager to grant their requests. Nothing is denied to faith and +love. Neither can measure be set to the divine bounty.</p> + +<p>"Miserere mei, Deus; secundum magnam misericordiam tuam."—"Have mercy +on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy."</p> + +<p>Stephen buried his face in his hands, in an agony of conflict.</p> + +<p>The tone of the Military Governor's reprimand had left no room for +speculation as to his true intents and purposes. Whatever rebuke had +been administered to him was intended for the Catholic population, +otherwise there was no earthly reason for holding up to reprobation the +conduct of the body governing the republic. The mere fact that the +Governor despised the Congress was an unworthy as well as an +insufficient motive for the base attack.</p> + +<p>The humiliated soldier felt incapable of bearing the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> insult without +murmuring, yet he chose to accept it with perfect resignation and +submission. For a time he had fought against it. But in the church he +felt seized by an invisible force. On a sudden this invisible tension +seemed to dissolve like a gray mist, hovering over a lake, and began to +give place to a solemn and tender sweetness.</p> + +<p>"Miserere mei Deus."</p> + +<p>He sought refuge in the arms of God, crying aloud to Him for His mercy. +He would give his soul up to prayer and commit his troubled spirit into +the hands of his intercessors before the throne of Heaven.</p> + +<p>"Accept my punishments for the soul who is about to be released."</p> + +<p>To the souls in Purgatory, then, he poured forth the bitterness of his +heart, offering in their behalf through the intercession of the Virgin +Mary, the cross which had been imposed upon him. The injustice of his +trial which he knew, or thought he knew, had been tempered by the spirit +of intolerance, was brought home to him now in full vigor by the +severity of his reprimand. He did not deserve it, no—he could not force +himself to believe that he did. Still he accepted it generously though +painfully, in behalf of the sufferings of his friends.</p> + +<p>He besought them to pray for him, that he might the more worthily endure +his cross. He prayed for his tormentors that they might be not held +culpable for their error. He entrusted himself entirely into the hands +of his departed ones and renewed with a greater fervor his act of +consecration.</p> + +<p>"I beseech Thee, O my God, to accept and confirm this offering for Thy +honor and the salvation of my soul. Amen."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p><p>He arose from his pew, made a genuflection before the Blessed +Sacrament, pronouncing as he did, "My Lord and My God," crossed himself +with the holy water, and left the church.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>In the meantime an event of rare importance had occurred in the garden +of the Shippen home. There, in the recesses of the tulips sheltered +behind the clustering hydrangeas, Peggy accepted the fervent suit of the +Military Governor and gave him her promise to become his bride. A few +days later the world was informed of the betrothal and nodded its head +in astonishment, and opening its lips, sought relief in many words.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>The wheels of destiny began to turn.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<h2><a name="PART_TWO" id="PART_TWO"></a>PART TWO</h2> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AI" id="CHAPTER_AI"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>It was a hot October day.</p> + +<p>A torrid wave generated somewhere in the far west, and aided by the +prevailing trade winds had swept relentlessly across the country, +reaching the city at a most unusual time. It had not come unheralded, +however, for the sun of yesterday had gone down a blazing red, +illuminating the sky like rays from a mighty furnace, and tinging the +evening landscape with the reddish and purplish hues of an Indian +summer. And what a blanket of humidity accompanied it! Like a cloak it +settled down upon the land, making breathing laborious and driving every +living creature out of doors.</p> + +<p>Jim Cadwalader and his wife sat on the lawn, if the patch of brown grass +to the side of their little house could be termed a lawn, and awaited +the close of the day. Three huge elms, motionless in the still sunshine +and, like all motionless things, adding to the stillness, afforded a +canopy against the burning rays of the sun. What mattered it that the +cool shaded air was infested with mosquitoes and house-flies or that the +coarse grass was uneven and unkempt, from the low mounds which ran all +over it or, from the profusion of leaves which had here and there +fluttered down from the great trees. For it must be confessed that +neither Jim nor his wife had found the time for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> proper care of the +premises, or if perchance, they had found the time the inclination +itself had been wanting.</p> + +<p>"Sumthins got t' turn up in sum way 'r other b'fore long. I ain't seen +the sight o' work here in nigh two year."</p> + +<p>"Guess you won't see it fur a while," responded the wife, from her +straight-backed chair, her arms folded, her body erect.</p> + +<p>"Like as not a man 'd starve t' death in these here times, with nuthin' +t' do."</p> + +<p>Jim sat with his elbows resting upon his yellow buckskin breeches, his +rough stubby fingers interlocked, his small fiery eyes piercing the +distance beyond the fields.</p> + +<p>"If this business o' war was through with, things 'd git right agin."</p> + +<p>"But it ain't goin' t' be over, let me tell you that."</p> + +<p>They became silent.</p> + +<p>Sad as was their plight, it was no sadder than the plight of many of +their class. The horrors of a protracted war had visited with equal +severity the dwelling places of the rich and the poor. It was not a +question of the provision of the sinews of war; tax had been enacted of +all classes alike. But it did seem as if the angel of poverty had +tarried the longer at the doorposts of the less opulent and had, in +proportion to their indigence, inflicted the greater suffering and +privation. Figuratively speaking, this was the state of affairs with +Jim's house.</p> + +<p>Everything that could stimulate, and everything that could gratify the +propensities of a middle-aged couple, the blessings of health, the daily +round of occupation, the joys of life and the hopes of at length +obtaining possession of a little home, all these and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>contentment of +living, had at once been swept away from Jim Cadwalader and his wife by +the calamities of war. They had lived as many had lived who have no +different excuse to plead for their penury. The wages of their day's +labor had been their sole means of support, and when this source of +income had vanished, nothing was left. In the low and dingy rooms which +they called their home there were no articles of adornment and many +necessary for use were wanting. Sand sprinkled on the floor did duty as +a carpet. There was no glass upon their table; no china on the cupboard; +no prints on the wall. Matches were a treasure and coal was never seen. +Over a fire of broken boxes and barrels, lighted with sparks from the +flint, was cooked a rude meal to be served in pewter dishes. Fresh meat +was rarely tasted—at most but once a week, and then paid for at a +higher price than their scanty means could justly allow.</p> + +<p>"The way things 're goin' a pair o' boots 'll soon cost a man 'most six +hundr' dollars. I heard a man say who 's good at figurin' out these +things, that it now takes forty dollar bills t' make a dollar o' coin. +We can't stand that much longer."</p> + +<p>"Unless a great blow is struck soon," observed Nancy.</p> + +<p>"But it won't be struck. Washington's watchin' Clinton from Morristown. +The Americans are now on the offensive an' Clinton 's busy holdin' New +York. The French 're here an' who knows but they may do somethin'. 'Twas +too bad they missed Howe's army when it left here."</p> + +<p>"Were they here?"</p> + +<p>"They were at the capes when the chase was over. Lord Howe's ships had +gone."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p><p>Again there was silence.</p> + +<p>"I guess Washington can't do much without an army. He has only a handful +an' I heard that the volunteers won't stay. Three thousan' o' them left +t' other day. Can't win a war that way. If they'd only listen to Barry +they'd have a navy now, an' if they want to catch Clinton in New York +they'll need a navy."</p> + +<p>"Is the Captain home?"</p> + +<p>"I saw him t' other day. He is goin' t' Boston t' command the <i>Raleigh</i>, +a thirty-two gunner. But one's no good. He needs a fleet."</p> + +<p>"Thank God! The French have come. Peace is here now."</p> + +<p>"It's money we need more'n soldiers. We can git an army right here if we +could only pay 'em. No one 'll fight fur nuthin'. They're starvin' as +much as us."</p> + +<p>The fact that the hopes of this American couple had suffered a partial +collapse, must be attributed rather to the internal state of affairs +than to the military situation. While it is true that no great military +objective had been gained as a result of the three years of fighting, +yet the odds at the present moment were decidedly on the American side. +Still the country was without anything fit to be called a general +government. The Articles of Confederation, which were intended to +establish a league of friendship between the thirteen states, had not +yet been adopted. The Continental Congress, continuing to decline in +reputation and capacity, provoked a feeling of utter weariness and +intense depression. The energies and resources of the people were +without organization.</p> + +<p>Resources they had. There was also a vigorous and an animated spirit of +patriotism, but there were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> no means of concentrating and utilizing +these assets. It was the general administrative paralysis rather than +any real poverty that tried the souls of the colonists. They heartily +approved of the war; Washington now held a higher place in their hearts +than he had ever held before; peace seemed a certainty the longer the +war endured. But they were weary of the struggle and handicapped by the +internal condition of affairs.</p> + +<p>Jim and his wife typified the members of the poorer class, the class +upon whom the war had descended with all its horror and cruelty and +desolation. Whatever scanty possessions they had, cows, corn, wheat or +flour, had been seized by the foraging parties of the opposing forces, +while their horse and wagon had been impressed into the service of the +British, at the time of the evacuation of the city, to cart away the +stores and provisions. A means of occupation had been denied Jim during +the period of stagnation and what mere existence could now be eked out +depended solely in the tillage of the land upon which he dwelled. +Nevertheless the Cadwaladers maintained their outward cheer and apparent +optimism throughout it all but still they yearned inwardly for the day +when strife would be no more.</p> + +<p>"I can't see as t' how we're goin' to git off eny better when this here +whole thin's over. We're fightin' fur independence, but the peopul don't +want to change their guver'ment; Washington 'll be king when this is +over."</p> + +<p>Jim was ruminating aloud, stripping with his thumb nail the bark from a +small branch which he had picked from the ground.</p> + +<p>"'Twas the Quebec Act th' done it. It was supposed to reëstablish Popery +in Canada, and did by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> right. But th' Americans, and mostly those in New +England who are the worst kind of Dissenters and Whigs got skeered +because they thought the Church o' England or the Church o' Rome 'd be +the next thing established in the Colonies. That's what brought on the +war."</p> + +<p>"We all don't believe that. Some do; but I don't."</p> + +<p>"You don't?" he asked, without lifting his eyes to look at her. "Well +you kin. Wasn't the first thing they did up in New England to rush t' +Canada t' capture the country or else t' form an alliance with it? And +didn't our own Arnold try t' git revenge on it fur not sidin' in with +him by plunderin' th' homes of th' peopul up there and sendin' the goods +back to Ticonderoga?"</p> + +<p>She made no reply, but continued to peer into the distance.</p> + +<p>"And didn't our Congress send a petition to King George t' have 'm +repeal the limits o' Quebec and to the peopul t' tell 'm the English +Guver'ment 'is not authorized to establish a religion fraught with +sanguary 'r impius tenets'? I know 'cause I read it."</p> + +<p>"It makes no diff'rence now. It's over."</p> + +<p>"Well it shows the kind o' peopul here. They're so afreed o' the Pope."</p> + +<p>She waved her hand in a manner of greeting.</p> + +<p>"Who's that?" asked Jim.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie."</p> + +<p>He turned sideways looking over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>Then he stood up.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>That there was more than a grain of truth in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> assertion of Jim +Cadwalader that the war for Independence had, like the great rivers of +the country, many sources, cannot be gainsaid. There were oppressive tax +laws as well as restrictions on popular rights. There were odious +navigation acts together with a host of iniquitous, tyrannical measures +which were destined to arouse the ire of any people however loyal. But +there were religious prejudices which were likewise a moving cause of +the revolt, a moving force upon the minds of the people at large. And +these were utilized and systematized most effectively by the active +malcontents and leaders of the strife.</p> + +<p>The vast majority of the population of the Colonies were Dissenters, +subjects of the crown who disagreed with it in matters of religious +belief and who had emigrated thither to secure a haven where they might +worship their God according to the dictates of their own conscience +rather than at the dictates of a body politic. The Puritans had sought +refuge in Massachusetts and Connecticut where the white spires of their +meeting houses, projecting above the angles of the New England hills, +became indicative of Congregationalism. Roger Williams and the Baptists +found a harbor in Rhode Island. William Penn brought the Quaker colony +to Pennsylvania. Captain Thomas Webb lent active measures to the +establishment of Methodism in New York and in Maryland, while the colony +of Virginia afforded protection to the adherents of the Established +Church. The country was in the main Protestant, save for the vestiges of +Catholicity left by the Franciscan and Jesuit Missionary Fathers, who +penetrated the boundless wastes in an heroic endeavor to plant the seeds +of their faith in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> rich and fertile soil of the new and unexplored +continent.</p> + +<p>Consequently with the passage of the Quebec Act in 1774 a wave of +indignation and passionate apprehension swept the country from the +American Patriots of Boston to the English settlements on the west. That +large and influential members of the Protestant religion were being +assailed and threatened with oppression and that the fear of Popery, +recently reëstablished in Canada, became an incentive for armed +resistance, proved to be motives of great concern. They even reminded +King George of these calamities and emphatically declared themselves +Protestants, faithful to the principles of 1688, faithful to the ideals +of the "Glorious Revolution" against James II, faithful to the House of +Hanover, then seated on the throne.</p> + +<p>"Can a free government possibly exist with the Roman Catholic Church?" +asked John Adams of Thomas Jefferson. This simple question embodied in +concrete form the apprehensions of the country at large, whose +inhabitants had now become firmly convinced that King George, in +granting the Quebec Bill, had become a traitor, had broken his +coronation oath, was a Papist at heart, and was scheming to submit this +country to the unconstitutional power of the English monarch. It was not +so much a contest between peoples as a conflict of principles, political +and religious, the latter of which contributed the active force that +brought on the revolt and gave it power.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>Strange to relate, there came a decided reversal of position after the +formation of the French Alliance. No longer was the Catholic religion +simply tolerated; it was openly professed, and, owing in a great measure +to the unwearied labors of the Dominican and Franciscan friars, made the +utmost progress among all ranks of people. The fault of the Catholic +population was anything but disloyalty, it was found, and their manner +of life, their absolute sincerity in their religious convictions, their +generous and altruistic interest in matters of concern to the public +good, proved irrefutable arguments against the calumnies and +vilifications of earlier days. The Constitutions adopted by the several +states and the laws passed to regulate the new governments show that the +principles of religious freedom and equality had made progress during +the war and were to be incorporated as vital factors in the shaping of +the destinies of the new nation.</p> + +<p>The supreme importance of the French Alliance at this juncture cannot be +overestimated. Coming, as it did, at a time when the depression of the +people had reached the lowest ebb, when the remnant of the army of the +Americans was enduring the severities of the winter season at Valley +Forge, when the enemy was in possession of the fairest part of the +country together with the two most important cities, when Congress could +not pay its bills, nor meet the national debt which alone exceeded forty +million dollars,—when the medium of exchange would not circulate +because of its worthlessness, when private debts could not be collected +and when credit was generally prostrated, the Alliance proved a benefit +of incalculable value to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> struggling nation, not only in the +enormous resources which it supplied to the army but in the general +morale of the people which it made buoyant.</p> + +<p>The capture of Burgoyne and the announcement that Lord North was about +to bring in conciliatory measures furnished convincing proof to France +that the American Alliance was worth having. A treaty was drawn up by +virtue of which the Americans solemnly agreed, in consideration of armed +support to be furnished by France, never to entertain proposals of peace +with Great Britain until their independence should be acknowledged, and +never to conclude a treaty of peace except with the concurrence of their +new ally.</p> + +<p>Large sums of money were at once furnished the American Congress. A +strong force of trained soldiers was sent to act under Washington's +command. A powerful fleet was soon to set sail for American waters and +the French forces at home were directed to cripple the military power of +England and to lock up and neutralize much British energy which would +otherwise be directed against the Americans. Small wonder that a new era +began to dawn for the Colonists!</p> + +<p>When we remember the anti-Catholic spirit of the first years of the +Revolution and consider the freedom of action which came to the +Catholics as a consequence of the French Alliance, another and a +striking phase of its influence is revealed. The Catholic priests +hitherto seen in the colonies had been barely tolerated in the limited +districts where they labored. Now came Catholic chaplains of foreign +embassies; army and navy chaplains celebrating mass with pomp on the +men-of-war and in the camps and cities. The French chaplains were +brought in contact with all classes of the people in all parts of the +country and the masses said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> in the French lines were attended by many +who had never before witnessed a Catholic ceremony. Even Rhode Island, +with a French fleet in her waters, blotted from her statute-book a law +against Catholics.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>"What have we here, Marjorie?" asked Jim as he walked part of the way to +meet her.</p> + +<p>"Just a few ribs of pork. I thought that you might like them."</p> + +<p>She gave Jim the basket and walked over to Mrs. Cadwalader and kissed +her.</p> + +<p>"Heaven bless you, Marjorie," exclaimed Nancy as she took hold of the +girl's hands and held them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you! But it is nothing, I assure you."</p> + +<p>"You kin bet it is," announced Jim as he removed from the basket a long +side of pork. "Look 't that, Nancy." And he held it up for her +observation.</p> + +<p>Marjorie had been accustomed to render some relief to Jim and his wife +since the time when reverses had first visited them. Her good nature, as +well as her consideration of the long friendship which had existed +between the two families, had prompted her to this service. Jim would +never be in want through any fault of hers, yet she was discreet enough +never to proffer any avowed financial assistance. The mode she employed +was that of an occasional visit in which she never failed to bring some +choice morsel for the table.</p> + +<p>"How's the dad?" asked Jim.</p> + +<p>"Extremely well, thank you. He has been talking all day on the failure +of the French to take Newport."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Jim, thoroughly excited. "Has there been news in +town?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p><p>"Haven't you heard? The fleet made an attack."</p> + +<p>"Where? What about it?"</p> + +<p>"They tried to enter New York to destroy the British, but it was found, +I think, that they were too large for the harbor. So they sailed to +Newport to attack the garrison there."</p> + +<p>"Yeh?"</p> + +<p>"General Sullivan operated on the land, and the French troops were about +to disembark to assist him. But then Lord Howe arrived with his fleet +and Count d'Estaing straightway put out to sea to engage him."</p> + +<p>"And thrashed 'm——"</p> + +<p>"No," replied Marjorie. "A great storm came up and each had to save +himself. From the reports Father gave, General Sullivan has been left +alone on the island and may be fortunate if he is enabled to withdraw in +safety."</p> + +<p>"What ails that Count!" exclaimed Jim thoroughly aroused. "I don't think +he's much good."</p> + +<p>"Now don't git excited," interrupted Nancy. "That's you all th' time. +Just wait a bit."</p> + +<p>"Just when we want 'im he leaves us. That's no good."</p> + +<p>"Any more news, girl?"</p> + +<p>"No. Everything is quiet except for the news we received about the +regiment of Catholic volunteers that is being recruited in New York."</p> + +<p>"In New York? Clinton is there."</p> + +<p>"I know it. This is a British regiment."</p> + +<p>"I see. Tryin' t' imitate 'The Congress' Own?"</p> + +<p>"So it seems."</p> + +<p>"And do they think they will git many Cath'lics, or that there 're +enough o' them here?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know," answered Marjorie. "But some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> handbills have appeared +in the city which came from New York."</p> + +<p>"And they want the Cath'lics? What pay are they goin' t' give?"</p> + +<p>"Four pounds."</p> + +<p>"That's a lot o' money nowadays."</p> + +<p>"That is all I know about it. I can't think what success they will have. +We are sure of some loyalists, however."</p> + +<p>"I guess I'll hev to git down town t' see what's goin' on. Things were +quiet fur so long that I stayed pretty well t' home here. What does yur +father think?"</p> + +<p>"He is angry, of course. But he has said little."</p> + +<p>"I never saw anything like it. What'll come next?"</p> + +<p>He folded his arms and crossed his knee.</p> + +<p>An hour later she stood at the gate taking her leave of Jim and Nancy at +the termination of a short but pleasant visit.</p> + +<p>"Keep a stout heart," she was saying to Jim, "for better days are +coming."</p> + +<p>"I know 't, girl. Washington won't fail."</p> + +<p>"He is coming here shortly."</p> + +<p>"To Philadelphia?" asked Nancy.</p> + +<p>"Yes. So he instructed Captain Meagher."</p> + +<p>"I hope he removes Arnold."</p> + +<p>"Hardly. He is a sincere friend to him. He wishes to see Congress."</p> + +<p>"Has he been summon'd?"</p> + +<p>"No! Captain Meagher intimated to me that a letter had been sent to His +Excellency from the former chaplain of Congress, the Rev. Mr. Duche, +complaining that the most respectable characters had withdrawn and were +being succeeded by a great majority of illiberal and violent men. He +cited the fact that Maryland<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> had sent the Catholic Charles Carroll of +Carrollton instead of the Protestant Tilghman."</p> + +<p>"Who is this Duche?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know. But he has since fled to the British. He warmly +counseled the abandonment of Independence."</p> + +<p>"If that's his style, he's no good. Will we see the Gin'ral?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. Then again he may come and go secretly."</p> + +<p>"God help the man," breathed Nancy.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AII" id="CHAPTER_AII"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"Simply a written statement. A public utterance from you denouncing the +Catholics would prove of incalculable value to us."</p> + +<p>John Anderson had been for an hour or more in the company of the +Military Governor. Seemingly great progress had been made in the +recruiting of the regiment, much of which had, of necessity, been +effected in a secret manner, for now the city was under the domination +of the Continental forces. Anderson had made the most of his time and +was in a fair way to report progress for the past month.</p> + +<p>"Don't be a fool, Anderson. You know that it would be the height of +folly for me to make any such statement. I can do no more than I am +doing. How many have you?"</p> + +<p>"Nearly an hundred."</p> + +<p>"There are several miserable Papists in Congress. If they could be +prevailed upon to resign, it would create a considerable impression upon +the minds of the people."</p> + +<p>"I did see Carroll."</p> + +<p>"How did he receive you?"</p> + +<p>"He replied to me that he had entered zealously into the Revolution to +obtain religious as well as civil liberty, and he hoped that God would +grant that this religious liberty would be preserved in these states to +the end of time."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p><p>"Confound him! We cannot reach him, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"So it appears. He is intensely patriotic."</p> + +<p>"You have an hundred, you say? All common folk, I venture. We should +have several influential men."</p> + +<p>"But they cannot be reached. I know well the need of a person of +influence, which thought urged me to ask such a statement from you."</p> + +<p>He looked at him savagely.</p> + +<p>"Do you think I'm a fool?"</p> + +<p>"'The fool knows more in his own house than a wise man does in +another's.' I merely suggest, that is all."</p> + +<p>"My answer is,—absolutely, No!"</p> + +<p>There was silence.</p> + +<p>"I know that Roman Catholic influence is beginning to reveal itself in +the army. Washington is well disposed toward them and they are good +soldiers. Time was when they were less conspicuous; but nowadays every +fool legislature is throwing public offices open to them and soon France +will exercise the same control over these states as she now wields +across the seas."</p> + +<p>"Would you be in league with France?" asked Anderson with a wavering +tremor in his voice.</p> + +<p>"God knows how I detest it! But I have sworn to defend the cause of my +country and I call this shattered limb to witness how well I have spent +myself in her behalf. I once entertained the hope that our efforts would +be crowned with success, nevertheless I must confess that the more +protracted grows the struggle, the more the conviction is forced upon me +that our cause is mistaken, if not entirely wrong, and destined to +perish miserably. Still, I shall not countenance open rebellion. I could +not."</p> + +<p>"You will continue to advise me. I am little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>acquainted with the city, +you know, and it would be difficult for me to avoid dangerous risks."</p> + +<p>Arnold thought for a minute, his features overcast by a scowl which +closed his eyes to the merest chinks.</p> + +<p>"I shall do no more than I have already done. I cannot permit myself to +be entangled. There is too much at stake."</p> + +<p>He was playing a dangerous game, inspirited by no genuine love for +country but by feelings of wounded pride. He was urged on, not through +any fears of personal safety but through misguided intimidations of a +foreign alliance; not because of any genuine desire to aid or abet the +cause of the enemy but to cast suspicion upon a certain unit within his +own ranks. To be deprived of active duty in the field was to his warm +and impulsive nature an ignominious calamity. To learn subsequently of +the appointment of Gates to the second in command, the one general whom +he despised and hated, was more than his irritable temperament could +stand. The American cause now appeared hopeless to him, nevertheless he +entertained no thought of deserting it. He had performed his duty in its +behalf, as his wounded limb often reminded him, and it was only fitting +that he, who alone had destroyed a whole army of the enemy, should be +rewarded with due consideration. Congress had ever been unfriendly to +him and he had resented their action, or their failure to take proper +action, most bitterly. Throughout it all his personal feelings had +guided to a large extent his faculty of judgment, and for that reason he +viewed with mistrust and suspicion every intent and purpose, however +noble or exalted.</p> + +<p>He had been violently opposed to the alliance with France from the +start. It was notorious that he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>abhorred Catholics and all things +Catholic. To take sides with a Catholic and despotic power which had +been a deadly foe to the colonists ten or twenty years before, during +the days of the French and Indian wars, was to his mind a measure at +once unpatriotic and indiscreet. In this also, he had been actuated by +his personal feelings more than by the study of the times. For he +loathed Popery and the thousand and one machinations and atrocities +which he was accustomed to link with the name.</p> + +<p>The idea of forming a regiment of Catholic soldiers interested him not +in the numerical strength which might be afforded the enemy but in the +defection which would be caused to the American side. His scheme lay in +the hope that the Catholic members of Congress would be tempted to +resign. In that event he would obtain evident satisfaction not alone in +the weakness to which the governing body would be exposed but also in +the ill repute to which American Catholics and their protestations of +loyalty would fall.</p> + +<p>Arnold deep down in his own heart knew that his motives were not +unmixed. He could not accuse himself of being outrageously mercenary, +yet he was ashamed to be forced to acknowledge even to himself that the +desire of gain was present to his mind. His debts were enormous. He +entertained in a manner and after a style far in excess of his modest +allowance. His dinners were the most sumptuous in the town; his stable +the finest; his dress the richest. And no wonder that his play, his +table, his balls, his concerts, his banquets had soon exhausted his +fortune. Congress owed him money, his speculations proved unfortunate, +his privateering ventures met with disaster. With debts accumulating and +creditors giving him no peace he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> turned to the gap which he saw opening +before him. This was an opportunity not to be despised.</p> + +<p>"About that little matter—how soon might I be favored?" the Governor +asked, rising from his chair and limping with his cane across the room.</p> + +<p>"You refer to the matter of reimbursements?" Anderson asked +nonchalantly.</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>He gazed from the window with his back turned to his visitor.</p> + +<p>"I shall draw an order for you at once."</p> + +<p>"You shall do nothing of the kind."</p> + +<p>He looked fiercely at him.</p> + +<p>"You are playing a clever game, are you not? But you have to cope now +with a clever adversary."</p> + +<p>He walked deliberately before him, and continued:</p> + +<p>"Anderson," he said, "I want to tell you I know who you are and for what +purpose you have been sent here. I know too by whom you have been sent. +I knew it before you were here twenty-four hours and I want to tell you +now before we continue that we may as well understand each other in a +thorough manner. If you desire my assistance you must pay me well for +it. And it must be in legal tender."</p> + +<p>"Of course—but—but—the truth is that I am in no way prepared to make +any offer now. I can communicate with you in a few days, or a week."</p> + +<p>"Don't come here. You must not be seen here again. Send it to me or +better still meet me."</p> + +<p>"Can you trust the Shippens?"</p> + +<p>"Absolutely."</p> + +<p>"Why not there?"</p> + +<p>"You mean to confer with me there?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p><p>"If it is safe, as you say, where would be more suitable?"</p> + +<p>"True. But I must have some money as soon as possible. The nation is +bankrupt and my pay is long overdue. I cannot, however, persuade the +creditors any longer. I must have money."</p> + +<p>"You shall have it. At Shippen's then."</p> + +<p>He rose and walked directly to the door.</p> + +<p>"Next week."</p> + +<p>He shut the door after him and hurried along the corridor. As he turned +he came face to face with a countenance entirely familiar to him but +momentarily lost to his consciousness by its sudden and unexpected +appearance. In a second, however, he had recovered himself.</p> + +<p>"Captain! I am pleased indeed."</p> + +<p>He put out his hand.</p> + +<p>Stephen thought for a moment. Then he grasped it.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Anderson. What good fortune is this?"</p> + +<p>"Complimentary. Simply paying my respects for kindness rendered."</p> + +<p>"Have a care lest your zeal overwhelm you."</p> + +<p>Anderson colored at the allusion.</p> + +<p>"Thank you. I shall exercise all moderation."</p> + +<p>Stephen watched him as he moved away, deliberating hurriedly on the +advisability of starting after him. Whatever his mission or his purpose, +he would not learn in this house certainly, nor from him nor from Arnold +for that matter. If he was intent on securing information concerning +this man he must do it in a surreptitious manner. There was no other +method of dealing with him, he thought, and in view of such +circumstances he deemed it perfectly legitimate to follow him at a safe +distance.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p><p>The more he thought over it the more readily did he resolve to take +action to the end that he might see more of him. Whatever mischief was +afoot, and he had no more than a mere suspicion that there was mischief +afoot, must reveal itself sooner or later. His object in all probability +had already been accomplished, nevertheless his errand, if he was +engaged on an errand, might be disclosed. He would follow him if for no +other purpose than to learn of his destination.</p> + +<p>Second Street was now astir with a lively procession. There, every day +when business was over, when the bank was closed, when the exchange was +deserted, crowds of seekers came to enjoy the air and to display their +rich garments. There might be found the gentlemen of fashion and of +means, with their great three-cornered cocked hats, resting majestically +upon their profusely powdered hair done up in cues, their light colored +coats, with their diminutive capes and long backs, their striped +stockings, pointed shoes, and lead-laden cuffs, paying homage to the +fair ladies of the town. These, too, were gorgeous in their brocades and +taffetas, luxuriantly displayed over cumbrous hoops, tower-built hats, +adorned with tall feathers, high wooden heels and fine satin petticoats. +It was an imposing picture to behold these gayly dressed damsels gravely +return the salutations of their gallant admirers and courtesy almost to +the ground before them.</p> + +<p>Stephen searched deliberately for his man throughout the length of the +crowded thoroughfare, standing the while on the topmost step of the +Governor's Mansion—that great old-fashioned structure resembling in +many details a fortification, with its two wings like bastions extending +to the rear, its spacious yard <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>enclosed with a high wall and ornamented +with two great rows of lofty pine trees. It was the most stately house +within the confines of the city and, with Christ Church, helped to make +Second Street one of the aristocratic thoroughfares of the town.</p> + +<p>It was with difficulty that Stephen discerned Anderson walking briskly +in the direction of Market Street. He set off immediately, taking care +to keep at a safe distance behind him. He met several acquaintances, to +whom he doffed his hat and returned their afternoon greeting, while he +pursued his quest with lively interest and attention. Market Street was +reached, and here he was obliged to pause near a shop window lest he +might overtake Anderson, who had halted to exchange pleasantries with a +young and attractive couple. On they went again deliberately and +persistently until at length it began to dawn upon Stephen that they +were headed for the Germantown road, and for Allison's house.</p> + +<p>What strange relation was arising between Marjorie and that man? +Anderson was paying marked attention to her, he began to muse to +himself, too much attention perhaps, for one whose whole existence was +clouded with a veil of mystery. Undoubtedly he was meeting with some +encouragement, if not reciprocation (perish the thought!), for he was +persistent in his attention. Yet this man was not without charm. There +was something fascinating about him which even Stephen must confess was +compelling. What if she had been captivated by him, by his engaging +personal qualities, by his prepossessing appearance, by his habit of +gentle speech, by his dignity and his ease of manner! His irritation was +justifiable.</p> + +<p>There was little doubt now as to Anderson's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>destination. Plainly he was +bent on one purpose. The more he walked, the more evident this became. +Stephen would be assured, however, and pursued his way until he had seen +with his own eyes his man turn into Allison's house. And not until then +did he halt. Turning deliberately he began to retrace his steps.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"This looks like the kind of book. Has it the 'Largo'?"</p> + +<p>Anderson sat on the music-stool before the clavichord turning over the +pages of a volume that rested on the rack.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. I scarce think I know what it is. I have never heard it."</p> + +<p>Marjorie was nearby. She had been musing over the keys, letting her +fingers wander where they would, when he had called. He would not +disturb her for all the world, nevertheless he did yield to her +entreaties to take her place on the stool.</p> + +<p>"You have never heard Handel? The 'Largo' or the greatest of all +oratorios, his 'Messiah'?"</p> + +<p>"Never!"</p> + +<p>He did not reply to this. Instead he broke into the opening chords, the +sweetly solemn, majestic harmony of the 'Largo'. He played it entirely +from memory, very slowly, very softly at first, until the measured +notes, swelling into volume, filled the room in a loud arpeggio.</p> + +<p>"That is beautiful," she exclaimed with enthusiasm, "I should have said +'exquisite'. May I learn it?"</p> + +<p>"Surely there must be a copy in the city. I shall consider it a favor to +procure one for you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p><p>"I should be delighted, I am sure."</p> + +<p>He played it again. She regarded him from above. It was astonishing to +note the perfect ease and grace with which he performed. The erect +carriage, the fine cut of the head, the delicately carved features +became the objects of her attention in their inverse order, and the +richly endowed talents, with which he was so signally accomplished, +furnished objects of special consideration to her reflective soul. He +was exceedingly fascinating and a dangerous object to pit against the +heart of any woman. Still Marjorie was shrewd enough to peer beneath his +superficial qualities, allowing herself to become absorbed in a +penetrating study of the man, his character, his peculiarities;—so +absorbed, in fact, that the door behind her opened and closed without +attracting her attention.</p> + +<p>"I must obtain that copy," she announced as she turned towards her +chair.</p> + +<p>"Why, Father!" she exclaimed. "When did you come? Mr. Anderson, Father. +You already know him."</p> + +<p>"Well met, my boy. You are somewhat of a musician. I was listening."</p> + +<p>"Just enough for my own amusement," laughed the younger man. "I know a +few notes."</p> + +<p>"Be not quick to believe him, Father. He plays beautifully."</p> + +<p>Mr. Allison sat down.</p> + +<p>"Accomplishments are useful ornaments. Nowadays a man succeeds best who +can best impress. People want to see one's gifts."</p> + +<p>"The greatest of talents often lie buried. Prosperity thrives on +pretense."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p><p>"True. I'm beginning to think that way myself, the way things 're +going."</p> + +<p>"With the war?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"With everything. I think Congress will fail to realize its boasts, and +Arnold is a huge pretender, and——"</p> + +<p>"He has lost favor with the people."</p> + +<p>"Lost it? He never had it from the day he arrived. People do not like +that sort of thing."</p> + +<p>Anderson watched him intently and Marjorie watched Anderson.</p> + +<p>"He may resign for a command in the army. I have heard it said that he +dislikes his office."</p> + +<p>"Would to God he did! Or else go over to the other side."</p> + +<p>Anderson's head turned—the least little fraction—so that Marjorie +could see the flash light up his eyes.</p> + +<p>"He could not desert the cause now without becoming a traitor."</p> + +<p>A pause followed.</p> + +<p>"Men of lofty patriotism often disagree in the manner of political +action. We have many Loyalists among us."</p> + +<p>"Yet they are not patriots."</p> + +<p>"No! They are not, viewed from our standpoint. But every colony has a +different motive in the war. Now that some have obtained their rights, +they are satisfied with the situation. I don't know but that we would be +as well off if the present state of affairs were allowed to stand."</p> + +<p>"What do the Catholics of the Colonies think?"</p> + +<p>This was a bold question, yet he ventured to ask it.</p> + +<p>"We would fare as well with England as with some of our own," answered +Marjorie decisively.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p><p>Anderson looked at her for a minute.</p> + +<p>"Never!" replied Mr. Allison with emphasis.</p> + +<p>"See how Canada fared," insisted Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Tush!"</p> + +<p>Anderson listened attentively. Here was a division of opinion within the +same family; the father intensely loyal, the daughter somewhat inclined +to analysis. A new light was thrown upon her from this very instant +which afforded him a very evident satisfaction, a very definite and +conscious enjoyment as well. To have discovered this mind of apparent +candor and unaffected breadth was of supreme import to him at this +critical moment. And he felt assured that he had met with a character of +more than ordinary self-determination which might, if tuned properly, +display a capacity for prodigious possibilities, for in human nature he +well knew the chord of self-interest to be ever responsive to adequate +and opportune appeal.</p> + +<p>Marjorie might unconsciously prove advantageous to him. It was essential +for the maturing of his plans to obtain Catholic coöperation. She was a +devout adherent and had been, insofar as he had been able to discover, +an ardent Whig. True, he had but few occasions to study her, +nevertheless today had furnished him with an inkling which gave her +greater breadth in his eyes than he was before conscious of. The remark +just made might indicate that she favored foreign rule in the interest +of religious toleration, yet such a declaration was by no means +decisive. Still he would labor to this end in the hope that she might +ultimately see her way clear to coöperate with him in his designs.</p> + +<p>"We are losing vast numbers through the Alliance," volunteered Anderson.</p> + +<p>"I suppose so," admitted Mr. Allison. "Many of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> the colonists cannot +endure the thought of begging assistance from a great Roman Catholic +power. They fear, perhaps, that France will use the opportunity to +inflict on us the worst form of colonialism and destroy the Protestant +religion."</p> + +<p>"But it isn't the Protestants who are deserting," persisted Anderson. +"The Catholics are not unmindful of the hostile spirit displayed by the +colonists in the early days. They, too, are casting different lots."</p> + +<p>"Not we. Every one of us is a Whig. Some have faltered, but we do not +want them."</p> + +<p>"And yet the reports from New York seem to indicate that the recruiting +there is meeting with success."</p> + +<p>"The Catholic regiment? I'll wager that it never will exist except on +paper. There are no Tories, no falterers, no final deserters among the +American Catholics."</p> + +<p>"What efforts are being made in Philadelphia?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"None—that I know of," was the grave reply. "I did hear, however, that +an opportunity would be given those who are desirous of enlisting in New +York."</p> + +<p>Marjorie sat and watched him.</p> + +<p>"I heard Father Farmer was invited to become its chaplain," observed Mr. +Allison.</p> + +<p>"Did he?"</p> + +<p>"He did not. He told me himself that he wrote a kind letter with a stern +refusal."</p> + +<p>And so they talked; talked into the best part of an hour, now of the +city's activities, now of the Governor, now of the success of the +campaign, until Anderson felt that he had long overstayed his leave.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to leave your company." Then to Marjorie, "At Shippen's +tomorrow?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p><p>"Yes. Will you come for me? If you won't I daresay I shall meet you +there."</p> + +<p>"Of course I shall come. Please await me."</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>That there was a state of pure sensation and of gay existence for +Marjorie in the presence of this man, she knew very well; and while she +felt that she did not care for him, nevertheless she was conscious of a +certain subtle influence about him which she was powerless to define. It +has been said that not all who know their mind know their own heart; for +the heart often perceives and reasons in a manner wholly peculiar to +itself. Marjorie was aware of this and the utmost effort was required of +her to respond solely to the less alluring promptings of her firm will.</p> + +<p>She would allow him to see her again that she might learn more about him +and his strange origin. Stephen had suggested to her the merest +suspicion concerning him. There was the possibility that the germ of +this suspicion might develop,—and in her very presence. The contingency +was certainly equal to the adventure.</p> + +<p>It was not required that she pay a formal call on Peggy. Already had +that been done, immediately after the announcement of the engagement, +when she had come to offer congratulations to the prospective bride upon +her enviable and happy fortune. The note, which again had come into her +possession upon Stephen's return of it, whose contents were still +unknown to her, she had restored to Peggy, together with a full +explanation of its loss and its subsequent discovery. One phase of its +history, however, she had purposely overlooked. It might have proved +embarrassing for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> her to relate how it chanced to fall into the hands of +Stephen. And inasmuch as he had made no comment upon its return, she was +satisfied that the incident was unworthy of the mention.</p> + +<p>Anderson called promptly on the hour and found her waiting. They left +the house at once and by mutual agreement walked the entire distance. +This was preferable, for there was no apparent haste to reach their +destination, and for the present no greater desire throbbed within them +than the company of their own selves. For they talked continually of +themselves and for that reason could never weary of each other's +company.</p> + +<p>The country about them was superb. The fields stood straight in green +and gold on every side of the silvery road. Beside them as they passed, +great trees reared themselves aloft from the greensward, which divided +the road from the footpath, and rustled in the breeze, allowing the +afternoon sunshine to reveal itself in patches and glimpses; and the air +between was a sea of subdued light, resonant with the liquid notes of +the robin and the whistle of the quail, intruders upon the uniform +tranquillity of the hot Sunday afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Does it not strike you that there are but few persons with whom it is +possible to converse seriously?"</p> + +<p>"Seriously?" asked Marjorie. "What do you call seriously?"</p> + +<p>"In an intelligent manner, together with perfect ease and attention."</p> + +<p>"I suppose that this is true on account of the great want of sincerity +among men."</p> + +<p>"That, as well as the impatient desire we possess of intruding our own +thoughts upon our hearer with little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> or no desire of listening to those +which he himself may want to express."</p> + +<p>"We are sincere with no one but ourselves, don't you think? The mere +fact of the entrance of a second person means that we must try to +impress him. You have said that prosperity thrives on pretense."</p> + +<p>"And I repeat it. But with friends all guile and dissimulation ceases. +We often praise the merits of our neighbor in the hope that he in turn +will praise us. Only a few have the humility and the whole-hearted +simplicity to listen well and to answer well. Sincerity to my mind is +often a snare to gain the confidence of others."</p> + +<p>There was depth to his reasoning, Marjorie thought, which was +riddle-like as well. It was amazing to her how well he could talk on any +given topic, naturally, easily, seriously, as the case might be. He +never seemed to assume the mastery of any conversation, nor to talk with +an air of authority on any subject, for he was alive to all topics and +entered into them with the same apparent cleverness and animated +interest.</p> + +<p>He stopped suddenly and exerted a gentle though firm pressure on her +arm, obliging her to halt her steps. Surprised, she turned and looked at +him.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" she asked.</p> + +<p>There was no response. Instead, she looked in the direction of his gaze. +Then she saw.</p> + +<p>A large black snake lay in graceful curves across their path several +rods ahead. Its head was somewhat elevated and rigid. Before it +fluttered a small chickadee in a sort of strange, though powerless +fascination, its wings partly open in a trembling manner, its chirp +noisy and incessant, its movement rapid and nervous,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> as it partly +advanced, partly retreated before its enchanter. Nearer and nearer it +came, with a great scurrying of the feet and wings, towards the +motionless head of the serpent. Until Anderson, picking a stone from the +roadside, threw a well-aimed shot which bounded over the head of the +snake, causing it to turn immediately and crawl into the recesses of the +deep underbrush of the adjoining field. The bird, freed from the source +of its sinister charm, flew out of sight into safety.</p> + +<p>"Thank God!" Marjorie breathed. "I was greatly frightened."</p> + +<p>"Nothing would have saved that bird," was the reply. "It already was +powerless."</p> + +<p>Marjorie did not answer to this, but became very quiet and pensive. They +walked on in silence.</p> + +<p>Nearing the home of Peggy, they beheld General Arnold seated before them +on the spacious veranda in the company of his betrothed. Here was +intrusion with a vengeance, Marjorie thought, but the beaming face and +the welcoming expression soon dispelled her fears.</p> + +<p>"Miss Shippen," Anderson said, as he advanced immediately toward her to +seize her hand, "allow me to offer my tender though tardy +congratulations. It was with the greatest joy that I listened to the +happy announcement."</p> + +<p>"You are most kind, Mr. Anderson, and I thank you for it," was the soft +response.</p> + +<p>"And you, General," said Marjorie. "Let me congratulate you upon your +excellent choice."</p> + +<p>"Rather upon my good fortune," the Governor replied with a generous +smile.</p> + +<p>Peggy blushed at the compliment.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p><p>"How long before we may be enabled to offer similar greetings to you?" +he asked of Mr. Anderson, who was assisting Marjorie into a chair by the +side of Peggy.</p> + +<p>"Oh! Love rules his own kingdom and I am an alien."</p> + +<p>He drew himself near to the Governor and the conversation turned +naturally and generally to the delicious evening. The very atmosphere +thrilled with romance.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AIII" id="CHAPTER_AIII"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>Stephen was sitting in his room, his feet crossed on a foot-rest before +him, his eyes gazing into the side street that opened full before his +window. He had been reading a number of dispatches and letters piled in +a small heap in his lap; but little by little had laid them down again +to allow his mind to run into reflection and study. And so he sat and +smoked.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>It seemed incredible that events of prime importance were transpiring in +the city and that the crisis was so soon upon him. For nearly three +months he had been accumulating, methodically and deliberately, a chain +of incriminating evidence around the Military Governor and John +Anderson, still he was utterly unaware of its amazing scope and +magnitude. Perfidy was at work all around him and he was powerless to +interfere; for the intrigue had yet to reach that point where conviction +could be assured. Nevertheless, he continued to advance step by step +with the events, and sensed keenly the while, the tension which was +beginning to exist but which he could not very well point out.</p> + +<p>He had kept himself fully informed of the progress of affairs in New +York, where the recruiting was being accomplished in an undisguised +manner. The real facts, however, were being adroitly concealed from the +bulk of the populace. Information of a surprising<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> nature had been +forwarded to him from time to time in the form of dispatches and +letters, all of which now lay before him, while a certain Sergeant +Griffin had already been detailed by him to carry out the more hazardous +work of espionage in the city of the enemy. The latter was in a fair way +to report now on the progress of the work and had returned to +Philadelphia for this very purpose.</p> + +<p>Irish Catholics had been found in the British Army at New York, but they +had been impressed into the service. Sergeant Griffin had spoken to many +deserters who avowed that they had been brought to the colonies against +their own will, declaring that they had been "compelled to go on board +the transports where they were chained down to the ring-bolts and fed +with bread and water; several of whom suffered this torture before they +could be made to yield and sign the papers of enlistment." In +confirmation of this declaration, he had in his lap a letter written to +General Washington by Arthur Lee, June 15, 1777, which read: "Every man +of a regiment raised in Ireland last year had to be shipped off tied and +bound, and most certainly they will desert more than any troops +whatsoever." To corroborate this claim he had obtained several +clippings, advertisements that had appeared in the New York newspapers, +offering rewards for the apprehension of Irish soldiers who had deserted +to the rebels.</p> + +<p>The same methods he learned were now being employed in the recruiting of +the Catholic regiment. Blackmail had been resorted to with splendid +results. In several instances enormous debts had been liquidated in +favor of the recruits. Even commissions in the army of His Majesty had +been offered as a bounty. There was success, if the few hundred faces in +the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> ranks could be reckoned as a fair catch, yet the methods of +recruiting did not begin to justify the fewness of the numbers.</p> + +<p>Just how this idea had taken root, he was at a loss to discover. +Certainly not from the disloyalty manifested by the Catholic population +during the war. The exploits of the famous "Congress' Own" Regiments +might, he thought, have contributed much to the enemy's scheme. It was +commonly known that two regiments of Catholics from Canada, raised in +that northern province during the winter of 1775-76, had done valiant +service against the British. A great number of the Canadian population +had welcomed the patriots under Generals Schuyler, Montgomery and Arnold +upon their attempted invasion of the country, and had given much +assistance towards the success of their operations. Inasmuch as many had +sought enlistment in the ranks as volunteers, an opportunity was +furnished them by an act of Congress on January 20, 1776, authorizing +the formation of two Canadian regiments of soldiers to be known as +"Congress' Own." The First was organized by Colonel James Livingston; +the Second by Colonel Moses Hazen. Both of these regiments continued in +active service for the duration of the war, and both obtained a vote of +thanks from the American Congress upon its termination.</p> + +<p>Herein, then, must lay the germ of the project of the British Regiment +of Roman Catholic Volunteers.</p> + +<p>He sat and considered.</p> + +<p>"You tell me, then," he said quietly, "that this is the state of affairs +in New York."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the soldier.</p> + +<p>There was a further silence.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>The progress of the work in the city of Philadelphia had been less +evident to him. Certain it was that Anderson was directing his undivided +attention to the furtherance of the plan, for which task he had been +admirably endowed by Nature. That Arnold, too, was greatly interested in +the success of the plot, he already suspected, but in this he had no +more than a suspicion, for he could not discover the least incriminating +objective evidence against him. There were several whose names had been +associated with the work; yet these, too, had revealed nothing, when +confronted with a direct question. And whatever influence he might have +had, whatever lurking suspicions he might have accumulated from the +contributory details, these when simmered down amounted to little or +nothing. The plan had not progressed to the extent required. There was +nothing to do but to await further developments.</p> + +<p>This man Anderson was ingenuous. The most striking characteristic about +him, that towards which and in support of which every energy and every +talent had been schooled and bent, was an intrepid courage. A vast and +complicated scheme of ambition possessed his whole soul, yet his +disposition and address generally appeared soft and humane, especially +when no political object was at stake.</p> + +<p>During the four or five months spent in the city, he had made a host of +friends among all classes of people. His agreeable manner and his +fluency of speech at once gained for him the confidence even of the most +phlegmatic. No man was endowed with more engaging qualities for the +work, if it may be assumed that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> he was engaged solely in the recruiting +of a Tory Regiment from among the supporters of the Whigs. Everything +seemed to declare that he was associated with the work. And because he +was associated with it, it progressed.</p> + +<p>The names of several who had yielded allegiance to the opposite side +were in the hands of Stephen. The Major of the new regiment was a +Catholic, John Lynch. So were Lieutenant Eck, Lieutenant Kane, and +Quartermaster Nowland. These were at present in New York, whither they +had journeyed soon after the British occupation of the city. Of the +hundred-odd volunteers, who were supposed to constitute the company, +little could be learned because of the veil of secrecy which had from +the very beginning enshrouded the whole movement.</p> + +<p>Pressure had been brought to bear on several, it was discovered, with +the result that there was no alternative left them but to sign the +papers of enlistment. In this Anderson had been materially aided by the +Military Governor's intimate knowledge of the fortunes and prospects of +the bulk of the citizenry. To imply this, however, was one thing; to +prove it quite another. For whatever strength the accusation might bear +in his own mind, he could not forget that it was still a mere suspicion, +which must be endorsed by investigation if the people were to be +convinced. And Stephen was unprepared to offer the results of his +investigation to a populace which was too indolent and hasty to +investigate them as facts and to discriminate nicely between the shades +of guilt. Anderson was loved and admired by his countrymen and more +especially by his countrywomen. Everything, it seemed, would be forgiven +his youth, rank and genius.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p><p>Even Marjorie had been captivated by him, it appeared. The relationship +which was beginning to thrive between them he disliked, and some day he +would make that known to her. How attentive he had been to her was +easily recognizable, but to what degree she returned this attention was +another matter. What she thought of this stranger and to what extent he +had impressed her, he longed to know, for it was weeks since he had laid +eyes on her; and the last two attempts made by him to see her had found +her in the company of Anderson, once at Shippen's, and again on a ride +through the country. True, he himself had been absent from town for a +brief time, immediately after his court-martial, when he returned to +headquarters to file a report with his Commander-in-chief, and the few +moments spent with her upon his return was the last visit. Undoubtedly +he was a stranger to her now; she was absorbed with the other man.</p> + +<p>Still Stephen wished that he might see her. An insatiable longing filled +his whole soul, like the eternal cravings of the heart for communion +with the Infinite. There was certain situations where a man or woman +must confide in some person to obtain advice or sympathy, or simply to +unload the soul, and there was no one more becoming to Stephen than this +girl. She understood him and could alleviate by her sole presence, not +through any gift properly made, but by that which radiated from her +alone, the great weight which threatened to overwhelm his whole being. +Simply to converse with her might constitute the prophecy of a benign +existence.</p> + +<p>He determined to see her that very evening.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"Marjorie," said Stephen, "of course you've a perfect right to do +exactly as you like. But, you know, you did ask my opinion; didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"I did," said Marjorie, frowning. "But I disagree with you. And I think +you do him a grave injustice."</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>She had been seated in a large comfortable chair in the middle of the +side yard when he entered. A ball of black yarn which, with the aid of +two great needles, she was industriously engaged in converting into an +article of wearing apparel, lay by her side. Indeed, so engrossed was +she, that he had opened and closed the gate before her attention was +aroused. She rose immediately, laying her knitting upon the chair, and +advanced to meet him.</p> + +<p>"I haven't seen you in ages. Where have you been?"</p> + +<p>He looked at her.</p> + +<p>"Rather let me ask that question," was his query by way of reply. +"Already twice have I failed to find you."</p> + +<p>They walked together to the chairs; she to her own, he to a smaller one +that stood over against them.</p> + +<p>"That you called once, I know. Mother informed me."</p> + +<p>"You were similarly engaged on both occasions."</p> + +<p>He brought his chair near to her.</p> + +<p>"With Mr. Anderson?"</p> + +<p>She smiled straight in his face.</p> + +<p>"Of course."</p> + +<p>He, too, smiled.</p> + +<p>"Well!" then after a pause, "do you object?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p><p>He did not answer. His fingers drummed nervously on the arm of his +chair and he looked far up the road.</p> + +<p>"You do not like him?" she asked quickly.</p> + +<p>"It would be impossible for me to now tell you. As a matter of fact, I +myself have been unable to form a definite opinion. I may let you know +later. Not now."</p> + +<p>A deep sigh escaped her.</p> + +<p>"I should imagine you could read a man at first sight," she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"I never allowed myself that presumption. Men are best discovered at +intervals. They are most natural when off their guard. Habit may +restrain vice, and passion obscures virtue. I prefer to let them alone."</p> + +<p>She bit her lip, as her manner was, and continued to observe him. How +serious he was! The buoyant, tender, blithesome disposition which +characterized his former self, had yielded to a temper of saturnine +complexion, a mien of grave and thoughtful composure. He was analytic +and she began to feel herself a simple compound in the hands of an +expert chemist.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to have caused you a disappointment."</p> + +<p>"Please, let me assure you there is no need of an apology."</p> + +<p>"And you were not disappointed?"</p> + +<p>A smile began to play about the corners of her small mouth. She tried to +be humorous.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. But not to the extent of requiring an apology."</p> + +<p>"You might have joined us."</p> + +<p>"You know better than that."</p> + +<p>"I mean it. Peggy would have been pleased to have you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p><p>"Did she say so?"</p> + +<p>"No. But I know that she would."</p> + +<p>"Alas!" He raised his arm in a slight gesture.</p> + +<p>She was knitting now, talking as she did. She paused to raise her eyes.</p> + +<p>"I think you dislike Peggy," she said with evident emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"I scarce know. My instinct, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"I distrust her, if that is what you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Have you had reason?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot answer you now, for which I am very sorry. You will find my +reasoning correct at some future time, I hope."</p> + +<p>"Do you approve of my friendship with her?"</p> + +<p>She did not raise her eyes this time, but allowed them to remain fixed +upon the needles.</p> + +<p>"It is not mine to decide. You are mistress of your own destinies."</p> + +<p>Her face grew a shade paler, and the look in her eyes deepened.</p> + +<p>"I simply asked your advice, that was all."</p> + +<p>The words hit so hard that he drew his breath. He realized that he had +been brusque and through his soul there poured a kind of anger first, +then wounded pride, then a sense of crushing pain.</p> + +<p>"I regret having said that," he tried to explain to her. "But I cannot +tell you what is in my mind. Since you do ask me, I fear Peggy greatly, +but I would not say that your friendship with her should cease. Not at +present, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"Well, did you approve of my going there with Mr. Anderson?"</p> + +<p>"With him? No."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p><p>"Can you tell me the reason?"</p> + +<p>And then he explained briefly to her of his reasons for disliking this +man and of the veil of suspicion and of mystery with which he was +surrounded. He did not think him a suitable companion for her, and +wished for her own good that she would see no more of him.</p> + +<p>There was no reply to his observations. On the contrary Marjorie lapsed +into a meditative silence which seemed to grow deeper and deeper as the +moments passed. Stephen watched her until the suspense became almost +beyond endurance, wondering what thoughts were coursing through her +mind.</p> + +<p>At length he broke the silence with the words recorded at the beginning +of the chapter; and Marjorie answered him quietly and deliberately.</p> + +<p>She continued with her knitting.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>A great melancholy fell upon him, if it were indeed possible for him to +become more dispirited, against which he was powerless to contend. There +was revealed to him on the instant a seeming predilection on the part of +Marjorie for this man, Anderson. The longer they conversed, the deeper +did that conviction grow. This made him careless and petulant. Now a +feeling of deep regret stole over him because he had been so +unsympathetic. In presence of her feeling of grief and disappointment, +his pity was aroused.</p> + +<p>"I deeply regret the pain I have caused you," he said to her quietly and +kindly. "It was altogether rude of me."</p> + +<p>She bit her lip violently, tremulously, in an effort to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> restrain the +flood of emotion which surged within, which threatened to burst forth +with the pronunciation of the merest syllable.</p> + +<p>She did not reply, but fumbled with the knitted portion of her garment, +running its edges through her fingers.</p> + +<p>"I had no intention of speaking of him as I did," he went on. "I would +not, did you not ask me."</p> + +<p>"I am not offended."</p> + +<p>"Your composure reveals to me that you have been hurt."</p> + +<p>"I did not mean that you should know it."</p> + +<p>"Very likely. But you could not disguise the fact. I shall give you the +assurance, however, that the subject shall not be a topic for discussion +by us again. He must not be mentioned."</p> + +<p>"Please! I—I——"</p> + +<p>"It was solely for yourself that I was concerned. Believe me when I say +this. Insofar as I myself am concerned, I am wholly disinterested. I +thought you desired to know and I told you as much as it was possible +for me to tell. You must ask me no more."</p> + +<p>"He has not revealed this side of his character to me and I have been in +his company on several occasions. Always has he been kind, gentlemanly, +sincere, upright."</p> + +<p>Her eyes were centered full upon him, those large brown eyes that seemed +to contain her whole being. Whether she was gay or sad, jocose or sober, +enthusiastic or despondent, the nature of her feelings could be +communicated solely by her eyes. She need not speak; they spoke for her.</p> + +<p>"You are right in believing every man virtuous until he has proved +himself otherwise," he replied. "There<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> should be one weight and one +measure. But I regulate my intercourse with men by the opposite +standard. I distrust every man until he has proved himself worthy, and +it was that principle which guided me, undoubtedly, in my application of +it to you."</p> + +<p>"Do you consider that upright?"</p> + +<p>"Do not misunderstand me. I do not form a rash judgment of every person +I meet. As a matter of fact I arrive at no judgment at all. I defer +judgment until after the investigation, and I beware of him until this +investigation has been completed."</p> + +<p>"You are then obliged to live in a world of suspicion."</p> + +<p>"No. Rather in a world of security. How often has the knave paraded +under the banner of innocence! The greatest thieves wear golden chains."</p> + +<p>"I could not live after such manner."</p> + +<p>She became impatient.</p> + +<p>"Were you thrown into daily relation with the world you would soon learn +the art of discrimination. The trusty sentinel lives a life of +suspicion."</p> + +<p>At length a truce was silently proclaimed. Composure reigned. The +unpleasant episode had to all appearances been obliterated from their +minds. There was even a touch of that old humor dancing in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Some one has said," she observed, "that 'suspicion is the poison of +friendship.'"</p> + +<p>"And a Latin proverb runs, 'Be on such terms with your friend as if you +knew he may one day become your enemy.' Friendship, I realize, is +precious and gained only after long days of probation. The tough fibers +of the heart constitute its essence, not the soft<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> texture of favors and +dreams. We do not possess the friends we imagine, for the world is +self-centered."</p> + +<p>"Have you no friends?"</p> + +<p>Now she smiled for the second time, but it was only a smile of humor +about the corners of her mouth.</p> + +<p>"Only those before whom I may be sincere."</p> + +<p>He was serious, inclined to analysis, one might say.</p> + +<p>"Can you expect to find sincerity in others without yourself being +sincere?"</p> + +<p>"No. But my friend possesses my other soul. I think aloud before him. It +does not matter. I reveal my heart to him, share my joys, unburden my +grief. There is a simplicity and a wholesomeness about it all. We are +mutually sincere."</p> + +<p>"Your test is severe."</p> + +<p>"But its fruits imperishable."</p> + +<p>"I cannot adopt your method," was the deliberate reply as she began to +gather together her ball and needles.</p> + +<p>"Let's leave it at that."</p> + +<p>And they left it.</p> + +<h3>V</h3> + +<p>Long after he had gone she sat there until it was well into the evening, +until the stars began to blink and nod and wrap themselves in the great +cloak of the night, as they kept a silent vigil over the subdued silence +which had settled down upon the vast earth and herself.</p> + +<p>The longer she sat and considered, the more melancholy did she become. +Stephen was displeased with her conduct and made no effort to conceal +it, inflicting only the greater wound by his ambiguous and incisive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +remarks. His apparent unconcern and indifference of manner frightened +her, and she saw, or she thought she saw a sudden deprivation of that +esteem with which she was vain enough to presuppose he was wont to +regard her. And yet he was mistaken, greatly mistaken. Furthermore, he +was unfair to himself and unjust to her in the misinterpretation of her +behavior. His displeasure pained her beyond endurance.</p> + +<p>In her relations with John Anderson, she had been genuinely sincere both +with herself and with Stephen. The latter had asked her to help him; and +this she was trying to do in her own way. That there was something +suspicious about Anderson, she knew; but whether the cause lay in his +manner of action or in the possession of documentary evidence, she could +not so much as conjecture. What more apt method could be employed than +to associate with him in the hope that at some time or other important +information might be imparted to her? She did not intend to play the +part of the spy; still if that was the rôle in which she hoped to find +Anderson, she was ready to assume a similar rôle for the very purpose of +outwitting him and defeating him on his own ground. If Stephen would +only trust her. Oh, dear! And she wrung her hands in abject despair.</p> + +<p>Little by little her experiences of the summer just past came before her +with a vividness which her experience with Stephen served only to +intensify. First, there was the night of the Governor's Ball. He had +come into her life there, filling a vacancy not realized before. +Hitherto, she had been quite content in the company of almost any one, +and especially with those of the sterner sex. But with the advent of +this dashing young officer she began to experience a set of new<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> +sensations. The incompleteness of her life was brought before her.</p> + +<p>He seemed to perfect her being, sharing her pleasures, lessening her +woes, consoling her heart. Still, there was one office that he had +failed to perform; he was not obsequious. Not that he was ever wanting +in attention and deferential courtesy, or that he ever failed to betray +a warmth of feeling or a generous devotion; but his manner was prosaic, +thoroughly practical both in action and in expression. He spoke his +thoughts directly and forcibly. He was never enthusiastic, never +demonstrative, never warm or impulsive, but definite, well-ordered, +positive. It was quite true that he was capable of bestowing service to +the point of heroism when the occasion required, but such a quality was +not spontaneous, because his heart, while intensely sympathetic, +appeared cold and absolutely opposed to any sort of outburst. He was too +prudent, too wise, too thoughtful, it seemed, acting only when sure of +his ground, turning aside from all obstacles liable to irritate or +confuse him.</p> + +<p>Then John Anderson came and initiated her into a newer world. He +appeared to worship her, and tried to make her feel his devotion in his +every act. He was gallant, dignified, charming, lavishing attention upon +her to the point of prodigality. He said things which were pleasant to +hear, and equally as pleasant to remember. What girl would not be +attracted by such engaging personal qualities; but Marjorie decided that +he was too much of the Prince Charming whose gentle arts proved to be +his sole weapons for the major encounters of life.</p> + +<p>Hence she was not fascinated by his soft accomplishments. He interested +her, but she readily perceived<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> that there was not in him that real +depth which she had found in Stephen. True, he made her feel more like a +superior being than as a mere equal; he yielded ever to her slightest +whim, and did not discomfort her with weighty arguments. But her acumen +was such that she was enabled to penetrate the gloss and appraise the +man at his true value. The years spent at her mother's knee, the +numberless hours in her father's shop where she came in contact with +many men, her own temperament, prudent by nature, enabled her to +perceive at a glance the contrast between a man of great and noble heart +clothed in severe garments, and the charlatan garbed in the bright +finery of festal dress.</p> + +<p>And now the boomerang against which she was defending herself struck her +from a most unexpected angle. That Stephen should misunderstand her +motives was preposterous; yet there was no other inference to be drawn +from the tone of his conversation during the few distressful minutes of +his last visit. In all probability, he had gone away laboring under the +hateful impression that she was untrue, that she had permitted her heart +to be taken captive by the first knight errant who had entered the +lists. And what was more, the subject would never again be alluded to. +He had promised that; and she knew that he was absolute in his +determinations. His groundless displeasure disconcerted her greatly.</p> + +<p>Whether it became her to take the initiative in the healing of the +breach which she felt growing wide between them, or simply to await the +development of the course of action she had chosen to pursue, now became +a problem to her perplexed mind. So much depended upon the view he would +take of the whole situation that it was necessary for him to understand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> +from the very beginning. She would write him. But, no! That might be +premature. She would wait and tell him, so great was her assurance that +all would be well. She would tell him of her great and impassionate +desire to be of assistance to him; she would put into words her analysis +of this man's character, this man about whom he himself had first cast +the veil of suspicion; she would relate her experience with him. She +smiled to herself as she contemplated how pleased he would be once the +frown of bewilderment had disappeared from his countenance.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie! Dost know the hour is late?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mother! I am coming directly."</p> + +<p>It was late, though she scarce knew it. Gathering her things, she +brought the chairs into the house.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AIV" id="CHAPTER_AIV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>Week after week sped by, summer ripened into fall, and fall faded into +winter. All was monotony: the bleak winter season, the shorter days, the +longer evenings, the city settling down into a period of seclusion and +social inaction. There would be little of gayety this year. No foreign +visitors would be entertained by the townsfolk. There would be no +Mischienza to look forward to. It would be a lonely winter for the +fashionable element, with no solemn functions, with no weekly dancing +assemblies, with no amateur theatricals to rehearse. Indeed were it not +for the approaching marriage of Peggy Shippen to the Military Governor, +Philadelphia would languish for want of zest and excitement.</p> + +<p>The wedding took place at the home of the bride on Fourth Street. The +élite of the city, for the most part Tories, were in attendance. Mrs. +Anne Willing Morris, Mrs. Bingham—all the leaders were there. So were +Marjorie, John Anderson, Stephen, the Chews and Miss Franks from New +York. The reception was brilliant, eclipsing anything of its kind in the +history of the social life of the city, for Mrs. Shippen had vowed that +the affair would establish her definitely and for all time the leader of +the fashionable set of the town.</p> + +<p>The center of attraction was of course Peggy; and she carried herself +well, enduring the trying ordeal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> with grace and composure. And if one +were to judge by the number and the quality of the gifts which loaded +down one whole room, or by the throng which filled the house to +overflowing, or by the motley crowd which surged without, impatient for +one last look at the bride as she stepped into the splendid coach, a +more popular couple was never united in matrimony. It was a great day +for all concerned, and none was more happy nor more radiant than Peggy +as she sat back in the coach and looked into the face of her husband and +sighed with that contentment and complacency which one experiences in +the possession of a priceless gem.</p> + +<p>Their homecoming, after the brief honeymoon, was delightful. No longer +would they live in the great slate roof house on Second Street at the +corner of Norris Alley, but in the more elegant old country seat in +Fairmount, on the Schuylkill,—Mount Pleasant. Since Arnold had +purchased this great estate and settled it immediately upon his bride, +subject of course to the mortgage, its furnishings and its appointments +were of her own choice and taste.</p> + +<p>It rose majestically before them on a bluff overlooking the river, a +courtly pile of colonial Georgian architecture whose balustraded and +hipped roof seemed to rear itself above the neighboring woodland, so as +to command a magnificent broad view of the Schuylkill River and valley +for miles around.</p> + +<p>"There! See, General! Isn't it heavenly?"</p> + +<p>She could not conceal her joy. Arnold looked and smiled graciously with +evident satisfaction at the quiet homelike aspect of the place.</p> + +<p>Peggy was on the stone landing almost as soon as she emerged from the +coach,—eager to peep inside, anxious to sit at last in her own home. +Although she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> had already seen all that there was to see, and had spent +many days previous to the marriage in arranging and planning the +interior so as to have all in readiness for their return on this day, +still she seemed to manifest a newer and a livelier joy, so pleasant and +so perfect did all appeal.</p> + +<p>"Oh, General! Isn't this just delicious?" And she threw her arms around +his neck to give him a generous hug.</p> + +<p>"Are you happy now?" he questioned.</p> + +<p>"Perfectly. Come let us sit and enjoy it."</p> + +<p>She went to the big chair and began to rock energetically; but only for +a minute, for she spied in the corner of the room the great sofa, and +with a sudden movement threw herself on that. She was like a small boy +with a host of toys about him, anxious to play with all at the same +time, and trying to give to each the same undivided attention. The +massive candelabra on the table attracted her, so she turned her +attention to that, fixing one of its candles as she neared it. Finally, +a small water color of her father, which hung on the wall a little to +one side, appealed to her as needing adjustment. She paused to regard +the profile as she straightened it.</p> + +<p>The General observed her from the large chair into which he had flung +himself to rest after the journey, following her with his eyes as she +flitted about the great drawing-room. For the moment there was no object +in that space to determine the angle of his vision, save Peggy, no other +objective reality to convey any trace of an image to his imagination but +that of his wife. She was the center, the sum-total of all his thoughts, +the vivid and appreciable good that regulated his emotions, that +controlled his impulses. And the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> confident assurance that she was +happy, reflected from her very countenance, emphasized by her every +gesture as she hurried here and there about the room in joyous +contemplation of the divers objects that delighted her fancy, reanimated +him with a rapture of ecstasy which he thought for the moment impossible +to corporeal beings. The mere pleasure of beholding her supremely happy +was for him a source of whole-souled bliss, illimitable and ineffable.</p> + +<p>"Would you care to dine now?" she asked of him as she approached his +chair and leaned for support on its arms. "I'll ask Cynthia to make +ready."</p> + +<p>"Yes, if you will. That last stage of the trip was exhausting."</p> + +<p>And so these two with all the world in their possession, in each other's +company, partook of their first meal together in their own dining-room, +in their own private home.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"'Thou hast it now,—king, Cawdor, Glamis, all——'" remarked Arnold to +his wife as they made their way from the dining-room into the spacious +hallway that ran through the house.</p> + +<p>"Yet it was not foully played," replied Peggy. "The tourney was fair."</p> + +<p>"I had thought of losing you."</p> + +<p>"Did you but read my heart aright at our first meeting, you might have +consoled yourself otherwise."</p> + +<p>"It was the fear of my letter; the apprehension of its producing a +contrary effect that furnished my misgiving. I trembled over the consent +of your parents."</p> + +<p>"Dost know, too, that my mother favored the match<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> from the start? In +truth she gave me every encouragement, perhaps awakened my soul to the +flame."</p> + +<p>"No matter. We are in the morning of our bliss; its sun is about to +remain fixed. Wish for a cloudless sky."</p> + +<p>They were now in the great drawing-room which ran the full depth of the +building, with windows looking both east and west. In the middle of the +great side wall lodged a full-throated fireplace above which rose +imposingly an elaborately wrought overmantel, whose central panel was +devoid of any ornamentation. The door frames with their heavily molded +pediments, the cornices, pilasters, doortrims and woodwork rich in +elaboration of detail were all distinctive Georgian, tempered, however, +with much dignified restraint and consummate good taste.</p> + +<p>"We can thank the privateer for this. Still it was a fair profit and +wisely expended, wiser to my mind than the methods of Robert Morris. At +any rate it is the more satisfactory."</p> + +<p>"He has made excellent profits."</p> + +<p>"Nevertheless, he has lost as many as an hundred and fifty vessels. +These have affected his earnings greatly. Were he not so generous to an +ungrateful people, a great part of his loss might now have been +retrieved."</p> + +<p>"I have heard it said, too, that he alone has provided the sinews of the +revolt," said Peggy.</p> + +<p>"Unquestionably. On one occasion, at a time of great want, I remember +one of his vessels arrived with a cargo of stores and clothing, whose +whole contents were given to Washington without any remuneration +whatsoever. And you, yourself, remember that during the winter at Valley +Forge, just about the time Howe<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> was evacuating the city, when there +were no cartridges in the army but those in the men's boxes, it was he +who rose to the emergency by giving all the lead ballast of his favorite +privateer. He has made money, but he has lost a vast amount. I made +money, too, just before I bought this house. And I have lost money."</p> + +<p>"And have been cheated of more."</p> + +<p>"Yes. Cheated. More generosity from my people! I paid the sailors their +share of the prize money of the British sloop that they as members of +the crew had captured, that is, with the help of two other privateers +which came to their assistance. The court allowed the claims of the +rival vessels but denied mine. I had counted upon that money but found +myself suddenly deprived of it. Now they are charging me with having +illegally bought up the lawsuit."</p> + +<p>He was seated now and lay back in his chair with his disabled limb +propped upon a stool before him.</p> + +<p>"They continue to say horrid things about you. I wish you were done with +them," Peggy remarked.</p> + +<p>He removed his finely powdered periwig and ran his heavy fingers through +his dark hair.</p> + +<p>"I treat such aspersions with the contempt their pettiness deserves. I +am still Military Governor of Philadelphia and as such am beholden to no +one save Washington. The people have given me nothing and I have nothing +to return save bitter memories."</p> + +<p>"I wish we were away from here!" she sighed.</p> + +<p>"Margaret!" He never called her Peggy. He disliked it. "Are you not +happy in this home which I have provided for you?"</p> + +<p>His eyes opened full.</p> + +<p>"It isn't that," she replied, "I am afraid of Reed."</p> + +<p>"Reed? He is powerless. He is president of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> City Council which under +English law is, in time of peace, the superior governing body of the +people. But this is war, and he must take second place. I despise him."</p> + +<p>Peggy looked up inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Suppose that the worst should happen?" she said.</p> + +<p>"But—how—what can happen?" he repeated.</p> + +<p>"Some great calamity."</p> + +<p>"How—what do you mean?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"If you should be removed, say, or transferred to some less important +post?"</p> + +<p>A thought flashed into his mind.</p> + +<p>"Further humiliated?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. What then?"</p> + +<p>"Why,—I don't know. I had thought of no possible contingency. I wished +for a command in the Navy and wrote to Washington to that effect; but +nothing came of it. I suppose my increasing interest in domestic affairs +in the city, as well as my attentions to you, caused me to discontinue +the application. Then again, I thought I was fitted for the kind of life +led by my friend Schuyler in New York and had hoped to obtain a grant of +land in the West where I might lead a retired life as a good citizen."</p> + +<p>"I would die in such a place. The Indians would massacre us. Imagine me +hunting buffalo in Ohio!"</p> + +<p>Her face wore a sardonic smile. It was plain to be seen that she was in +a flippant mood.</p> + +<p>"Have you given the matter a thought? Tell me," he questioned.</p> + +<p>"No! I could not begin to think."</p> + +<p>"Are you not happy?"</p> + +<p>"Happiness springs not from a large fortune, and is often obtained when +often unexpected. It is neither<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> within us nor without us and only +evident to us by the deliverance from evil."</p> + +<p>He glanced sharply. There was fire in his eye.</p> + +<p>"I know of what you are thinking. You are disturbed by these persistent +rumors about me."</p> + +<p>She gave a little laugh, a chuckle, in a hopeless manner.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am. Go on." She answered mechanically and fell back in her +chair.</p> + +<p>"You need not be disturbed. They are groundless, I tell you. Simply +engendered by spite. And I blame partly the Papist Whigs. Damn 'em."</p> + +<p>"It isn't that alone."</p> + +<p>"That is some of it. The origin of the hostility to me was the closing +of the shops for a week under an order direct from Washington himself, +and a resolution of the Congress. Yet I was blamed. The next incident +pounced upon by them was my use of the government wagons in moving +stores. As you know I had this done to revictual and supply the army. +But I permitted the empty wagons to bring back stores from the direction +of New York and was charged with being in communication with the enemy."</p> + +<p>"Which would be more praiseworthy."</p> + +<p>He paid no attention to her remark but continued:</p> + +<p>"I was honest in supposing the goods to be bonafide household goods +belonging to non-combatants. As a matter of fact some of the decorations +at our wedding were obtained in this manner. What followed? A public +complaint."</p> + +<p>"I know."</p> + +<p>"Then that scheming interloper Matlack! You know of him?"</p> + +<p>"I think so."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p><p>"You've heard of his father, of course!"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"The Secretary to Reed, the President of the Council? Timothy Matlack? +His social aspirations were somewhat curtailed by my interest in public +affairs. He has borne me in mind and evidently intends my ruin."</p> + +<p>"In that he differs not from many other so-called friends."</p> + +<p>"I did all in my power to soothe his ruffled feelings in a long, +considerate letter in answer to his note of grievance. Only later I +learned that it was his son whose haughty nature had been offended."</p> + +<p>"You were no party to the offense. In fact you knew naught of it until +the episode had been concluded."</p> + +<p>"True, but Franks had taken part in it, and Franks was my head +aide-de-camp. It was trivial. He wanted a barber and sent young Matlack +who was doing sentry duty at the door to fetch one. Naturally I defended +his action in my letter of reply."</p> + +<p>"I tell you, they do not want you here. Can't you sense that? Else these +charges would never have been uttered. They are mere pretexts. They are +weary of you and desire your resignation."</p> + +<p>She talked rapidly, violently. Her face assumed a stern expression.</p> + +<p>He did not reply but peered into the distance.</p> + +<p>"The 'American Fabius', I suppose, is still watching General Clinton," +Peggy continued.</p> + +<p>"He has thrown a cordon about him at New York. With a sufficient force +he might take him."</p> + +<p>"Never! The Americans never were a match for His Majesty's well-trained +troops. The longer the struggle endures the sooner this will be +learned."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p><p>"Time is with us, dear. The mother country knows this."</p> + +<p>She looked at him. It was astonishing to her that he could be so +transparent and so unaware of it. Really he was not clever.</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that?" she asked. "Every day our lot grows worse. The +troops perish from misery; they are badly armed; scarcely clothed; they +need bread and many of them are without arms. Our lands lie fallow. The +education of a generation has been neglected, a loss that can never be +repaired. Our youths have been dragged by the thousands from their +occupations and harvested by the war; and those who return have lost +their vigor or have been mutilated for life."</p> + +<p>"You are partly right," he mused. "America lost the opportunity for +reconciliation immediately after my victory at Saratoga. Since then, as +you say, the land has become a waste of widows, beggars and orphans. +Then came the French Alliance, a sacrifice of the great interests, as +well as the religion of this country to the biased views of a proud, +ancient, crafty and priest-ridden nation. I always thought this a +defensive war until the French joined in the combination. Now I look +with disfavor upon this peril to our dominion, this enemy of our faith."</p> + +<p>Peggy became interested immediately. She sat straight up in her chair.</p> + +<p>"You never spoke these thoughts to me before!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"I feared it. You are a Tory, at least at heart. And I knew that you +would only encourage me in my manner of thought. God knows, I am unable +to decide between my perplexities."</p> + +<p>"You know how General Monk decided?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p><p>"My God! He was a traitor!"</p> + +<p>"He restored Charles," insisted Peggy.</p> + +<p>"And sold his soul."</p> + +<p>"For the Duchy of Albemarle."</p> + +<p>"Good God! girl, don't talk thoughts like that, I—I—— He has endured +universal execration. It was an act of perfidy." He scowled fiercely. He +was in a rage.</p> + +<p>Peggy smiled. She did not press the subject, but allowed it to drop.</p> + +<p>"My! How dark it has become!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>She struck a light and touched the wicks of the candles.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>Dizzy was the eminence to which General Arnold and his girl bride +ascended! On a sudden they found themselves on the highest pinnacle—the +one of military fame—with Gates, Lee, Wayne, Greene and many other +distinguished generals at their feet, the other of social prestige the +observed of all observers! For a time Arnold's caprices had been looked +upon as only the flash and outbreak of that fiery mind which had +directed his military genius. He attacked religion; yet in religious +circles his name was mentioned with fondness. He lampooned Congress; yet +he was condoned by the Whigs.</p> + +<p>Then came the reaction. Society flew into a rage with its idol. He had +been worshiped with an irrational idolatry. He was censured with an +irrational fury. In the first place the position in which he was placed +as Military Governor required the exercise of the utmost patience and +tact. Neither of these <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>qualities did he possess. The order to close the +shops caused discontent. People became incensed at the sight of a +dictator interfering with their private life. There was thrust upon them +in his person the very type that they were striving to expel. His manner +of action suddenly became obnoxious.</p> + +<p>What was merely criticism in respect to his public life, became a +violent passion respecting the affairs of his private life. There were +many rumors of his intercourse with the Tory element. Brilliant +functions were arranged, it was said, with the sole view of gaining +their friendship and good will. He spent the major portion of his free +time in their company, nay more, he had taken to wife the most notorious +of their number. Small wonder was it that his sentiments on the question +of the war were undergoing a marked alteration. The thirst of the +political Whigs for vengeance was insatiable.</p> + +<p>Then he had repaired to a mansion, the most elegant seat in +Pennsylvania, where he entertained in a style and after a manner far in +excess of his means. A coach and four he maintained with the greatest +ostentation. His livery and appointments were extravagant and wholly +unbecoming an officer of a country so poor and struggling. He drove to +town in the company of his wife and paid every attention to the +aristocratic leaders of the city. He disdained the lot of the common +citizen. Even his head aide-de-camp had submitted a free man to the +indignity of fetching a barber to shave him, an act countenanced by the +General himself in a letter of reply to the boy's father.</p> + +<p>His entertainments were frequent, altogether too frequent for the +conservative instincts of the community. Upon the arrival of the French +Ambassador M.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> Gerard, a grand banquet was tendered him, after which he +was entertained with his entire suite for several days at Mount +Pleasant. Foreigners were seldom absent from the mansion and members of +Congress, the relatives of his wife, the titled gentry of Europe were +treated with marked and lavish attention. The visit of General +Washington was an event memorable for its display and magnificence, the +ball alone at the City Tavern entailing a vast expenditure. With Madeira +selling at eight hundred pounds a pipe and other things in proportion to +the depreciation of the paper currency, the wonder was often expressed +as to the source of so much munificence.</p> + +<p>It was known that General Arnold was not a man of wealth. Whatever +fortune he had amassed had been obtained mainly through the profits +accrued from his privateering ventures. The great estate which he now +possessed, had been bought only a few months previous to his marriage +out of the profits of one of his vessels, just then returning to port. +He was continually in debt, and ruin was imminent. Yet he was living at +the rate of five thousand pounds a year. Whence then came the funds?</p> + +<p>He had married a Tory wife, and presently it was discovered that among +his bosom friends, his table companions, were to be found the enemies of +America. Rumors began to whisper with nods and shrugs and shakings of +the head that his wife was imparting profitable information to the +enemy, and betimes the question was raised as to who was profiting most. +What was more natural than that she who had been the toasted and lauded +favorite of the British Officers when they were in possession of the +city, should now be in communication with them in far-away New York! +The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> seeds of suspicion and ill-will were sedulously sown—and the yield +was bound to be luxuriant.</p> + +<p>So the days rolled into weeks, and the weeks clustered into months, and +the months fell into the procession of the seasons, and in the meantime, +Arnold and his wife passed their time in conjugal felicity and regal +splendor. Their affection was constant, tender and uninterrupted; and +this alone afforded him consolation and happiness; for his countrymen +were in a bad mood with him. His wife, his home, his estate now defined +the extent of his ambition. The world had turned against him.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AV" id="CHAPTER_AV"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>A busier man in the city of Philadelphia during the winter and spring +season of '78 than John Anderson, would have been hard to find. For +weeks he had applied himself with relentless energy to the work before +him; for months he had deprived himself of the customary rounds of +pleasure in the interests of the seemingly gigantic task allotted to +him; until at length, for the first time, he was enabled to appreciate +to some degree the results of his toil. It was now past Easter-tide and +the moments were hurrying faster and faster in their haste towards the +culmination of the conspiracy that was forming little by little in the +heart of the community like an abscess in the body of a sick man.</p> + +<p>Progress had been made at New York although it was acknowledged that the +recruiting there had fallen far short of all expectations. Still it was +a much simpler matter to effect the formation of such a regiment where +the work could be carried on openly and under the protection of General +Clinton; and where no sympathizer of the colonists, however loyal, would +dare to enter a formal protest against the proceedings. It is quite true +that Catholics were divided there as elsewhere; for not every one lent +his spontaneous, complete, and energetic adhesion to the cause of +American independence. And who would dare condemn their restraint; when +the memory of the intolerable and bitter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> practices of the early +patriots was recalled? They could not forget; and what was more, many +did not want to forget.</p> + +<p>It was found impossible to gather in the city, now held by the enemy, a +thousand or more men sufficient to compose a regiment. Hence it was +necessary to draw from the neighboring colonies. Anderson had come to +Philadelphia with this object in view and, as an aid to his work, had +established himself immediately in the graces of the military +authorities. Quietly, privately, secretly, he pursued his quest, seeking +out likely individuals whom he impressed into the service of His Majesty +with not so much as a scruple as to means, fair or foul. Blackmail he +employed freely and the pressure of unpaid debts reaped for him a +harvest of names.</p> + +<p>The currency was then worthless and the cost of living enormous. He was +the odd individual who could boast of being free from debt, and the +common jail and the stocks in the market place at Second and High +Streets were tireless in meting out their punishments to the delinquent +debtors. Anderson took royal advantage of this state of affairs, either +by resolving the debt in favor of an enlistment in the company or by +effecting a threatened punishment on the part of the creditor unless his +wishes were complied with. Many recruits who otherwise would have +rejected flatly the base proposition, were secured by such means.</p> + +<p>At length he had registered about an hundred names, drawn from all +classes of the city. The services of Father Farmer had been sought as +chaplain, but this worthy servant of God gently but firmly declined +because of the weight of age and "several other reasons." Colonel +Clifton was still in charge of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> regiment but the other officers were +to be Roman Catholics and appointed by the colonels. A meeting for the +purpose of organization would be held in the Provincial Hall in the +course of a few weeks. Then the company would be shipped as soon as +possible to New York for incorporation in the regiment there.</p> + +<p>Anderson found General Arnold a ready and effective instrument in the +perfection of the plot. Not only had the latter supplied him with all +manner of information, but his authority had been employed on more than +one occasion in the matter of impressment. Whatever motives actuated the +General were ascribed by Anderson solely to his profound dislike of +Catholics and all things Catholic. A further incentive to the success of +the project was furnished by the issuance of a pass by the Military +Governor enabling a vessel to leave the port of Philadelphia, where it +had been tied up, for New York, for the purpose of transporting to that +city the members of the recruited company. This was, of course, a +violation of the military code, but the affair was done so secretly that +it was known only to Anderson and the Governor. The remote preparations +were now completed. All was in readiness for the meeting of the +so-called volunteers.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Marjorie had continued to be an object of interest to the +busy Anderson, and he had paid attention to her with a marked gallantry. +Through the late winter and early spring he had been a frequent visitor +at her home and had often escorted her in public to the theater and +dancing assemblies. He flattered himself that her confidence had early +been gained and much information helpful to his scheme had been +obtained. He had played his part well, although on one occasion, he had +almost revealed himself; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>nevertheless he was completely satisfied that +she not for a moment suspected the real purpose of his designs.</p> + +<p>Now he felt obliged to hold one more conference with the Military +Governor, for it was required that he know definitely the time set for +the vessel's departure. That was the sole obstacle to his plans, for the +date of the assembly depended upon the day of the sailing of the +transport. Arnold would know of its readiness; its clearance was then a +matter of personal convenience.</p> + +<p>And so, this fine afternoon in early May, he resolved to direct his +steps in the direction of Mount Pleasant where he would complete his +plans. It was a long walk but less attention would be aroused by his +going afoot, and so he started early. Little did he suspect, however, +that his every move was being observed and that a pair of eyes had +pursued him to the very park, watching him even as he ascended the great +stone steps of the mansion.</p> + +<p>He lifted the brass knocker and gave two or three slight taps, and even +as he did so the blue eyes continued to observe him.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>The dining-hall at Mount Pleasant was such as was befitting the noble +proportions of the mansion. It adjoined the hall in opposition to the +great drawing-room, its eastern side terminating in an ell extension +from the hall proper where a wide easy staircase with a balustrade of +gracefully turned spindles ascended to the second floor. It was lighted, +not only by the fire that burned in the reredos at the northern wall, +but also by eight cresset-lamps and as many candles set in huge silver +candelabra on the center table.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p><p>Anderson was hungry from his long walk and ate well. A great roast +goose reposing in a huge silver platter was brought in by the servants +and set before them. There were vegetables of every sort, jellies, +sweetmeats, floating islands, and a dessert of fruits, raisins and +almonds. Madeira was drunk freely by all without any apparent +disadvantage.</p> + +<p>"And how were all at home?" asked Peggy when they were seated. The +conversation was on general topics—for the servants were coming in and +out with the food.</p> + +<p>"I saw only your sister when I called with Marjorie. Mr. Shippen was +away and Mrs. Shippen had a cold, a very slight one I believe."</p> + +<p>"She is susceptible to asthmatic attacks," observed the General.</p> + +<p>"Quite!" replied Anderson.</p> + +<p>"She bears up remarkably. I think she has never missed a function."</p> + +<p>"Her will-power alone," replied Peggy. "She can surmount obstacles; she +has never lost an opportunity."</p> + +<p>They lapsed into silence, occupying themselves with the delicious +repast. Sometimes they talked of this, that and the other quite freely +and easily—of the society news, of the presence of Miss Franks at the +wedding, of the splendor of it all. Indeed, there was nothing to +indicate more than a company of old-time friends.</p> + +<p>"I am ready to take my charges along with me," announced Anderson at +length.</p> + +<p>"Hush! Not so loud," cautioned Arnold. "Later,—in the park, we shall +treat of that."</p> + +<p>Then the servants came again and removed the dishes. After another +goblet of Madeira they left the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> table, going immediately out of doors, +for it was now dusk.</p> + +<p>"I can do no more with the recruiting. I have in round numbers, an +hundred," Anderson began when they had been seated in the cypress walk. +The moon was not yet half way to the zenith and lay a dull copper color +in the eastern sky, partially eclipsed by the chimney of the great +house. A solemn silence, terrifying and rife with mysterious sensations, +seemed to pervade the place. It was a setting well fitted to shroud deep +and dark designs. No one would dare to venture near.</p> + +<p>"You have done well. Egad! I know of none who could have done better."</p> + +<p>"Yet it was no easy task, I assure you. They thrill with the very spirit +of rebellion. Cadwalader will never forgive me, and will haunt me when +he dies."</p> + +<p>"You got him?" Arnold asked.</p> + +<p>"I did. But I had to take proceedings against him which portended the +stocks. I promised him a wheelbarrow to be pushed every day in the +resolution of his debt. Only when I had the jailer at hand did he +reconsider. The debt has been paid, and he has already signed."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you got him. He's a Papist, isn't he?" inquired Peggy.</p> + +<p>"He is, and a staunch one at that," replied her husband.</p> + +<p>"Let's get down to business," interrupted Anderson. "How soon may your +vessel sail?"</p> + +<p>"This week, or the early part of next," replied Arnold. "I drew the pass +three weeks ago. With the time for clearance and sailing allowed, she +should be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> ready now. You had better make an allowance of a week."</p> + +<p>"How about the crew?"</p> + +<p>"They can be depended upon. They are beholden to her owner. Have no +fears concerning them."</p> + +<p>"How soon may she clear?"</p> + +<p>He was persistent in this.</p> + +<p>"In a few days. Tomorrow if pressed."</p> + +<p>"I want to get through with this business as soon as I can and get out +of this town. It may get too hot for me. If I had that meeting off my +mind and the men on board bound for New York I would enjoy greater +repose."</p> + +<p>"I thought you were never apprehensive," remarked Peggy. "With your +composure and gallantry the world would judge that cares set lightly +upon your head."</p> + +<p>"Happy is he who can abandon everything with which his conscience is +burdened. I have enjoyed no peace of soul for years and I see an +untimely end."</p> + +<p>"Be not so melancholy," observed Arnold. "My boy, the future and the +world lie before you."</p> + +<p>"Like a yawning abyss," was the grave reply.</p> + +<p>"Oh! spare us your terrible verdicts," cried Peggy with a smile.</p> + +<p>"I believe that I should have crushed with my scorn the philosopher who +first uttered this terrible but profoundly true thought," said Anderson. +"'Prudence is the first thing to forsake the wretched!'"</p> + +<p>"Have you been imprudent?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I did find a charm in my escapades. At first I tingled with fear, but I +gradually laid aside that cloak of suspicion which guards safety, and +stalked about naked. A despicable contempt arises from an unreserved +intimacy. We grow bolder with our efforts."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p><p>"What is success?" asked Peggy.</p> + +<p>Their mood was heavy; their tone morose. A sadness had settled upon them +like the blanket of the night. Only the moon climbing into the heavens +radiated glory.</p> + +<p>"Come! Away with those dismal topics!" exclaimed the General. "This is +the time for rejoicing."</p> + +<p>"Can you rejoice?" inquired the visitor.</p> + +<p>"I, too, should be happy, but I fear, alas, I am not. My people give me +no peace."</p> + +<p>"Why not render your country a lasting service?"</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"By performing a heroic deed that will once for all put an end to this +unseemly conflict."</p> + +<p>"Never! I have been shattered twice for my efforts. I am done with +active field duty."</p> + +<p>"I do not think of that," Anderson assured him.</p> + +<p>"Of what, then?"</p> + +<p>"You know that the mother country had already offered conciliation. The +colonies shall have an American Parliament composed of two chambers; all +the members to be Americans by birth, and those of the upper chamber to +have the same title, the same rank, as those of the House of Lords in +England."</p> + +<p>"What? A Marquis of Pennsylvania, a Duke of Massachusetts Bay?" he +laughed aloud at this.</p> + +<p>"No less fitting than the Duke of Albemarle."</p> + +<p>"Why do you mention him?" Arnold inquired immediately. A thought flashed +before his mind. Had Peggy and this man conversed on that point?</p> + +<p>"He simply came into my mind. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! Nothing. Continue."</p> + +<p>"As I was saying, all laws, and especially tax laws, shall be the work +of this legislature, with the signature<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> of the Viceroy. They shall +enjoy in every relation the advantage of the best government. They +shall, if necessary, be supported by all the naval and military force of +England, without being exposed to the dangers or subjected to the taxes +from which such a military state is inseparable."</p> + +<p>"But how? What can I do that I have not already done?"</p> + +<p>"You have the courage, you have the ingenuity to render that important +service. Why allow your countrymen to shed more blood when the enemy is +willing to grant all you are fighting for? You can save them from +anarchy. You can save them from the factions of Congress."</p> + +<p>"God knows how ardently I desire such a consummation," breathed the +Governor.</p> + +<p>"I am confident that he would perform any act, however heroic or signal, +to benefit the cause of his country," remarked Peggy with deliberate +emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Name it. What shall I do?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Act the part of General Monk in history," announced Anderson.</p> + +<p>Arnold recoiled. He could not believe his ears. Then the awful truth +dawned upon him.</p> + +<p>"Is this your work?" he turned to Peggy fiercely.</p> + +<p>"On my honor, I never thought of it." His wife was frightened at his +sudden change of manner.</p> + +<p>There was silence. The trio sat in thought, one awaiting the other to +speak the first word.</p> + +<p>"Never," blurted Arnold. "Never, so long as I wear this uniform."</p> + +<p>"And yet the world resounds with his praises, for he performed a +disinterested and humane act."</p> + +<p>"A treacherous and cowardly act!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p><p>"Listen, I shall confide in you. If you would but exert your influence +in favor of an amicable adjustment of the difficulties between the +colonies and the mother country, you might command ten thousand guineas +and the best post in the service of the government."</p> + +<p>"Would that mean a peerage?" asked Peggy suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Assuredly," was the reply.</p> + +<p>She stood up and strutted in a pompous and stately manner before them; +then she turned and courtesied before her husband.</p> + +<p>"Your Grace, the carriage waits without. The Duchess is already in +waiting," she announced with a sweeping gesture.</p> + +<p>He scowled at her but did not answer.</p> + +<p>"Clive saved the British Empire in India and you can save the colonies," +insisted Anderson.</p> + +<p>"Would not a proud position at court, the comfortable income of a royal +estate, the possession of a peerage on home soil more than reward a man +as was the case with General Monk?" challenged Peggy, with a flash of +sudden anger.</p> + +<p>"And leave my country in its hour of need," he finished the sentence for +her.</p> + +<p>"Your country!" she taunted. "What has your country done for you? The +empty honors you have gained were wrung from her. The battle scars you +bear with you were treated with ingratitude. You were deprived of your +due honors of command. Even now you are attacked and hounded from every +angle. Your country! Pooh! A scornful mistress!"</p> + +<p>She sat down and folded her arms, looking fiercely into the dark.</p> + +<p>It is strange how human nature could be touched by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> so small affairs. +The war of continents meant very little to her imagination. Certainly +the parallel was not perfect; but it seemed to her to fit.</p> + +<p>He looked around slowly.</p> + +<p>"You took me for what I am," he said to her. "I gave you prestige, +wealth, happiness. But I have promised my life to my country if she +requires it and I shall never withdraw that promise while I live. Better +the grave of the meanest citizen than the mausoleum of a traitor."</p> + +<p>"But think of your country!" insisted Anderson.</p> + +<p>"Anderson," was the reply, "I know the needs of the country and I know +deeply my own grievances. Suppose I yield to your suggestions and +Britain fails,"—he paused as if to measure the consequences. "I shall +be doomed. I shall be called a bigot. My children will hate me."</p> + +<p>He seemed to waver. His earlier enthusiasm apparently diminished before +their attack.</p> + +<p>"But," continued Anderson, "with your aid Britain cannot fail. And +remember how England rewards those who render her great and signal +services. Look at the majestic column at Blenheim Palace reared to the +memory of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. Contrast with it what +Peggy has just said, the ingratitude, the injustice, the meanness, with +which Congress has treated you."</p> + +<p>"Must the end justify the means?" he mused. "Can you continue to urge me +to duplicate the treachery of Churchill, who can never be forgiven for +his treason? Whatever else he may have achieved, you must remember he +was first and last a traitor."</p> + +<p>"He was doubly a traitor, if you are pleased to so stigmatize him. He +first betrayed his benefactor,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> James, to ally himself with the Prince +of Orange; and then, on the pretext of remorse, broke faith with +William; acted the part of a spy in his court and camp; offered to +corrupt his troops and lead them over to James; and still all was +forgotten in the real service which he rendered to his country, and his +name has gone into history——"</p> + +<p>He was interrupted by a sharp sound, as if some one had stepped upon a +branch or a twig, causing it to snap beneath his feet. On the instant, +Anderson was upon his feet, his hand feeling instinctively for his +pistol.</p> + +<p>"We are betrayed," he whispered. "There is a spy here."</p> + +<p>All had arisen in silence and were peering into the blackness of the +night whence the sound apparently came. Anderson thought he saw a figure +emerge from behind a tree far off in the distance and he immediately +gave chase, opening fire as he did so. Several times he fired into the +dark space before him, for it was bristling with shade, notwithstanding +the obscure light of the moon. As he covered the wide area between him +and the river, the lithe form of a man emerged from the wooded area and +disappeared down the incline which led to the water. Nearing the bank he +heard distinctly the splash of the body and he fired again into the spot +whence the noise arose. The waters were still in commotion when he +reached them, but there was no one to be found; nothing save the gentle +undulation of the surface as it closed over its burden, and gradually +became placid under the soft stillness of the night. After several +minutes of intense vigilance, he slowly retraced his steps.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"The river has swallowed him," he exclaimed as he neared Arnold and +Peggy, who were standing quite motionless at the side of the settees.</p> + +<p>"Who was it?" the General asked eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I did not see him. He disappeared into the river. I heard the splash of +his dive and fired several times in its direction, but saw no one."</p> + +<p>"Did he swim it?"</p> + +<p>"No! I would have seen him. The water was unruffled except for the +disturbance caused by his dive. The poor devil must have sunk to the +bottom. Perhaps one of my shots took effect."</p> + +<p>"I don't like this," muttered Arnold. "I would not have that +conversation overheard for the crown of England. An enemy was near. I +hope to God he is in the bottom of the river."</p> + +<p>"Still, I may have hit him. I was no more than fifty yards away."</p> + +<p>"I shall have the bed dragged in the morning. I could not rest without +finding him. His identity must be learned."</p> + +<p>Leaving the settees, they set off in the direction of the house, +entering by the rear door. The servants were already in alarm over the +shooting and were standing in a group behind the threshold motionless +with awe. Peggy paused to assure them of their safety, narrating briefly +the cause of the disturbance, together with the probable fate of the +spy. She rejoined her husband and his guest in the drawing-room.</p> + +<p>"I wonder who the intruder was?" Arnold muttered. There was a look of +worry and anxiety on his face. His fingers nervously locked and +interlocked,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> and the next moment grasped his chin and rubbed his cheek. +He put his foot upon the stool and took it down again. Then he sat +forward in his chair.</p> + +<p>"Reed is behind this," he ejaculated. "You will find out that I am +right. Reed has done this, or has sent one of his lieutenants. Damn him! +He has hounded me."</p> + +<p>"I may have been tracked. Perhaps it was I who was sought. My late +movements might have created suspicion, and it is possible that I was +shadowed here."</p> + +<p>"No, Anderson. No! It was not you they were seeking. It is I, I tell +you. Reed has been watching me like a sharpshooter from the day I +arrived. He has been the author of the rumors which you have heard about +town, and he would risk his life to be enabled to establish a serious +charge against me. I am sure of it. Reed is behind this; Reed and the +City Council."</p> + +<p>"It was a nimble form——"</p> + +<p>"Did you say you thought you hit him?" he asked nervously, seeking some +source of comfort and assurance.</p> + +<p>"As I live, I hit him," Anderson promised him. "Else I would have +discovered him in the act of swimming. He is in the bottom of the +river."</p> + +<p>"That's good, damn him. Oh! If it were but Reed himself! He haunts me."</p> + +<p>"He would not haunt you did you but remove yourself from here," +volunteered Peggy.</p> + +<p>"I know it. I know it," he repeated. "But how can I?"</p> + +<p>"I suggested one avenue to you," proposed Anderson.</p> + +<p>"Which?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p><p>He awaited the answer.</p> + +<p>"Via England."</p> + +<p>His face glared with a livid red. He brought his fist high above his +head.</p> + +<p>"By heavens!" he roared. "I won't hear that again. I won't listen to it, +I tell you. I'm afraid to do it. I cannot do it. I cannot."</p> + +<p>He shook his head as he slowly repeated the words.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me," Anderson pleaded, "I intended no harm. I apologize most +sincerely for my impertinence. It will not happen again, I assure you."</p> + +<p>"That will do. Drop it at that."</p> + +<p>"The vessel will be ready next week? The meeting, then, can take place a +week from Thursday."</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly."</p> + +<p>"You will assure me of your interest?"</p> + +<p>He was on the point of going. Though he had conquered, still, he did not +know that he had conquered. He believed, as he turned and faced his +friend for the last time in Mount Pleasant, that his mind was fully made +up and that he had decided for all time in favor of the cause, at the +sacrifice of himself.</p> + +<p>"I shall do what I can," Arnold whispered, "but no more."</p> + +<p>He parted from them at the threshold.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AVI" id="CHAPTER_AVI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"I have always contended, Griff, that a bigot and a patriot are +incompatible," remarked Stephen as he sat on the side of his bed, and +looked across the room and out into the sunlit street beyond.</p> + +<p>"Is that something you have just discovered?" answered Sergeant Griffin +without taking his eyes from the newspaper before him. He was seated by +the window, musing the morning news, his curved pipe hanging idle from +his mouth, from which incipient clouds of smoke lazily issued and as +lazily climbed upward and vanished through the open casement into +threads of nothingness.</p> + +<p>"No," was the reply, "but I have come to the conclusion that the +philosophy of religious prejudice cannot be harmonized with true +patriotism. They stand against each other as night and day. The one +necessarily excludes the other."</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Captain," the sergeant reasoned, pointing towards Stephen +with the stem of his pipe, "a hard shell and a fool are somewhat alike; +one won't reason; the other can't."</p> + +<p>"I guess you're right," Stephen laughed. "But love of country and love +of one's neighbor should be synonymous. This I have found by actual +experience to be almost a truism."</p> + +<p>He was idling about the room gathering wearing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> apparel from the closets +and drawers, pausing for a moment to feel a pile of wet clothing that +lay across the back of a straight chair.</p> + +<p>"You must have fallen overboard last night," observed the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"I didn't fall, Griff; I jumped."</p> + +<p>"And let me tell you, Griff," Stephen continued, "Arnold has become one +of the most dangerous men in the whole American Army."</p> + +<p>He was dressing quietly.</p> + +<p>"And you discovered that, too?"</p> + +<p>"I am certain of it, now."</p> + +<p>"That is more like it. I don't suppose you ever had any doubts about it. +Now you have the facts, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I have some of them; not all. But I have enough to court-martial him."</p> + +<p>"And you got them last night?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"And got wet, too?"</p> + +<p>"I almost got killed," was the grave response.</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"Anderson shot at me."</p> + +<p>"Was he with you, also?"</p> + +<p>"No. After me."</p> + +<p>"Come, let us hear it. Where were you?"</p> + +<p>"At Mount Pleasant."</p> + +<p>"With Arnold and Anderson?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. But they did not know it. I shadowed Anderson to the house and lay +concealed in the park. In the evening they came into the park, that is, +Arnold and Peggy and Anderson."</p> + +<p>"And they discovered you?"</p> + +<p>"I think they did not. I was unfortunate enough to break a branch +beneath my foot. They heard it. Of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> course, I was obliged to leave +hurriedly, but Anderson must have seen me running. The distance was too +great to allow him to recognize me. Then, again, I was not in uniform."</p> + +<p>"And he shot at you, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"He did, but the shots went wide. I decided the river was the safest +course, so I headed for that and dived in. I believe I was fortunate in +attempting to swim under water; this I did as long as I could hold my +breath. When I arose, I allowed myself to float close to the shore along +with the current until I had moved far down the river. After that I lost +all sight of him."</p> + +<p>He was now dressed in his military uniform and looked little exhausted +from his experience of the night before, notwithstanding the fact that +he had enjoyed but a few hours' sleep. Still, it was past the hour of +ten, and he could tell from the appearance of the street that the sun +was already high in the heavens. He went to the window and looked out at +the citizens hurrying to and fro about their several errands. From an +open window directly across the way resounded the familiar strain of +"Yankee Doodle" drawn from a violin by a poor but extremely ambitious +musician. He stood for a minute to listen.</p> + +<p>"There are a few of them in the colonies," he remarked.</p> + +<p>"I would there were one less," was the reply.</p> + +<p>Stephen turned from the window.</p> + +<p>"We have some work ahead of us, Griff," he said after a long pause. "The +plot is about to sizzle. Are you ready?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Of course. When do you want me?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot tell you now. I have learned that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> work of recruiting is +about finished and that the organization will take place some time next +week. The company will leave the following day for New York on a vessel +for which Arnold has already issued a pass."</p> + +<p>"Arnold?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Arnold," he repeated. "He has been in this scheme from the start. +Remember that note I told you about? I have watched him carefully since +then, awaiting just such a move. I can have him court-martialed for +this."</p> + +<p>"For this pass?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. That is a violation of Section Eighteen of the Fifth Article +of War."</p> + +<p>The sergeant whistled.</p> + +<p>"And I am going to this meeting."</p> + +<p>"You are going?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"That I do not know. But I shall find a way. They have forced Jim +Cadwalader into the company."</p> + +<p>"Jim?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I learned that last night. Today I mean to see Jim to learn the +particulars. After that we shall be in a position to decide further. You +will be here when I return?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I shall stay here."</p> + +<p>"I won't go until late this afternoon. Until then keep your eye open."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," he replied, saluting.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>When Stephen had presented himself that afternoon at Jim Cadwalader's +modest home, he had almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> persuaded himself that all would not be +well. That the members of the Catholic regiment, whom Anderson boasted +had totaled nearly an hundred, could so easily be dissuaded from their +original purpose, he thought highly improbable. He was well aware that +some of his co-religionists had been subject to British official or +personal influence; that other some were vehemently opposed to the many +outrages which had been committed and condoned in the name of Liberty; +that others still were not unmindful of the spirit of hostility +displayed by the Colonists during the early days, and had now refused +for that reason to take sides with their intolerant neighbors in their +struggle for Independence. Hence it was quite true that many Catholics +were loyal to the mother country, more loyal, in fact, than they were to +the principles of American Independence and the land of their birth. +These, he feared, might have composed the bulk of the recruits and these +might be the less easily dissuaded. On the other hand, he was satisfied +that many who were unwilling to barter their allegiance had been +constrained to yield. If the complexion of the regiment was of the +latter variety, all would be well. His misgivings were not without +foundation.</p> + +<p>He knocked upon the small white door of Jim's house and inquired of Mrs. +Cadwalader if he might see her husband. Jim was at the door even as he +spoke, and grasped his hand warmly, exchanging the greetings of the day. +He then led him to the chairs under the great tree.</p> + +<p>"I want to see you on a matter of great importance," Stephen said with +no further delay. "Tell me about Mr. Anderson."</p> + +<p>"I guess ther' ain't much t' tell," Jim replied.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p><p>"You have held conference with him?"</p> + +<p>"'Twas him thet held it; not me."</p> + +<p>"About the Regiment?"</p> + +<p>"Aye!"</p> + +<p>"Have you signed your name?"</p> + +<p>"I hed t'."</p> + +<p>He was all in a fever, for his manner and his hesitation indicated it.</p> + +<p>"When do they meet?"</p> + +<p>"Thursda' next."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?"</p> + +<p>"Anderson hisself jest told me."</p> + +<p>"He has been here already?"</p> + +<p>"Ye-eh, this aft'rnoon."</p> + +<p>He looked down upon the ground, considering.</p> + +<p>"Where do they meet?"</p> + +<p>"Th' basement o' th' Baptist Church."</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Jim," Stephen asked quietly. "Why did you enlist in that +company?"</p> + +<p>"I hed t', I told ye."</p> + +<p>"Were you compelled to?"</p> + +<p>"I was."</p> + +<p>And then he told him of the number of debts which beset him, and the +starvation which was beginning to prick him. He told of the first visit +of Anderson and his offer of four pounds to every volunteer in the new +regiment of Catholic soldiers. He declared that he had refused +absolutely to take part in any disloyal act, however great might be the +reward, and had said that he preferred to starve until the colonists had +obtained their rights. He then told of Anderson's second visit, during +which he offered to relieve him of all financial obligations on +condition that he would sign with him; which offer he again refused. And +finally he related<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> how he was threatened with imprisonment for his +indebtedness, and was actually served with the papers of arrest and +confinement in the stocks unless his signature was given, and how he was +at length obliged to yield and sign over the allegiance.</p> + +<p>Stephen listened intently throughout it all, oddly studying the face of +his companion, reading into his very soul as he spoke. He was satisfied +now with Cadwalader's story.</p> + +<p>"Jim," he said at length. "You do not want to join this regiment?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir!" he exclaimed aloud. "Not a bit uv it."</p> + +<p>"If I promise to assist you to escape from this man, will you lend me +your help?"</p> + +<p>"Will I? Enythin' y' ask, sir."</p> + +<p>His eyes brightened with manifest ardor.</p> + +<p>"I want to go to that meeting, and I want you to let me take your +place."</p> + +<p>"Sure, y' ken."</p> + +<p>"And I want to borrow your clothes."</p> + +<p>"I ain't got much," observed Jim, extending his hands and looking down +at his clothing, "but what I hev, is yours."</p> + +<p>"And I want you to be in the vicinity of the building to join in any +agitation which may result against Mr. Anderson."</p> + +<p>"I'll do thet, too."</p> + +<p>"Of course, if we fail it may go hard with us. A crowd is an uncertain +element to deal with, you realize. But it is our only chance. Will you +take it?"</p> + +<p>"O' course, I'll take it. I'll do enythin' y' say, enythin'."</p> + +<p>"And Jim! You know of many so-called members of that company who have +been impressed in a manner<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> similar to yours and who, very likely, are +of the same state of mind as you."</p> + +<p>"I know meny, sir."</p> + +<p>"Very good! Can you not move among them and acquaint them secretly with +what I have just told you? Secure their coöperation for me so that, when +the moment comes, I may depend upon them for support. Urge them, too, to +join in whatever demonstration may be made against the project."</p> + +<p>"I'll do thet, sir, and y' may depend 'n me fur it."</p> + +<p>"You say Thursday night? Keep me informed of any further developments. +At any rate, I shall see you before then. Remember, however," he +cautioned, "what I have just confided to you must be kept with the +utmost secrecy."</p> + +<p>He raised his hand high above his head and stood up.</p> + +<p>"I hope t' God I die——"</p> + +<p>"Never mind swearing," interrupted Stephen, pulling him back again into +his chair. "Simply be on your guard, that is all."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You are right to come back," he said; "you should have persevered in +your resistance."</p> + +<p>"I couldn't help it, could I? I was made t'."</p> + +<p>"We become vigorous under persecution," answered Stephen.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry."</p> + +<p>"Well then—tell me. Do you know aught of this Mr. Anderson?"</p> + +<p>He stared at him with a questioning look. He was completely bewildered.</p> + +<p>"Thet I don't. Why? What—what could I know?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p><p>"I mean do you know who he is?"</p> + +<p>He sat up.</p> + +<p>"Why, I never thought o' him. He seem'd c'rrect 'nough, I thought. +Marj'rie brought 'im here, I think."</p> + +<p>Stephen set his teeth.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie?" he repeated. "Are you sure of that?"</p> + +<p>"I am, sir."</p> + +<p>"When was this?"</p> + +<p>"It's a good time now. I jest can't r'member."</p> + +<p>"Did she know of his purpose?"</p> + +<p>He paused as if he would say more, but dared not.</p> + +<p>"Thet I can't say. If I r'member c'rrectly she kept herself wid th' old +lady."</p> + +<p>"How often did she accompany him?"</p> + +<p>"Just thet once."</p> + +<p>"You mean she simply made you acquainted with him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>A light began to glimmer in Stephen's mind, and gradually the truth +began to dawn upon him.</p> + +<p>"In her presence, I presume, the conversation was more or less general. +He alluded to the scheme which was uppermost in his mind only secretly +with you?"</p> + +<p>"Thet wuz all, sir."</p> + +<p>He knew well enough now what his friend meant, though nothing of the +details, and from the uncertainty and the apprehension of his manner he +judged that there was much of which he was still in the dark. Anderson +had come to Jim with the girl to secure an advantageous introduction; +after that he had no immediate need of her company. He was of the +opinion that she was entirely ignorant of the man's character and +motives, although she was unwittingly an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>important instrument in his +hands. Stephen longed to reveal the truth of the situation to her, but +dared not; at any rate, thought he, not until the proper time came. Then +she would be enabled to appreciate for herself the trend of the whole +affair.</p> + +<p>"Can I ask ye," inquired Jim in a voice that indicated timidity, "will +this affair—I mean, d'ye s'ppse this thing 'll bring us t' eny harm, 'r +thet they'll be a disorder?"</p> + +<p>Stephen's eyes danced with excitement.</p> + +<p>"Do they observe the courtesies of the law? If it comes to the worst, +yes,—there will be a scene and the grandest scene in which a villain +ever participated."</p> + +<p>Marjorie entering through the gate posts immediately commanded their +attention.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"I should be happy to be permitted to accompany you home," Stephen +whispered to her at a moment when they chanced to be alone.</p> + +<p>"I should be happy to have you," was the soft response.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>"You look well," she said to him after they had made their adieus to the +Cadwaladers and begun their walk together down the street.</p> + +<p>Her eyes twinkled, and a pretty smile stole across her face.</p> + +<p>"I am as tired as I can be. I have endured some trying experiences."</p> + +<p>"Can you not leave here and take a rest? I fear that you will overtax +yourself."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p><p>He turned and looked seriously at her.</p> + +<p>"Honestly?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I mean it. Do you know that I have allowed no day to pass without +praying for you?"</p> + +<p>"To know that, and to hear you say it is worth a series of adventures. +But, really, I could not think of leaving here now; not for another +fortnight at least. The moments are too critical."</p> + +<p>"Are you still engaged in that pressing business?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"For your success in that I have also prayed."</p> + +<p>She was constant after all, he thought. Still he wondered if she could +be sincere in her protestations, and at the same time remain true to +Anderson. For he really believed that she had been deceived by his +apparent infatuation.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you know that Jim has been ensnared?" he asked suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Jim? No.... I,——What has happened?"</p> + +<p>She was genuinely surprised.</p> + +<p>"He has enlisted in the regiment."</p> + +<p>"Has he forsworn?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet. But he has signed the papers of enlistment."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, very sorry." Then after a pause: "It was I who brought +Anderson to Jim's house, you know."</p> + +<p>"Yes. I know."</p> + +<p>"But I must confess that I did not know the nature of his errand. I, +myself, was seeking an advantage."</p> + +<p>"No matter. It may eventually redound to our credit."</p> + +<p>"I regret exceedingly of having been the occasion of Jim's misfortune."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p><p>Her eyes were cast down, her head bent forward as she walked in what +one might characterize a meditative mood.</p> + +<p>"I, too, am sorry. But there are others."</p> + +<p>"Many?"</p> + +<p>"That I do not know. Later I shall tell you."</p> + +<p>"And why not now?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot."</p> + +<p>It was a troublesome situation in which the two found themselves. Here +were two souls who loved each other greatly, yet without being able to +arrive at a mutual understanding on the subject. They were separated by +a filmy veil. The girl, naturally frank and unreserved, was intimidated +by the restrained and melancholy mien of her companion. Yet she felt +constrained to speak lest deception might be charged against her. +Stephen, troubled in his own mind over the supposed unfavorable +condition of affairs, skeptical of the affections of his erstwhile +confidante, felt, too, a like necessity to be open and explain all.</p> + +<p>So they walked for a time, he thinking, and she waiting for him to +speak.</p> + +<p>"For two reasons I cannot tell you," he went on. "First, the nature of +the work is so obscure and so incomplete that I could give you no +logical nor concise account of what I am doing. As a matter of fact, I, +myself, am still wandering in a sort of maze. The other reason is that I +have taken the greatest care to say no word in any way derogatory to the +character of Mr. Anderson."</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't do that."</p> + +<p>"That's just it. I should not want to be the cause of your forming an +opinion one way or the other <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>concerning him. I would much prefer you to +discover and to decide for yourself."</p> + +<p>"That is charity."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps!"</p> + +<p>"And tact."</p> + +<p>She peeped at him, her lips parted in a merry smile. Evidently she was +in a flippant mood.</p> + +<p>"It would be most unfair to him were I to establish a prejudice in your +mind against him."</p> + +<p>"Yet you have already disapproved of my friendship with him."</p> + +<p>"I have, as I already have told you."</p> + +<p>"Yet you have never told me the reason," she reminded him.</p> + +<p>"I cannot."</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>For he would not wound her feelings for the world; and still it pained +him to be compelled to leave her in a state bordering on perplexity, not +to say bewilderment, as a result of his strange silence. A delicate +subject requires a deft hand, and he sensed only too keenly his +impotency in this respect. He, therefore, thought it best to avoid as +much as possible any attempts at explanation, at least for the present.</p> + +<p>Furthermore, he was entirely ignorant of her opinion of Anderson. Of +course, he would have given worlds to know this. But there seemed no +reasonable hope that that craving would be satisfied. He was persuaded +that the man had made a most favorable impression upon her, and if that +were true, he knew that it were fruitless to continue further, for +impressions once made are not easily obliterated. Poor girl! he thought. +She had seen only his best side; just that amount of good in a bad man +that makes him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>dangerous,—just that amount of interest which often +makes the cleverest person of a dullard.</p> + +<p>Hence she was still an enigma. As far as he was concerned, however, +there had been little or no variation in his attachment to her. She was +ever the same interesting, lovely, tender, noble being; complete in her +own virtues, indispensable to his own happiness. Perhaps he had been +mistaken in his analysis of her; but no,—very likely she did care for +the other man, or at any rate was beginning to find herself in that +unfortunate state—fortunate, indeed, for Anderson, but unfortunate for +him.</p> + +<p>For this reason, more than for any other, he had desisted from saying +anything that might have lessened Anderson in her regard. It would be +most unfair to interfere with her freedom of choice. When the facts of +the case were revealed in all their fullness, he felt certain that she +would repent of her infatuation, if he might be permitted to so term her +condition. It seemed best to him to await developments before further +pressing his suit.</p> + +<p>"Stephen," she said at length. "What are you thinking of me?"</p> + +<p>"I—Why?—That is a sudden question. Do you mean complimentary or +critical?"</p> + +<p>"I mean this. Have you misjudged my relations with John Anderson?"</p> + +<p>"I have thought in my mind——" he began, and stopped.</p> + +<p>Marjorie started. The voice was quiet enough but significant in tone.</p> + +<p>"Please tell me," she pleaded. "I must know."</p> + +<p>"Well, I have thought that you have been unusually attentive to him."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p><p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And that, perhaps, you do care for him,—just a little."</p> + +<p>There! It was out. She had guessed aright.</p> + +<p>"I thought as much," she said quietly.</p> + +<p>"Then why did you ask me?"</p> + +<p>"Listen," she began. "Do you recall the night you asked me to be of some +service to you?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly."</p> + +<p>"I have thought over that subject long and often. I wondered wherein +that service could lie. During the night of Peggy's affair it dawned +upon me that this stranger to whom I was presented, might be more artful +than honest. I decided to form his acquaintance so that I might learn +his identity, together with his mission in the city. I cherished the +ambition of drawing certain information from him; and this I felt could +be accomplished only by an assumed intimacy with him."</p> + +<p>Stephen stopped suddenly. His whole person was tense and magnetic as he +stared at her.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" he exclaimed. "Do you mean it?"</p> + +<p>"Truly. I read his character from the first. His critical attitude +displeased me. But I had to pretend. I had to."</p> + +<p>"Please! Please forgive me." He turned and seized suddenly both her +hands. "I thought,—I thought,—I cannot say it. Won't you forgive me?"</p> + +<p>Her eyes dropped. She freed her hands.</p> + +<p>"Then I tricked you as well," she exclaimed with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"And you mean it? I am made very happy today, happier than words can +express. What loyalty! You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> have been helping me all the time and I +never knew it. Why did you not tell me this before?"</p> + +<p>"You never gave me leave. I wanted to talk to you so much, and you +seemed to forbid me.... I prayed for an opportunity, and none came."</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry."</p> + +<p>"Anderson interested me only in this,—he came into our society for a +very definite purpose, the nature of which I was most desirous of +learning. I know now that he is not of our faith, although he pretends +to be. He is not of French extraction, yet he would lead one to assume +that he was. He is a British officer and actively engaged in the service +of the enemy. At present the recruiting of the proposed regiment of +Catholic Volunteers for service with the enemy is his immediate work. He +hopes to find many displeased and disloyal members of our kind. Them he +would incorporate into a company of deserters."</p> + +<p>"You have learned that from him?"</p> + +<p>"Aye! And more. General Arnold has been initiated into the scheme. I do +not know what to think except that he has yielded to some influence. His +antipathy toward us would require none, nevertheless I feel that some +undue pressure has been brought to bear upon him."</p> + +<p>"Anderson?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I do not know. At any rate he will bear watching. I think he is about +to ask for a more important command."</p> + +<p>Stephen then told her of his adventures, relating to her wholly and +candidly the details of his suspicions, together with his plan for the +future. Throughout it all she listened with attention, so much +interested that she was scarce aware that they were crossing the wide<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> +road before her own home. Her eyes had been about her everywhere as they +walked, yet they had failed to perceive anything.</p> + +<p>"Won't you come in?" she asked. "You are almost a stranger here now."</p> + +<p>"I would like to more than I can tell you; but truly I have business +before me which is pressing. Pardon me just once more, please."</p> + +<p>"Mother would be pleased to see you, you know," she insisted.</p> + +<p>"I should like, indeed, to see your mother. I shall stop to see her, +just to inquire for her."</p> + +<p>"Will you come when this terrible business is completed?"</p> + +<p>"Gladly. Let us say,—next week. Perhaps you might be pleased to come +canoeing with me for the space of an afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"I should be delighted. Next week?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Next week. I shall let you know."</p> + +<p>"Here is mother, now."</p> + +<p>He went in and shook her hand, inquiring diligently concerning her.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>As Stephen walked away from the home of his beloved, ruminating over the +strange disclosures of the day and how satisfactory and gratifying they +were to him, his state of mind was such that he was eager for the +completion of the more serious business that was impending so that he +might return to her who had flooded his soul with new and sudden +delight. Never was he more buoyant or cheerful. He was cheerful, +notwithstanding his remorse.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p><p>For he did chide himself over his absurd stupidity. He should have +known her better than to have entertained, for even a passing moment, a +thought of her inconstancy, and that he should have so misjudged +her,—her whom he himself would have selected from among his host of +acquaintances as the one best fitted for the office assumed,—disturbed +him not a little. His own unworthiness filled him with shame. Why did he +question her?</p> + +<p>And yet he would have given his own life to make her happy, he who was +quietly allowing her to vanish out of it. He tried to explain his +fallacy. First of all, the trend of circumstances was decidedly against +him. There was his arrest and subsequent trial, days when he had longed +to be at her side to pursue the advantages already gained. Then there +were the days of his absence from town, the long solid weeks spent in +trailing Anderson, and in meeting those who had been approached by him +in the matter of the recruiting. It was well nigh impossible, during +this time, to seize a moment for pleasure, precious moments during which +Anderson, as he thought, had been making favorable progress both with +his suit and with his sinister work. If Marjorie had forgotten him +quite, Stephen knew that he alone was responsible. Him she had seen but +seldom; Anderson was ever at her side. No girl should be put to this +test. It was too exacting.</p> + +<p>Despite his appreciation of these facts, his soul had been seized with a +very great anguish over the thought of his lost prize; and if he had +failed to conceal his feelings in her presence, it was due to the fact +that his sensitive nature was not equal to the strain imposed upon it. +Who can imagine the great joy that now filled his heart to overflowing +as a result of his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>conversation today, when he learned from her own +lips that throughout it all she had been steadfast and true to him +alone? His great regard for her was increased immeasurably. Her +character had been put to the test, and she had emerged more beautiful, +more radiant, more steadfast than before.</p> + +<p>This new analysis led him to a very clear decision. First of all he +would defeat the cunning Anderson at his own game; then he would rescue +his countrymen from their unfortunate and precarious condition; and, +finally, he would return to Marjorie to claim his reward. Altogether he +had spent an advantageous and a delightful afternoon. He was ready to +enter the meeting house with renewed energy.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AVII" id="CHAPTER_AVII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>The hall was very ordinary within. Small in proportion to its great high +ceiling, bleak in its white-washed walls and scantily covered floor, +oppressive from its damp, stifling air and poor ventilation, it gave +every indication of the state of disuse into which it had fallen. It was +no more than an anteroom to the vestry of the church, though quite +detached from it, yet one could almost feel through the stout south wall +the impenetrable weight of darkness which had settled down within the +great building beyond. The gloomy shadows had penetrated here, too, for +although the antechamber contained a half dozen windows, they were +shuttered and barred against every hue of twilight from the outside. The +very atmosphere was indicative of the sinister nature of the business at +hand.</p> + +<p>To the front of the room a small platform stood surmounted by a table, +surrounded by chairs. Several men occupied these, interested in a +conversation, somewhat subdued in its tone and manner. The chairs, +settees, and benches throughout the rest of the room, were being filled +by the so-called volunteers, who entered and took their places with an +air of wonder and indecision. Already two-thirds of the seats were +taken, and every face turned and re-turned to the door at every +footfall.</p> + +<p>The small door to the side was, of course, barred;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> but, in response to +the slightest knock, it was opened by an attendant, assigned for that +purpose. Names were asked and the cards of admission were collected with +a certain formality before the aspirant gained admittance. There was no +introduction, no hurry, no excitement.</p> + +<p>"What's your name?" the man at the door was heard to say to one who +already had tapped for admittance.</p> + +<p>"Cadwalader," was the reply. "James Cadwalader."</p> + +<p>"Got your card?"</p> + +<p>There was no response, only the production of a small white card.</p> + +<p>A strong, athletic individual, clad in a checked shirt and a red flannel +jacket, a leathern apron, and a pair of yellow buckskin breeches, +entered and stood for a moment looking about the hall. His eyes fell +upon the group gathered around the table at the forward end of the room. +Two of them he recognized, Colonel Clifton and John Anderson, the latter +with his back to the audience. There were many familiar faces in the +chairs throughout the room, some of whom had expected him, and +accordingly gave him a slight recognition. Slowly, and in a manifestly +indifferent manner, he made his way to the front of the chairs where he +seated himself, and listened sharply to the little group conversing upon +the platform until he had satisfied himself that there was nothing of +importance under discussion.</p> + +<p>The room was filling rapidly. It was one of those mixed assemblies +wherein one could discern many states of mind written upon the faces of +those present. Some wore the appearance of contentment and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>composure; +some laughed and talked in a purely disinterested and indifferent +manner; others looked the picture of unrest and dissatisfaction, and +wore a scowl of disappointment and defeat. These latter Stephen +recognized at once and hurriedly made an estimate of their number. +Together with the neutral representation he seemed satisfied with the +majority.</p> + +<p>The most remarkable feature of all was the silence. Not a voice was +raised above a whisper. The man at the door at the side of the hall, the +little group away to the front of the hall, peeping at the audience and +talking in subdued tones, the people in the chairs, those at the back of +the hall,—all seemed to hold their tongues to a whisper for interest +and a kind of fear. Drama was in the air.</p> + +<p>The guard at the door advanced to the front of the hall to announce to +Mr. Anderson that the full quota was present. Whereupon the latter arose +from his chair and swept with his gaze the entire room, which the dim +light of the torches only partly revealed. Satisfied with his scrutiny, +he turned and again conferred with his associates who nodded their heads +in acceptance of his suggestion. They sat back in their chairs while he +came to the center of the platform and awaited the cessation of the hum +which was now becoming audible.</p> + +<p>"Let me begin by taking further assurance of your number," he said, "for +which purpose I shall call the roll of names to which I respectfully ask +you to respond."</p> + +<p>Then followed the reading of the roll-call to which each man at the +mention of his name signified his presence in the room. Stephen's heart +fluttered as he replied boldly to the name of "James Cadwalader."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p><p>There were eight names to which no reply was given. These very likely +would come later, or perhaps they had reconsidered their action and had +decided not to come at all. Those present numbered eighty-six, Stephen +learned from the count.</p> + +<p>"I shall take this opportunity of distributing among you the papers of +enlistment that you may read the terms of agreement, and these I shall +ask you to sign at the close of this meeting."</p> + +<p>As Anderson finished this sentence, he passed to several aids, a bundle +of papers which they promptly dealt out to the members of the proposed +company.</p> + +<p>Then Mr. Anderson began.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"You have assembled this evening, my dear friends and co-religionists, +to translate into definite action the convictions by which you have been +impelled to undertake this important business. Our presence means that +we are ready to put into deeds the inspirations which have always +dominated our minds. It means that we are about to make a final thrust +for our religious convictions, and to prove that we are worthy +descendants of the men who established in this land freedom of religious +worship, and bequeathed it to us as a priceless heritage."</p> + +<p>This Anderson is a clever fellow, thought Stephen, and a fluent talker. +Already his eloquence had brought quiet to the room and caused those who +were fumbling with the papers to let them fall motionless in their laps. +But what a knave! Here he was deliberately playing upon the sympathies +of his audience in the rôle of a Catholic.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p><p>"We have signified our intention of taking this momentous step, because +we are of the undivided opinion that our rights have been attained. We +have accomplished our purpose and we have now no cause for martial +strife. No longer do grounds of contention between us and the mother +country exist. Our bill of rights has been read abroad and honored, and +overtures of conciliation have already been made. The object for which +we linked our forces with the rebel standard, the happiness, the supreme +happiness of our country, has been gained. We no longer desire open +warfare.</p> + +<p>"The idea of an American Parliament, with its members of American birth, +is a welcome one. It is a fitting, a worthy ambition. We are confident +that we are capable, at this juncture, of enacting our own laws and of +giving them the proper sanction. We are capable of raising our own +taxes. We are worthy of conducting our own commerce in every part of the +civilized globe as free citizens of the British Empire. And we are +convinced that we should enjoy for this purpose the blessings of good +government, not necessarily self-government, and that we should be +sustained by all the power requisite to uphold it, as befits free and +independent children bonded together in a concert of purpose.</p> + +<p>"This we desire. But we seek also that freedom in matters of religious +worship without which no nation can attain to any degree of greatness. +Under a government conducted solely and independently by the colonists +we know that such a consummation would be impossible. I need not remind +you of the deplorable state of affairs which obtained previous to the +opening of hostilities. I need not recall to your minds the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>anti-Catholic declarations of the Continental Congresses. I need not +recall to you the machinations of John Jay, or the manifest antipathy of +the Adamses, or the Hamiltons, or the Paines. I need not recall to you +how the vaunted defenders of American liberties and freedom expressed +their supreme detestation of Catholics and all things Catholic, and how +they were determined that the nightmare of Popery would never hold sway +over these free and independent colonies as it does even now in Canada. +I need not recall how the colonies, with the sole exception of this +colony of Pennsylvania, debarred the free and legitimate exercise of +your religion within their bounds, and restricted its public ceremonies; +how you were restricted by oaths required by law, even here in +Pennsylvania, which you could not take had you been so successful as to +be chosen to office. I need not remind you of these truths. You already +know them. It would be idle to repeat them."</p> + +<p>"This man is exceedingly dangerous," muttered Stephen, "and exceedingly +well-informed." He jotted down several notes on the reverse of his +paper.</p> + +<p>"We have been displeased with the conduct of the war, immeasurably so. +And we have lost all faith in the good will of our fellow-colonists, in +matters religious as well as in matters political. They have refused to +treat with the ministers of conciliation. We are about to join our +forces to those of the mother country in order that we may render our +own poverty-stricken land an everlasting service. We are destined to +take our places among a band of true and genuine patriots, who have, +above all things else, the welfare of their own land at heart, and we +are about to commit ourselves to this course, together with our +fortunes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> and our lives. Since our people are blinded by the avarice and +the prejudice of their leaders, we shall take into our own hands the +decision and the fortunes of this war, trusting that our cause may be +heard at the bar of history when strict judgment shall be meted out. We +have broken with our people in the hope that the dawn of better days may +break through the clouds that now overshadow us."</p> + +<p>He paused, for a moment to study the temper of his audience. There was +no sound, and so he continued.</p> + +<p>"It is the glory of the British soldier that he is the defender, not the +destroyer, of the civil and the religious rights of the people. Witness +the tolerant care of your mother country in the bestowal of religious +liberties to the inhabitants of our once oppressed neighbor, Canada. The +Quebec Act was the greatest concession ever granted in the history of +the British Parliament, and it secured for the Canadians the freedom of +that worship so dear and so precious to them. So great was the tolerance +granted to the Catholics of the North, that your fellow-colonists flew +to arms lest a similar concession be made here. It was the last straw +that broke the bonds of unity. For, henceforth, it was decreed that only +a complete and independent separation from the British Parliament could +secure to the people the practice of the Protestant faith.</p> + +<p>"Now we come to the real purpose of this organization. We are about to +pledge ourselves to the restoration of our faith through the ultimate +triumph of the British arms. Nobody outside of America believes that she +can ever make good her claims of independence. No one has ever taken +seriously her attempt at self-government. France, alone, actuated by +that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>ancient hatred for England, inspired by the lust of conquest and +the greed of spoliation, has sent her ships to our aid. But has she +furnished the Colonies with a superior force of arms? Has she rendered +herself liable for any indebtedness? Your mother country alone has made +this benign offer to you, and it is to her alone that you can look and +be assured of any reconciliation and peace.</p> + +<p>"Victory, once assured, will establish peace and everlasting happiness. +Victory, now made possible only by the force of arms, will assure us +toleration in religious matters. And why not? This fratricidal strife +should not occasion any personal hatred. England is not our foe, but our +mother in arms against whom we have conceived an unjust grievance. Let +us lay aside our guns for the olive. Since our fellow-citizens will not +accept just terms of conciliation let us compel them to do so by the +strength of our arms.</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow we embark for New York at the place of landing indicated on +the papers of enlistment. There we shall be incorporated into a regiment +of a thousand men. The recruiting there has met with unlooked-for +success. Colonel Clifton reports that the ranks already are filled. Your +admission alone is required, and the ship, which will bear you down the +waters of the Susquehanna tomorrow, will carry a message of cheer to +them who have already entrusted themselves, their destinies, their all +to the realization of our common hope.</p> + +<p>"You will now take the oath of allegiance to the government of His +Majesty, which I shall administer to you in a body. Tomorrow at the hour +of eight I shall meet you at the pier of embarkation. I shall be glad to +accompany you to reveal to you my interest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> in your behalf. Only with a +united front can we hope for success and to this purpose we have +dedicated our lives and our fortunes. I shall ask you to rise to a man, +with your right arm upraised, to take the oath of allegiance to your +king."</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>The spell that held them broke, and the bustle began. A mumble filled +the room, followed by moments of animated discussion. Neighbor spoke to +neighbor in terms of approval or plied him with questions menacing and +entreating. Anderson maintained his composure to allow them to settle +again into a period of quietude before the administration of the oath. +At length Stephen arose as if to question, and was given permission to +speak by the chairman, Mr. Anderson.</p> + +<p>"What immunity does His Majesty's Government guarantee to us after the +war?"</p> + +<p>"The usual guarantee will of course be made," Anderson replied.</p> + +<p>"Does that mean that we shall be reëstablished in the good-will of our +fellow-citizens?" Stephen again inquired.</p> + +<p>"Unquestionably. When the colonists see the immense benefits which they +have acquired, they will readily condone all wrongs."</p> + +<p>Intense interest was already manifest throughout the room. Faces were +eagerly bent forward lest a word be lost.</p> + +<p>"Such considerations, however, are irrelevant to our purpose," dismissed +Anderson with a wave of the hand.</p> + +<p>"But it is of vital consequence to us. We must return to our people to +live with them, and we cannot live<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> in an atmosphere of hatred. Who +knows that our lives may not be placed in jeopardy! My question deals +with this. Will any provision be made against such a contingency?"</p> + +<p>"It is too early to discuss the final settlement, but you have my +assurance that suitable protection will be given."</p> + +<p>"Your assurance?" repeated Stephen. "What amount of assurance may you +offer to us, you who admittedly are one of ourselves?"</p> + +<p>"I consider that an impertinent question, sir, and in no way connected +with the business before us."</p> + +<p>"It is of vital concern to us, I should say; and I for one am desirous +of knowing more about this affair before yielding my consent."</p> + +<p>"You have signed your papers of enlistment already, I believe. There is +no further course then for you to pursue."</p> + +<p>There was a rustle among the seats. Some had begun to realize their +fate; some had realized it from the start but were powerless to prevent +it. Two or three faces turned a shade paler, and they became profoundly +silent. The others, too, held their tongues to await the result of the +controversy. For here was a matter of vital concern to all. Up to now +very few deserters, especially among the Catholics, had been discovered +among the American forces. They had heard of an individual or two +surrendering himself to the enemy, or of whole families going over to +the other side in order to retain their possessions and lands. But a +mutiny was another matter altogether. What if they failed and the +Colonists gained their independence!</p> + +<p>"I suppose we are powerless," admitted Stephen in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> a low tone of voice +as he watched the effect of his words on the gathering. "We are +confronted," he continued, "with the dilemma of estrangement no matter +what side gains."</p> + +<p>"England can't lose," interrupted Colonel Clifton, who heretofore had +been seated, an attentive observer. "And with victory comes the +establishment of the will of the conqueror. Care will be taken that +there shall be adequate reparation."</p> + +<p>"Very good!" answered Stephen. "Now together with that privilege of +immunity, can we be assured of the extension of the Quebec Act? Has +England so decreed?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet," Anderson admitted, "but that extension, or one equal to it, +will be made one of the conditions of peace."</p> + +<p>"We are sure of that, then?"</p> + +<p>"Well, we are not sure, but it is only logical to infer such a +condescension will be made."</p> + +<p>"I don't agree with you, I am sorry to say, for the English Parliament +may be of another mind when peace and victory have been established."</p> + +<p>"You are interrupting the meeting. Please let us continue with our +business," Anderson sharply reproved him.</p> + +<p>"I speak for my fellow-citizens here," said Stephen as he turned toward +them with an appealing gesture, "and I maintain that it is our privilege +to know certain matters before we transfer our allegiance."</p> + +<p>It was now plain to the company that Anderson was worried. His white +thin lips were firmly compressed as the wrath in his heart blazed within +him. He was aghast at the blow. It had come from a quarter wholly +unexpected. That this fellow in these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> shabby clothes should be gifted +with a freedom of speech such as to confound him when he thought his +plans realized to the letter, was astounding. Why, he might sway the +minds of the entire assembly! Better to silence him at once, or better +still banish him from the hall than to cope with the possibility of +losing the entire multitude.</p> + +<p>"You have interrupted this meeting more than I care to have you, sir. If +you will kindly allow me to proceed with the business before the house I +shall consider it a favor."</p> + +<p>"I ask my fellow-citizens here," shouted Stephen by way of reply, "if +you or any man possesses the right to deprive us of free speech, +especially at a time as momentous as this. I ask you, my friends, if I +may continue?"</p> + +<p>"Yes!... Go on!... We will hear you!..." were the several acclamations +from the throng.</p> + +<p>Anderson heard it with perceptible confusion. He fumbled nervously with +his fingers, wholly ignorant of what to say.</p> + +<p>"Let me ask, then," said Stephen, "if the idea of independence is wholly +exclusive of religious toleration. Why are we, a mere handful of men, +about to pledge ourselves to the accomplishment by force of arms what +already is accomplished in our very midst? Freedom of religious worship +is already assured. The several actions of the colonial governing bodies +lend us that assurance. England can do no more for us than already has +been done; and what has been done by the Colonies will be guaranteed by +the elective body of the people in the days of independence. I am +fearful of the hazards that will accompany this enlistment. Give me +leave to address you on this topic that you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> may understand my troubled +state of mind. I appeal to you. Give me leave to talk."</p> + +<p>Whether it was the spontaneous sound issuing from the ranks of those +already initiated into the secret, or whether a chord already attuned in +the hearts and minds of the entire assembly, had been marvelously struck +by him, there was a reverberation of approval throughout the room in +answer to Stephen's plea. So unanimous was the demonstration that +Anderson took alarm. The air of democracy was revealing itself in their +instinctive enthusiasm. And while nothing might result from Stephen's +rambling remarks, still it would afford them consolation that their side +of the question had been aired. To a man they voiced their approval of +the privilege which had been begged.</p> + +<p>"Aye!... Speech!... Take the floor!"</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AVIII" id="CHAPTER_AVIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"I have no desire to make a speech," Stephen began, "but I have asked +for this privilege of addressing you because we are moving through +critical times and because there are serious decisions to be made this +evening, which it is neither right nor possible for us to make without a +full consideration of the state of affairs. I have devoted much serious +thought to this subject. I have labored to arrive at a just conclusion, +and it is in that spirit that I would speak. I feel, too, that I have an +inalienable right as a free-born citizen to express my views freely and +publicly, as befits a loyal adherent of the principles which we are now +defending with our blood. And first among those principles is that which +guarantees representation in all matters that are of vital concern to +us."</p> + +<p>He had not left his chair but continued to talk from his place beside +it, turning, however, somewhat in the direction of his audience. Silence +reigned throughout the room and every face was turned full upon him.</p> + +<p>"I, too, had accepted the terms of enlistment on the plea of the +acquisition of our rights, so admirably exposed to us by our good +friend, Mr. Anderson. As I pondered the matter, however, I seriously +questioned whether this were the proper time for the employment of such +methods. What assurance have we,—if indeed assurance be needed,—that +this is not another<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> trick of the enemy? Bear with me, please, while I +unfold to you my thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Our leader and our guide in these matters, Mr. Anderson, has made known +to us that this business of recruiting has been a great success. But did +he tell us of the sinister methods which often had been resorted to, of +the many threats which had been exercised over a great number of us, of +the debts which had been relieved, of the intimidation which had been +employed? He declared with manifest satisfaction that the recruiting in +the city of New York had been marvelous in its results, yet he did not +explain to our satisfaction the reason which impelled the leaders of +this revolt to seek members from the neighboring cities to help swell +the ranks; nor did he tell of the means which had been made use of to +secure that marvelous number in the city, of all cities, where such +recruiting would be most successful because of the present British +occupation of the territory. Furthermore, he failed to tell us that he +himself is not a Catholic, or that his true name is not Anderson, or of +his history previous to his appearance in this city. Neither did he tell +us that Lieutenant-Colonel Clifton, while a Philadelphia Catholic, is a +British subject, having accepted British allegiance on the capture of +the city a year ago last September. There were many items of importance +which were not revealed to us. Shall I continue? I have an abundance of +facts to disclose to you, if you give me leave."</p> + +<p>So favorable had been the impression produced by the speech of Anderson +that Stephen felt apprehensive lest his own criticism and contradiction +would not be accepted as true. And so he paused to learn if possible the +nature of his reception.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p><p>"Yes!... We want to hear them!... Tell us more!..."</p> + +<p>There was a wild outburst of approval, followed by a generous +handclapping. In the confusion, Stephen observed Anderson together with +Colonel Clifton leave their places on the platform and take seats on the +side of the room.</p> + +<p>"It is quite true that we have no quarrel with the English people. We +have no quarrel with their king or the framers of their laws. It is +equally true that the governments of Great Britain and the United +Colonies have become involved in a military struggle, a struggle to the +death; nevertheless we would be the last to imply that there exists any +essential antagonism of interests or purposes between the two peoples. +We are not engaged in a contest between Englishmen and Americans, but +between two antagonistic principles of government, each of which has its +advocates and its opponents among us who sit here, among those who live +with us in our own country, among those who reside in far-off England. +The contest is a political contest, the ancient contest between the Whig +and the Tory principles of government, the contest of Chatham and North, +and Richmond, Rockingham and Burke transferred to this side of the +Atlantic. The political liberty to which we have dedicated ourselves is +no product of our imaginations; our forefathers of the seventeenth +century brought it to our shores and now we naturally refuse to +surrender it. It is the principle for which we are contending,—the +principles that these United Colonies are and of a right ought to be +free and independent states; and in all matters else we are loyal foster +children of His Majesty the King, as loyal and as interested a people in +the welfare of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> mother country as the most devoted subject of the +crown residing in the city of London.</p> + +<p>"War was inevitable. This has been known for some time; but there has +been no lack of cordiality between the people of the United Kingdom and +the people of the United Colonies. We are opposed to certain principles +of statecraft, to the principle of taxation without representation, to +the same degree as are the Whigs of our mother country. We cherish the +warmest sentiments of love and admiration for the English people and we +are ready to become their brothers in arms at any future date for the +defense of those very ideals which we are now trying to establish,—the +blessings of democracy; but we abominate autocracy and will have none of +it. In this regard we may be said to have disinfected our anger, but +never to have diluted it."</p> + +<p>The Tory element moved about in their seats, and Stephen suspected for a +moment that he was being treated with an air of disdain. He shifted his +point of view suddenly.</p> + +<p>"To say that the Catholic people of this country are dissatisfied with +the conduct of the war is begging the question, and brands them with a +stigma which they wholly undeserve. We admit for the sake of argument +that our early cousins may have proved themselves somewhat intolerant, +and, perhaps, rendered conditions of life disagreeable to us; still gold +must be tried by the fire. We grow vigorous under storms of persecution. +And while it is true that the American Congress of 1774 protested +against the legislature of Great Britain establishing a 'religion +fraught with impious tenets,' yet it is equally true that the Congress<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> +of 1776 resolved to protect 'all foreigners in the free exercise of +their respective religions.' The past has been buried by this; the +future lies before us.</p> + +<p>"We do not grieve on that account. Rather are we proud of our adhesion +to the cause of independence, and you, yourselves, are no less proud of +your own efforts in this regard. The Commander-in-chief is warmly +disposed towards the Catholic element, not alone in the army, but among +the citizenry. His own bodyguard is composed of men, more than thirty of +whom bear Catholic names. One of his aides, Colonel Fitzgerald, is a +Catholic. His Captain and Commander of the Navy, nominated and appointed +by himself, is a Catholic, John Barry. We are appreciative of the +services of our General, and we are ready to render ourselves worthy of +the esteem and the respect in which we are held by him, as was evidenced +by his abolition of the celebration of Guy Fawkes Day, so detestable to +us.</p> + +<p>"I repeat this to impress upon you that this is not the time for +religious controversy or for nicely calculating the scope and the extent +of our service. The temper of the times requires unity of action and +definition of purpose. Our people respect us. Whatever restrictions were +lodged against us in the past have been broken down now before the +battering ram of public opinion. The guarantees for the future given by +our own brethren, that we shall be permitted the free and unrestricted +exercise of our religious observances as well as the right to worship +God according to the dictates of our own consciences, are of more +endurable texture than the flimsy promises of the enemy. Our noble and +generous ally, France, already has procured for us that respect and +recognition so <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>indispensable to our safety and, contrary to the opinion +already expressed here tonight, has sent us six thousand men, the first +installment of an army of at least twelve thousand trained soldiers, +destined to be put directly under General Washington's command. Together +with these she has already furnished Congress with large sums of money +to enable us to carry on the war. The dawn of a brighter day is now +breaking over the horizon and in the east the sun of justice and of +toleration and of liberty may be seen breaking through the low-hung +clouds of oppression, prejudice and tyranny which have so long obscured +it. In our history there has been no coward, no Tory, no traitor of our +faith. We are still Loyalists; but of different type. That precious and +historic document of July 4, 1776, definitely and for all time absolved +us from all allegiance to the British Crown. By nature, then, we have +become citizens of a new government, a government instituted by and +subject to the peoples of these free and independent states. Henceforth, +Loyalty assumes a newer and most lasting significance;—it has suddenly +become for us synonymous with the best and dearest interests of our +country."</p> + +<p>He paused.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>The sigh throughout the room was distinctly audible as he ended his +paragraph with a rhetorical pause. He caught the sound on the instant +and understood its meaning as the orator, holding his audience in +breathless intensity, allows them to drop suddenly that he may +appreciate his control of their feelings. Their pent-up energies give +way to an abrupt relaxation followed by a slight scuffling of the body +or an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>intermittent cough. From these unconscious indications, Stephen +knew that he had held their interest and he did not intend that they +should be allowed to compose themselves quite, until he had finished. He +began at once on the evidence of the plot.</p> + +<p>"The members of this proposed company before whom I have the privilege +of speaking, have been the victims of a gigantic plot, a plot that found +its origin in the headquarters of the British army at New York City. It +was to advance the plan that John Anderson came to Philadelphia. He had +carried on communication with the enemy almost without interruption. +Because the work of recruiting in the city of the enemy was a failure, +it was decreed that the city of Philadelphia, as the most Tory of the +American cities, be called upon for the requisite number. Of the +progress here, you already know. Of the multifarious means employed, you +yourselves can bear excellent witness. Of the ultimate success of the +venture you are now about to decide.</p> + +<p>"The Military Governor, General Arnold, was early initiated into the +scheme. For a long time he has borne a fierce grudge against Congress, +and he hoped that the several Catholic members of the body might be +induced to forsake the American cause. They sought Father Farmer, our +good pastor, as chaplain of the regiment, but he refused with mingled +delicacy and tact. Indeed, were it not for the hostile state of the +public mind, a campaign of violence would have been resorted to; but +Arnold felt the pulse of dislike throbbing in the heart of the community +and very wisely refrained from increasing its fervor. All possible aid +was furnished by him, however, in a secret manner. His counsel was +generously given. Many of your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> names were supplied by him together with +an estimate of your financial standing, your worth in the community, +your political tendencies, the strength of your religious convictions. +And what a comparatively simple matter it was for one thus equipped to +accomplish so marvelous and so satisfactory results!</p> + +<p>"I repeat, then, General Arnold is strongly prejudiced against us. It is +an open secret that Catholic soldiers have fared ill at his hands. +Tories and Jews compose his retinue, but no Catholics. I am not critical +in this respect for I observe that he is enjoying but a personal +privilege. But I allude to this fact at this moment to assure you that +this scheme of forming a regiment of Roman Catholic Volunteers is +directed solely to subvert the good relations already existing between +us and our brethren in arms. The promises made bore no hope of +fulfillment. The guarantees of immunity deserve no consideration. The +Quebec Act, and for this I might say in passing that we are duly +grateful, was never to be extended. In view of these observations, I ask +you: are you willing to continue with this nefarious business? Are you?"</p> + +<p>"No!" was the interruption. The outburst was riotous. "Arrest the +traitor!... I move we adjourn!..."</p> + +<p>Stephen held out his hands in supplication to beseech them to hear him +further.</p> + +<p>"Please, gentlemen! Just one more word," he pleaded.</p> + +<p>They stood still and listened.</p> + +<p>"Has it occurred to you, let me ask, that the vessel which has been +engaged to transport you to the city of New York is named the <i>Isis</i>, a +sloop well known to sea-faring men of this city? She is owned by +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>Philadelphia citizens and manned by a local crew. Does not this strike +you as remarkably strange and significant,—that a vessel of this +character should clear this port and enter the port of the enemy without +flying the enemy's flag? Think of it, gentlemen! An American vessel with +an American crew employed by the enemy, and chartered to aid and abet +the enemy's cause!"</p> + +<p>They resumed their seats to give their undivided attention to this new +topic of interest. Some sat alert, only partly on the chair; some sat +forward with their chins resting in the palms of their hands. So +absorbed were all in astonishment and amazement, that no other thought +gave them any concern save that of the vessel. The side door had opened +and closed, yet no one seemed to notice the occurrence. Even Stephen had +failed to observe it.</p> + +<p>"As a matter of fact," he continued, "the ship has not been chartered by +the enemy. She is about to clear this port and enter the port of the +enemy by virtue of a pass issued through General Arnold.... Please, just +a moment, until I conclude," he exclaimed, holding out his hand with a +restraining gesture. "This matter has heretofore been a close secret, +but it is necessary now that the truth should be known. To issue a pass +for such an errand is a violation of the American Articles of War and +for this offense I now formally charge Major-General Benedict Arnold +with treason."</p> + +<p>"The traitor!... Court-martial him!..." shouted several voices.</p> + +<p>"I charge him with being unfaithful to his trust. He had made use of our +wagons to transport the property of the enemy at a time when the lines +of communication of the enemy were no farther distant than Egg Harbor. +He has allowed many of our people to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> enter and leave the lines of the +enemy. He has illegally concerned himself over the profits of a +privateer. He has imposed, or at any rate has given his sanction to the +imposition of menial offices upon the sons of freedom who are now +serving in the militia, as was the case with young Matlack, which you +will remember. And he has of late improperly granted a pass for a vessel +to clear for the port of the enemy. I desire to make these charges +publicly in order that you may know that my criticisms are not without +foundation. I have in view your welfare alone."</p> + +<p>"Aye!... We believe you!... Let us adjourn!"</p> + +<p>"Let me ask Mr. Anderson one or two questions. If they can be answered +to your satisfaction we shall accept his overtures. On the other hand +let us dispense once and for all with this nefarious business and +frustrate this insidious conspiracy so that we may renew our energies +for the task before us which alone matters—the task of overcoming the +enemy.</p> + +<p>"First! Who has financed the organization, equipment, transportation of +this regiment of Roman Catholic Volunteers?</p> + +<p>"Second: From what source or sources originated the various methods of +blackmail?</p> + +<p>"Third: Who first suggested the coöperation of General Arnold?</p> + +<p>"Fourth: What pressure was brought to bear in the obtaining of the +passport for the vessel to clear port?"</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>But there was no Anderson to give answer. It was found that he, together +with Colonel Clifton and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>several members of the party, had disappeared +from the room. No one had remembered seeing them take their departure, +yet it was observed that they had left the platform in the course of +Stephen's speech to take seats on the further side of the hall, near to +the door. This might have opened and closed several times during +Stephen's speech, and, more especially, at the time when they had +crowded the aisles near the close of the address, and little or no +attention would have been paid to it. Very likely Anderson had taken +advantage of such an opportunity to make an escape.</p> + +<p>It was a very different room now. What had been a state of remarkable +quiet with every man in his seat, with the conversation hardly above the +tone of a whisper, with the uniform tranquillity disturbed solely by the +remarks of the two speakers, was now giving way to a precipitous uproar +which approached a riot. Men surged about one another and about Stephen +in an endeavor to learn the details of the plot. Groups separated +themselves from other equally detached groups, all absorbed, however, in +the same topic. Voices, formerly hushed, now became vociferous. The +walls reverberated with the tumultuous confusion.</p> + +<p>"What dupes!" one was remarking to his neighbor. "How easily were we led +by his smooth talk!"</p> + +<p>"We were misguided in our motives of allegiance. We might have sensed a +trick of the enemy," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Let us win the war, first," shouted a third.</p> + +<p>"Aye! Freedom first; then religious liberty."</p> + +<p>"Who is he?" another asked. "It cannot be Cadwalader."</p> + +<p>"No," answered the neighbor. "This was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>prearranged. He borrowed +Cadwalader's card to come here."</p> + +<p>"I always told you Arnold was no good," sounded a great voice. "He'd +sell us to the devil if he could get paid for it. I suppose he'll go to +New York sure."</p> + +<p>"Let him. Wish he was out of here."</p> + +<p>"Say!" one asked Stephen rather abruptly. "How did you get all this +straight?"</p> + +<p>"I interested myself the moment the scheme took root. I assured myself +that all was not as it should be and I took pains to verify my +suspicions," was the grave reply.</p> + +<p>"I know, but how did ye get 'em?"</p> + +<p>"By following every move this Anderson made. I tracked him even to Mount +Pleasant."</p> + +<p>"And got beforehand with Arnold?"</p> + +<p>"I overheard the major portion of the conversation."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me," asked another individual, neater in appearance than the +majority, and evidently of more education, "but have I not seen you +before?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you have," laughed Stephen.</p> + +<p>"Where?"</p> + +<p>"I could not begin to imagine."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live? In town?"</p> + +<p>"For the present, yes."</p> + +<p>"Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"Can't you see? Just one of you?"</p> + +<p>"Never saw you in those clothes before. If I am not greatly mistaken you +are the one who came to the Coffee House one day with Matt. Allison."</p> + +<p>"Yes," admitted Stephen, "I am the same."</p> + +<p>"How did you come by those clothes?"</p> + +<p>"Borrowed them."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p><p>"In disguise, eh?"</p> + +<p>"It was necessary to simulate a disguise. Otherwise I could never have +gained admission here. I learned that Jim Cadwalader had been impressed +into the company and I arranged to come in his place."</p> + +<p>"Oh!"</p> + +<p>"You took a mighty big risk."</p> + +<p>"It was required. But I knew that there was but one way of playing this +game and that was to defeat them openly by their own tactics. I had to +depend, of course, upon the temper of the proposed members. All might be +lost or won at one throw of the dice. I worded my remarks to that +effect, and I won."</p> + +<p>"What did you say your name was?"</p> + +<p>"I did not say what it was," Stephen exchanged in good-natured repartee, +"but since you ask, it is Meagher."</p> + +<p>"Captain Meagher?"</p> + +<p>Stephen smiled.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>It must have been fully half-past nine when the meeting broke up; and +that was at the departure of Stephen. He had lingered long enough to +assure himself that the company was of a mind far different from that +which had engaged them upon their arrival. They were now to go forth +wiser men. But they knew that the people of the city could be moved +quickly to indignation—as quickly, indeed, as they could be moved to +favor. And how were they to explain their conduct? They resolved to lay +the story with all its details before the very table of public opinion +and allow that tribunal to discriminate between the shades of guilt.</p> + +<p>Anderson, of course, had fled. That in itself was a confession and a +point in their favor. It was plain to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> their minds that they had been +victimized by the clever machinations of this man. If there had been any +lack of unity of opinion concerning the righteousness of the project +before, there was no divided opinion now. They knew what they were about +to do, and they made all possible haste to put their thought into +execution.</p> + +<p>The ancient antipathy against the Military Governor was only intensified +the more. Rumor would confirm the charges that would be published +against him, of that they would take proper care. It was enough that +they had been deluded by Anderson, but to be mere pawns in the hands of +Arnold was more than they could stand. Too long had he been tolerated +with his Tory wife and her manner of living, and now was an opportunity. +Their path of duty was outlined before them.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>Thoroughly satisfied with his evening's work, Stephen turned down the +street whistling softly to himself.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AIX" id="CHAPTER_AIX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"Come!" said Stephen in response to the soft knock upon his door panel. +"Just a minute."</p> + +<p>He arose from his knees from the side of his bed. It was his custom to +pray in this posture both morning and night; in the morning to thank his +Lord for having brought him safely through the night and to offer Him +all his prayers and works and sufferings of the day. At night to implore +pardon for his shortcomings of the day and to commend himself into the +hands of his Creator. This morning, however, the noise of heavy +footsteps on the stairway had caused him to abbreviate somewhat his +devotional exercise.</p> + +<p>"Come in!" he repeated as he slipped back the bolt and opened the door. +"Oh! Good morning! You're out early. How are you?"</p> + +<p>He shook the hands of his early morning visitors warmly.</p> + +<p>"Fine morning!" replied Mr. Allison. "Sorry to have disturbed you, but +Jim was around early and desired to see you."</p> + +<p>"Sure! No disturbance at all, I assure you. I was on the point of +leaving for breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Go right ahead. Please don't delay on our account. We can wait. Go +ahead," expostulated Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"We want'd t' be sure an' git ye, thet wuz all,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> remarked Jim. "Eat +first. We'll be here when y' git back."</p> + +<p>"Sit down and make yourselves comfortable," and he arranged several +chairs about the room. "I overslept, I fear. Last night taxed me."</p> + +<p>"You did justice to yourself and to us last night. The splendid result +was your reward."</p> + +<p>They were seated, Jim by the window, Mr. Allison at Stephen's desk. The +disorder of early morning was apparent in the room, the furniture +disarranged and all manner of clothing, bed covering, wearing apparel, +towels, piled or thrown carelessly about. No one seemed to mind it, +however, for no one paused to rearrange it.</p> + +<p>"It wuz a big night. Tell us how did ye git along with 'em?" asked Jim.</p> + +<p>"Much better than I had anticipated," Stephen replied. "I thought that +Anderson's talk had won them entirely, but when I asked for the floor, I +saw at once that many were with me. Had you instructed them?" This +question was directed towards Jim.</p> + +<p>"I did. I saw a doz'n at least. You know they had no use fur th' thing +and were glad o' th' chance. I made a big secret out o' it, and they +watch'd fur my ol' clothes."</p> + +<p>"I thought I felt their glances. They stuck true, you may be assured. I +knew, too, that I possessed a reserve blow in the affair of the <i>Isis</i>. +The mention of Arnold's name inflamed them."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to have missed that," Mr. Allison said.</p> + +<p>"How did they avoid you?" Stephen asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I was never approached although I had been acquainted +with the rumors of the thing right along. I suppose they figured that I +would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> threaten them with exposure. They knew where I stood; and then +again they knew that they could threaten me with no debts. For some +reason or other they thought best to avoid me."</p> + +<p>"I guess we killed it for good."</p> + +<p>"Kill'd it?" exclaimed Jim. "It's deader 'n a six-day corpse. An' +there's great talk goin' on t'day on all th' corners. We're right wid +th' peepul y' kin bet, and they thought best to avoid me."</p> + +<p>"Have you noticed any agitation?"</p> + +<p>"There has been a little disturbance," Mr. Allison admitted, "but no +violence. It has been talk more than anything. Many are wondering who +you are and how you obtained your information. Others are considerably +taken back by the unveiling of Anderson. The greatest of respect is +being shown to us on the street, and congratulations are being offered +to us from all sides."</p> + +<p>"I am glad the sentiment has changed. It now looks like the dawn of a +better day. We should be spurred on, however, to greater endeavor in the +manifestation of our loyalty, especially among the minority Tory +element."</p> + +<p>Outside, the street was beginning to feel the impulse of life. Over +across, the buildings shone with the brightness of the morning sun which +was reflected mildly from the glassy windows. There was a silent +composure about it all, with no sound save the footfalls of the passing +horse or the rattle of the business wagon. Somewhere across the street +the man with the violin continued his fiddling.</p> + +<p>"Does that keep up all day?"</p> + +<p>"Almost! It is amusing to hear Griff swearing at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> him. The humorous part +of it is that he plays but one tune, 'Yankee Doodle.'"</p> + +<p>"Can't ye steal it some night?" asked Jim, "an' bust it over 's head."</p> + +<p>"I don't care," laughed Stephen, "he doesn't bother me."</p> + +<p>The door opened and shut. Sergeant Griffin entered, saluted Stephen and +took the hands of the visitors.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think of the boy?"</p> + +<p>"I alwa's said he wuz a good boy."</p> + +<p>"The fun hasn't begun yet," announced the Sergeant. "I have just learned +that the City Council has met, and is about to issue formal charges +against General Arnold."</p> + +<p>Stephen whistled.</p> + +<p>"They are glad of this opportunity," he announced quietly.</p> + +<p>"Reed never took kindly to him, not from the first day," declared Mr. +Allison.</p> + +<p>"Well, if Reed gits after 'm he'll make the fur fly. He's a bad man when +he gits goin'."</p> + +<p>"Did you say they had met?" Stephen inquired.</p> + +<p>"I understand they have. The affair of last night is being talked of +freely on the street. And they are talking about you, most of all, and +wonder if you had been sent by Washington to uncover this. One thing is +certain: Arnold is in disgrace and the sooner he gets out of here the +better it will be for him."</p> + +<p>"The General likes 'im and p'rhaps 'll give 'im a transf'r."</p> + +<p>"By the way!" interrupted Mr. Allison. "My girl wants to see you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p><p>"See me?" Stephen quickly repeated, pointing to himself.</p> + +<p>"She told me on leaving to tell you."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Is it urgent?"</p> + +<p>"No. I guess not. She didn't say it as if it were."</p> + +<p>"Tell her for me, I shall go as soon as I can."</p> + +<p>"What's th' next thin' t' do?" asked Jim.</p> + +<p>"Matters will take care of themselves for awhile," Stephen replied. +"Anderson, I suppose, has left town together with Clifton and the +others. If the City Council has met to publish charges against Arnold, +there is nothing to do but await the result of these. The people, I +presume, are of one mind now and if they are not they will soon be +converted once the news of last night's affair has reached their ears."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to remain here?" asked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"I am going to take some breakfast, first; then I shall busy myself with +a report. I may be busy for several days away from the city. In the +meantime I would advise that the whole affair be aired as much as +possible. There is nothing like supplying the public mind with food. +Meet me, Jim, at the Coffee House; or are you coming with me?"</p> + +<p>"Guess I'll go. This man wants t' eat."</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>The City Council did meet, as rumor announced to Sergeant Griffin, and +immediately published charges against David Franks, the father of the +aide-de-camp of the Military Governor, charging him with being in +correspondence with his brother in London, who was holding the office of +Commissary for British <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>prisoners. He was ordered to be placed under +immediate arrest. At the same time formal charges, partly of a military +nature, partly of a civil, were preferred against the Military Governor. +Copies of indictment were laid before Congress and before the Governors +of the states, who were asked to communicate them to their respective +legislatures.</p> + +<p>The press became wildly excited. Great headlines announced the startling +news to the amazement of the country. For, it must be remembered, +Philadelphia was the center of government and colonial life, and the +eyes of the infant nation were turned continually in its direction. +General Arnold's name soon became a subject for conversation on every +side.</p> + +<p>None took the news more to heart than the General himself, as he sat in +his great drawing-room with a copy of the evening news sheet before him. +Being of an imaginative, impulsive nature it was natural for him to +worry, but tonight there was the added feature of the revelation of his +guilt. Reed had pursued him relentlessly, and the public announcement of +his participation in the attempted formation of this detestable regiment +only furnished the President of the Council with the opening he had so +long desired. He re-read the charges preferred against him, his name +across the front in big bold type. In substance they were as follows:</p> + +<p>First: That the Military Governor had issued a pass for a vessel +employed by the enemy, to come into port without the knowledge of the +State authorities or of the Commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>Second: That upon taking possession of the city he had closed the shops +and stores, preventing the public from purchasing, while at the same +time, "as was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> believed," he had made considerable purchases for his own +benefit.</p> + +<p>Third: That he imposed menial offices upon the militia when called into +service.</p> + +<p>Fourth: That in a dispute over the capture of a prize brought in by a +state privateer he had purchased the suit at a low and inadequate price.</p> + +<p>Fifth: That he had devoted the wagons of the state to transporting the +private property of Tories.</p> + +<p>Sixth: That, contrary to law, he had given a pass to an unworthy person +to go within the enemy's lines.</p> + +<p>Seventh: That the Council had been met with a disrespectful refusal when +they asked him to explain the subject-matter of the Fifth charge.</p> + +<p>Eighth: That the patriotic authorities, both civil and military, were +treated coldly and neglectfully, in a manner entirely different from his +line of conduct towards the adherents of the king.</p> + +<p>A further account of the Council meeting was then given wherein it was +stated that a motion had been made to suspend General Arnold from all +command during the time the inquiry was being made into these +accusations, but it had been voted down. Congress was asked, the story +went on, to decide on the value of these charges and to refer them to +the proper tribunal, the necessary amount of evidence being promised at +the proper time.</p> + +<p>"The fools!" he muttered. "They think that these can hold water."</p> + +<p>He continued to read, and holding the paper at a distance from him, +gazed at it.</p> + +<p>"What a shame! Every paper in the country will have this story before +the week is out. I'm disgraced."</p> + +<p>He fell back in his chair with his head propped up<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> by his elbow. In his +other hand, thrown across the arm of the chair, was held the paper. His +brows were contracted, his eyes closed, his face flushed in indication +of the tumult that surged within him. His mind was engaged in a long +process of thought which began with his memories of his early campaigns +and traced themselves down to the events of the present moment. There +was no decision, no constancy of resolution, no determination; just +worry, and apprehension, and solicitude, and the loud, rapid beatings of +his temple against his hand.</p> + +<p>"Suspend me! I'll forestall them, damn 'em. I'll resign first."</p> + +<p>He wondered where Anderson had gone or what fortune he had met with. The +morning brought the first report of the disruption of the meeting and of +the unknown person who had single-handed accomplished it. There must be +a traitor somewhere, for no one save Anderson and himself had been +initiated into the secret. Margaret knew, of course, but she could be +trusted. Perhaps after all the man had escaped that night. Perhaps it +was this very person who had created the furore at the meeting. Who was +he? How did he get in? Why were proper steps not taken to safeguard the +room against all possibilities of this nature? Bah! Anderson had bungled +the thing from the start. He was a boy sent on a man's errand.</p> + +<p>The regiment was defunct. To speculate further on that subject would be +futile. It never had existed, as far as he could see, except on paper, +and there it remained, a mere potentiality. The single-handed disruption +of it proved how utterly deprived it was of cohesion and organization. +That one man, alone and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> in disguise, could have acquainted himself +thoroughly with the whole proceeding, could have found his way with no +attempt at interference into the meeting place, and with a few +well-chosen words could have moved an entire audience to espouse the +very contrary of their original purpose, indicated the stability and the +temper of the assembly. To coerce men is a useless endeavor. Even the +Almighty finds it well not to interfere with man's power of choice. They +might be led or enticed or cajoled; but to force them, or intimidate +them, or overwhelm them, is an idle and unavailing adventure.</p> + +<p>Anderson had failed miserably and his conspiracy had perished with him. +Not a prominent Catholic had been reached in the first place; not a +member of the poorest class would now leave the city. The affair with +its awful disclosures only added strength to their position, for +whatever aspersions might have been cast upon their loyalty in the event +of the successful deportation of the company, were now turned like a +boomerang against the very ones who had engineered the scheme. The +community would respect the Catholics more for the future. They were to +profit by his undoing. They would be valued for the test that their +patriotism had stood.</p> + +<p>There was another consideration, however, which wore a graver complexion +and tormented him beyond endurance. This was the solicitude for his own +safety. The people had hated him for years and had proceeded to invent +stories about him which might justify its anger. It had been a +satisfaction for him to reflect that, for the most part, these stories +had not been the causes, but rather the effects of public indignation. +But what answer could he make now, what apology could he offer for this +late transaction, this conspiracy at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> once so evident and palpable? As +far as the question of his guilt was concerned there would be little +conjecture about that. Ten or twenty accounts of the venture, +inconsistent with one another and with themselves, would be circulated +simultaneously. Of that he had no doubt. People would neither know nor +care about the evidence. It was enough that he had been implicated.</p> + +<p>He would ask for a court-martial. That, of course. Through no other +tribunal could a just and a satisfactory decision be reached, and it was +paramount that another verdict besides that pronounced by public opinion +be obtained. Unquestionably, he would be acquitted. His past service, +his influence, his character would prove themselves determining factors +during his trial. Fully one-half of the charges were ridiculous and +would be thrown out of court as incontestable, and of the remainder only +one would find him technically culpable. Still it were better for a +court to decide upon these matters, and to that end he decided to +request a general court-martial.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"You have removed your uniform?" Peggy asked in surprise as she beheld +him entering the doorway of the drawing-room.</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the solemn reply. "I am no longer a confederate of France."</p> + +<p>He limped slowly across the room, leaning on his cane. He had laid aside +his buff and blue uniform, with the epaulets and sword knots, and was +clad in a suit of silken black. His hose and shoes were of the same +color, against which his blouse, cuffs and periwig were emphasized, a +pale white.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p><p>"But you are still a Major-General," she corrected.</p> + +<p>"I was; but am no longer. I have resigned."</p> + +<p>She started at the announcement. Obviously she had not anticipated this +move.</p> + +<p>"You have resigned? When?"</p> + +<p>"I wrote the letter a short time ago. I precluded their designs."</p> + +<p>He sat in his great chair, and, reaching for his stool, placed his foot +upon it.</p> + +<p>"But ... I ... I don't understand."</p> + +<p>"I do perfectly. I shall be tried by court-martial, of course; they have +moved already to suspend me pending the course of my trial. I want to +anticipate any such possibility, that is all."</p> + +<p>"But you will be reinstated?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know,—nor care," he added.</p> + +<p>"And what about us, our home, our life here," she asked with a marked +concern.</p> + +<p>"Oh! That will go on. This is your house, remember, if it comes to the +worst; you are mistress here. This is your home."</p> + +<p>"If it comes to the worst? To what?"</p> + +<p>"Well, if I should be found guilty ... and ... sentenced."</p> + +<p>"I should not stay here a minute," she cried, stamping her foot. "Not +one minute after the trial! In this town? With that element? Not for an +hour!"</p> + +<p>"Well!" he exclaimed, making a gesture with both hands, together with a +slight shrug of the shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Where is Anderson?" she asked quickly.</p> + +<p>"In New York, I presume, ere this. I have not seen him."</p> + +<p>"Fled?"</p> + +<p>"The only proper thing. It's a great wonder to me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> that he escaped at +all. I should have expected him torn to pieces by that mob."</p> + +<p>"A bungled piece of business. I imagined that he was assured of success. +A sorry spectacle to allow them to slip from his grasp so easily."</p> + +<p>"Margaret, you do not understand a mob. They are as fickle as a +weather-cock. The least attraction sways them."</p> + +<p>"Who did it? Have you yet learned?"</p> + +<p>"No. A bedraggled loafer, gifted with more talk than occupation. He was +acquainted with the whole scheme from beginning to end, and worked upon +their feelings with evidences of treason. The sudden mention of my name +in connection with the plot threw cold water on the whole business. They +were on their feet in an instant."</p> + +<p>"You are quite popular," was the taunt.</p> + +<p>"Evidently. The pass inspired them. It would defeat any purpose, and +Anderson must have sensed it and taken his hurried departure. No one has +since heard or seen aught of him."</p> + +<p>"He was a fool to drag you into this, and you were as great a fool to +allow it."</p> + +<p>"Margaret, don't chide me in that manner. I did what I thought best. But +I'm through now with these cursed Catholics and with France."</p> + +<p>"You are a free man now," she murmured.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I mean that this court-martial relieves you of any further obligation +to the colonies," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"But I may still be Second in command."</p> + +<p>She paused to regard him. Did he continue to cherish ambitions of this +nature; or was he attempting to jest with her?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p><p>"You seem to forget Gates and the Congress," she said with manifest +derision.</p> + +<p>"No. In spite of them."</p> + +<p>She lost all patience.</p> + +<p>"Listen! Don't flatter yourself any longer. Your cause is hopeless, as +hopeless as the cause for which the stupid colonists are contending. You +are now free to put an end to this strife. Go over to the enemy and +persuade Washington and the leaders of the revolt to discuss terms."</p> + +<p>"Impossible!"</p> + +<p>"What is impossible? Simply announce your defection; accept the terms of +His Majesty's government; and invite Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, +Hamilton and Washington to meet you. There is the assurance of all save +complete independence."</p> + +<p>"I shall wait."</p> + +<p>"For what? The court-martial will be against you from the start. Mark my +words. You will be found guilty, if not actually, at least technically. +They are determined upon revenge and they are going to have it. You saw +the paper?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"You read the list of charges?"</p> + +<p>He did not answer. He had sunk into his chair and his hands were clasped +before him. He was engaged in a detailed series of thought.</p> + +<p>"How many of them were artificial? Except for the first, that about the +pass, none are worth the reading, and the first never can be proved. +They have no evidence apart from the fanatical ravings of a drunken +Catholic. But wait! You shall be adjudged guilty in the end. See if I am +not correct."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p><p>"I have the right to question the composition of the court!"</p> + +<p>"What matter! You know the people detest you. They have hated you from +the moment you set foot in this city. Every issue of the paper found +some new grievance against you. And when you married me the bomb was +exploded. You yourself know that it was the mere fact of your +participation in this scheme that quelled it. They loathe you, I tell +you. They hate you."</p> + +<p>Silence reigned in the room as she finished. His eyes were closed and he +gave every appearance of having fallen into a deep sleep. His mind was +keenly alert, however, and digested every word she uttered. At length he +arose from his composure and limped to the window at the further end of +the room.</p> + +<p>"I shall ask for a new command," he said quietly, "and we shall be +removed for all time from this accursed place. I shall do service +again."</p> + +<p>"Better to await developments. Attend to your trial first. Plan for the +future later."</p> + +<p>"I shall obey the wishes of the people."</p> + +<p>"The people! A motley collection of fools! They have eyes and ears but +no more. They know everything and can do nothing."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to do. I...."</p> + +<p>"I told you what to do," she interrupted his thought and finished it for +him. "I told you to join Anderson. I told you to go to New York and make +overtures to General Clinton. That's what you should do. Seek respect +and power and honor for your old age."</p> + +<p>"That I shall not do. Washington loves me and my people will not desert +me to my enemies. The court-martial is the thing."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p><p>"As you say. But remember my prophecy."</p> + +<p>He turned and again sought his chair. She arose to assist him into it.</p> + +<p>"I wonder who that fellow could be! He knew it all."</p> + +<p>"Did you not hear?"</p> + +<p>"No. I have seen no one who could report to me. The details were +missing."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever stop to think of the spy in the garden?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"That was the man, I am sure. You know his body has not been found, and +if I am not mistaken, it was present at that meeting hall."</p> + +<p>"We shall learn of his identity. We shall learn."</p> + +<p>"Too late! Too late!"</p> + +<p>He again dozed off while she watched him. For several minutes they sat +in this manner until she stole out of the room and left him alone. Soon +he was wrapped in the arms of a gentle slumber. Some time later she +aroused him.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AX" id="CHAPTER_AX"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>A fortnight later there came to the Allison home a messenger from +Stephen in the person of Sergeant Griffin. He appeared at the doorway +just as the shroud of eventide was being enfolded about the landscape, +changing its hues of green and gray to the more somber ones of blue or +purple; just at the time when the indoor view of things is about to be +made apparent only by the artificial beams of the tallow and dip.</p> + +<p>"Hail!" he said; "I have business with Matthew Allison."</p> + +<p>"From Stephen?" Marjorie asked with evident interest.</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>"The trial——"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Marjorie. Plainly she was relieved at the nature of the +message. Then she turned.</p> + +<p>"Father!" she called.</p> + +<p>"I am coming directly," cried Mr. Allison from the rear.</p> + +<p>She had clear forgotten to invite the sergeant into the room, so +absorbed was she in the nature of the business at hand. Expectancy +breeds cowardice. When great issues are at stake every act wears an +awful meaning. For this reason she stood transfixed at the threshold, +before this unexpected arrival, whom she associated with the image of +Stephen. With the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> sudden and delightful lessening of her anxiety, +however, she bethought herself.</p> + +<p>"Won't you come in? It was stupid of me not to have asked you before."</p> + +<p>The sergeant acted promptly. Marjorie followed at a little distance, but +had no sooner entered the room herself than her father came through the +other door.</p> + +<p>"What news? Arnold?"</p> + +<p>"Found guilty," was the response.</p> + +<p>"The court-martial has come to an end?" asked the girl.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss. And he has been found guilty," he repeated.</p> + +<p>"I thought so," muttered Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>They were seated now in the parlor, the two men at opposite ends of the +table, the girl at the side of the room.</p> + +<p>"They met at Morristown?" asked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"Yes. At Norris' Tavern. Major-General Howe was chairman of the court. +Only four charges were pressed for trial: the matter of the pass; the +affair of the wagons; the shops; and the imposition upon the militia."</p> + +<p>"And Arnold?"</p> + +<p>"He managed his own trial, and conducted his own cross-examination. He +made an imposing spectacle as he limped before the court. The sword +knots of Washington were about his waist and he took pains to allude to +them several times during the defense. It was astonishing to hear his +remarkable flow of language and his display of knowledge of military +law. He created a wonderful impression."</p> + +<p>"He was found guilty, you say?" interposed Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p><p>"Technically guilty of one charge and imprudent in another," was the +deliberate reply.</p> + +<p>"And sentenced?"</p> + +<p>"To receive a reprimand from the Commander-in-chief."</p> + +<p>Mr. Allison assented by a move of his head.</p> + +<p>"How did he take it?" he then asked. "I cannot imagine his proud nature +to yield readily to rebuke."</p> + +<p>The visitor thought for a moment.</p> + +<p>"His face was ashen pale; there was a haggard look upon it; the eyes +were marked with deep circles and his step faltered as he turned on his +heel and, without a word, made his way from the court room."</p> + +<p>"Were you present at the trial?" Marjorie inquired.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss Allison."</p> + +<p>"Was Stephen?"</p> + +<p>"No." The sergeant answered mildly, smiling as he did so.</p> + +<p>Marjorie smiled, too.</p> + +<p>"Tell me," Mr. Allison asked. "Was the evidence conclusive?"</p> + +<p>"The <i>Isis</i> occupied the court to some length. It was contended that +General Arnold had issued the pass with evil intent. The affair of the +regiment was referred to in connection with this, but no great stress +was brought to bear upon it because of the fear of arousing a possible +prejudice in the minds of the court. That fact was introduced solely as +a motive."</p> + +<p>Allison shook his head again.</p> + +<p>"It was proved," the sergeant continued, "that the <i>Isis</i> was a +Philadelphia schooner, manned by Philadelphia men, and engaged in the +coastwise trade. The pass itself was introduced as an exhibit, to +support the contention that the General, while Military Governor,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> had +given military permission for the vessel to leave the harbor of +Philadelphia for the port of New York, then in possession of the enemy."</p> + +<p>"That was proved?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Was the Regiment alluded to?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. But at no great length."</p> + +<p>"And the pass?"</p> + +<p>"It was there. The Regiment was the motive for the pass. The affair of +the recruiting was scarcely mentioned."</p> + +<p>There was an abrupt silence.</p> + +<p>"What was the next charge?" Mr. Allison asked.</p> + +<p>"That of the wagons."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"The prosecution made a strong point. Jesse Jordan was introduced. +Testimony was given by him to the effect that he himself had drawn back +a train of twelve wagons loaded with stores from Egg Harbor."</p> + +<p>"Where?"</p> + +<p>"Egg Harbor. Where the traffic between the British Army and the Tories +of the city was carried on."</p> + +<p>"Was this sustained?"</p> + +<p>"The General denied most of the accusation, but he was found imprudent +in his actions. In regard to the other two charges, that of the shops +and that of the militia, absolute acquittal was decided. The verdict was +announced the following morning and the sentence was published +immediately after adjournment."</p> + +<p>"He was sentenced to be reprimanded, you tell me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. By General Washington."</p> + +<p>"That will break Arnold's heart. He will never endure it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p><p>"Others were obliged to endure it," sounded a soft voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," replied the father of the girl. "But you do not know +General Arnold. Undoubtedly the city has the news."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the sergeant. "I have told several. All know it ere this."</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>And what subject could possibly afford more of concern or consequence to +the city folk than the court-martial of General Arnold! Those of the +upper class, because of their intimate association with the man; those +of the middle class, interested more or less in the great significance +attached to the event itself and the influence it would exert upon the +future; those of the lower class because of their supreme contempt for +the erstwhile Military Governor and the biased manner of his +administration, all, without exception, found themselves manifesting an +uncommon interest in the progress and the issue of the trial.</p> + +<p>It was commonly known that General Arnold had requested a court-martial; +but it was not so commonly understood that the matter of his guilt, +especially his collusion with the Catholic Regiment and the matter of +its transportation, was so intricate or profound. Stephen's speech at +the meeting house had given the public the first inkling of the +Governor's complicity in the affair; still this offense had been +condoned by the many, as usually happens with the crimes of great men +who occupy stations of honor, whose misdemeanors are often enshrouded +and borne away into oblivion beneath the veil of expediency and interest +of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>common weal. A court-martial would indeed take place; but its +verdict would be one of absolute acquittal.</p> + +<p>To hold court at some neutral post was just. No charge of unfairness +could then be lodged. Nor could the personnel of the court be regarded +as hostile to the accused, for the latter had already raised an +objection to its composition which had been sustained and heeded. The +charges were dealt with fairly, only four of the eight counts in the +original indictment being allowed to come within the jurisdiction of a +military tribunal. Even the General was permitted to conduct his own +trial and every courtesy and attention was granted him.</p> + +<p>Only two charges bore any evidence of guilt. The pass was issued with +deliberate intent. That was proved by the testimony of several witnesses +as well as by the introduction of the pass itself. Arnold defended +himself on the ground that there were no authorities in the city of New +York to be offended by the entrance of the vessel, and also the fact +that since the Commander-in-chief had lodged no complaint over the +alleged offense to his dignity, it was logical to infer that His +Excellency took no offense at the order. In regard to the charge of +misuse of the government wagons, it was revealed that traffic had been +carried on between Egg Harbor and the city of Philadelphia, and that +full loads had been delivered to several private families of the city. +Arnold denied any knowledge of the destination of these wagons, although +he was aware that they were being used.</p> + +<p>His defense, it was learned, consisted of a long plea, in which he +rehearsed in detail the leading events of his life. He was fond of +alluding to his past and entertained no diffidence whatsoever in regard +to his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> own abilities. He hoped thereby to impress the court and to +intimidate them.</p> + +<p>The charges he denounced as false, malicious, and scandalous, inspired +solely by motives of animosity and revenge. He was not accustomed to +carry on a warfare with women, he told the court, nor did he ever bask +in the sunshine of any one's favor. Honorable acquittal of all the +charges brought against him was pleasantly expected by him and he looked +forward to the day when he might share again with his fellow-soldiers +the glory and the dangers of the war.</p> + +<p>But he was not acquitted, and the verdict of the court came no less as a +surprise to the people of the city and of the nation than to the General +himself. The following morning they met to pronounce the verdict and +they found that on the first charge Major General Arnold had exceeded +his rights in giving permission for a vessel to leave port without the +knowledge of the City Authorities or of the Commander-in-chief; and as +such he was found to have violated technically Article Five, Section +Eighteen of the American Articles of War. The second and third charges +were dismissed, but he was found to have been imprudent in his temporary +use of the wagons. Because of his guilt on these two counts he was +sentenced to receive a reprimand from His Excellency, the +Commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>He left the court room without a word.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"It is precisely what I fear most," Mr. Allison said. "If he curried +less the favor of the public, little or naught would come of it, and the +reprimand would end the case. But you know Arnold is a conceited man;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> +one who carries his head high. Better to deprive him of life itself than +to apply vinegar and gall to his parched lips."</p> + +<p>"His return will be hard," Sergeant Griffin observed. He, too, knew the +character of the man.</p> + +<p>"I doubt if he will return. He has resigned, you know, and may dislike +the sight of the city which witnessed his misfortune. Still this is his +home and a man's heart is in his home regardless of its environment."</p> + +<p>"Do not forget Peggy," Marjorie reminded them. "I know she will never +consent to live in the city. I know it. Dear me! The shame of it all +would confuse her."</p> + +<p>"She might become accustomed to it," replied her father. "All school +themselves to the mutations of life."</p> + +<p>"Not Peggy. I know her. She will not forgive. Why, I recall quite +vividly the violence of her temper and the terror of her wrath. Her own +aunt, with whom she was staying for a brief space, took occasion to +reprove her for a slight indiscretion. Peggy resented the correction +fiercely, and leaving the house at once vowed she never would set foot +into it again. That was seven years ago. She has, to my knowledge, never +violated that pledge."</p> + +<p>Her father shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I see it all quite clearly," continued Marjorie. "The General will +resent the wrong; Peggy will nurture a fierce indignation. Whatever +thoughts of revenge will come to his mind she will ably promote. Have a +care to her; her wrath will know no mitigation."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p><p>"He never expected the verdict," the sergeant remarked.</p> + +<p>"How did he appear?" asked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"Splendid. As he entered the court he laughed and jested with several +officers with all the self-possession of one of the eye-witnesses. +Flashes of the old-time energy and courage were manifest at intervals. +There was jubilation displayed on his every feature."</p> + +<p>"He was jocose, you say?"</p> + +<p>"Extremely so."</p> + +<p>"Was this before the trial?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. As he entered the Tavern."</p> + +<p>"Was Peggy with him?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. It was not permissible for her to enter. She awaited him +outside."</p> + +<p>"And yet he maintained his composure throughout."</p> + +<p>"He seemed to take delight in relating the resolutions of Congress, its +thanks, its gifts, for the many campaigns and the brilliant services +rendered his country. His promotions, his horse, his sword, his epaulets +and sword-knots, all were recounted and recited enthusiastically."</p> + +<p>Mr. Allison looked at Marjorie and smiled.</p> + +<p>"Only once did he lose his self-possession. Near the end of his plea he +forgot himself and called his accusers a lot of 'women.' This produced a +smile throughout the court room; then he regained his composure."</p> + +<p>He paused.</p> + +<p>"That was all?" asked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"I think so. The court adjourned for the day. On the following morning +the verdict was announced. I came here direct."</p> + +<p>When he had finished he sat quite still. It was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>approaching a late hour +and he saw that he had overstayed his leave. Still the gravity of the +occasion required it.</p> + +<p>It was these thoughts regarding the future, far more than any great +poignancy of grief respecting General Arnold and his present misfortune, +that affected this small group. It seemed to them that the events which +had of late happened were not without grave and serious consequence. +General Arnold was a man of prominence and renown. To lead such a figure +to the bar of justice and to examine and determine there in a definite +manner his guilt before the whole world was a solemn piece of business. +It meant that the new republic was fearless in its denunciation of +wrong; that it was intent upon the exercise of those precepts of justice +and equity which were written into the bill of rights, the violation of +which by a foreign power had constituted originally a set of true +grievances; and that it was actuated by a solemn resolution never to +permit within its own borders the commission of any of those wrongs +which it had staked its life and consecrated its purpose as a nation to +destroy. General Arnold was a big man, generous in service to his +country, honored as one of its foremost sons, but he was no bigger than +the institution he was helping to rear. The chastisement inflicted upon +him was a reflection upon the state; but it also was a medication for +its own internal disorders.</p> + +<p>The fact that the ruling powers of the city were bitterly opposed to the +Military Governor was not wholly indicative of the pulse of the people. +General Arnold was ever regarded with the highest esteem by the members +of the army. A successful leader, a brave soldier, a genial comrade, he +was easily the most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> beloved general after General Washington. With the +citizen body of Philadelphia he was on fairly good terms,—popular +during the early days of his administration, although somewhat offensive +of late because of his indiscretion and impetuosity. Still he was not +without his following, and whereas he had made himself odious to a great +number of people by his manner of life and of command, there were a +greater number of people who were ready to condone his faults out of +regard for his brilliant services in the past.</p> + +<p>His enemies gloated over his misfortune. Everybody believed that, and it +was commonly understood that General Arnold believed it, too. But would +he overcome his enemies by retrieving the past and put to shame their +vulgar enthusiasm by rising to heights of newer and greater glory? Or +would he yield to the more natural propensities of retaliation or +despair? A man is no greater than the least of his virtues; but he who +has acquired self-control has founded a virtuous inheritance.</p> + +<p>With thoughts of this nature were the trio occupied. For several minutes +no one spoke. Mr. Allison leaned against the table, his right arm +extended along its side, playing with a bodkin that lay within reach; +the sergeant sat in silence, watching the face of his entertainer; while +Marjorie lolled in her great chair, her eyes downcast, heavy, like two +great weights. At length Sergeant Griffin made as if to go. Marjorie +arose at once to bid him adieu.</p> + +<p>"You said you came direct?" she reminded him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss Allison."</p> + +<p>"You saw——" she hesitated, but quickly added, "Captain Meagher?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p><p>She would have said "Stephen" but bethought herself.</p> + +<p>"No, Miss. Not since the trial."</p> + +<p>"He was not present?"</p> + +<p>"No. He is with His Excellency. Several days ago I saw him and he bade +me come here with the report of the finding."</p> + +<p>"That was all?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. We can never repay your kindness."</p> + +<p>"Its performance was my greatest delight."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. Good night!"</p> + +<p>She withdrew into the hall.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_AXI" id="CHAPTER_AXI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>More sin is attributed to the ruling passion of a man than to the +forbidden pleasures of the world, or the violent assaults of the Evil +One. Under its domination and tyranny the soul suffers shipwreck and +destruction on the rocks of despair and final impenitence. It frequently +lies buried beneath the most imperturbable countenance, manifesting +itself only at times, often on the occasion of some unusual joy or +sadness. It responds to one antidote; but the antidote requires a man of +coarse fiber for its self-administration.</p> + +<p>In this respect General Arnold was not a strong man. If he had acted +upon himself wholly from without, as if he were not himself, and had +cultivated a spirit of humility and abnegation of self, together with a +considerateness and softness of manner towards those at whose hands he +had suffered, he would have stifled his pangs of wounded pride and +self-love, and emerged a victor over himself in the contest. He might +have recognized his own imperfections to a tolerable degree which would +have disinclined him to censoriousness, not to say rashness. By +maintaining an evenness of temper and equality of spirits during the +days of his sore affliction, he might have reconsidered his decisions of +haste and ultimate disaster,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> and be led to the achievement of newer and +nobler triumphs.</p> + +<p>But he did not. Instead he gave way at once to a violence of anger which +was insurmountable. There was engendered within him feelings of revenge +of the most acrid nature. His self-love had been humiliated and crushed +before the eyes of a garrulous world. His vanity and his prestige had +been ground in the dust. There was no consideration save the +determination for an immediate and effectual revenge.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry, my dear," Peggy had whispered to him on the way home. "Try +not to think of it."</p> + +<p>"Think of it?... God! I'll show them. They'll pay for this."</p> + +<p>Apart from that he had not spoken to her during the entire journey. +Morose, sullen, brutal, he had nursed his anger until his countenance +fairly burned from the tension within. He slammed the door with +violence; he tore the epaulets from his shoulders and threw them beyond +the bed; he ripped his coat and kicked it across the floor. No! He would +not eat. He wanted to be alone. Alone with himself, alone with his +wrath, alone with his designs for revenge.</p> + +<p>"The cowards! And I trusted them."</p> + +<p>He could not understand his guilt. There was no guilt, only the +insatiable lust on the part of his enemies for vengeance. The execution +came first, then the trial. There was no accusation; he had been +condemned from the start. The public, at whose hands he had long +suffered, who reviled and oppressed him with equal vehemence, who had +elevated him to the topmost niche of glory, and as promptly crumbled the +column beneath his feet and allowed him to crash to the ground, now +gloated over their ruined and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>heartbroken victim with outrageous +jubilation. They were on destruction bent, and he the victim of their +stupid spite.</p> + +<p>If he could not understand his culpability, neither could he apprehend +fully and vividly the meaning of his sentence. To be reprimanded by the +Commander-in-chief! Better to be found guilty by the court and inflicted +with the usual military discipline. His great sense of pride could not, +would not suffer him to be thus humiliated at the hands of him from whom +he had previously been rewarded with so many favors, and in whom he had +lodged his most complete esteem and veneration. He could not endure it, +that was all; and what was more he would not.</p> + +<p>He decided to leave the city forever. Then the howl of contumely could +not pursue him; it would grow faint with the distance. He was no longer +Military Governor, and never would he reassume that thankless burden. He +would retire to private life far removed from the savage envy of these +aspiring charlatans. Unhappy memories and wretched degradation would +close his unhappy days and shroud his name with an unmerited and unjust +obloquy.</p> + +<p>His wife had been correct in her prognostications. The court, like the +public mind, which it only feebly reflected, had been prejudiced against +him from the start. The disgust which he entertained of the French +Alliance was only intensified the more by the recent proceedings of +Congress, and perhaps he might listen more attentively now to her +persuasions to go over to the British side. He would be indemnified, of +course; but it was revenge he was seeking, on which account he would not +become an ordinary deserter. He had been accustomed to playing heroic +rôles, and he would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> not become a mere villain now at this important +juncture. This blundering Congress would be overwhelmed by the part he +would play in his new career, and he would carry back in triumph his +country to its old allegiance.</p> + +<p>Gradually his anger resolved itself into vindictive machination, which +grew in intensity as it occupied him the more. He might obtain the +command of the right wing of the American army, and at one stroke +accomplish what George Monk had achieved for Charles the Second. It was +not so heinous a crime to change sides in a civil war, and history has +been known to reward the memory of those who performed such daring and +desperate exploits. His country will have benefited by his signal +effort, and his enemies routed at the same time in the shame of their +own confusion. He would open negotiations with Sir Henry Clinton over an +assumed name to test the value of his proposals.</p> + +<p>"They'll pay me before I am through. I shall endure in history, with the +Dukes of Albemarle and Marlborough."</p> + +<p>As he mused over the condition of affairs and the possibilities of the +situation, he wandered into the great room, where he saw two letters +lying on the center table. Picking them up, he saw that one was +addressed to Mrs. Arnold, the other to himself. He tore open his letter +and read the signature. It bore the name of John Anderson.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>The writer went on to say that he had arrived in safety in the city of +New York, after a hurried and forced departure from Philadelphia. The +meeting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> was terminated in a tumult because of the deliberate and +fortunate appeal of an awkward mountebank, who was possessed with a fund +of information which was fed to the crowd both skillfully and +methodically; and by the successful coupling of the name of General +Arnold with the proposed plot, had overwhelmed the minds of the assembly +completely.</p> + +<p>He revealed the fact that the members of the court had already bound +themselves in honor to prefer charges against General Arnold in order +that the powerful Commonwealth of Pennsylvania might be placated. He did +not know the result of the trial, but predicted that there would be but +one verdict and that utterly regardless of the evidence.</p> + +<p>"Hm!" muttered Arnold to himself.</p> + +<p>The British Government, he added, was already in communication with the +American Generals, with the exception of Washington, and was desirous of +opening correspondence with General Arnold. Every one knew that he was +the bravest and the most deserving of the American leaders and should be +the Second in Command of the rebel forces. The British knew, too, of the +indignities which had been heaped upon him by an unappreciative and +suspicious people, and they recommended that some heroic deed be +performed by him in the hope of bringing this unnecessary and bloody +contest to a close.</p> + +<p>Seven thousand pounds would be offered at once, together with an equal +command, in the army of His Majesty, and with a peerage in the realm. In +return he would be asked to exert his influence in favor of an amicable +adjustment of the difficulties between the colonies and the mother +country. General Clinton was ready to begin negotiations after the +advice and under<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> the conditions proposed by General Arnold, which might +be interchanged by means of a correspondence maintained with a certain +ambiguity.</p> + +<p>"Egad!" He set his lips; then he turned to the beginning of the +paragraph. The offer was interesting.</p> + +<p>Anderson then went on to relate what already had been suggested to him +during the night of their conversation in the park at his magnificent +home, the exigencies of the country, the opportunity for a master stroke +at the hands of a courageous man, who would unite His Majesty's people +under a common banner, and who might command thereby the highest honors +of life.</p> + +<p>He reminded him that it was possible to obtain a command of the right +wing of the American Army, a post only commensurate with his ability, +which command might be turned against the rebel forces in the hope that +an immediate end might be made of the fratricidal war. There would be no +humiliating peace terms. There would be no indemnities, no reprisals, no +annexations nor disavowals. The principles for which the colonists +contended would be granted, with the sole exception of complete +independence. They would have their own Parliament; they would be +responsible for their own laws, their own taxes, their own trade. It +would be a consummation devoutly desired by both parties, and the +highest reward and honor awaited the American General who bound himself +to the effectual realization of these views.</p> + +<p>"Announce your defection, return to the royal cause, agree to the terms +which His Majesty's peace commissioners will make, and earn the +everlasting gratitude of your countrymen, like Monk and Churchill."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p><p>So the letter concluded with the humble respects and obediences of John +Anderson. Arnold did not fold it, but continued to stare at it for +several minutes, as if trying to decide upon some definite course of +action in regard to it. At length he arose and limped to the desk, and, +drawing out from its small drawer several sheets of paper, began his +reply.</p> + +<p>But he did not conclude it. Hearing footfalls in the hallway, he hastily +folded the several papers, Anderson's letter included, and stuck them +into his breast pocket. He sat motionless, with the pen poised in his +hand, as Peggy entered.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"You here?" she asked.</p> + +<p>He did not reply, nor make any movement.</p> + +<p>"Another resignation? or applying for a new command?"</p> + +<p>He now turned full about and faced her.</p> + +<p>"No. I was just thinking."</p> + +<p>"Of what?"</p> + +<p>She stood before him, her arms akimbo.</p> + +<p>"Of many things. First of all we must leave here."</p> + +<p>"When?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"Well then, where?"</p> + +<p>"To New York."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean it?"</p> + +<p>Now she sat down, pulling a chair near to him in order that she might +converse the more readily.</p> + +<p>"I am thinking of writing for a new command in the army."</p> + +<p>He thought best not to tell her of his original <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>purpose in writing, nor +of the letter which he had received from Anderson. Whatever foul schemes +he may have concocted, he did not desire to acquaint her with their full +nature. Enough for her to know that he intended to defect without her +being a party to the plot.</p> + +<p>"Did I interrupt you? Pardon me!" she made as if to go.</p> + +<p>"Stay. That can wait. You were right. They were against me."</p> + +<p>"I felt it all the time. You know yourself how they despise you."</p> + +<p>"But I never thought——"</p> + +<p>"What?" was the interruption. "You never thought? You did, but you were +not man enough to realize it. Reed would stop at nothing, and if the +colonists gain complete independence, the Catholic population will give +you no peace. That you already know. You have persecuted them."</p> + +<p>"What are they? A bare twenty or twenty-five thousand out of a +population of, let us say, three million."</p> + +<p>"No matter. They will grow strong after the war. Unfortunately they have +stuck true to the cause."</p> + +<p>"Bah! I despise them. It is the others, the Congress, Lincoln, Gates, +Lee, Wayne. They will acquire the honors. Washington will be king."</p> + +<p>"And you?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to change my post."</p> + +<p>She smiled complacently, and folded her arms.</p> + +<p>"Under Washington?"</p> + +<p>She knew better, but she made no attempt to conceal her feigned +simplicity.</p> + +<p>He looked at her without comment.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p><p>Whether he shrunk from unfolding to her the sickening details of his +despicable plan, or whether he judged it sufficient for her to know only +the foul beginnings of his treason without being initiated into its +wretched consummation; whether it was due to any of these reasons or +simply to plain indifference or perhaps to both, he became unusually +silent on this subject from this moment onward. It was enough for her to +realize that he had been shabbily treated by the Congress and by the +people, that he had long considered the American cause hopeless and had +abandoned his interest in it on account of the recent alliance with the +government of France. In her eyes he thought it would be heroic for him +to resign his command, and even to defect to the side of the enemy on +these grounds,—on the strength of steadfastly adhering to his ancient +principles. He knew well that she had counseled such a step and was +enthusiastic in urging its completion, nevertheless he sensed that the +enormity and the depravity of his base design was too revolting, too +shocking, for even her ears. He would not even acquaint her with +Anderson's letter nor with the purpose he had of concurring with the +proposition it contained.</p> + +<p>"Did you receive a letter from Anderson?" she asked suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Yes. He wrote to inform me that he had escaped in safety and is now in +New York."</p> + +<p>"No more?"</p> + +<p>"No. He did comment on the frustration of the plot, and expressed a +desire to learn the identity of the disturber."</p> + +<p>"You will tell him?"</p> + +<p>"Later. Not now."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p><p>There was a pause.</p> + +<p>"Do you intend to take active part in the coming campaigns? You know +your leg will prevent you from leading a strenuous life in the field. +Why not ask for some other post, or retire to private life? I want to +get out of this city."</p> + +<p>"I am about to write for a new command. I have one friend left in the +person of His Excellency, and he will not leave me 'naked to mine +enemies,' as the great Wolsey once said."</p> + +<p>"But he is to reprimand you," she reminded him.</p> + +<p>"No matter. That is his duty. I blame the people and the court which was +enslaved to them for my humiliation. They shall pay for it, however."</p> + +<p>"Let us leave together. Announce your desire of joining arms with the +British and let us set out at once for New York. Mr. Anderson will take +care of the details. You know his address?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You have fought the war alone; end it alone. Settle your claims with +the government and let us sell our house."</p> + +<p>"Our house? This is yours, Margaret, and, by God, they shall not deprive +you of it. No! We will not sell our house. This is yours for life, and +our children's."</p> + +<p>"Well, we can rent it for the present. For, if you go, I am going, too."</p> + +<p>"Very well. We shall see what the future holds out for us. Give me that +stool."</p> + +<p>He pointed to the small chair over against her. She arose at once and +set it before him. He placed his foot upon it.</p> + +<p>"When I think of what I have done for them and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> then compare their +gratitude. Congress must owe me at least six or seven thousand pounds, +not to mention my life's blood which never can be replaced. I have been +a fool, a fool who does not know his own mind."</p> + +<p>"Didn't I predict what the outcome would be? I felt this from the moment +Anderson left. And what were you charged with? A technical violation of +the code of war. There was no actual guilt nor any evidence in support +of the charge. Were the least shadow of a fault in evidence, you may be +assured that it would have been readily found. You were innocent of the +charge. But you were technically guilty that they might plead excuse for +their hate."</p> + +<p>"I know it, girl ... I know it ... I see it all now. I tried hard to +disbelieve it." He seemed sad, as he muttered his reply and slowly shook +his head.</p> + +<p>He was still for a moment and then sat suddenly upright.</p> + +<p>"But by the living God!" It was surprising how quickly he could pass +from mood to mood. Now the old-time fire gleamed in his eyes. Now the +unrestrained, impetuous, passionate General, the intrepid, fearless +leader of Quebec, Ridgefield, Saratoga, revealed himself with all his +old-time energy and determination of purpose.</p> + +<p>"By the living God!" he repeated with his hand high in the air, his fist +clenched, "They shall pay me double for every humiliation, for every +calumny, for every insult I have had to endure. They sought cause +against me; they shall find it."</p> + +<p>"Hush! My dear," cautioned Peggy, "not so loud. The servants will +overhear you."</p> + +<p>"The world shall overhear me before another month. Revenge knows no +limit and is a sweet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>consolation to a brave man. I shall shame this +profligate Congress, and overwhelm my enemies with no mean +accomplishment, but with an achievement worthy of my dignity and power. +They shall pay me. Ha! they shall; by God! They shall."</p> + +<p>Peggy arose at his violent outbreak, fearing lest she might antagonize +him the more. It was useless to talk further, for he was enraged to a +point beyond all endurance. She would leave him alone, hoping that he +would recover his normal state again.</p> + +<p>She walked to the window as if to look out. Then she turned and vanished +through the doorway into the hall.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>Several days later a courier rode up to the door and summoned General +Arnold before him, into whose care he delivered a letter from the +Headquarters of the Commander-in-chief. Strangely excited, the General +failed to perceive the identity of the messenger as he saluted and made +the usual brief inquiries. Only after the courier was well down the road +did the memory of his strangely familiar face recur to him. But he was +too preoccupied with the document to give him any more attention. +Breaking the seal he scanned the introductory addresses and read his +reprimand from his Commander-in-chief, a reprimand couched in the +tenderest language, a duty performed with the rarest delicacy and tact.</p> + +<p>"Our profession is the chastest of all," it read. "Even the shadow of a +fault tarnishes the luster of our finest achievements. The least +inadvertence may rob us of the public favor so hard to be acquired. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> +reprimand you for having forgotten that, in proportion as you have +rendered yourself formidable to our enemies, you should have been +guarded and temperate in your deportment towards your fellow citizens. +Exhibit anew those noble qualities which have placed you on the list of +our most valued commanders. I myself will furnish you, as far as it may +be in my power, with opportunities of regaining the esteem of your +country."</p> + +<p>Slipping it again into its envelope, he slammed the door.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<h2><a name="PART_THREE" id="PART_THREE"></a>PART THREE</h2> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BI" id="CHAPTER_BI"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>In one of those wide indentations along the eastern shore of the +Schuylkill River, there opens out in tranquil seclusion a spacious cove. +The waters wander here to rest, it seems, before resuming their +voluminous descent to the Delaware and the sea. Trees and saplings +wrapped about with close-clinging vines hang far over the water's edge +like so many silent sentinels on guard before the spot, their luxuriant +foliage weighing their bending twigs almost to the surface. Green +lily-pads and long ribboned water grass border the water's curve, and +toss gently in the wind ripples as they glide inwards with just murmur +enough to lull one to quiet and repose.</p> + +<p>Into this scene, placid, clear, though of a deep and dark green under +the overhanging leaves, stole a small canoe with motion enough scarcely +to ruffle the top of the water. A paddle noiselessly dipped into the +undisturbed surface and as noiselessly emerged again, leaving behind +only a series of miniature eddies where the waters had closed after +their penetration. A small white hand, hanging lazily over the forward +side of the tiny craft, played in the soft, limpid water, and made a +furrow along the side of the boat that glistened like so many strings of +sparkling jewels.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p><p>"So you are going away again tomorrow?" Marjorie was saying as she +continued to dabble in the water.</p> + +<p>She lay partly reclining in the bow of the canoe, her back supported by +a pillow. A meditative silence enshrouded her as she lay listless, +unconcerned to all appearances, as to her whereabouts or destination. +The while she thought, the more steadily she gazed at the waters as she +splashed them gently and playfully. Like a caress the silence of the +place descended upon her, and brought home to her the full import of her +loneliness.</p> + +<p>"In view of what you have disclosed to me, I think it only my duty," +Stephen replied as he lazily stroked the paddle.</p> + +<p>Again there was silence.</p> + +<p>"I wish you weren't going," she finally murmured.</p> + +<p>He looked straight at her, holding his arm motionless for the space of a +moment.</p> + +<p>"It is good of you to say that," was the measured reply. "This has been +a most delightful day, and I have enjoyed this glimpse of you very +much."</p> + +<p>Raising her eyes she thanked him with a look.</p> + +<p>"You must remember that it has been due to no fault of mine that I have +seen so little of you," he continued.</p> + +<p>"Nor mine," came back the whisper.</p> + +<p>"True," he said. "Events have moved so rapidly during the past month +that I was enabled to keep abreast of them only with the greatest +difficulty."</p> + +<p>"I daresay we all are proud of your achievement."</p> + +<p>"God has been good to us. I must thank you, too."</p> + +<p>"Me?" She grinned with contempt. "I am sure<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> when the truth is known +that I shall be found more an instrument of evil than of good."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would not say that."</p> + +<p>"I cannot say otherwise, for I know it to be true."</p> + +<p>"Do not depreciate your efforts. They have been invaluable to me. +Remember, it was you who greatly confirmed my suspicions of Anderson. I +did acquire some facts myself; but it was due to the information which +you imparted to me that I was enabled to join together several ambiguous +clews."</p> + +<p>"Really?"</p> + +<p>"And you must remember that it was through your coöperation that my +attention was first drawn to General Arnold."</p> + +<p>"You suspected him before our conversation. You, yourself, heard it from +his own lips in the garden."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did. But the note!"</p> + +<p>"What note?"</p> + +<p>"The note you gave me to read."</p> + +<p>"Peggy's letter which I found at her house?"</p> + +<p>"The same. Have I never told you?"</p> + +<p>"Never!" was the slow response. "You know you returned it to me without +comment."</p> + +<p>He was puzzled. For he wondered how he had failed to acquaint her with +so important an item.</p> + +<p>"When you allowed me to take that letter you furnished me with my first +clew."</p> + +<p>She aroused herself and looked seriously at him.</p> + +<p>"I?... Why.... I never read it. What did it contain? I had supposed it +to be a personal letter."</p> + +<p>"And so it was,—apparently. It proved to be a letter from one of +Peggy's New York friends."</p> + +<p>"A Mischienza friend, undoubtedly."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, Captain Cathcart. But it contained more. There was a cipher +message."</p> + +<p>"In cipher?" Then after a moment. "Did she know of it?"</p> + +<p>"I am inclined to think that she did. Otherwise it would not have been +directed to her."</p> + +<p>This was news indeed. No longer did she recline against the seat of the +canoe, but raised herself upright.</p> + +<p>"How did you ever discover it?"</p> + +<p>"My first reading of the note filled me with suspicion. Its tone was too +impersonal. When I asked for it, I was impelled by the sole desire to +study it the more carefully at my own leisure. That night I found +certain markings over some of the letters. These I jotted down and +rearranged until I had found the hidden message."</p> + +<p>She gazed at him in wonder.</p> + +<p>"It was directed to her, I presume, because of her friendship with the +Military Governor; and carried the suggestion that His Excellency be +interested in the proposed formation of the Regiment. From that moment +my energies were directed to one sole end. I watched Arnold and those +whom he was wont to entertain. Eventually the trail narrowed down to +Peggy and Anderson."</p> + +<p>She drew a deep breath, but said nothing.</p> + +<p>"The night I played the spy in the park my theory was confirmed."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you told me of that incident. It was not far from here."</p> + +<p>She turned to search the distance behind her.</p> + +<p>"No. Just down the shore behind his great house."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> He pointed with his +finger in the direction of Mount Pleasant.</p> + +<p>"And Peggy was a party to the conspiracy!" she exclaimed with an audible +sigh.</p> + +<p>"She exercised her influence over Arnold from the start. She and +Anderson were in perfect accord."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry. She has disappointed me greatly."</p> + +<p>"She has a very pretty manner and a most winsome expression; but she is +extremely subtle and fully accomplished in all manner of artifice. She +was far too clever for your frank simplicity."</p> + +<p>"I never suspected her for an instant."</p> + +<p>"It was she who set the trap for Arnold; it was she who made it possible +for Anderson to rise to the heights of favor and influence; it was she +who encouraged her husband in his misuse of authority; and I venture to +say, it was she who rendered effective the degree of friendship which +began to exist between yourself and this gentleman."</p> + +<p>Marjorie blushed at the irony.</p> + +<p>They were drifting above the cove in the slowest manner. Only +occasionally did he dip the paddle into the water to change the course +of the little craft, or to push it ahead a little into the more shaded +places. Marjorie did not assist in this, for he desired her to sit in +the bow facing him, while he, himself, essayed the task of paddler. +There was little of exertion, however, for the two had no other object +in view than the company of their own selves. And so they drifted +aimlessly about the stream.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think that I ought to leave tomorrow for White Plains to confer +with His Excellency."</p> + +<p>"I should be the last to hinder you in the performance of duty. By all +means, go."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p><p>"Of course it may be no more than a suspicion, but if you are sure of +what Anderson said, then I think that the matter should be brought to +the attention of the Commander-in-chief."</p> + +<p>"Of course, you understand that Mr. Anderson told me nothing definite. +But he did hint that General Arnold should be placed in command of a +more responsible post in the American army; and that steps should be +taken to have him promoted to the Second in Command."</p> + +<p>Stephen thought for a minute.</p> + +<p>"That sounds innocent enough. But you must remember that events have +come to light in the past fortnight which for months had lain concealed +in the minds of these two men. Who knows but what this was included in +their nefarious scheme. I am uneasy about it all, and must see the +chief."</p> + +<p>"But you will come back?"</p> + +<p>"At once unless prevented by a detail to a new field. I am subject at +all times to the will of my leader."</p> + +<p>Her face fell.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>The solemn stillness, the almost noiseless motion of the boat, the livid +shades surrounding the place, all contributed to the mood of pensiveness +and meditation which was rapidly stealing upon them. The very silence of +the cove was infectious. Marjorie felt it almost immediately, and +relaxed without a murmur.</p> + +<p>A stream of thoughts began to course in continuous procession through +her mind, awakening there whatever latent images lay buried in her +memory, and fashioning new ideas and seemingly possible situations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> from +her experiences of the past year. Now she suddenly discovered her former +interest quickened to a violent degree. She was living over again the +memories of the happy hours of other days.</p> + +<p>Certainly Stephen was as constant as ever. To her discerning eye his +manner of action conveyed no other impression. But he was the same +enigma, however, as far as the communication of thought was concerned, +and she knew no more of his pleasures and desires than she did of the +inspirations of his soul.</p> + +<p>It was the first time in months she had seen and taken delight in his +own old self. Never had he been so attentive quite as John Anderson, nor +so profuse in his protestations, nor so ready with his apologies. And +what was more she did not expect him to be. But he was more sincere when +it came to a question of unfolding one's own convictions, more engaging +where will-power, propriety, performance of duty, were concerned. He +alone possessed the rule to which all, in her own mind, were obliged to +conform. And so she was compelled to admire him.</p> + +<p>These fond memories suffered an interruption by a vision of the extreme +disquietude produced upon Stephen by her unfortunate acquaintanceship +with Mr. Anderson. And yet she had been profoundly sincere with herself. +Never had she conveyed the impression to any man that she had given him +a second sobering thought. Her home constituted for her a chief delight, +her home, her devoted mother, her fond father. Peggy had been her sole +companion previous to her marriage with the Governor; and whatever men +she had met with were they who composed the gay assemblies at which her +friend was the pretty hostess and she the invited guest. As far as +Anderson was concerned,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> and Stephen, for that matter, she doubted if +she had been in the company of either more than a dozen times in the +course of her life. Certainly not enough to know either of them +intimately.</p> + +<p>Of the two men who had effected the most complete entrée into her +society, Stephen had, unquestionably, impressed her the more favorably. +For a time he seemed too far removed from her; and she failed to +experience that sense of proportion between them so necessary for mutual +regard. Perhaps it was due to this negation, or perhaps it was owing to +her modest reserve, or perhaps to both, that whatever familiar +intercourse, sympathy or affinity ought to have existed was naturally +excluded. True friendship requires a certain equality, or at least a +feeling of proportion between those whom it would bind together. And +this she felt had not prevailed.</p> + +<p>She did not pause to consider the correctness or the incorrectness of +her inference. It was quite enough for her to know that this spirit of +inequality existed. In his presence, however, she felt at perfect ease, +wholly oblivious of everything save her own happiness, as she could now +bear witness to, but alone with her thoughts the horrible imagining +forced itself upon her and served to widen perceptibly the gulf between +them. Reflection disconcerted her.</p> + +<p>Happily, her enterprise respecting Anderson and his nefarious scheme had +terminated successfully. Happily, too, Stephen's misconstruction of the +affair had been corrected. No longer would he doubt her. Their fortunes +had approached the crisis. It came. Anderson had fled town; Arnold and +Peggy were removed from their lives perhaps for ever. Stephen was with +her now and she experienced a sense of happiness <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span>beyond all human +estimation. She would she could read his mind to learn there his own +feelings. Was he, too, conscious of the same delights? A reciprocal +feeling was alone necessary to complete the measure of her joy. But he +was as non-communicative as ever, totally absorbed in this terrible +business that obsessed him. Her riddle, she feared, would remain +unanswered. Patriotism, it seemed, was more pressing than love.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>The canoe had drifted nearer to the shore. At Stephen's suggestion she +aroused herself from her lethargy and alighted on the bank. He soon +followed, drawing the canoe on to the shore a little to prevent its +wandering away. Marjorie walked through the grass, stooping to pick here +and there a little flower which lay smiling at her feet. Stephen stood +to one side and looked after her.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"Stephen," she asked, as she returned to him and stood for a moment +smiling straight at him, "will you tell me something?"</p> + +<p>"Anything you ask," he assured her. "What do you wish to know?"</p> + +<p>But she did not inquire further. Her eyes were fixed in earnest +attention upon the flowers which she began to arrange into a little bouquet.</p> + +<p>"Are you still vexed with me?"</p> + +<p>There! It was out. She looked at him coquettishly.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" he exclaimed. "What ever caused you to say that?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></p><p>"I scarce know," she replied. "I suppose I just thought so, that was +all."</p> + +<p>"Would I be here now?" He tried to assure her with a tone of sincerity. +"One need not hear a man speak to learn his mind."</p> + +<p>"Yes. But I thought——"</p> + +<p>He seized hold of her hand.</p> + +<p>"Come," he said. "Won't you sit down while I tell you?"</p> + +<p>She accepted his offer and allowed herself to be assisted.</p> + +<p>"You thought that I was displeased with you on account of John +Anderson," he remarked as he took his place by her side. "Am I correct?"</p> + +<p>She did not answer.</p> + +<p>"And you thought, perhaps, that I scorned you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! Not that! I did not think that ... I ... I...."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, that I lost all interest in you?"</p> + +<p>She thought for a second. Then she smiled as if she dared not say what +was in her mind.</p> + +<p>"Listen. I shall tell you. I did not reprove you with so much as a +fault. I know well that it is next to impossible to be in the frequent +presence of an individual without experiencing at some time some +emotion. He becomes continually repugnant, or else exceedingly +fascinating. The sentiments of the heart never stand still."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know,—but...."</p> + +<p>"I did think that you had been fascinated. I concluded that you had been +charmed by John Anderson's manner. Because I had no desire of losing +your good will, I did ask you to avoid him, but at the same time, I did +not feel free enough to cast aspersions upon his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> character and so +change your good opinion of him. The outcome I never doubted, much as I +was disturbed over the whole affair. I felt that eventually you would +learn for yourself."</p> + +<p>"But why did you not believe in me? I tried to give you every assurance +that I was loyal...."</p> + +<p>"The fault lay in my enforced absence from you, and in the nature of the +circumstances which combined against you. I knew Anderson; but I was +unaware of your own thought or purpose. My business led me on one +occasion to your home where I found you ready to entertain him. The +several other times in which I found you together caused me to think +that you, too, had been impressed by him."</p> + +<p>Marjorie sat silent. She was pondering deeply the while he spoke and +attempted to understand the emotions that had fought in his heart. She +knew very well that he was sincere in his confession, and that she had +been the victim of circumstances; still she thanked God that the truth +had been revealed to him.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes I feel as if I had been simply a tool in his hands, and that +I had been worsted in the encounter."</p> + +<p>"You have had no reason to think that. You perhaps unconsciously gave +him some information concerning the members of our faith, their number, +their lot, their ambitions,—but you must remember, too, that he had +given some valuable information to you in return. The man may have been +sincere with you from the beginning."</p> + +<p>"No! I think neither of us were sincere. The memory of it all is +painful; and I regret exceedingly of having had to play the part of the +coquette."</p> + +<p>A great silence stole upon them. He looked out<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> over the river at the +wavelets dancing gleefully in the sunlight, as they ran downstream with +the current as if anxious to outstrip it to the sea. She grew tired of +the little flowers and looked about to gather others. Presently she +bethought herself and took from her bodice what appeared to be a golden +locket. Stephen, attracted by her emotion, saw the trinket at once, its +bright yellow frame glistening in the sun.</p> + +<p>"Have you ever seen this?" she asked as she looked at it intently.</p> + +<p>He extended his hand in anticipation. She gave it to him.</p> + +<p>"Beautiful!" he exclaimed. "How long have you had this?"</p> + +<p>"About a year," she replied nonchalantly, and clasped her hands about +her knees.</p> + +<p>He leaned forward and continued to study it for the longest time. He +held it near to him and then at arm's length. Then he looked at her.</p> + +<p>"It is beautiful," he repeated. "It is a wonderful likeness, and yet I +should say that it does not half express the winsomeness of your +countenance." He smiled generously at her blushes as he returned it to +her.</p> + +<p>"It was given me by John Anderson," she declared.</p> + +<p>"It is a treasure. And it is richly set."</p> + +<p>"He painted it himself and brought it to me after that night at +Peggy's."</p> + +<p>"I always said that he possessed extraordinary talents. I should keep +that as a commemoration of your daring enterprise."</p> + +<p>"Never. I purpose to destroy all memory of him."</p> + +<p>"You have lost nothing, and have gained what books<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> cannot unfold. +Observation and experience are the prime educators."</p> + +<p>"But exceedingly severe."</p> + +<p>"Come," said Stephen. "Let us not allude to him again. It grieves you. +He has passed from your life forever."</p> + +<p>"Forever!" she repeated.</p> + +<p>And as if by a mighty effort she drew back her arm and flung the +miniature far from her in the direction of the river. On a sudden there +was a splash, a gulp of the waters, and a little commotion as they +hurriedly came together and folded over their prey.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" he shouted making an attempt to restrain her. It was too +late.</p> + +<p>"What have you done?" he asked.</p> + +<p>She displayed her empty hands and laughed.</p> + +<p>"Forever!" she repeated, opening her arms with a telling gesture. "I +never should have accepted it, but I was strangely fascinated by it, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>For the moment neither spoke; he felt as if he could not speak; and she +looked like a child, her cheeks aglow with the exertion, and her eyes +alight with merriment. Stephen looked intently at her and as she +perceived his look, a very curious change came across her face. He saw +it at once, although he did not think of it until afterwards.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie," he said as he moved nearer to her and slipped his arm very +gently about her. "You must have known for the longest time, from my +actions, from my incessant attentions, from my words, the extent of my +feeling for you. It were idle of me to attempt to give expression to it. +It cannot be explained. It must be perceived; and you, undoubtedly, have +perceived it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p><p>There was no response. She remained passive, her eyes on the ground, +scarcely realizing what he was saying.</p> + +<p>"I think you know what I am going to say. I am very fond of you. But you +must have felt more; some hidden voice must have whispered often to you +that I love you."</p> + +<p>He drew her to him and raised both her hands to his lips.</p> + +<p>She remonstrated.</p> + +<p>"Stephen!" she said.</p> + +<p>He drew back sadly. She became silent, her head lowered, her eyes +downcast, intent upon the hands in her lap. With her fingers she rubbed +away the caress. She was thinking rapidly, yet her face betrayed no +visible emotion, whether of joy, or surprise, or resentment. Only her +cheek danced with a ray of sunshine, a stolen reflection from the joyous +waves.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie," he said gently, "please forgive me. I meant no harm."</p> + +<p>She made a little movement as if to speak.</p> + +<p>"I had to tell you," he continued. "I thought you understood."</p> + +<p>She buried her face in her hands; her frame shook violently. Stephen was +confused a little; for he thought that she had taken offense. He +attempted to reassure her.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie. Please.... I give you my word I shall never mention this +subject again. I am sorry, very sorry."</p> + +<p>She dried her eyes and looked at her handkerchief. Then she stood up.</p> + +<p>"Come, let us go," he said after he had assisted her.</p> + +<p>They walked together towards the boat.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BII" id="CHAPTER_BII"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>It has been said with more truth than poetic fancy that the descent to +Avernus is easy. It may be said, too, with equal assurance, that once +General Arnold had committed himself to treachery and perfidy, his story +becomes sickening, and in the judgment of his countrymen, devoid of no +element of horror whether in its foul beginnings or in its wretched end. +Once his mind had been definitely committed to the treacherous purpose, +which loomed like a beacon light before him in the shaping of his +destiny, his descent to the depths of degradation was rapid and fatal. +The court-martial, together with its subsequent reprimand, had been +accepted by him with the greatest animosity. From that hour his thirst +for vengeance knew no restraint. One thing alone was necessary to his +evil plans: he must secure an important command in the Continental Army.</p> + +<p>Some time before he had asked for a change of post, or at least for a +grant of land with permission to retire to private life, but this was +under the inspiration of a motive of an entirely different nature. Now +he had specifically asked for a command in the army, adding that his leg +was quite healed and that he was fit physically for field duty. In +entering this demand, he was actuated by a different motive—the motive +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> George Monk, the Duke of Albemarle, the Commander-in-chief of the +forces of three kingdoms.</p> + +<p>It is true that Washington had been devoted to him and remained faithful +to him until the very end. To reprimand his favorite General was a +painful duty. But it was performed with delicate and genuine tenderness. +His Excellency had promised to do whatever lay within his power to +enable his beloved General to recover the esteem of his fellow-men and +he was glad to furnish him with every opportunity of effecting real and +lasting service. He wrote him at once offering him leave of absence. +Congress then ordered "That the sum of $25,000 be advanced to Major +General Arnold on account of his pay." Finally a general order was +issued by the Commander-in-chief himself appointing General Arnold +Commander of the Right Wing of the American Army. The restoration so +long awaited was at length achieved.</p> + +<p>Arnold at once began to make preparations for his departure from the +city. His privateering ventures had been cleared up, but with profits +barely sufficient to meet his debts. Mount Pleasant, his sole +possession, had already been settled on his wife. His tenure of office +had been ended some time before, and whatever documents were destined +for preservation had been put in order pending the arrival of his +successor.</p> + +<p>The plan for his defection had been evolved by him with elaborate +detail. Never had the time been more opportune for the execution of a +piece of business so nefarious. The country was without what could be +called a stable form of government. It was deprived of any recognized +means of exchange because of the total depreciation of the Continental +currency. The British had obtained possession of the great city of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> New +York and were threatening to overrun the country south of the +Susquehanna. Newport was menaced and the entire British fleet was +prepared to move up the Hudson where, at West Point, one poorly equipped +garrison interposed between them and the forces of General Carleton, +which were coming down from Canada. Washington was attempting to defend +Philadelphia and watch Clinton closely from the heights of Morristown, +while he threatened the position of the enemy in New York from West +Point. In all the American Commander had no more than four thousand men, +many of whom were raw recruits, mere boys, whose services had been +procured for nine months for fifteen hundred dollars each. Georgia and +the Carolinas were entirely reduced and it was only a question of time +before the junction of the two armies might be effected.</p> + +<p>Clinton was to attack West Point at once, in order to break down the one +barrier which stood between his own army and the Canadian. Learning, +however, of the rapid progress of events on the American side and more +especially of the proposed defection of General Arnold, he suddenly +changed his plan. He determined to attack Washington as soon as Arnold +had been placed in command of the right wing of the main army. The +latter was to suffer the attack to be made, but at the psychological +moment he was to desert his Commander-in-chief in the field, and so +effect the total destruction of the entire force.</p> + +<p>This was the plan which was being turned over in his mind as he sat on +this June afternoon in the great room of his mansion. He was again clad +in his American uniform and looked the warrior of old in his blue and +buff and gold. Care had marked his countenance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> with her heavy hand, +however, and had left deep furrows across his forehead and down the +sides of his mouth. His eyes, too, had lost their old-time flash and +vivacity, his movements were more sluggish, his step more halting. The +trials of the past year had left their visible tracings on him.</p> + +<p>He sat and stroked his chin, and deliberated. In his hand he held a +letter, a letter without date or address or salutation. It had been +brought to him that day by messenger from the city. He understood it +perfectly.</p> + +<p>He looked at it again.</p> + +<p>"Knyphausen is in New Jersey," it read, "but, understanding Arnold is +about to command the American Army in the field, Clinton will attack +Washington at once. The bearer may be trusted.</p> + +<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Anderson.</span>"</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"It is either Westminster Abbey for me or the gallows," he remarked to +his wife that evening when they were quite alone.</p> + +<p>"You have no apprehensions, I hope."</p> + +<p>"There's many a slip——" he quoted.</p> + +<p>"Come! Be an optimist. You have set your heart on it. So be brave."</p> + +<p>"I have never lacked courage. At Saratoga while that scapegoat Gates +sulked in his tent, I burst from the camp on my big brown horse and rode +like a madman to the head of Larned's brigade, my old command, and we +took the hill. Fear? I never knew what the word meant. Dashing back to +the center, I galloped up and down before the line. We charged twice, +and the enemy broke and fled. Then I turned to the left<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> and ordered +West and Livingston with Morgan's corps to make a general assault along +the line. Here we took the key to the enemy's position and there was +nothing for them to do but to retreat. At the same instant one bullet +killed my good brown horse under me and another entered my leg. But the +battle had been won."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, my dear, the world yet lies before you."</p> + +<p>"I won the war for them, damn 'em, in a single battle, and +single-handed. Lord North knew it. The Rockingham Whigs, with Burke as +their leader, knew it and were ready to concede independence, having +been convinced that conciliation was no longer practicable or possible. +Richmond urged the impossibility of final conquest, and even Gibbon +agreed that the American colonies had been lost. I accomplished all +that, I tell you, and I received—what?—a dead horse and a wounded +leg."</p> + +<p>There was a flash of the old-time general, but only a flash. It was +evident that he was tiring easily. His old-time stamina had abandoned +him.</p> + +<p>"Why do you so excite yourself?" Peggy cautioned him. "The veins are +bulging out on your forehead."</p> + +<p>"When I think of it, it galls me. But I shall have my revenge," he +gloated maliciously. "Clinton is going to attack Washington as soon as I +have taken over my command. I shall outrival Albemarle yet."</p> + +<p>"We may as well prepare to leave, then."</p> + +<p>"There is no need of your immediate departure. You are not supposed to +be acquainted with my designs. You must remain here. Later you can join +me."</p> + +<p>"But you are going at once?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, I shall leave very soon now. Let me see." He paused to think. "It +is over a week now since I was appointed. The appointment was to take +effect immediately. I should report for duty at once."</p> + +<p>"And I shall meet you——"</p> + +<p>"In New York, very probably. It is too early yet to arrange for that. +You will know where I am stationed and can remain here until I send for +you."</p> + +<p>While they were still engaged in conversation, a sound became very +audible as of a horseman ascending the driveway. A summons at the door +announced a courier from the Commander-in-chief to Major General Arnold. +The latter presented himself and received a packet on which had been +stamped the seal of official business. He took the document and +withdrew.</p> + +<p>It proved to be an order from His Excellency transferring the command of +Major General Arnold on account of physical disability, which would not +permit of service in the field, from the right wing of the American Army +to Commander of the fortress at West Point. He was ordered to report for +duty as soon as circumstances would permit and was again assured of His +Excellency's highest respect and good wishes.</p> + +<p>He handed the letter to Peggy without a word. He sat in deep meditation +while she hastily scanned the contents.</p> + +<p>"Tricked again," was her sole comment.</p> + +<p>He did not answer.</p> + +<p>"This looks suspicious. Do you think he knows?"</p> + +<p>"No one knows."</p> + +<p>"What will you do now? This upsets all your plans."</p> + +<p>"I do not know. I shall accept, of course. Later, not now, we can +decide."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p><p>"This means that I am going too."</p> + +<p>"I suppose so. I shall have my headquarters there, and while they may +not be as commodious as Mount Pleasant, still I would rather have you +with me. We shall arrange for our departure accordingly."</p> + +<p>"You will, of course, inform Anderson of the change?"</p> + +<p>"He will hear of it. The news of the appointment will travel fast enough +you may be sure. Very likely Knyphausen will now be recalled from New +Jersey."</p> + +<p>"So perishes your dream of a duchy!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"No. West Point is the most important post on the American side. It is +the connecting link between New England and the rest of the colonies. It +was the prize which Johnny Burgoyne was prevented from obtaining by me. +It commands the Hudson River and opens the way to upper New York and +Canada. It is the most strategic position in America, stored with +immense quantities of ammunition and believed to be impregnable. Without +doubt it is the most critical point in the American line."</p> + +<p>"Bah! You need an army. Albemarle had an army. Marlborough had an army. +Of what use is a fortress with a large force still in the field? It's +the army that counts, I tell you. Territory, forts, cities mean nothing. +It's the size of the army that wins the war."</p> + +<p>"I know it, but what can I do?"</p> + +<p>He conceded the point.</p> + +<p>"Insist on your former post," she advised.</p> + +<p>He thought awhile and began to whistle softly to himself as he tapped +his finger tips one against the other.</p> + +<p>"Listen," she continued. "There is some reason for this transfer at the +eleventh hour. Are you dense<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> enough not to see it? Some one has reached +Washington's ear and whispered a secret. Else that order would never +have been written."</p> + +<p>"Washington believes only what is true. Always has he trusted and +defended me from the vilifications of my enemies, knowing that these +reports only emanated from jealous and unscrupulous hearts. My leg has +caused this change of command; I know it."</p> + +<p>She looked at him in scorn. She could not believe he could be so simple.</p> + +<p>"Your leg! What has your leg to do with it? Once you are astride your +horse you are safe. And don't you think for one minute that Clinton is a +fool. He does not want you. I dare say if the truth were known, he has +no respect for you either. It is your command which is of value to him, +and the more authority you can master, the more valuable you become. +Then you can dictate your own terms instead of bargaining them away."</p> + +<p>"It would realize nothing to attempt a protest. A soldier asks no +questions. Whatever I may be, I am still a soldier."</p> + +<p>"As you will."</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders, and folded her arms.</p> + +<p>"West Point it is," she observed, "but General Clinton may reconsider +his proposition. I would not be too sure."</p> + +<p>"I am sure he will be satisfied with West Point. With that post he might +easily end the war. Anderson will write me soon again. I tell you I can +dictate to them now. You shall have your peerage after all."</p> + +<p>"I am not so sure."</p> + +<p>"Have it your own way. I know what I am about and I know where I stand. +At first it was a question<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> only of my personal desertion. The betrayal +of an army was a later development. But I could not become a deserter on +a small scale. I have been accustomed all my life to playing signal +rôles. If I am to sell myself at all, it shall be at the highest price +together with the greatest prize. I have only one regret, and that is +that I am obliged to take advantage of the confidence and respect of +Washington to render this at all possible."</p> + +<p>"Don't let your heart become softened by tender condolences at this +stage. Your mind has been set; don't swerve."</p> + +<p>He looked at her and wondered how she could remain so imperturbable. +Ordinarily she burned with compassion at the sight of misery and +affliction. He could not understand for the life of him, how stoically +she maintained her composure throughout this ordeal. Plainly her heart +was set on one ambition. She would be a duchess.</p> + +<p>But she did not know that he had maintained a continual correspondence +with Sir Henry Clinton, or that West Point had long since been decided +upon, as a possible contingency. Much she did know, but most of the +details had been concealed from her. Not that he did not trust her, but +he wished her to be no party to his nefarious work.</p> + +<p>And so he was not surprised that she expressed a genuine disappointment +over his change of command. In fact he had been prepared for a more +manifest display of disapproval. Perhaps it was due to the fact that she +was at length to accompany him which caused her to be more benign in her +appreciation of the transfer. For he knew that she detested the city<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span> +and longed for the day when she might be far removed from it forever.</p> + +<p>"You will, of course, make ready to leave Mount Pleasant?" he asked of +her.</p> + +<p>"Assuredly. I shall acquaint mother and father with the prospect this +evening. They do not want me to leave. But I am determined."</p> + +<p>"They should be here. It is not early."</p> + +<p>"The ride is long. They will come."</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>The last night spent by the Arnolds and the Shippen family at Mount +Pleasant was a happy one. The entire family was in attendance and the +Arnold silver was lavishly displayed for the occasion. American viands +cooked and served in the prevailing American fashion were offered at +table—hearty, simple food in great plenty washed down by quantities of +Madeira and sherry and other imported beverages.</p> + +<p>Toasts and healths were freely drunk. After the more customary ones to +the "Success of the War," to the "Success of General Washington," to the +"Nation" there came the usual healths to the host and the hostess, and +more especially to the "Appointment of General Arnold." The ceremonies +were interspersed with serious and animated conversation on the +political situation and the chances of the army in the field. Throughout +the entire meal a marked simplicity, a purity of manner, and frank +cordiality was manifest, all indicative of the charming and unaffected +homelife of the Americans.</p> + +<p>"Miss Franks would have been pleased to be with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> us," announced the +General as the company awaited another service.</p> + +<p>"Could you believe it, General," said Mrs. Shippen, "not once have we +heard from that girl since she moved to New York," and she set her lips +firmly. "That is so unlike her; I cannot understand it."</p> + +<p>"But you know, Mother," explained Peggy, "that the mail cannot be +depended upon."</p> + +<p>"I know, my dear, but I think that she could send a line, if it were +only a line, by messenger if she thought enough of us. You know it was +at our house that she met the friends with whom she is now engaged."</p> + +<p>"Our mail system is deplorable," Mr. Shippen remarked. "Only yesterday I +received a letter which apparently had been sent months ago."</p> + +<p>"I can understand that very readily," Arnold rejoined. "Often letters +are entrusted to travelers. At times these men deposit a letter at some +inn at the cross-roads for the next traveler who is bound for the same +place as the epistle. It often happens that such a missive remains for +months upon a mantelpiece awaiting a favorable opportunity. Then again +sheer neglect may be responsible for an unusual delay. I myself have +experience of that."</p> + +<p>This explanation seemed to satisfy Mrs. Shippen for she dropped the +subject immediately. The mode of travel then occasioned a critical +comment from her until she finally asked when they intended to leave for +West Point.</p> + +<p>"Very likely I shall leave before the week is out," replied Arnold. "It +is most important that I assume command at once. We shall prepare to +depart tomorrow."</p> + +<p>They talked far into the night, the men smoking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> while the ladies +retired to the great drawing-room. Peggy played and sang, and took her +mother aside at intervals for conference upon little matters which +required advice. At a late hour, after taking affectionate leaves, the +families parted. Peggy and her husband now abandoned themselves to their +destiny—to glorious triumph or to utter ruin.</p> + +<p>They closed the door upon their kinsfolk and faced the situation. +Westminster Abbey or the gallows loomed before them.</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>Late that same evening, alone before his desk, General Arnold penned the +following ambiguous letter to John Anderson. West Point it was. That was +settled. Still it was necessary that General Clinton be appraised +immediately of the change of command together with some inkling of the +military value of the new post. The business was such that he dared not +employ his true name; and so he assumed a title, referring to himself +throughout the note in the third person. The meaning of the message, he +knew, would be readily interpreted.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>Sir:—On the 24th of last month I received a note from you without date, +in answer to mine; also a letter from your house in answer to mine, with +a note from B. of the 30th of June, with an extract of a letter from Mr. +J. Osborn. I have paid particular attention to the contents of the +several letters. Had they arrived earlier, you should have had my answer +sooner. A variety of circumstances has prevented my writing you before. +I expect to do it very fully in a few days, and to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span>procure you an +interview with Mr. M—e, when you will be able to settle your commercial +plan, I hope, in a manner agreeable to all parties. Mr. M—e assures me +that he is still of opinion that his first proposal is by no means +unreasonable, and makes no doubt, that, when he has a conference with +you, you will close with it. He expects when you meet you will be fully +authorized from your House and that the risks and profits of the +co-partnership may be fully and clearly understood.</p> + +<p>A speculation might at this time be easily made to some advantage with +ready money, but there is not the quantity of goods at market which your +partner seems to suppose, and the number of speculators below, I think, +will be against your making an immediate purchase. I apprehend goods +will be in greater plenty and much cheaper in the course of the season; +both dry and wet are much wanted and in demand at this juncture. Some +quantities are expected in this part of the country soon.</p> + +<p>Mr. M—e flatters himself that in the course of ten days he will have +the pleasure of seeing you. He requests me to advise you that he has +ordered a draught on you in favor of our mutual friend, S—y for 1300, +which you will charge on account of the tobacco.</p> + +<p>I am, in behalf of Mr. M—e and Co., Sir,</p> + +<p class="center">Your most obedient, humble servant,</p> + +<p class="right">Gustavus.</p> + +<p>To Mr. John Anderson, Merchant,<br /> + New York.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BIII" id="CHAPTER_BIII"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>In the meantime, Marjorie was tossing restlessly, nervously in her bed, +enduring hours of disconsolate remorse and lonely desolation. She could +not sleep. She cried her eyes wet with tears, and wiped them dry again +with her handkerchief; then stared up at the black ceiling, or gazed out +through the small window at the faint glow in the world beyond. Her +girlish heart, lay heavy within her, distended almost to the +breaking-point with grief, a grief which had sent her early to bed to +seek solitude and consolation; that solitude which alone brings relief +to a heart freighted with sorrow and woe. Now that Stephen had gone, she +had time to think over the meaning of it all, and she began to +experience the renewed agony of those terrible moments by the water's +edge. It was so awful, so frightful that her tender frame seemed to +yield beneath its load, she simply had to give way to the tears.</p> + +<p>She could not sleep, and she knew it. Scrambling out of her bed and +wrapping a mantle about her, she sat beside the window and peered into +the night. There was not a breeze to break the solemn silence, not a +sound to distract her from her reverie. Two black and uncanny pine trees +stood like armed guards near by the corner of the house to challenge the +interloper from disturbing her meditation. Overhead the stars<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> blinked +and glistened through the treetops in their lace of foliage and delicate +branches, and resembled for all the world an hundred diamonds set in a +band of filigree work. The moon had not yet risen, and all the world +seemed to be in abject despair, bristling in horrid shapes and +sights,—a fit dwelling-place for Marjorie and her grief-stricken heart.</p> + +<p>Stephen had gone away that afternoon, perhaps never to return. For this +she could not reproach him, for she allowed that she had given him every +reason to feel offended. But she had hurt him, and very likely hurt him +to the quick. She knew his sensitive nature and she feared the +consequence. It was that thought more than the real contrition over her +fault which had overwhelmed her. Her return for his many acts of +kindness had been one of austere repulsion.</p> + +<p>Now she felt acutely the bitterness of it all. That she had afforded him +some encouragement, that she had coöperated in the first place to make +the setting of it all quite perfect, that she had lent him her assurance +that she was amicably disposed towards him, and that her action in +regard to the miniature, while apparently innocent enough, was fraught +with significance for Stephen in view of his intimate connections with +the events of the past two years, that after all perhaps she had been +entirely unreasonable throughout it all; these were the thoughts which +excited, both in the truth of their reality and in the knowledge of the +hopes they had alternately raised and blasted in Stephen, the bitter +sorrow which was the cause of her mingled pain and regret.</p> + +<p>What would he think of her now? What could he think? Plainly he must +consider her a cold, austere being, devoid of all feeling and +appreciation. He had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> given her the best that was in him and had made +bold enough to appraise her of it. Sincerity was manifest in his every +gesture and word, and yet she had made him feel as if his protestations +had been repugnant to her. She knew his nature, his extreme diffidence +in matters of this kind, his power of resolution, and she feared that +once having tried and failed, he was lost to her forever.</p> + +<p>And yet she knew that she grieved not for herself but for him. Her stern +refusal had only caused him the greater pain. Stephen would, perhaps, +misunderstand as he had misunderstood her in the past and it was the +thought of the vast discomfiture she had occasioned in him that stung +her with sorrow.</p> + +<p>Her warm, generous heart now chided her for her apparent indifference. +There was no other name for it. What could he deduce from her behavior +except that she was a cold, ungrateful, irresolute creature who did not +know her own mind or the promptings of her own heart! She had flung him +from her smarting and wounded, after he had summoned his entire strength +to whisper to her what she would have given worlds to hear, but which +had only confounded and startled her by its suddenness.</p> + +<p>And yet she loved him. She knew it and kept repeating it over and over +again to her own self. No one before or since had struck so responsive a +chord from her heart strings. There had been no other ideal to which she +had shaped the pictures of her mind. Stephen was her paragon of +excellence and to him the faculties of her soul had turned of their own +mood and temper unknown even to the workings of her intellectual +consciousness, like the natural inclination of the heliotrope before the +rays of the rising sun.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></p><p>Laying her head in the crook of her elbow she sobbed bitterly.</p> + +<p>The thought that he was gone from her life brought inconsolable remorse. +She knew him, knew the intimate structure of his soul, and she knew that +a deep repentance would seize hold of him on account of his rash +presumption. He would be true to his word: he would not breathe the +subject again. Nay, more, he would ever permit her to disappear from his +life as gradually as she had entered into it. This was unendurable but +the consciousness that she had caused this bitter rupture was beyond all +endurance still.</p> + +<p>She lifted her head and stared into the black depths of the night. All +was still except the shrill pipings of the frogs as they sounded their +dissonant notes to one another in the far-off Schuylkill meadows. They, +too, were filled with thoughts of love, Marjorie thought, which they had +made bold enough to publish in their own discordant way, and they seemed +to take eminent delight in having the whole world aware of the fact that +it, too, might rejoice with them.</p> + +<p>If it were true that she loved him, it were equally true that he ought +to be apprised of it. There could be no love without a mutual +understanding, for to love alone would be admiration and entirely +one-sided. Let her unfold her soul to him in order that he might take +joy for his portion ere his ardor had cooled into mere civility. For if +it were licit to love, it were more licit to express it and this +expression should be reciprocal.</p> + +<p>She would tell him before it were too late. Her silence at the very +moment when she should have acted was unfortunate. Perhaps his affection +had been killed by the blow and her protestations would be falling upon +barren soil. No matter! She would write and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> unfold her heart to him, +and tell him that she really and truly cared for him more than any one +else in the world, and she would beg him to return that she might +whisper in his ear those very words she had been softly repeating to +herself. Full repentance would take possession of her soul, and her +heart would rush unrestrained to the object of its love, telling him +that she was with him always, thinking of him, praying for him, and +waiting for him. She would write him at once.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>But she did not mail the letter. Hidden carefully in her room, it lay +all the next day. Unworthy post-chaise to bear so precious a manuscript! +She would journey herself to its destination to safeguard it, were it at +all possible. A thousand and one misgivings haunted her concerning the +safety of its arrival,—Stephen might have been transferred to some +distant point, the letter itself might possibly fall into awkward hands, +it might lay for months in the post bag, or fall into a dark corner of +some obscure tavern, the roads were infested with robbers,—horrible +thoughts, too horrible to record.</p> + +<p>She did not know just how long it had taken her to compose it. The end +of the candle had burned quite out during the process, and she lay +deliberating over its contents and wondering just what else might be +added. Twice she was on the point of arising to assure herself on the +style of her confession, but each time she changed her mind, deciding to +yield to her earlier thought. The darkness seemed to envelop her in +fancy, and when she again opened her eyes the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span>darkness had disappeared +before the light. It was morning and she arose for the day.</p> + +<p>Hour by hour she waited to tell her mother. It was only right that she +should know, and she proposed to tell her all, even the very episode on +the river bank. She needed counsel, especially during these lonely +moments, and she felt that she could obtain it only by unfolding her +heart unreservedly. Mother would know; in fact, she must have suspected +the gravity of the affair. But how would she begin it? She longed for an +opening, but no opening presented itself.</p> + +<p>The meaning of his addresses she saw, or she thought she saw. Stephen +loved her; his words were very effective. Indeed, he had made no mention +of marriage, nevertheless she sensed that his ulterior purpose had been +revealed to her fully. Perhaps it was this consummation which caused her +heart to stand suddenly still; perhaps it was the vision of the new life +which was opening before her. She would have to go away with him as his +wife, away from her home, away from her beloved father and mother. The +summers would come and go and she would be far distant from her own, in +far-off New York, perhaps, or some other city better adapted for the +career of a young man of ability. They might live in Philadelphia, near +to her home, yet not in it. That would be preferable, yet the future +could lend her no assurance. She would be his for life, and with him +would be obliged to begin a new manner of living.</p> + +<p>Such thoughts as these occupied her for the greater part of the day, and +before she was really aware of it, her father had come home for the +evening. She could not tell both at once; better to tell them in turn. +It would be more confidential and better to her liking.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> Once the secret +was common between them, it was easy to discuss it together, and so she +decided that she would put it off until the morrow. Then she would tell +mother, and let her mother talk it over with her father. Both then would +advise her.</p> + +<p>"Next week is going to see the greatest event in the history of the +Church in America," Marjorie heard her father remark as he placed his +hat upon the rack behind the door.</p> + +<p>"What is it now?" inquired her mother who chanced to be in the +sitting-room when he entered.</p> + +<p>"The Congress is going to Mass."</p> + +<p>"The Congress?" she exclaimed. "Praised be God!"</p> + +<p>"What news, father?" asked Marjorie, hurrying into the room.</p> + +<p>"The Congress, the President and the prominent men of the nation have +been invited to take part in the solemn Te Deum next Sunday. It is the +anniversary of the signing of the Declaration."</p> + +<p>"Isn't that remarkable?"</p> + +<p>"It is remarkable," he repeated. "The French Ambassador has issued the +invitations and all have signified their intentions of being present. +Here is one of them." Taking from his pocket a folded paper, he handed +it to Marjorie. She opened it at once and read aloud,</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>"Mr. Matthew Allison:—You are invited by the Minister Plenipotentiary +of France to attend the Te Deum, which will be chanted on Sunday, the +4th of this month, at noon, in the new Catholic Chapel, to celebrate the +anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.</p> + +<p>"Philadelphia, the Second of July. M. Gerard."</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></p><p>"The Congress going to Mass!" said his wife, apparently unable to +comprehend fully the meaning of it all.</p> + +<p>"The more one thinks of it the more strange it becomes. They branded +Charles the First a Papist because he permitted his queen, who was born +and bred a Catholic, to attend Holy Mass. Now we have our newly-formed +government not alone countenancing Popery, but actually participating in +a supposedly pagan and idolatrous form of worship."</p> + +<p>"This marks the end of religious prejudice in this country," observed +Marjorie. "At length all men are in all things equal, equal in the sight +of God and man. Don't you think our leaders must realize this and are +taking steps to prepare the minds of the people accordingly?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied, "and I don't know but what it is only right. We all +go to the market together, trade our goods together, rub elbows +together, clear the land together, fight together. Why shouldn't we live +together in peace? Intolerance and bigotry are dead and buried. We have +laid the foundations of the greatest country in the world."</p> + +<p>"Thank God for that!" breathed Mrs. Allison.</p> + +<p>"We are respected above all calculation," Mr. Allison continued. "Our +Loyalty now is unquestioned."</p> + +<p>"We may thank God for that, too."</p> + +<p>"And Captain Meagher!" added Marjorie.</p> + +<p>Her eyes beamed.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are right, girl," said her father. "We can thank Captain +Meagher. The frustration and the exposure of that plot has increased our +reputation an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> hundredfold. Heretofore, the Catholic population had been +regarded as an insignificant element, but when the ambitions of the +enemy to secure their coöperation were discovered, the value of the +Catholics to the country suddenly rose."</p> + +<p>"Our unity must have created a lasting impression," Marjorie remarked.</p> + +<p>"Not alone our unity, but our loyalty as well. The government has +learned that we have been ever true to the land of our birth, ever loyal +to the country of our adoption. It has thoughtfully considered the value +of our sacrifices, and has carefully estimated our contribution to the +cause of freedom. When the charter of liberty assumes a more definite +form our rights will specifically be determined. Of that I am reasonably +certain. The enemy failed to allure us from our country in its time of +need; our country will not abandon us in our time of need."</p> + +<p>"Stephen did it," announced Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Stephen helped to do it," replied her father.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>That same evening, during a stolen moment while her mother was busied +with the turning of the buckwheat cakes, Marjorie crept to her father's +knee and folded her arms over it.</p> + +<p>"Daddy!" she looked up at him from her seated posture on the floor. +"What would you say to a very eligible young man who had told you that +he was very fond of you?"</p> + +<p>"What would I say?" asked the father in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes. What would you?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span></p><p>"I would not say anything. I would have him examined."</p> + +<p>"No, Daddy. This is serious," and she pushed his knee from her as she +spoke.</p> + +<p>"I am serious. If a man told me that he was very fond of me, I would +question his sanity."</p> + +<p>She laughed.</p> + +<p>"You know what I mean. I mean if you were a girl and——"</p> + +<p>"But I am not a girl."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you were?"</p> + +<p>"If I was what?"</p> + +<p>"You know what I mean quite well. Would you hate him at first?"</p> + +<p>"I hope not. I should want to strangle him, but I wouldn't hate him."</p> + +<p>"And you would strangle him? For what?"</p> + +<p>"For daring."</p> + +<p>"Daring what?"</p> + +<p>"You know."</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear! Won't you listen to me? Tell me what to do."</p> + +<p>"I could not tell you. You have not told me what has happened."</p> + +<p>"I asked you what you would say to an attractive soldier who had told +you that he loved you."</p> + +<p>"Yes. And I told you that if he had told that to me, I would ask what +ailed him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Daddy, you are too funny tonight. I can't reason with you."</p> + +<p>She sat back on her heels and pouted.</p> + +<p>He smiled and roused himself upright and put his arm around her and drew +her to him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span></p><p>"There! There! I know what you mean, daughter. It means that I shall +have no say in the matter."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"You will do it all."</p> + +<p>"No. I shall never leave you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you will. You will be happier. But why didn't Stephen ask me about +it?"</p> + +<p>"How did you know it was Stephen?" she looked at him in astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Well enough."</p> + +<p>"But how?" she repeated.</p> + +<p>"I knew it all the time and your mother and I have been prepared for +this occasion."</p> + +<p>"But who told you?" Her eyes opened full and round in genuine wonder. +Here was one surprise after the other.</p> + +<p>"There was no need of any one telling me. I have been watching the pair +of you, and sensed what the outcome would be some little while ago."</p> + +<p>"But, Daddy. How should you know?"</p> + +<p>He laughed outright.</p> + +<p>"There! There! We are satisfied quite, I can assure you. I know what you +are about to say; and your mother knows it too."</p> + +<p>"But I have not yet told her. I meant to tell her today but did not. +Then I thought of telling you and of whispering the whole story to her +after we were upstairs."</p> + +<p>She was serious, very serious, absorbed for the most part in her story +although her mind was clouded with amazement at the want of surprise +which was manifested. Her innocent mind apparently was unable for the +time being to fathom the intricacies of this plot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> which seemed to be +laid bare to every one concerned save her own self.</p> + +<p>"Of course you will tell her, but you will find that she will consent to +the proposal."</p> + +<p>"What proposal?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I suppose the proposal of your coming marriage."</p> + +<p>"But!... But!... Daddy!... I never said anything about marriage."</p> + +<p>"You did start to tell me that Stephen told you he was very fond of +you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And you told him the same."</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't."</p> + +<p>"But you will tell him."</p> + +<p>A hush followed. She looked askance at him from the corner of her eye.</p> + +<p>"And so after you two have told one another as much as that you may as +well decide upon the date."</p> + +<p>"But ... I ... I am not sure that I want to marry him."</p> + +<p>"Well, that is your privilege, you know."</p> + +<p>"And.... And ... perhaps he will never ask me again."</p> + +<p>"Just wait a bit."</p> + +<p>"And would you marry him?"</p> + +<p>"I told you that I would not. I already have one wife...."</p> + +<p>"Oh! You make me lose all patience," she cried rising from the floor and +leaving him. "I shall confide in mother."</p> + +<p>"Remember," he cautioned her in a somewhat serious strain. "Do not ask +her to marry him."</p> + +<p>She was gone.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></p><p>The following day a letter was dispatched to the Headquarters at +Morristown, New Jersey. In the meantime a very large doubt began to take +form in the mind of one little girl concerning the manner of its +reception. A thousand and one impossible situations were conceived, but +there seemed nothing to do; he must now do it all. The possibility +loomed ghost-like before her: he might never return. The wound which she +had caused still smarted and ached. He might never return. Her eyes +wandered and strayed among the multitude of objects before them; her +lips had forgotten their usual smile. He might fail to receive her note +and if he did he might disdain to acknowledge it. But no! He would not +do that. There was naught else to do but wait. Oh! if the moments would +only hurry!</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BIV" id="CHAPTER_BIV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>It was a great day for Philadelphia when the Continental Congress went +to Mass. It was Independence Day, too, but this was of lesser importance +in the estimation of the people, especially of the Catholic portion of +them. Fully a quarter before the hour, the bell began to sound and the +streets became like so many avenues of commerce with people standing in +doorways, or leaning from their windows, or hurrying with feverish haste +in the direction of the New Chapel of St. Mary's, the parish church of +the city. There a number of them congregated in twos or threes to await +the procession of notables, who would soon approach with great solemnity +and dignity from the opposite corner of the street.</p> + +<p>The celebration came about in this manner:</p> + +<p>It was the desire of M. Gerard, the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, +to commemorate the anniversary day of the Independence of the United +States in a religious manner. Arrangements already had been made to hold +Divine worship earlier in the morning at Christ Church, at which the +guests of honor were invited to be present. At twelve o'clock the +congregation would march to the Church of St. Mary, where a military +Mass and a solemn Te Deum would be sung. The Reverend Seraphin Bandol, +chaplain to the French<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span> Embassy, would celebrate the Mass and deliver a +sermon appropriate to the occasion.</p> + +<p>It had been fondly expected that the event would assume an international +tone. Events had been moving with extraordinary rapidity towards the +establishment of the Roman Catholic religion in the graces of the +government, and this celebration might demonstrate the patriotic motives +of the Catholic body beyond the shadow of a doubt. That a Congress, +which of late had condemned in the strongest terms the practices of the +Roman Catholic religion, could change in sentiment and action in so +short a time, would be an unequivocal proof of the countenance and good +will which the Catholic religion was beginning to acquire. At any rate +the example set by the governing body of the new republic attending Mass +in a Roman Catholic edifice, offering up their devout orisons in the +language, service and worship of Rome, would be a memorable one, an +augury of the new spirit of religious freedom which later would be +breathed into the Constitution of these same States by these same men.</p> + +<p>Precisely at ten minutes before the hour they came, walking in pairs, +headed by John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress, and +His Excellency M. Gerard, the French Ambassador. Immediately after the +Congress, marched the Supreme Executive Council of Philadelphia with +Joseph Reed at its head. Then came the French Embassy, resplendent in +its dress of blue and gold. Prominent civilians, military officers, men +of repute in city and nation, followed slowly along the crowded +thoroughfare and as slowly made their way into the small edifice. +General Washington was not present, having been prevented by duty in the +field.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span></p><p>Within, the little church murmured with low talking. Ordinarily, the +congregation would have been absorbed in silent contemplation before the +Presence of the Divine One, but the impressiveness of the occasion made +the people depart from their usual fervor. The little church was only +partly filled when the great procession arrived and every head +instinctively turned in the direction of the entrance at the sound of +their many footsteps. As they marched down the aisle every breath was +held; then as they began to file into the pews reserved for them, the +subdued murmur began again.</p> + +<p>Marjorie and her father sat to the rear of the church in the company of +the early arrivals. In fact the entire Allison family occupied the same +pew, pressed, indeed, for room on account of the multitude which crowded +its way into the church and into the small aisles. Round about them on +every side sat the congregation, some of whom were already familiar to +them, the majority of whom, however, were total strangers. From their +appearance and demeanor it was not difficult to conclude, Marjorie +thought, that more than one-half of them were non-Catholic.</p> + +<p>The inside of the church was adorned in splendid array with the emblems +of France and the United States. In the sanctuary, on each side of the +altar, stood two large flags of the allied nations, while across the +choir gallery in the rear of the church, there stretched in festoons, +the colors of the infant republic superimposed in the middle by a shield +bearing the likeness of Louis XVI. On the altar bloomed a variety of cut +flowers, arranged in an artistic and fanciful manner on the steps of the +reredos amidst a great profusion of white unlighted candles. The three +highest <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span>candlesticks on each side had been lighted, and the little +tongues of living flame were leaping from them joyfully. Over the +tabernacle a large crucifix raised aloft, while just before the door of +the tabernacle rested the chalice with its white veil, arranged in the +form of a truncated triangle, shielding it from view.</p> + +<p>For several minutes after the honorable body had been seated there was a +confusion of feet and forms as the members of the congregation surged +into the church. The pews filled quickly, and the more tardy and less +fortunate individuals sought places along the aisles and along the rear. +Overhead the small organ gasped and panted the strains of a martial air, +the uneven throbbing of its bellows emphasizing the fatigue and +exhaustion of its faithful operator.</p> + +<p>"Is that the French Ambassador?" whispered Marjorie to her father.</p> + +<p>"With the brocade and lace. Yes. Next to him is Mr. Hancock, President +of the Congress."</p> + +<p>She looked and saw the noble head and dignified bearing of the +statesman. He sat very erect and majestic, presenting an appearance of +taste and refinement in his suit of silken black.</p> + +<p>"There is Mr. Adams, John Adams, with the great powdered periwig. The +tall thin man seated at his right is Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the +Declaration. He is, without doubt, the scholar of the Congress."</p> + +<p>Marjorie followed his whispering with evident interest. Never had she +been in the company of such notable men.</p> + +<p>"Who is that? See! He is turning sideways."</p> + +<p>"Livingston. Robert Livingston. Then the great Robert Morris, whose +financial aid made possible the continuance of the war. His personal +sacrifice for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span> cause of independence will never be computed. He is +Washington's best friend."</p> + +<p>She peered through the crowd to catch a glimpse of the famous financier.</p> + +<p>"Do not overlook our staunch Catholic member of the Congress, Charles +Carroll. Lest he might be mistaken for any other man of the same name he +made bold to affix after his name on the Declaration of Independence, +'of Carrollton.' A representative Catholic and a true patriot!"</p> + +<p>She recalled this, having seen the name of "Charles Carroll of +Carrollton" on the printed copy of the Declaration.</p> + +<p>Mr. Allison again nudged his daughter with his elbow to attract her +attention.</p> + +<p>"Can you see that elderly man with the sharp-pointed features over +across?" he asked.</p> + +<p>She looked in the direction indicated but did not seem to be able to +locate him.</p> + +<p>"The second pew, third man from the aisle."</p> + +<p>"Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"That is Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, the author of the resolution +'That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and +independent States.' That paved the way for the drawing up of the +Declaration."</p> + +<p>The makers of history were before her, and her eyes danced at their +sober and grave demeanor. Here sat the Congress, not all of it, but a +goodly portion of it, which had voted unanimously in favor of complete +separation from the mother country. Here were those very men who had +risked their all, their fortunes, their homes, their lives for their +country's cause. Here they now assembled, visibly burdened with the +cares and the apprehensions of the past few years, still uncertain of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span> +the future, but steadfastly determined to endure to the bitter end, +either to hang together or to rise to glorious triumphs together. And +here they sat or knelt in the temple of God to rededicate their fortunes +to Him, to accept from His hands the effects of His judgments, but at +the same time to implore Him to look with favor upon their efforts and +to render possible of realization those desires which were uppermost in +their hearts. Marjorie thought that they could not, they must not fail, +they, who were animated by such sincere devotion and by such sentiments +of genuine piety.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Franklin isn't here?" she whispered.</p> + +<p>"No," he softly answered. "I think he has not returned from France. He +was there, you know, when the Alliance was concluded. Lafayette only +joined Washington last month. Did you know that he brought with him a +commission from the French King to General Washington, appointing him +Lieutenant-General in the French army and Vice-Admiral of its navy?"</p> + +<p>"No. I did not hear of it."</p> + +<p>"I suppose Franklin is still over there. He would be here, although he +himself is an atheist. He believes in no form of religious worship. I +should not say that he is an atheist for he does believe in One God, but +that is about all."</p> + +<p>The murmur about the little church began to die away. Still the surging +at the door continued until it seemed as if the small building would +burst its sides with its great burden.</p> + +<p>The tinkle of a little bell sounding from the door leading from the +sanctuary announced that the Mass was about to begin. On the instant the +congregation rose and remained standing until Father Bandol, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span>preceded +by the altar boys, had reached the foot of the altar and made the +genuflection.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>High up in the gallery the choir broke into the strains of the "Kyrie" +of the Mass, while the priest in a profound bow before the altar made +his confession of sins. Marjorie took out her prayer-book and began to +follow the Mass, meditating upon the mysteries of Our Lord's life as +commemorated in the Holy Sacrifice.</p> + +<p>Ascending the altar, the priest passed at once to the right hand side +where lay the Mass-Book, from which he read the Introit. He returned to +the center and chanted in soft clear tones the "Gloria in Excelsis," the +hymn of praise which the angels sang for the first time on Christmas +night when Christ, the Lord, was born. This was taken up immediately by +the choir. Meanwhile the congregation were seated during the singing of +this hymn of praise to the Most High.</p> + +<p>The prayers of the Mass, prayers for our rulers, prayers for peace were +sung by the celebrant, the people kneeling in an attitude of prayer +while their priest interceded to God in their behalf. Having finished +the prayers for the people a Lesson from one of St. Paul's Epistles was +read, after which the priest passed to the left side of the altar to +sing a passage from the Gospel. The people now stood to profess their +belief in the faith and teachings of Jesus Christ.</p> + +<p>Marjorie and her father and mother recollected themselves quite during +these solemn moments and no syllable of communication passed between +them, all assisting at the service with prayer-books or beads, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span>following every movement of the priest intelligently and with devotion.</p> + +<p>The congregation were permitted to sit while the celebrant of the Mass +offered the materials for the sacrifice, unleavened bread and the pure +juice of the grape, to Almighty God, to adore Him above all other +things, to thank Him for all the graces and blessings bestowed by Him on +mankind, to satisfy His justice for the sins of man and to implore Him +for whatever favors He might deign to bestow.</p> + +<p>Soon the voice of Father Bandol resounded through the church with the +opening tones of the Preface of the Mass, the responses to which were +made by the members of the choir. Slowly and solemnly he chanted the +notes of praise, ending with the "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts." +A sound from the bell gave the warning that the awful moment was about +to arrive, the moment when the ambassador of Christ would exercise the +power communicated to him from Jesus Himself through the Twelve and +their successors, the power of changing the substance of bread and wine +into the substance of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.</p> + +<p>The people bent forward in an attitude of humble adoration. Marjorie +buried her face in her hands on the top of the forward pew, pouring out +her heart in praise and thanksgiving to her God and Master. In profound +reverence she remained while the priest pronounced the mystical words +"Hoc est enim corpus meum" over the species and effected the mystery of +mysteries, the translation of Christ's Mystical Body to the elements of +the earth, in the transubstantiation of the Mass. Now Her Lord was +present before her; now the Divinity of His Person was but a few feet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> +away, clothed, not in flesh and blood, but under the appearances of +bread and wine; now Her Creator was with her, lying on the white +corporal of the altar and she poured forth her soul to Him in accents of +adoration and supplication.</p> + +<p>"O my God!" she breathed. "I adore Thee through Jesus; I beg pardon +through Jesus; I thank Thee through Jesus; I humbly ask every blessing +and grace through Jesus. May I lead a holy life and die a good death. My +Jesus! mercy! My Jesus! mercy! My Jesus! mercy!"</p> + +<p>The prayers for the dead were read and the Pater Noster was chanted. A +signal from the bell announced that the priest's communion was about to +take place and that the distribution of the Sacred Body would be made to +as many as desired to partake of it. It was Sunday and the majority of +the Catholics present had been in attendance at an earlier Mass, on +which account there were no communicants at this later one. The closing +ceremonies were concluded with the reading of the Gospel of St. John, +when Father Bandol turned towards the congregation to begin his address. +Every member present sat upright in his seat and awaited the message +which was about to fall from the lips of the priest.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"My dear brethren," he said, "we are assembled to celebrate the +anniversary of that day which Providence had marked, in His eternal +decrees, to become the epoch of liberty and independence to the thirteen +United States of America."</p> + +<p>There was a silence throughout the church which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> was breathless. Every +eye was focused on the vested form before the altar.</p> + +<p>"That Being whose almighty hand holds all existence beneath its dominion +undoubtedly produces in the depths of His wisdom those great events +which astonish the world and of which the most presumptuous, though +instrumental in accomplishing them, dare not attribute to themselves the +merit. But the finger of God is still more peculiarly evidenced in that +happy, that glorious revolution which calls forth this day's festivity. +He hath struck the oppressors of a free people—free and peaceful, with +the spirit of delusion which renders the wicked artificers of their own +proper misfortunes.</p> + +<p>"Permit me, my dear brethren, citizens of the United States, to address +you on this occasion. It is that God, that all powerful God, who hath +directed your steps; who, when you were without arms fought for you the +sword of justice; who, when you were in adversity, poured into your +hearts the spirit of courage, of wisdom, and fortitude, and who hath, at +length, raised up for your support a youthful sovereign whose virtues +bless and adorn a sensible, a fruitful and a generous nation."</p> + +<p>The French Ambassador bowed his head in profound acquiescence.</p> + +<p>"This nation hath blended her interest with your interest and her +sentiments with yours. She participates in all your joys, and this day +unites her voice to yours at the foot of the altars of the eternal God +to celebrate that glorious revolution which has placed the sons of +America among the free and independent nations of the earth.</p> + +<p>"We have nothing now to apprehend but the anger<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span> of Heaven, or that the +measure of our guilt should exceed His mercy. Let us then prostrate +ourselves at the feet of the immortal God, who holds the fate of empires +in His hands, and raises them up at His pleasure, or breaks them down to +dust. Let us conjure Him to enlighten our enemies, and to dispose their +hearts to enjoy that tranquillity and happiness which the Revolution we +now celebrate has established for a great part of the human race. Let us +implore Him to conduct us by that way which His Providence has marked +out for arriving at so desirable an end. Let us offer unto Him hearts +imbued with sentiments of respect, consecrated by religion, humanity and +patriotism. Never is the august ministry of His altars more acceptable +to His Divine Majesty than when it lays at His feet homages, offerings +and vows, so pure, so worthy the common offerings of mankind.</p> + +<p>"God will not regret our joy, for He is the author of it; nor will He +forget our prayers, for they ask but the fulfillment of the decrees He +has manifested. Filled with this spirit, let us, in concert with one +another, raise our hearts to the Eternal; let us implore His infinite +mercy to be pleased to inspire the rulers of both nations with the +wisdom and force necessary to perfect what He hath begun. Let us, in a +word, unite our voices to beseech Him to dispense His blessings upon the +counsels and the arms of the allies and that we may soon enjoy the +sweets of a peace which will soon cement the Union and establish the +prosperity of the two empires."</p> + +<p>The same religious silence prevailed; indeed there sat many in the same +immovable posture. But it was evident that the words were being received +with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span>pleasure and satisfaction. Signs of approval appeared on every +face.</p> + +<p>"It is with this view," the priest concluded, "that we shall cause that +canticle to be chanted, which the custom of the Catholic Church hath +consecrated, to be at once a testimonial of public joy, a thanksgiving +for benefits received from heaven, and a prayer for the continuance of +its mercies."</p> + +<h3>IV</h3> + +<p>He had done. As he stepped to the floor of the sanctuary and took his +stand before the center of the altar a pronounced disturbance, +accompanied by much coughing, made itself manifest. This was followed by +a great rumble as the entire congregation rose to its feet to await the +intonation of the Te Deum.</p> + +<p>Pleasant and sweet rose Father Bandol's voice above the rustling in the +opening notes of that most majestic of all hymns of praise:</p> + +<p>"Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur."</p> + +<p>And immediately the vast throng took up the melody and there +reverberated throughout the church, escaping through the open doors and +windows, across the streets and over the roof-tops, up to the topmost +regions of the heavens, to the very gates of heaven itself, the strains +of the Ambrosian hymn of thanksgiving and praise which the members of +the American Congress sang to the God of Nations and of Battles in the +little chapel of St. Mary's on the anniversary day of the signing of the +greatest exposition of a freeman's rights ever penned by the hand of +man.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BV" id="CHAPTER_BV"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>The wayfarer on this July afternoon in the fifth year of American +Independence might have passed on the main thoroughfare leading into the +city of Philadelphia from the townships of Bristol and Trenton, a young +and powerfully built officer astride a spirited chestnut mare. The +countryside, through which he was journeying, stretched for miles around +in peaceful solitude, teeming and delightful with that leafy and rich +green livery which we are accustomed to associate with the idea of +abundance. Overhead the sky was clear, from which the sun blazed down +great billows of heat that hovered over the landscape, giving vigor and +enthusiasm to the various forms of vegetable life, but at the same time +causing the animal world to drowse and languish in discomfort.</p> + +<p>It was plain to be seen that the horseman was an officer of the +Continental Army. His mount, young and well groomed, gave every +indication of a long ride, its nostrils dilated, its mouth moist with +foam, its sides streaky with strings of sweat. Haste was desired, it was +apparent, although in the more exposed portions of the roadway the mare +was allowed to walk, her rider affectionately patting her neck or +coaxing her along with an encouraging remark.</p> + +<p>"Look, Dolly! There is some soft, tender grass to cool your lips. We +shall take some."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span></p><p>And he turned the mare to the side of the road and allowed her to +nibble at the greensward.</p> + +<p>Soon they were again on their way, she munching the while on the last +mouthful, now walking, now impatiently breaking into a canter; Stephen, +holding her in check with his hand, looked far ahead at the roofs of the +city beyond. Through his mind there passed in review the incidents of +the day, the memory of his business just concluded, the speculation of +the future of the army, the contemplation of his reception by Marjorie.</p> + +<p>He had been away for more than a month. During that time he was engaged +in business of the gravest nature. Many hours had been spent in the +company of the Commander-in-chief before whom he had laid an account of +his varied activities in the city. The proposed plan for the formation +of the regiment of Roman Catholic Volunteers, with all its ramifications +and side issues, together with an account of his own adventures in its +respect, was reported faithfully and accurately to his superior. The +person of John Anderson, his suspicions concerning him, the strangely +formed friendship of the spy with the Military Governor, were indicated +with only that amount of reserve necessary to distinguish a moral from +an absolute certitude. Events had moved with great rapidity, yet he felt +assured that the real crisis was only now impending, for which reason he +desired to return to the city so as to be ready for any service which +might be required.</p> + +<p>"Go along, girl. We want to reach home by noon."</p> + +<p>Dolly heeded him and began to canter.</p> + +<p>Washington had not taken kindly to his suggestion for the recall of +General Arnold's command; in fact he had treated the proposal with a +scorn worthy of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> strong sense and dauntless courage. It was plain to +be seen that His Excellency had placed much reliance and confidence in +his favorite officer. It was impossible to create so much as a suspicion +in the mind of him, who had been compelled to endure irksome suppression +at the hands of a cabalistic and jealous military party, and who, for +that very reason, took a magnanimous view of the plight of one beset +with similar persecutions. General Arnold was in his eyes a brave and +fearless leader, but one unfortunately annoyed and tormented by the +machinations of an ungrateful and intolerant populace.</p> + +<p>And so when it came to pass that the one General, whom he had admired +and trusted, applied for an active command in the field, General +Washington cordially granted the request. If the wounded limb would +permit it, there was no doubt in the mind of His Excellency that General +Arnold would prove the most heroic and able officer along the line. +Lincoln was gone, having been forced to surrender with his entire army +at Charleston only six weeks before. Green was engaged with the army in +the Carolinas; Gates was a coward; Lee, a traitor. In the important +operations which were soon to take place with the main army in the +vicinity of New York, Arnold was the leader best qualified for the task. +Washington took extreme delight in appointing him to the command of the +Right Wing of his own army and the Second in Command of the Continental +forces.</p> + +<p>It was with genuine reluctance that he consented to listen to the +strange story as unfolded by his aide-de-camp, Captain Meagher. That +General Arnold should openly countenance rebellion was preposterous; to +become a party to it was incredible. Yet the veracity of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> his aide was +unquestionable, and the wealth of evidence which he had presented left +little room for doubt. Still Washington's faith was unshaken. He felt +assured that his favorite General would redeem himself when the proper +time came. And every encouragement for this redemption would be afforded +him.</p> + +<p>West Point was open. He would recall the order appointing him to the +command of the army and make him commander of the fortification there. +The exigencies of the times required a man of rare ability and genius at +this post. Should there prove to be a shadow of truth in the allegations +of his aide, the change of command would simplify the situation from +whatever viewpoint it might be regarded. The country might be preserved, +and Arnold's ambition at the same time given another opportunity.</p> + +<p>Stephen ruminated over these events as he rode leisurely along. A +genuine satisfaction was derived from the knowledge that his chief's +confidence in him was still unshaken. He felt that he had effected a +change of post for the man whom, above all other men, Washington most +admired and respected; nevertheless he felt that at the same time he was +only executing a service which would ultimately prove to be of +incalculable value to the army and the nation. Arnold troubled him, but +in command of a fortress he would occasion infinitely less worry and +apprehension than in a responsible position in the field.</p> + +<p>Marjorie delighted him. At Morristown he had found her letter; and his +plans for the immediate present underwent a decided alteration. He had +been ordered to make the journey to Hartford in attendance upon General +Washington, who had already completed arrangements with Count Rochambeau +and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span> Admiral Ternay of the French navy for a conference there in +reference to the proposed naval operations of the combined fleets. With +the letter in his hand he had sought and obtained a further leave of +absence from his Commander-in-chief in order that his own campaign for +the winning of the lady of his heart might be brought to a quick and +decisive termination.</p> + +<p>He had left the city, not hurt nor wounded as she had supposed, but +somewhat disappointed at the manner of her expression. Her apparent +coolness and unconcern he had ascribed rather to her extreme diffidence +and shyness than to want of appreciation or sincerity. That she truly +cared for him, he knew full well; that he would eventually win her to +him was a faltering conviction. But, now, there was no further doubt. +She had written him pages into which she had poured out her heart in +generous and unmistakable accents, and which he had read and re-read +with growing delight.</p> + +<p>Washington could not refuse his request. He made no attempt to conceal +the nature of his mission and obtained not alone His Excellency's +gracious permission but his sincere wishes for success as well. With a +heart buoyant with joy and anticipation he spurred on his mare and +pushed her to her worth in the direction of the city and the object of +his quest.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>He rode into the city well aware that the first news to reach him would +be that of the exodus of the Arnolds.</p> + +<p>"You came straight through town, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Stephen.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span></p><p>"And came here direct?" continued Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"I quartered my mare, first. I thought immediately of the Inn as the +place to gather the news. So I hastened hither."</p> + +<p>"There's been heaps doin'," Jim remarked casually.</p> + +<p>"Never saw such excitement since the day of the regiment," observed the +keeper of the Inn, a well-mannered and well-educated gentleman, above +middle age, who held the enviable position of inn-keeper and lawyer +alike. Every inn-keeper of this age commanded much of respect in the +community, for it was he who received the money of the people, and money +commanded the necessities of life—a good bed, good things to eat, +attentive servants; but Mr. Smith, the keeper of the Old London Coffee +House, was the most respectable inn-keeper in the city, the proud +possessor of a very pretty library and an excellent table where +cleanliness and decency vied with dignity and self-respect.</p> + +<p>"Arnold, you know, has left the city," volunteered Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have surmised," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Gone, an' all belongin' to 'im."</p> + +<p>"And closed his mansion?" Stephen inquired.</p> + +<p>"Tight. Mrs. Arnold went with him. They left yesterday."</p> + +<p>"But I thought——"</p> + +<p>"To the army? I understand he had been appointed to field duty under +Washington. Second in Command, they say. But that has been changed. He +has gone to West Point."</p> + +<p>Stephen did not answer.</p> + +<p>"It seems," went on Mr. Allison, "that he has been seeking a change of +post for several months. His leg<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> still bothers him, however, and very +likely prevented him from doing active duty in the field. On that +account, it has been said, he was given charge of the fortress. It is an +important post, nevertheless, and carries with it a certain amount of +distinction."</p> + +<p>"Hope he gits along better with 'em up there 'n he did here," remarked +Jim. "He won't hev the s'ciety folks t' bother 'im now."</p> + +<p>"When did he leave?"</p> + +<p>"No one knows. There was no demonstration of any kind. It differed much +from the farewell of General Howe. Arnold left in disgrace, it would +seem," said the Inn-keeper, as he moved away to give his attention to +other business.</p> + +<p>"And Peggy gone, too?" Stephen was genuinely surprised at this, for he +rather expected that she would remain with her mother.</p> + +<p>"I am sure that the majority of our people are greatly pleased at the +change," said Mr. Allison. "I never saw one sink to such depths of +contempt. He came to the city as Military Governor in a blaze of +triumph, the most celebrated soldier in the army, whose rise to popular +esteem was only accelerated by the knowledge of the harsh treatment +received by him at the hands of Congress after the battle of Saratoga. +He was the idol alike of soldiers and civilians. Their hearts were his +without the asking. That was two years ago. Today he left the city in +the fullness of his years, in secret, after so many plaudits, in +obloquy, after so much honor."</p> + +<p>"It is a sad commentary on human nature," Stephen observed. "Yet in all +things else I blame the woman. 'Cherchez la femme.'"</p> + +<p>The room already was reeky from the clouds of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> tobacco smoke streaming +upwards from the pipes of the several guests who were lounging in small +groups about the room. There were several parties in as many corners, +each wholly unconcerned about the other. The conversation of our trio +was therefore private insofar as any privacy can be expected in an inn. +Only the boisterous individual made himself heard, and then only to the +displeasure of the others.</p> + +<p>Leaving the two at the Inn, Stephen bade them adieu and directed his +journey in the direction of Second Street. Hastening his steps he soon +reached the Germantown road, and as he turned the bend perceived the +familiar outline of the Allison home. Little did he suspect, however, +that the curtains of one of the upper windows concealed a lithe form and +that his swift gait was being interpreted with a world of meaning. He +laid his hand on the gate, and even then Marjorie had opened the door to +meet him.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>"First of all," she said, "how long may you remain? Will you dine with +us, or what?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be most pleased. I have several days. His Excellency has gone +to Hartford to engage in conference. It was intended that I should +accompany the staff. I begged leave, however, to return to +Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>They were seated on the sofa in the distant corner of the parlor. They +were quite alone now for the first time, the mother having asked to be +excused after many minutes with the announcement that since he would be +pleased to remain, the supper must needs be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span> prepared. No, Marjorie need +not help her. She might entertain Captain Meagher.</p> + +<p>"It's glorious to see you again," he said, sitting down beside her after +Mrs. Allison had departed from the room.</p> + +<p>"I am glad you have come," she replied softly, rubbing her hand across +her apron as if to arrange it neatly.</p> + +<p>"But you knew that I would come, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"I thought so."</p> + +<p>"And yet I greatly feared that it would not be possible. Preparations +are being made for the final campaign, and it is expected that the +French will be asked to play an important part."</p> + +<p>"It was very generous of His Excellency to grant you leave."</p> + +<p>He began to smile.</p> + +<p>"Could you guess how I obtained it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>She turned to regard him.</p> + +<p>"What have you done?" she asked soberly.</p> + +<p>"Showed him your letter."</p> + +<p>"Stephen!" she gasped as she drew back.</p> + +<p>Neither spoke. He continued to smile at her apparent concern, while she +stared at him.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean it?" she asked; then quickly—"or are you teasing?"</p> + +<p>"I did. I showed the letter to him, and asked if I might return to you."</p> + +<p>"He read it?"</p> + +<p>"There! There! I am joking. He did not read it, but I did have it in my +hand, and I told him about you and that I was going back to take you +with me."</p> + +<p>Satisfied, she allowed herself to assume a more relaxed composure.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span></p><p>"You are going to destroy it, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>He took it from his pocket and looked at it. She, too, glanced at it, +and then at him.</p> + +<p>"May I keep it? I treasure every word of it, you know."</p> + +<p>"Did you but know how it was composed, you might ridicule me."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you closed yourself behind some great veil to shut out the +world from your view. Your mind toiled with thought until you were +resolved upon the heroic. There was no scheme nor formula; your quill +ran on and on in obedience to the flood of ideas which inspired it."</p> + +<p>She lapsed into meditation; but she recovered herself immediately.</p> + +<p>"No," she shook her head slowly though steadily. "At midnight with the +aid of a little candle which burned itself out quite before the end."</p> + +<p>He looked up sharply.</p> + +<p>"That night?"</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>He put his arms around her and drew her close. She made no resistance, +but allowed herself to fall into his embrace.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" he whispered.</p> + +<p>She yielded both her hands to his grasp and felt them compressed within +it.</p> + +<p>"You were not hurt at my seeming indiscretion?"</p> + +<p>"I told you in my letter that I was not."</p> + +<p>"Then you do love me?"</p> + +<p>She drew back a little as if to glance at him.</p> + +<p>"You know that I do," was the soft, reassuring answer.</p> + +<p>"Won't you let me hear you say it?" he pleaded.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span></p><p>Reaching out, she put both arms about him and offered her lips to his, +whispering at the same time only what he was destined to hear.</p> + +<p>Presently the old clock began to strike the hour of five.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BVI" id="CHAPTER_BVI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"Father! Father! Where are you? Arnold has betrayed! He has betrayed his +country!"</p> + +<p>Breathless, Marjorie rushed into the hallway, leaving the door ajar +behind her. It was late in the afternoon of a September day. The air was +soft and hazy, tempered with just the chill of evening that comes at +this time of the year before sundown.</p> + +<p>More than two months had passed, months crowded with happiness which had +filled her life with fancy. Her engagement to Captain Meagher had been +announced, quietly and simply; their marriage was to take place in the +fall. Day after day sped by and hid themselves in the records of time +until the event, anxiously awaited, yet equally dreaded, was but a bare +month distant. It would be a quiet affair after all, with no ostentation +or display; but that would in no wise prevent her from looking her +prettiest.</p> + +<p>And so on this September afternoon while she was visiting the shops for +the purpose of discovering whatever tempting and choice bits of ware +they might have to offer, she thought she heard the blast of a trumpet +from the direction of the balcony of the old Governor's Mansion. +Attracted by the sound, which recalled to her mind a former occasion +when the news of the battle of Monmouth was brought to the city by +courier and announced to the public, she quickened her steps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span> in the +direction of the venerable building. True, a man was addressing the +people who had congregated beneath the balcony. Straining every faculty +she caught the awful news.</p> + +<p>Straightway she sped homewards, running as often as her panting breath +would allow. She did not wait to open the door, but seemed to burst +through it.</p> + +<p>"What was that, child?" her father asked quickly as he met her in the +dining-room.</p> + +<p>"Arnold ... Arnold ..." she repeated, waiting to catch her breath.</p> + +<p>"Has betrayed, you say?"</p> + +<p>"West Point."</p> + +<p>"My God! We are lost."</p> + +<p>He threw his hands heavenwards and started across the floor.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Marjorie?" asked the mother, who now stood in the +passageway, a corner of her apron held in both hands, a look of wonder +and suspicion full upon her.</p> + +<p>"No, Father!" the girl replied, apparently heedless of her mother's +presence, "West Point is saved. Arnold has gone."</p> + +<p>"Let him go. But West Point is still ours? Thank God! He is with the +British, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"So they say. The plot was discovered in the nick of time. His +accomplice was captured and the papers found upon him."</p> + +<p>"When did this happen?"</p> + +<p>"Only a few days ago. The courier was dispatched at once to the members +of Congress. The message was delivered today."</p> + +<p>"And General Arnold tried to sell West Point to the British?" commented +Mrs. Allison, who had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span>listened as long as possible to the disconnected +story. "A scoundrel of a man."</p> + +<p>"Three Americans arrested a suspicious man in the neighborhood of +Tarrytown. Upon searching him they discovered some papers in the +handwriting of Arnold containing descriptions of the fortress. They took +him for a spy."</p> + +<p>"I thought as much," said Mrs. Allison. "Didn't I tell you that Arnold +would do something like that? I knew it. I knew it."</p> + +<p>"Thank God he is not one of us," was Mr. Allison's grave reply. "His act +would only serve to fan into fury the dormant flames of Pope Day."</p> + +<p>"This is an act of vengeance," Marjorie reflected. "He never forgot his +court-martial, and evidently sought his country's ruin in revenge. +Adversities he could contend with; humiliation he could not endure."</p> + +<p>The little group presented a varied scene. The girl, young, tender, was +plainly animated with a strong undercurrent of excitement which thrilled +her entire frame, flushing her cheeks and sparkling in her eyes. Her +tender years, her inexperience with the world, her guileless mind and +frank open manner had not yet prepared her for the enormity of the crime +which had of a sudden been flashed full upon her. For the moment +realization had given way to wonder. She sensed only the magnitude of +the tragedy without its atrocious and more insidious details. On the +other hand there was the father, composed and imperturbable, to whom the +disclosure of this scheme of the blackest treason was but another +chapter added to the year of disasters which was just coming to a close. +His more astute mind, schooled by long experience with the world and its +artifices, had taught him to view the transit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span> events with a certain +philosophy, a sort of pragmatic philosophy, with reference to the causes +and the results of events and how they bore on the practical utility of +all concerned; and finally the mother, who in her devout and pious way, +saw only the Holy Will of God working in all things for His own praise +and glory.</p> + +<p>"And they found the dispatches in his own writing?" the father asked +deliberately.</p> + +<p>"In his stockings, beneath the soles of his feet."</p> + +<p>Again there was silence.</p> + +<p>"He is a prisoner?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. He was arrested for a spy. They say he is an Adjutant in the +British army. He was in full disguise."</p> + +<p>"Hm!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Allison set his lips.</p> + +<p>"I think," continued Marjorie, "that it was the effect of a stroke of +good fortune. He was taken by three men who were lying in wait for +robbers. Otherwise he might have continued his journey in safety and the +plot would have succeeded."</p> + +<p>"Thank God and His Blessed Mother!" breathed Mrs. Allison as she clasped +her hands together before her in an attitude of prayer.</p> + +<p>"And Arnold?" methodically asked Mr. Allison.</p> + +<p>"He escaped to the British lines. I do not know how, but it seems that +he has departed. The one important item, which pleased and interested +the people, was the capture of the spy and the frustration of the plot."</p> + +<p>The father left the chair and began to pace the room, his hands behind +him.</p> + +<p>"It is a bad blow. Too bad! Too bad!" he repeated. "I do not like it, +for it will destroy the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span>courage and confidence of our people. Arnold +was the idol of the army, and I fear that his defection will create a +great change of heart."</p> + +<p>"The army will be better off without him," said Mrs. Allison.</p> + +<p>"I agree with you," was the reply. "But the people may decide in a +different manner. There is reason for worry."</p> + +<p>"What was the effect of Lee's attempted treason?" spoke up Marjorie. +"The people loathe him, and he will die an outcast."</p> + +<p>"There is no punishment too severe for Lee. He has been from the start +nothing but a selfish adventurer. But the cases are not parallel. Lee +was never popular with the army. Arnold, you must remember, was the most +successful leader in the field and the officer most prized by the +Commander-in-chief."</p> + +<p>"Nevertheless he will sink as fast as he climbed, I think. The country +must not tolerate a traitor."</p> + +<p>"Must not! But will not the circumstance alter the case? I say that +unless the proofs of Arnold's treason are irrefutable, the people will +be slow to believe. I don't like it. I don't."</p> + +<p>There was some logic in his argument which began to impress Marjorie. +Arnold could exercise a tremendous amount of influence over the army. +Whether the strings of loyalty which had united their hearts with his +would be now snapped by his act of perfidy was the mooted question. As a +matter of fact a spirit of mutiny already was beginning to make itself +manifest. The soldiers of Pennsylvania who were encamped on the heights +of Morristown marched out of camp the following January and set out for +Philadelphia. They were rebuked by Washington, who sent a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span> letter by +General Wayne, whereupon they returned to their posts. Later in the same +month another mutiny occurred among the New Jersey troops, but this, +too, was quickly suppressed. Just how much responsibility for these +uprisings might be traced to the treason of Arnold can not be estimated. +There is no question, however, that his act was not wholly unproductive +of its psychological effects.</p> + +<p>"I feel so sorry for Peggy," Marjorie sighed.</p> + +<p>"The young wife has a sore burden thrown upon her. A sorry day it was +when she met him," was Mrs. Allison's comment.</p> + +<p>"Strange, I never suspected Peggy for a moment," Marjorie said. "I had +been raised with her and thought we knew each other. I am sorry, very +sorry."</p> + +<p>"We do not know how much she is concerned with this," announced Mr. +Allison, "but her ambition knew no restraint or limitation. She has her +peerage now."</p> + +<p>"And her husband?"</p> + +<p>"The grave of a traitor, the sole immortality of degraded ambition, +religious prejudice, treason and infamy."</p> + +<p>"God help him!" exclaimed Mrs. Allison.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>In July, 1780, General Arnold had been placed in command of West Point; +two months later he was safe on board the British sloop-of-war, +<i>Vulture</i>. He had attempted to betray his country; he received in +exchange six thousand pounds sterling, together with a brigadiership in +the British Army.</p> + +<p>From the time he left Philadelphia until the morning of his flight he +had kept up a continual <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span>correspondence with John Anderson. Information +was at length conveyed to him that Sir Henry Clinton was in possession +of advices that the American Commander-in-chief contemplated an advance +on New York by way of King's Bridge. Clinton's scheme would allow the +army of General Washington to move upon the city, having collected all +his magazines at the fortification at West Point, but at a given moment +Arnold was expected to surrender the fort and garrison and compel the +army of Washington to retire immediately or else suffer capture in the +field.</p> + +<p>Still Arnold felt that everything was not quite settled between Sir +Henry and himself, and wrote accordingly, advising that a written +guarantee be forwarded or delivered in person to him by an officer of +Sir Henry's staff of his own mensuration. He was informed by way of +reply that the necessary meeting might be arranged, and that the +emissary would be the Adjutant-General of the British Army.</p> + +<p>Accordingly the British sloop <i>Vulture</i> moved up the river as far as +Stony Point, bearing the Adjutant-General. Arnold had fixed on the house +of Joshua Smith as the place for the meeting. On the night of the +twenty-first of September, he sent a boat to the <i>Vulture</i> which brought +the emissary shore. In a thick grove of cedars, in the shroud of the +blackest night, Arnold waited the return of the rowboat, its oars +muffled with sheepskins, its passenger on board. The latter sprang +lightly to the shore, his large blue watchcoat and high boots alone +visible. As he climbed the bank and approached the grove, he threw back +his cloak and revealed the full British uniform of a general officer.</p> + +<p>"Anderson?" Arnold exclaimed. "You?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span></p><p>"No! André, Major André," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Hm! I thought as much. I suspected you from the moment I met you in +Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"Come. Let us finish. I must return before daybreak."</p> + +<p>"Where is your disguise? I advised you to come in disguise."</p> + +<p>He understood the piercing glance.</p> + +<p>"I have come thus under General Clinton's orders," was the reply. "My +safety lies in open uniform."</p> + +<p>"Let it go at that. Here! I have with me the plans of West Point, +together with a full inventory of its armament and stores and a roster +of its garrison."</p> + +<p>André took the papers and glanced at them as best he could by means of +the lantern light.</p> + +<p>"But I do not see here a written promise to surrender the fortress?"</p> + +<p>"No! Nor, by Heaven, you shall not receive it," Arnold snapped. "I have +given my word. That is enough. I have already placed myself in your +hands by these plans and inventories made in my own handwriting. This is +all.... No more."</p> + +<p>"General Washington visits here on Saturday?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"The surrender must take place that night."</p> + +<p>Arnold looked fiercely at him. This was one matter which seemed +intolerable. To betray his country was treason; to betray his sole +friend and benefactor was unknown to him by any name in the English +language. He refused absolutely. André insisted, and the discussion +became violent.</p> + +<p>Neither became aware of the dawn which was about to break through the +thicket of fir-trees which bounded the opposite bank of the Hudson. +Still the details had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span> not been arranged; the matter of Arnold's reward +was still unsettled. There had been various promises of compensation, +maintenance of military rank, a peerage or a viceroyalty in one of the +colonies, but André was empowered to offer no more than compensation and +military rank. With the dawning light, the boatmen became alarmed and +refused to take André back to his ship, with the result that the two +conspirators were obliged to pass the time until the next night in the +house of Joshua Smith.</p> + +<p>It so happened that the day brought to pass an unforeseen accident. +Livingston, the Colonel of "Congress' Own," in command of the batteries +on the opposite side of the river at Verplanck's Point, opened fire upon +the <i>Vulture</i>, compelling her to drop down the river. It was necessary, +therefore, for Major André to proceed by land down the opposite shore +until he had met with his vessel, and so late at night he departed, his +uniform and coat exchanged for a disguise, the six papers in Arnold's +handwriting crammed between his stockings and feet.</p> + +<p>It also happened, by a strange irony of fate, that a party of American +soldiers had set out that very morning to intercept a band of robbers +who had infested the roadways of this neighborhood, and who had rendered +the highways impassable because of their depredations. Near Tarrytown, +three of this party confronted a passing traveler, and leveling their +muskets at him, ordered him to halt. They were obeyed on the instant, +and because of the suspicious manner of the stranger, a complete search +of him was made. The set of papers was found in their hiding place, and +he was placed under arrest, and sent to North Castle. There the papers +were examined, and instead of being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span> sent to General Arnold himself, +were forwarded to His Excellency, who was known to be lodged at West +Point. At the same time a complementary letter was sent to General +Arnold, informing him of what had taken place.</p> + +<p>He was at breakfast when the news was brought him. The letter was +crumbled in his hand as he hastily arose from the table and rushed to +Peggy's room where he acquainted her of his fate. She screamed and +fainted. He stooped to kiss his sleeping child; then rushing from the +house was soon mounted and on his way to the place where he knew a barge +had been anchored. Jumping aboard he ordered the oarsmen to take him to +the <i>Vulture</i>, eighteen miles down the river. Next morning he was safe +within the enemy's lines at New York.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>The minute details of the attempted plot had not filtered into +Philadelphia when a demonstration had begun in celebration of its +frustration. Spontaneously and exuberantly the citizens of the city +gathered in the public square and for several hours the joy-making +continued with unabated energy and enthusiasm. Like a flash it seemed +that the full realization of what this news had meant broke like a +rushing tide upon their consciousness. The country had been threatened; +but the danger had been averted.</p> + +<p>In a few hours the streets were mad with hundreds of people singing and +shouting and marching in unrestrained glee. Bulletins had been posted in +the public square acquainting the people of the great facts, yet this +did not begin to equal the amount of news which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span> had been relayed from +mouth to mouth and grew in detail and magnitude as it went. Chains, +trays, broken iron were dragged in rattling bundles up and down the +streets amid the laughs and cheers of the mass of humanity that had +swarmed upon the roadways and sidewalks.</p> + +<p>Marjorie and her father were among the early arrivals on Market Street. +Little by little items of information came to them as they alternately +talked with their many acquaintances. Out of the many and varied +accounts one or two points had stood out prominently—Arnold had +attempted to surrender the fortress while Washington was lodged there in +the hope that complete disaster would befall the American cause; he had +completed negotiations with the British emissary; who was known as Major +André, whom the people of Philadelphia associated with the person of +John Anderson, a frequent visitor of the Arnolds during their stay in +the city; the officer had been taken prisoner by the American forces and +the papers found upon him; while Arnold and his wife had escaped to the +British forces in the city of New York.</p> + +<p>When the gayety seemed to have attained its climax, a procession began +to wend its way through the howling crowd. There was no attempt at +regular formation, the multitude trailing along in whatever order seemed +most desirable to them. In the midst of the line of march, two gaunt +figures towered aloft over the heads of the marchers, the one bearing a +placard upon which was scrawled the name "Arnold the traitor," the +other, "André the spy." These were carried with great acclaim several +times around the city until the procession rested at the square, where +amid cheers and huzzas they were publicly burned.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span> This seemed to +satisfy the crowd, for they gradually began to disperse. The hour was +late and Marjorie and her father journeyed homewards, passing the +watchman at the corner as he announced the hour, "Eleven o'clock and +Arnold is burned."</p> + +<p>The state bordering on frenzy into which the mob had been cast was +responsible, for the most part, for the violence of the celebration, +nevertheless there stood many sober and composed individuals apart from +the ranks who had looked on in silent acquiescence during the riotous +proceedings. Arnold had fallen to the lowest ebb of infamy and contempt +so that even his past services were entirely forgotten. There was no +palliation. There were no extenuating circumstances. The enormity of his +crime alone mattered. His name could not be mentioned without a shudder.</p> + +<p>Mount Pleasant was not permitted to remain idle. It soon was seized by +the city authorities and rented to Baron Steuben, the disciplinarian of +the American Army and the author of its first Manual of Arms. The +household furniture, too, had been removed and offered for sale at +public auction, while the coach and four was bought by a trader at the +Coffee House. Arnold's presence in the city was now no more than a +memory—a memory, indeed, but a sad one.</p> + +<p>"He would never escape the fury of that crowd," Mr. Allison observed to +his daughter as the two journeyed homewards.</p> + +<p>"They would surely put him to death."</p> + +<p>"If they ever lay hands on him—they might perhaps cut off his wounded +leg, but the rest of him they would burn."</p> + +<p>She considered.</p> + +<p>"I can scarce believe it—it seems too awful."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span></p><p>"Well! I never could see much good in a bigot. A man with a truly broad +and charitable soul has no room in him for base designs. Arnold would +crucify us if he could, yet we have lived to see him repudiated by his +own."</p> + +<p>"It does seem after all that God takes care of His own. Even the sparrow +does not fall to the ground."</p> + +<p>Plainly the spirit of the evening had awakened a serious vein of thought +in the two. They could take no delight in a tragedy so intimately +interwoven with pity and compassion. The fate of the two principal +actors, the courageous Arnold and the ambitious André, erstwhile known +as Anderson, could not fail to touch their hearts. Their lot was not +enviable; but it was lamentable.</p> + +<p>"And John Anderson, too," said Marjorie, "I cannot believe it."</p> + +<p>"When the truth is known, I am of the opinion that he will be more +pitied and less condemned. Arnold was the chief actor. André a mere +pawn."</p> + +<p>"How brilliant he was! You remember his visits? The afternoon at the +piano?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. He was talented. But to what purpose?"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry."</p> + +<p>And so were the many.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_BVII" id="CHAPTER_BVII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>I</h3> + +<p>"Stephen, wilt thou take Marjorie here present for thy lawful wife, +according to the rite of our Holy Mother, the Church?"</p> + +<p>Audibly and distinctly resounded the voice of Father Farmer throughout +the little church as he read from the Roman Ritual the form of the +sacrament of Matrimony.</p> + +<p>"I will," answered Stephen deliberately.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie, wilt thou take Stephen here present for thy lawful husband, +according to the rite of our Holy Mother, the Church?"</p> + +<p>"I will," was the soft response.</p> + +<p>The two then joined their right hands and repeated one after the other +the pledge by which they took each other for man and wife; Stephen +first, then Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"I, Stephen, take thee Marjorie for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, +from this day forward, for better; for worse, for richer, for poorer, in +sickness and in health, until death do us part."</p> + +<p>Solemnly and reverently the priest raised his right hand over them as he +pronounced the blessing.</p> + +<p>"Ego conjungo vos in matrimonium, in nomine Patris et Filii, et Spiritus +Sancti, Amen."</p> + +<p>The ring having been blessed before them, Stephen placed it on +Marjorie's finger saying the prescribed words, after which they awaited +the prayers of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span> priest. Father Farmer turned to the altar and at +once began the Nuptial Mass, according to the ceremony of the Catholic +Church, and pronounced over them the Nuptial Blessing.</p> + +<p>This made an end of the marriage ceremony.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>It would be difficult to describe the feelings of Marjorie as she turned +from the sanctuary and made her way down the aisle of the little church. +Her hand lay on Stephen's arm, but it seemed to her as if she were +hanging from it. She was happy; that, of course. But she thought, too, +that she was extremely nervous, and the more she thought over herself, +the more she felt that she appeared extremely self-conscious.</p> + +<p>The church was quite filled with friends, yet she dared not look up to +measure its capacity, but guarded her eyes with the strictest custody. +The organ was playing an appropriate march which she tried to follow in +her mind in order that she might thereby absorb the greater part of her +attention. Stephen was with her, for she could feel him, although she +was quite certain that she never laid an eye on him during the whole +time. Her people were there, so were her many friends and acquaintances, +and Stephen's relatives and friends as well, but these, too, were absent +as far as her concentration of mind was concerned. Only one thought was +uppermost in her mind and that was to leave the church as soon as +possible, for she felt that every eye was focused upon her.</p> + +<p>It had been intended that the affair should be charmingly simple, both +on account of the sad and melancholy days through which the country was +passing and the natural tendencies of the parties concerned to avoid all +semblance of display. Their names had been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span>published at three public +masses; the Catholic Church required that. They had been married by +Father Farmer with a nuptial high mass. The wedding breakfast would be +served at the home of the bride. But the number of invited guests would +be limited strictly to the members of the family and one or two intimate +friends so as to include Jim Cadwalader and Sergeant Griffin. +Furthermore there would be no honeymoon on account of the uncertainty +which invariably had defined the duration of Stephen's stay in the city.</p> + +<p>It was only when the little party, Marjorie and Stephen's sister, her +maid of honor, and Stephen and Sergeant Griffin, his best man, had +settled down into the coach, that Marjorie for the first time became +composed. A great sigh of relief escaped from her as she sat back, her +bouquet in her hand, and looked at the dispersing crowd. She could not +tell yet whether she was happy or not; the excitement had not subsided +enough to allow her to regain her self-possession and equanimity. +Stephen was by her side. That was about all she knew,—or cared.</p> + +<p>Stephen was in his characteristically reticent mood. Already had he +observed that he would have endured another Valley Forge with greater +pleasure than the ordeal of a wedding ceremony. Still he was nicely +dressed for the occasion, wearing for the first time a new full dress +uniform of buff and blue. The interested spectator might have discerned, +too, that he wore for the first time a new insignia of rank; for he was +now a Major of the Continental Army, having received that promotion, +upon the recommendation of His Excellency, for distinguished service, +together with a warm message of congratulation upon his approaching +marriage. Nevertheless he was unmoved through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span> it all, betraying but one +concern, and that was administration to the most trivial wants of his +blushing and timid bride.</p> + +<p>It was the time of joy, of pure, unalloyed joy, yet he could not banish +altogether from his mind the memories of the past two years, years +crowded with events in his life and that of his beloved. There was, +indeed, much to be thankful for, and notwithstanding his exceedingly +great glee and the day of gladness which had dawned for him flooding his +heart with exultation and complacent satisfaction, still a prayer of +praise poured forth from his lips to the Giver of every best and perfect +gift.</p> + +<p>The American Revolution had unfolded a wonderful story, a story of +anti-Catholicism, of persecution and prejudice which had resolved itself +step by step into a state of complete freedom of action and religious +liberty. The Church was at length free, free to gather her children into +congregations where she might speak to them and instruct them without +any fear. Now she was at liberty to fulfill her mission of winning souls +to Christ. True, her children were widely scattered, a bare twenty-five +thousand out of a population of about three millions, whose wants were +administered to by no more than twenty-five priests. Yet out of this +contemptible little body there emerged a people, honorable, respectable, +and of such consequence as to deserve commendation from the First +President for "the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment +of their Revolution and the establishment of your government," as well +as causing to be inserted in the Constitution of the new republic the +clause that "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification +for any office or public trust under the United States."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span> There was of +course much to be desired; but the foundations had been laid, and the +prospect for the future was auspicious.</p> + +<p>And so they rode through the city streets joyfully, merrily, +light-heartedly. Conversation, interspersed with laughter and +jocularity, literally ran riot, so impatiently did each attempt to +relate what was uppermost in his or her mind. The ceremony, the music, +the procession, the multitude obtained their due amount of comment, +until the arrival of the coach at the door of the Allison home put an +end to the session.</p> + +<h3>II</h3> + +<p>"A health, ladies and gentlemen, to the bride. May she live long and +never form the acquaintanceship of sorrow!"</p> + +<p>Stephen's father had arisen from his chair and with his goblet held +before him addressed the company.</p> + +<p>It was drunk with evident pleasure. Then Mr. Allison arose.</p> + +<p>"To Major Meagher, that his brilliant career be only the commencement of +a life of extraordinary achievement!"</p> + +<p>This was followed by a round of applause. Stephen smiled and bowed his +head, but it was plain to be seen that his father's chest had expanded +more than an appreciable trifle. Marjorie was happy and whispered a word +to her newly formed sister-in-law who was seated by her side. It was a +jolly group who had surrounded the table, all bent on doing honor to the +happy couple, but none appeared more so than Jim Cadwalader and his +wife, Nancy.</p> + +<p>"I tell you," said Jim, "they're a right fine pair."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span></p><p>"I am afraid, Jim, you have not forgiven me quite for excluding you +from that meeting," Stephen suggested.</p> + +<p>"I'm the proud'st man this side o' the river t' think I gave y' me +clothes. Y'd never got on widout me."</p> + +<p>There was an outburst of laughter.</p> + +<p>"You would have been captured, had you gone in there. I saved you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, an' the girl, there, did it. Don't ye furgit that, either. I'll +tell on y'," replied Jim, nodding his head emphatically. "She got me +caught."</p> + +<p>"Jim!" Marjorie exclaimed loudly.</p> + +<p>"Now do not lay the blame on her," Stephen cautioned with a smile. "You +yourself were only too anxious to get there. You wanted to see yourself +in a new uniform."</p> + +<p>"I did, then. I was terr'bly anxious t' see meself in a red suit, wasn't +I?"</p> + +<p>The company enjoyed this exchange of repartee and laughed continually. +Jim ever enjoyed the distinction of being tormented by the members of +whatever gathering he was in, yet it was never known when he was +powerless of providing for himself.</p> + +<p>And so they talked far into the morning. They sat in groups of twos and +threes, long after the table had been cleared, while the willing +helpers, the good neighbors, plied themselves industriously out in the +kitchen with the cleaning of the dishes and the restoration of the house +again to its proper order. Marjorie and her mother looked in through the +doorway from time to time at the progress of the work, only to be +banished as quickly by the cohort of willing toilers. For once in their +lives the girl and her fond mother mingled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span> entirely with the guests and +took their full measure of enjoyment with the company.</p> + +<p>As the guests departed one after the other, leaving behind them many +benedictions and choice wishes for the bride and groom, the house +settled down to its accustomed quietude and uniformity with the +immediate family, Jim and his wife alone remaining. Jim, like every +recognized master in his own household, sat with his one leg across the +other, enjoying his tobacco, while his less aristocratic helpmate took +care that the kitchen affairs were given their due amount of attention. +With abatement of the excitement and commotion the members of the family +betook themselves upon various journeys, the father to look at his fire +so as to give it, if needed, a few generous pokes; the mother, to the +kitchen to add a touch here and there to the arrangement of its +utensils; Marjorie to her room in order that she might once more robe +herself in her plainer and more habitual apparel. The festivities were +at an end and the practical things of life again asserted their stern +reality.</p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<p>At length Stephen and Marjorie were alone, alone in their own little +world of fancies and dreams. They were standing by the upstairs window +looking out at the little fence where they had stood together more than +two years before on the afternoon of his arrest. Stephen recalled his +impressions of her then, yet she was more beautiful now, he thought. She +had changed her gown of white for one of pink, and as she stood there, +her lips a little parted in a tiny smile, her soft cheeks heightened in +color, her bright eyes looking out<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span> into the memories of the past, she +seemed for all the world to Stephen like an enchanted being.</p> + +<p>"What are you thinking of, girlie?" he asked as he stood behind her, his +arm about her waist.</p> + +<p>There was no response.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, won't you?" he pleaded.</p> + +<p>She continued to gaze into the roadway.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you happy?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! Yes.... Yes.... I was never so happy. I ... I...."</p> + +<p>"What is it? Please, tell me. I fear that you are disturbed over +something."</p> + +<p>She did not answer but turned and seized the lapels of his coat with +both her hands. Then she raised her face to his and looked straight into +his eyes.</p> + +<p>"I was thinking how much I have really cared for you without ever +knowing it."</p> + +<p>"Is that all?" he laughed, as he folded his arms about her.</p> + +<p>"And how unkind I have been to you all the while."</p> + +<p>"There! There! You must not say that again. Promise me you will not so +much as think it."</p> + +<p>Again there was silence, but only for a moment.</p> + +<p>"But I must have hurt you often. And to think that I never realized it."</p> + +<p>"You are happy now, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>She looked up again with only love in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Stephen!" she whispered.</p> + +<p>She was lost in his embrace and felt only his breath against her cheek.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p>The world lived in them.</p> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<h4>THE END</h4> + +<p class="tbrk"> </p> + +<p class="center"><i>Printed in U. S. A</i>.</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Loyalist, by James Francis Barrett + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOYALIST *** + +***** This file should be named 26217-h.htm or 26217-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/2/1/26217/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Martin Pettit and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +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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