The Loyalist. James Francis Barrett

I ne'er heard one so illiberal of his graces."

      "Nor one more candid," Stephen rejoined as quickly. If he were good at repartee he had met with one who was equally as apt.

      "You know the Governor will be in attendance," she declared in a matter-of-fact manner.

      "How should I know that? Is it unusual for him to frequent the company of the gay?"

      "Not of late, the more especially where the presence of Peggy is concerned," added the little tale-bearer with a keen though reckless wit.

      "And why Peggy?" He was innocent enough in his question.

      "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."

      "To Peggy?" He asked with evident surprise. "Why, she but halves his age, and he is already a widower."

      "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."

      "Is that so? I had not so judged her," was the comment.

      "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?"

      "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.

      She pretended to take no notice, however, and continued.

      "Well, he has been calling regularly since that 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.

      "I shall be pleased to accept her invitation. May I accompany you?"

      "Thank you. I almost hoped you would say that. Men folks are so sadly wanting in intuition."

      "Friday, then? Adieu! The pleasure that awaits me is immeasurable."

      "Until Friday."

      She extended to him her hand, which he pressed. A moment later he was mounted.

      "My kindest to your mother. She will understand." Dolly broke into a gallop.