when his
country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs became
settled, he would, if necessary, join the army.

[_A&M_:

Alonzo stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every
occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his
country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs should
be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join the army.]

The president was now active in making every exertion in his power, to
rouse the feelings of his countrymen to act their parts with honour in
the scene that was now before them. He knew that much of the
responsibility rested on himself. The capacity he was in with regard to
the nation, caused the most material and important business--of
directing and superintending the weighty affairs of government--to fall
upon his hands; and such was the situation of the country, that it not
only called for the exertion, the wisdom, sound judgment, and policy of
the presidential chair, but likewise of every patriotic bosom to
participate in their endeavours to oppose the depredations against it.
The chief executive was entered on a theatre in which he was to act a
conspicuous part in this war of America with Great Britain, and to
occupy a station in the page of history, where the interesting detail
will reach the ear of remotest ages in the dates of time.

[_Lives of Signers_: Taylor of Pennsylvania:

entered on that theatre on which he was destined to act a
conspicuous part in the great drama of the American revolution, and
to occupy a station on the page of History that will reach the end
of time.]

In the mean time, the father of Theodore had been absent for three or
four days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with some
merchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next day
after Theodore had got home; his aspect and his conversation were marked
with an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing,
discoursed much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted
by long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.

[_A&M_ (earlier narrative resumes):

His father had been absent for three or four days to one of the
commercial seaports, on business with some merchants with whom he
was connected in trade. He returned the next day after Alonzo got
home; his aspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed
and unmeaning chee