he
peril of these days, why should it cause you sorrow? Dream, if you must,
of the lad that is far away, but concern not yourself with the course
that is marked out for him."

And Sally was ashamed to mourn or sigh over her Dream Prince, except so
far down in her heart that even her own inner Fairy could scarcely know
it.

CHAPTER XIV.

HOME AGAIN

As the next fall came on, there were clouds and a coming tempest in the
air. British soldiers in gay uniforms were seen about the roads, and
Mistress Kent's dame school did not open as usual.

The parents of young children did not like to send them out every day,
even with a servant to look after them. The blacks were easily alarmed
and might not prove faithful.

The tobacco was cut and stored in sheds, but when it would be shipped
was uncertain. And Sir Percival Grandison was anxious because the _Belle
Virgeen_ did not come sailing back on time.

The Fairy Prince was nearing home at last, and a tall, shy maid in her
teens was glad that he was on the way.

Sally would soon be fourteen, and it was doubtful if another so young a
maiden in all Williamsburg, even the well-taught daughters of the rich
planters, knew more or as much of that which comes through books, as did
the young maid, Sally Dukeen.

She had learned as if by magic, and kept learning every day. And by
paying attention to scraps of conversation that floated to her ears, and
getting hold of a newspaper now and then, she knew all about the
conflict or struggle that was almost on between what men had fondly
called "the mother country" and the American colonies.

And now the Fairy Prince at nineteen was on his way home midst all the
trouble and din. Would he fight? He was under age, but Sally had heard
him speak of such manly things as "duty" and "putting down wrong and
holding up the right."

One thing she felt was certain. No one could keep him out of the
trouble if he felt it his duty to stay and help his country in her hour
of need.

And now there was rejoicing when the _Belle Virgeen_ came slowly up to
the quay after having to pick her way midst unfriendly vessels that
would gladly have swooped down upon her, taking her cargo and capturing
her crew, had they quite dared.

This time the vessel arrived in the night, so there were only family
friends to greet and welcome the few passengers she had borne back to
their homes.

And so many were coming and going, the roads beyond Shady Path