here was a joyous bark just outside Ruth's door, and Aunt Deborah
opened it for Hero to come bounding in. He had so much to tell his
little mistress, with barks and jumps, and faithful pleading eyes, that
it was some little time before Aunt Deborah found a chance to speak.

"Thee had best come down to the dining-room and have supper with me.
There are creamed oysters and toast and a bit of jelly. I think thee
does not need porridge for another meal to-day," she said smilingly.

"I know I'll remember about Mother's dress. It has been hard to stay up
here all day," Ruth answered, glad indeed that her time of punishment
was over.

"But Aunt Deborah doesn't know just how hard it was," she thought as she
followed her aunt down the stairs, with Hero close beside her, thinking
over Winifred's great news.

As she took her usual place at the table she was glad that she had not
taken Winifred's suggestion to shorten her hours of solitude. The
steaming oysters sent out an appetizing odor, the toast was crisp and
golden, and the tumbler of amber-colored jelly seemed to reflect the
light of the candles in their tall brass candlesticks which stood at
each end of the table.

"I have good news for thee, Ruth," said Aunt Deborah, smiling at her
across the table. "I have word that thy mother will return early the
coming week."

Ruth gave an exclamation of delight.

"Oh, Aunt Deborah! What a lot of nice things happen all together," she
said. "You won't go back to Barren Hill when she comes, will you?" For
Ruth began to realize that, even with her dear mother safe at home once
more, she would miss the kind aunt who had been so unfailingly patient.

It was evident that Aunt Deborah was greatly pleased. Her brown eyes
shone, and Ruth suddenly discovered the amazing fact that there was a
dimple in Aunt Deborah's right cheek.

"'Tis indeed pleasant that thou should wish me to stay; but I fear my
house at Barren Hill needs its mistress. To-morrow is the first of
April, and I must see about planting my garden as soon as possible.
Perhaps thy mother will let thee come for a visit before long," she
responded. "That is, if the English General will take such a great risk
as to give a small maid permission to leave the city," for no one could
leave Philadelphia at that time without a written permission from an
English officer.

Ruth was quite sure that she should like to visit Barren Hill. She knew
it was half-way to Valley Forge, where t