ou behind the lilac bushes," he said, and
vanished; and Ruth ran off to the bunch of lilacs behind the stable
where Betty, in a scarlet coat that covered her completely, was holding
Fluff's bridle-rein, and close by stood Ned Ferris beside his brown
pony.

"Here is your coat and hat, 'Lafayette,'" said Betty, pointing to a
bundle, which Ruth hastened to open.

The coat was of blue velvet. It was one that Betty had found in a trunk
in her mother's attic. There were ruffles of yellowed lace at the
wrists, and tarnished gilt buttons and braid on the shoulders. This old
velvet coat had belonged to Betty's grandfather, and was highly valued
by her father. But Betty had not asked permission to take it.

Ruth tied up her hair and put on the cocked hat that she had helped
Winifred make; then with Betty's aid she slipped on the velvet coat, and
with the addition of a wooden sword which Gilbert had made for her she
was ready for her part in the play.

The guests all arrived in good season, and were escorted to their seats
by "Washington" himself, who then ran to the house to announce to his
mother that some friends of hers were in the garden.

Mrs. Merrill, greatly to Gilbert's satisfaction, did not seem to notice
that he was not dressed as usual, and walked beside him down the garden
path; as a turn in the path brought them in sight of the stable door
Gilbert said:

"This is a birthday surprise for you, Mother. It's a play, and here is
the programme," and he handed her a strip of white paper bordered with
a row of stars cut from gilt paper. At the top Gilbert had printed:

"_AMERICA CONQUERS THE FOE_"

_A Play
by
Gilbert Merrill
for Mother's Birthday_

_ACT FIRST_

_Cornwallis Begs For Mercy_

_Cornwallis B. Hastings
Washington G. Merrill_

_ACT SECOND_

_Washington's Triumphant Army Enters
Philadelphia_

_Washington G. Merrill
Lafayette R. Pernell
Lady Washington Miss Winifred Merrill_

_Army Band._

Mrs. Merrill read the programme admiringly.

"It is indeed a wonderful birthday surprise, my dear boy," she said
smilin