usted me with the thought of ever
intrusting my happiness to him. He has openly quarrelled with every man I
have spoken to, or danced with. He has made me the sport of all the city
gallants by jealous wrangling. Now it is done with. 'Tis in shame that I
am driven to say all this here in presence of these gentlemen, but I will
not stand in silence while Major Lawrence is being condemned as a spy. He
was at the dance to meet again with me, and for no other purpose."

Colonel Mortimer's face had expressed many emotions, while she was
speaking, but now it hardened into military severity, his hand clinched
on the arm of the chair.

"Do I understand then that this officer was there at your request?"

"I think," hesitating slightly, "he knew he was not unwelcome."

"And," his voice breaking slightly, "he came here also to meet you?"

"Certainly not," her head lifting indignantly. "I am your daughter, and
am guilty of nothing unworthy our family name. I have no shame to
confess. Major Lawrence is an officer and a gentleman, the friend of
Washington, and my friend also. At any other time he would be a welcome
guest at our table. If he risked his life to meet with me in Philadelphia
it was done openly and honorably in the midst of acquaintances. There has
been nothing hidden or clandestine. He was brought to Elmhurst a
prisoner, bound to his horse, guarded by armed men. In the morning I
learned his identity, and at once had him released. That is all," and she
gave a gesture with her hands, "and I trust, gentlemen, my explanation
will be sufficient."

"And you warned him of my suspicions in Philadelphia," exclaimed Grant,
"causing him to attack me, and then released him from arrest here."

"That is partially true; you endeavored to provoke a quarrel the moment
you met. I had no desire he should fall into your hands as a prisoner.
When you appeared at this house I assisted his escape."

"But, Claire, how came you here? Why did you leave Philadelphia?"

"Because I have a brother, sir, whom I can only meet in secret," she
replied quietly. "I came without thought of danger, for war has not cost
us friends in this country; our home has remained until now untouched by
vandals, and I felt amply protected by those who accompanied me upon the
ride--our old house servants." She knelt at the side of his chair, her
head bowed upon its arm, and his hand stroked her hair. "I regret if I
have seemed unmaidenly, or done what you may deem