e calm, uplifted face above the pile of papers
littering the table. He was not looking at me, but his eyes were turned
toward his wife.

"It is not necessary for you to retire," he said quietly. "We shall not
detain this gentleman except for a few moments."

"It is not because of the Major's coming I withdraw," she replied
pleasantly, "but the hour is late, and I am very tired. Good-night, all."

Washington's eyes were upon the door until it closed; then he turned
slightly, facing me. Before he spoke again, Hamilton broke in:

"This is the officer, sir, recommended by General Maxwell--Major Lawrence
of the Maryland Line."

I bowed silently, and the commander rose to his feet, extending his hand.

"No doubt we have met before," he said slowly. "You have been with us for
some time?"

"My first action was at Harlem, sir."

"You could not have been at Valley Forge during the past winter,
however?"

"I was with the Marquis de la Fayette at Albany."

"Ah, yes," his face clouding at the recollection. "A young officer,
Hamilton, but capable, no doubt. You have used him before, you said?"

"Yes, at Long Island, and he entered New York once at my request."

Washington's gray eyes were still on my face.

"Lawrence is a Massachusetts name."

"Not exclusively," I returned, "as our branch are Virginians."

The stern lines about the mouth relaxed into a smile.

"Indeed; from the Eastern shore then. I recall now having once met a
Judge John Lawrence, whose wife was a Lee."

"My father, sir."

His hand rested firm on my shoulder, as his glance turned to Hamilton.

"I require no further commendation, Colonel. You will find the papers in
the second drawer. Please explain all the details carefully to Major
Lawrence."

He bowed toward me, and sank back once more into his chair, one hand
shading the eyes that still regarded us. Hamilton opened the drawer
designated, extracted an official document, and addressed me rapidly in
lowered voice.

"This is a simple duty, Major, but may prove a dangerous one. You have
been selected because of previous successful efforts of a similar nature,
but the Commander-in-chief does not order your going; we seek a
volunteer."

"Without asking the nature of the service," I answered sincerely, "I
rejoice at the privilege."

"I knew that, Lawrence," heartily. "That answer accords with your well
earned reputation throughout the army. I will explain briefly the
situation. Early this ev