ld remain in
the Colonies."

"I know it. Formerly Maryland and Pennsylvania were the two only
colonies where Catholics were allowed to reside, and even there were
excluded from any civil or military office. And the time has not yet
arrived for complete religious freedom, though the arrival of the French
fleet with its Catholic army and Catholic chaplains will make a
favorable impression upon our less enlightened oppressors."

"It seems strange that you should throw in your lot with a people who
prove so intolerant."

"Father Farmer, our pastor, says that no influence must ever be used
except for the national cause, for we must be quickened by the hope of
better days. He pleads with his people to remain faithful and promises
the undivided sympathy of his fellow priests with their kinsmen in the
struggle. For these reasons I hardly think that many Catholics will
desert our cause."

"Yet you must know that it was England that bestowed the most liberal
grants to the inhabitants of the Northwest territory."

"You mean the Quebec Act?" she asked.

"Yes. And you know that Canada would be allied with you, heart and soul,
were it not for the intolerant spirit of your fellow colonists."

"Perhaps it would."

"Now, would it not be better----"

"Do you mean to suggest to me that we turn traitor?" she interrupted,
turning full upon him, her eyes flashing with intense feeling.

"No ... pardon ... I meant no offense.... The fact is I was only
remarking on the sad plight of our co-religionists."

"I fail to perceive how ill we fare. Our compatriots render us honor,
and as Father Farmer says, 'we may cherish the hope of better days,
which are inevitable.' You must know that one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence is a Catholic; and that the army and navy
boast of a considerable quota."

"We are not ungenerous of our service, it seems."

"Rather are we proud of our efforts. We are proud of the fact that there
has been found among us not one false to his country. We point with
pride to him who was privileged to first read the Declaration of
Independence to the public. We are proud of the composition of
Washington's 'Life Guard'; and we are proud of our mutual friend, whom,
perhaps, you know," and she glanced at him with a merry twinkle,
"Captain Meagher, Washington's aide-de-camp."

And so they talked. Marjorie became completely absorbed in her subject,
once her religion became the topic, and she almost for