l," Peggy was always ready with an artful reply, "I
told you that I was neither the one nor the other; and that I wore
black and white at the Mischienza, the colors now worn by our American
soldiers in their cockades in token of the French and American
Alliance."

"So you did. I had almost forgotten."

"And that there were some American gentlemen present, as well, although
aged non-combatants," she continued with a subtle smile.

"For which reason," he responded, "you would, I suppose, have it assume
a less exclusive appearance."

"Oh, no! I do not mean that. It was after all a very private affair,
arranged solely in honor of General Howe."

"Were some of these young ladies at the Mischienza? And who were they
that rewarded the gallant knights?" he asked.

"Well, the Chew girls, and my sisters, and Miss Franks. There was Miss
White, and Miss Craig," she repeated the list one after the other as her
eyes searched the company assembled in the hall. "And that girl in the
corner, Miss Bond, and beyond her, her sister: then there was Miss
Smith. Miss Bond I am told is engaged to one of your best Generals, Mr.
John Robinson."

"We are accustomed to call Mr. Robinson, General Robinson in the army,"
he ventured with a smile.

She blushed slightly. "We call him Mr. Robinson in society, or sometimes
Jack."

"And who might have been your gallant knight? May I ask?"

"The Honorable Captain Cathcart," was her proud reply.

"And who has the good fortune to be your knight for this occasion?" he
questioned, seeking in their hands the billet of the evening.

"We do not know," Marjorie murmured. "We have not as yet met the Master
of Ceremonies."

He looked about him, in search evidently of some one. "Colonel
Wilkinson!" he called to a distinguished looking officer on his right,
"have these fair ladies been assigned to partners?"

The Colonel advanced and presented them with their billets, which were
numbered and which bore the name of the partner that was to accompany
them during the entire evening. Peggy opened hers and found the name of
Colonel Jean Boudinot, a young French Officer. Marjorie saw written upon
hers a name unknown to her, "Captain Stephen Meagher, aide-de-camp."

"Captain Meagher!" exclaimed the Governor. "He is one of General
Washington's aides, detailed for the present in the city. Do you know
him?"

"No," replied Marjorie timidly, "I do not, I am sorry to say. I have
never had the privilege of meeti