and then only to the
displeasure of the others.

Leaving the two at the Inn, Stephen bade them adieu and directed his
journey in the direction of Second Street. Hastening his steps he soon
reached the Germantown road, and as he turned the bend perceived the
familiar outline of the Allison home. Little did he suspect, however,
that the curtains of one of the upper windows concealed a lithe form and
that his swift gait was being interpreted with a world of meaning. He
laid his hand on the gate, and even then Marjorie had opened the door to
meet him.

III

"First of all," she said, "how long may you remain? Will you dine with
us, or what?"

"I shall be most pleased. I have several days. His Excellency has gone
to Hartford to engage in conference. It was intended that I should
accompany the staff. I begged leave, however, to return to
Philadelphia."

They were seated on the sofa in the distant corner of the parlor. They
were quite alone now for the first time, the mother having asked to be
excused after many minutes with the announcement that since he would be
pleased to remain, the supper must needs be prepared. No, Marjorie need
not help her. She might entertain Captain Meagher.

"It's glorious to see you again," he said, sitting down beside her after
Mrs. Allison had departed from the room.

"I am glad you have come," she replied softly, rubbing her hand across
her apron as if to arrange it neatly.

"But you knew that I would come, didn't you?"

"I thought so."

"And yet I greatly feared that it would not be possible. Preparations
are being made for the final campaign, and it is expected that the
French will be asked to play an important part."

"It was very generous of His Excellency to grant you leave."

He began to smile.

"Could you guess how I obtained it?" he asked.

She turned to regard him.

"What have you done?" she asked soberly.

"Showed him your letter."

"Stephen!" she gasped as she drew back.

Neither spoke. He continued to smile at her apparent concern, while she
stared at him.

"Do you mean it?" she asked; then quickly--"or are you teasing?"

"I did. I showed the letter to him, and asked if I might return to you."

"He read it?"

"There! There! I am joking. He did not read it, but I did have it in my
hand, and I told him about you and that I was going back to take you
with me."

Satisfied, she allowed herself to assume a more relaxed composure.

"You are going to destr