out of this
contemptible little body there emerged a people, honorable, respectable,
and of such consequence as to deserve commendation from the First
President for "the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment
of their Revolution and the establishment of your government," as well
as causing to be inserted in the Constitution of the new republic the
clause that "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification
for any office or public trust under the United States." There was of
course much to be desired; but the foundations had been laid, and the
prospect for the future was auspicious.

And so they rode through the city streets joyfully, merrily,
light-heartedly. Conversation, interspersed with laughter and
jocularity, literally ran riot, so impatiently did each attempt to
relate what was uppermost in his or her mind. The ceremony, the music,
the procession, the multitude obtained their due amount of comment,
until the arrival of the coach at the door of the Allison home put an
end to the session.

II

"A health, ladies and gentlemen, to the bride. May she live long and
never form the acquaintanceship of sorrow!"

Stephen's father had arisen from his chair and with his goblet held
before him addressed the company.

It was drunk with evident pleasure. Then Mr. Allison arose.

"To Major Meagher, that his brilliant career be only the commencement of
a life of extraordinary achievement!"

This was followed by a round of applause. Stephen smiled and bowed his
head, but it was plain to be seen that his father's chest had expanded
more than an appreciable trifle. Marjorie was happy and whispered a word
to her newly formed sister-in-law who was seated by her side. It was a
jolly group who had surrounded the table, all bent on doing honor to the
happy couple, but none appeared more so than Jim Cadwalader and his
wife, Nancy.

"I tell you," said Jim, "they're a right fine pair."

"I am afraid, Jim, you have not forgiven me quite for excluding you
from that meeting," Stephen suggested.

"I'm the proud'st man this side o' the river t' think I gave y' me
clothes. Y'd never got on widout me."

There was an outburst of laughter.

"You would have been captured, had you gone in there. I saved you."

"Yes, an' the girl, there, did it. Don't ye furgit that, either. I'll
tell on y'," replied Jim, nodding his head emphatically. "She got me
caught."

"Jim!" Marjorie exclaimed loudly.

"Now do not