embroidery, draw, paint, play the harpsichord, and sing
so charmingly that people passing along the street stop to listen to
the enchanting music."

[Footnote 26: John Lovell was master of the Latin School, in School
Street, from 1717 to 1776. He gave his sympathies to the crown, and
became an exile upon the evacuation of Boston. His house was near the
schoolhouse.]

[Illustration: Master Lovell.]

"You awaken my curiosity. But what will one who knows so much think of
the awkward fellow keeping you company? Will she not regard me as a
simpleton?"

"No, indeed; that would not be like Ruth Newville. Be assured, she
will do what she can to make it a pleasant occasion to you."

"What can I say that will interest her, what talk about?"

"She will enable you to find your tongue. The chances are that you
will fall in love with her just as everybody else does,--colonels,
majors, captains, lieutenants of the army and navy, besides widowers
and bachelors; but Ruth is too sensible a girl to throw herself away.
Her mother would like her to marry some nobleman, or lord of ancient
family. Ruth does not care much for coats-of-arms or titles, but would
rather be sure of what a man is, rather than who were his ancestors.
But we are almost there."

Many guests had already arrived. Ladies and gentlemen were strolling
beneath the trees in the orchard, and along the garden paths. Pompey
showing his white teeth, his dusky countenance beaming with pleasure,
bowed very courteously as they entered the mansion.

"Massa and Missus Newville will welcome de ladies and genmens in de
garding," he said.

Berinthia led the way and introduced Robert as her relative from New
Hampshire.

"And so you are from that dependency of the crown? What news do you
bring from that Province?" Mr. Newville asked.

"I do not know that there is anything particularly new or interesting.
Not much is going on there. We have had a good crop of hay, the corn
looks middling well; the rye is not much rusted. I think we shall not
want for bread," Robert replied.

"It is excellent news. Bread is the staff of life, and I trust the
people will be grateful for the bounties of Providence, and rest in
peace and quiet under the rule of our gracious sovereign, King
George."

"I hope we shall be truly thankful for all that is good," Robert
replied.

"It is very kind in you to accompany our friend Miss Brandon to our
entertainment this afternoon; we gladly welcome yo