ould not, even for the sake of pleasing
you, be false to myself."

"I would not have you be false to yourself, my child, but always true
to your convictions, no matter what may happen." He drew her to him
and tenderly caressed her.

"I see it now, daughter. For a long while I have not been able to
comprehend you, but it is plain at last."

They sat in silence, her head pillowed on his breast, his arm around
her.

"Ruth, daughter, I suspect you have not told me all; you need not
unfold anything you may choose to keep to yourself, but I can
understand that a very tender feeling may have sprung up between Mr.
Walden and yourself."

"He never has said that he loved me. You would not have me ask him if
he does, would you, father dear?" she said playfully, patting his lips
with her fingers.

"I understand, daughter. Things of the heart are sacred and not to be
talked about," he replied, kissing her once more and feeling as never
before the greatness and richness of the treasure he had in her.

"Ah! I see," he said to himself as he paced the room. "It is all
clear, now, why Lord Upperton and the rest of them have had no
chance."

XXI.

THE ESCAPE.

The October days were bright and clear, but the sun shone upon a home
invaded by sickness. In the Brandon home, Lieutenant Walden was slowly
recovering. Mrs. Brandon was an invalid, worn down with care and
anxiety. Life upon the sea, hardship, and exposure had brought
rheumatism to the joints of Captain Brandon, who was only able to
hobble with his cane. One countenance in the home was always bright
and cheerful; there was ever a smile upon 'Rinthia's face. Abraham
Duncan was the ever helpful friend, not only ministering to their
wants but giving information of what was going on,--that General Gage
had been called to England, and General Howe was to succeed him as
commander.

"The British soldiers," said Abraham, "are not sorry to have Gage go;
they are ready to throw up their caps for General Howe, who showed his
bravery at Bunker Hill, while Gage looked on with his spy-glass from
the steeple of Christ Church. The soldiers think Gage has been too
kind-hearted in permitting you to have charge of Lieutenant Walden.
Rebels are not entitled to mercy."

There came a night in October when the people were awakened by the
thunder of cannon and the rattle of muskets. In the morning Abraham
said that a party of Americans came down Charles River in flatboats
and on