ed mightily at the boldness of such a step, though the glory of it
thrilled every pulse, and he was amazed at the fighting blood within
him.

At the yearly meeting he and his father had attended, the Friends had
counseled against open rebellion and shown each other the futility of
such a step. All acts of violence and bloodshed were deprecated, and
Lexington and Concord pronounced a useless sacrifice, and displeasing to
God. But in the little knots that had gathered afterward there had been
more than one low, dissentient voice concerning a man's duty, and the
impossibility of a government so far away knowing what was best for the
Colonies.

He was to meet Madam Wetherill, who had come in to her city home on some
business.

"I am glad thy father agrees about Primrose," she began in her cordial
tone, that invariably charmed the young Quaker. "Her attire, too, had an
appropriate aspect in his eyes, as it gave her a fine dignity. He was
secretly pleased that she was not of his persuasion. The changes are
hard on the child even if all other matters were in accord. I think she
will never be of her father's faith, but she is sweet and attractive and
good at heart. I am afraid we sometimes lay too much stress on outward
appearances. Is thy mother well this summer?"

"She is not as strong as she was, and we should not know how to manage
without my cousin Rachel. Poor grandmother is nearing the close of her
earthly pilgrimage. She may go at any time. Dr. Reed hath given us
notice, and death is a sad and awesome matter even for little ones. So
mother said she would rather have no added cares, though she would not
shirk any duty."

"Set her heart quite at rest. Tell her for me that the duties of God's
sending are first. I have been consulting the other trustees, and they
think the child is as well with me."

"I think, now, better," returned Andrew gravely. "She is fitted for a
wider life and knowledge than my father thinks necessary. And we have
two girls now to comfort my mother, and they are of the same faith. But
I find there is a wide line of opinion even among Friends. And the
coming struggle will make it greater still. The town hath done a daring
thing to-day. Will the great and wise men sign the document?"

"I think all but a few. They are not certain of Mr. Dickinson, although
he hath been writing so boldly. But Mr. Richard Penn advises that they
all hang together, lest they may have to hang separately!" and she
sm