am Wetherill's side.

"This is little Mistress Henry. Primrose, thou hast inquired about thy
brother. This is he. Hast thou taken thy father's name?"

"I have added Nevitt to it. In a certain way I am still an appanage of
Nevitt Grange--next of kin and in the succession. My sweet little
maiden, I am your half-brother from England, and I knew and loved your
mother."

He crossed over to Primrose and would have taken her hand, but she clung
closer to Madam Wetherill, looking at him with half-frightened eyes.

"Nay, do not be so doubtful, my pretty child. If I have convinced your
protectress, and I think General Howe has sufficient credentials to
vouch for me, you may safely acknowledge me. At least, shake hands. I
will prove the kindest of brothers if you do but give me a chance."

She glanced questioningly at her aunt and then ventured one small hand,
while her cheeks flushed in a delicate pink.

He bent over and carried the hand to his lips.

"We must be friends, little Primrose, for now we shall see a good deal
of each other, I hope. Will you not give me one smile? As I remember
your mother, she was most generous of her sweetness."

"The child is strange of course. And she hath not heard much about you."

"Is it truly my brother?" She glanced up at Madam Wetherill as if not
convinced.

"I have no doubt. I think I had an impression at once," smiling. "And
when she is better acquainted----"

"But I do not like General Howe to take possession of our city. Patty
says the streets are full of redcoats and I cannot go out."

She stiffened herself with great dignity, and now she looked squarely at
him out of beautiful eyes.

"Who may Patty be? And you will see that General Howe has a right to be
here. He will soon settle the rebels if he keeps on as he has begun."

"I am a rebel. And your general shall not conquer me. He is cruel and
wicked!"

"Primrose!" said her aunt, though much amused.

"You have found a foe already," laughed Gilbert Vane. "One you cannot
fight, but must persuade."

"But my Cousin Andrew has promised to fight for me. He is larger than
you, and I like him very much."

She looked so spirited and daring that he wanted to clasp her in his
arms and conquer her with kisses. He would soon oust this Cousin Andrew
in her affections.

"Little girls must not be so fierce," reproved Madam Wetherill. "We have
talked on all sides and the child hears it. Then some of my old servants
are strong patr