ish there. "I would rather fight than
see the gayety of the last winter repeated," Andrew wrote. "And I am
much afraid our officers have not learned wisdom by the experience of
their enemies. For surely so much pleasure will demoralize them. And
though I am sorry not to see thee, partings are sad at the best, and I
have a strong belief that I shall return well and sound. Dear Primrose,
if so be thou could get word to my mother without too great an effort,
tell her I keep her in my heart day and night. She will know it was not
possible for me to accede to my father's request, pleasant as it might
have been for others. I send him a son's respect, whether he considers
me in the light of a son or no, and am sorry that at the last I should
have brought trouble and suspicion upon them. It is my present hope that
Penn will be a good son to them. I wish little Faith could have some of
thy joy, for I am afraid it is a dreary life for the child. Heaven be
watchful of thee, little Primrose."

It was true that several companies were not needed for the city's
protection, and were dispatched in the hasty mood that not infrequently
ruled General Arnold.

And now new defenses were erected for the city, and there was a general
clearing up. The barricade around the old Treaty Elm was taken down, the
squares were freed from rubbish and the grass restored, the houses
repaired and new ones planned. True, landlords groaned about unpaid
rents, and money-lenders almost wept over the sums the British had
despoiled them of. The country estates were in a sad plight, many of
them, but others had escaped.

Madam Wetherill thanked Heaven that it was no worse with her. Mount
Pleasant was a scene of great gayety during the summer, and the Arnolds
and the Shippens held grand court, almost like royalty. She had much to
do minding her estate and looking out for some of her southern
interests, and took less heed to gay parties.

Twice a year the trustees met to consider the estate of Mistress
Primrose Henry. Just before this Madam Wetherill took her charge over to
the old Quaker farm, that was so peaceful and thrifty one would hardly
dream there had been war in the land. Primrose had sent a message to
Rachel Morgan to explain why she had not undertaken her trust.

Aunt Lois was rather feeble, but Rachel seemed to carry the house on her
shoulders, and was noticeably sharp with the men and Chloe, who was
growing old as well as her mistress. Certainly s