that she will
do all in her power to make Virginia agreeable to the Marchioness. My
inclination and endeavors to do this cannot be doubted, when I assure
you that I love everybody that is dear to you."

Such a visit as this the Marchioness was never to pay. And we can not
blame her if, during her husband's brief visits, she felt like
complaining that he absorbed himself in the interests of the American
cause or was always planning fresh enterprises. But though she was now
only nineteen years old, she was proving herself the high-minded woman
who could sympathize entirely with her husband's ideals, and who could
consider him dedicated to a great cause; therefore she could
cheerfully lay aside merely selfish wishes. No one ever heard a
complaint from her absolutely loyal lips. In December, 1779, the
family was made happy by the birth of a son, to whom, in honor of his
illustrious friend, Lafayette gave the name of George Washington.

Lafayette had many testimonials from his friends in the United States
showing their appreciation of his efforts for them; and among them was
one of special import. It consisted of a sword richly ornamented, with
a handle of solid gold, sent to him by the American Congress. To
Franklin was intrusted the pleasant task of providing this rich gift.
It was made in Paris and was engraved with representations of the
actions in which Lafayette had taken part, together with his coat of
arms, his chosen motto "Cur non?" and other emblematic designs
selected by Franklin; and Franklin's grandson had the honor of
conveying to Lafayette this testimonial of a nation's appreciation.

"By the help of the exquisite artists of France," graciously wrote
Franklin in an accompanying letter, "I find it easy to express
everything but the sense we have of your worth."

Lafayette may have been in a fair way to be spoiled, but if he was he
had a happy way of concealing it. He answered, "In some of the devices
I cannot help finding too honorable a reward for those slight services
which, in concert with my fellow-soldiers, and under the god-like
American hero's orders, I had the good fortune to render."

This beautiful sword was in the course of time to meet with ill luck.
When Revolutionists rifled the Chateau de Chaviniac, it was buried for
safe-keeping and remained thus hidden for many years. Long afterwards
Lafayette's son, George Washington Lafayette, grown to young manhood,
unearthed the treasure and found tha