ed to our government. Also he knew,
as he might have said, something about the diplomat's visit at the
Executive Mansion. For thus far the minister from Great Britain to
Washington had not been able to see the President of the United
States.

"And you are done your ride?" said Burr quickly, for his was a keen
nose to scent any complication. "Tell me"--he lifted his own reins now
to proceed--"you saw nothing of my daughter, Mrs. Alston? We missed
her at the house, and have feared her abduction by some bold young
Virginian, eh?"

His keen eye rested fairly on the face of the younger man as he spoke.
The latter felt the challenge under the half mocking words.

"Yes," he replied calmly, "I have seen Mrs. Alston. I left her but now
at the old mill, having a cup of coffee with the miller's wife. I had
not time myself for a second, although Mrs. Alston honored me by
allowing me to sit at her table for a moment. We met by accident, you
see, as we both rode, a short time ago. I overtook her when it was not
yet sunrise, or scarcely more."

"You see!" laughed Burr, as he turned to Merry. "Our young men are
early risers when it comes to pursuit of the fair. I must ride at once
and see to the welfare of my daughter. She may be weeping at losing
her escort so soon!"

They all smiled in proper fashion. Lewis bowed, and, lifting his hat,
passed on. Burr, as they parted, fell for just a half-moment into
thought, his face suddenly inscrutable, as if he pondered something.

"There is the ablest man I have seen in Washington," blurted out Merry
suddenly, apropos of nothing that had been said. "He has manners, and
he rides like an Englishman."

"Say not so!" said Burr, laughing. "Better--he rides like a
Virginian!"

"Very well; it is the same thing. The Virginians are but
ourselves--this country is all English yet. And I swear--Mr. Burr, may
we speak freely?--I cannot see, and I never shall see, what is the
sense in all this talk of a new democracy of the people. Now, what men
like these--like you----"

"You know well enough how far I agree with you," said Burr somberly.

"'Tis an experiment, our republic, I am willing to say that boldly to
you, at least. How long it may last----"

"Depends on men like you," said Merry, suddenly turning upon him as
they rode. "How long do you suppose his Majesty will endure such
slights as they put on us here day by day? My blood boils at the
indignities we have had to suffer here--cooling ou