" continued the young soldier, welcoming the hope of a little
amusement to break the monotony of his daily duties.

Ruth obeyed, stumbling a little as she reached the top.

"And what name shall I say?" Dick asked, bowing very low.

"Mistress Ruth Dilling ham Pernell, if you please, sir," Ruth replied,
gaining a little courage, and trying to stand as tall as possible,
hardly sure if the young soldier was really laughing at her, or if he
believed her dress to be a proof of at least twenty years of experience.

"'Twill be good sport for the General and his friends. They are just
sitting down to dinner," "Dick" whispered to the other guard, as he
swung open the big door and ushered Ruth into the hall, and then led the
way toward the dining-room.

"What nonsense is this, Dick? We are not rehearsing any play just now,"
called a gay voice; and Ruth and the young soldier were confronted by a
tall officer whom Ruth instantly recognized as the same who had called
her a "rebel" that very afternoon on Second Street.

She became really frightened. Suppose he should remember her, and tell
General Howe what she had said about Washington driving the English from
the city? It might be that, just as Winifred had said, and they would
put her in prison. She wished she were safely at home with Aunt
Deborah. But "Dick" was speaking to the handsome young officer.

"Ah, now, Major Andre, 'twill be as good as any comedy you have seen in
South Street," he declared, "and the General will be well pleased. No
harm shall come to the child."

"Well, I'll not interfere. This is a dull town at best," responded the
young officer laughingly, and without another glance at Ruth, he entered
the dining-room, with a word to the soldier who stood at the door. The
big door was now swung wide open by two servants in the livery of the
English General. Just beyond them stood Major Andre, who bowed very low
as Ruth entered, and said:

"General Howe, a lady who greatly desires to ask a favor of you," and
Ruth found herself on the threshold of the beautiful room whose paneled
walls were brilliantly lighted by many wax candles in silver sconces.
The table was handsomely spread with fine china, glass and silver; and
about it were seated a number of English officers.

"More comedy, Andre!" called a pleasant voice; "kindly bring the lady
this way," and General Howe rose from his seat at the head of the
table, and instantly all his guests were on their feet.