direction. Her rider was soon dismounted and was leading her to the
side of the road.

"You are early astir, Mistress Marjorie. I had anticipated no such
pleasure this morning."

"It is indeed mutual," replied Marjorie, smiling as she offered him her
hand. "How came you so early? No new turn of events, I hope!"

"Not in the least. I desired a few hours in the saddle before the heat
of the day set in, and my guardian angel must have directed me along
this path."

Dolly raised both her ears and turned towards him, while she noisily
brought her hoof down upon the sod.

"What a rascal!" she thought to herself.

The girl dropped her eyes demurely and then asked hurriedly:

"There are no new developments?"

"None that I know of."

"Nothing came of the trouble at the Inn?"

"Then you know?"

"All. Father told me."

"He should not have told you."

"It was my doing. I gave him no peace until I had learned all."

Dolly grew weary of this pleasantry and wandered away to gladden her
lips on the choice morsels of the tender grass.

"I deeply regret my indiscretion, though it was for his sake."

"You mean----?"

"His Excellency."

"I might have done likewise, were I able. Colonel Forrest is most
disagreeable."

"He was not wholly culpable and so I forgave his insulting remarks
against us, but I forgot myself entirely when General Washington's name
was besmirched."

"I fear further trouble," she sighed.

"From him?"

She nodded her head.

"Nonsense! There will be naught said about the whole affair and it will
end where it began. Forrest is no fool."

"I have other news for you, Captain," announced Marjorie, her eyes
beaming at the prospect.

"And how long have you been preserving it for me?" asked Stephen.

"But a few days."

"And you made no attempt to see me?"

"Had I not met you now, I would have done so this day," answered
Marjorie.

"You would have written?"

"Perhaps."

"It is my forfeiture to your reserve."

"And made gallantly."

"Come now! What had you to tell?"

"This. Peggy desires the honor of your company. You will receive the
invitation in a day or two. Just an informal affair, yet I sensed the
possibility of your pleasure."

"You did right. I am pleased as I am honored, but neither so much as I
am elated at the hopes for the future. Of course, I shall accept, but
you will have to promise to denote my path for me in the tangled maze of
society, in whose company I am as y