ntertain proposals of peace
with Great Britain until their independence should be acknowledged, and
never to conclude a treaty of peace except with the concurrence of their
new ally.

Large sums of money were at once furnished the American Congress. A
strong force of trained soldiers was sent to act under Washington's
command. A powerful fleet was soon to set sail for American waters and
the French forces at home were directed to cripple the military power of
England and to lock up and neutralize much British energy which would
otherwise be directed against the Americans. Small wonder that a new era
began to dawn for the Colonists!

When we remember the anti-Catholic spirit of the first years of the
Revolution and consider the freedom of action which came to the
Catholics as a consequence of the French Alliance, another and a
striking phase of its influence is revealed. The Catholic priests
hitherto seen in the colonies had been barely tolerated in the limited
districts where they labored. Now came Catholic chaplains of foreign
embassies; army and navy chaplains celebrating mass with pomp on the
men-of-war and in the camps and cities. The French chaplains were
brought in contact with all classes of the people in all parts of the
country and the masses said in the French lines were attended by many
who had never before witnessed a Catholic ceremony. Even Rhode Island,
with a French fleet in her waters, blotted from her statute-book a law
against Catholics.

IV

"What have we here, Marjorie?" asked Jim as he walked part of the way to
meet her.

"Just a few ribs of pork. I thought that you might like them."

She gave Jim the basket and walked over to Mrs. Cadwalader and kissed
her.

"Heaven bless you, Marjorie," exclaimed Nancy as she took hold of the
girl's hands and held them.

"Oh, thank you! But it is nothing, I assure you."

"You kin bet it is," announced Jim as he removed from the basket a long
side of pork. "Look 't that, Nancy." And he held it up for her
observation.

Marjorie had been accustomed to render some relief to Jim and his wife
since the time when reverses had first visited them. Her good nature, as
well as her consideration of the long friendship which had existed
between the two families, had prompted her to this service. Jim would
never be in want through any fault of hers, yet she was discreet enough
never to proffer any avowed financial assistance. The mode she employed
was that of a