nd well drilled fighting machine, strong
in organization and bold in spirit, a worthy match for the rapid and
accurate movements for which the better equipped British army was
becoming famous.

That Sir William Howe found it easier to loiter in Philadelphia than to
play a strategic game against Washington in the depths of an American
winter, was due no less to the want of decision which characterized all
of his actions than to the stupid mismanagement with which the campaign
of 1777 was directed. The British had gained the two most important
American cities, New York and Philadelphia, but the entire American army
was still in the field. The acquisition of territory was of no military
importance while the forces of the enemy remained intact and well
organized. Moreover, Burgoyne was left to his fate and at Saratoga an
army was lost.

Nor was any advantage to be derived from the possession of the American
capital. Washington's position at Valley Forge had held the British in
check all winter. And whatever of work the Congress was required to do
could as well be done at York as at Philadelphia. As a basis for
military operation the city was without value, for it was difficult to
defend and hard to supply with foodstuffs. But it was rich,
extravagant, fashionable, a "place of crucifying expenses," and its
fine houses, good pavements, and regular arrangement of streets,
impressed Howe as the most fitting place for the British Army to
establish winter quarters. And so they sat down to wait for spring.

III

"We shall never forget the splendor of it all; it was wonderful!"
exclaimed Peggy with a deep sigh.

"A farewell party!" said Marjorie. "Undoubtedly the gallant Britishers
outdid themselves. Howe leaves soon, does he not?"

"Yes. Next week."

"Which means that the period of entertaining is about to come to an
end."

"I suppose. But wasn't the winter glorious? I shall never forget it."

A smile covered her face, dotting her cheeks with two tiny dimples. She
held her hands together over her knees while she sat quite motionless,
her eyes looking out into the darkness of the room.

Presently she bethought herself.

"Let us light the tapers!" she announced, jumping up from the sofa.

"It is late," Marjorie remarked, as she, too, prepared to arise. "I must
leave for home."

"Stay! It is still early. Soon we shall be obliged to settle into
quietude. Dark days are before us."

"Why!" Marjorie exclaimed. "I sho