today on the subject and gave you
inspiration," submitted Mrs. Allison. "Why do you not suspend your
judgment for a while until you learn more about the Governor,--at any
rate give him the benefit of a doubt until you have some facts," mildly
replied Mrs. Allison with that gentle manner and meekness of temper
which was characteristic of her.

"Facts!" said he, "I am telling you that these are facts. The Colonel
saw this, I tell you, for he dined with him. And I want to tell you
this," he announced pointing towards her, "he hates the Catholics and is
strongly opposed to any alliance with a Catholic country."

"Never mind, my dear. We cannot suffer for that."

"I know, but it may concern us sooner or later. Our fathers endured
severe tortures at the hands of a bigoted Government, and if the new
republic gives promise of such unhappy tidings, we may as well leave the
earth."

"I would not take any undue alarm," quietly answered Mrs. Allison as her
deft fingers sped on with the knitting. "General Washington is
broad-minded enough to appreciate our loyalty and our spirit of
self-sacrifice. And besides the new French Alliance will prevent any of
the intolerance which made itself manifest in the person of King
George. With a Catholic ally, the government cannot very well denounce
the Catholics as you will discover from the repealing of several of the
laws which rendered life more or less obnoxious in some of the colonies.
And I think, too, that we have given more than our share to the cause.
With so much to our credit, no public official, whatever his natural
inclination, can afford to visit his bigotry on us. I would not worry
about General Arnold. He will not molest us, I am sure."

"I don't think that he pleases me anyway."

"And why?" she paused to ask. "Because he maintains too expensive a
livery, or has surrounded himself by too many attendants?"

"No. I dislike the man. I do not like his traits."

"It is unkind of you to say that. Who enjoys a greater reputation for
skill or bravery or personal courage than he? What would have become of
Gates, or our army, or the French Alliance were he not at Saratoga, and
there too without a command, you must remember."

"I know all that, but he is too blunt, too headstrong, too proud,
too----"

Marjorie's figure at the door interrupted him.

II

Although Mistress Allison was not twenty, she maintained the composure
of a married woman, sedate and reserved like the mat