ced the father.

"Well," replied Marjorie, "this affair is to exclude all who
participated in the English Army festivities. Only Americans will be
present."

"How did you come by this report?" asked her mother.

"Peggy Shippen. I stopped there for a short time. They told me of the
proposed invitation and that I was included."

"How came they by the news?"

"I suppose General Arnold told them."

"Is he acquainted with them? I wonder----"

"Yes. They were presented to him, and he has already honored them with
his visit."

"I don't like this," said Mr. Allison, "and you can be assured that
there will be little restriction as to the company who will comprise
this assemblage. The Governor will take sides with the wealthy, be their
sympathies what they may. Well, if he establish the precedent, I dare
say, none will be so determined as to oppose him. Do you wish to go,
daughter?"

"I think I might enjoy it. The French soldiers are so gallant, I might
find much pleasure there."

"Very well, you shall attend," said her father.

III

And so it was decided that Marjorie would be present at the Governor's
Ball. As custom did not require mothers to accompany their daughters to
such functions, but allowed them to go unattended, Mrs. Allison
preferred to remain at home. To what splendor and gayety the affair
would lend itself was a matter of much speculation. This was the
Governor's first event, and no one was aware of his prowess on the
ballroom floor.

Once the list of invitations had become public, it was understood quite
generally that no distinction was made between those that had, and those
that had not, attended the Mischienza. Whether the number would be
surprisingly small, or whether the affair would fail of success without
the Mischienza ladies, could not be foretold. Indeed such speculations
were idle, since no discrimination had been made. There were a number of
young French Officers in the town and one or two of General Washington's
aides had remained because of the pressure of immediate business after
the British evacuation. These of course would attend. All the other
available young men belonged to the families who had held a more or less
neutral position in the war, and who had not offered their services to
the patriots nor yielded allegiance to the foe. As these neutrals were
among the most prominent people of the city, their presence would, of
course, be altogether desirable.

Marjorie was invit