ckening details of his
despicable plan, or whether he judged it sufficient for her to know only
the foul beginnings of his treason without being initiated into its
wretched consummation; whether it was due to any of these reasons or
simply to plain indifference or perhaps to both, he became unusually
silent on this subject from this moment onward. It was enough for her to
realize that he had been shabbily treated by the Congress and by the
people, that he had long considered the American cause hopeless and had
abandoned his interest in it on account of the recent alliance with the
government of France. In her eyes he thought it would be heroic for him
to resign his command, and even to defect to the side of the enemy on
these grounds,--on the strength of steadfastly adhering to his ancient
principles. He knew well that she had counseled such a step and was
enthusiastic in urging its completion, nevertheless he sensed that the
enormity and the depravity of his base design was too revolting, too
shocking, for even her ears. He would not even acquaint her with
Anderson's letter nor with the purpose he had of concurring with the
proposition it contained.

"Did you receive a letter from Anderson?" she asked suddenly.

"Yes. He wrote to inform me that he had escaped in safety and is now in
New York."

"No more?"

"No. He did comment on the frustration of the plot, and expressed a
desire to learn the identity of the disturber."

"You will tell him?"

"Later. Not now."

There was a pause.

"Do you intend to take active part in the coming campaigns? You know
your leg will prevent you from leading a strenuous life in the field.
Why not ask for some other post, or retire to private life? I want to
get out of this city."

"I am about to write for a new command. I have one friend left in the
person of His Excellency, and he will not leave me 'naked to mine
enemies,' as the great Wolsey once said."

"But he is to reprimand you," she reminded him.

"No matter. That is his duty. I blame the people and the court which was
enslaved to them for my humiliation. They shall pay for it, however."

"Let us leave together. Announce your desire of joining arms with the
British and let us set out at once for New York. Mr. Anderson will take
care of the details. You know his address?"

"Yes."

"You have fought the war alone; end it alone. Settle your claims with
the government and let us sell our house."

"Our house? This is y