ere vocal with the
strains of martial music. Everywhere were women dressed with elegance
and taste. The Tory ladies, gowned in the height of fashion, were to
Marjorie a revelation at once amazing and impressive.

On a raised dais sat the Governor in his great chair. He was clothed in
the regulation buff and blue uniform of a Major General of the
Continental Army. On his shoulders he wore the epaulets and about his
waist the sword knots General Washington had presented to him the
preceding May. He bore also upon his person the most eloquent of martial
trophies, for his leg, wounded at Quebec and Saratoga, rested heavily on
a small cushion before him.

Marjorie who saw him for the first time, was attracted at once by his
manly bearing and splendid physique. His frame was large, his shoulders
broad, his body inclined to be fleshy. His very presence, however, was
magnetic, still his manner was plain and without affectation. He looked
the picture of dignity and power as he received the guests in their turn
and greeted each with a pointed and pleasant remark.

"Isn't he a handsome figure?" whispered Peggy to Marjorie as they made
their way slowly to the dais.

Marjorie acquiesced in the judgment. He was still young, hardly more
than thirty-five, his weather-beaten face darkened to bronze from
exposure. His features were large and clean cut with the power of
decision written full upon them. A firm and forcible chin, with heavy
lines playing about his mouth; eyes, large and black, that seemed to
take toll of everything that transpired about them, suggested a man of
extravagant energy, of violent and determined tenacity in the face of
opposition. No one could look upon his imposing figure without calling
to mind his martial achievements--the exploits of Canada, of the Mohawk,
of Bemis Heights.

"So this is your little friend," said he to Peggy, eyeing Marjorie as
she made her presentation courtesy. He was now standing, though resting
heavily on his cane with his left hand.

"Mistress Allison, this privilege is a happy one. I understand that you
are a violent little patriot." He smiled as he gently took her hand.

"I am very pleased, Your Excellency. This is an occasion of rare delight
to me."

"And are you so intensely loyal? Your friends love you for your
devotion, although I sometimes think that they miss General Howe," and
he smiled in the direction of Peggy as he turned to her with this
remark.

"You know, Genera