I was not aware that he voiced any opposition to the furtherance of the
alliance with France," declared Stephen.

"He might not have spoken in formal protest, but he has spoken in an
informal manner times without number," replied Mr. Allison.

"I am sorry to hear that. I did not expect such from General Arnold,"
muttered Stephen.

Marjorie had as yet taken no part in the conversation. She was
interested and alive, however, to every word, anxious, if possible, to
learn Stephen's attitude in respect to the common talk. She took delight
in his defense of his General, notwithstanding the overwhelming evidence
against him and was proud of the trait of loyalty her guest disclosed in
the face of her father's opposition.

Mrs. Allison and Marjorie participated in the conversation when the
topics bore, for the most part, on current events, uninteresting to Mr.
Allison, who munched in silence until some incomplete sentence called
for a remark or two from him by way of a conclusion. Stephen's animated
interest in the more common topics of the day led Mrs. Allison and
Marjorie to the conclusion that he was a more practical and a more
versatile man than the head of their own house.

All in all he made a profound impression on the family, and when the
repast was finished and the table had been cleared, they sat over the
fruit and the nuts, before retiring to the living room for the evening.

III

"You are not in the habit of frequenting brilliant functions?" Stephen
asked of Marjorie when they were quite alone. It was customary for the
older folks to retire from the company of the younger set shortly after
the dinner grace had been said. Of course grace had to be said; Mr.
Allison would permit no bread to be broken at his house without first
imploring benedictions from Heaven, and, when the formalities of the
meal had been concluded, of returning thanks for the good things
enjoyed.

"I never have attended before," answered Marjorie, smoothing out a side
of her apron with her hand.

"You are quite friendly with the Shippen family, I understand."

"Oh, yes! For several years we have been united. I am invited to all
their functions. Still I am not fond of society."

"And you spend your time alone?" Stephen was persistent in his questions
as he sat opposite to her and studied her expression.

"Between here and the store, and perhaps with Peggy. That is about all
for I seldom visit. I am hopelessly old-fashioned in some th