k up and frown at them for their unusual
delay and their profligate waste of tallow and dips.

Stephen rose at once. Marjorie saw him to the door, where she gave him
her hand in parting.

"We have indeed been honored this day, Captain, and I trust that the
near future will see a return of the same. I am entirely at your
service," whispered Marjorie, wondering why the words did not come to
her more readily.

"On the contrary, Miss Allison, it is I who have been privileged. My
humble respects to your parents. Adieu!"

He bowed gracefully, wheeled, and went out the door.

CHAPTER V

I

The Corner of Market and Front Streets was brisk with life and activity
at twelve, the change hour, every day. Here assembled the merchants of
the city, members of the upper class who cared enough about the rest of
the world to make an inquiry into its progress; men of leisure about
town whose vocation in life was to do nothing and who had the entire day
in which to do it. All conditions, all varieties of character joined the
ranks. Soldiers, restless from the monotony of army life and desirous of
the license usually associated with leave of absence; civilians eager in
the pursuit of truth or of scandal; patriots impatient with the yoke of
foreign rule; Tories exasperated with the turn of the war and its
accompanying privations;--all gathered together at the Old London Coffee
House day after day.

It stood, an imposing three-storied, square structure, with a great wing
extending far in the rear. Its huge roof, fashioned for all the world
after a truncated pyramid with immense gables projecting from its sides,
gave every indication of having sheltered many a guest from the snows
and rains of winter. A great chimney ran up the side and continually
belched forth smoke and sparks, volumes of them, during the days and
nights of the cold winter season. A portico of no particular style of
architecture ran around two sides of the ancient building and afforded
a meeting place for the majority of the guests. It was furnished with
many chairs, faithfully tenanted when the season was propitious.

Thither Stephen and Mr. Allison were directing their steps more than a
week after they had last met at the home of the latter. It was by the
merest chance they encountered. Stephen was seeking a healthful reaction
from a vigorous walk through the less-frequented part of the city; Mr.
Allison was making his daily visit to the Coffee House. Ste