into the library where Sir Benjamin' sat alone reading a
newspaper. He greeted me politely.

"'The news is disquieting,' he said presently. 'What have you to tell
us of the situation in America?'

"'It is critical,' I answered. 'It can be mended, however, if the
government will act promptly.'

"'What should it do?'

"'Make concessions, sir, stop shipping tea for a time. Don't try to
force an export with a duty on it. I think the government should not
shake the mailed fist at us.'

"'But think of the violence and the destruction of property!'

"'All that will abate and disappear if the cause is removed. We who
keep our affection for England have done our best to hold the passions
of the people in check but we get no help from this side of the ocean.'

"Sir Benjamin sat thoughtfully feeling his silvered mustache. He had
grown stouter and fuller-faced since we had parted in Albany when he
had looked like a prosperous, well-bred merchant in military dress and
had been limbered and soiled by knocking about in the bush. Now he
wore a white wig and ruffles and looked as dignified as a Tory
magistrate.

"In the moment of silence I mustered up my courage and spoke out.

"'Sir Benjamin,' I said. 'I have come to claim your daughter under the
promise you gave me at Fort Stanwix. I have not ceased to love her and
if she continues to love me I am sure that our wishes will have your
favor and blessing.'

"'I have not forgotten the promise,' he said. 'But America has
changed. It is likely to be a hotbed of rebellion--perhaps even the
scene of a bloody war. I must consider my daughter's happiness.'

"'Conditions in America, sir, are not so bad as you take them to be,' I
assured him.

"'I hope you are right,' he answered. 'I am told that the whole matter
rests with your Doctor Franklin. If we are to go on from bad to worse
he will be responsible.'

"'If it rests with him I can assure you, sir, that our troubles will
end,' I said, looking only at the surface of the matter and speaking
confidently out of the bottomless pit of my inexperience as the young
are like to do.

"'I believe you are right,' he declared and went on with a smile.
'Now, my young friend, the girl has a notion that she loves you. I am
aware of that--so are you, I happen to know. Through Doctor Franklin's
influence we have allowed her to receive your letters and to answer
them. I have no doubt of your sincerity, or hers, but I did not