Mr. Walden, Miss
Newville and I are old friends, and our relations at times are quite
intimate. I am privileged to hold her hand, feel her pulse, and look
at her tongue."

"Do you not think, Mr. Walden, that the doctor is very rude to take a
young lady's hand when she cannot help herself?"

"Of course it is rude, but I apprehend you do not object, under the
circumstances," Robert replied.

"Oh no, she likes it so well that she often asks when I will come
again," said the doctor.

Merry was the laughter.

"This is delicious tea," he said, sipping the beverage.

"I am glad you like it."

"It is all the more delicious, Miss Ruth, because I have it from your
own gracious hand, and because it is probably the last I shall drink
for many months."

She gazed at him wonderingly.

"You know I am firm in my convictions as to what is right and just,
and I have decided to quit drinking tea as a protest against what the
king and Lord North are preparing to do. So this will be a memorial
day for me. Pardon me, I did not mean to allude to it."

"One need not beg pardon for having a conviction of what is right and
just. If it is to be your last cup I'm glad I have the privilege of
serving it," she said.

One by one guests joined them, charmed by her presence, Major Evelyn
hovering around her. More than once the eyes of Robert and Miss
Newville met. Would she not think him rude? But how could he help
looking at her?

While Miss Newville was serving other guests, with Berinthia and Miss
Shrimpton Robert walked the garden once more, the great shaggy
watch-dog trotting in advance, as if they were guests to be honored by
an escort.

The afternoon was waning. Guests were leaving, and it was time for
Berinthia and Robert to take their departure.

"Oh, you are not going now. I have not had an opportunity to speak a
dozen words with you, Berinthia, and I have shamefully neglected Mr.
Walden. I have not had a chance to drink a cup of tea with him. I am
sure you will excuse me, Major Evelyn, while I redeem myself. You will
find Miss Brandon delightful company," said Miss Newville.

Major Evelyn, being thus politely waved one side, could but acquiesce.

"Shall we sit, Mr. Walden?" she asked, leading the way to seats and
bringing tea and cake.

"I enjoyed your description of life in the country, and the young
ladies were delighted," she said.

"We have pretty good times with the quiltings, huskings, and sleighing
parties, w