this house, evidently. He is a new officer just
arrived."

"He will find that an American girl can make some resistance to
force," Berinthia replied.

Once more the knocker rattled, and the lieutenant entered.

"I believe I have the honor to address Miss Brandon," he said, bowing.

"That is my name."

"I am extremely sorry, Miss Brandon, to be obliged to execute an order
of this kind, but I am directed by Colonel Hardman to take possession
of these premises, as you will see by this order," he said, handing
her a paper.

"By what right does Colonel Hardman seize these premises?"

"Well, really--I suppose--because you are a--a rebel, you know," the
lieutenant replied.

"How does he know that I am a rebel?"

"I don't mean exactly that. Of course, you are not in arms personally
against his majesty, King George, but then, the people are, you know."

"You mean, that because the king's troops began a war, firing upon
the people at Lexington and Concord, your colonel proposes to turn me,
my invalid father and mother, out of our home, that he may take
possession and live in comfort."

"It is awfully bad business, Miss Brandon, but I can't help it, you
know."

"I do not doubt, sir, that it is mortifying to you, personally, to be
compelled to execute an order of this sort. Please say to Colonel
Hardman that this is our home, and we shall not leave it voluntarily.
If he desires to occupy it, he will do so only by force of arms."

The lieutenant took his hat, not knowing what to make of a young lady
so calm and self-possessed, who did not cry or wring her hands.

"Oh, Ruth, you are just the one I want to see," said Berinthia, as
Miss Newville entered a few minutes later. "Just look at this! Colonel
Hardman proposes to turn us out of doors, that he may take possession
of our home."

"Aren't you going to protest?"

"I have protested."

"Aren't you going to do something?"

"What can I do?"

"We will see. General Howe is to dine with us this afternoon, and I
have come to get you to help me entertain him and the others. We will
ask him what he thinks of such arbitrary action on the part of his
subordinate officer."

"I will be there to hear what he has to say," Berinthia said.

The hard times and the want of fresh provisions ruffled the temper of
Phillis in the Newville kitchen. No longer could she baste a fat
turkey roasting by the fire, or a joint of juicy beef, and yet the
dinner she was preparing for his