the provincials, should it ever come our turn?"

"We will do what we can, Miss Newville, not to have it your turn."

"I do not doubt it, my lord; but I was thinking of possible
contingencies."

Again Berinthia noticed a flush upon the face of General Howe.

"I will admit, Miss Newville, that in war, the unexpected may
sometimes happen, and possibilities are not comforting subjects for
contemplation. I do not anticipate disaster to the troops under my
command."

"Shall we drink the health of our gracious sovereign?" said Mr.
Newville.

The others drained their glasses, but Miss Newville's and Berinthia's
were not lifted from the table.

"What, daughter! What is the meaning of this? Not drink the health of
the king!" Mr. Newville exclaimed.

"No, father. I could drink to his own personal welfare, wish him
health, happiness, and long life, but our drinking to the sentiment
means approval of his government. I cannot do that. I never can think
it right to burn the homes of innocent people without a moment's
warning, as was done at Charlestown. The people of Falmouth never had
done anything against the king except to prevent Captain Mowatt from
loading masts and spars on board his ship for the use of the king's
navy. That was their offense, and yet the town was wantonly destroyed.
I cannot think such a course is likely to restore the alienated
affections of the people to the king. More, I fear the contingencies
of war may yet compel us to suffer because of these unwarranted acts."

Mr. Newville sat in silence, not knowing what to say. He had been
outspoken in his loyalty. He never had contemplated the possibility of
failure on the part of the king to put down the rebellion, but if
General Howe were to evacuate Boston, what treatment could he expect
from the provincials? The words of Ruth brought the question before
him in a startling way.

"Those are my sentiments, also," said Berinthia.

"I see, Miss Brandon, that you are of the same opinion, which, of
course, I expected in your case, but hardly from Miss Newville," said
Captain Coffin.

"Yes, I am of the same way of thinking," Berinthia replied.

"You will not, ladies, decline to drink the health of the queen, I
trust?" said General Howe, as Pompey refilled the glasses.

"Oh no, I will drink it with pleasure. The queen, of course, does not
stand for mismanagement, as does the king, and we will not spoil our
dinner by talking about the sad events," Ruth re