xvi.]

Berinthia took the document from her pocket and handed it to General
Howe, who ran his eye over it and seemed to be thinking.

"Is your father loyal to the king, Miss Brandon?" he asked.

"In the same sense that I am, your excellency. You know that I did not
drink the health of the king because I protest against the course he
is pursuing towards the Colonies; my father does the same."

"You have a brother, I think, in the provincial army?"

"I suppose that Tom is there. He did what he could to defeat your
excellency at Bunker Hill. Possibly it was his bullet that went
through your excellency's coat. He attempted to defeat the king's
troops just as they attempted to defeat him, and succeeded. You give
your allegiance to the king; he gives his to liberty, and is fighting
for it just as conscientiously as your excellency is fighting for King
George and the crown."

"As your father sides with the provincials, and as your brother is in
arms against our most gracious sovereign, may I ask if you can give
any good reason why my subordinate officer should not take possession
of your home?"

"Pardon me, may I ask if your excellency will kindly favor me with any
good reason why my parents should be driven from their beds in
midwinter, that one of the king's officers may have comfortable
quarters? Does your excellency think such a course of conduct will
tend to restore to the king the alienated affections of his late
subjects?"

"Then, Miss Brandon, you do not consider yourself, at this moment, one
of his subjects?"

"I do not. I cannot own allegiance to a sovereign who burns the homes
of an inoffensive community, standing for their rights and ancient
liberties."

"I admire your frankness, Miss Brandon, as I do that of Miss Newville.
Have you a pen at hand?"

Ruth brought a pen and ink-horn; General Howe wrote upon the document,
and handed it to her.

"I cannot go back on my promise to do something for you, Miss
Newville, to add to your happiness and Miss Brandon's, and I trust I
never shall do anything that will lead you to think I am insensible to
the claims of humanity," he said, bowing and taking his departure.

Berinthia read what he had written:--

It is hereby ordered by the general-in-chief commanding his
majesty's forces, that Miss Brandon shall be allowed to
remain in possession of her home till this order shall be
countermanded.

HOWE, Major-General.

In br