iots, rebels I suppose they will be called. Your friend
is right--a little patience is best for conviction."

"At least you will let me try to win your regard?" and he glanced
steadily at his little sister, but she kept silent.

"It is best that girls should not be too forward, or too easily won. We
shall hope to see thee often. Thou wilt meet people of many beliefs
here; some ardent Tories, some as ardent rebels, perhaps. I place no
restrictions on the beliefs of my friends. Now, Primrose, run away to
thy work. I have still a few matters I wish to talk about."

"Surely you will wish me a farewell in a kindly fashion?" exclaimed her
brother.

Primrose had walked across the room with great dignity. At the door she
paused to bestow a smile and courtesy on her aunt, then a very dignified
one on each of the gentlemen, holding up one side of her skirt
daintily.

CHAPTER XII.

TRUE TO HER COLORS.

The American forces had not gone on triumphantly. The two battles,
fierce as they had been, had not decided anything. After the battle at
Germantown Howe broke up his encampment there and proceeded to
Philadelphia, resolved to make that his winter quarters. To be secure
against starvation it was necessary to reduce Fort Mercer and Fort
Mifflin, since supplies were to be brought into the city that way.

Washington prepared to go into winter quarters at Whitemarsh, but later
moved to Valley Forge, that he might the better afford protection to the
stores at Reading, and the Congress that had fled to York. The defeats
had cast a gloom over the Continentals, but they were not utterly
disheartened. In spite of his wound the Marquis de Lafayette carried
himself hopefully, and helped inspire the waning courage of the men.

The news of the glorious victory at Saratoga was sedulously kept from
them for some time. There were quarters to construct, wounded to tend,
and winter at hand.

Philadelphia was crowded. Hospitals were full, prisons overflowing. The
English settled themselves for the winter, many in the belief that the
spring would see the crushing out of the rebellion.

In this serene hope they began to cast about for amusements. They found
not a few of the Tory young women charming and affable. They resolved
upon weekly balls at the city tavern. There were club dinners and gay
suppers at the Indian Queen, and Ferry tavern, that often degenerated
into orgies. For the ruder sort there were cockpits, where the betting