e? I have heard thee
declare an ardent love for the woman Patty. Am I of less account than a
serving woman?"

There was something persuasive and plaintive in his tone.

"Patty makes my clothes and helps me with lessons when they are
difficult, and she knows how to cure earache and pains, and lets me go
with her to do errands, and tucks me up at night. And she has promised
to keep watch that no British soldier shall surprise us."

"It is a long list of virtues truly, but I will see the house is not
molested, and I might help with lessons. As for the earache--I do not
think such pretty ears can ever ache."

There were some quivering lines about her mouth, and now both laughed.

"And I will dance with thee to-night. Some day I will come and sing
songs with thee. And all I ask is one poor little kiss in return for my
gift."

"I would not give away a poor little kiss," she answered with
well-feigned indignation.

"No. Forgive me. It shall be the sweetest thing in the whole wide world.
Primrose, I am glad I can never be a lover to sue to thee. Thou wilt
wring many a heart. And now I must go. It is a pleasure to me to bring
thee pretty gauds, whether thou carest for me or not."

"I do care for thee," she said softly, a delicious color stealing over
her face.

"Then one kiss."

She stood up on tiptoe and her soft, rosy lips met his.

"Heaven bless thee, little Primrose. Thou art very dear to me. Go show
thy gift to Madam Wetherill. I asked her permission beforehand."

She ran to Madam Wetherill's room, holding up both arms. "See!" she
cried.

"Yes. It is a new fashion, and I said when thou wert old enough for
rings and gewgaws there is all thy mother's. But he coaxed so to give
thee something. I hope thou thanked him prettily."

She hung her head, while a warm color came into her face, and raised her
eyes hesitatingly.

"I would not be pleased at first because he said I was a prisoner, and
that Americans were traitors."

"He loves to tease thee, Primrose. Yet he has a deep and fervent
affection for thee."

Primrose hid her face on the ample shoulder. "I kissed him," she
murmured softly. "Was it very wrong? For he coaxed so about it."

"Why, no, child. Thine own brother? But it is not proper to kiss outside
of one's family, and now thou art growing a large girl and may see many
gallants. So be wise and careful."

Patty did her hair high on her head, but Madam Wetherill bade her take
it down again and ti