tory, occurred. The redoubts
were sharply attacked by a daring body of rebels, but so well protected
that surprise was not possible.

Sir Henry Clinton arrived and the accomplished Andre was made his
adjutant general. Then came the news that a French fleet would sail up
the Delaware. Sir Henry prepared to leave at once, and the city was
shaken with both joy and alarm. At midnight, on the 18th of June, the
British stole away silently, to the great surprise of the inhabitants,
who knew Washington was preparing to descend upon them and feared a
bloody battle, for now the Continentals were well equipped, well
drilled, and strong in numbers.

Primrose sat poring over a book of verse. For a wonder there was no one
in to play cards. Madam Wetherill had been a little indisposed for
several days.

"Do go to bed, child," she said rather sharply. "Thou wilt turn into a
book next."

"I hope it will have a new, bright cover and not this musty, old one."

"I dare say, Miss Vanity."

"Good-night," and she made her pretty courtesy. Then she stood still at
the quick knock. Barely was the door opened when Captain Nevitt rushed
in and caught her to his heart.

"Little Primrose, darling Primrose, for I have learned to love thee
dearly, I have come to say good-by. We are ordered to New York and
leave at once. When I shall see thee again I cannot tell, but I may
send, and will write thee letters and letters. Hast thou one kiss that I
may take with me, holding all the sweetness of generous accord?"

"Oh, do not go! do not go! I have teased thee often! I have tried not to
love thee, but, after all----" And she was sobbing in his arms.

"It is a soldier's duty, dear. Wish me well, and I will take it as a
guerdon."

"Oh, I cannot wish thee well to fight against my country. My heart is
torn in two."

Her cry pierced his inmost soul. With all his love and persuasion she
had kept her loyalty. Gifts and pleasures had not won her. There was a
great gulf still between them.

"But for love's sake."

"If your men win I shall have no country. If they lose----"

"And if I should be lost----"

"Oh, Heaven bring thee back to me again!"

There were Captain Fordham and the lieutenant thanking Madam Wetherill
for her charming hospitality. But Philemon Henry Nevitt could only wring
her hand, as his eyes were full of tears and his voice drowned in the
grief of parting. Then the big door clanged on the night air, and there
was a little sobbi