ing's most loyal and devoted.' I was
beside myself. 'That is no subject for jest, Mr. Allen,' I cried; I
will never believe it of him!' 'Jest!' said he; I give you my word I was
never soberer in my life.' Then it all came to me of a sudden that you
sat no longer by the hour with my father, as you used, and you denounced
the King's measures and ministers no more. My father had spoken of it.
'Tell me why he has changed?' I asked, faltering with doubt of you,
which I never before had felt. 'Indeed, I know not,' replied the rector,
with his most cynical smile; unless it is because old Mr. Carvel might
disinherit a Whig. But I see you doubt my word, Miss Swain. Here is Mr.
Carroll, and you may ask him.' God forgive me, Richard! I stopped Mr.
Carroll, who seemed mightily surprised. And he told me yes, that your
grandfather had said but a few days before, and with joy, that you were
now of his Majesty's party."

"Alas! I might have foreseen this consequence," I exclaimed. "Nor do I
blame you, Patty."

"But my father has explained all," Patty continued, brightening. "His
admiration for you is increased tenfold, Richard. Your grandfather told
him of the rector's treachery, which he says is sufficient to make him
turn Methodist or Lutheran. We went to the curate's service to-day.
And--will you hear more, sir? Or do your ears burn? That patriots and
loyalists are singing your praises from Town Gate to the dock, and
regretting that you did not kill that detestable Captain Collinson--but
I have something else, and of more importance, to tell you, Richard,"
she continued, lowering her voice.

"What Mr. Carroll had told me stunned me like a blow, such had been my
faith in you. And when Mr. Allen moved off, I stood talking to
Percy Singleton and his Lordship without understanding a word of the
conversation. I could scarce have been in my right mind. It was not your
going over to the other side that pained me so, for all your people are
Tories. But I had rather seen you dead than a pretender and a hypocrite,
selling yourself for an inheritance. Then you came. My natural impulse
should have been to draw you aside and there accuse you. But this was
beyond my strength. And when I saw you go away without a word I knew
that I had been unjust. I could have wept before them all. Mr. Carroll
went for his coach, and was a full half an hour in getting it. But this
is what I would tell you in particular, Richard. I have not spoken of it
to a so