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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia, by Amanda
+Minnie Douglas
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia
+
+
+Author: Amanda Minnie Douglas
+
+
+
+Release Date: April 30, 2009  [eBook #28648]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD
+PHILADELPHIA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, J. P. W. Fraser, Josephine
+Paolucci, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+(http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA
+
+by
+
+AMANDA M. DOUGLAS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A. L. Burt Company
+Publishers      New York
+
+Copyright, 1890,
+by
+Dodd, Mead and Company.
+
+
+
+
+TO MR. AND MRS. HENRY HORTON LAWRENCE.
+
+The early youth of an old town has a certain simplicity like the youth
+of human life. Its struggles, its romance, its unfolding come down
+through the earnest hands that have labored for its welfare and left
+imperishable monuments. To the legacies of remembrances you have had
+handed down to you, I add this little story of a long ago time, a posy
+culled from quaint gardens.
+
+              _With sincere regard_,
+
+                  AMANDA M. DOUGLAS.
+
+NEWARK, N.J., 1899.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+
+I.     HERE AND THERE,                           1
+
+II.    BESSY WARDOUR,                           14
+
+III.   IN A NEW WORLD,                          29
+
+IV.    OF MANY THINGS,                          44
+
+V.     A BOULEVERSEMENT,                        58
+
+VI.    TO THE RESCUE,                           74
+
+VII.   AT SOME CROSSROADS,                      87
+
+VIII.  A LITTLE REBEL,                         104
+
+IX.    FATE TO THE FORE,                       122
+
+X.     TO TURN AND FIGHT,                      134
+
+XI.    A RIFT OF SUSPICION,                    150
+
+XII.   TRUE TO HER COLORS,                     167
+
+XIII.  UNDER THE ROSE,                         183
+
+XIV.   FOR NATIVE LAND AND LOYALTY,            200
+
+XV.    PARTING,                                215
+
+XVI.   LOVE AND TRUE LOVE,                     231
+
+XVII.  MID WAR'S ALARMS,                       238
+
+XVIII. WHOM SHALL SHE PITY,                    264
+
+XIX.   MIDNIGHT TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY,          279
+
+XX.    WHEN THE WORLD WENT WELL,               297
+
+XXI.   AN APRIL GIRL,                          312
+
+XXII.  POLLY AND PHIL,                         330
+
+XXIII. PRIMROSE,                               342
+
+XXIV.  THE OLD AND THE NEW,                    364
+
+
+
+
+
+A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HERE AND THERE.
+
+
+She was swinging her gingham sunbonnet, faded beyond any recognition of
+its pristine coloring, her small hand keeping tight hold of the strings.
+At every revolution it went swifter and swifter until it seemed a
+grayish sort of wheel whirling in the late sunshine that sent long
+shadows among the trees. When she let it go it flew like a great bird,
+while she laughed sweet, merry childish notes that would have stirred
+almost any soul. A slim, lithe little maid with a great crop of yellow
+hair, cut short in the neck, and as we should say now, banged across the
+forehead. But it was a mass of frowzy curls that seemed full of
+sunshine.
+
+With two or three quick leaps she captured it again and was just
+preparing for her next swirl.
+
+"Primrose! Primrose! I think thee grows more disorderly every day. What
+caper is this? Look at these strings, they are like a twisted rope. And
+if thy bonnet had gone into the pond! For that matter it needs the
+washtub."
+
+Primrose laughed again and then broke it in the in the middle with a
+funny little sound, and glanced at the tall woman beside her, who was
+smoothing out the strings with sundry pinches.
+
+"Certainly thou art a heedless girl! What thou wilt be----" She checked
+herself. "Come at once to the kitchen. Wash thy face and hands and comb
+out that nest of frowze. Let me see"--surveying her. "Thou must have a
+clean pinafore. And dust thy shoes."
+
+Primrose followed Aunt Lois in a spell of wonderment. The scolding was
+not severe, but it was generally followed by some sort of punishment. A
+clean pinafore, too! To be set on a high stool and study a Psalm, or be
+relegated to bread and water, and, oh! she was suddenly hungry. Down in
+the orchard were delicious ripe apples lying all about the ground. Why
+had she not gone and taken her fill?
+
+She scrubbed her face with her small hands until Aunt Lois said, "That
+is surely enough." Then she wet her hair and tugged at the tangles, but
+as for getting it straight that was out of the question. All this time
+Aunt Lois stood by silent, with her soft gray eyes fixed on the culprit,
+until Prim felt she must scream and run away.
+
+The elder turned to a chest of drawers and took out an apron of homespun
+blue-and-white check, a straight, bag-like garment with plain armholes
+and a cord run in at the neck. A bit of tape was quite a luxury, as it
+had to be imported, while one could twist cords, fine or coarse, at
+home.
+
+"Your Aunt Wetherill's housekeeper is in the next room. She has come
+hither to give notice. Next week will be the time to go in town."
+
+"Oh, Aunt Lois! Aunt Lois!" Primrose buried her face in the elder's
+gown. A curious yearning passed over the placid countenance, followed by
+a stronger one of repression, and she unclasped the clinging hands.
+
+"It is a misfortune, as I have ever said, and there will be just
+shifting hither and yon, until thou art eighteen, a long way off. It
+makes thee neither fish nor fowl, for what is gained in one six months
+is upset in the next. But thy mother would have it so."
+
+Primrose made no further protest, but swallowed over a great lump in her
+throat and winked hard. What she longed to do was to jump up and down
+and declare she would not go, in a tone that would reach the town
+itself. Even well-trained children had unregenerate impulses, but
+self-control was one of the early rules impressed upon childhood, the
+season and soil in which virtues were supposed to take root and flourish
+most abundantly.
+
+There were two doors opening from this kitchen to a small hall, from
+thence to the ordinary living room, and a smaller one adjoining, used
+for a sort of parlor, as we should call it now, a kind of state room
+where the Friends often held meetings. It was very plain indeed. There
+were straight white curtains at the windows, without a bit of fringe or
+netting. Women used to make these adornments as a kind of fancy work,
+but the rigid rules of the Friends discountenanced all such employments,
+even if it was to improve odd moments. There was no carpet on the floor,
+which was scrubbed to spotlessness; chairs of oaken frame, bent, and
+polished by the busy housewife until they shone, with seats of broad
+splint or rushes painted yellow. A large set of drawers with several
+shelves on top stood between the windows, and a wooden settle was ranged
+along the wall. A table with a great Bible and two or three religious
+books, and a high mantel with two enormous pitchers that glittered in a
+brilliant color which was called British luster, with a brass snuffers
+and tray and candlesticks, were the only concession to the spirit of
+worldliness.
+
+Primrose entered with a lagging step behind her aunt. There sat Mistress
+Janice Kent in her riding habit of green cloth faced with red silk, and
+a habit shirt of the same color just showing at the neck where the
+lapels crossed. Her hat was wound around with a green veil, and her
+gauntlet gloves were of yellow buckskin broidered with black. In one
+hand she still held her riding whip. A somewhat airy but
+dignified-looking person with dark, rather sharp eyes, and dark hair;
+and a considerable amount of color, heightened now by the rapid
+exercise.
+
+"Mercy of me! The child has grown mightily!" she exclaimed. "Indeed,
+there will not be a thing fit for her to wear! Madam Wetherill was
+considering that, and has sent for new measurements. With the last
+vessel in, has come lots of choice stuffs of every kind, and the maid
+has already fallen to work. How do you do, Mistress Primrose? Rose would
+better become such a blossoming maid without the Prim," and she laughed
+gayly, as if pleased with her conceit. "Come hither, child; do not be
+afraid. There, I'll lay my whip on the floor. It has a threatening look,
+I will admit, yet 'tis a harmless thing without the owner's hand. I am
+sent to measure thee, Mistress Rose, and to announce that next Wednesday
+the chaise will be sent out for you, with perhaps Madam Wetherill.
+Meanwhile we shall be making ready to transform you from a sober gray
+Friend to a gay young damsel. It is a pity you are not older. There
+will be great doings this winter."
+
+Lois Henry's face settled into sterner lines. It was a sweet and
+peaceful face, rendered so by some discipline and much freedom from
+care. For the Friends made small efforts to shine in society, and at
+this period there were few calls upon charity or even sympathy. James
+Henry was a prosperous farmer, and the style of living simple. Fair as
+to complexion, rather aquiline in features, with blue-gray eyes and
+nearly straight brows, her soft hair drawn back from her forehead and
+gathered under a plain cap with a frill a little full at the sides and
+scant across the top, a half square of white linen crossed over her
+bosom, a gray homespun gown reaching barely to the ankles, with blue
+homeknit stockings and stout low shoes with a black buckle on the top,
+Lois Henry was a fine sample of a Quaker gentlewoman.
+
+"There are many things to life beside gayety," she said rather severely.
+"And such a child hath much that is useful to learn."
+
+"Oh, we have a tutor in the house, Madam Wetherill's two cousins will
+spend the winter in town, Miss Betty Randolph from Virginia, and Martha
+Johns from some western county. There will be lessons on the spinet and
+in dancing."
+
+Mistress Kent gave a little smile of malice and a jaunty toss to her
+head.
+
+"The child needs nothing of that since she comes back to us and plainer
+living. She reads well and is not slow in figures. I shall see that she
+is instructed in all housewifely ways, but it is ill making headway when
+the tide runs down the stream."
+
+Lois Henry really sighed then. She did hate to have her six months'
+labor and interest come to naught. She longed to snatch the child from
+these paths of temptation, for now, as she was growing older, they might
+be more alluring.
+
+"Come hither, little one, and let me measure you. My, but you have grown
+tall, and keep slim, so there will be less for stays to do. 'As the twig
+is bent,' you know," laughing and showing her even teeth, of which she
+was very proud. "And a fine figure is a great advantage. Your hands are
+not ill-kept, I see."
+
+They were tanned, but dimpled, with tapering fingers and rosy nails, and
+the skin fine and soft.
+
+"Hands are for use and not ornament. Thou art to do with thy might
+whatsoever comes in thy way."
+
+"True, Friend Henry. But a clean room may abound in virtue as well as an
+untidy one. And a well-kept person surely is no sin. Put off your shoe,
+child. Ah, you have a slim foot, though no one would think it, to see
+the shoe."
+
+She had been taking measurements and putting figures on an ivory tablet
+that she slipped into a cloth pocket hanging at her side.
+
+"I have the necessary requirements, I believe, and the maid can have a
+few things in order. We will send in on Wednesday. That is the date
+appointed, Friend Henry."
+
+She picked up her whip with an airy grace, and stood tall and straight,
+her habit falling around her feet.
+
+"Now I will bid you good-day, though it is almost evening. Do not look
+so sober, little Rose, but then we will soon have smiles displacing the
+Quaker gravity, which ill beseems young people. Friend Henry, why do
+your community consider smiling sinful when it is so pretty and comes
+from a merry heart? A man who went about to commit murder would scarcely
+smile, methinks."
+
+"'The laughter of fools is as the crackling of thorns under a pot,'" was
+the somewhat severe answer.
+
+"One need not break out into silly giggling," was the rather tart reply.
+"I abhor that myself. But a smile on a child's face is much to be
+preferred to a frown. 'And a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.'"
+
+"'Children,' saith the wise man, 'are to be brought up in the fear and
+admonition of the Lord.'"
+
+"Ah, well! luckily there are many rules and opinions in the world.
+Good-by, Rose-blossom. Next week we will welcome thee at Wetherill
+House."
+
+Primrose followed her aunt to the door. There were Mistress Kent's horse
+and the black servant, who respectfully touched his hat and assisted his
+mistress to mount, then sprang on his own steed, and with a wave of the
+hand and a nodding of the veil she cantered away.
+
+"Next week! Why, Aunt Lois, how near it is! I had forgotten," Primrose
+exclaimed breathlessly.
+
+"It would be a most excellent thing if thou wert allowed to forget
+altogether. This continual changing works ill. Now go and stir the meal
+and feed those late chicks. Put in some of the cracked corn for the
+mother hen."
+
+Primrose went at once, though she was eager to ask about the promised
+journey, but the habit of repression was strong upon her, and obedience
+to the letter was exacted from children at that period. It must have
+been a halcyon time for mothers when a child never ventured to ask why.
+
+Friend Henry went out to the kitchen again. It was a great room with a
+wide fireplace and a crane that accommodated two kettles. An iron baking
+pot stood in a bed of coals, with a plentiful supply on the cover. The
+black woman came and gave it a push partly around, with the tongs, so
+that the farthest side should have the benefit of the blaze.
+
+There were even then many Friends who owned slaves, indeed most of the
+servants were of African descent. The feelings and beliefs of
+Philadelphia were more in consonance with the settlements farther south,
+than those to the north of them. But the Henrys held slavery in
+abhorrence, and hired their servants. Lois Henry kept but one woman, and
+she was quite superior to the average of her race; indeed, like her
+mistress, was of the persuasion of Friends.
+
+The two women busied themselves about the supper. If Friends were plain
+in their household adornments and attire, they did not stint in food nor
+the trouble of preparing it.
+
+Primrose fed the two late broods whose mothers had stolen their nests
+and brought off their families in great triumph. One had thirteen, the
+other eleven. Their mothers ran cheerfully to the coops and called their
+progeny. When the families were within, Primrose took up the slatted
+door and fastened it down with a stake and shut up the peeping things so
+busy with their supper.
+
+As she was loitering on the way back, she saw her uncle and cousin
+Andrew talking eagerly. Did they know she was going away next week? She
+ran forward and Andrew turned to her with a smile, while his father
+talked on.
+
+She clasped his hands in hers so warm and soft. His were brawny and
+hard, but he was a great fellow and he looked down with a kindly,
+protective air.
+
+"Oh, do you know Aunt Wetherill has sent over, and----"
+
+"Yes," slowly, "we knew it was time. Madam Wetherill does not forget
+easily."
+
+"Primrose!" called her aunt.
+
+She hastened to the kitchen, rinsed out her dipper, and hung it up.
+Uncle Henry was washing his hands and Chloe was taking up the hot bread
+and dishing the stewed chicken. Oh, how delightfully appetizing the
+fragrance was! And she was so glad not to have forfeited her right to
+the supper.
+
+"Come to the table," said Aunt Lois.
+
+The four heads were bowed reverently. There was not much talking at meal
+time. Aunt Lois was ever afraid of idle words and vain babbling. Uncle
+James had a good, hearty appetite, as became his size and strength, and
+generally occupied himself in ministering to it. Children in Quaker
+households--indeed, in nearly all others--had the wise old adage dinned
+into their ears that they were to be seen and not heard, and they also
+understood that they were to be seen as little as possible.
+
+When the supper was ended Primrose went out to the kitchen and dried the
+teacups, of which Aunt Lois was quite choice, and the silver
+heirlooms--the teaspoons her grandmother had brought from old England.
+
+Friend Dunscomb was coming up the path. That meant an evening in the
+best room with Uncle James and Aunt Lois. There were many agitating
+subjects to talk about in these days. Primrose walked out of the kitchen
+door and around the path, sending a long, dubious glance in the
+direction of her new home.
+
+Six months ago she had left it. How queer to be divided up in this way.
+She had felt lonely at Wetherill House, and missed her mother sadly. To
+be sure it was winter, and here on the farm it was glowing, golden
+summer. She had not known the dreariness of a long winter here. There
+were so many enchanting things, so much life and joy and beauty. In a
+vague way it thrilled her, even if she did not understand. There were
+rambles in the lanes, and the orchard where she could climb trees; there
+was luscious fruit in which she was never stinted. Rides behind Cousin
+Andrew on Jack, and going to market, as a rare treat, with Uncle James,
+learning to spin on the little wheel, stealing away to the old garret
+and reading some forgotten, time-stained books that she dared not ask
+about. Sometimes she had a misgiving of conscience, but no one ever
+inquired about them, or what she did up there.
+
+Andrew came out and took a seat under the old apple tree. She ran down
+to him.
+
+"Andrew, why must I go to Aunt Wetherill's every six months?" she asked.
+
+He glanced at her in a slow, irresolute fashion.
+
+"I must go again next week. It is like a ball being tossed back and
+forth. I--I didn't quite like it. I would rather stay here."
+
+"I'm glad of that." He passed his arm around her and gave her a gentle
+hug.
+
+"But why must I go?" impatiently.
+
+"It was thy mother's will. Madam Wetherill was her dearest cousin, like
+a mother to her. Thou art too young to understand."
+
+"But my mother is dead this long while." There was a sound of perplexity
+in the youthful voice.
+
+"Yes. It is hard to explain to thee, and a child should not be thinking
+of money. Thy father appointed mine guardian of thee. Then the Wardours,
+thy mother's people, left her some fortune, and as thy father was dead
+she made her will as she pleased."
+
+"Is a will such a very bad thing, Cousin Andrew?" she inquired in a
+timid voice. She had heard much talk through the winter of governing and
+restraining the will until it had become a sort of personality to her,
+and connected solely with a state of grace, another vague territory.
+
+He smiled. "This is not----" How could he explain it to her
+comprehension? He had only the plainest sort of education. For though it
+was true that many of the earliest Friends were versed in worldly
+knowledge, they had grown more restricted in their narrower lives in the
+new country. And on the farms there were not many advantages. Perhaps he
+could mend her confusion of mind in another fashion. "When one has some
+property or money and desires to give it to another, he or she states
+the wish in writing before witnesses. And the law makes this intention
+respected. This is too grave a matter for a child's understanding, but
+thy mother and Madam Wetherill planned this. When my father protested,
+this compromise, I think they call it, was decided upon."
+
+Primrose was not much used to long words. Most of the Friends kept to
+brief, concise Saxon.
+
+"A compromise? Is that why I am changed about so? What queer names
+things have! I like better living straight along. And I was much
+frightened last winter. But there were two little girls in the next
+place, and I should have been sorry enough to leave them, only they were
+going to England to be educated."
+
+Andrew remembered there was some talk of sending her to England, where
+she had a half-brother, but that was not on the mother's side.
+
+"Cannot something be done with this wicked compromise? I should like to
+stay here. Andrew, I love you better than anyone in the wide world."
+
+Andrew hugged her up close and gave a soft sigh. He could remember two
+little girls sleeping in the Friends' burying ground. One would have
+been seventeen now, and had stayed with them five years, dying the night
+her sister was born. He had believed it was little Lois come in a new
+baby body. And after three brief years she, too, had gone to the other
+country. His mother had been graver ever since; more self-contained,
+more spiritual, the Friends said.
+
+This little girl, whom they had seen occasionally in her mother's life,
+had crept into his heart during her six months' stay and he hated to let
+her go. He was so fond of all young and helpless things. The lambs, the
+tiny chickens, and the calves appealed to him strongly as they looked
+out of asking eyes, it seemed to him. He was beginning to chafe under
+the colorless, repressed life about him, and the little girl had been a
+great outlet for his affection, though much of it had been nursed in
+secret.
+
+"I do not know what can be done, if anything," he said in answer to her
+question. "But I am truly sorry. I love thee dearly, Primrose. I wish
+thou wert my sister."
+
+He bent over and kissed the soft, fragrant child lips. Oh, how sweet
+they were! Was such tenderness reprehensible? He was beginning to think
+of love and marriage as strong, heartsome youth will, but, strange to
+say, the young woman his father approved of was not at all to his
+liking. He was nearing man's estate, and though he labored with himself
+to repress what he knew would be considered lawless desires, they
+returned again and again. And how much he should long for the sweetness
+of this little girl.
+
+She put her arms up around his neck and her soft, caressing fingers
+seemed to play with his very heart strings. Oh, how dear she was! And
+her new life would be so different. Madam Wetherill rather flouted the
+Friends with what she called their drab religion.
+
+"Primrose! Primrose!" called the curiously soft voice of Chloe, that had
+a different accent from the habitual evenness of the real Quaker tone.
+"Where is the child!"
+
+"Here! here! I am coming." She gave Andrew one long, tender kiss and
+then walked rapidly to the kitchen porch.
+
+"Thee should have been in bed with the chickens. Go at once. The moon is
+coming up and thou wilt need no light. Forget not thy prayers. Mistress
+Janice is an emissary of the evil one that thou must resist."
+
+Primrose went up to her chamber under the eaves in a state of half
+terror and restrained rebellion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+BESSY WARDOUR.
+
+
+It was a rather curious tangle, as Primrose Henry was to learn
+afterward. Philemon Henry was older than his brother James, and in trade
+in the city that William Penn had planned and founded in an orderly
+manner. And though it is the common belief that Philadelphia was born at
+right angles and on a level, at its early inception there was much
+diversity to it. Creeks swept it in many directions, and there were
+hills and submerged lands waiting for the common sense of man to fill up
+and hew down the romance. Even before Revolutionary times there was much
+business on the wharves of the Delaware, and many men owned trading
+ships and warehouses. And though England had made no end of bothersome
+and selfish restrictions as to trade, men had found ways to evade them;
+at some peril, it is true, but that added zest.
+
+Philemon Henry was tolerably successful in his undertakings and adhered
+to the faith of William Penn, even if his own son afterward went astray.
+He married an Englishwoman of good descent, who had left her native land
+with a company of Friends for the sake of the larger liberty. The fine,
+stalwart Quaker had soon attracted her, and with him she spent three
+years of happy married life, when she died, leaving a baby boy of little
+more than a year old. A goodly housekeeper came to care for them, and
+the boy throve finely. She would willingly have married Philemon, but
+as he evinced no inclination, she provided for her old age by marrying
+another well-to-do Friend. And then, as sometimes happens in a widower's
+household, there was an interregnum of trouble and disorder.
+
+He had business dealings with the Wardours and met a connection, an
+orphan, pretty young Bessy Wardour, who fell in love with the fine,
+strong, still handsome Quaker, whose attire was immaculate, and whose
+manners were courtly. And he surprised himself by a tenderness for the
+winsome, kittenish thing, who, for his sake, laid aside her fripperies
+and, to the amazement of her relatives, joined the Society of Friends.
+But if she had been tempting in her worldly gear, she was a hundred
+times more bewitching in her soft grays that were exquisite in quality,
+and her wide brim, low-crowned beaver tied under her dimpled chin with a
+bow that was distracting. The great blue eyes were of the melting,
+persuasive kind, her voice had a caressing cadence, and her smile was
+enough to conquer the most obdurate heart, and yet withal she had an air
+of masquerading and enjoyed it to the full. She was deeply in love with
+Philemon, and though he struggled against a passion he deemed almost
+ungodly, she being so young and pretty, she conquered in the end. He
+almost scandalized the Society when he stood up to be married. The young
+Quaker women envied her, the elders shook their heads doubtfully.
+
+She was sunny and charming and did adore her great stalwart husband. She
+had so many tempting, beguiling ways, her kisses had such a delicious
+sweetness that he sometimes felt afraid. And yet, was she not his lawful
+wife, and had he not a right? Were not husbands enjoined to be tender
+to their wives? She charmed little Phil as well. She played with him,
+ran races, repeated verses, caressed him until sometimes the father was
+almost jealous of the tenderness showered upon the child. She had such a
+dainty taste and was always adding delicate touches to the plain Quaker
+habits that made them seem twice as pretty. Sometimes he tried to frown
+upon them.
+
+"But God has made the world beautiful," she would protest. "And is it
+not for us, his children? If I go out in the lanes and woods and gather
+wild flowers that have cost no man any time or strength to be taken from
+money-getting and business, but have just grown in God's love, and put
+them here in a bowl and give Him thanks, what evil have I done? In
+heaven there will be no business, and we shall have to adore His works
+there, not the works of our own hands."
+
+"Thou hast a subtle tongue, dear one, and what thou sayest seems to have
+an accent from a finer world. I am at times sore at loss----"
+
+"Thou must believe in a kindly All-father and the eyes of thy inner soul
+will be opened."
+
+Then she would kiss him tenderly and he would go away much puzzled.
+
+Presently an incident happened that caused them both no little
+perplexity. The Nevitt estate had lost its direct heir, and that of Leah
+Nevitt was next in succession, after an old great-uncle, who sent for
+the boy to be brought up in English ways and usages. Sir Wyndham Nevitt
+was not a Friend, though several branches of the family were. And if
+Philemon Henry failed, the next heir was a dissolute fellow up in
+London, who would soon make ducks and drakes of the fine old estate.
+
+"It does seem a pity that it should be destroyed," said the young wife.
+"If only the boy were old enough to choose! But, you see, he is next in
+the succession, and it would come to him even if he were here. English
+laws are curious. I should hate to give up the boy. He is a sweet child
+and a great comfort to me when thou art away. But his welfare ought to
+be considered."
+
+"And thou dost spoil him every hour in the day. I should have to send
+him away presently for some sterner training. And then"--she blushed
+scarlet at the hope--"there may be other sons and daughters."
+
+Friend Henry took counsel of several respected and judicious men, and
+the weight of it lay with sending the child abroad. It would be a hard
+wrench, but if he was called upon to do it? Many that he knew had sent
+their children abroad for education, the advantages being limited at
+home. And it was true that the settlers below New York had a much warmer
+affection for the mother country than the Puritans of New England.
+
+It ended by little Philemon Henry being sent abroad with many tears and
+much reluctance, and a safe convoy. The boy went quite readily, under
+the impression that he could come back frequently, and having no idea of
+the length of the journey, but being an adventurous little fellow.
+
+Bessy Henry sorrowed deeply. "The house was as if one had been buried
+out of it," she said. Then her own baby was born.
+
+Philemon Henry was disappointed that it should be a girl.
+
+"Do not mind, husband," she said in her winsome way, "this shall be _my_
+child, for its head is full of yellow fuzz like mine, and its eyes are
+blue. Presently there will be a son with dark eyes, and no doubt a
+houseful of sons and daughters," laughing merrily. "And Phil, I think,
+will be better pleased about a sister. He might be jealous if we filled
+his place so soon."
+
+There was some wisdom in that, and quite a comfort to the father's
+heart.
+
+The baby's name was the first real disagreement. She grew rapidly and
+was a bright, smiling little thing. Bessy loved her child extravagantly,
+jealously. But she would have none of the plain or biblical names her
+husband suggested. She laughed at them with her bright humor and made
+merry amusement over them, calling the child by endearing and fanciful
+appellations. To-day she was one kind of a flower, to-morrow another,
+and Rosebud a great deal of the time.
+
+She was often at the house of Madam Wetherill. Indeed, she was generally
+spoken of as the gay little Quaker, but it was only her slim
+gracefulness and dainty ways that gained this description, for she was
+quite tall. She discarded her thees and thous here, though at that day
+all language was much more formal. Sometimes, when her husband was to be
+away all day, she would take the child and its nurse and spend the time
+with her relative.
+
+It was after one of these occasions that she took off a little of the
+worldly frippery she had indulged in and put on her very plainest cap,
+but she could not disguise the arch, pretty face, and this evening it
+really seemed more beguiling than ever. Caresses of all kinds were
+frowned upon as being not only undignified, but savoring of the world
+and the flesh. Still, Philemon Henry would have sorely missed the
+greeting and parting kiss his wife gave him. She had a certain
+adroitness, too, and the tact to make no show of this before the
+brethren, or any of the sober-minded sisters. He sometimes wondered if
+it was not "stolen waters," it had such an extraordinary flavor of
+sweetness. Then he would resolve to forget it, but he never did.
+
+She kissed him tenderly this evening. His dinner was excellent, his
+day's work had been very profitable, and he was in high good humor.
+
+"Husband," she began afterward, leaning her head on his shoulder, "I
+must make a confession to thee of my day's doings. Thou wilt be angry at
+first, but it is done now," smilingly.
+
+"Hast thou been up to some mischief?" His tone had a sense of amusement
+in it.
+
+"Very serious mischief. For a brief while I felt like going back to the
+faith of my childhood, but my love for thee will keep me in the straight
+and narrow faith. But to-day I have had my babe christened in Christ
+Church, and named Primrose."
+
+"Bessy!" in a horror-stricken tone.
+
+He strove to put her from him, but she clung the more tightly.
+
+"Bessy! woman! To do such an unlawful thing!"
+
+"It is not unlawful to give a Christian name."
+
+"A vain, trifling, heathenish name!" he interrupted fiercely. "I will
+have none of it! I will----"
+
+"God made a Primrose and many another beautiful thing in this world of
+His. He has even given me a prettiness that plain Quaker garb cannot
+wholly disguise. Suppose I scarred my face and deformed my body, would
+my praise be any more acceptable to Him? And people do not all think
+alike. They look at religion in divers ways, and so they who deal
+justly and are kind to the poor and outcast, and keep the Commandments
+are, I think, true Christians in any garb. And her name is writ in the
+Church books, her legal, lawful name that only the law can change. And
+see, husband, thou shalt call thy son whatever pleaseth thee. But the
+little daughter is mine own."
+
+"She is my child as well. And to go through all this mummery that we
+believe not in, that we have come to this new country to escape! It is
+wicked, sinful!"
+
+"And some consider that discarding all forms and sacraments is sinful. I
+am sure God ordained many for the Jews, his chosen race!"
+
+"Which they could not keep, which were of no importance to real
+salvation. Then Christ came and all was abrogated."
+
+"Nay, He added to the Commandments the one tenderer rule--thou shalt
+love thy neighbor as thyself."
+
+"Woman, thou art full of excusing subtleties. Thou art no true Friend,
+methinks. Is there any real conviction under thy plain garb, or was it
+only put on for----"
+
+"For love of thee," she interrupted with brave sweetness shining in her
+appealing eyes. "I was in Christ's household before I knew thee. I
+worshiped God and prayed to Him and gave thanks. He hath not made the
+world all alike, one tree differeth from another, and the lowly Primrose
+groweth where other flowers might not find sustenance, but God careth
+for them all, and gives to each its need and its exquisite coloring. So
+he will care for the child, never fear."
+
+"But I am very angry at thy disobedience."
+
+"Nay, it was not that," and a glimmering light like a smile crossed her
+sweet face. "I did not ask and thou didst not deny."
+
+"Sophistry again. Thou art still in the bonds of iniquity."
+
+"And thou must forgive seventy times seven. Thou must do good to those
+that despitefully use thee. If thou art so much wiser and stronger than
+I, then set this example. I have done many things to please thee. And,
+husband, thou canst call the little one Prim. I am sure that is plain
+enough, but to me she will be Rose, the blended sweetness of three
+lives."
+
+He broke away from her. She had softened many points in his character,
+he knew, and just now she was a temptress to him. He must assert his own
+supremacy and deliver himself from these dangerous charms. Just now it
+looked sinful to him that she had come over to the Friends' persuasion
+for love of him.
+
+She had been a sweet, thoughtful wife, he could not deny that. But he
+had been weak to yield to so much happiness. And when the brethren heard
+of this outrage put upon their usages there would be hard times for her.
+Suddenly his whole soul protested against having her haled before the
+meeting. Oh, what had her spirit of willfulness led her into!
+
+She went back to her baby, kissed it and caressed it, prepared it for
+the night, and sang it to sleep. Philemon Henry wrote long in his little
+office at home, where he kept sundry business matters he did not want
+his clerks gossiping about. There were only two discreet friends that he
+had taken into his confidence and his ventures. Just now there was a
+slight, uneasy feeling that if he were brought to the strictest
+account--and yet there was nothing really unlawful in his gains. There
+were many curious questions in the world, there were diverse people,
+many religions. And the Friends had sought out liberty of conscience.
+Was it liberty to compel another?
+
+Bessy and her child were sleeping sweetly when he glanced at them, and
+his heart did soften. But he would never call her by that name. He would
+give her another.
+
+Bessy was up betimes and made some delicacy with her own hands for her
+husband's breakfast. She came around and kissed him on the forehead as
+was her morning custom, and though she was a little more grave than
+usual, she was serene and charming. But he must show her how displeased
+he was.
+
+The christening had been very quiet. Madam Wetherill had been godmother,
+and the godfather was a distant relative who resided in New York. Good
+Parson Duché had been asked to keep the matter private. And so, if the
+meeting came to know, Philemon Henry must be the accuser. It was his
+duty, of course, but he put it off month after month. The babe grew
+sweet and winsome, and there were many things beside family cares to
+distract men's minds: The friction between the mother country and grave
+questions coming to the fore; the following out of Mr. Penn's plans for
+the improvement of the city, the bridging of creeks and the filling up
+of streets, for there was much marsh land; the building of docks for the
+trade that was rapidly enlarging, and the public spirit that was
+beginning to animate the staid citizens.
+
+Philemon Henry called his babe little one, child, and daughter, and the
+mother was too wise to flaunt the name in his face. She had great faith
+in the future.
+
+"For if you keep stirring your rising continually, you will have no good
+bread," she said. "Many things are best left alone, until the right
+time."
+
+She dressed the child quaintly, and she grew sweeter every day. But they
+talked about the son they were to have, and other daughters. Little Phil
+wrote occasionally. He was studying in an English school, but he had
+spells of homesickness now and then, and his uncle said if he learned
+smartly he should take a voyage to America when he was older. Nevitt
+Grange was a great, beautiful place with a castle and a church and
+peasants working in the fields. And he was to go up to London to see the
+king.
+
+One damp, drizzling November night Philemon Henry came home with so
+severe a cold that he could hardly speak. He had been on the dock all
+day, supervising the unloading of a vessel of choice goods. He could eat
+no supper. Bessy made him a brew of choice herbs and had him hold his
+feet in hot water while she covered him with a blanket and made a steam
+by pouring some medicaments on a hot brick. Then he was bundled up in
+bed, but all night long he was restless, muttering and tumbling about.
+He would get up in the morning, but before he was dressed he fell across
+the bed like a log, and Bessy in great fright summoned the doctor.
+
+He had never been ill before, and for a few days no one dreamed of
+danger. Then his brother James was summoned, and his clerk from the
+warehouse, and there were grave consultations. Bessy's buoyant nature
+could not at first take in the seriousness of the case. Of course he
+would recover. He was so large and strong, and not an old man.
+
+Alas! In a brief fortnight Philemon Henry lay dead in the house, and
+Bessy was so stunned that she, too, seemed half bereft of life. She had
+loved him sincerely, and for months they had forgotten their unfortunate
+difference over the child's name. And when he was laid in the burying
+ground beside his first wife, there was a strange feeling that he no
+longer belonged to her, and she was all alone; that somehow the bond had
+snapped that united her with the Friends.
+
+Philemon Henry had made a will in the lucid intervals of his fever. His
+brother was appointed guardian of the child and trustee of the property.
+To Bessy was left an income in no wise extravagant, so long as she
+remained a widow. The remainder was to be invested for the child, who
+was not to come into possession until she was twenty-one. She and her
+mother were to spend half of every year on the farm, and in case of the
+mother's death she was to be consigned to the sole guardianship of her
+uncle. There were a few outside bequests and remembrances to faithful
+clerks.
+
+The other trustee was Philemon's business partner, who had lately
+returned from Holland. If Friend Henry had lived a few years longer he
+would have been a rich man, but in process of settlement his worldly
+wealth shrank greatly.
+
+Uncle James proposed that the house should be sold, and she be free from
+the expense of maintaining it.
+
+"Nay," she protested. "Surely thou hast not the heart to deprive me of
+the little joy remaining to my life. The place is dear to me, for I can
+see him in every room, and the garden he tended with so much care. Thou
+wilt kill me by insisting, and a murder will be on thy hands."
+
+She spent the winter and spring in the house. One day in every week she
+went to cousin Wetherill's.
+
+The elder lady, a stickler for fashion, suggested that she should wear
+mourning.
+
+"I like not dismal sables," declared Bessy. "And it is not the custom of
+Friends. I shall no doubt do many things I should be restricted from
+were my husband alive, but I will honor him in this."
+
+She attended the Friends' meeting on Sunday afternoon, but the evening
+assemblies that had convened at the Henrys' once a fortnight were
+transferred to another house. And in summer, although she went to the
+Henry farm, she made visits in town and resumed some of her old
+friendships.
+
+The next autumn there came an opportunity to sell the house and the
+business, and James Henry urged it.
+
+"Then her home will be here with us," he said to his wife. "Philemon was
+anxious to have the child brought up under the godly counsel of Friends,
+and she will be less likely to stray. I think she is not a whole-hearted
+Friend, and her relatives are worldly people."
+
+But when the place was sold she went at once to Madam Wetherill's. And
+she began to lay aside her Quaker plainness and frequented Christ
+Church; indeed, though she was not very gay as yet, she was a great
+attraction at the house of her relative.
+
+Before the summer ended an event occurred that gave her still greater
+freedom of action. This was a legacy from England left to the Wardour
+branch in the New World, and as there were but three heirs, her portion
+was a very fair one. There was some talk of Madam Wetherill taking her
+to England, but the cold weather came on, and there seemed so many
+things to settle. That winter she went over to the world's people
+altogether.
+
+"I think, Bessy, you should make a will," said Madam Wetherill as they
+were talking seriously one day. "It will not bring about death any
+sooner. I have had mine made this fifteen years, and am hale and hearty.
+But, if anything should happen, the child will be delivered over to the
+Henrys and brought up in the drab-colored mode of belief. It seems hard
+for little ones so full of life."
+
+"She must have her free choice of religion. Having tried both," and
+Bessy gave a dainty smile, "I like my own Church the best. If she should
+grow up and fall in love with a Friend, she can do as she likes. There
+are not many as manly and handsome as was Philemon. Indeed I think they
+make their lives too sad-colored, too full of work. I should go wild if
+I lost my little one, but Lois Henry goes about as if nothing had
+happened. I found it a luxury to grieve for Philemon. There is wisdom in
+thy suggestion."
+
+A lawyer was sent for and the matter laid before him. She could appoint
+another guardian now that she had money of her own to leave the child,
+and she could consign it part of the time to that guardian's care.
+
+There was much consultation before the matter was settled. And though,
+when the time came, she moved some chests of goods out to the farm and
+made a pretense of settling, she and Madam Wetherill soon after went up
+to New York and were gone three full months.
+
+James Henry found himself circumvented in a good many ways by woman's
+wit. There was no dispute between them, and much as he objected to the
+ways of the world's people, he had no mind to defraud his small niece
+out of a considerable fortune that might reasonably come to her. Indeed
+he began to be a little afraid of Bessy Henry's willfulness. And she
+might marry and leave all of her money to a new set of children.
+
+But fate ordered it otherwise. Bessy went for a visit to Trenton, and
+though she was rarely separated from her darling, this time she left her
+behind. She did not return as soon as she expected, on account of a
+feverish illness which would be over in a few days, her friends
+insisted, but instead developed into the scourge of smallpox, the
+treatment of which was not well understood at that time, and though she
+was healthy ordinarily, the bleeding so reduced her strength that she
+sank rapidly and in a week had followed her husband.
+
+Madam Wetherill was cut to the very heart by the sad incident, for she
+loved Bessy as if she had been her own daughter, and she was tenderly
+attached to baby Primrose, who was too little to realize all she had
+lost.
+
+When Friend Henry preferred his claim to his brother's child, he was met
+by some very decided opposition. In the first place the child had been
+christened in the church, and was, according to her mother's wishes, to
+be left in Madam Wetherill's charge for six months every year and be
+instructed in the tenets of her own church, and to remain perfectly free
+to make her choice when she was eighteen. If her mother's wishes could
+not be carried out, her fortune was to revert to Madam Wetherill, and
+she would inherit only what her father bequeathed her.
+
+"I cannot believe my brother was knowing to this nefarious scheme!"
+cried Friend Henry in a temper. "And I always thought Primrose a most
+ungodly name. It was his wish she should become a Friend."
+
+"And if your son marries among the world's people and leaves the faith
+what will you do?" asked Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I should disown him," was the hasty reply.
+
+"Then Bessy had a right to disown her child if she left the faith. See
+how unreasonable you are, Friend Henry, and how little true love is in
+your mind. Now if you have any regard for the little child do not let us
+quite dismember her after the fashion of Solomon's judgment. You may
+have her next summer, and I in the winter. I warn you, if you do not
+agree, I shall fight to the end. I have no children of my own to deprive
+if I go on lawing, and my purse will surely hold out as long as yours."
+
+That was true enough; longer, he knew. So, after a while, he assented
+ungraciously, and the matter was adjusted.
+
+But it was not a happy omen that the child's name should cause one
+quarrel and the possession of her another. She herself was bright and
+joyous, with much of her mother's merry nature and her clear, frank,
+beguiling blue eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+IN A NEW WORLD.
+
+
+A very homesick little girl was Primrose Henry when she went out to her
+uncle's farm. The nurse went with her, but Lois Henry preferred that she
+should not stay. The child was old enough to wait upon herself. She had
+a longing for it to fill the vacant place of her own little girls, but
+she knew that was carnal and sinful, and strove against it. Since God
+had deprived her of them it was not right to put aught else in their
+place. So it was a continual struggle between love and duty, and she was
+cold to the little stranger.
+
+The name, too, was a stumbling block. They had to accept it, however,
+and called her Primrose with the soberest accent. Uncle James felt sore
+about being worsted in his suit, for he had desired supreme control of
+the child.
+
+She soon found things to love. There was the big house dog Rover. Tiger,
+the watch dog, was kept chained in the daytime and let loose at night to
+ward off marauders. But he soon came to know her voice and wagged his
+tail joyously at her approach. She was quite afraid of the cows, but a
+pretty-faced one with no horns became a favorite, and she used to carry
+it tid-bits to eat. The cats, too, would come at her call, though they
+were not allowed in the house.
+
+And there was Andrew. She was very shy of him at first, but he coaxed
+her to look at a bird's nest with its small, blue-speckled eggs. And
+there were the chickens that, as they grew larger, followed her about.
+Andrew found the first ripe early pear for her, and the delicious, sweet
+July apple; he took her when he went fishing on the creek, but she
+always felt sorry for the poor fish so cruelly caught, it seemed to her.
+He taught her to ride bareback behind him, and some boyish tricks that
+amused her wonderfully.
+
+Aunt Lois trained her in spelling, in sums in addition, sewing
+patchwork, and spinning on the small wheel. But there was not enough in
+the simple living to keep a child busy half the time, and she soon found
+ways of roaming about, generally guarded by Rover. Aunt Wetherill had
+said, "In six months you are coming back to us," so at first she was
+very glad she was not to stay always.
+
+It is the province of happy and wholesome childhood to forget the things
+that are behind, or even a future in which there is dread. The life of
+childhood is in the present, and it finds many pleasures. So now
+Primrose had almost forgotten her joyous and sorrowful past, and really
+dreaded the next change. She hated to leave Andrew, the dogs and the
+chickens, the cows that she did not fear quite so much, the great
+orchard, the long reaches of meadows, and the woods where the birds sang
+so enchantingly. But Aunt Lois had not grown into her heart, and she
+stood greatly in awe of Uncle James, who had a way of speaking sharply
+to her.
+
+But black Cato came with Madam Wetherill in the lumbering chaise, which
+was a great rarity at that period. Primrose was dressed in a white
+homespun linen frock. At this early stage of the country's industries
+they were doing a good deal of weaving at Germantown, though many
+people had small looms in their houses. Imported goods were high, and
+now that so much of the land was cleared and houses built, they had time
+for other things, and were ingenious in discoveries.
+
+Madam Wetherill was very grand in her satin petticoat and brocade gown,
+that fell away at the sides and made a train at the back. Her imported
+hat of Leghorn, very costly at that period but lasting half a lifetime,
+had a big bow of green satin on top, and the high front was filled in
+with quilled lace and pink bows. From its side depended a long white
+lace veil with a deep worked border of flowers. Her shoes had glittering
+buckles, and she wore a great brooch in her stomacher.
+
+Primrose was dreadfully shy, she saw so few strangers. She scarcely
+raised her eyes to the rustling dame, and her heart beat with unwonted
+agitation.
+
+Madam Wetherill wanted to laugh at the queer little figure, but she was
+better bred, and kept a lingering fondness for the child's mother.
+Besides, she was one of the possible heirs to her fortune, and some of
+the grandnieces and nephews were not altogether to her fancy. And though
+she was high-spirited and could both resent and argue fiercely, she had
+the Wardour suavity, and some early training abroad in the Court.
+
+"Come hither, little one," and she held out her jeweled hand. "Friend
+Henry, I should have called to see my grandniece, but you remember we
+thought it best not so to do. You have had the uninterrupted six months,
+and I can see you have kept her well. What a clear complexion the child
+hath! A little sun-burned, perhaps. Her mother was a fine hearty woman,
+and it was a thousand pities she had not been inoculated and cared for
+carefully, instead of being attacked in that blind way no one suspected.
+She was a sweet thing and I loved her as a daughter of my own, though I
+would fain not have had her marry Philemon Henry. But la! love rules us
+all, at least us worldly people. I am thankful for thy good care of
+Primrose. And now, child, put on thy hood or cap or whatever 'tis, and
+come to thy new home, where we promise to treat thee well."
+
+"And return her to us," subjoined Lois Henry, almost afraid to let her
+go now that the time had come. "Get thy hat, child."
+
+Chloe entered just then with a glass of home-made wine of excellent
+flavor and age, and some newly baked cake that was quite enough in its
+very appearance to make one long to taste it. And the napkin she spread
+on my lady's lap was fine and soft, if it had not been woven in English
+air and taken a sea voyage.
+
+Primrose had glanced up at the lady when she began to address her, and
+one by one old memories returned. Friend Henry never spoke of her mother
+or Madam Wetherill, and in six months a good deal drops out of a child's
+mind, but she smiled a little as the stream of remembrance swept over
+her, and recalled her pretty mother's kisses and fondness and a
+beautiful house that had made this seem like a desert to her. And Madam
+Wetherill squeezed the small hand in a friendly manner, then began to
+eat her cake and praise it as well, though Friend Henry protested
+against that.
+
+"Chloe, bring the child's hat," she said in so calm a tone it hardly
+seemed a command.
+
+Then Madam took her by the hand and they walked out together and the
+black servant put her in the chaise. Madam Wetherill spread out her fine
+gown so that it almost covered the plain garments of the child.
+
+Lois Henry had merely uttered the briefest of good-byes, with no parting
+kiss. She had given her some counsel before. Yet when she shut the main
+door that opened into the sitting room, for the strictest of Friends
+would have no parlor, she sat down suddenly and put both hands to her
+face. It would be very hard to part thus every year, to know one's
+sincere efforts in training the child to a godly life would be uprooted
+by the vain show of the world, so attractive to youth, and the vision of
+the two little girls gone out never to return, swept over her with a
+pang. Why could she not give them wholly to the Lord, and be glad they
+were in His fold, safe from evil? And this little one--Madam Wetherill
+was quite at middle life--she herself was surely younger and might
+outlive the other. But at eighteen the child could choose, and she would
+be likely to choose the ways of the world, so seductive to youth.
+
+They did not go in to the city house, which was being repaired and
+cleaned. Many people owned farms along the banks of the Schuylkill and
+in the outlying places, where choice fruits of all kinds were
+cultivated, melons and vegetables for winter use as well as summer
+luxury. For people had to provide for winter, and there was much
+pickling and preserving and candying of fruits, and storing commoner
+things so that they would keep well.
+
+The houses were large, if rambling and rather plain, with porches wide
+enough to dance on on the beautiful moonlight nights. And there were
+sailing and rowing on the river, lovely indeed then with its shaded
+winding banks, mysterious nooks, and little creeks that meandered gently
+through sedgy grass and rested on the bosom of their mother, lost in her
+tenderness.
+
+Parties of young people often met for the afternoon and evening. There
+would be boating and dancing and much merrymaking. The people of this
+section were less strenuous than the New Englanders. They affiliated
+largely with their neighbors to the South. Indeed, many of the business
+men owned tobacco plantations in Maryland and Virginia. They kept in
+closer contact with the mother country as well. Madam Wetherill herself
+had crossed the ocean several times and brought home new fashions and
+court gowns and manners. The English novelists and poets were quite well
+read, and, though the higher education of women was not approved of,
+there were bright young girls who could turn an apt quotation, were
+quick at repartee, and confided to their bosom friend that they had
+looked over Sterne and Swift. They could indite a few verses on the
+marriage of a friend, or the death of some loved infant, but pretty,
+attractive manners and a few accomplishments went farther in the gentler
+sex than much learning.
+
+The Friends who were in society were not so over strict as to their
+attire. Those who lived much alone on the farms, like Lois Henry, or led
+restricted lives in the town, pondered much on how little they could
+give to the world. But they took from it all they could in thriftiness
+and saving.
+
+Young Mrs. Penn and Mrs. Logan and many another indulged in pretty gear,
+and grays that went near to lavender and peachy tints. There were
+pearl-colored brocades and satins, and dainty caps of sheerest material
+that allowed the well-dressed hair to show quite distinctly. There was
+also a certain gayety and sprightliness in entertaining, since there
+were no matinées or shows to visit. Both hostess and guest were expected
+to contribute of their best.
+
+Madam Wetherill had long been a well-to-do widow and conducted her large
+estate with ability, though she employed a sort of overseer or
+confidential clerk. She had inherited a good deal in her own right from
+the Wardours and sundry English relatives. Some of the Wetherills were
+of the Quaker persuasion, but her husband had wandered a little from the
+fold. She had been a Churchwoman, and still considered herself so, but
+she was of a very independent turn, and on her last visit to England had
+come home rather affronted with the light esteem in which many professed
+to hold the colonies.
+
+"They talk as if we were a set of ignoramuses," she declared in high
+dudgeon. "We are worthy of nothing but the tillage of fields and
+whatever industries the will of the mother country directs. Are we,
+their own offspring, to be always considered children and servants, and
+have masters appointed over us without any say of our own? We can build
+ships. Why can we not trade with any port in the world? What if we have
+raised up no Master Chaucer nor Shakspere nor Ben Jonson, nor wise Lord
+Bacon and divers storytellers--did England do this in her early years
+when she was hard bestead with the hordes from the Continent? We have
+had to make our way against Indian savages, and did we not conquer the
+French in our mother's behalf? And then to be set down as ignorant
+children, forsooth, and told what we must do and from what we must
+refrain. The colonies have outgrown swaddling-clothes!"
+
+But she was fond of gayety and pleasure as well, and having no children
+to place in the world and no really near kindred but first and second
+cousins she saw no need of being penurious, and lived with a free hand.
+She was very fond of young people also, and it seemed a great pity she
+had not been mother of a family. Her city house was a great rendezvous,
+and her farmhouse was the stopping place of many a gay party, and often
+a crowd to supper with a good deal of impromptu dancing afterward.
+
+The porch was full of young people now, with two or three men in
+military costume, so they drove around to the side entrance. Mistress
+Janice was busy ordering refreshments and making a new kind of frozen
+custard. A pleasant-faced, youngish woman came to receive them.
+
+"Here is the little Quaker, Patty, in her homespun gown. I might as well
+have sent you, for Friend Henry made no time at all, but was as meek as
+a mild-mannered mother sheep. It is the law, of course, and they had no
+right to refuse, but I was a little afraid of a fuss, and that perhaps
+they had set up the child against such ungodly people."
+
+"Oh, how she has grown!" cried Patty. "Child, have you forgotten me?"
+
+"Oh, no!" said Primrose a little shyly. "And my own mother liked you so.
+You were my nurse----"
+
+She slipped her hand within that of the woman.
+
+"She was a sweet person, poor dear! It will always be a great loss to
+thee, little child. Oh, madam, the eyes are the same; blue as a bit of
+sky between mountains. But she is not as fair----"
+
+"Thou must bleach her up with sour cream and softening lotions that will
+not hurt the skin. There, child, go with Patty, who will get thee into
+something proper. But she is like her mother in this respect, common
+garb does not disfigure her."
+
+Patty led her upstairs and through the hall into a sort of ell part
+where there were two rooms. The first had a great work table with
+drawers, and some patterns pinned up to the window casings that seemed
+like parts of ghosts. The floor was bare, but painted yellow. There was
+a high bureau full of drawers with a small oblong looking-glass on top,
+a set of shelves with a few books, and numerous odds and ends, a long
+bench with a chintz-covered pallet, and some chairs, beside a sort of
+washing stand in the corner. The adjoining room was smaller and had two
+cot beds covered with patchwork spreads.
+
+"Yes, thou hast grown wonderfully," repeated Patty. "And who cut thy
+lovely hair so short? But it curls like thy mother's. I find myself
+talking Quaker to thee, though to be sure the best quality use it."
+
+"I had so much hair and it was so warm that it hath been cut several
+times this summer."
+
+"Oh, you charming little Friend!" Patty gave her a hug and half a dozen
+kisses. "I'll warrant thou hast forgotten the old times!"
+
+"It comes back to me," and the blue eyes kindled with a soft light that
+would have been entrancing in a woman. "Aunt Lois checked me when I
+would have talked about them. And when I was here--it was in the other
+house, I remember--I was so sad and lonely without my dear mamma."
+
+She gave a sigh and her bosom swelled.
+
+"Patty, I cannot understand clearly. What is death, and why does God
+want people when He has so many in heaven? And a little girl has but one
+mother."
+
+"Law, child! I do not know myself. The catechism may explain it, but I
+was ever a dull scholar at reading and liked not study. Yes, thy face
+must be bleached up, and I will begin this very night. They were good to
+thee"--tentatively.
+
+"I always felt afraid of Uncle James, though he never slapped me but
+once, when I ran after the little chickens. They were such balls of
+yellow down that I wanted to hug them. Afterward I asked Andrew what I
+might do. He was very good to me, and he wished I had been his little
+sister."
+
+Patty laughed. "And did you wish it too?"
+
+"I liked my own dear mother best. When I was out in the woods alone I
+talked to her. Do you think she could hear in the sky? Aunt Lois said it
+was wrong to wish her back again, or to wish for anything that God took
+away. And so I ceased to wish for anybody, but learned to put on my
+clothes and tie my strings and button, and do what Aunt Lois told me. I
+can wipe cups and saucers and make my bed and sweep my room and weed in
+the garden, and sew, and spin a little, but I cannot make very even
+thread yet. And to knit--I have knit a pair of stockings, Patty. Aunt
+Lois said those I brought were vanity."
+
+"Stuff and nonsense! These Quakers would have the world go in hodden
+gray, and clumsy shoes and stockings. Let us see thine. Oh, ridiculous!
+We will give them to little Catty, the scrubwoman's child. Now I will
+put thee in something decent."
+
+She began to disrobe her and bathed her shoulders and arms in some
+fragrant water.
+
+"Oh, how delightful! It smells like roses," and she pressed the cloth to
+her face.
+
+"It is rose-water. What was in the garden at the Henrys'? Or is
+everything wicked that does not grow to eat?"
+
+"The roses were saved to make something to put in cake. But the lavender
+was laid in the press and the drawers. It was very fragrant, but not
+like the roses."
+
+She combed out the child's hair until it fell in rings about her head.
+Then she put on some fine, pretty garments and a slip of pink silk, cut
+over from a petticoat of Madam Wetherill's. Her stockings were fine, cut
+over as well, and her low shoes had little heels and buckles.
+
+"Oh," she cried with sudden gayety that still had a pathos in it, "it
+brings back mamma and so many things! Were they packed away, Patty, like
+one's best clothes? It is as if I could pull them out of a trunk where
+they had been shut up in the dark. And there were so many pretty
+garments, and a picture of father that I used to wear sometimes about my
+neck with a ribbon."
+
+"Yes, yes; madam has a boxful, saving for you, unless you turn Quaker.
+But we shall keep a sharp eye on you that you do not fall in love with
+any of the broadbrims. But your father was one of the handsomest of his
+sect, and a gentleman. It was whispered that his trade made him full
+lenient of many things, and your mother looked like a picture just
+stepped out of a frame. She had such an air that her dressing never made
+her plain. I am afraid you will not be as handsome. Oh, fie! what
+nonsense I am talking! I shall make thee as vain as a peacock!"
+
+Primrose laughed gayly. She felt happy and unafraid, as if she had been
+released from bondage. And yet everything seemed so strange she hardly
+dared stir. Why, this was the way she felt at Aunt Lois' the first week
+or two.
+
+There was a rustle in the little hall, and the child turned.
+
+"I declare, Patty, thou hast transformed our small Quaker, and improved
+her beyond belief. She is not so bad when all's said and done!"
+
+"But all isn't done yet, madam. When she comes to be bleached, and her
+hair grown out, but la! it's just a cloud now, a little too rough for
+silk, but we will soon mend that, and such a soft color."
+
+"Canst thou courtesy, child? Let me see?"
+
+Primrose looked a little frightened and glanced from one to the other.
+
+"This way." Patty held up a bit of the skirt of her gown, took a step
+forward with one foot, and made a graceful inclination. "Now try. Surely
+you knew before you fell into the hands of that strait sect who consider
+respectable manners a vanity. Try--now again. That does fairly well, my
+lady."
+
+Primrose was so used to obeying that, although her face turned red, she
+went through the evolution in a rather shy but not ungraceful manner.
+
+"Thou has done well with the frock, Patty, and it is becoming. My! but
+she looks another child. Now I am going to lead thee downstairs and thou
+must not be silly, nor frighted of folks. They knew thy dear mother."
+
+Madame Wetherill took her by the hand and led her through another hall
+and down a wide staircase to the main hall that ran through the house. A
+great rug lay in the front square, and on one side was a mahogany settle
+with feather cushions in gay flowered chintz.
+
+Out on the porch was a girlish group laughing and jesting, sipping mead,
+and eating cake and confections. Little tables placed here and there
+held the refreshments. The sun was dropping down and the Schuylkill
+seemed a mass of molten crimson and gold commingled. The fresh wind blew
+up through the old-fashioned garden of sweet herbs and made the air
+about fragrant.
+
+"This is my little grandniece, Primrose Henry," she exclaimed,
+presenting the child. "Some of you have seen her mother, no doubt, who
+died so sadly at Trenton of that miserable smallpox."
+
+"Oh, and her father, too!" exclaimed Mrs. Pemberton, putting down her
+glass and coming forward.
+
+Primrose had made her courtesy and now half buried her face in Madame
+Wetherill's voluminous brocade.
+
+"A fine man indeed was Philemon Henry, with the air of good descent, and
+the manner of courts. And we always wondered if he would not have come
+over to us if his sweetheart had stood firm. Girls do not realize all
+their power. But it was a happy marriage, what there was of it. Alas!
+that it should have ended so soon! But I think the child favors her
+mother."
+
+"And it will not do to say all the sweet things we know about her
+mother," laughed pretty Miss Chew. "Sweet diet is bad for infants and
+had better be saved for their years of appreciation. You see we may
+never reach discretion."
+
+"Come hither, little maid," said a persuasive voice. "I have two at home
+not unlike thee, and shall be glad to bring them when Madam comes home
+to Arch Street. Primrose! What an odd name, savoring of English
+gardens."
+
+Some of the younger women pulled her hither and thither and kissed her,
+and one pinned a posy on her shoulder. Then Madam Wetherill led her down
+quite to the edge of the porch, where sat a rather thin, fretted-looking
+woman, gowned in the latest style, and a girl of ten, much more
+furbelowed than was the custom of attiring children.
+
+"This is the child I was telling thee of, Bessy Wardour's little one
+that she had to leave with such regrets. This is a relative of thy
+mother's, Primrose, and this is Anabella. I hope you two children may be
+friends."
+
+There was a certain curious suavity in Madam Wetherill's tone that was
+not quite like her every-day utterances.
+
+"A Wardour--yes; was there not something about her marriage----"
+
+"She became a Friend for love's sake," laughed Madam Wetherill. "Others
+stood ready to marry her, but she would have none of them--girls are
+willful."
+
+The lady rose with a high dignity.
+
+"It grows late," she said, "and if you will keep your promise, dear
+aunt, I should like to be sent home, since it is not well for children
+to be out in the evening dews. And I hope the little girls may indeed be
+friends."
+
+"Yes, I will order the chaise."
+
+Others had risen. Mrs. Pemberton and her daughter, and two or three
+more, had been bidden to supper. Some of the ladies had come on
+horseback, the ordinary mode of traveling. They clustered about Madam
+Wetherill and praised her cake and said how glad they would be to get
+her in the city again. Then they pinned up their pretty skirts and put
+on their safeguard petticoats and were mounted by Cato and went off,
+nodding. The chaise took in two other ladies.
+
+The little girls had simply eyed each other curiously, but neither made
+any advance, and parted formally.
+
+Then Patty came and took Primrose upstairs and gave her a supper of
+bread and milk and a dish of cut peaches and cream. Afterward she
+undressed her and put her in one of the cots, bidding her go to sleep at
+once. She was needed elsewhere.
+
+But Primrose felt desperately, disobediently wide awake. It had been
+such an afternoon of adventure after six months of the quietest routine
+that had made memory almost lethargic. The remembrances came trooping
+back--the long time it seemed to her when she had yearned and cried in
+secret for her mother, the two little girls that in some degree
+comforted her, and then the half terror and loneliness on the farm until
+she had come to love the dumb animals and her Cousin Andrew. This was
+all so different. A long, long while and then she must go back. What
+made people so unlike? What made goodness and badness? And what was God
+that she stood dreadfully in awe of, who could see her while she could
+not see Him?
+
+Thus, swinging back and forth amid unanswerable questions, she fell
+asleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+OF MANY THINGS.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill was much engrossed with visitors and overseeing the farm
+work, ordering what of the produce was to be sold, what of the flax and
+the wool sent away to be spun and woven, and the jars and boxes and
+barrels set aside to be taken into the town later on. Patty was busy
+sewing for the little girl and her mistress, and sometimes, when she was
+bothered, she was apt to be rather sharp. At others she proved
+entertaining.
+
+Primrose learned to know her way about the great house and the garden
+and orchard. Now she must go with a bonnet to protect her from the sun
+and linen gloves to keep her hands white, or to get them that color. At
+night she was anointed with cosmetics, and her hair was brushed and
+scented, but needed no help from curling tongs or pins.
+
+It was like a strange dream to her, and in the morning when she awoke
+she wondered first if she had not overslept and missed the call of Aunt
+Lois; then she would laugh, remembering. She was a very cheerful,
+tractable child, and Madam Wetherill was much drawn to her. Sometimes
+she went riding with her in the coach, which was a rather extravagant
+luxury in those days.
+
+And then they came into town and it was stranger still to the little
+girl. But now she began to be busy.
+
+There were some schools where boys and girls went together, but many of
+the best people had their daughters educated at home. It seemed quite
+desirable that they should learn French, as it was useful to have a
+language servants could not understand. They began with Latin, as that
+gave a better foundation for all else. Then there was enough of
+arithmetic to keep household accounts and to compute interest. Madam
+Wetherill had found her knowledge most useful, as she had a large estate
+to manage and had no such objections as many of the women of that
+period.
+
+There was the spinet and singing of songs, dancing and doing fine
+needlework. Anabella Morris was to come in for the accomplishments.
+
+Her mother professed to hold the weightier knowledge in slight esteem.
+
+"Anabella will no doubt have a husband to manage for her," her mother
+said with a high sort of indifference. "Women make but a poor fist at
+money affairs."
+
+"Indeed, Niece Mary, I do not see but what I have managed my affairs as
+well as most men could have done them for me. And look at Hester Morris,
+left with a handsome patrimony by an easy husband, and now dependent on
+relatives. I am glad there is talk of her second marriage."
+
+"Mere talk, it may be." With her nose in the air, Mary Morris was not a
+little jealous that her almost penniless sister-in-law should capture
+the prize she had been angling for.
+
+"Let us hope it will be something more. I hear Miss Morris hath promised
+her a wedding gown, and I will add a brocade with a satin petticoat.
+Hester is a pleasant body, if not overdowered with wisdom."
+
+Mrs. Mary Morris was not poor, though it needed much contriving to get
+along on her income. She was very fond of play, one of the vices of the
+time, and though she was often successful, at others she lost heavily.
+She was fond of being considered much richer than she really was, and
+kept her pinches to herself. One of her dreams had been the possibility
+of being asked to stay at Wetherill House for the winter, at least, but
+this had not happened. She was not as near a connection as Bessy Wardour
+had been, but she made the most of the relationship, and there were not
+a great many near heirs; so all might reasonably count on having
+something by and by.
+
+She had received a goodly supply of provisions from the farm, and the
+offer had been made for Anabella to share Primrose Henry's teachers with
+no extra charge.
+
+"You are very generous to the child," she said in a complaining tone. "I
+thought Philemon Henry was in excellent circumstances."
+
+"So he was."
+
+"And is not her guardian, the other one, a well-to-do Quaker? Why must
+you be so regardful of her?"
+
+"Yes, she will have a nice sum, doubtless. I want her brought up to fit
+her station, which the Henrys, being strict Friends, would not do. Her
+mother appointed me her guardian, you know. I do nothing beside my duty.
+But if you do not care----"
+
+"Oh, 'tis a real charity to offer it for Anabella, and I am glad to
+accept. She is well trained, I suppose, so no harm can come of the
+association."
+
+"Oh, no harm indeed," returned the elder dryly.
+
+After the simplicity of life at the Henrys' there seemed such a
+confusion of servants that Primrose was almost frightened. Mistress
+Janice Kent kept them in order, and next to Madam Wetherill ruled the
+house. Patty was a seamstress, a little higher than the maid who made
+her mistress ready for all occasions, looked after her clothes, did up
+her laces, and crimped her ruffles. But Patty wrote her invitations and
+answered the ordinary notes; and she was appointed to look after and
+care for Primrose, who was too old for a nurse and not old enough for a
+maid.
+
+Patty was a woman of some education, while Mistress Kent had been to
+France and Holland, and could both write and speak French. Patty's
+advantages had been rather limited, but she was quick and shrewd and
+made the most of them, though the feeling between her and Janice Kent
+rather amused Madam Wetherill. Janice was always trying to "set her down
+in her proper place," but what that was exactly it would have been hard
+to tell. Janice would not have had time to look after the child, and
+this responsibility rather raised her. Then she had wonderful skill with
+caps and gowns, and could imitate any imported garment, for even then
+those who could sent abroad for garments made up in the latest style,
+though it was London and not Paris style.
+
+Primrose kept her bed in Patty's room. There were plain little gowns for
+her daily wear, but white aprons instead of homespun ginghams. She came
+to breakfast with Madam Wetherill when there were no guests, or only one
+or two intimates. For the people of the town had much of the Southern
+ways of hospitality, and when on their farms in summer often invited
+their less fortunate friends. It was not always lack of money, but many
+of the merchants in trade and commerce between the home ports had no
+time to spend upon country places, and were not averse to having their
+wives and daughters enjoy some of the more trying summer weeks in the
+cooler suburban places.
+
+So Primrose sat like a mouse unless someone spoke to her, and it was
+considered not best to take too much notice of children, as it made them
+forward. Then there were two hours devoted to studying, and sewing with
+Patty until dinner, which was often taken upstairs in the sewing room.
+Twice a week the tutor came for Latin and French, the former first; and
+then Anabella came for French, and after that the little girls could
+have a play or a walk, or a ride with Madam Wetherill. Then there was a
+dancing lesson twice a week, on alternate days, and a young woman came
+to teach the spinet, which was a rather unusual thing, as women were not
+considered to know anything except housekeeping well enough to teach it.
+But this was one of Madam Wetherill's whims. For the girl's family had
+been unfortunate, and the elder woman saw in this scheme a way to assist
+them without offering charity.
+
+"Do you suppose the little girls I knew last winter will ever come
+back?" she asked of Patty one day.
+
+"Oh, la, no!" was the reply. "Five years of school lies before them--not
+like Master Dove's school, where one goes every morning, but a great
+boarding house where they are housed and fed and study, and have only
+half of Saturday for a holiday. And they study from morning to night."
+
+"It must be very hard," sighed Primrose. "And why do they learn so
+much?"
+
+"To be sure, that's the puzzle! And they say women don't need to know.
+They can't be lawyers nor doctors nor ministers, nor officers in case of
+war, nor hold offices."
+
+"But they can be queens. There was Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne. I
+read about them in a book downstairs one day. And if women can be
+queens, why can't they be something else?"
+
+Patty looked down, nonplused for a moment. "I suppose it was because the
+kings died, and all the sons were dead, if they ever had any. Well--I
+don't know why woman shouldn't be 'most anything; but she isn't, and
+that's all about it. There's more than one man wanted to marry the
+madam, but she's wise not to take a spendthrift--or one of the Friends,
+who would be obstinate and set in his ways. She's good enough at
+bargaining, and she has a great tobacco plantation at Annapolis, and is
+as smart as any man. And she can beat half of them at piquet and ombre
+and win their money, too."
+
+"What is piquet?"
+
+"Oh, Lord, child! I've always heard that little pitchers had big ears,
+and many a rill runs to the sea. Don't you carry things, now, nor ask
+questions. Little girls have no call to know such things. What were we
+talking about when I made that slip? Oh, about those girls. They'll be
+trained in fine manners. The English ladies go to court and see the King
+and the Queen and the princesses, and have gay doings."
+
+"Have we any court?"
+
+"Oh, dear, no! England governs us. But there's a good deal of
+talk--there, child, get some sewing--hemstitching or something--and
+don't talk so much."
+
+She was silent quite a while. Then she said gravely: "I think I liked
+the other girls better than I do Anabella. Is she my real cousin? She
+said so yesterday. And once, just before I came here, Andrew said I had
+no cousin but him."
+
+"That's true enough. Andrew is a real cousin, your father's brother's
+son. And your mother had no brothers or sisters. But it's a fashion to
+say cousin. It sounds more respectful. Mistress Morris is a great one to
+scrape relationship with high-up folks."
+
+Primrose suddenly wondered if anybody missed her at the farm. The little
+chickens must have grown into quite large ones, and all the other things
+she cared for so much. There was a sudden homesickness. She would like
+to see them. But--yes, she _would_ rather be here. There were so many
+things to learn. She didn't see any sense in the Latin, and she was sure
+it didn't make the French any easier. But the spinet----
+
+"Patty," she ventured timidly, "do you not think I ought to go at my
+notes? I didn't play them very well yesterday, and the mistress rapped
+me over the knuckles."
+
+She spread her small hand out on her knee and inspected it.
+
+"Yes. Dear me! you'll never get that kerchief done. But, then, run
+along. There's no one downstairs. They are all invited to Mistress
+Pean's to take tea, and pick everybody to pieces."
+
+"But they have no feathers," said the little girl with a quaint smile,
+as she folded up her work and ran her needle through it. Then she put it
+in a large silken bag that hung on a nail, and remembered with a
+half-guilty conscience that there were some stockings to darn, and she
+almost expected to hear Patty ask about them and call her back.
+
+Down over the wide steps she tripped. She was half minded to take a
+plunge amid the down cushions on the settle. She had sometimes turned
+somersaults in the grass when no one was by, being very careful not to
+let Aunt Lois surprise her. She felt like that now, but she walked along
+decorously. The great company room was always a marvel to her. It held
+so many wonderful things.
+
+There was, even then, a good deal of luxury for those who had the money
+to buy it. England did not care how much her colonists spent so that it
+passed through her hands. She brought treasures from the far East--there
+were only a very few ports allowed to the Americans.
+
+And here were Oriental rugs on the polished floor; furniture carved and
+padded in brocade, tables with massive claw feet, and others in thin
+spindles that seemed hardly stout enough to hold up the top. There was a
+great carved chimney-piece with some tiles let in, and some curious
+iridescent bulbs not unlike the "bullseyes" over the wide hall door, but
+in different phases of light they gave out varied colors. There were
+queer, beautiful, and grotesque ornaments, some ugly Chinese gods that
+had been brought hither by sea captains, but if to convert the new
+continent, the scheme certainly would prove a failure. Primrose always
+looked at them with a shudder, and instinctively thought of the Friends'
+meeting with the soft gray gowns and shawls with fine fringes, or in
+summer just a plain white kerchief crossed over the bosom. Then there
+was a great blue-and-white Chinese pagoda, ornamented with numerous
+bells, every story growing smaller. It stood on a solid clawfoot table,
+and beside it, also in china, a mandarin with flowing sleeves and a long
+pigtail in dark-blue.
+
+There were curious chairs as well, and no end of square ottomans covered
+with brocade or tapestry, sadly faded now and some of the edges worn.
+Everywhere about were candlesticks and snuffers, for sometimes the room
+was brilliantly lighted.
+
+Adjoining this, with a wide doorway between, was a room not quite so
+long, but jutting out at the side. In a sort of alcove stood the spinet.
+There were also two corner buffets, as they were called. One of them had
+drawers at the bottom, and the shelves above held various heirlooms, and
+quaint old silver, with the punch bowl over two hundred years old,
+bearing the Crown mark.
+
+The other contained a good many books, for the descendants of the
+cavaliers were not averse to something lighter than the "Book of
+Martyrs." An old brown leather-covered Shakspere, and some of his
+compeers, and Bacon, Lord Verulam, reposing peacefully on the shelf
+underneath. Mr. Benjamin Franklin had given an impetus to knowledge and
+ventured upon the writing of books himself.
+
+Primrose wandered among them now and then, not understanding, and having
+a greater fondness for the versifying part than the prose. But she did
+pore over "Rasselas," and an odd collection of adventures in Eastern
+lands, very like the "Arabian Nights."
+
+But now she went straight at her spinet. She was thrilled through and
+through with the sound of the notes, and often before she was aware her
+little fingers would wander off in some melody, recalling how a bird
+sang or how a streamlet rippled over the stones. Then she would stop in
+affright and go carefully over her lesson.
+
+Anabella really succeeded better than she did. There was no singing bird
+in her brain that tempted her to stray. But sometimes the music master
+was quite angry with her, and said she "might as well be a boy driving
+nails or facing stone."
+
+But now she went over and over and would not be seduced by "wonderful
+melodies." It was quite dark when Mistress Janice called her to supper
+in the tea room, with Patty. The two women had a great deal of sparring,
+it would seem. At the farm there was never any bickering. Once in a
+while Uncle James scolded some of the laborers. Yet it seemed curious to
+Primrose that they should talk so sharply to each other and the next
+minute join in gay laughter.
+
+The very next day she had a visitor. Uncle James had been in once and
+had a long talk with Madam Wetherill. After he had given her a somewhat
+serious scrutiny and asked a few questions she was dismissed. But Aunt
+Wetherill was out now and Andrew Henry asked for her.
+
+"Promise me you won't run off with him," exclaimed Patty. "I must finish
+this gown, as madam goes to Mrs. Chew's this afternoon, and all these
+furbelows have to be sewed on. Folks can't be content with a plain gown
+any more, but must have it laced and ruffled and bows stuck on it as if
+it was Fair time!"
+
+"When is Fair time?" asked Primrose, as she was putting on a clean
+pinafore.
+
+"How you take one up, child! There are fairs and fairs. They started in
+England, where all things do. For all we put on such mighty independent
+airs we do but follow like a flock of sheep. There, child, run and don't
+stand gaping! And mind that you don't attempt to run off with friend
+Broadbrim."
+
+She was glad to be clasped in the strong arms and have the hearty kiss
+on her forehead.
+
+"It is like a different place without thee," he exclaimed. "I cannot
+make the days go fast enough until spring opens and thou come back with
+the birds. We are such quiet folk. And here all is gayety. Wilt thou
+ever be content again?"
+
+"Is gayety so very wrong, Andrew? It seems quite delightful to me," she
+returned wistfully. "And when the ladies move about in their pretty
+gowns it is like great flocks of birds, or the meadows with lilies and
+daisies and red clover-heads. Why do they have all the bright colors?"
+
+A hint of perplexity crossed her brow.
+
+"Surely I cannot tell. And the woods have been robed in scarlet and
+yellow, and such tints of red brown that one could study them by the
+hour. And the corn has turned a russet yellow and looks like the tents
+of an army. Yes, there are divers colors in the world."
+
+"And sometimes I have wished to be a butterfly. They were so beautiful,
+skimming along. God made them surely."
+
+"Yes. But He put no soul in them. Perhaps that was to show His estimate
+of fine gear."
+
+Primrose sighed.
+
+"They would make heaven more beautiful. And the singing birds! Oh,
+surely, Cousin Andrew, they must be saved."
+
+"Nay, child, such talk is not seemly. What should a thing without a soul
+do in heaven where all is praise and worship?"
+
+"And the worship at Christ Church is very nice, with the singing of
+psalms and hymns and the people praying together. Why do we not sing,
+Andrew?"
+
+He hugged her closer. The soft "we" went to his heart. She had not
+identified herself with these people of forms and ceremonies then, nor
+quite accepted their "vain repetitions."
+
+"Thou wilt understand better in the course of a few years. There is much
+mummery in all of these things. They who worship God truly do it in
+spirit and in truth. But tell me what else thou art doing on week-days?"
+
+She told him of her studies. The Latin and French seemed quite useless
+to him, although he knew it was taught at the Friends' school, and many
+of the persuasion he knew did not disdain education. But his father was
+quite as rigorous as the Church Catechism about the duties pertaining to
+one's station in life, and as his son was to be a farmer and inherit
+broad acres, he cared for him to know nothing outside of his business.
+
+But the bits of history, of men and women, interested him very much.
+
+"I hear them talk sometimes," she said. "And some of them do not want a
+king. Why is he not content to govern England and let us alone?"
+
+"I am not clear in my own mind about that," he answered thoughtfully.
+"So many of us came over here to escape the rigors of a hard rule and to
+worship God as we chose. And methinks we ought to have the right to live
+and do business as we choose. I should like to hear able men talk on
+both sides. I heard some things in the market place this morning that
+startled me strangely."
+
+"They will not have the tea," she said tentatively. "It is queer, bitter
+stuff, so I do not wonder."
+
+He laughed at that.
+
+"Yes, I heard we were like to be as famous as Boston."
+
+"Patty knows about Boston," she said. "She was a little girl there. But
+she doesn't like it very much."
+
+Mistress Kent came in with some cake and a home brew of beer, and asked
+politely after Mrs. Henry. Then Andrew rose to go.
+
+"I cannot take thee just yet," he said, twining the little fingers about
+one of his. "But the time will soon pass. And I shall be likely to come
+in on market day once in a while, if I do not make bad bargains!" with a
+grave sort of smile. "Then I shall see thee, and take home a good
+account."
+
+"Thou mayst indeed do that," said Mistress Janice, with high dignity.
+"She learns many things in this great house."
+
+He stooped and kissed her, and she somehow felt sorry to say good-by.
+
+"I suppose," exclaimed his father that evening, "that the child has been
+tutored out of her simple ways, and is aping the great lady with fine
+feathers and all that!"
+
+"She is not much changed and plainly dressed, and seems not easily to
+forget her old life, asking about many things."
+
+"My brother Philemon's intentions will be sorely thwarted. He was called
+upon to give up his son, but I am not sure I should have done it for
+worldly gain. It was going back to the bondage we were glad to escape.
+And he had counted on other sons to uphold the faith. But the mother was
+only half-hearted, and the child will always be in peril."
+
+Andrew Henry wondered a little about this question of faith. He had
+heard strange talk in the market place to-day. The Puritans of Boston
+had persecuted and banished the Friends, and the Friends here could
+hardly tolerate the royalist proclivities of the Episcopalians. If war
+should come, would one have to choose between his country and his
+faith?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A BOULEVERSEMENT.
+
+
+It was a winter of much perturbation. Grave questions were being
+discussed--indeed, there had been overt acts of rebellion. And while the
+Friends counseled peace and preached largely non-resistance, those in
+trade found they were being sadly interfered with, and this led them to
+look more closely into the matter and frequent some of the meetings
+where discussions were not always of the moderate sort.
+
+There had been a congress held at Smith's Tavern after Captain Ayres,
+with his ship _Polly_, had thought it wisdom to turn about upon reaching
+Gloucester Point and hearing that the town had resolved he should not
+land his cargo of tea. Boston and New York had destroyed it, and he
+thought it wiser not to risk a loss.
+
+They went, afterward, to Carpenter's Hall, where the Reverend Mr. Duché
+made a prayer and read the collect for the day. The discussion was
+rather informal, if spirited, and the general disuse of English goods
+was enjoined.
+
+A sentiment was given afterward:
+
+"May the sword of the parent never be stained with the blood of his
+children."
+
+There were a number of Friends present at the table. One, who had
+protested vigorously against the possibilities of war, said heartily:
+
+"This is not a toast, but a prayer. Come, let us join it."
+
+Christmas was kept with much jollity on the part of many who had no fear
+of the Scarlet Lady before their eyes, and whose affiliations with
+Virginia and Maryland were of the tenderer sort. There was great
+merrymaking at Madam Wetherill's, visitors having been invited for a
+week's stay. And just at this time the widow Hester Morris married
+again, and Anabella assumed a great deal of consequence.
+
+Wedding festivities lasted several days. Primrose, in a flowered silken
+gown, was permitted to go and have a taste of the bride cake, with
+strict injunctions to refuse the wine. There were several children, and
+they danced the minuet, to the great admiration of the grown people.
+
+There were some other pleasures as well. The creeks were frozen over and
+there were fascinating slides,--long, slippery places like a sheet of
+glass,--and the triumph was to slide the whole length and keep one's
+head well up. You could spread your arms out like a windmill, only you
+might come in contact with some other arms, and the great thing was to
+preserve a correct and elegant balance. Sometimes there were parties of
+large girls, and then the little ones had to retire elsewhere lest they
+might get run over and have a bad fall.
+
+One of the pretty ways was to gather up one's skirt by an adroit
+movement, and suddenly squat down and sail along like a ball. There was
+a great art in going down, for you could lurch over so easily, and you
+were almost sure to come down on your nose.
+
+Primrose and Bella went out together after the former learned her way
+about a little. And though Anabella seemed a rather precise body and
+easily shocked over some things, she was quite fond of the boys, and
+often timed their play hour so as to meet the boys coming home from
+school, and have a laughing chat with them.
+
+Primrose had a scarlet coat edged with fur and a hood to match. She
+looked very charming in it, and even a stranger could see the glances of
+admiration bestowed upon her. She was very shy with strangers, though
+she did make friends with two or three girls.
+
+"You must be very careful," declared the pretentious Bella. "I wouldn't
+take so much notice of that Hannah Lee. They are very common people. Her
+father is a blacksmith and her mother was a servant before she was
+married. And they are Quakers."
+
+"So was my own father and my dear mother."
+
+"But your mother wasn't really, you know, and she had all those English
+Wardour relations, and was well connected. But the Lees are very common
+people, and poor. You see such people hang to you when you are grown up.
+My mother says one cannot be too careful. Then I think Aunt Wetherill
+would not approve."
+
+She did like the fresh, rosy, brown-eyed Hannah Lee, though her dress,
+from crown almost to toe, was drab, and somewhat faded at that. Her gray
+beaver hat was tied snugly under her chin, and her yarn stockings were
+gray. Her shoes had plain black buckles on them. But there were other
+little gray birds as well, and some Quaker damsels were in cloth and
+fur.
+
+Primrose thought she would ask Aunt Wetherill. One morning she was up in
+the sewing room and Patty was downstairs pressing out a gown that was
+to be made over.
+
+"You look nice and rosy, little Primrose," said the lady. "A run out of
+doors is a good thing for you. I saw a flock of children sliding
+yesterday, and I thought I knew the scarlet hood. It is more sensible
+than a hat. Did you like the fun?"
+
+"Oh, so much!" answered Primrose, her soft eyes shining like a summer
+sky. "And I can keep up a good long while. But, when I go down, I do
+often tip over."
+
+"Thou wilt learn all these things. I am glad to have thee with the
+children, too. It is not good for little ones to live too much with
+grown people and get their ways."
+
+"I know some of the girls," said Primrose. "I like Hannah Lee very much.
+She goes to Master Dove's school, but Bella said she was poor."
+
+"Fie! fie! Children should put on no such airs! Bella hath altogether
+too many of them, and her mother is not an overwise woman! Let me hear
+no more about whether one is poor or rich."
+
+Primrose was not at all hurt by the chiding tone. She was so glad that
+she might keep her friend with a clean conscience that she looked up and
+smiled.
+
+"Thou art a wholesome little thing, and the training of the Friends has
+some good points. Let me see--I think thou canst have a white beaver
+this winter, and a cloak with swansdown. And I will give Bella one of
+blue, so she shall not ape thee. I do not like one to copy the other
+when one purse is long and the other short."
+
+"Oh, a white beaver! That would be beautiful!" and the eager eyes were
+alight more with pleasure than vanity.
+
+"She is like her mother," Madam Wetherill thought. Primrose was really
+happy not to give up Hannah Lee. They could find so many subjects of
+interchange--what the children were doing at Master Dove's school, and
+the plays they had. The snowballing, although as yet there had been only
+one snow, had been almost a battle between two parties of boys.
+
+"But Master Dove said no one should dip the balls in water and then let
+them freeze, or he would get birched soundly. The soft ones are more
+fun, methinks; they often go to pieces in a shower. My brothers and I
+snowball after the night work is done. We can keep no servant, so we all
+have to help."
+
+That was being poor, Primrose supposed. Yet Hannah seemed a great deal
+kinder and merrier than Bella, and never said sharp things, or was
+haughty to a playmate.
+
+What Primrose had to tell seemed like wonderland to the little girl
+whose only story was "Pilgrim's Progress"--the great house, with rugs
+and silken curtains, the Chinese mandarin and the pagoda, the real
+pictures that had come from England, and a beautiful, full-length
+portrait of her own mother, the books in the library, and the gay
+companies, the silver and fine dishes, and all the servants.
+
+Not that Primrose boasted. She was very free from such a fault. It was
+not hers, either, and she had no sense of possession. She spoke of her
+life at her uncle's as well, of the quiet at the farm, of the sewing and
+spinning.
+
+"I shall learn to spin another year," said Hannah with interest. "I like
+the merry, buzzing sound. And when I am tall enough for the big wheel I
+shall enjoy running to and fro. I have an uncle at Germantown who
+weaves. Mother lets us visit him now and then, and I delight in that."
+
+Hannah had so many aunts and cousins that the little girl quite envied
+her.
+
+Bella Morris had a great deal to say about her newly married aunt, who,
+after all, was no real relation, but her father's sister-in-law. She had
+married a Mr. Mathews, a well-to-do widower with two growing-up sons who
+were among the mischievous lads of the day, for even then signs were
+reversed and gates carried off and front stoops barricaded; even windows
+were broken in sport, the sport seeming to be chiefly in the adroitness
+with which one could parry suspicion. They had a house on Spruce Street,
+set in the midst of a considerable garden, while not a few respectable
+business men lived over their stores and offices. Polly Morris really
+grudged her sister-in-law the good fortune, for Hester had been left
+much worse off than she, but Hester had no incumbrances, and was
+younger.
+
+In January another congress met, and there was a warm discussion about
+home manufactures. Underneath was a seething mass ready to bubble over
+at another turn of the screws. England had utterly refused to listen to
+the colonists or accede to their wishes. Franklin returned home
+heavy-hearted indeed, and though he counseled prudence and moderation,
+and could not believe there would be what he foresaw, if it came to an
+open issue, would prove a long and bitter struggle. But the gun was
+fired at Lexington, and the State of Massachusetts stood forth an
+undisguised rebel.
+
+One market day Andrew came in again. Primrose had wondered at his long
+absence. There had been many things to disturb the serenity of the
+peaceful farmhouse. A sister of Aunt Lois' who had cared for the mother
+during years of widowhood was taken down, and died after a short
+illness. The mother, old and feeble, and wandering in her mind, needed
+constant care. There were three children also, a lad of sixteen and two
+younger girls, one of whom was devoted to the poor old grandmother.
+There was nothing to do but to offer them a home, James Henry felt, for
+Lois would want to make her mother's declining years as comfortable as
+possible. They were not penniless, but the income was small, and the
+farm in debt, so it was judged best to sell it and invest the money for
+the children. Penn Morgan was a stout young fellow and would be of much
+assistance to Uncle James, while he was learning to do for himself.
+Rachel, at fourteen, was very womanly, and little Faith was ten.
+
+All this had happened during March. James Henry paid little attention to
+outside matters. He was prosperous enough under the King's rule, he
+thought, and he was not a man to take up the larger questions.
+
+"We can hardly have thy brother's child here this season," Lois Henry
+said to her husband one evening as she sat in her straight-backed chair,
+too tired even to knit when the cares of the day were over, and the
+poor, half-demented mother safely asleep.
+
+He looked up in anger. "Not have her here?" he repeated vaguely.
+
+"There is so much more care for me. Rachel is a great help and a
+comforting maiden. I never thought anyone could come so near to the
+place of the lost ones, the daughters I had hoped would care for my old
+age. Faith is gentle and tractable, but two children so nearly of an
+age, yet with such a different training, would lead to no end of
+argument and do each other no good. I dare say Madam Wetherill has used
+her best efforts to uproot our ways and methods."
+
+"That would be a small and unjust thing, remembering her father's
+faith."
+
+There was something not quite a smile crossed Lois' face, so tired now
+that a few of the placid lines had lost their sweetness.
+
+"Yet it was what we did, James." Lois had a great sense of fair-dealing
+and truth-telling. So far she had had no bargains to make with the
+world, nor temptations to get the better of anyone. "We thought it our
+duty to instruct her in her father's faith and keep her from the
+frivolities that were a snare to her mother. I dare say Madam Wetherill
+looks at the reverse side for her duty. They go to Christ Church, Andrew
+said, and though christening signifieth nothing to us, she may impress
+the child with a sense of its importance. Then the Wetherill House has
+been very gay this winter. Friend Lane said there was gaming and
+festivities going on every night, and that it was a meeting place for
+disaffected minds."
+
+"But Madam Wetherill is a fine royalist. Still there are many ungodly
+things and temptations there, and this is why I requested Andrew not to
+go there on market days. He was roused in a way I could not approve and
+talked of the books in the house. Indiscreet reading is surely a snare.
+I am not at all sure the ever-wise Franklin, while no doubt he hath much
+good sense and counseleth patience and peace, hath done a wise thing in
+advocating a public library where may be found all kinds of heresy. Yet
+it is true that James Logan was learned in foreign tongues and gave to
+the town his collection. It was better while they were kept in the
+family, but now they have been taken to Carpenter's Hall, and some other
+books added, I hear, and it is a sort of lounging place where the young
+may imbibe dangerous doctrines. I am glad Penn is such a sensible
+fellow, though Andrew hath been obedient, but he will soon be of age."
+
+"The child has been subject to little restraint then, if she is allowed
+to read everything. And it would be better for Faith not to have the
+companionship. Then I do not feel able to undertake the training out of
+these ideas, as I should feel it my duty to do."
+
+James Henry gave a sigh. He could recall his brother's anxiety that the
+child should not stray from the faith of the Friends.
+
+"I will go in next week myself and have an interview with Madam
+Wetherill and see the child. I shall be better able to decide what is my
+duty."
+
+Then they lapsed into silent meditation. If the prayers, since they are
+only fervent desires, could have been uttered aloud, they would have
+been found quite at variance.
+
+Providence, which is supposed to have a hand in these matters, was
+certainly on Lois Henry's side, though she never took comfort in the
+fact; indeed, accepted the accident with the sweet patience of her sect
+and never disturbed her mind studying why it should have been sent at
+this particular time. For James Henry had a fall from the upper floor of
+his barn and broke his hip, which meant a long siege in bed at the
+busiest season.
+
+Penn Morgan, a nice, strong fellow, was a great comfort. He had managed
+his mother's smaller farm and was not afraid of work.
+
+There was yet considerable farm produce, and much demand for the nicer
+qualities. Andrew was instructed to call at Arch Street and request a
+visit from Madam Wetherill.
+
+The news had not yet come of the great battle at Lexington, but all was
+stir and ferment and activity. For six weeks Andrew had not seen the
+town. Now on nearly every corner was a group in eager discussion. There
+had been Patrick Henry's incendiary speech, there was Mr. Adams from
+Massachusetts, and Benjamin Franklin, so lately returned from England,
+and many another one from whom the world was to hear before the struggle
+ended.
+
+Madam Wetherill was out, but would surely be in at dinner time, and
+though society functions were sometimes as late as two, the ordinary
+dinner was in the middle of the day. He would have almost an hour to
+wait, but he had sold very rapidly this morning and made good bargains.
+
+"It is thy cousin," said Mistress Kent. "I have no time to spare, and if
+thou art not needed at lessons----"
+
+"Oh, let me go to him!" cried Primrose, her face alight with joyous
+eagerness. "It is so long since I have seen him. I can study this
+afternoon, as there are no more dancing lessons."
+
+"Well, run along, child. Don't be too forward in thy behavior."
+
+Patty had gone out with her mistress to do a little trading, since she
+was excellent authority and had many gossiping friends who were much
+interested in the latest fashions. And now, in the disturbed state of
+imports, it would not be so easy to have orders filled abroad.
+
+Primrose danced down the stairs and through the hall. "Oh, Andrew!" she
+cried, as she was clasped in the fond arms.
+
+Then he held her off a bit. No, Faith could not compare with her. Yet
+Faith had blue eyes, a fair skin, and light hair, straight and rather
+stringy and cut short in her neck. But these eyes were like a glint of
+heaven on a most radiant day, these curving red lips were full of smiles
+and sweetness, and this lovely hair, this becoming and graceful
+attire----
+
+"Oh, why do you sigh!" in a pretty, imperious fashion. "Are you not glad
+to see me? I thought you had forgotten me. It is such a long, long
+while."
+
+"Did I sigh? I was surprised. Thou art like a sweet, blossomy rose with
+the morning dew upon it."
+
+"Prim Rose." She drew her face down a little, drooped her eyes, and let
+her arms hang at her side in a demure fashion, and though Andrew's
+vocabulary had few descriptive adjectives in it, he felt she was
+distractingly pretty. He wanted to kiss her again and again, but
+refrained with Quaker self-restraint.
+
+She laughed softly. "Madam Shippen was here one day with big Miss Peggy,
+who can laugh and be gay like any little girl, and who is so pretty--not
+like my dear mother in the frame, but--oh, I can't find a word, and I am
+learning so many new ones, too. But one would just like to kneel at her
+feet, and draw a long breath. And she took hold of my hands and we
+skipped about in the hall with the new step Master Bagett taught me. And
+Madam Shippen said I was 'most like a rose, and that if I became a
+Friend I should be called Prim alone, since the name would be suitable.
+And Madam Wetherill said I was divided, like my name. When will it be
+time to go to the farm?"
+
+"Would it be a great disappointment if thou didst not go?" he asked
+gravely.
+
+"What has happened, cousin?"
+
+Her sweet face took instant alarm. The smiles shaped themselves to a
+sudden unspoken sympathy.
+
+"A great many things have happened." He would have liked to draw her
+down to his knee as he had seen Penn hold his sister Faith and comfort
+her for the loss of their mother. But Primrose did not need comforting.
+He kept his arm about her and drew her nearer to him.
+
+"Yes, a great many things. Mother's sister, Aunt Rachel Morgan, died in
+March, and grandmother and the three children have come to live with us.
+Grandmother is old and has mostly lost her mind. Penn is a large fellow
+of his age, almost grown up, and is of great service. Rachel is fourteen
+and is wise in the management of grandmother, who cannot tell one from
+another and thinks my mother the elder Rachel who died. And then there
+is little Faith."
+
+"Faith? What is she like? Would you rather have her than--than me? Do
+you love her most?"
+
+A sudden jealousy flamed up in the child's heart. Since her mother had
+gone she had really loved no one until she had met Andrew. Perhaps it
+was largely due to the fact that he was the only sympathetic one in a
+lonely life.
+
+Andrew laughed, stirred by a sweet joy.
+
+"I would a dozen times rather have thee, but Faith is nice and obedient
+and my mother has grown fond of her. But there is something about thee,
+Primrose--canst thou remember how the chickens followed thee, and the
+birds and the squirrels never seemed afraid? Thou didst talk to the
+robins as if thou didst understand their song. And the beady-eyed
+squirrels--how they would stop and listen."
+
+"I made a robin's song on the spinet quite by myself, one afternoon. And
+the dainty Phoebe bird, and the wren with her few small notes. Do you
+know, I think the wren a Quaker bird, only her gown is not quite gray
+enough. We went out to great-aunt's farm one day, and oh, the birds!
+Some had on such dazzling plumage and flew so swiftly. We went to the
+woods and found trailing arbutus, that is so sweet, and hepatica, and
+oh! many another thing. I can't recall half the names. There was a tall,
+grave gentleman who talked much about them and said they were families.
+Are the little birds the babies, and are there cousins and aunts and
+grandmothers all faded and shriveled up? And can they talk to each other
+with those little nods and swinging back and forth?"
+
+"Thou art a strange child, Primrose," and he smiled. "What were we
+talking of? Oh, the coming of the children. And then father hath had a
+bad fall and has to be kept in bed for weeks. So we seem full of
+trouble."
+
+"Oh, I am so sorry, Andrew!" Her head was up by his shoulder and she
+leaned over and kissed him, and then he held her in a very close embrace
+and felt in some mysterious way that she belonged to him, rather than to
+his father or to her grand aunt.
+
+"And you will hardly want me," with a slow half question answering
+itself.
+
+"That is one of my errands. Father desires to see Madam Wetherill. He
+did not say--he wishes to follow out my uncle's will concerning you."
+
+Then he looked her all over. Her eyes were cast down on the polished
+floor that had lately come in. Many people had them sanded; indeed, the
+large dining room here was freshly sanded every morning and drawn in
+waves and diamonds and figures of various sorts. The Friends used the
+sand, but condemned the figures as savoring of the world.
+
+As Primrose stood there she was grace itself. Her head was full of loose
+curls that glinted of silver in the high lights and a touch of gold in
+the shade, deepening to a soft brown. Her skin was fine and clear, her
+brows and the long lashes were quite dark, the latter just tipped with
+gold that often gave the eyes a dazzling appearance. Her ear was like a
+bit of pinkish shell or a half crumpled rose leaf. And where her chin
+melted into her neck, and the neck sloped to the shoulder, there were
+exquisite lines. After the fashion of the day her bodice was cut square,
+and the sleeves had a puff at the shoulder and a pretty bow that had
+done duty in various places before. He did not understand that it was
+beauty that moved him so, for he had always been deeply sympathetic over
+the loss of her parents.
+
+She was not studying the floor, or thinking whether she looked winsome
+or no, though Bella Morris would have done for an instructor on poses
+already, and was often saying, "Primrose, you must stand that way and
+turn your face so, and look as if you were listening to something," or
+"Bend your head a little."
+
+"But I'm not listening, and I can't have my head bent over, it tires my
+neck," she would reply with a kind of gay decision.
+
+She was wondering whether she wanted to go out to the farm or not. Would
+she be allowed to take her books along, or must she go on with the
+spinning and sewing? And she did love her pretty gowns and the ribbons,
+and the silver buckles on her shoes, and several times she had worn the
+gold beads that her mother had left behind for her. And there was the
+spinet, with its mysterious music, the drives about, and she was
+learning to ride on a pillion; and Patty knew so many stories about
+everything, merry and sad and awesome, for her grandmother's sister had
+been thrust into prison at Salem for being a witch. And Patty also knew
+some fairy stories, chief among them a version of "Cinderella," and that
+fascinating "Little Red Riding Hood."
+
+"I think I shall want thee always," he began, breaking the silence. "I
+have missed thee so much, and counted on thy coming back to us. But you
+might find it dull after all the pleasure and diversion. There would be
+Faith----"
+
+"Should I like her?"
+
+"That I cannot tell," and he smiled gravely.
+
+She did not altogether like Bella, but she did not want to say so. It
+was queer, but she was learning that you could not like everybody to
+order. There was something about kind, gentle Aunt Lois that held one at
+a distance, and she was always afraid of her Uncle James.
+
+"Do you like her very much?" with a lingering intonation.
+
+"We are commanded to love everyone, chiefly those of the household of
+faith."
+
+"Cousin Andrew," very seriously, "I go to Christ Church now. I like the
+singing. And it says--in the Scriptures, I think--'Let everything that
+hath breath praise the Lord!'"
+
+"One can praise in the heart."
+
+"How should another know it? One might be thinking very naughty things
+in the heart, and keep silence."
+
+"But the naughty and evil heart would not be likely to do good works."
+
+Primrose was silent. The spiritual part of theology was quite beyond
+her.
+
+Then there was a clang at the knocker and the small black boy in a
+bright turban went to answer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+Primrose was dismissed, though she saw her Cousin Andrew again at
+dinner. Madam Wetherill had quite settled the question. She was going
+out to her own country estate, and Primrose would have a change of air
+and much more liberty, and under the circumstances it was altogether
+better that she should not go to her uncle's, and Madam Wetherill
+considered the matter as settled, though she promised to come out the
+next day.
+
+The dream of William Penn had been a fair, roomy city, with houses set
+in gardens of greenery. There were to be straight, long streets reaching
+out to the suburbs and the one to front the river was to have a great
+public thoroughfare along the bank. Red pines grew abundantly, and many
+another noble tree was left standing wherever it could be allowed, and
+new ones planted. Broad Street cut the city in two from north to south,
+High Street divided it in the opposite direction.
+
+But even now "The greene country towne" was showing changes. To be sure
+the house in Letitia Court was still standing and the slate-roof house
+into which Mr. Penn moved later on. But market houses came in High
+Street, the green river banks were needed for commerce, and little
+hamlets were growing up on the outskirts. There were neighborly rows of
+houses that had wide porches where the heads of families received their
+neighbors, the men discussing the state of the country or their own
+business, the women comparing household perplexities, complaining of
+servants, who, when too refractory, were sent to the jail to be whipped,
+and the complaints or the praises of apprentices who boarded in their
+master's houses, or rather, were given their board and a moderate yearly
+stipend to purchase clothes, where they were not made at home. Young
+people strolled up and down under the great trees of elm and sycamore,
+or lingered under the drooping willows where sharp eyes could not follow
+them so closely, and many a demure maiden tried her hand on her father's
+favorite apprentice, meaning to aim higher later on unless he had some
+unusual success.
+
+Up to this time there had been a reign of quiet prosperity. The old
+Swedes had brought in their own faith; the church, so small at first as
+to be almost unnoticed, was winning its way. And though Whitfield had
+preached the terrors of the law, religious life was more tolerant.
+Natural aspects were more conciliatory. The Friends were peace-loving
+and not easily roused from placid methods of money-getting. There was
+nothing of the Puritan environment or the strenuous conscience that
+keeps up fanatics and martyrs. Witchcraft could not prosper here, there
+being only one trial on record, and that easily dismissed. The mantle of
+charity and peace still hovered over the place, and prosperity had
+brought about easy habits. Perhaps, too, the luxuriant growth and
+abundance of everything assisted. Nature smiled, springs were early,
+autumns full of tender glory.
+
+And though the city was not crowded, according to modern terms, there
+were many who migrated up the Schuylkill every summer, who owned
+handsome farms and wide-spreading country houses. Chestnut Hill and
+Mount Airy, Stenton and the Chew House at Germantown, were the scene of
+many a summer festivity where Friends and world's people mingled in
+social enjoyment; pretty Quakeresses practiced the fine art of pleasing
+and making the most of demure ways and eyes that could be so seductively
+downcast, phraseology that admitted of more intimacy when prefaced by
+the term "Friend," or lingered in dulcet tones over the "thee and thou."
+
+Madam Wetherill always made a summer flitting to her fine and profitable
+farm, and surrounded herself with guests. She was very fond of company
+and asked people of different minds, having a great liking for argument,
+though it was difficult to find just where she stood on many subjects,
+except the Church and her decided objection to many of the tenets of the
+Friends, though she counted several of her most intimate acquaintances
+among them. She had a certain graceful suavity and took no delight in
+offending anyone.
+
+But she was moved to the heart by Lois Henry's misfortunes. The old
+mother sat under a great walnut tree on a high-backed bench, with some
+knitting in her hand, in which she merely run the needles in and out and
+wound the yarn around any fashion, while she babbled softly or asked a
+question and forgot it as soon as asked. Rather spare in figure and much
+wrinkled in face, she still had a placid look and smiled with a
+meaningless softness as anyone drew near.
+
+For a moment Madam Wetherill thought of William Penn, whom her father
+had visited at Ruscombe in those last years of a useful life when
+dreams were his only reality, still gentle and serene, and fond of
+children. Faith was sitting at her knee and answering her aimless talk,
+and Rachel had her spinning wheel on the porch.
+
+Madam Wetherill alighted from her horse, and Rachel came out to her. She
+sometimes took her servant, but she was a fearless and capable rider.
+
+"I will call my aunt," the young woman said with a courtesy of respect
+such as girls gave to elders.
+
+"Tell her it is Madam Wetherill. Nay, I will sit here," as the girl
+invited her within; and she took the porch bench.
+
+Lois Henry showed her added cares in the thinness of her face and
+certain drawn lines about the mouth, but it had not lost its grave
+sweetness.
+
+"I hear you are full of trouble," began Madam Wetherill in her well-bred
+tones. What with education on the one side, and equable temperament on
+the other, perhaps too, the softness of the climate and the easier modes
+of life, voices and manners both had a refinement for which they are
+seldom given credit. The intercourse between England and the colonies
+had been more frequent and kindly, though the dawning love of liberty
+was quite as strong as in the Eastern settlements.
+
+"Yes, there is heaviness and burthens laid upon me, but if we are glad
+to receive good at the hands of the Lord we must not murmur against
+evil. The spring is a bad time for the head of the house to be laid
+aside."
+
+"And you have added family cares. I have come to see if you are willing
+to be relieved in some measure. Everyone counts at such a time, while in
+a family like ours, with the going and coming, one more never adds to
+the work."
+
+"I should be quite willing if we could be assured it was our duty to
+shift burthens in times of trouble. James is somewhat disquieted about
+the child. Will you come in and talk with him?"
+
+The bed had been brought out to the best room, as it was so much larger
+than the sleeping chamber adjoining it. James Henry lay stretched upon a
+pallet, his ruddy face somewhat paler than its wont.
+
+"I am pleased to see thee," he said gravely.
+
+"And I am sorry for thy misfortune."
+
+The use of the pronoun "thou" had its old English manner and was not
+confined to the Friends alone. The more rigid, who sought to despise all
+things that savored of worldliness, used their objective in season and
+out. And among the younger of the citified Friends, "you" was not
+infrequently heard.
+
+"It is the Lord's will. We are not allowed our choice of times. Though I
+must say I have been prospered heretofore, and give thanks for it. I
+hear there are other troubles abroad and that those pestilent Puritans,
+who were never able to live in peace for any length of time, have
+rebelled against the King. I am sorry it hath come to open blows. But
+they will soon have the punishment they deserve. We are enjoined to live
+at peace with all men."
+
+"The news is extremely meager. There is a great ferment," Madam
+Wetherill replied suavely.
+
+"And in town they are holding congresses! The Lord direct them in the
+right way. But we have many rebels among us, I think. This was to be a
+town of peace. William Penn conciliated his enemies and had no use for
+the sword."
+
+"True--true! We shall need much wisdom. But I must not weary thee
+talking of uncertainties. There is another matter that concerns us both,
+our little ward. As affairs stand I think she had better remain with me
+through the summer. She will be on a farm and have plenty of air and
+take up some of the arts of country life. She is in good health and is,
+I think, a very easily governed child."
+
+"It is not following out her father's wishes. He hoped she would be of
+his faith. And the influence here might serve to counteract some
+follies. I would rather she came. But Lois is heavily weighted and two
+children of the same age----"
+
+"Primrose would have many strange things for her little cousin's ears.
+Nay, they are hardly cousins." And Madam Wetherill smiled. A keen
+observer might have observed a touch of disdain.
+
+"Except as to faith. She would be forbidden to talk over her worldly
+life. We discountenanced it before. It is a sad thing that a child
+should be so torn and distracted before she can hardly know good or
+evil. I do not think my brother meant this course should be followed."
+
+"Yet he could not deprive the mother of her child. And he gave away his
+son for worldly advancement. It was merely that Mistress Henry and her
+child should live here half the year. The court decided she could
+transfer her rights to another guardian, and I was nearest of kin. And I
+shall have to seek heirs somewhere. But one summer cannot matter much,
+and it will be a relief to thy overtired wife."
+
+James Henry started to raise himself on his elbow and then remembered
+that he was bandaged and strapped, and was but a helpless log. Two
+months, the doctor had said, even if all went well, before he could
+make any exertion. He glanced at his wife. He must be waited on hand and
+foot, and now the child had been filled with worldliness and would need
+strong governing. Andrew was overindulgent to her.
+
+"It hath caused me much thought. This time we might make it a year for
+good reasons. Mr. Northfield would no doubt consent. Then she would come
+in the fall and remain."
+
+"Nay, I will not promise that. Her winters in town are important for
+education. It was for that partly that I preferred the winters. She hath
+no farm to go to afterward and will lead a town life."
+
+"But so much worldly education does not befit a woman or improve her."
+
+"Yet we must admit that the earlier Friends were men of sound education.
+They read Greek and Latin, and now at the Friends' school there are many
+high branches pursued. And it is becoming a question whether spelling
+correctly, and being able to write a letter and cast up accounts, will
+harm any woman. Widows often have a sorry time when they know nothing of
+affairs, and become the prey of designing people. I have had large
+matters to manage and should have had a troublesome time had I been
+ignorant."
+
+James Henry sighed. He had wished before that this woman had not been
+quite so shrewd. And though he was a stanch Friend and would have
+suffered persecution for the cause, wealth had a curious charm for him,
+and he was not quite certain it would be right to deprive Primrose Henry
+of any chance. She had seemed easily influenced last year. If Faith
+could gain some ascendency over her! But Faith was more likely to be
+swayed than to sway, he was afraid.
+
+"Then let the case stand this way," said Madam Wetherill. "After a month
+or so matters may be improved with you, and she can come then, being a
+month or two later in town."
+
+"Yes, that may do," he answered reluctantly, but he did long for a whole
+year in which to influence his brother's child. For surely she was born
+in the faith. He would not have gone outside for a convert; the Friends
+were not given to the making of proselytes. Everyone must be convinced
+of his own conscience.
+
+"Then we will agree upon this for the present. Thou hast my warmest
+sympathy, and I shall be glad to hear of thy improvement. I hope Friend
+Lois will not get quite worn out. Good-day to thee. If there is anything
+a friend can do, command me at once."
+
+"My own patience is the greatest requisite," said the master of the
+house, while Lois raised her eyes with a certain grateful light.
+
+She paused a moment for a word with Rachel, a nice, wholesome-looking
+girl with the freshness of youth, and who responded quietly but made no
+effort for conversation. Faith was still chatting with the grandmother.
+Madam Wetherill stepped on the block and mounted her horse as deftly as
+a young person might.
+
+"The youth Andrew is not so straitlaced," she ruminated. "And he seemed
+much interested in the talk of war. If it comes to that, what will the
+Quakers do, I wonder? They can hardly go among the Indians to escape the
+strife, and if home and country is worth anything they ought to take
+their share in defending it. As Mr. Adams says, it would come sooner or
+later. The colonists are of English blood and cannot stand so much
+oppression. It is queer they cannot think of us as their own children.
+And we of the more southern lands have felt tenderly toward the mother
+country, especially we of the church."
+
+Philadelphia believed herself on the eve of great changes, as well as
+Boston. Virginia had her heroes that felt quite as keenly the injustice
+of the mother country. Patrick Henry had fired many hearts with his
+patriotic eloquence. When Governor Dunmore had seized a quantity of
+gunpowder belonging to the colonies and had it shipped on board a man of
+war, Henry went at the head of a party of armed citizens and demanded
+restitution, which was made with much show of ill feeling. Not long
+after the exasperated people had driven the Governor from his house,
+shorn him of power, and compelled him to seek safety. In North Carolina
+there had been a declaration of independence read aloud to a convention
+at Charlotte. "An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts, is all that is
+left us," said Patrick Henry. And Joseph Hawley said, "We must fight."
+
+The battle of Lexington was the match that started the blaze. The other
+colonies were ready. Philadelphia prepared herself for the struggle. At
+another meeting it was resolved, "That the United Colonies are of right
+or ought to be free and independent states, and that they are absolved
+from all duties to the British crown."
+
+Jefferson wrote this declaration, submitting it to Franklin and John
+Adams, and many discussions followed before it was adopted. And the
+Continental Congress had been much encouraged by the enthusiasm of
+Virginia. Washington had said publicly, "I will raise a thousand men,
+subsist them at my own expense, and march with them, at their head, for
+the relief of Boston."
+
+Mrs. Washington had not been less patriotic, though her love of peaceful
+domestic affairs was well known. To a friend she had written, "Yes, I
+foresee serious consequences, dark days and darker nights, domestic
+happiness suspended, social enjoyments abandoned, property of every kind
+put in jeopardy by war, neighbors and friends at variance, and eternal
+separations possible."
+
+There had come news of the seizure of fortresses at Ticonderoga and
+Crown Point. Ammunition, stores, and fifty pieces of cannon had been
+taken. General Gage had announced his intentions of sending "those arch
+offenders Samuel Adams and John Hancock" to England to be hanged. The
+latter brave rebel had laughed the threat to scorn. But the Declaration
+was considered a bold step.
+
+There was a gathering of friends at Madam Wetherill's that very evening,
+for it was known that she would soon be out on the farm, and since she
+had much at stake in trade and property, many were curious to see which
+side she would really espouse.
+
+"The idea of a horde of common people running a government with no head
+but their own wills is preposterous!" cried the proud old Tory Ralph
+Jeffries, as he settled his wig with a shake of the head and pulled out
+his lace ruffles. "Are these canting Puritans going to rule us with
+their quarrels?"
+
+"The whole country seems pretty well ablaze. It is like a Latimer and
+Ridley fire," was the retort.
+
+"We will put it out, sir! We will put it out! Where would be the dignity
+or security of any such government? A pack of braggarts over a little
+skirmish. King George is good enough for us."
+
+"Then you may have to emigrate again presently," suggested portly John
+Logan. "The storm has been long gathering. Little by little we have seen
+our rights abridged, while we have been growing up to the full size of
+manhood. We have tried our wit and ability. To-day we could enter the
+lists of trade with foreign nations, but our ports have been closed.
+England dictates how much and how little we shall do. We are not a
+nation of slaves, but brethren with them over the seas. We are not to be
+kept in the swaddling clothes of infancy.
+
+"It hath been a sorry hardship not to trade where we will when the
+country groweth steadily. It is a great and wonderful land and needeth
+only wise rulers to make it the garden of the world. But the taxes are
+grievous, and no one knows where this will end. I am a man of peace as
+thou all knowest, but when the iron is at white heat and has been struck
+one blow it is best to keep on."
+
+"And you believe," returned Jeffries scornfully, "that a handful of men
+can conquer the flower of Britain? How many, think you, will come to the
+fore if there is a call to arms? A few of these noisy brawlers like
+Henry and Jefferson and Adams, and those pestilent Puritans who have
+been ever stirring up strife, and a few foolish men easily turned with
+every wind that blows. Good Lord, what an army to cope with trained
+men!"
+
+"These same brawlers have done England some good service against the
+French. They have fighting blood, and when it is roused on the side of
+right will be a match for the redcoats at Champlain."
+
+Some of the women were gathered in the hall where there was tea and
+cakes, or mead if one liked better.
+
+"But, if there is war, we shall not be able to get anything," said vain
+and pretty Madam Jeffries, who was a second wife, and strong of will as
+her husband seemed, twisted him around her finger. "And I have just sent
+abroad for finery."
+
+"We must come to linsey-woolsey, though the weavers of Germantown make
+fine goods, and there is silk already made in our own town. Instead of
+so much gossiping and sitting with idle hands we must make our own
+laces. It is taught largely, I hear, at Boston, and my mother was an
+expert at it. Then there are fringes and loops--and, oh, I think we
+shall manage."
+
+"But will there really be war?--Madam Wetherill, it will begin in the
+room there," laughing and nodding her head. "They will come to blows
+soon. And Hugh Mifflin, methinks, has forgotten his Quaker blood. How
+well he talks! And hear--he quotes from the Farmers' letters. I thought
+the Friends were resolved not to bear arms."
+
+"Do they always turn the other cheek to the smiter?" asked someone, and
+a laugh followed.
+
+In the upper hall Primrose stood by the end window, listening and
+wondering. Patty found her there, large-eyed.
+
+"What will there be war about?" she asked. "And will they come here and
+take us all prisoners?"
+
+"Nonsense, child! This is no talk for thee. Come to bed at once."
+
+"Patty, did you hear my great-aunt say if I was to go out to the farm?
+What if they make Cousin Andrew fight? I should be so sorry."
+
+"Quakers do not fight."
+
+"But brave men do. I have read about them. And I am sure Andrew is
+brave."
+
+"Do not be sure of any man. Thou wilt get a sight of wisdom between this
+and twenty years. And I believe thou art not to go out to Cherry Hill.
+There is too much illness. And we are to move to our own farm."
+
+"And will there be chickens and birds and squirrels, and little lambs
+playing about, and----"
+
+"Do not string any more things together with an 'and,' like beads on a
+chain, but get to bed. Yes, they seem to be having a fine noisy time
+downstairs. I know on which side the madam will be."
+
+"For the King?"
+
+"Not strongly, I think," with an ironical laugh Primrose did not
+understand.
+
+"And you, Patty?"
+
+"The King would have poor luck if he depended on me to fight for him.
+There, good-night, and good sleep."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+AT SOME CROSSROADS.
+
+
+There was much confusion in the old house, putting fine things and
+ornaments away and packing family heirlooms and silver. There was also
+much going to and fro, and after a few days Primrose, with her
+attendant, Patty, went out to the farm, then in all its beauty of
+greenness, though the fruit blooms were over. But there were countless
+roses and garden flowers of all the old-fashioned sorts, and sweet herbs
+and herbs for all kinds of medicinal brews. For though Dr. Shippen and
+Dr. Rush had begun to protest against "old women's doses," many still
+had faith in them and kept to feverfew and dittany and golden rod and
+various other simples, and made cough balsams and salves.
+
+The house was large and plain, with uncarpeted floors that were mopped
+up in the morning for coolness and cleanliness, quite a Virginian
+fashion. The kitchen and dining room were sanded, the chairs were plain
+splint or rather coarse rush or willow. There were a wide wooden settle
+and some curious old chests used for seats, as well as hiding places for
+commoner things.
+
+But it was the garden that attracted Primrose. She had never seen so
+many flowers nor such lovely ones, for in the woods there was not this
+variety. Life had been too busy, and wants too pressing, to indulge in
+much luxury where gardening was concerned. John Bartram had many
+remarkable trees and plants, but they were things of families and
+pedigrees, and his house was the resort of curious and scientific men.
+Although a Friend, he had a tender heart for beauty, as well as many
+other things. But in general the Friends cultivated simple and useful
+herbs. At the Henry farm there was no pretense of a flower garden.
+
+Primrose ran up and down the wide, smooth walk, made of dirt and small
+stones with much labor, where, through the summer at least, not a tuft
+of grass was permitted to grow. How lovely it was! The house stood on
+quite an elevation. One could see Mount Airy and Clieveden and other
+summer homes, and the Schuylkill winding placidly about, peeping through
+its embowered banks here and there.
+
+But the quiet, romantic stream was to witness many a tragedy and many an
+act of heroism that no one dreamed of that summer. The real alarms of
+war scarcely penetrated it. Young people went sailing and rowing and had
+picnics and teas along its banks, and the air was gay with jests and
+laughter.
+
+The town was much divided in spirit and did not really pull together.
+There were rampant Tories, who declared boldly for the King; there were
+more faint-hearted ones who had much business at stake and cared only
+for making money, and many of the Friends who counseled peace at any
+price. But events marched on rapidly and in June Congress declared for a
+Continental Army, and the host of patriots at Cambridge called Colonel
+Washington from Philadelphia, where he had been in consultation with
+some of the important citizens, and made him commander in chief of the
+American forces.
+
+The city had been prosperous and stretched out its borders in many
+directions. There were flourishing Friends' meeting houses, there was
+Christ Church and St. Peter's on the hill. For the hills had not been
+leveled, and there were many pretty altitudes crowned with brick
+residences that were considered fine at that time and certainly were
+roomy. The Swedes had their church and all the denominations were well
+represented, for at this period religious, interest was strong. There
+were not many outside amusements. Plays were considered rather
+reprehensible.
+
+There were a few bridges over the creeks where boys waded, and girls
+were not always averse to the enjoyment on a summer afternoon. There
+were flocks of geese and ducks disporting themselves. And along the
+shore front docks had been built, there were business warehouses and
+shipping plying to and fro, for the trade with more southern ports was
+brisk. There were some noted taverns where one might see foreign
+sailors, and shops that displayed curious goods. There was damask
+Floreells silk, brocades and lutestrings done up in fair boxes, as you
+found when you entered. There were gold and silver laces and gold
+buttons and brocades of every variety and cost.
+
+The young damsels were sometimes allowed to go out with their elders and
+have a peep at the fine things and express their likings. Some of the
+storekeepers who had laid in abundant stocks chuckled to themselves at
+the thought that now, when all importations on private account must be
+stopped, they would stand a better chance.
+
+In the early part of the century there had been an eloquent divine, a
+Mr. Evans, who had succeeded Mr. Clayton and who somehow had proved very
+attractive to the Friends. They had flocked to church to hear him, they
+had even taken off their broadbrims with a timid desire to conform to
+the ways of the world's people. This had gone on until it awakened a
+sense of alarm, and at the evening meeting where business might be
+considered, they had been forbidden to attend the services. So there had
+grown up a broader feeling, and numbers, while they did not quite like
+to break with their own communion, were more tolerant, read disapproved
+books, thought more of education, and began to look with different eyes
+on the great world, while others, almost horror-stricken at the
+latitude, drew their lines tighter.
+
+From Christ Church, as an offshoot, had sprung up St. Peter's. Governor
+Penn had his pew in the south gallery. Benjamin Franklin and many of the
+élite thronged the stone aisles with pattering footsteps, in laced
+coats, queues, and ruffles; the women with their big hats tied under the
+chin with an enormous bow, a fashion that sent the top up with a great
+flare where puffs of hair were piled one upon another, or little curls,
+and stiff brocades that rustled along, little heels that clicked, lace
+or lawn scarfs coquettishly arranged for summer use, and great fans
+carried by a ribbon on the arm. In winter there were silk pelisses edged
+with fur, or a fur or velvet coat. The great distinction was the young
+girls in much more simple material, with pretty demureness and sometimes
+longing looks cast at the attire of the young wives or older matrons,
+and a thought of the time when this glory should be theirs.
+
+Now that one must be for or against, Madam Wetherill, though not
+aggressive in her opinions, plainly showed on which side her sympathies
+were ranged.
+
+Wiseacres shook their heads; even among those who came to drink tea in
+the summer house, made primarily by four large, over-arching trees and a
+latticework about, against which there was a bench all around, and a
+great table sufficiently rustic not to mind the summer showers.
+
+There was no spinet to practice on. There were no tutors, but Primrose
+said a few lessons to Patty, sewed a little, and ran about, her hands
+and arms encased in long linen mitts that left the fingers free, and a
+widebrimmed straw hat tied well down, or a Quaker sun bonnet made of
+reeds and cambric. But there were so many visitors that she was often
+dressed up, and made much of by the young ladies.
+
+Polly Morris complained that "Bella was in a very poor state and pining
+for country air. If her purse were long enough she would take her up to
+Martha Woolcot's, but boarding was high. The Matthews had gone over to
+the Jerseys. They had been very kind in giving her a fortnight's visit,
+but now the house would be shut up, and there was only her small
+cottage, that had been so built around by reason of business that one
+could hardly find a mouthful of fresh air."
+
+"I did say I would not ask her here again in the summer. Bella is
+troublesome and forward amid company. But, poor thing! she has only part
+of her house, as below it is a shop and rented out, and her purse is a
+slim one at best," said good-hearted Madam Wetherill. "Patty, suppose
+you write for me, and ask her for a fortnight. She will stay a full
+month. The children may play about and amuse themselves. 'Tis not that I
+grudge what she eats and drinks, but I like not to have people take so
+much by right, and feel that your best is hardly good enough for them,
+and that you owe them something."
+
+"Yes, madam," replied Patty respectfully, though she set about it rather
+reluctantly. She was not over fond of Bella.
+
+A week later they came with a chest of attire that did indeed presage a
+good long stay. Bella was glad enough to meet her compeer.
+
+"For it has been utterly wretched since Aunt Matthews went away," she
+confessed to Primrose. "We went there so often. And Jonas, the younger
+boy, has so much drollness in him and tells about pranks at school. And
+one night he crept out of the window on a shed and slid down and went to
+a merrymaking at some tavern, where they had rare fun. He did not come
+in until nearly morning, and his head ached so he was ill the next day.
+Aunt Matthews made him a posset."
+
+"And did he confess this wrong to her?" asked Primrose in grave
+solicitude.
+
+"Confess! What a silly you are, Primrose! That would have spoiled all
+the fun."
+
+"But it was not right."
+
+"Well--his father would have been severe with him, and when one is sharp
+it is a pleasure to outwit him. The boys had carried off some gates
+shortly before, and they had changed the sign of the Jolly Fisherman to
+Friend Reed's coffin shop, and he never knew it the whole morning and
+wondered why people stared. Both boys were soundly caned for it, and
+after all it was only a bit of fun. So then they kept their own counsel.
+Jonas knows such pages of funny verses, and there are some in Latin."
+
+"How did you come to know?"
+
+"Oh, he told me!" Bella bridled her head and half shut one eye that gave
+her an unpleasant look of cunning. "He swore me not to tell and said
+little girls were often better than big girls."
+
+"And did you swear?" Primrose was horror-stricken.
+
+"Well, I didn't say any wicked words. Some of the great ladies say, 'I
+swear,' and the men often do, but it doesn't really mean anything when
+you say it in French."
+
+Primrose asked Patty about it.
+
+"Swearing is swearing, whether you do it in French or Dutch. What put
+such nonsense in thy head? I think the French a wicked language anyhow,
+and I don't see why madam wants thee to jabber any such gibberish."
+
+"It's very hard and I don't believe I ever shall," said the child with a
+sigh.
+
+"The better grace for thee then."
+
+Bella was quite wise and precocious and learning ways of fashion
+rapidly. She stood a little in awe of Madam Wetherill and could be very
+demure when she saw that it was the part of wisdom. Occasionally she
+made Primrose a tacit partner in some reprehensible matter in a way that
+the child could not protest against. And then Bella laughed at her love
+for birds and flowers and was always talking about finery and repeating
+the flattering things that were said to her. And she much preferred
+listening to the ladies and the gallants to gathering flowers or hearing
+the birds singing in the trees.
+
+One day Andrew came. Everything was better at Cherry Hill, and her uncle
+thought now it was time for her to come.
+
+"Why, is your father getting about so soon?" asked Madam Wetherill in
+surprise.
+
+"Oh, no, indeed! He mends but slowly. Still he wishes to do his duty,
+and I think he broods over it more than is good for him. So my mother
+proposed to him that the little maid should be sent for, and he was
+eager at once. And he wished me to say if it was not too inconvenient to
+thee I would bring her back. I have a pillion."
+
+"Nay, the child knows so little about riding. I meant to have her
+instructed this summer. And there would be some garments to take. I
+cannot get them ready so soon. And I am afraid she will bother thy
+people sadly. Thou hadst better return and explain this. I will drive
+over in a few days and bring her. Meanwhile thou art warm and tired.
+Rest and refresh thyself a little. I think the children are roaming in
+the woods, but, like the chickens, they are sure to come home to
+supper."
+
+Andrew Henry washed his face and hands at the rustic out-of-doors
+toilette, and little Casper, the black boy, brought him a thick linen
+towel, with velvet-like softness and smelling of lavender. Then he must
+have some home-brewed beer to refresh himself, and a plate of Janice
+Kent's wafers, that were spicy and not over sweet and went excellently
+well with the beer.
+
+"Dost thou go often to the city?" Madam Wetherill asked. She was
+thinking how finely this young Quaker was filling out in the shoulders,
+how well set and soft his brown eyes were, and his cherry lips had fine
+curves with resolution, yet a certain winning tenderness.
+
+"I go in on market days, twice a week. These are stirring times. There
+are arguments on every corner of the street, and men almost come to
+blows."
+
+"The blows may be needed later on. Thou art a peace man, I dare say."
+
+"That is the belief in which I have been brought up," he answered
+respectfully.
+
+"And I was brought up to honor the King. But if a king listens to evil
+rather than good counselors--kings were cut off in old times for not
+dealing justly. I am sure Mr. Pitt hath given excellent advice, but it
+has not been followed."
+
+"I know so little about it," Andrew returned. "I went once to John
+Bartram's for some rare cuttings my father desired, and met there the
+great Franklin, who counseled peace and leniency in England. And they
+all think now that nothing can stop the war."
+
+"It hath begun already. We must decide which side we shall be on, even
+if we do not fight. But come down here where smiling peace sits
+gossiping with fair plenty. I wonder if next summer will give us such a
+scene?"
+
+She made a gracious little movement, and she took his arm as they began
+to descend the sloping path. She was a very fascinating woman and now
+she had resolved to do her best to win over those who stood in
+uncertainty if she could not move the uncompromising Friend.
+
+It was a pretty scene. After the slope was a level of beautiful sward,
+with a circle of magnificent trees. Then another varying decline that
+ended at the river's edge, where rocked two or three gayly painted
+boats. There were two young fellows in the attire of the gallant of the
+day lolling on the grass, and a young man in Quaker garb of the finest
+sort, sporting silver buckles at his knee and on his low shoes.
+
+The ladies were some of the beauties of Philadelphia, to be famous long
+afterward. There was the pretty Miss Shippen and Becky Franks, noted for
+her wit and vivacity; Miss Wharton and Miss Mifflin and the gay Mrs.
+Penn.
+
+"I have brought thee a new recruit, Friend Norris," she began smilingly,
+"since thou art of the same faith and texture. Thy father knew Philemon
+Henry well, and this is his nephew. Ladies, let me present Friend Henry,
+since the Quakers will have no handle to their names. Perhaps many of
+you know Cherry Hill, from whence some of our finest fruit is brought."
+
+The ladies courtesied. Mrs. Penn stepped nearer.
+
+"Yes, I knew thy uncle somewhat and had met his lovely wife, who lives
+again in the little fairy she left behind. It must have broken her heart
+to go."
+
+Young Norris came around. Andrew Henry had blushed furiously under the
+scrutiny of so many lovely eyes, and then, recovering, stood his ground
+manfully. The scene affected him something as if he had been drinking
+wine, and yet the impression was delightful.
+
+"He has come to take our little moppet away. She belongs part of the
+time to her uncle."
+
+"Oh, Madam Wetherill," exclaimed Miss Franks, "put her best gown on Miss
+Bella and send her by mistake. Wait until dusk and no one will ever
+know."
+
+"Not even in the morning?" asked Andrew with a touch of merriment, while
+the others laughed.
+
+"Nay, the best gown is not needed if you want to pass off someone in
+her stead," said Norris. "That would be suspected at once. Plan again."
+
+"Oh, I forgot! Little Miss Bella hath so much pretty attire. I do
+suppose she would be astray in a Quaker frock. Well, what can we do? Mr.
+Henry, we shall outwit thee, never fear."
+
+"Madam Wetherill hath refused me already," he answered. "But she was
+merciful."
+
+"And I brought him hither for consolation. An old woman's refusal cannot
+be so heart-breaking as that of a young lass."
+
+"But we have had no chance to refuse," said saucy Miss Mifflin, raising
+her coquettish eyes.
+
+"Cherry hill is a large estate, but somewhat out of the way. I have
+ridden by it," said Norris. "We of the town get spoiled by neighbors. It
+must be dreary in the winter."
+
+"The evenings are lonesome. In summer, what with being up at sunrise and
+busy all day, the nights are welcome, but in winter the city hath a
+deeper interest. Although I have so far been content."
+
+"We are in a curious heat now. Our staid town never saw such a ferment.
+Every day we wait for news from some of the provinces, north or south. I
+suppose thou wilt take little heed to it. Yet we number many of the
+Friends on our side."
+
+"I have not paid much attention to what has gone before, I must admit,
+but one day I heard some speeches at Carpenter's."
+
+"Nay, you are not to talk war to Friend Henry. He will take us for a
+party of savages. Is there no more inviting topic?"
+
+They found one that was full of light, harmless jest, and an hour
+passed so quickly that Andrew Henry was startled.
+
+He rode home alone without seeing Primrose, who could not be found in
+the nearby haunts. And for the first time strange visions, strange
+longings filled his mind, as if he had suddenly come to manhood and
+outgrown the bands that had made his way so strait.
+
+Was it some suggestion of the tempter? All the strong virile blood
+rushed through his veins, and he only made a feeble fight to subdue it.
+He did not really want to put it aside.
+
+It was much later than usual when he reached home. In fact the sun had
+gone down, Julius with the great market wagon had been home hours
+before.
+
+"Son, what delayed thee so? And the child--where is she?" asked his
+mother.
+
+He explained that she had gone off with her companion and that he had
+waited; that Madam Wetherill would bring her up in a day or two. Rachel
+sat on the doorstep knitting, and some supper was spread in the living
+room. But he went in to his father first, and, after a few words about
+Primrose, gave an account of his day's doings, except a little loitering
+to hear the talk. And he took from his pocket the leathern pouch tied
+tightly with a string, pouring the money on the bed and counting it over
+for his father. Then he brought out a curious box much ornamented with
+copper, now black by age except at the sides where it had been handled,
+and, unlocking it, put in the money, giving the key back to his father.
+
+"You think Friend Wetherill is quite honest about the child?" he asked
+feverishly.
+
+"She is not one to place a light value on her own word. The child could
+hardly have been gotten ready in that brief while."
+
+"There was nothing to get," rather fretfully. "We do not want the vain
+clothing of the world. The child will be ruined by vanity."
+
+"She keeps very sweet, methinks."
+
+"How canst thou judge? Thy mother hath more wisdom and may tell another
+story. There, get to supper. It is weary lying here, but the Lord's ways
+are not as ours."
+
+Andrew ate a little supper in the plain, bare room. On the green where
+the ladies had sat was a strong cherry table, containing some plates and
+glasses and a great stone pitcher curiously molded. How the trees had
+waved overhead and sifted golden gleams and shadows through! There had
+been a bit of peerless blue sky, the sweetness of the grass, the soft
+lap of the river that one could hear only when the talk stopped. How
+beautiful it all was! That was God's world. And the long ride home, the
+woods in solemn grandeur, the bits of river now and then. He was stirred
+mysteriously. He was a new man.
+
+Rachel still sat on the doorstep. Sometimes he came out, and, though
+they said little, there was a pleasure in the nearness.
+
+Penn Morgan returned from the great barn, where he and the hired man had
+left things comfortable for the night. Anything was safe enough. No need
+to lock or bolt in this Arcadian simplicity, except to keep cattle from
+straying.
+
+Penn told over his day's work and the morrow's plans and went to bed.
+Rachel had not been knitting for some time, but she folded up her work
+and passed in without a word. Friends of the stricter sort were as
+careful of vain and idle words as the most rigid Puritan.
+
+He missed something sorely to-night. It was the little girl who had
+kissed him.
+
+Two days later Madam Wetherill brought her over in the neatest attire,
+with no furbelows or laces. Primrose had demurred somewhat. "Nay," said
+Madam Wetherill with a consoling sound in her voice, "they would not
+like it, and it is only for a few months. All the articles will be here
+on thy return or in the city," smiling. "It will not be long and thou
+must be a brave, good girl, and happy, too. Sometime thou wilt choose. A
+hundred things may happen."
+
+She ran down the path and said good-by to the nodding flowers. She was
+sorry to part with Bella and Patty, and Casper and the great dog, and
+the mother cat with the two kittens, and she was loath to leave the gay
+chatter and the visions of the radiant young women who petted her now
+and then. She was not afraid of Mistress Kent, though her tongue was
+still sharp, and she kept her riding whip handy to give Casper and Joe,
+the black boys, who were very full of frolic, a cut now and then.
+
+The ride in the clumsy chaise was a silent one. Madam Wetherill was
+surprised to find how the little one had crept into her heart. And she
+was growing ever so much prettier, more like her mother. It was the
+care, no doubt. They would let her get tanned and try to subdue the curl
+in her lovely silken hair. The lady smiled oddly to herself, thinking a
+mightier power than Quaker rule had put it there. But it would be bad
+for the child, this continual changing. However, it could not be helped
+now. One consolation was that she was much too young to give anything
+but a child's love to her cousin. And he would be married to some
+thrifty woman before she was grown up.
+
+It was Rachel who came to take the budget done up in a stout hempen
+cloth, and lifted out the little girl, then holding the horse while
+Madam descended, and fastening it to the hitching post. The old lady sat
+under the same tree, but the little girl was weeding in the garden and
+stood up to look, covered with her widebrimmed hat.
+
+"They have been wondering," said Rachel. "Uncle is not so well. The
+fever hath been troublesome. Wilt thou come in? And this is the little
+cousin? Thou and Faith will make nice companions."
+
+Friend Lois came to the door and received her guest with grave courtesy,
+saying to Primrose, "We have been looking for thee, child," as they
+walked in.
+
+There was a pitcher of mead standing in a stone jar of cold spring water
+and both travelers were thirsty. Friend Lois had the name of making it
+in a most excellent fashion.
+
+"I am afraid Primrose will be a care to thee this summer," Madam
+Wetherill said with kindly solicitude. "And thy husband is not so well,
+the young girl tells me."
+
+"My niece, Rachel Morgan. And though the loss of my sister was great and
+unexpected, her health being robust, and it hath added much to my cares,
+Rachel is to me as a daughter and a great comfort."
+
+The young girl made a courtesy and stood undecided.
+
+"Does not the broken limb mend?"
+
+"It is doing well. But he hath thought of his duty concerning the child
+overmuch. I assured him he might let it go for this summer, but he was
+not minded to."
+
+"It would have been quite as well."
+
+"He did not think so. And since it was on his mind I sent." She gave a
+soft sigh. "Wilt thou come in and see him? He would rather."
+
+Madam Wetherill walked into the room and greeted the invalid. There was
+a flush on his cheek and a brightness in the eye that betokened feverish
+disarrangement. He began to explain in a quick, excited tone.
+
+"Of course it is thy time. We shall not dispute about the law's
+decision, though Mr. Chew did think it would not be so good for the
+child, seeing that our lines are cast in such different places. I hope
+all will go well with you and she will not add to your cares. I will
+send over to hear now and then."
+
+"Where is she?" in a half-suspicious manner.
+
+"Primrose!" the lady called.
+
+The child came in reluctantly.
+
+"Yes, yes. James Henry has never shirked a duty. And one is entitled to
+make a fair fight for the soul that belongs to the faith. It was her
+father's wish."
+
+"I hope thou wilt mend rapidly. The warm weather is trying." There was
+no use of argument as to faiths.
+
+He nodded languidly.
+
+"And now I will return. I have a long ride before me, and guests at
+home. Farewell."
+
+No one made any effort to detain her. There was little persuasion among
+the Friends, who despised what they considered the insincere usages of
+society.
+
+Primrose caught at Madam Wetherill's gown. Her eyes were lustrous with
+tears that now brimmed over, and her slight figure all a-tremble.
+
+"Oh, take me back with you; take me back!" she cried with sudden
+passion. "I cannot like it here, I cannot!"
+
+"Child, it is only for a little while. Remember. Be brave. One's word
+must always be kept."
+
+"Oh, I cannot!" The small body was in a quiver of anguish, pitiful to
+see.
+
+Bessy Wardour had loved, too, and then gone away to the man of her
+choice, if not the life of her choice. But she was much moved by the
+passionate entreaty, and stooped to kiss her, then put her away, saying,
+"It must be, my child. But thou wilt come back to us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A LITTLE REBEL.
+
+
+As the carriage-wheels rolled away Primrose burst into a violent
+paroxysm of weeping. Rachel came forward and took her hand, but it was
+jerked away rudely.
+
+"Primrose, this is most unseemly," said Lois Henry, looking at her in
+surprise. "If thou art indulged in such tempers at Madam Wetherill's, it
+is high time thou went where there is some decent discipline. I am
+ashamed of thee. And yet it is more the fault of those who have been set
+over thee."
+
+Primrose Henry straightened up and seemed an inch or two taller for the
+ebullition of anger. She looked directly at her aunt and the blue eyes
+flashed a sort of steely gleam. The mouth took on determined curves.
+
+"There is nothing to put me in tempers at home. I like it. I like
+everybody. And it is the being torn away----"
+
+"But wert thou not torn away from this house last year?"
+
+Primrose was silent a moment. "I hate this being tossed to and fro! And
+I have learned to love them all at Aunt Wetherill's. I go to Christ
+Church. I shall never, never be a Quaker. And I am a--a rebel! If I were
+a man I would go and help them fight against the King."
+
+Lois Henry looked horrified.
+
+"Child, thou art silly and ignorant, and wicked, too. What dost thou
+know about the King? We do not believe in kings, but we obey those set
+over us until it comes to a matter of conscience. We leave all these
+turbulent discussions alone and strive to be at peace with all men. Thou
+canst not be saucy nor show thy hot temper here."
+
+"Then send me home. Do send me home," said the child with spirited
+eagerness.
+
+"This is thy home for six months. Rachel, take the bundle up to the
+little chamber next to that of Faith and put away the things in the
+cupboard--and take the child with you. Primrose, thou wilt remain there
+until thou art in a better frame of mind. I am ashamed of thee."
+
+Primrose did not mind where she went. She knew her way up the winding
+stairs put in a corner off the living room. The house had a double pitch
+to the roof, the first giving some flat headway to the chambers, the
+second a steep slant, though there were many houses with nearly flat
+roofs. This was of rough, gray stone, and the windows small. There was
+but one, and a somewhat worn chair beside it, the splints sorely needing
+replacement. A kind of closet built up against the wall, and a cot bed
+with a blue and gray blanket were all the furnishing.
+
+The child glanced at it in dismay, not remembering that she had been
+happy here only such a little while ago. But it seemed ages now, just as
+she had almost forgotten what had passed before. There had been no one
+to talk over the past with her, and she had missed her tender mother
+sorely. Children were not considered of much importance then except as
+regarded their physical welfare and a certain amount of training to
+make them obedient to their elders. That serious, awesome spiritual life
+that shadowed so much of childhood under Puritan auspices was not a
+feature of the more southern colonies. They were supposed to imbibe
+religious impressions from example. Early in the history of the town
+there had been some excellent Quaker schools, that of Friend Keith, who
+sowed some good seed even if he did afterward become a scorn to the
+profane and contentious, because he started to found a sect of
+"Christian Quakers," and finally found a home in England and the
+Anglican Church. But the school flourished without him, and to the
+Friends belongs the credit of the early free schools. The subtle
+analysis of later times found no inquiring minds except among a few of
+the higher scholars. It was not considered food for babes.
+
+Rachel untied the bundle that had been bound up with a stout cord.
+
+"Thou canst put them in the closet in an orderly manner. Then, if thou
+hast returned to thy right mind, come downstairs."
+
+Primrose looked out of the window without stirring. The great walnut
+trees were waving their arms and making golden figures on the grass that
+ran about everywhere. Patty had told her stories of "little people" who
+lived in the north of England and Scotland, but they only came out in
+the moonlight. Ah, these were birds or squirrels--oh! there was a
+squirrel up in the tree, with his great bushy tail thrown over his back.
+And Primrose laughed with tears still shining on her lashes. Over at a
+distance was a hen with a brood of chickens, clucking her way along. And
+there were two pretty calves in an inclosure.
+
+But then there was everything at Aunt Wetherill's, and such rows and
+rows of flowers. Patty brought them into the rooms in bowls, and the
+young ladies wore them. What was that? Oh, the little old lady under the
+tree was walking away----
+
+"Faith," said the clear, calm voice, "leave off thy gardening.
+Grandmother is growing restless."
+
+Primrose watched with strange interest. Presently a girl of about her
+own size walked quietly out to the old lady and took her by the arm,
+turning her around, and led her back to the house. After that--nothing.
+She was almost frightened at the stillness and began to cry again as a
+sense of loneliness oppressed her. Oh, she must go back! There was
+something in her throat that choked her. Then a tall figure came across
+the field in his shirt-sleeves, and with a great swinging stride.
+
+Suddenly her heart bounded within her body. Like a bird she flew down
+the stairs, almost running over Chloe, out of the door, skimming along
+the grassy way, and never taking breath until two strong arms lifted her
+from the ground and kissed her, not once, but dozens of times.
+
+"Child, when did you come?"
+
+"Oh, such a long time ago! It must be years, I think. And I hate it, the
+old house and everything! I cannot stay. Andrew, take me back. If you do
+not I shall run away. I want Patty and Aunt Wetherill, and little Joe,
+who is always doing such funny things, and Mistress Kent whips him, but
+he does them over when she is not there, only she comes suddenly--and
+the pretty ladies who laugh and talk. It is so dreary here."
+
+She raised her lovely eyes that were to conquer many a heart later on,
+and the lips quivered in entreaty like an opening rose in the breeze.
+
+"Nay--I am here," he said. "And I love you. I want you."
+
+She looked as if she was studying. A little crease came between her
+eyes, but it seemed to him it made her prettier than before.
+
+"But why must I come? Why must I stay?"
+
+How could he make her understand?
+
+"And there are some other girls--Faith and the big one. I do not like
+her."
+
+"But you will. I like her very much."
+
+"Then you shall not like me." She struggled to free herself.
+
+"Thou art a briery little Rose," and he smiled into her eyes and kissed
+her. "I shall hold thee here until thou dost repent and want to stay
+with me. Faith is not as sweet as thou and Rachel is too old for
+caresses. Then I am not sure they are proper."
+
+"When I get as old as Rachel--how old is that? shalt thou cease to care
+whether I come or not?"
+
+"I shall never cease to care. If I could change places with Madam
+Wetherill I would never let thee go. But what folly am I talking! It is
+the law that thou shalt do so."
+
+"Who makes the law? Put me down, Andrew; I feel as if part of my body
+would be drawn from the other part. Oh," laughing in a rippling, merry
+fashion, "if such a thing _did_ happen! If there could be two of me!
+Rose should be the part with the pink cheeks and the red, red lips, and
+the bright eyes, and the other, Prim, might stay here."
+
+"Thou naughty little midget! I am glad there cannot be two, if that is
+thy division. I will take part of the time instead. Little Primrose, it
+is a sad thing to part with those we love, even for a brief while. The
+place was not the same when thou went away. And surely, then, thou wert
+sorry to go."
+
+Primrose was silent so long that he glanced into her eyes. There was
+such a difference in eyes the young Quaker had learned. The pretty,
+laughing women on the green at Wetherill farm had said so much with
+theirs when they had not uttered a word. Rachel's were a dullish-blue,
+sometimes a kind of lead color, Faith's light, with curious greenish
+shadows in them. But these were like a bit out of the most beautiful
+sky.
+
+"It seemed quite terrible to me then," she made answer slowly. "Are
+people very queer, Andrew? For then I was afraid of Mistress Kent and
+Aunt Wetherill and everybody, and I wanted to stay here. And now it is
+so merry and pleasant in Arch Street, and there is the spinet that I
+sing to, and the lessons I learn, and some books with verses in and
+tales of strange places and people, and going out to the shops with
+Patty and watching the boys snowballing, and learning to slide."
+
+"But thou art not in Arch Street, and there is a farm here. Come, let us
+find the early sweet apples. I think there are some ripe ones, and thou
+art so fond of them."
+
+They walked along together. "Still, I do not understand why a thing
+should be so dear and pleasant and then change and look--look hateful to
+you!"
+
+There was a pang in the great fellow's tender heart.
+
+"Nay, not hateful!" he said pleadingly.
+
+"But I did not want to stay. Aunt Lois looked stern and spoke crossly.
+And I am not a Quaker any more. I told her so. And I am a--a rebel! I
+will have no English King."
+
+Her tone accented it all with capitals.
+
+"Thou art a rebel, sure enough." Yet he smiled tenderly on her. Whatever
+she was was sweet.
+
+"And I said I would fight against the King."
+
+"Heaven send there may not be much fighting! Even now it is hoped the
+colonists will give way a little and the King yield them some liberties,
+and we shall be at peace again."
+
+"But we will have a king of our very own," she said willfully,
+forgetting her protest of a moment agone. "The old one in England shall
+not rule over us. And why do not the people who like him go back to that
+country?"
+
+"They cannot very well. They have their land and their business here."
+
+"Then they should try to agree."
+
+"Dost thou try to agree when things are not to thy liking?"
+
+She glanced up with a beseeching, irresistible softness in her eyes, and
+then hung her dainty head.
+
+"But you have the other girl Faith. And Aunt Lois thinks what I learn is
+wrong. And--and----"
+
+They paused under the wide-spreading tree. What a fine orchard it was!
+Andrew pulled down a branch and felt of several apples, then found one
+with a soft side.
+
+"There is a good half to that. I will cut it with my knife and the
+chickens may find the rest. There are plenty more."
+
+"Oh, how delicious! I had almost forgotten the apples. Things ought to
+be sewn up in one's mind and never drop out. We have had none save some
+green ones to be gathered for sauce and pies."
+
+"And there will be many other things. The peaches hang full. And there
+are pears, but the cherries are all gone save the bitter wild ones. Then
+thou canst find the squirrels again, and there is a pretty, shy little
+colt in the west field, with a white star in his forehead."
+
+"Madam Wetherill has three little colts," she returned rather
+triumphantly. "And calves, and oh! such a lot of pretty, little
+pinky-white pigs."
+
+He cut another apple and fed it to her.
+
+"We shall have walks and thou shalt ride on a pillion. And I have found
+some books up in the old garret that have verses in them. Oh, wilt thou
+not try to be content?"
+
+She felt it was naughty, yet she cast about her for other protestations.
+
+"But I am not a Quaker. I say the Lord's Prayer aloud when I go to bed,
+over and over again."
+
+"I like it myself," he returned reverently. "But one needs to
+desire--various matters."
+
+There had been serious questions among the Friends; some insisting all
+forms were hampering, and that spiritual life was a law unto itself and
+could be moved only by divine guidance, as even the Apostles were
+ordered to take no heed as to what they should say. Yet, amid the many
+shades of opinion, there had not been much dissension. Of late years not
+a few had been scandalized by the defection of the Penns and several
+others from the ways of their fathers, and drawn the cords a little
+tighter, making the dress plainer and marking a difference between them
+and the world's people.
+
+"Thou couldst take me to the farm some day when I have learned to ride
+on a pillion--just for a visit."
+
+How coaxing the tone was! How bewitchingly the eyes smiled up into his!
+
+"Thou wilt stay and be content?" he said persuasively.
+
+"I will think. Content? That is a great thing."
+
+"Yes. And now let us return."
+
+"If there were no one but thou I should be quite happy," she said
+innocently.
+
+So they walked on. Rachel was standing down at the end of the path with
+the horn in her hand.
+
+"It is nigh supper time," she said, "and thy father wishes to see thee.
+To-morrow is market day. Primrose, didst thou put away thy things
+neatly?"
+
+"I will do it now."
+
+The child ran upstairs.
+
+"A self-willed little thing," commented Rachel, "and she has much
+temper."
+
+"But a great deal of sweetness withal. And she hath been much petted.
+She will feel strange for a few days. Be kindly affectioned toward her."
+
+Rachel made no reply. She went to the kitchen where Chloe had her
+master's supper prepared, a very simple one to-night on account of the
+fever, and carried it in. Then she blew a long blast on the horn, which
+she had forgotten in her surprise at seeing Primrose clinging to
+Andrew's hand.
+
+When Primrose reached the little room her old feelings returned. She
+frowned on the parcel lying on the floor, as if it were an alien thing
+that she would like to hide away. There were several shelves in the
+closet and some hooks at one end. Oh, here were some frocks she had worn
+last summer, homespun goods! A pair of clumsy shoes, larger than those
+she had on, and she gave them a little kick.
+
+Grandmother was in the living room, sitting by the window. Very pale and
+frail she looked.
+
+"Faith," she said. "Faith," in a tremulous voice.
+
+"I am not Faith. My name is Primrose Henry," and the child came nearer
+with a vague curiosity.
+
+"No, thou art not a true Henry with that trifling name. The Henrys were
+sober, discreet people, fearing the Lord and serving Him. What didst
+thou say?" lapsing in memory and looking up with frightened eyes. "Thou
+art a strange girl and I want Faith."
+
+She began to cry with a soft, sad whine.
+
+"Grandmother, yes; Faith will be here in a minute. This is Andrew's
+cousin, his dead uncle's child, Philemon Henry."
+
+"And she said her name was--a posy of some sort; I forget. They used to
+take posies to meetings, sweet marjoram and rosemary. And there was
+fennel. It was a long while ago. Why did Philemon Henry die?"
+
+Primrose looked at her curiously.
+
+"That was my own father," she said with a feeling that these people had
+no right of real ownership in him, except Andrew.
+
+Aunt Lois came out, and taking her mother's hand, said, "Come and have
+some supper." Then, turning to Primrose, "I hope thou art in a better
+humor, child. It does not speak well for town training that thou
+shouldst fly in such a passion with thy elders."
+
+"Who was in a passion?" repeated grandmother with a parrot-like
+intonation. "Not one of the Lord's people I hope?"
+
+"Silence, mother!"
+
+Lois Henry spoke in a low tone but with a certain decision. She was like
+a child and had to be governed in that manner. They were all taking
+their places at the table, Lois at the head and Rachel next to
+grandmother on the other side, then Faith and Primrose. Opposite the
+workmen were ranged, Andrew with one on either hand. The colored help
+had a table in the kitchen. This was the only distinction the Henrys
+made.
+
+Lois Henry accepted the burthen of a half demented mother with a quiet
+resignation. In her serene faith she never inquired why a capable and
+devoted Christian woman should have her mind darkened and be made
+comparatively helpless while physical strength remained, though it was a
+matter of some perplexity why her sister should have been taken and her
+mother left.
+
+The master's seat at the foot of the table was vacant. Lois would have
+it so. It seemed as if they were only waiting for him.
+
+Primrose had turned scarlet at her aunt's rebuke and Faith's scrutiny.
+After the silent blessing the supper was eaten quietly, Chloe coming in
+now and then to bring some dish or take away an empty one. And when they
+rose Faith led her grandmother out under the tree where she spent her
+half hour before bedtime, unless it rained. Rachel went in to Uncle
+Henry, and Lois took a careful supervision of the kitchen department,
+that did miss her steady oversight, though Rachel was very womanly.
+
+Primrose sauntered out and sat down on the doorstep, feeling very
+strange and lonely, and resenting a little the knowledge of having been
+crowded out. Penn Morgan gave her a sharp look as he went out with the
+milking pail. There was still considerable work to do before bedtime.
+
+When Rachel was released she took grandmother to bed. The window had
+been made secure with some slats nailed across, for she had been known
+to roam about in the night. Her room opened into that of Rachel's
+instead of the little hall, and the girl closed the door and put a small
+wedge above the latch so that it could not be opened.
+
+James Henry had asked in a vague, feverish way if they had allowed
+Primrose to go back with her aunt.
+
+"Why, no," answered Lois. "Wilt thou see her?"
+
+"No, no! I cannot be disturbed. It is but right that she should come.
+Thou wilt no doubt find her head full of vagaries and worldliness. What
+can one do when the enemy sows tares? I cannot resign myself to letting
+them grow together."
+
+"Yet so the Lord has bidden."
+
+"Nay, we are to do our duty in the Lord's vineyard as well as in the
+fields. I uproot noxious weeds, or I should have fields overrun. And now
+that haying has begun I must lie here like a log and not even look out
+to see what is going on," and he groaned.
+
+"But Andrew is almost like thyself, and Penn this two year hath managed
+for his mother. We must submit to the Lord's will. Think if I had lost
+thee, James, and men have been killed by a less mishap!"
+
+James Henry sighed, unresigned.
+
+Faith came out timidly to the doorstep, and looked askance at Primrose.
+She was not robust and ruddy like Penn and Rachel, and yet she did not
+look delicate, and though fair by nature was a little tanned by sun and
+wind. Not that the Friends were indifferent to the grace of
+complexions, but children were often careless. But even among the
+straitest there was a vague appreciation of beauty, as if it were a
+delusion and a snare. And the Quaker child glanced at the shining hair,
+the clear, pearly skin, the large lustrous eyes, the dainty hand, and
+the frock that, though plain, had a certain air like Lord's Day attire,
+and was not faded as an every-day garb would be. Then she glanced at
+hers, where a tuck had been pulled out to lengthen it, and left a band
+of much deeper blue, and the new half sleeves shamed the old tops. Her
+heart was filled with sudden envy.
+
+"Thou art not to live here always," she began. "It is only for a brief
+while. And I am to stay years, until I am married. Mother's bedding and
+linen hath been put in two parcels, one for Rachel, who will be married
+first, as she is the eldest, and the other will be mine."
+
+Primrose stared. Bella talked of marriage, but it seemed a great mystery
+to Primrose. There was no one she liked but Cousin Andrew, but she liked
+liberty better, she thought. Why should one want to get married? The
+pretty young girls who came out to the farm had no husbands. Patty had
+none and she was talking forever about the trouble they were, and
+Mistress Janice and Madam Wetherill----
+
+"But if he should be ill in bed and thou had to sit by him like Aunt
+Lois----"
+
+"Uncle is not ill. He hath a broken leg, and that will mend," was the
+almost rebuking reply.
+
+"I like the town better. I did not want to come nor to stay, and I am
+glad I am not to live here always," Primrose said spiritedly. "I like my
+Cousin Andrew----"
+
+"How comes it that he is _thy_ cousin? My mother was own sister to Aunt
+Lois, and so _we_ are cousins. Had thy mother any sisters?"
+
+Primrose had not thought much about relationships. Now she was puzzled.
+
+"Our names are alike," after some consideration. "And I was here the
+first, a long while ago--last summer."
+
+"But I have been here many times. And now I am to live here. Besides
+thou--thou art hardly a Friend any more--I heard Chloe tell Rachel. Thou
+art with the vain and frivolous world's people, and Andrew cannot like
+thee."
+
+That was too much. The dark eyes turned black with indignation and the
+cheeks were scarlet.
+
+"He does like me! Thou art a bad, wicked girl and tellest falsehoods!"
+
+Primrose sprang up and the belligerents faced each other. Then Andrew
+came up the path, and she flew out with such force that the milk
+scattered on the ground, and he had to steady himself.
+
+"Primrose----"
+
+"She said thou didst not like me, and that I am no relation. What didst
+thou say down in the orchard? And if no one likes me why can I not go
+back to Aunt Wetherill?"
+
+The usually gay voice was full of anger, just as he had heard it before.
+Truly the child had a temper, for all her sweetness.
+
+"Children--wait until I carry in the milk, and then I will come out and
+hear thee."
+
+Chloe took the pail and Penn followed with his.
+
+Andrew came out, and looked at the girls with grave amusement. Primrose
+was the most spirited. Really, was he being caught with the world's
+snare, beauty?
+
+"She said you--you did not like me." Primrose's lip quivered in an
+appealing fashion, and her bosom swelled with renewed indignation.
+
+"I did not say that," interposed Faith. "Not _just_ that. It was about
+vain and frivolous world's people, and Chloe said she was not a Quaker
+any more, and I--how canst thou like her, Cousin Andrew?"
+
+"Children, there must be no quarreling. There are many families where
+there are friends and members of various beliefs. And if we cannot love
+one another, how shall we love God?"
+
+Faith made a sudden dart to Andrew and caught his hand.
+
+"Thou art not her cousin, truly," she exclaimed with triumph.
+
+"As much as I am thine. Our mothers were sisters. Primrose's father and
+mine were brothers. That is why our names are alike. And if you are good
+I shall like you both, but I cannot like naughty children."
+
+"You see!" Primrose said in high disdain to her crestfallen compeer. "I
+was right. If Uncle James had not been my uncle I should not have had to
+come here. And I should not care for Andrew."
+
+There was something superb in the defiance visible in every feature and
+the proud poise of the shoulders. A woman grown could hardly have done
+better. Andrew Henry was curiously amused, and not a little puzzled as
+to how he should restore peace between them. Faith's face had settled
+into sullen lines.
+
+"I shall love best whichever one is best and readiest in obedience and
+kindliness," he said slowly.
+
+"I do not care." Primrose turned away with the air of a small queen. "I
+shall go back to town and you may have Faith and--and everybody." But
+the voice which began so resolutely in her renunciation broke and ended
+with a sob.
+
+"Oh, my dear child!" Andrew's arm was about her and his lips pressed
+tenderly to her forehead, and the relenting lines gave him an exquisite
+thrill of pleasure he did not understand.
+
+"What is all this discussion and high voices about?" demanded Lois
+Henry. "I will not have the night disturbed by brawls. Both children
+shall be whipped soundly and sent to bed."
+
+"Nay, mother, listen." Andrew straightened himself up but still kept his
+arm protectingly about Primrose, glad that the falling twilight did not
+betray the scarlet heat in his face. "It came from a misunderstanding.
+Faith did not know we were cousins by the father's side, as she and I
+are on the mother's. It is hard for little ones to get all the lines of
+relationship, and this being Faith's true home it seemed as if her right
+must be best. But now they are at peace and will be pleasant enough on
+the morrow. They did nothing worthy of punishment."
+
+Faith was glad enough of the chance to escape, for she had already
+smarted from the rod in the resolute hands of her aunt. She came toward
+her now and said humbly:
+
+"I did not understand, truly. I will be wiser and never again think it
+untrue. And now--shall I go up to bed?"
+
+Lois Henry was not satisfied, but she did not want to have open words
+with her son before the children.
+
+"Both go to bed at once," she said sharply. "Rachel?"
+
+"I am here," said the elder girl quietly.
+
+"Take Primrose upstairs and see that she is fixed for the night, though,
+hereafter, she will wait upon herself. I like not to have children
+brought up helpless."
+
+"Go, my little dear," Andrew whispered caressingly. "To-morrow----"
+
+Primrose was awed by Aunt Lois and followed with no further word or
+sign.
+
+Rachel found her nightdress and half envied the daintiness.
+
+"What were thy words with Faith about," she inquired in a somewhat
+peremptory tone.
+
+"Thou art Faith's sister, ask her," was the resentful reply. She must
+tell the truth if she spoke at all, and she did not want to run another
+risk of being blamed. Andrew believed in her, that was the comfort she
+held to her throbbing heart.
+
+"Thou art a froward child and hast been overindulged. But, I warn thee,
+Aunt Lois will train naughty girls sharply."
+
+Rachel stood in a sort of expectant attitude and Primrose leaned against
+the window.
+
+"Get to bed," the elder said quickly.
+
+"Go! go!" Primrose stamped her rosy bare foot on the floor. "I want you
+away. I cannot say my prayer with you here."
+
+"Thou needst prayer certainly. Among other things pray for a better
+temper."
+
+Rachel went slowly, and shut the door. Primrose threw herself on the bed
+and gave way to a paroxysm of sobs and tears. Once she thought she would
+creep downstairs and fly to the woods--anywhere to be out of reach of
+them all. Oh, how could she endure it! Patty scolded sometimes, and
+Madam Wetherill reproved and had on an occasion or two sent her out of
+the room, but to be threatened with a whipping was too terrible!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FATE TO THE FORE.
+
+
+They were early astir at the farm. Rachel in going downstairs called
+Primrose and Faith. The latter rubbed her sleepy eyes--it was always so
+hard to get up, but there were many things to do. Grandmother was the
+only one allowed to sleep in quiet, and sometimes she would lie as late
+as nine o'clock, to the great relief of everyone.
+
+"Come, thou sluggard!" and the child's shoulder was roughly shaken.
+"This is twice I have called thee, and what will happen a third time I
+cannot undertake to say."
+
+"Patty!" Primrose opened her eyes and then gave a little shriek of
+affright. "Oh, where am I?"
+
+She had cried herself to sleep and forgotten all about her prayer.
+
+"I am not Patty, and thou wilt find no servant here to wait upon thee.
+We are not fine Arch Street people. Come, if thou dost want any
+breakfast."
+
+Slowly memory returned to Primrose. She leaned out of the little window.
+Oh, what joyous sound was that! She smiled as the birds caroled in the
+trees and followed them with her soft, sweet voice that could not reach
+the high notes. Then she began to dress, eager to be out of the small
+room that would have seemed a prison to her if she had known anything
+about a prison. But the wonderful melody filled her soul and lifted her
+up to the very blue heavens. So she loitered sadly about her dressing,
+and when she came down the table had been cleared away.
+
+Chloe had received instructions to give her a bite out in the kitchen
+presently, but with a sense of injustice, growing stronger every moment,
+she almost flew from the house. Rachel was working butter in the milk
+room and Faith weeding in the garden. Aunt Lois had had a very disturbed
+night and was suffering with a severe headache. Her husband's fever had
+abated toward morning, and now he had fallen into a quiet sleep.
+
+Primrose made her way to the old orchard. Ah, how enchantingly the birds
+sang! Then there was a long, melodious whistle that she tried to imitate
+and failed, and laughed gleefully at her non-success. Where was the old
+tree blown almost over by wind and storm that she used to run up, and
+fancy herself a squirrel? Ah, here it was! bent over so much more that
+its branches touched the ground. She walked up the trunk, holding out
+both arms to keep her balance, and then sitting down where three
+branches crossed and made a seat. The apples were hard and sour, she
+remembered, regular winter apples. She rocked to and fro, singing with
+the birds and watching the white boats go sailing across the sky. She
+laughed in her lightness of heart, though there was no malice in it. She
+did not even give the household a thought.
+
+And then she was suddenly hungry. She sighed a little. Were there any
+more ripe, sweet apples, she wondered! Oh, how long would she have to
+stay at Uncle Henry's? It was early July now, six months. What a long,
+long while as she counted them up! And there would be winter when she
+could not run out of doors, and no lessons, no books to pore over, no
+music, no great parlor full of strange things that she never tired of
+inspecting, no pretty ladies in silk and satin gowns, chattering and
+laughing.
+
+What with the soft wind and the swaying motion she began to feel sleepy
+again. She crawled down and looked for the tree they had found
+yesterday. Alas! its branches were too high for her conquest. She threw
+herself down on the grass and leaned against the trunk, and in five
+minutes was soundly asleep.
+
+Rachel had gone about her duties in a quiet, rather resentful manner.
+Once Chloe had asked about the child.
+
+"I have called her twice," was the brief answer.
+
+Then she heard grandmother stirring and went up to dress her and gave
+her some breakfast. She would not even look in the small chamber where
+she supposed Primrose was lazily sleeping. Afterward she called in
+Faith, who washed her hands and changed her frock, as the dew and dirt
+had made it unsightly.
+
+"If thou wouldst only be careful and tuck it up around thy knees," said
+Rachel in a fretted tone. "There is no sense in getting so draggled, and
+it makes overmuch washing."
+
+"Shall I take the towels out to hem?" asked Faith.
+
+"Yes. Thee should get them done this morning. Aunt Lois spoke of thy
+dilatoriness."
+
+Faith longed to ask about the newcomer. It was sinful indulgence for her
+to be lying abed. And why was she not sent to weed in the garden or put
+at other unpleasant work?
+
+Rachel heard the rap on the tin cup that answered the purpose of a bell
+to summon one. Aunt Lois was still in her short bedgown and nightcap.
+
+"Thou must wait upon thy uncle this morning," she began feebly. "I have
+tried, but I cannot get about. There is a dizziness in my head every
+time I stir, and strange pains go shooting about me. It is an ill time
+to be laid by with the summer work pressing, and two people needing
+constant care."
+
+She looked very feeble, and there was an unwholesome red spot upon each
+cheek. Her usually calm and steady voice was tremulous.
+
+"But I feel better. The fever is gone," said Uncle James. "There will be
+only two weeks more and then I can begin to get about. When there is no
+head matters go loosely enough."
+
+"But I am sure Andrew is capable. He hath been trained under thine own
+eye. And Penn is steady and trusty."
+
+"But a dozen young things cannot supply the master's place," he returned
+testily. "And one almost feels as if the evil one hath gotten in his
+handiwork as he did on Job."
+
+Lois sighed. Rachel washed her uncle's face and hands and brought him
+some breakfast.
+
+"Shall I not bring thee some, too?"
+
+"Nay, the thought goes against me. I will have some boneset tea steeped.
+And presently I will get out to the kitchen. Perhaps I shall mend by
+stirring about."
+
+Grandmother sat under the tree or wandered about, babbling of old times
+and asking questions that she forgot the next moment. There was a ham
+boiling in the great kettle over the kitchen fire, and a big basket of
+vegetables for the dinner. There were two neighboring men working, who
+were to have their midday meal.
+
+James Henry would have enjoyed Job's disputatious friends. There were
+several knotty points in doctrine that he had gone over while lying
+here, and he longed to argue them with someone. The days were very long
+and tedious to him, for he had never been ill a whole week in his life.
+
+Lois crept out to the living room, then to the great shady doorstep. How
+fine and fresh and reviving the waft of summer air, with its breath of
+new-mown hay, was to her fevered brow.
+
+"Where is the child?" she asked.
+
+"I called her twice. What with packing the butter and various duties she
+hath quite gone out of my mind. Surely she sleeps like the young man in
+the Apostles' time."
+
+"Go summon her again. She must be broken of such an evil habit."
+
+Rachel primed herself for some well-deserved severity. There was no one
+in the room. She searched the closet, the other rooms, then the "tuck
+place" as it was called, and went through Chloe's room, over the
+kitchen.
+
+"She is not anywhere to be seen. Chloe, hast thou observed her stealing
+out?"
+
+"Nay," and the colored servitor shook her head.
+
+"Strange where she can be."
+
+"The child was tractable and well trained through the past summer, but
+she hath grown lawless and saucy. When she comes I shall give her a good
+switching, if I am able. I will not have these mischievous pranks," said
+Aunt Lois feebly.
+
+"She deserves it," rejoined Rachel with unwonted zest. She longed to see
+the child conquered.
+
+Still Primrose did not appear. Lois Henry took her herb tea, and after
+a severe fit of nausea felt somewhat relieved, but very weak and shaky.
+She was just thinking of retiring when Andrew came across the field. But
+he was alone.
+
+"Hast thou seen aught of that willful child?" she inquired.
+
+"Primrose? No." He looked from one to the other. "What hast thou been
+doing with her?"
+
+Rachel sullenly recapitulated the morning's experience.
+
+"And she had no breakfast? Where can she have gone? Surely she hath not
+thought to find her way to Wetherill farm! We should not have insisted
+upon her coming at this time. Mother, you look very ill," and the kindly
+face was full of solicitude.
+
+"I am, my son. And it was not my will to have her, but your father's
+mind was set upon it."
+
+"And then she is so different," began Rachel. "What if we had allowed
+Faith in such tantrums!"
+
+"She needs a sharp hand to cure her evil temper."
+
+"Mother," said Andrew with a sense of the injustice, and a rising
+tenderness in his heart for Primrose, "we must consider. She is not to
+have our lives, nor to be brought up in our way. She hath her own
+fortune, and her mother was a lady----"
+
+"There are no ladies, but all are women in the sight of God. And as for
+such foolish, sinful lives as the townfolk lead, playing cards and
+dancing, and all manner of frivolous conversation, it were a mercy to
+snatch one from the burning. She was a nice little child last year. I
+must reduce her to obedience again, and some sense of a useful, godly
+life."
+
+"To have thy training upset by the next hand! It is neither wise nor
+wholesome for the child, and she will come to have ill will towards us.
+I can remember how bright and cheerful and easily pleased her mother
+was----"
+
+"She was never grounded in the faith. She had a worldly and carnal love
+for Philemon Henry, and it was but lip service. If he had lived----"
+Lois Henry had interrupted with an energetic protest in her voice, but
+now she leaned her head on the door post and looked as if she might
+collapse utterly.
+
+"Mother, thou art too ill to be sitting up. Let me help thee to bed, and
+then I must go look for the child."
+
+He lifted her in his strong young arms and, carrying her through, laid
+her on the bed beside her husband.
+
+"I am very ill," she moaned, and indeed she looked so. All her strength
+seemed to have gone out of her.
+
+"I heard high words about the child. Hath she proved refractory? Madam
+Wetherill and the houseful of servants have no doubt spoiled her. It is
+God's mercy that there may be seasons of bringing her back to reasonable
+life."
+
+"Do not trouble about the little girl. To-day I think the doctor will be
+here to examine thy leg, and I am sure my mother needs him. I am afraid
+it is a grave matter."
+
+"My poor wife! And I am a helpless burden on thee! I am afraid I have
+demanded too much."
+
+"The Lord will care for us," she made answer brokenly.
+
+After giving some charges to Rachel, Andrew walked down the path that
+led to the road. Was Primrose afraid of punishment, and had Rachel said
+more to her than she was willing to own? This was no place for her,
+Andrew said to himself manfully. And if his mother was to be ill----
+
+He changed his steps and went to the barn. Would Rover remember the
+little girl of last summer? He raised the clumsy wooden latch.
+
+"Come, Rover," he said cheerily. "Come, we must go and find Primrose. I
+wonder if thou hast forgotten her?"
+
+Rover sprang out and made a wide, frolicsome detour. Then he came back
+to his master and listened attentively, looked puzzled, and started off
+again down the road, but returned with a sort of dissatisfaction in his
+big brown eyes.
+
+"The orchard, perhaps. We might look there first. She was such a
+venturesome, climbing little thing last year."
+
+Rover ran about snuffling, and started off at a rapid rate, giving a
+series of short, exultant barks as he bounded to his master.
+
+"Good Rover!" patting the shaggy creature, who sprang up to his shoulder
+in joy.
+
+Primrose was still asleep. The winds had kissed with fragrant touches,
+the birds had sung to her, the bees had crooned, and the early summer
+insects ventured upon faint chirps, as if they hardly knew whether they
+might be allowed to mar the radiant summer day. How divinely beautiful
+it was!
+
+Her head had fallen on her shoulder and the old tree rose gray and
+protecting. The long fringe of lashes swept her cheek, her hair was
+tumbled about in shining rings, her dewy lips slightly apart, almost as
+if she smiled.
+
+She had been worn out with her crying last night, but now was rested
+and fresh. The dog's bark roused her, and she opened her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Andrew! Where have I been? Why----"
+
+"Little runaway!" but his tone was tender, his eyes soft and shining.
+
+"Oh, Andrew!" she exclaimed again. Then she clasped her arms about his
+body with a kind of vehemence and buried her face for a moment. "Take me
+back, won't you? I can't stay here. I can't! I don't like anyone. Even
+Aunt Lois is cross and Rachel hates me."
+
+"Oh, no, no! But thou shalt go back. This is no real home for thee."
+
+"Oh, come, too!" she cried eagerly. "There is a great farm, and Madam
+Wetherill will be glad to have thee."
+
+"Nay, my father is ill and I could not leave him. And there is so much
+work to do. But I will see thee now and then to freshen thy memory."
+
+"I should not be likely to forget thee."
+
+"Didst thou have any breakfast?"
+
+"No, I didn't. I was very sleepy when Rachel called. I think I must have
+run straight to the land of Nod again," laughingly. "And when I came
+down the table was cleared. There was someone in the kitchen, but I was
+afraid. I do not know why it is," and her plaintive voice touched him,
+"only now I am afraid of everybody--oh, no! not afraid of you, for I
+like you so much. And then I wanted to run away, but I did not know how
+to go. I climbed the crooked apple tree and swung to and fro until I was
+sleepy and afraid I might fall out. Then I came down here. Oh, can I go
+back? Truly, truly?"
+
+"Truly." Yet he said it with a pang. How sweet and dainty she was! He
+would not have used the words, they were strange to him, but they sent a
+thrill through his body, as music sometimes does.
+
+"Come, dinner will be ready."
+
+"Will anyone scold me?" fearfully.
+
+"No one shall scold thee."
+
+They walked together to the house. Rachel was just blowing the horn.
+Faith looked curiously at her and rather exulted in the punishment she
+would get.
+
+Andrew went straight to the sick room.
+
+"I am afraid thy mother is ill beyond the power of herb teas," said
+James Henry. "What a godsend that we should have Rachel! And oh, Heaven
+grant that it may not be as it was before! the strong and helpful one
+taken, and the helpless left."
+
+Lois Henry was deeply flushed now and lay with her eyes half open,
+muttering to herself.
+
+"Mother?" he said, but she did not notice him.
+
+He went out to dinner in a thoughtful mood, but he had no appetite.
+Primrose was hungry enough, but looked up smilingly now and then. Dr.
+Reed came in earlier than his wont and accepted the invitation to dine,
+asking questions occasionally as to how Friend Lois had been last week,
+and if she had shown any tendency to be flurried.
+
+"She hath not been quite herself, now that I come to recall it,"
+answered Rachel, "and complaining of being tired and not sleeping well.
+Oh, I hope----" She was about to add, "it will not be with her as it was
+with my poor mother," but tears stopped her.
+
+It was a fever sure enough. It would be better to have her in a separate
+chamber, and if some old nurse would come in. "There was Mistress
+Fanshaw, only come home last week."
+
+"I will go for her," responded Andrew.
+
+"I shall be in on the second day," the doctor announced, as he mounted
+his horse and settled his saddlebags.
+
+"A sad thing for all of us." Rachel wiped her eyes with the end of her
+stout linen apron.
+
+"I shall take Primrose back to Wetherill farm."
+
+"Oh, that will indeed be a relief. She and Faith, I foresee, would not
+get along together, and I could not manage such a froward child."
+
+Andrew made no reply. There was a little more work devolving upon him,
+and he deputed the rest of the day's management to Penn.
+
+He had fortified himself with many arguments as to why Primrose should
+return to her great aunt, but to his surprise, his father assented at
+once. He was much worried about his wife, who had never been ill before.
+
+Primrose was glad with a great delight. She sat under the tree with
+Faith and roused the child's envy with accounts of her life in town, and
+the time for pleasure.
+
+"But dost thou not sew or knit?"
+
+"Nay, except lacework and hemstitching, but I shall as I grow older.
+There is Patty to sew, and as for stockings, I do not know how they
+come, for no one knits them, and they are fine and nice, with gay clocks
+in them, and oftentimes silken. I like the pretty things. But all
+Friends are not so plain. Some come to us with silken petticoats and
+such gay, pretty aprons, just like a garden bed."
+
+Faith sighed. And now she wished Primrose might say, there was such
+witchery in her words.
+
+Madam Wetherill was much surprised to have Primrose return so soon, but
+not sorry, she frankly admitted. She was greatly concerned about Friend
+Henry and hoped the fever would not be over troublesome.
+
+"Good-by, little one," Andrew said, holding her hand. "I hope thou wilt
+be very happy; and I shall come to hear how it fares with thee."
+
+Did she pull the stalwart figure down with her small hands? He bent over
+and kissed her and then blushed like a girl.
+
+"Fie, Primrose! Thou art a little coquette, and learning thy lesson
+young!"
+
+"But I like him very much," she replied with brave seriousness.
+"Only--it's pleasanter to live with thee," and she hid her face in Madam
+Wetherill's gown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+TO TURN AND FIGHT.
+
+
+James Henry mended slowly, and Lois' fever lasted a month before she
+could leave her bed, and then she could only totter about. Rachel had
+proved herself a daughter of the house, efficient, thoughtful, and
+capable, and although a few weak protests had been made, it was an
+undeniable relief not to have Primrose to consider.
+
+The town had been stirred to the utmost by conflicting views and
+parties. Washington had gone to Boston to take command of the troops,
+and now sent for his family from their quiet retreat at Mount Vernon.
+
+Most of the people had shut up their country houses and come into town,
+and now that it was announced that Mrs. Washington would make a brief
+stop on her way to Cambridge, there was a curious feeling pervading the
+community in spite of a very pardonable interest. What if the war should
+be a failure?
+
+"But we have committed ourselves too deeply to draw back now," said some
+of the loyal women. "Let us pay her all courtesy."
+
+The rebel party resolved to give a ball in her honor at New Tavern. Mrs.
+Hancock was also in the city, and some fine preparations were made.
+There was a heated discussion. Some of the more sedate people, who never
+took part in gayeties, represented that this would be a most inopportune
+time for such a revel when the country was in the throes of a mighty
+struggle.
+
+Christopher Marshall, who was a Quaker by birth, but had espoused the
+side of the colonies warmly, went to John Hancock, who was then
+President of the Congress, and requested him to lay the matter seriously
+before Mrs. Washington and beg her to decline the invitation, "while her
+brave husband was exposed in the field of battle." She assented most
+cheerfully, and was in no wise offended.
+
+There was a bevy of women discussing this at Madam Wetherill's; the
+young ones loud in their disappointment, as gayeties had not been very
+frequent so far.
+
+"And I like Colonel Harrison's spunk in chiding Mr. Samuel Adams," said
+someone. "He agreed there would be no impropriety in it, but rather an
+honor. And we should all have seen Lady Washington."
+
+"_Lady_ forsooth! I did not know the widow Custis had put on such airs
+with her second marriage. Presently we shall hear of Mount Vernon palace
+if Dunmore does not make short work of it. And some of the rebels sneer
+at good English titles, or think it heroic to drop them."
+
+Mrs. Ferguson was well known for her Tory proclivities. She ran her
+cards over as she held her hand up, and the excellence of it pleased
+her.
+
+"But I am desperately disappointed," declared Kitty Ross. "And if we are
+to go in sackcloth all winter I shall die of the megrims. There is my
+new petticoat of brocaded satin, and my blue gown worked with white and
+silver roses down the sides, and across the bosom, with such realness
+you would declare they were fresh picked. And lace in the sleeves that
+my great-grandmother wore at the French Court. And surely there would be
+many gallants ready to dance. I am just dying for some merriment."
+
+"Not much will you see until this folly is over."
+
+"It does not seem to end rapidly. I hear the men at Boston are very
+stanch and in earnest since the murder of their brethren."
+
+"Murder indeed! Truly we have grown very fine and sensitive. They had no
+more than they deserved. And Massachusetts hath ever been one of the
+most turbulent provinces."
+
+"And Virginia a firebrand! As for us, we have the Congress, and I hear
+they are talking of putting some sort of declaration in shape. And it is
+said General Washington hath a very soldierly and honorable mind. He
+will do nothing for pay, it seems, and only agreed that his expenses
+should be met. At this rate he will not beggar the country."
+
+"And you will see how General Howe will make mincemeat of his straggling
+army. Madam Washington will hardly be recompensed for her journey,
+methinks," said Mrs. Ferguson.
+
+"Yet it would be good to have a sight of her," cried Sally Stuart. "And
+it is said she dances elegantly, as do all Virginians. Like Kitty, I am
+out of conceit with the wisdom of these fearsome men who want to suit
+everybody and end by suiting none. And it seems there hath been a
+division of opinion about calling. Who hath gone?" and Sally glanced at
+Mrs. Ferguson with a merry sort of malice in her laughing eyes.
+
+"Not I, indeed, you may be certain, but I will not be backward on her
+return, I assure you."
+
+"I have been," announced Madam Wetherill quietly. "I thought it but a
+duty, having met Colonel Hancock and wishing to be presented to his
+wife."
+
+"Oh, tell us!" cried half a dozen voices. "What is she like--very grand?
+For he is fine and commanding."
+
+"We shall never finish our game with so much talk about everybody,"
+declared one of the Tory ladies in vexation.
+
+"She is not commanding." Madam Wetherill laid down her card as she
+smiled, and trumped her adversary. "But she hath a certain dignity and
+intelligence that makes up for inches, and a face that is winning and
+expressive, with fine, dark eyes and fair skin showing just a natural
+blossom on her cheek. And her manners are most agreeable. I am sorry we
+could not have given her some sort of welcome. Well, moppet?" as
+Primrose entered shyly with a written message to her great aunt, "make
+your best courtesy, child, and tell the ladies how you liked Madam
+Washington."
+
+Primrose obeyed with a pretty flush on her cheek, and an irresistibly
+shy manner.
+
+"I liked her very much. And she said she once had a little girl of her
+own, and then her eyes looked almost as if they had tears in them, they
+were so soft and sweet. Her face was beautiful."
+
+"Well, well, we all feel disposed to envy thee," said Sally. "Some of us
+should have the courtesy to go to-morrow."
+
+Mrs. Ferguson rapped on the table. "If no one means to pay attention to
+the game we may as well give up and devote ourselves to laudation," she
+said shortly.
+
+Madam Wetherill looked at the note and said, "Yes," and Primrose,
+courtesying, stole out softly. But afterwards the game was ended with a
+good deal of curtness on Mrs. Ferguson's part, who had lost; for, while
+people were strenuous enough on some points, no one disdained to play
+for money.
+
+The girls stopped for a cup of chocolate that Mistress Janice sent in,
+and renewed the talk of their disappointment, bewailing the prospect of
+a dull enough season.
+
+But there were much excitement and high and bitter discussions to mark
+the winter. The breach between the war party and the peace party of
+Quakers widened greatly, and the outcome was the Free Quakers, or
+Fighting Quakers, as they came to be called. The departure of the
+British from Boston was hailed as a sign of hope. Thomas Paine's "Common
+Sense" was widely read, and disputed the palm with Dickinson's "Farmer's
+Letters" that had been so popular. Adams and James Allen, who disagreed
+with Paine, issued pamphlets, and many writers aired their opinions
+under various assumed names.
+
+Andrew Henry came in regularly to market. His father had not regained
+his full strength, and his leg was rather untrustworthy in slippery
+weather. Now and then he paused at some tavern, as they were considered
+respectable meeting places, to hear the discussions, for he was much
+perturbed in these days. He was made a welcome guest at Madam
+Wetherill's also, and met from time to time some notable person, and
+became much interested in Mr. Benjamin Franklin.
+
+Very little had been said about Primrose at home. Rachel was growing
+into daughterhood, and though Lois Henry would have denied the
+slightest suggestion of matchmaking, she saw with no disfavor that
+Rachel was much drawn toward Andrew.
+
+When spring opened grandmother failed rapidly and took to her bed a
+great part of the time, so that it was necessary to bring her downstairs
+for convenience' sake. It would be rather troublesome to have a
+discordant element, and the Henrys felt that Primrose was more firmly
+established in her willful ways, no doubt, and they did not care for a
+continual struggle like that which had begun and ended so disastrously
+the preceding summer.
+
+The spirit of revolt had gained ground in all the Colonies; still it had
+been hard work to persuade them to act together. But, in May, Congress
+passed resolutions leading to the better equipment of the Colonies for
+the struggle. At dinners--the only sources of amusement now--the King's
+health was no longer drunk, but "The free and independent States of
+America" were toasted with acclaim. With the old Assembly the political
+power of the Friends waned, and Philadelphia was taking upon herself a
+great and serious change. If Bunker Hill had electrified the country,
+the Declaration of Independence, read to the few people who gathered to
+hear it at the State House, was to be the imperishable crown of the
+city, although it was not signed until August.
+
+The King's arms were taken down and burned, the church bells rang, and
+the young people caught the enthusiasm from a few bonfires on the square
+and lighted them elsewhere, little thinking they were kindling a flame
+in men's souls that was to be handed down to posterity for ages. A very
+small beginning then, but among the hearers was Andrew Henry, who
+wondered mightily at the boldness of such a step, though the glory of it
+thrilled every pulse, and he was amazed at the fighting blood within
+him.
+
+At the yearly meeting he and his father had attended, the Friends had
+counseled against open rebellion and shown each other the futility of
+such a step. All acts of violence and bloodshed were deprecated, and
+Lexington and Concord pronounced a useless sacrifice, and displeasing to
+God. But in the little knots that had gathered afterward there had been
+more than one low, dissentient voice concerning a man's duty, and the
+impossibility of a government so far away knowing what was best for the
+Colonies.
+
+He was to meet Madam Wetherill, who had come in to her city home on some
+business.
+
+"I am glad thy father agrees about Primrose," she began in her cordial
+tone, that invariably charmed the young Quaker. "Her attire, too, had an
+appropriate aspect in his eyes, as it gave her a fine dignity. He was
+secretly pleased that she was not of his persuasion. The changes are
+hard on the child even if all other matters were in accord. I think she
+will never be of her father's faith, but she is sweet and attractive and
+good at heart. I am afraid we sometimes lay too much stress on outward
+appearances. Is thy mother well this summer?"
+
+"She is not as strong as she was, and we should not know how to manage
+without my cousin Rachel. Poor grandmother is nearing the close of her
+earthly pilgrimage. She may go at any time. Dr. Reed hath given us
+notice, and death is a sad and awesome matter even for little ones. So
+mother said she would rather have no added cares, though she would not
+shirk any duty."
+
+"Set her heart quite at rest. Tell her for me that the duties of God's
+sending are first. I have been consulting the other trustees, and they
+think the child is as well with me."
+
+"I think, now, better," returned Andrew gravely. "She is fitted for a
+wider life and knowledge than my father thinks necessary. And we have
+two girls now to comfort my mother, and they are of the same faith. But
+I find there is a wide line of opinion even among Friends. And the
+coming struggle will make it greater still. The town hath done a daring
+thing to-day. Will the great and wise men sign the document?"
+
+"I think all but a few. They are not certain of Mr. Dickinson, although
+he hath been writing so boldly. But Mr. Richard Penn advises that they
+all hang together, lest they may have to hang separately!" and she
+smiled.
+
+Andrew Henry drew a long breath.
+
+"But it hardly seems possible they can win. England can put such armies
+in the field."
+
+"Yet I think we have shown that patriotism can make good soldiers. There
+will be much suffering and Heaven only can foresee the end. Still it is
+a glorious thing, and we shall strive hard for freedom."
+
+"Thou art a patriot surely. The little girl must inherit some of thy
+blood, for she boldly declared herself a rebel."
+
+"She is an odd, spirited child, with a good deal of her mother's
+charming manner. I have grown very fond of her, though I thought myself
+too old to take up new loves. Thou must come down to the farm sometime
+and see her."
+
+"That I will gladly," was the quick reply.
+
+"And thou must study this matter thou hast heard to-day. It is a great
+thing to make a country, and a trust above all others to keep it intact.
+And, though thy people are averse to fighting, I see some of them have
+ranged themselves already on the side of liberty and the colonies."
+
+"I have a great interest----" Then he paused and flushed. "But it grows
+late, and I must bid thee farewell. Give my respects to the little girl
+and say I do not forget her."
+
+Every effort was now made to strengthen the defenses, and a bounty was
+issued for volunteers. Gun-boats were ordered for the river front and
+the manufacture of gunpowder was hurried along. There was much
+watchfulness over those suspected of Toryism, or caught carrying away
+stores. Occasionally one saw a cart packed with Tories, seated backward
+and being driven along to the tune of the Rogue's March, and jeered by
+the populace.
+
+Late in the autumn they buried Lois Henry's mother. James Henry gave up
+more of the severe work and going about to the young men. Penn Morgan
+was large and strong, and grown very fond of his uncle in an admiring
+fashion. Andrew puzzled him oftentimes.
+
+Pinches were beginning to be felt and a great part of the commerce
+languished. Salt, one of the importations, became very scarce. Stores
+and shops were dull enough, and men hung about the streets with nothing
+to do.
+
+In November came the news of Howe's successful march and the taking of
+Fort Washington. Then he swept onward, dismaying the towns, and when he
+reached Trenton he issued a proclamation that won over many who still
+hoped in their hearts that by some miracle the colonists would win.
+
+But Philadelphia celebrated the anniversary of her heroic Declaration of
+Independence with much firing of guns all day and a great civic banquet
+in the evening. The streets wore quite a holiday aspect. Many people
+came in from the farms and residences at a distance, and flags, made
+after the pattern that Betsy Ross had designed for the army when General
+Washington went to Boston, were shown in some houses.
+
+There was also a smashing of Quaker windows, and much hooting at the
+peace men, who were bidden to come out of the shelter of their
+broadbrims.
+
+A new oath of allegiance had been exacted from the citizens of the whole
+State that created great consternation among the Friends. Many now
+openly espoused the cause of freedom, being convinced it was a duty, and
+their expulsion from the ranks followed. Even among the women there were
+enthusiastic souls who gave aid and comfort in the years of trial that
+were to follow.
+
+James Henry had ranged himself strongly on the peace side. Indeed the
+household were a unit with the exception of Andrew, who held his temper
+bravely when the talk was of the condemnatory order.
+
+There had been no open rupture on the little girl's account. In a way
+James Henry resigned some of his powers, though he kept the trusteeship,
+and was sharp to see to the accounting of money matters. Madam Wetherill
+and Primrose made journeys to the Quaker farmhouse, and the Henrys were
+cordially invited to the city to test the Wetherill hospitality.
+
+Primrose had listened to Andrew's persuasion, and in the summer gone for
+several days. How queer it all seemed to her! The plain, homely rooms,
+the absence of the many little courtesies to which she had become
+accustomed, the routine of work that left no leisure for reading or
+enjoyment. For already in the city there was a great deal of
+intelligence.
+
+She had grown tall, but was very slim and full of grace in every
+movement. Her hair still held its sunny tint, and even if combed as
+straight as possible, soon fell into waves and curling tendrils, and her
+complexion was radiant in pearl and rose.
+
+Rachel was quite a young woman, with a thin, muslin Quaker cap over her
+brown hair, and not the slightest attempt at ornament; a great worker
+and very thrifty in her methods. In her opinion idleness was a sin.
+Faith had grown tall, but was not as robust.
+
+Primrose was like a sudden sunbeam in the old house. Her merry laugh
+rippled everywhere. As of old, every animal on the place made friends
+with her. And though Uncle James looked stern and sour at times, she
+would not heed his frowns.
+
+Not only Andrew, but Penn, acknowledged her witching sway. She could
+ride finely now on horseback or with a pillion, and the cunning little
+beauty persuaded one or the other to take her out on numerous
+excursions.
+
+"One could envy thee heartily," declared Faith. "For when Rachel and I
+desire any recreation or to go of some errand, there are a thousand
+excuses. What coaxing art hast thou? And how dost thou come by so much
+prettiness? Was it on thy mother's side?"
+
+"Am I so pretty?" She laughed in a gay, amused fashion. "Sometimes Patty
+says I shall grow old and yellow and wrinkled, but though Aunt
+Wetherill's hair is snowy-white, and there are tiny marks and creases
+in her skin, she is not yellow nor cross, and looks like the most
+beautiful of queens in her brocades and satins."
+
+"But what is a queen if there are no thrones here in America?"
+
+"Oh, how dull thou art! It is because we call anyone a queen who is a
+beautiful and dignified woman, and can receive with graciousness, and
+hold a little court about her."
+
+"But the fine clothes are vain and wicked. And--and plaiting of the
+hair, and the much pleasuring--and the giddy talk----"
+
+The small Quakeress paused with a sort of longing and envy that she
+could think of no more sins.
+
+"But my hair is not plaited. I think the good God curled it just as he
+makes the pretty vine creep up and twine about. And He makes a gay,
+beautiful world, where birds go flying and dazzle the air with their
+bright colors. Dost thou know the firebird, with his coat of red, and
+the yellow finches and the bluebirds? The little brown wren greets them
+in her pert way, and I dare say takes pleasure in them. And how many
+flowers you find in the woods and the meadows."
+
+"I never go for flowers. It is a sinful waste of time, and we have no
+use for them, since they do but litter everything. And thou wilt some
+day be called to account for these idle, frivolous moments."
+
+"I do not know. I think God means us to be happy. And I cannot help
+being gay and pleased with all the things He has made. It is very
+naughty and unkind to despise them."
+
+Faith knew in her heart there were many things she would be glad to
+have, and that she hated to sit in the house and spin and sew, when
+Primrose was roaming around with Penn and Andrew, and riding on the hay
+cart amid the fragrant dried grass.
+
+"Andrew, wilt thou always be a Quaker?" Primrose asked one evening when
+she found him sitting under the tree where poor old grandmother had
+spent so many of her days.
+
+"Always? Why, I suppose so. Children generally follow in the footsteps
+of their fathers."
+
+"Is that because you are a man?"
+
+"I like _thou_ better," smiling and putting his arm about her.
+
+"But I am only half a Quaker. Do you think my father truly meant me to
+be? There is a fine picture of him at Mr. Northfield's that is said to
+be worth a great deal of money, and was made in England by a great man,
+and is sometime to go over again. Did you know I had a brother, Andrew?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It seems very unreal. A letter came one day from him, and he asked if
+there were any other children alive. A brother! How strange it sounds!
+Why, it would be like Penn and Faith."
+
+"I hope he may never want thee," with a little hug that made her head
+droop on his shoulder.
+
+"Oh, no; and if he does, he must come here. I should be afraid of the
+great ocean that it takes days and days to cross. And I might be
+drowned," plaintively.
+
+"Then thou shalt never cross it."
+
+"Thou wilt not let him take me away? Though I think Aunt Wetherill would
+not consent."
+
+"Nay, I would fight for thee."
+
+"Then thou must fight for the country. It is _my_ country."
+
+"If any need comes in thy behalf I will fight," he returned solemnly.
+
+"And thou wilt put on some fine soldier clothes. The men all look so
+handsome in their blue coats and buff breeches, and the hats turned up
+in a three-cornered way."
+
+She only saw the glory in it. He hoped she might never know the other
+side.
+
+"What art thou studying about so gravely?" when Primrose lapsed into
+silence and let her small white hand lie in his brown one.
+
+"I was thinking. Penn is here, and does your father need two sons? Aunt
+Wetherill said, one day, that you were wasted on the farm, and that some
+of the generals ought to have you for your cool clear head, and your
+strength, and oh! I do not remember what else. And if you would come
+into town----"
+
+"If thou were older, Primrose, thou couldst tempt a man to his undoing.
+But thou art a sweet, simple child. And when my country needs me she
+will not ask about my faith. Already there is more than one Quaker
+soldier in her ranks."
+
+"Primrose!" Rachel had been sitting on the old stone step until there
+seemed a curious fire kindled all through her body at the sight of the
+golden head on the broad shoulder. "Primrose, come in. The dew is
+falling."
+
+"There is no dew here under the tree," returned Andrew.
+
+"It is high bedtime. Faith is going. Come!"--peremptorily.
+
+There were times when Primrose was fond of teasing Rachel, but she rose
+now. When she had gone a step or two she turned around for a kiss.
+
+"I am ashamed of thee!" Rachel said sharply. "Thou art a bold child to
+hang around after men. Didst thou kiss him? That was shameful."
+
+"It was not shameful. I will ask him----"
+
+Rachel caught her arm. "Aunt Lois will be shocked! No nice little girl
+does such a thing! Faith would be whipped for it. Go straight along."
+
+She blocked the way, and Primrose, in her sweet hopefulness, thought of
+to-morrow.
+
+Aunt Lois had overheard the talk. When Rachel had mixed the bread, for
+Chloe had a sore finger, the elder said gravely:
+
+"Thy uncle goes over to Chew House to morrow, and I think Primrose had
+better return home. She is too forward and light to have with Faith. I
+like not city manners and freedoms. Her mother was not to my fancy. Men
+are weak sometimes, but I hope ere long, Rachel, my son's fancy will be
+fixed where it will afford me great satisfaction."
+
+Rachel colored with a secret joy. She could have clasped the mother to
+her heart for the admission, but she would not spoil the commendation by
+any lack of discretion.
+
+While Primrose was waiting for Uncle James in the morning she ran out to
+the barn.
+
+"Andrew, I am going. It hath been very pleasant, and I hoped thou would
+have taken me. Andrew"--with a strange, new hesitation--"is it--is it
+wrong to kiss thee?"
+
+She looked up out of such clear honest eyes in all their sweet
+guilelessness that he took the fair face between his hands and kissed it
+again.
+
+"Nay, there could never be a wrong thought in thy sweet young heart. And
+thou art my cousin."
+
+She wondered, as she was retracing her steps, if he kissed Faith and
+Rachel, since they were cousins.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A RIFT OF SUSPICION.
+
+
+Lois Henry had no especial fear of any serious matter with such a mere
+child as Primrose, as she was far too young. But she had been trained in
+a repressed, decorous fashion, and many of the Friends were as rigorous
+as the Puritans. Young men were better off without caresses, even from
+mother or sister. And she was compelled to acknowledge within herself
+that Primrose had a large share of what she set down as carnal beauty,
+the loveliness of physical coloring and symmetry. Neither of the Morgan
+girls would ever be temptingly pretty, and she gave thanks for it.
+Rachel would make a thrifty and admirable housewife. She could not wish
+her son a better mate. Andrew would be needed on the farm, which would
+be his eventually, and she would have no difficulty in living with such
+a daughter-in-law.
+
+But she resolved that the old arrangement, whereby Philemon Henry's
+daughter was to spend the summers with them, should remain no longer in
+force. She did not ask that her husband should view the matter at once
+through her eyes; she knew a quiet, steady influence would better gain
+her point than an outspoken opposition.
+
+James Henry was rather surprised when she proposed that he should take
+Primrose home, as they had begun to call Madam Wetherill's.
+
+"There is no great haste," he replied.
+
+"But thou art going at least half-way there, and it was to be merely a
+visit. Thou must see, James, that all her ways and habits are very
+different, and our good seed would be sown on sandy ground. When the
+child comes to be a year or so older we may have more influence, and
+presently, I think, Madam Wetherill may tire of her. She distracts Faith
+with her idle habits and light talk, and just now we are very busy with
+the drying of fruit and preserving, the spinning, and the bleaching of
+white cloth, as well as the dyeing of the other. It takes too much of my
+time to look after her. And, since my illness, I have not felt equal to
+the care of doing my duty to her."
+
+"Certainly; as thou wilt, wife. I foresee that we shall gain no great
+influence over her, since every season our work must be undone. And I
+will discuss the matter with Friend Chew. If he considers that some part
+of the duty may be abrogated, we will not push our claim at present."
+
+Friend Chew thought there was nothing really binding in the agreement.
+Philemon had requested that his wife and daughter should spend a part of
+the year with his brother, but here had been the mother's fortune and
+the appointment of a new guardian. And since Madam Wetherill had a
+fortune and so few relatives, perhaps it would be as well to allow her
+some leeway.
+
+The good lady was surprised at the speedy return. She ordered some
+refreshments for James Henry and begged that the horses might have a
+rest. Then they talked of farming matters and the state of the country,
+hoping hostilities might be confined where they had their first
+outbreak, mostly to the Eastern Colonies and New York.
+
+"Thou dost know that I am bitterly opposed to war," he said. "It is
+unchristian, inhuman, and we cannot think to conquer the British armies,
+therefore it is folly. I was sorry enough to see the town William Penn
+reared on peaceful foundations with the service of God, turn traitor and
+range herself on the side of the King's enemies. Many a Friend, I hear,
+had his windows destroyed in that ungodly rejoicing a short time ago,
+and men of peace have been persecuted and ridiculed. We know little of
+it on our far-away farm, but Friend Chew hath kept account of both
+sides. And the rebel lines seem to have fallen in hard places."
+
+"We must give thanks that it hath come no nearer." She would not argue
+nor offend him, for the sake of Primrose.
+
+"There is another matter," he began, after a few moments of silence,
+occupied in sipping his ale and munching some particularly nice wafer
+biscuits that Janice Kent had made quite famous around the country side,
+and though she willingly gave the recipe, no one could imitate them
+exactly. "It is about the child. It hath been a matter of conscience
+with me whether I ought to expose her to the temptations of the world,
+but since I cannot by law keep her altogether----" And he hesitated a
+moment.
+
+"We have not quarreled about her since the judges made the decision,
+though thou knowest I would like to have her altogether," and Madam
+Wetherill smiled amicably, sipping her ale to keep him company. "It
+seems folly, like the man's two wives who plucked at his hair, the first
+to take out the white ones and the other the black."
+
+"There was the illness last summer, and I think my wife hath not been
+so strong since, and we have two girls----"
+
+"And since good fortune brought them to thee and I have none, I shall
+beseech thee to waive thy claim, and let me keep the child. I know our
+ways are different, but if presently she should choose thy faith,--and
+we have many of thy persuasion dropping in,--and desire to return to
+thee, I will be quite as generous and kindly as thou hast been, and not
+oppose her."
+
+"That is as fair as one can expect," the man said with a sigh. "I would
+my brother had lived and managed the matter. Friend Chew thinks there
+will be hard times before us all, especially those who have laid up
+treasure in perishable money."
+
+"But, whatever comes, I shall care for her to my last penny."
+
+"And if thou shouldst die, as we are but mortal, the best of us, wilt
+thou transfer her back to us?"
+
+"Her guardians will do that. I promise no will of mine shall be left to
+oppose it."
+
+"And that she shall visit us now and then."
+
+"I agree to that."
+
+"We are busy now--thou knowest the many things that press in the
+summer--and two children of an age are troublesome unless brought up
+together. So we thought it best to return her just now."
+
+"And I am glad to have her. There is so much help here that a child's
+trouble is scarcely noted."
+
+But on his way home James Henry wondered if he had not given in too
+easily to the worldly and pleasing way of Madam Wetherill.
+
+She smiled a little to herself as she called Primrose from the summer
+house to say good-by, and to receive some sage advice.
+
+"Thou naughty little moppet," she said when the stout Quaker had ridden
+away, as she caught the little girl's hand in hers and gave her a swing,
+"what didst thou do that thou wert sent home in disgrace?"
+
+"Was it disgrace?" The color deepened on the rose-leaf cheek. "Aunt Lois
+found no fault, only to call me an idle girl. Faith is busy from morning
+to night and cannot even take a walk nor haunt the woods for flowers.
+Rachel is very stern and hath sharp eyes----"
+
+Should she confess last night's misdemeanor? But what right had Rachel
+to condemn it? Cousin Andrew had kissed her in this house. Oh, was so
+sweet a thing as a kiss wrong?
+
+"Truly thou must be set about some task. I think I will have thee taught
+to work flowers in thy new silk petticoat, for we shall have no more
+fine things from England in a long while. And that would be vanity in
+the eyes of thy Uncle James."
+
+"I should not like to work every moment."
+
+"Thou art a spoiled and lazy little girl. Does Faith read and spell and
+repeat Latin verses, and write a fair hand?"
+
+Primrose laughed. "She reads in the Bible slowly. And the Latin Uncle
+James thinks wicked. I have half a mind to think so myself, it is so
+bothersome. And the French----"
+
+"Thou mayst marry a great man some time and go to the French Court.
+Perhaps thou wouldst rather spin and churn, and make cheese and soap.
+But when there are so many glad to live by doing these things it seems
+kindness to pay them money for it. And so thy Aunt Lois did not really
+take thee to task?"
+
+"She did not set me about anything. And Rachel would not let me go to
+feed the chickens, nor gather up eggs, which is such fun."
+
+"And what didst thou do?"
+
+"Nothing but sit under the tree as the old grandmother used. It was very
+tiresome. And a walk in the orchard. Then I found a cornfield where Penn
+was plowing, and I waited to see him come out of the rows and get lost
+in them again."
+
+"And did you like this Master Penn?"
+
+"He was very pleasant. He showed me a nest with tiny birds in it that
+were naked and ugly, but they grow beautiful presently. And he picked a
+great dock leaf of berries, so that I should not get my hands scratched,
+and we sat down on a stone to eat them. But I like my own cousin Andrew
+better. Penn is not my cousin--Rachel said so."
+
+Madam Wetherill nodded with piquant amusement. Perhaps there had been a
+little jealousy.
+
+"Well, I am glad to get thee back. I am afraid I spoil thee; Mistress
+Kent insists that I do. But there will be time enough to learn to work.
+And if this dreadful war should sweep away all our fortunes, we shall
+have to buckle to, and, maybe, plant our own corn and husk it, and dig
+our potatoes as our fore-mothers helped to when they lived in the cave
+houses by the river's edge, before they built the real ones."
+
+"Caves by the river's edge? Did the river never overflow them? And is
+that where the Penny Pot stands----"
+
+"Who told thee about that?"
+
+"I walked there once with Patty. She knows a great many things about the
+town. And she said I ought to learn them as I was born here, lest the
+British come and destroy them."
+
+Madam Wetherill smiled at the sweet, earnest face.
+
+"They did not destroy New York, but I should be sorry to see them here.
+And I will tell thee: in that cave was born the first child to the
+colonists. He was named John Key, and good Master Penn presented him
+with a lot of ground. But I think he should have been called William
+Penn Key, to perpetuate the incident and the great founder. There are
+many queer old landmarks fading away."
+
+"And where were you born?" asked Primrose, deeply interested.
+
+"Not here at all, but in England. And I grew up and was married there.
+Then my husband put a good deal of money in the new colony and came
+over, not meaning to stay. But I had some relatives here, and no near
+ones at home, being an only child. The Wardours did not run to large
+families. My husband was much older than I, and when his health began to
+fail, instructed me in many things about the estate. So, when I lost
+him, I was interested to go on and see what a woman could do. There was
+a cousin who was a sea captain and had been to strange places, the
+Indies it was called then, and the curious ports on the Mediterranean,
+and brought home many queer things."
+
+"Oh, that is the portrait hanging in the big room at Arch Street, and is
+Captain Wardour?" exclaimed Primrose. "And where did he go at last?"
+
+"To a very far country, across the great sky. He was lost at sea."
+
+Madam Wetherill sighed a little. How long ago it seemed, and yet,
+strange contradiction, it might have been not more than a month since
+Captain Wardour bade her good-by with the promise that it should be his
+last voyage and then he would come home for good and they would marry.
+This love and waiting had bound her to the New World. She had made many
+friends and prospered, and there had been a sweet, merry young girl
+growing up under her eye, which had been a rather indulgent one, and who
+had fallen in love with Philemon Henry, and perhaps coquetted a little
+until she had the Quaker heart in her net he did not care to break if
+she could come over to his faith. It had disappointed Madam Wetherill at
+first, but having had business dealings with him, she had learned to
+respect his integrity.
+
+But as if there seemed a cruel fate following her loves, just as it was
+settled for Bessy to come back with her little Primrose, death claimed
+her. And Madam Wetherill had tried to keep a fair indifference toward
+the child since she could not have her altogether, but the little one
+had somehow crept into her heart. And now that there were two girls at
+James Henry's farm, the wife's own nieces, she could see they would the
+more readily relinquish her. The sending back of the child seemed to
+indicate that, though she had only gone for a visit.
+
+"Art thou sad about Captain Wardour?" And the little maid looked up with
+lustrous and sympathetic eyes, wondering at the long silence. "And do
+you think he could find my mother and my father? It must be a beautiful
+world, that heaven, if it is so much finer and better than this, and
+flowers bloom all the time and the trees never get stripped by the cruel
+autumn winds and the birds go on singing. I shall love to listen to
+them. But, aunt, what will people do who are like Rachel and think
+listening idle and sinful, and that flowers are fripperies that spoil
+the hay and prevent the grass from growing in that space?"
+
+"I am not sure myself." Madam Wetherill laughed at the quaint conceit.
+
+There were many gay Friends in town whose consciences were not so
+exigent, who believed in education and leisure and certainly wore fine
+clothes, if one can trust the old diaries of the time. But the other
+branch, the people who thought society worldly and carnal, reduced life
+to the plainest of needs, except where eating was concerned. There they
+could not rail at their brethren.
+
+"Do not bother thy small brain about this," the elder went on after a
+pause. "It is better to learn kindness to one's neighbor, and
+truth-telling that is not made a cloak for malicious temper. I am glad
+to have thee back, little one, and they will not be likely to need thee
+at the farm, nor perhaps care so much about thy faith."
+
+The whole household rejoiced. They had grown very fond of Primrose.
+Often now in the late afternoon Madam Wetherill would mount her horse
+with the pillion securely fastened at the back, and Primrose quite as
+secure, and with a black attendant go cantering over the country roads,
+rough as they were, to Belmont Mansion with its long avenue of great
+branching hemlocks; or to Mount Pleasant, embedded in trees, that was to
+be famous many a long year for the tragedy that befell its young wife;
+and Fairhill, with English graveled walks and curious exotics brought
+from foreign lands where Debby Norris planted the willow wand given her
+by Franklin, from which sprang a numerous progeny before that unknown in
+the New World.
+
+They would stop and take a cup of tea on the tables set under a tree. Or
+there would be ale or mead, or a kind of fragrant posset, with cloves
+and raisins and coriander seed, with enough brandy to flavor it, and a
+peculiar kind of little cakes to be eaten with it. Discussions ran high
+at times, and there was card-playing, or, if water was near, the young
+people went out rowing with songs and laughter. A lovely summer, and no
+one dreamed, amid the half fears, that from the town to Valley Forge was
+always to be historic ground.
+
+"Madam Wetherill has grown wonderfully fond of that child," said Miss
+Logan. "And what eyes she hath! They begin to look at you in a shy way,
+as if begging your pardon for looking at all; then they go on like a
+sunrise until you are quite amazed, when the lids droop down like a
+network and veil the sweetness. And a skin like a rose leaf. It is said
+her mother had many charms."
+
+"And her father looked courtly enough for a cavalier. There is a
+portrait of him that Mr. Northfield hath stored away, that is to be sent
+to England to the son by a former wife. Though I believe the great hall
+the boy was to inherit hath a new heir, the old lord having married a
+young wife, 'tis said. The lad sent word that he would come over, but
+nothing hath been heard, and now there are such troublous times upon the
+ocean."
+
+"Nay, England is mistress of the seas. And a new recruit of troops is
+being sent over. Some think Virginia will be the point of attack."
+
+There was but little news except that by private hands. No telegram
+could warn of an approaching foe. In July Washington, leaving a body of
+troops on the Hudson, pushed forward to Philadelphia, where he met, for
+the first time, the young Marquis Lafayette, who had been so fired with
+admiration at an account of the daring and intrepidity of the Americans
+in confronting a foe like England, and declaring for freedom, that he
+crossed the ocean to offer his services to the Continental Congress.
+
+The British fleet under Sir William Howe did not ascend the Delaware, as
+was anticipated, but landed at the Chesapeake Bay and were met by
+Washington on their march up, and after a day's hard fighting, at Chad's
+Ford, Washington was compelled to retreat with many killed and wounded,
+among the latter the brave young Frenchman. And then the city had its
+first bitter taste of war, and all was consternation. Many packed up
+their valuables and fled, others shut up their country houses and came
+into town. General Howe crossed the Schuylkill, intending to winter at
+Germantown, but, after the battle there, in which he was victorious,
+resolved to place his army in winter quarters at Philadelphia.
+
+Promise was given that all neutrals should be respected in property and
+person. The advent of the English was regarded with conflicting
+emotions. There were stately Tories, who held out a hand of welcome;
+there was a large and influential body of Friends who had resolutely
+kept to business, having, perhaps, little faith in the ultimate triumph
+of the colonists.
+
+And now the aspect of the town was changed, in a night, it seemed.
+Officers were sent to the wealthier households, and General Howe finally
+established himself in the house of Richard Penn. Barracks were hastily
+thrown up for the soldiers who could not find refuge elsewhere.
+
+Madam Wetherill was summoned to her parlor one morning, though, thus
+far, she had not been molested.
+
+"There are two redcoats, full of gold lace and frippery," said Janice
+Kent severely. "In God's mercy they have let us alone, but such fortune
+cannot last forever. Still they are more mannerly than those who invaded
+Mrs. Wray's, for one of them, a very good-looking officer, asked to see
+you with an air of seeking a favor. But we have hardly chambers enough
+to accommodate even a company, so heaven send they do not billet a whole
+regiment upon us!"
+
+Madam Wetherill gave a little frown.
+
+"No, we cannot hope to be let entirely alone. Let me see thy work,
+child," to Primrose. "Yes, do this part of the rose; it requires less
+shading, and keep at it industriously."
+
+Then she went down the broad staircase in stately dignity. The wide door
+space made her visible to the young man, who had been examining the
+Chinese pagoda standing on a table in the corner.
+
+"I must beg your pardon for coming unceremoniously upon you," he began
+in a well-trained voice that showed his breeding. "I reached the city
+only yesterday after a variety of adventures, and as it would have taken
+a long epistle to explain my history, I resolved to come in person.
+There was a connection of yours who married a Mr. Philemon Henry. I
+bethink me that the Quakers disapprove of any title beyond mere names,"
+and he smiled.
+
+"Yes," the lady answered gravely, eying the young man with a peculiar
+impression of having seen him before. "I knew Friend Henry very well."
+
+"And you have quite forgotten me? I hoped there would be some
+resemblance. I have been in this house as a little lad with my
+stepmother----"
+
+"It is not--oh, yes! it must be Philemon Henry's son!"
+
+"That was my father, truly. I had thought some day to come over, when I
+heard there was a little girl still living, my half-sister. And I
+remember I was very much in love with my pretty, winsome stepmother. I
+took it rather hard that I should be sent to England. And, as events
+turned out, I might have been as well off here in the city of my birth."
+
+"Pray be seated," rejoined Madam Wetherill. "This is singular indeed."
+
+"Allow me to present to you my friend, Lieutenant Vane, who is in
+General Howe's army, where I expect soon to have a position myself. I
+hope, madam, you are not too bitter against us?"
+
+"There will be time to discuss that later on," she answered in a guarded
+tone. "Yet I am almost surprised to find thee in arms against thy
+father's country."
+
+"I suppose he would have been a peace man. I have memories of a tall,
+rather austere person, yet of great kindliness, but it was the pretty,
+playful stepmother that made the most vivid impression. And now tell me
+of the little girl. Where is she?"
+
+"In this house. In my care partly. She has two trustees, or guardians,
+besides. One is your father's brother, James Henry, who lives not far
+from Germantown. But I forget--you know nothing of our localities."
+
+"An uncle! Really that had slipped my mind. And has he any family?"
+
+"One son of his own. A youth and two girls, orphans, whose mother was
+his wife's sister, have a home there. They are Friends of the quite
+strict order."
+
+"I must find them. My remembrance of him had faded, but I think I do
+recall his coming in to dinner at my father's. So my little sister is
+here? I have said the name over many times. Primrose. Is she as pleasing
+as the name? If she favors her mother she must be pretty enough."
+
+"She is very well looking," was the quiet answer.
+
+"And somewhat of an heiress."
+
+"No one can tell about property in such times as these. I am sorry thou
+shouldst have been disappointed in this respect."
+
+The young fellow shrugged his shoulders and smiled with a kind of gay
+indifference.
+
+"A young woman when Sir Wyndham was up at London captured him. He had
+gone many a time and had his yearly carouse with no danger, but she made
+him fast before he could fairly escape. She pays him much outward
+devotion. There was a great family of girls and they were glad to get
+homes, having little fortune, but being well connected. Then her child,
+being a boy, knocked me out altogether; the estate and title going in
+the male line. Still, he was generous to me. And being of a somewhat
+adventurous disposition I thought to enlist in the King's Guard, but
+there being a call for men to subdue the rebelling colonies, I decided
+to come hither."
+
+"Thy philosophic acceptance speaks well for thee. Few young men could
+take a disappointment so calmly."
+
+"I raved a little at first," laughingly. "But I was given a journey on
+the Continent, and there are chances still. It is said old men's
+children are seldom robust, while I can frolic for a week and remain
+sound as a nut."
+
+Now that she saw more of him he did resemble his father somewhat, though
+not so tall and of a more slender build.
+
+"Well," he said presently, veiling his impatience, "am I to see the
+little girl?"
+
+"Julius," to the hall boy, who was shooting up into a tall lad, "go
+upstairs and ask Mistress Primrose to come down to me."
+
+The child entered shyly, Julius having announced "two Britisher
+redcoats" with bated breath and wide-open eyes. She walked swiftly to
+Madam Wetherill's side.
+
+"This is little Mistress Henry. Primrose, thou hast inquired about thy
+brother. This is he. Hast thou taken thy father's name?"
+
+"I have added Nevitt to it. In a certain way I am still an appanage of
+Nevitt Grange--next of kin and in the succession. My sweet little
+maiden, I am your half-brother from England, and I knew and loved your
+mother."
+
+He crossed over to Primrose and would have taken her hand, but she clung
+closer to Madam Wetherill, looking at him with half-frightened eyes.
+
+"Nay, do not be so doubtful, my pretty child. If I have convinced your
+protectress, and I think General Howe has sufficient credentials to
+vouch for me, you may safely acknowledge me. At least, shake hands. I
+will prove the kindest of brothers if you do but give me a chance."
+
+She glanced questioningly at her aunt and then ventured one small hand,
+while her cheeks flushed in a delicate pink.
+
+He bent over and carried the hand to his lips.
+
+"We must be friends, little Primrose, for now we shall see a good deal
+of each other, I hope. Will you not give me one smile? As I remember
+your mother, she was most generous of her sweetness."
+
+"The child is strange of course. And she hath not heard much about you."
+
+"Is it truly my brother?" She glanced up at Madam Wetherill as if not
+convinced.
+
+"I have no doubt. I think I had an impression at once," smiling. "And
+when she is better acquainted----"
+
+"But I do not like General Howe to take possession of our city. Patty
+says the streets are full of redcoats and I cannot go out."
+
+She stiffened herself with great dignity, and now she looked squarely at
+him out of beautiful eyes.
+
+"Who may Patty be? And you will see that General Howe has a right to be
+here. He will soon settle the rebels if he keeps on as he has begun."
+
+"I am a rebel. And your general shall not conquer me. He is cruel and
+wicked!"
+
+"Primrose!" said her aunt, though much amused.
+
+"You have found a foe already," laughed Gilbert Vane. "One you cannot
+fight, but must persuade."
+
+"But my Cousin Andrew has promised to fight for me. He is larger than
+you, and I like him very much."
+
+She looked so spirited and daring that he wanted to clasp her in his
+arms and conquer her with kisses. He would soon oust this Cousin Andrew
+in her affections.
+
+"Little girls must not be so fierce," reproved Madam Wetherill. "We have
+talked on all sides and the child hears it. Then some of my old servants
+are strong patriots, 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
+ran high, and no end of dice and card-playing. There was among many of
+the lower classes an insolent revolt against an established order of
+things that had not brought them prosperity, and tradesmen had felt the
+pinch of hard times severely. The influx of British gold was hailed with
+delight, and some timorous souls that had longed for the larger liberty,
+yet feared the Colonies could never win independence, went over to the
+other side with sudden fervor.
+
+Those of royalist proclivities opened their houses to the gayeties that
+swept over the town like sudden intoxication. There were private balls
+and dinners and tea-drinking, with no end of scarlet-coated young
+officers, and card-playing was rampant. The shabby little theater on
+South Street was no longer relegated to opprobrium, but put in some
+repair and made a place of fashionable entertainment; the versatile
+Englishmen turning their hands and their wits to almost anything in that
+line, from scene-painting to acting in comedy, farce, or tragedy.
+
+It was soon noised about that Madam Wetherill's grand niece and protégé
+had a brother among the English officers. Many people could recall the
+fine old Quaker Philemon Henry, and his pretty second wife Bessy
+Wardour.
+
+"Surely you are in luck, Madam Wetherill," said bright, inconsequent
+Sally Stuart. "Will you not be generous enough to give us a peep at
+this handsome captain? My mother remembers his father well. And what
+does the child say to this fine surprise?"
+
+"She is not as enthusiastic as one might suppose."
+
+"Ah! I remember; she is quite a little rebel, and her patriotism becomes
+her well, since she is but a child, but she will mend of that."
+
+"Thou shalt see the young man, with pleasure. I shall choose some of the
+young people who have a hankering for scarlet."
+
+"Well, they are going to give us a gay winter, and, Heaven knows, we
+have been dull as ditch water. The theater has been refitted. And there
+is talk of racing again and no end of diversion."
+
+So Madam Wetherill gave a dancing party and asked the favorite young
+women of the day, since Captain Nevitt had proposed to bring some
+brother officers. Miss Franks and Miss Kitty Ross and Betty Randolph
+were to be among the belles of the evening, and many were pleading for
+invitations.
+
+"I hardly know how to manage," the Mistress said with a sigh to Janice
+Kent. "Many have had soldiers quartered upon them with hardly a moment's
+notice. Mrs. Norris was relieved, it is true, and Lord Cornwallis proved
+himself a gentleman. Elizabeth Drinker protested since her husband was
+from home, but it was not regarded. And we have been favored, whether
+from the influence of this young Nevitt or not, I cannot decide. I like
+not to be so identified with the Tory party, but I cannot be ungracious
+to my little girl's half-brother and the child Bessy Henry loved. I
+think he must favor his mother's people; he has not much of the old
+Henry blood in him."
+
+"I am not sure it is so bad a thing, madam, for we shall be less
+suspected of kindliness to the poor fellows who need it so much. And we
+may hear news to their benefit occasionally."
+
+"Ah, if a turn could be brought about for our brave men! I hear that
+Mrs. Washington is to join her husband and share his hardships. It will
+put courage into many a loyal fellow that misfortunes have well-nigh
+disheartened."
+
+So the great apartment was cleared of some of its ornaments that there
+might be more room for dancing, in that and the spacious hall.
+
+Primrose had been curiously distant and wary. It had amused her brother
+very much, and he teased her about being a little rebel and said he
+should take her to England to cure her of such folly and that she should
+be presented at Court. For certainly the Continentals could not hold out
+when all the principal cities were taken and trade stopped.
+
+He was proud of her beauty, and his flattery might have turned the head
+of almost any child.
+
+"I shall insist upon taking her back to England with me," he announced
+to his friend. "And this fine old lady, Madam Wetherill, can be induced
+to go along, I think, when she realizes the hopelessness of the cause,
+for she is, by birth, an Englishwoman. And Primrose, it is true, will be
+quite an heiress. What a pretty name her mother gave her, and it seems
+that in it she outwitted my father. He was one of the strait sort as I
+remember him, and my pretty stepmother planned many a bit of indulgence
+for me, and hid some childish pranks from his eyes that would have
+brought severe punishment."
+
+"You have good reason, then, to care for her and love the child. It
+seems to me a curious thing that your father should let you go
+abroad--his only son."
+
+"But, if he had lived, he might have had half a dozen sons. He was a
+hale, hearty man, much too fine looking for a Friend. You must go with
+me to see the portrait of him, which, with some other keepsakes, belongs
+to me."
+
+"And these cousins they talk about?"
+
+"Yes, I must pay my respects to them. The days go so rapidly that one
+does not get through half one's plans. I had no idea there was so much
+interest in this old town of William Penn's. The winter will be a merry
+one."
+
+"It seems not much like war," returned Gilbert Vane thoughtfully.
+
+The party at Madam Wetherill's was a most brilliant affair. It seemed as
+if every conclave except the Continentals were represented. There were
+staid Friends in the rich attire of the better class; some in drab,
+others in coat and breeches of brown velveteen and silk stockings, and
+the younger men with various touches of worldly gauds. There were other
+citizens in the picturesque attire of the day, with embroidered satin
+waistcoats, powdered hair, and side rolls beside the queue, lace ruffles
+and gold lace and gold buttons.
+
+And the belles were not to be outdone by the beaux. There were gowns of
+almost every degree of elegance, in brocades and glistening satins,
+wrought with roses or silver thread, turned back over beautiful
+petticoats. Gowns of Venise silk and velvet, with elbow sleeves and
+ruffles of rich lace, and square corsages filled in with stiffened lace
+called a modesty fence, through which the younger girls ran a narrow
+ribbon that was tied in a cluster of bows.
+
+The hair was worn high on the head, with puffs and rolls held in place
+with great gilt or silver pins, and an aigrette nodding saucily from the
+top. The elder women had large caps of fine and costly material. Few
+were brave enough to go without, lest they might be accused of aping
+youthfulness. There were fans of white, gray, and lavender silk,
+bordered with peacocks' eyes, and their fair owners needed no Japanese
+training to flirt with them.
+
+There had been numerous discussions about Primrose. Her brother longed
+to see her attired quite as a young lady.
+
+"Nay, they grow up fast enough," protested Madam Wetherill. "And there
+will be a host of town beauties to whom you must pay court, who would be
+jealous of such a chit and think her forward."
+
+"But she dances so beautifully. I can never be grateful enough that you
+have had her so well instructed, and brought up a churchwoman. And
+really she must dance. Lieutenant Vane is almost as much smitten with
+her as I am."
+
+"The more need for me to be careful, then."
+
+"Nay, I shall guard her well, for I want to take her to England
+fancy-free, so that she may have her pick among titles. She is fast
+outgrowing childhood. And there is nothing so sweet as an opening bud."
+
+"Mine shall not be pulled open before the time. Remember she has
+guardians, and thou art not one. Her Quaker uncle may have a word. He
+hath only lent her to me."
+
+"We will settle that with other questions," the young man replied
+laughingly.
+
+That very morning he had brought her in a pair of pretty bracelets that
+had delighted her mightily. He clasped them on her slender wrists.
+
+"Now you are my prisoner," he said. "I will not let you go until I have
+a sweet kiss from your rosy lips."
+
+She turned her cheek to him gravely.
+
+"Nay, that will not do. Truly thou art stingy of kisses. And I am thy
+own brother!"
+
+"I am not thy prisoner!" turning her eyes full upon him with a spirit of
+resistance.
+
+"Yes, indeed. I will get a requisition from General Howe that you shall
+be delivered over to my keeping."
+
+"But I will not go. Americans are born free."
+
+"Yes, I have heard that they so declared. And equal, which is very
+amusing, seeing there are slaves and work people of all sorts, with no
+more manners than a plowboy at home. And elegant women like your Madam
+Wetherill and that charming Miss Franks and the handsome Shippens.
+Still, I adore thy spirit."
+
+"Thou mayst take back thy gifts. I shall never go to London with thee."
+
+"Oh, Primrose! What does possess thee to be so cruel! I am half a Friend
+for thy sake, and our soldiers laugh at my thee and thou. What else
+shall I do to win thee?"
+
+"Thou shalt fight on the side of my country instead of against it. I
+cannot love a traitor."
+
+"Nay, I am no traitor. There was no question of this war when I was sent
+to England. There are many Friends siding with us and longing for peace
+and prosperity. It is these in arms against us who have forgotten their
+fealty to their King. They are the ones to be called traitors."
+
+"Nay, there is no king here. And many of them came hither to be free and
+away from the King's rule, and they have the right to choose."
+
+"What a saucy little rebel! And yet thou art so daintily sweet! Love me
+just a little bit because thy mother did. Many a time she kissed me. And
+hast thou no word of praise for the bracelets?"
+
+"They are pretty, but I will not be a prisoner for their sake," and her
+eyes sparkled with resolution and a spice of mischief.
+
+"Thou shalt be quite free if thou wilt wear them for my sake and give me
+a tender thought. Come, can I not be liked a little? 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 tie it with a ribbon. And her white muslin dress was
+short and scant, just coming to her ankles and showing the instep of her
+pretty clocked stockings. There were lace frills to her puffed sleeves,
+and a lace tucker, with a pretty bow on one shoulder. But it seemed as
+if she looked more beautiful than ever before.
+
+Everybody made much of her. It appeared to be an easy road to Captain
+Nevitt's heart. Even the handsome Major André, who had come because
+Nevitt had talked so much about his little sister and Madam Wetherill,
+and also because he was likely to meet some of the attractive young
+women of the town, and "Primrose was like a little fairy for beauty, and
+that her smiles were bewitching."
+
+A very great time it was indeed. There were ombre and quadrille tables,
+piquet and guinea points for the elders, while the black fiddlers in the
+end of the hall inspired the feet of the younger portion. With the
+dancing there were jest and laughter and compliments enough to give a
+novice vertigo. Primrose was daintily shy and clung close to her
+brother, of which he was very proud, as she had never shown him quite
+such favor before.
+
+Anabella Morris was setting up for a young lady, being nearly two years
+older than Primrose. Mrs. Morris had taken a certain Captain Decker in
+her house to lodge, who seemed very devoted to her daughter. She had not
+succeeded in capturing a husband yet, but it seemed quite possible with
+all this influx of masculines. The glowing and attractive description of
+"Fairemount" given before, as a place "where no woman need go without a
+husband," had not held good of late years.
+
+The supper was in keeping with all the rest. There were solids in the
+way of cold meats served up in various fashions, there were wines of all
+kinds, and lighter refreshments of cake, floating islands, jellies,
+whipped sillabubs, curds and cream, and all the delicacies in vogue.
+There were healths drunk, toasts and witty replies, and, after a
+complimentary mention of the hostess, someone asked whether that
+pestilent old Quaker Samuel Wetherill was any relative, expressing
+ironical regret that he was not present.
+
+Madam Wetherill rose tall and stately, with the most courteous
+self-possession.
+
+"My husband and Mr. Samuel Wetherill's grandfather came from different
+towns in old England, but there may have been some of the same blood in
+their veins. And I think if my husband had espoused a cause he believed
+right, and gave of his means and influence courageously, fought, and
+should, perhaps, die for it, I should honor him as a brave man. For
+there will many brave men die on both sides."
+
+There was a moment's silence, then hearty applause without a dissentient
+sound.
+
+And when, toward morning, the servants were carrying away dishes and
+putting out lights, Madam Wetherill came and jingled three guineas in
+her hands, close to Janice Kent.
+
+"I was thinking of our poor fellows and the sick and wounded to-night,
+and resolved that when they return to the city they shall have a greater
+welcome than this. And that rampant old Tory Ralph Jeffries, whom I
+should not have asked but for his daughter's sake, insisted upon playing
+when he was half fuddled. He is shrewd enough when sober, but to-night I
+won his guineas. And now I tell thee, Janice, what I will do. These new
+people are ready enough with their play and have plenty of money.
+Whatever I win I shall lay aside for our poor fellows."
+
+"That is a fine scheme," and Janice Kent laughed.
+
+"We must get out to the farm some day and see if we cannot send
+provisions before these British troops lay hands on it. For it will take
+a great deal to feed eighteen thousand men, and I doubt if they suffer
+at any time from honest scruples."
+
+"It was a grand time. There are many handsome young men among them. But
+I think that Major André bears off the palm. There is music in his
+laugh, and his handsome face is enough to turn a girl's head. They are
+to act a play, I believe. Miss Becky Franks was talking of it to the
+Shippens."
+
+Madam Wetherill sighed a little.
+
+Already the quiet streets of the town had taken on a new aspect. There
+were fiddling and singing in many of the decorous old taverns. Men were
+shouting Tory broadsides of ridiculous verse; selling places for the
+races, when Tarleton was to ride, as that was sure to draw crowds, or
+hawking tickets for plays. Women were careful about going in the streets
+unattended, and cavaliers became general.
+
+A few days later Captain Nevitt came in to escort the ladies out to
+Cherry Farm, as, somehow, many duties and engagements had intervened
+since his arrival until, as he admitted, he was quite ashamed of the
+lack of respect due his uncle. It was a bright, clear winter day, with a
+sky of wonderful blue, against which the distant trees stood out
+distinctly, the hemlocks looking almost black against it. The soldiers'
+barracks stretched out, giving a strange appearance to the once peaceful
+city. Groups of men were lounging idly about, and confusion seemed to
+predominate. But they soon left the city behind them, and rode along the
+Schuylkill, where the wintry landscape, leafless trees, and denuded
+cornfields met their glance, dreary now, but to be ruinous by and by.
+
+Primrose had a pony of her own and rode beside her aunt, with her
+brother as her guard, while Lieutenant Vane was her aunt's escort.
+Primrose wore a blue cloth coat and skirt, trimmed with fur, and her
+white beaver hat was tied under her chin. Many women used a thin, silken
+sort of mask to protect their complexion from wind and dust, but Madam
+Wetherill had discarded it and did not always insist upon Primrose
+wearing one.
+
+Many of the beautiful houses destroyed later on were standing now. A few
+had been taken as outposts for the army, others looked lonely enough
+closed for the season, as it had not been considered prudent to leave
+even the farmer in charge, after the battle of Germantown.
+
+"Primrose does credit to someone's training," Captain Nevitt remarked.
+"Is it a long ride?"
+
+"We are used to this fashion of getting about and hardly think of
+fatigue. It would be a poor weakling who could not stand a few miles.
+The roads are rough for the chaise."
+
+How pretty she looked in her white and blue. She smiled at him. They had
+been quite good friends since the night of the dance, though there had
+been no opportunity of teasing each other.
+
+But she was not thinking of his regard nor his pleasure just now. She
+seemed to have changed mysteriously, to have grown out of careless
+childhood, and taken a great deal of thought about the country. When
+she remembered that General Howe had come with his army to subdue it and
+that her brother was in the soldiery she shrank from him. How could she
+love him? He had pleaded for her sweet mother's sake, and that touched
+her inmost soul.
+
+She had listened with frightened eyes and a breathless throbbing of the
+heart to the account of the battle of Germantown, and her fears for her
+beloved country often outran her hopes when she had a quiet time to
+think. The servants had been forbidden to tell her the more awesome part
+of it, only she knew General Washington had been beaten and forced to
+retreat, and the British hailed it as a great victory.
+
+The young lieutenant and the stately dame found many things to talk
+about, as well-bred people often do, skirting over the thin places, for
+by this time he understood that madam's heart was not on the English
+side. But he was confident when it was all over that she would accept
+defeat gracefully.
+
+The ascent from the city was gradual. In the distance they noted the
+small gray stone houses, looking frosty in the wintry air, with here and
+there a larger one, like the Chew House, to be famous long afterward in
+history. Then they turned aside and lost sight of it. Captain Nevitt
+thought he would like to have been in the fray, but he did not say so.
+
+"Thou art very quiet, little one. I have heard people offer a penny for
+one's thoughts, a big English penny," smilingly.
+
+"Mine do not go as cheap as that," answered the maiden.
+
+"A crown, then?"
+
+"I do not think I will sell them."
+
+"Thou art not very much in love with the cousins?" he said presently.
+
+She colored quickly and turned her face to him, quite unaware of
+betrayal until he laughed.
+
+"Ah, I have thy thoughts without the penny! Is it the tall Quaker cousin
+madam talks about, or the other--William Penn?"
+
+"His name is simply Penn, Penn Morgan. And he is not an own cousin.
+Surely it is not strange if I did think about them."
+
+"Do not be offended. I shall like them if they have thy affection."
+
+"Thou hast small mind of thy own if thou takest a girl's whims for thy
+pattern," she answered with a show of disdain. "Whether I like them or
+not is my own affair. And Patty declares I change about with every puff
+of wind."
+
+"Nay, I shall not believe that until I follow the changes, or they are
+made in my behalf."
+
+"Oh, you know why I am cross to you! I cannot like a redcoat! But
+because my own mamma loved you----"
+
+"Primrose, thou art quite too peppery in temper with thy brother,"
+interrupted Madam Wetherill gently. "The Henrys will think I have
+indulged thee ruinously."
+
+She looked up laughingly. The soft yellow hair was blown about her like
+a cloud, and the great bow under her chin gave her a coquettish air.
+What a changeful little sprite she was!
+
+They were coming in sight of the great barns and outhouses for the
+cattle, and nestled down among them was the house, looking really
+smaller. A line of blue smoke from the chimney was floating over to the
+west, betokening a storm wind not far off. Someone was coming from the
+barn, a stoutish man who walked with a cane, and paused to wonder at the
+party.
+
+"That is your uncle, your father's brother," said Madam Wetherill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+UNDER THE ROSE.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill made her brief explanation to show why she had ventured
+to bring two dashing redcoats, in their military trappings, to the home
+of the plain Quaker. James Henry looked at his nephew with many lines of
+doubt in his face and evident disapprobation.
+
+"I have planned for the last two years to come over," said the winsome
+voice with the sound of glad, merry youth in it that jarred on the
+sedateness of his listener. "I was waiting for a promotion, and then had
+permission from the King to join General Howe. So I found him in
+possession of my native city, and in short order I discovered my little
+sister."
+
+"We are men of peace," returned his uncle gravely. "William Penn founded
+his colony on the cornerstones of peace and equity, and all we ask is to
+live undisturbed and away from carnal pleasures and the wanton
+fripperies of the world. And it pains me to see Philemon Henry's son
+come among us in the habiliments of war. Still I suppose thou must do
+thy duty to thy Master, the King, since thou hast strayed from thy
+father's faith. There is no discipline now for children, and they follow
+evil counsel as they will."
+
+"It was my father's will rather than mine. I remember, big boy that I
+was, crying many a night on shipboard for my stepmother's affection and
+kisses."
+
+"It was an error of judgment, and he hath no doubt bewailed his mistake
+if it is given us to sorrow in the next world. But come in. And though
+thou art of the world, worldly, there is much in kindred blood. Come in
+and take welcome among us."
+
+The keeping room was cheerful with a great fire of logs in the wide
+stone chimney-place. There was a spicy fragrance of pine knots and
+hemlock. In one corner Rachel Morgan sat at her spinning wheel, with a
+woman's cap upon her head, and a bit of thin white muslin crossed inside
+her frock at the neck; a full-fledged Quaker girl, with certain lines of
+severity hardly meet for so young a face. Mother Lois sat beside the
+fire knitting. She had never been quite so strong since her fever, and
+Faith had a basket of woolen pieces out of which she was patching some
+shapely blocks for a bed comfort.
+
+She sprang up with a face full of joy. The summers were not so bad, but
+she dreaded the long, dreary winters when she had to stay indoors and
+sew and spin, with none of her own years to speak with.
+
+"Oh, Primrose! And is it really thy brother? What a pretty habit thou
+hast with all the fur, and the hat makes a picture of thee! There is one
+upstairs of a great-grandmother, and thou lookest like it, but it
+belongs to Andrew and not to our side, and," lowering her voice, "Uncle
+Henry thinks it vain. Andrew wanted it in his room, but uncle would not
+listen. Oh, I am so glad to see thee. I am so lonely," piteously.
+
+The little Quaker girl in her sudden delight had forgotten her superior
+virtue. Her eyes fairly danced as they devoured Primrose. All the others
+seemed talking and explaining, so she had dared to step over the traces
+in the din.
+
+"We have some odd old portraits in Arch Street. If thou couldst visit
+me, Faith!"
+
+"Faith," said her uncle, "go and call Andrew. I left him threshing in
+the farther barn."
+
+Faith rose with sober gravity, running her needle through the patch, and
+walked placidly through the room, though she had telegraphed to Primrose
+with her eye. And just as she opened the door Primrose gathered up her
+skirts and, saying, "I will go, too," flashed along before anyone could
+frame a remonstrance.
+
+"I wish thou wert here--nay, not that, for thou would be kept straitly,
+and there would be no pleasure. Rachel has grown severe, and works so
+much at her outfitting, for she means to be married sometime."
+
+"Who will she marry?" There seemed no one besides Andrew, and the
+child's heart made a sudden fierce protest.
+
+"Oh, I do not know. William Frost hath walked home with her when the
+meetings were at Friend Lester's. All girls marry, I think, and I shall
+be glad enough when my time comes. If it were not for Andrew I hardly
+know what would become of me. He is so good. He reads curious books and
+tells them to me. And sometimes there are verses that I want to sing,
+they are so sweet--but such things are wrong. Andrew! Nay, hide here,
+Primrose," pushing her in a corner. "Andrew, guess what has happened,
+and who hath come! An elegant soldier in scarlet and gold,
+and--and--someone thou lovest. I was mad one day when I said I hated
+her----"
+
+"Not Primrose!" in a surprised but gladsome tone.
+
+There was a swift rush and Primrose was in his arms. He did not kiss
+her, but held her so tightly that she could feel his strong heart beat.
+
+"Truly, Faith, thou didst not hate me?" she said when released, turning
+to the girl.
+
+The maiden's face was scarlet.
+
+"She does not hate thee now, dear," said Andrew softly.
+
+"It was most wicked and hateful! Thou hadst so many joys and pretty
+things and lessons, and a beautiful face, and then Andrew said thou
+didst have the sweetest big heart in all the world and could love me and
+would be glad to share thy joys with me. Is it so, Primrose?"
+
+Primrose clasped her in her arms and kissed her many times.
+
+"I wish thou could come. There are so many things, and it makes no one
+poorer by sharing them."
+
+"And then I learned to love thee. We talk of thee until at night, when I
+shut my eyes and draw the coverlid about me, I can see thee like a star
+coming out in the blue. And Andrew thinks sometime he may take me in on
+market day, when the spring opens, for I would like to see the great
+city. And thou might come to meet us. I think Aunt Lois and Rachel would
+be angry if I went to Madam Wetherill's. But I am forgetting. Thou hast
+a soldier cousin, Andrew."
+
+"He is my brother," explained Primrose with curious dignity. "And--I do
+not like him to be a King's soldier."
+
+Andrew gave a long whistle of amazement, and studied Primrose so keenly
+that she flushed.
+
+"Thy brother? Of course, then, being Uncle Philemon's son he is my
+cousin. Is he not Lord somebody?"
+
+"He is Captain Nevitt. And at times I love him, but he teases and
+threatens to take me to England, and--and he is to fight our soldiers.
+It does not seem right, then, to love him at all. Andrew," looking up
+out of the softly radiant eyes, "I wish thou wert in his stead."
+
+Andrew Henry was satisfied then. For an instant his soul had been wrung
+with jealousy. But his look of tender regard answered hers and both
+understood.
+
+"And I must go see this British cousin. Faith, hand me that brush, even
+if it does get used at times on Dobbin's sleek coat."
+
+He brushed the dust of the grain out of his clothes and gave his hair a
+stir with his fingers.
+
+"And Primrose hath a pony!" cried Faith. "It is pretty, with great, soft
+eyes! Next summer I shall learn to ride."
+
+She caught the hand of her visitor and pressed it with pervading
+rapture. Primrose wondered how she could have grown so different.
+
+"Thou hast stayed finely!" said Rachel reprovingly. "It is ever the way
+when two do an errand. And Madam Wetherill will take dinner with us, it
+is so near noon. The horses must be put out, and Penn and Jonas are down
+in the wood lot. Go to the kitchen and help Chloe."
+
+There were tears in Faith's eyes, but she dared not even loiter, for
+Rachel's hand was not light when it came with a box on the ear. There
+were so few visitors at the house that this was a great treat, and Faith
+hated to be shut out.
+
+Philemon Nevitt surveyed his cousin with some curiosity and decided
+that the plain young Quaker farmer was no great rival after all in his
+young sister's favor. For he was not likely to fight for his country,
+the great test Primrose seemed to require. But when Andrew went out to
+care for the horses the two young men asked permission to leave the
+ladies and take a look around.
+
+"The country surprises me," declared Captain Nevitt. "We have heard much
+talk about the wilderness and the forests, and the few towns such as
+Penn's Colony, which is a much greater city than one could imagine. And
+there is the town the Dutch started, New York, and the Puritan Boston,
+beside many lesser places that must show wonderful capacity for settling
+the New World. There are industries, too, that have amazed me. 'Tis a
+great pity a people doing so well should rebel against all law and
+order, and be willing to have their country destroyed rather than yield
+while they have something to save."
+
+"We shall not agree upon this matter," Andrew Henry replied with quiet
+dignity. "And since we are of blood kin, we will not dispute. There are
+other subjects of talk."
+
+"But my uncle is strong for peace," in a tone of surprise.
+
+"Yes. I, too, am for peace, unless manliness and honor goes not with it.
+And when one has seen wrongs and usurpations creep in gradually, and
+privileges taken away--but," checking himself, "I was not to discuss
+such points. We are plain people but we may have some stock, and
+browsing for it, that will interest thee."
+
+The cattle were certainly fine and well fed. There were stacks of hay
+and piles of Indian corn, great pits of vegetables, and potatoes enough
+to feed an army, it seemed. Everything was so well kept, and there was a
+great sheepfold with shelter for the flock in storm.
+
+"And, now, which way retreated the rebels after their defeat?" asked
+Captain Nevitt.
+
+"They went on up the Schuylkill, on the other side, to Whitemarsh first,
+and then to Valley Forge."
+
+"A blacksmithy town?"
+
+"There was once an old forge there. It is not a town."
+
+"There seems many comfortable country houses about, as if there might be
+gentry."
+
+"Some of them now are filled with the wounded and the ill. They were
+worth seeing in the summer."
+
+Then they discussed horses and found the young Quaker no mean authority.
+The horn blew to summon them within, where a bountiful feast was spread,
+to which they all did ample justice and talked of family affairs.
+Captain Nevitt had another view of his father from his brother's
+comprehension of him, and though it was much narrower, not less
+complimentary than that of Madam Wetherill. Certainly there was nothing
+to regret on the Henry side. He was beginning to feel proud of these
+clean, wholesome people of strong character.
+
+When they had risen Madam Wetherill said they must leave presently. The
+sky was getting to be rather lowering, with a grayish cloud in the south
+that betokened snow, Friend Henry said.
+
+"I will go out with thee, Andrew, and see about the horses," said the
+lady.
+
+"Nay," interposed Captain Nevitt smilingly. "It is hardly a lady's
+business----"
+
+"I have some privacy with Andrew," she returned. "I have had some useful
+hints from him, young as he is, and you must know if women are not
+equipped for soldiering, they make excellent farmers at times. But you
+may all come, though if I extract any grand secret from Andrew as to how
+to double the value of a crop next year, I shall not bruit it abroad, I
+promise you."
+
+Faith looked up wistfully.
+
+"Child," she said, "thou and Primrose go take a little run in the keen
+air. Thou art not very rosy for a farmer's maid, and Primrose hath been
+housed overmuch of late, our streets are so full of roysterers."
+
+"Faith hath some work----"
+
+"Nay," interposed Madam Wetherill, "ten minutes' run will make her all
+the brisker for work. Run along, children; and have a little visit with
+each other."
+
+There was something in Madam Wetherill not easily gainsaid. Rachel saved
+up her displeasure for a scolding presently.
+
+Andrew attended the lady to the stalls where the horses had been led.
+
+"Thou hast not been in to market of late?"
+
+"There had been so much disorder, and I believe a permit is needed. Then
+there have been people about, buying up produce of all kinds."
+
+"Dost thou know anything of the other army?" Her voice was very low.
+
+"Somewhat," in a hesitating tone.
+
+"They are likely to need many things. Howe's purpose to attack them was
+frustrated by a timely warning. There may be other warnings as well, for
+the army contains many braggarts. And their winter of dissipation, of
+gambling and betting and carousing, will not fit them for a spring
+campaign. I heard it said that Philadelphia was capturing them by
+allurements, and it may be a poor victory for General Howe. I have a
+faith--I cannot tell thee of any tangible groundwork, but I feel assured
+we shall win."
+
+"It is dark enough now."
+
+"But there was the splendid capture of Burgoyne, and our army made much
+richer by stores sorely needed. Canst thou get things to Valley Forge?"
+
+"I know of someone who can," and he studied her eyes.
+
+"Even if it is gold--British gold? It will not stick to anyone's
+fingers?"
+
+"I will warrant that," and the delight encouraged her.
+
+"I have a small fund that will come in from time to time. Here is a
+little bag. It is not much, but it will help. And if I could get needful
+things to them, clothes and blankets? If thou wilt sell provisions to me
+for them--thy father keeps a sharp lookout?"
+
+"He hath a shrewd mind and far sight. And I would not render him liable
+to trouble. I think I could manage that way. Oh, madam, I ought to be
+with those brave fellows whom nothing disheartens. The general's wife
+hath left her pleasant, peaceful home to share his hardships. It is _my_
+country."
+
+"Wait a little and be patient. It is a pity this fine cousin is on the
+wrong side. It would amuse thee to hear Primrose dispute with him. Now I
+trust thee to get this gold thither."
+
+"Thank thee a hundred times for them. There are many loyal hearts in
+town, as I well know."
+
+"And many disloyal ones. It angers me. Come in some time. Primrose will
+be overjoyed to see thee. She is growing tall fast, too fast for my
+pleasure. I would fain keep her a little girl."
+
+"I am jealous of my cousin," declared Captain Nevitt coming out to them
+with the air of a spoiled boy. "When wilt thou give me a confidence?"
+
+"All the way home," she answered readily. "And I have so many good
+points I think I shall bet on the next race. How many of you will ride?"
+
+"Why do we not have some hunts?" he asked eagerly. "If there is no
+fighting there must be diversion."
+
+They mounted the ladies and rode up to the door of the cottage to say
+good-by.
+
+"I shall dream of thee to-night," Faith whispered to Primrose.
+
+The wind blew up colder and sharper. They were glad to get home. There
+was a slight fall of snow and everything was frozen up hard enough to
+last all winter.
+
+The streets seemed merrier than ever. All the creeks were frozen solid,
+it seemed, and the Schuylkill was a sparkling white band, winding about.
+Skating had broken out into fashion, and the prettiest belles of the day
+were out with trains of military men at their beck. The river banks
+would be lined with spectators, who envied, criticised, and carped.
+Women were muffled up in furs and carried huge muffs, their wide hats
+tied down under their chins with great bows, some wearing the silken
+mask, in much the fashion of a veil, to protect their skins from frosty
+touches. The skaters, in skirts that betrayed trim and slender ankles,
+spun along like a whirl of the wind, or with hands crossed with a
+partner, went through graceful rocking evolutions, almost like a waltz.
+
+The scarlet uniforms of the officers made a brilliant pageant. It was
+indeed a winter long to be remembered, and recalled with keen relish
+when the British, with lovers and friends, had flown.
+
+Captain Nevitt had insisted upon taking his sister out, as Primrose was
+a very fair skater, and, under his tuition, improved wonderfully. She
+looked so pretty in her skating dress with her soft, yellow hair flying
+in the wind, and her lovely face half hidden in her hat, to be revealed
+like a vision at the various turns.
+
+Nevitt had been taken on General Howe's staff for the present. Foiled in
+his endeavor to call out Washington by any maneuver, and feeling that
+another battle was quite impossible and useless in the extreme cold,
+which was more bitter than for years, he too, gave himself over to
+diversion, and looked leniently on the frivolities of his officers and
+the ruder dissipations of his men.
+
+The most fascinating game on the ice was skating after a ball. A man
+called the hurlie propelled half a dozen balls along with a long,
+sharp-pointed stick, between two given points, often far enough apart to
+make a trial of speed and endurance. The fortunate one was he or she who
+caught a ball before it reached the goal, and then the merriest shout
+would ring out on the air.
+
+A tall, fine-looking young fellow in civilian attire had captured two of
+the balls one afternoon and was flying at his most vigorous speed for
+another. Primrose had paused for a moment while her brother stopped to
+chaff a companion. The ball rolled swiftly along, and from some slight
+inequality in the ice deflected. The arm was outstretched to catch it,
+and she could not quite remember afterward whether she had stooped, but
+he came against her with sufficient force to knock her over. He caught
+the ball and held it up in triumph, with a joyous hurrah, and then
+turned to see what the oath and the exclamation meant.
+
+"Good Heavens! you have killed her, you brute!" Captain Nevitt cried
+angrily.
+
+"I was under such headway and I had no thought the ball would go in that
+direction. Let us see at once. Is she unconscious? Dr. Shippen is here.
+I passed him not ten seconds ago. I will find him."
+
+Nevitt took Primrose in his arms, limp and white as a lily. There was a
+little circle about them, but the others went on with their gayety. A
+fall was no such uncommon thing.
+
+Dr. Shippen had been out for a little exercise, and withal had some
+curiosity to see the mad carnival that had broken out in the staid city.
+
+"Ah, it is Madam Wetherill's little girl!" looking sharply at Nevitt.
+
+"I thought I had seen the child somewhere," said the young man who had
+caused the accident. "Can we not take her home at once?"
+
+"I am her brother," was Nevitt's stiff reply. "You have done enough
+mischief with your awkwardness. I hope your silly victory repays you.
+Let me pass, with no further parley on your part."
+
+"What do you think, Dr. Shippen?"
+
+"It is a faint, of course. Whether she is more severely injured I cannot
+tell. Let us take her home, for she will be chilled through, and I have
+an errand in Second Street."
+
+The doctor sat down on a stump to unbuckle his skates. Nevitt had taken
+his off a few moments before, but Primrose had begged that they might
+skate all the way down.
+
+"Can I do nothing to assist?" asked the other.
+
+"Go on with your prize-winning," said the captain haughtily. "You may
+run over someone else if you have good luck."
+
+"You British think you own the town and can order us about like slaves!"
+was the fiery reply.
+
+"Tut! tut! Wharton! Don't get into a fight. You are hotheaded."
+
+"I will not be insulted by any interloper, even if he wears a red coat."
+Wharton's face was flushed with anger, and his eyes sparkled with
+passion.
+
+"Where will a note reach you?" Captain Nevitt was in a flame of anger as
+well.
+
+"Come along at once! Allin Wharton, go over yonder and cool your temper
+talking to the pretty women. And if you are the child's brother, get
+along as fast as you can with her, and let us see what it amounts to. A
+fall like that is enough to knock the breath out of anyone."
+
+Wharton did not attempt to follow them. They hurried on, Nevitt's anger
+giving him strength. He pressed his face against the cold, white one.
+
+"Who was that boor?" he cried passionately. "If my sister is injured I
+shall half murder him!"
+
+"If you are her brother then you are Philemon Henry's son, and he was a
+man of peace. I have had a great desire to see you, since your father
+was a good friend of mine. I heard you had come over, I must say on bad
+business. Here, this turn cuts off some distance, though we have been
+squared according to plummet and line; and then down here. Let me take
+the child. Is there no sign of returning animation?"
+
+They reached the Wetherill house, and its mistress caught sight of them
+from the window.
+
+"Oh, Dr. Shippen!" she cried in alarm.
+
+"The child has had a fall. Take off her hat and coat. Now let me see!"
+
+He laid her on the settle in the hall and began chafing her hands, and
+ordering some restoratives.
+
+"Are you sure there are no bones broken?"
+
+"Not quite. It really was not that kind of a fall. There, she is coming
+around. Now, Madam Wetherill, here is a pepper-pot of a young soldier
+that you must cool down with some soothing potions, and I will find the
+other firebrand. We won't have them shooting each other unless in up and
+down warfare."
+
+"I think you will bear witness that I was insulted," declared Nevitt.
+
+"And gave an insult. It is about even. No fighting, therefore. Dueling
+for trifles is cold-blooded murder. I ask it for your father's sake. My
+little dear, wake up from your nap."
+
+"What is it?" Primrose said in a faint voice. "I feel queer." Then she
+lapsed into insensibility again.
+
+"Take her upstairs if you will, please. And, doctor, what mystery is
+there about this mishap? How did it occur? Patty, come hither."
+
+The child opened her eyes again and half smiled.
+
+"She will do now, I think; her pulse is stronger. Here is a small
+injury; nothing worse than a sprain, I think. She was run down on the
+ice. Our town goes crazy over a trifle now. The wrist is bruised and
+sprained. Patty, if you are the owner of so useful a name, undress the
+child, but I think she hath no broken bones."
+
+The men retired to the adjoining room while Patty alternately scolded
+and petted her young charge.
+
+"I hope you will reconsider your threat," said the doctor. "There are
+too many good uses for life to throw it away foolishly. If you are a
+King's man your life belongs to him, and is not to be wasted in a fit of
+temper."
+
+Philemon Nevitt flushed with a sense of shame. He had been hotheaded,
+unreasonable.
+
+There was no serious injury, they found. The bruised wrist was to be
+bound up with the old-fashioned remedy of wormwood and hot vinegar. And
+to-morrow Primrose would be all right again.
+
+"Do you know this Allin Wharton?" Nevitt asked of Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I know his family well, only young people have such a way of growing up
+that one loses track of them. He cannot be more than twenty. And words
+between you ought not to lead to any serious matter. You should have
+kept better watch of Primrose in such a crowd."
+
+"I think I ought," he admitted frankly. "And I was hasty." He recalled
+the fact that he had given the insult, and that the other had the right
+to seek satisfaction. In London duels were common enough.
+
+But by great good fortune young Wharton called on Madam Wetherill the
+next morning to inquire about the mishap to Primrose and found her none
+the worse except a bandaged wrist.
+
+"Is it really true that this fire-eating young captain is--what shall I
+say? A relative, since this pretty flower is your niece, is she not? And
+Polly was so taken with him, but for his red coat, that when I began to
+talk of him I found I had fallen into a hornets' nest. And now, Madam
+Wetherill, what shall I do? Some hot and hasty words passed between us.
+Can I safely show the white feather? For no doubt your captain is a fine
+shot, and, truth to tell, I have some other plans for my life. Since he
+is even half-brother to Miss Primrose I should not want to shoot him."
+
+Primrose looked up with languid sweetness. She felt rather sore and
+inert from the shock.
+
+"Why, were you going to shoot him?" she asked.
+
+"We had some words. You know I ran over you. It was very rude and
+careless. And it might have been much worse, and then I should really
+have been guilty."
+
+"But you caught the ball! I saw it as I went down. I should not have
+been so intent and moved a little. But I had not taken off my skates.
+Brother Phil wanted me to, but I was quite determined to have my own
+way. And so I went over more easily. It would be very cruel and wicked
+to shoot each other on account of me."
+
+"And silly, too," said Madam Wetherill sharply. "I shall take the case
+in my own hands, and arrange matters," laughingly. "I think Captain
+Nevitt was unmindful for a moment. And there is no great harm done but a
+sprained wrist."
+
+"And if you had shot Phil----"
+
+"Well, what would you have done?"
+
+"I should never, never want to see you or to think of you again!"
+
+"And if he had shot me?"
+
+"Then, I think, I should send him away and never see him again."
+
+Allin Wharton wondered how it would be in the future if they should meet
+on the field of battle. For he had just wrung a reluctant consent from
+his father that he should respond to his country's call, whose need
+would never be more urgent than now.
+
+"I wonder if you are on the side of the King? It would seem so natural
+with a brother in the ranks," and he recalled the entertainment in his
+honor at Madam Wetherill's hands. Polly, his sister, had thought the
+captain charming.
+
+"I am a rebel," she said proudly. "And I shall never be content until he
+comes over to the side of the country, to the buff and blue instead of
+the red."
+
+"Surely, surely; you are a brave, patriotic girl. Wish me success in
+case I want to join the rebel army," with a half-embarrassed smile. It
+was not wisdom to confess all one's plans.
+
+She put out her right hand. It was the other that had been hurt. "I wish
+thee success. That means victory and a safe return," she replied with
+sweet solemnity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+FOR NATIVE LAND AND LOYALTY.
+
+
+They all made so light of the occurrence that a note of apology from Mr.
+Wharton settled the matter. Captain Nevitt felt in his cooler moments
+that he had been a little to blame, also hasty and unreasonable. And
+when, a few evenings after, he met pretty and vivacious Polly Wharton
+and danced with her, he was very glad the matter had gone no farther.
+
+Primrose was soon well again, but Madam Wetherill would not consent to
+her going out on the river among the gay crowd, though she felt it a
+great deprivation. There were two or three quiet spots on the creeks
+where children could go without harm, and Patty used to take her when
+Phil was engaged, though Lieutenant Vane was always inquiring if he
+could not accompany them. He seemed younger and more boyish than the
+captain, and proved quite delightful to the groups of children, though
+he admitted laughingly that he found a great many rebels among them.
+
+And so the days went on, one and another indignant over the "rollicking
+winter" as Mr. Allen termed it, and others storming at General Howe for
+the wanton destruction everywhere visible. Groves of trees were cut down
+for firewood, gardens despoiled, and some of the houses taken possession
+of by the troops were cut and hacked with insulting boasts, and really
+ruined. Others, Continentals confessedly, railed at Washington for his
+inaction and supineness.
+
+Howe had planned one surprise and possible capture of the troops, but
+heroic Lydia Darragh, having overheard the plot, walked to Washington's
+camp while it was at Whitemarsh, and forewarned them. Finding the rebels
+prepared with a warm welcome the British retraced their steps. There
+were small skirmishes outside the lines, and once the impetuous
+Lafayette advanced, hoping to surprise the enemy, but nothing came of
+this. Baron Steuben was training the Continentals, as many of them were
+raw recruits, but, used to hunting as they were, most of the young men
+had a quick eye and correct aim.
+
+But stories crept in concerning their hardships and sufferings. Every
+avenue was closely watched that no supplies should be sent directly from
+the city, but more than once keen wit evaded them. There were passes for
+the farmers to come in on market days, and many were glad even to supply
+their enemies for British gold. James Henry thought this no sin, and was
+given a pass for his son and nephew. Penn had imbibed many of his
+uncle's beliefs, and took home rather rose-colored accounts of the
+prosperity of the city. He kept, too, a watchful eye over Andrew, who
+was more than half suspected of being quite as willing to deal with the
+rebels, and Madam Wetherill's was considered a rather tempting and
+unsafe place for sober-going Friends.
+
+But one day he came alone, and made his way to Arch Street, leaving his
+empty wagon at a nearby tavern that he knew he could trust.
+
+"It is thy cousin," whispered Madam Wetherill, who had some callers.
+"Take him upstairs in Patty's sewing room."
+
+Primrose ran out with delight in her eyes, but she had grown wise, and,
+instead of a cry of joy, placed her finger archly on her lips and
+motioned him through the hall.
+
+"I saw a glimpse of a red coat," he said in a low tone. "I have no
+desire to run into a hornets' nest. Oh, Primrose, thou hast grown taller
+since the day thou wert at the farm. Thou wilt soon be a young lady. And
+the sweetness of childhood will be ended."
+
+"Is girlhood sharp, then, and--and sour?"
+
+Her eyes danced with a merry, mischievous light.
+
+"Nay, sweeter than ever; but it's sweetness is more sacred. And
+presently comes the time of lovers."
+
+"I shall not have any lovers. They say pert things and talk about pretty
+faces, or else are silly like Anabella's lover, and forever kissing
+one's hand. And what think you Lieutenant Vane did when we were going to
+ride a few days since? There was pretty Mistress Wharton here, and my
+brother is much taken with her, though she is such a rebel. But I was
+not allowed to mount the stepping stone, and his hand was placed under
+my foot. So I pressed down hard, wishing I could squeeze the British
+blood out of him. They do nothing but run about and have pleasure. But
+if I were a hundred years old I would have none of them for lovers. I
+want no one but my brother and my cousin, and sometimes I think thou art
+dearer, because thou would fight for thy country. And I am ashamed when
+I think it is his country as well."
+
+"What preachment is the little maid making, Andrew?" said the older
+voice as the ample figure entered the doorway. "I sometimes think I
+shall have to keep her shut up in one room, people talk to her so much
+and spoil her."
+
+"Nay, she is not spoiled," protested Andrew.
+
+"She is a wise little thing, and saucy, too, and often amuses the
+company by bits of patriotism that are shrewd and wholesome. I think
+people in this mad revel are forgetting they are Americans and have a
+country to fight for. And, now, what is the news? There is much
+dissatisfaction, I hear, with General Washington. It cannot be that they
+will give up the rallying point, the wisest man of them all, and break
+up into factions."
+
+"They will not give him up, madam. It is a bitter winter, and the stores
+at York are sadly depleted. They are watched on every hand. While the
+town is dancing to British music, and giving aid and comfort to the
+enemy, our men are living in rude huts that hardly shelter them from the
+storms and are glad for crusts. But the men will stand by him to the
+last. It is only idle talk about superseding him. And the men worship
+Madam Washington and Madam Knox. If you could see them! They minister to
+the sick, they patch the worn-out clothes and blankets. There is so much
+need of these things, stockings, and shoes."
+
+"My heart aches for them. I have been gathering a store----" She paused
+and eyed Primrose.
+
+"You need not be afraid," cried Primrose eagerly. "Is it not _my_
+country? And, Cousin Andrew, I have saved some money that my brother
+gave me to buy frippery and sweetmeats with. And I am knitting socks."
+
+"Thou art a brave girl, and quite able to keep thy own counsel. I have
+known that aforetime," and he smiled. "Indeed, madam, we could trust her
+to the uttermost."
+
+"There is quite a store of some things----"
+
+"I will tell thee--there is a false bottom to the wagon that I can
+raise up after the load is sold. That is my secret. And I can trust him
+at the Pewter Platter. I have carried more than one lot."
+
+"There is a bagful," pulling it out of the cupboard.
+
+"It will look like a sack of potatoes."
+
+They all laughed.
+
+"There is a blanket in my room. Come thither. Then thou hast little
+fear? It is a great relief to hear this."
+
+"Madam, such courage must be rewarded. I should want to be with them,
+but that I think I can be of more service here. When the spring
+opens----"
+
+He paused and looked from one to the other.
+
+"Wilt thou go, then?" Primrose slipped her hand in his, and though her
+voice was just above a whisper it was an inspiration to him.
+
+"I shall go, then. Penn can fill my place at home. The country's need
+will never be greater."
+
+There was another half fear that the loyal soul barely breathed to
+itself. He must be away before it came to anything beyond the half fear.
+
+The beautiful eyes were grave, and the face had a new solemnity. Her
+faith inspired him.
+
+"We have not much time to lose," he said. "You see, I must go up the
+rough Perkiomen road to meet the friend in waiting. We have safe
+points," and he smiled gravely.
+
+Madam Wetherill pulled out the stout sack and held the top open.
+
+"That will be a godsend. Madam, many a poor fellow's heart will be glad
+and his toes warm. Heaven reward thee!"
+
+"Heaven has rewarded me in many things. If I could see the end more
+clearly!"
+
+Primrose brought her little purse with its gilt clasps, and poured out
+her money. Madam Wetherill added her store to it.
+
+"Art thou sure there is no risk?" she said.
+
+"I shall be careful. One learns much shrewdness."
+
+He shouldered the bag.
+
+"Let me out the side way like any other servant," he said, as he bade
+them farewell.
+
+"And now, little Primrose," cautioned her Aunt, "thou must keep guard
+over thy tongue as if with a steel chain, for thy cousin's sake."
+
+"It will never be a traitor tongue," returned the maiden proudly.
+
+Patty had been down in the kitchen helping with some ironing, and now
+she came up with an armful of stiff skirts. For many women on state
+occasions wore a big hoop, and others swelled out with starched
+petticoats.
+
+"I have to go among the stores to find some things that have grown
+scarce as hen's teeth. And thou hast not been out these two days,
+Primrose. Thy gallants have deserted thee. What sayest thou to a little
+run in the brisk air. We shall not go in public places, madam, and she
+will be safe by my side."
+
+"As she likes. There are plenty of pretty girls in town, perhaps better
+worth being looked at. And it is early yet."
+
+Primrose enjoyed these small shopping expeditions. There were some very
+nice places kept by Friends who had been famous in merchandise a few
+years before, but stocks had sadly diminished and prices gone up.
+Patty's Yankee blood came to the fore in such times as these, and she
+had become rather a dread to clerks and shopmen. This part of it amused
+Primrose very much, as Patty was sure to make a good bargain.
+
+"There seems nothing at all to buy now," she cried in disdain, finding
+some difficulty in getting what she wanted.
+
+"There will be less yet unless the war ends presently," was the reply of
+the shopkeeper.
+
+"Then we must turn our old gowns, though in truth there seems no lack of
+fine attire if one looks at the gay maidens on the street. They seem
+turned into butterflies. And it must take a mint of money for their
+wings."
+
+The clerk smiled.
+
+"Let us go round by the creek," pleaded Primrose. "The skaters are so
+merry."
+
+"If thou wilt not coax to stay more than a moment."
+
+The child promised.
+
+As they were turning a corner a young man eyed them sharply. Primrose
+did not see him, and Patty hurried on, for he was a stranger.
+
+But he took some long strides and caught up to them.
+
+"It is Mistress Primrose Henry----"
+
+The little girl turned.
+
+"Oh, Patty, it is Miss Polly Wharton's brother," she said, holding out
+her hand.
+
+"Who runs over thee again," said Patty sharply, for she had heard the
+story.
+
+"Nay, but it is quite a godsend, as I have been to thy aunt's to say
+good-by. In an hour's time I shall be on my way to Valley Forge to cast
+in my lot with the brave fellows there, and I wanted to take thy
+godspeed with me. I have great faith in it."
+
+"Oh!" Primrose gave a little cry.
+
+"I want thee to be both sorrowful and joyful. Glad that thou hast a
+patriot friend, and sorry that there should be war. I could not wait any
+longer and wrung my father's consent from him, though he thinks we are
+right. And I believe we shall have a great and grand country some day
+that soldiers will be proud of defending. I go this very night with a
+party of young men who have planned to elude observation. And
+so--good-by."
+
+"I wish thee--a safe return."
+
+"Thanks. Keep me in mind when thou prayest for soldiers and victory."
+
+Then he was gone like a flash.
+
+"I have no heart for the skaters now," Primrose said with a sigh. "Let
+us go home."
+
+The Whartons kept the news very quiet, for it would have made them a
+marked family to have it bruited abroad just now. But Polly was less
+gay, and Primrose watched her wonderingly.
+
+And now the long cold winter was drawing to a close. In March came
+gleams of warmth, welcome sunny days that softened the ice and spoiled
+skating, and the great Delaware sent floating cakes down to the sea.
+Buds began to swell and grass to spring up, and there was a great deal
+of drilling among the troops, and sickness as well.
+
+England began to think that Howe might have captured Washington, cooped
+up in a desolate wild as they considered it from their imperfect news.
+The capture of Burgoyne had been an unexpected blow and led to eloquent
+arguments in Parliament. Mr. Pitt's great speech had reached America,
+and thrilled every patriotic heart. Leaning on his crutches he had
+denounced the purchase of German hirelings and brutal savages.
+
+"If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, while a foreign troop was
+landed in my country, I never would lay down my arms, never! never!
+never!" he had exclaimed.
+
+Then King Louis of France acceded to the treaty of alliance and informed
+the American commissioners "that it was decided to acknowledge the
+independence of the United States."
+
+Howe was to be recalled and succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton. Even this
+news inspired the camp at Valley Forge, where the word from France had
+not yet been received.
+
+At the Henry farm there had been an undercurrent of dissatisfaction.
+Lois Henry had set her heart on Rachel Morgan as a daughter-in-law, and
+her husband was nothing loath, since she was a good housekeeper and
+strong in the faith. It was feared that Andrew was wavering. He never
+spoke at the meetings, and absented himself from home now and then with
+no explanations. It was well known that his sympathies were with the
+army at Valley Forge, and it was surmised in some way that he had a hand
+in sending supplies. Several of the young men about had joined the army.
+
+"Andrew," his father began one morning when they were sorting seeds of
+various kinds for planting, "Andrew, I have somewhat to say to thee.
+Thou art of age, and a good marriage is the best ballast for the journey
+of life. I am elderly and shall never entirely recover from my accident,
+but the farm is large, and some day it will all be thine. A wife that we
+should agree with would pleasure us both fervently. It is true thou
+wilt be able to marry well in a worldly point of view, but we do not
+care so much for that. Thy mother and I have decided it would gratify us
+greatly in the Lord, if thou shouldst see thy way clear to take thy
+cousin Rachel."
+
+"Rachel!" He had more than half suspected this and dreaded it. There was
+also a feeling that Rachel cared for him. He could not imagine himself
+in love with her. Love was something more than a cool, friendly regard,
+meals properly cooked, and a house well kept; thriftiness and laying
+farm to farm.
+
+"Well, does it take thee so by surprise? Moreover, we both know she has
+a deep regard for thee."
+
+"I have not thought of it in that way. I am in no haste to marry," the
+young man replied hesitatingly, casting about for a more forcible
+rejoinder.
+
+"A good wife is a good thing, and thou mayst look far and wide and not
+find thy cousin's equal. She is well grounded in the faith, and I have
+observed with sorrow thy tendency to stray from the old landmarks, but
+youth hath such seasons until the carnal will is subdued. Then it will
+need to make no change in our living. Thy mother and I can grow old in
+this, the home of our youth, and see our children, and our children's
+children, mayhap, growing up, well trained in the faith."
+
+"I will consider it," Andrew said gravely.
+
+"Lay my counsel to heart for thy mother's sake."
+
+Andrew Henry went on with his work, but he knew a crisis had come in his
+life. Like many another Friend trained in the ways of peace he had a
+horror of the cruelties of war, of which he had heard and seen much
+since the battle of Germantown, and shrank from the thought of taking
+any human life. On the other hand was the brave and boundless
+aspiration for liberty and a country of one's own, that had thrilled him
+when he heard the Declaration of Independence read. And now that France
+had held out a helping hand, and the English Parliament was divided, the
+aspect looked more hopeful to him. But for his parents he would go at
+once and cast in his lot with the heroes at Valley Forge, to whom
+patriotism was as brave a religion as that of Roger Williams.
+
+And Rachel! No, he could not marry her. All his soul rose up in revolt.
+Not but what such marriages often occurred among Friends and were
+reasonably happy. Very few sons or daughters went contrary to the advice
+of their parents in such matters. And he knew to refuse would be giving
+up his home.
+
+If Rachel was soft-tongued and attractive like his mother, for Lois
+Henry was still fair of face, visions of the pretty, graceful maidens in
+town danced before his eyes. He had seen them on the streets chatting
+merrily, on the ice flying swiftly like so many gay birds. He had
+listened to Primrose playing on her spinet and singing pretty old love
+songs that she did not understand aught of but the rare melody. And he
+enjoyed Madam Wetherill's house--he had borrowed a few books from the
+old case, and, plain as he was, he had been charmed by some volumes of
+verse.
+
+Surely this Master Quarles must have been a man of deep feeling and
+godliness. And there was one Ben Jonson, and a Master Suckling, though
+he was not quite sure about his dainty conceits. Queer old books in
+stained leather covers and print hard to read. Volumes of one John
+Milton who, he learned, had stood out bravely for liberty.
+
+Madam Wetherill had come upon him one morning browsing deeply in the
+case of books. "Take anything that pleaseth thee," she said kindly.
+"They are old things in the Wardour family that came to my father, and
+he knew many of the scholars of his day. They had not such a fear of
+learning then. And he knew this Mr. Pope and Addison and many another.
+And even our master Franklin, with all his many businesses, found time
+to write verses for his wife, it seems, and with James Logan, has been
+much in earnest that the town should have some sort of library."
+
+He had carried home a thin, old book and kept it closely in his
+waistcoat pocket that no one should surprise it, and read it by odd
+spells. And a volume of John Milton's tracts stirred him mightily.
+
+All these things he would have to give up if he was Rachel Morgan's
+husband. He felt that he had grown out of the narrow bounds and could
+never get back into them.
+
+James Henry went into the house. His wife sat alone, knitting.
+
+"I have spoken to Andrew," he said, "and he will take time to consider.
+But he did not say aught against Rachel, and he certainly hath no other
+fancy. I am thankful my brother's daughter is a mere child, since he
+shows such fondness for her, and thou wert wise, wife, in not having her
+here. She would have been an unmanageable firebrand, since we could not
+control her wholly. And I have good hopes for Rachel. We will not delay
+when the matter is settled, but have them man and wife speedily.
+Marriage is a cure for many wayward notions."
+
+Rachel had come downstairs in her list boots, that she was fond of
+wearing indoors, and could make herself. The door was ajar and she had
+heard all her uncle said. Her heart beat exultantly, and she crept back
+again softly, with a flush on her face and a pleased light in her eye.
+For she was very much in love with Andrew, though she did not call her
+preference by that name. She would give him decorous opportunities to
+speak.
+
+But he went away and left her sitting alone by the fireside, and poured
+over John Milton in his cold room. And if she went out to the barn at
+meal time he made some excuse for not walking back with her.
+
+"Dost thou know," she asked of Penn one day, "where Andrew goes in these
+curious absences? His father is troubled, but he will not say a word."
+
+"He went, one day, across the river to Swede's Ford. It was about some
+wood," he said. "And he hath a friend on the Lancaster road. Now that I
+think, I am afraid there is mischief in it. He hath a soft spot for the
+rebels at Valley Forge. But he always brings home money for what he hath
+sold."
+
+"Uncle James hath spoken to him about marrying."
+
+"Marrying! Whom, pray?"
+
+Rachel flushed swarthily.
+
+"If thy eyes were keen thou couldst have seen what they both desire. I
+shall marry him ere long. It will be a good thing for all of us, and no
+change of home."
+
+Penn simply stared his amazement.
+
+"He is an obstinate fellow in many things. Well--if thou canst manage
+him," doubtfully. "He hath no plans for marriage at present, I know
+that."
+
+"He will heed his father, I think. And, Penn, it will be to thy interest
+to help me. Thou canst put in a word here and there."
+
+Penn Morgan soon learned some things that astonished him. His cousin was
+giving aid to the rebels. Yet it was odd that these starving men could
+pay in gold and silver when the Congress had issued so much paper money.
+
+Penn half suggested the marriage one day when they were working
+together.
+
+Andrew glanced at him with resolute eyes.
+
+"It is a fancy of my father's," he answered, "but I have no mind toward
+it, as I shall tell him presently."
+
+"Is anything displeasing to thee about Rachel?" was the rather nettled
+response.
+
+"Rachel is a good girl and my parents are fond of her. But I have other
+plans for my life," was the quiet reply.
+
+Rachel was vexed at his coldness and studious avoidance of her. She
+boldly walked by his side on Sunday to meeting, but, coming home, there
+was always someone to talk with, until they passed the cross-roads, and
+then he would take Faith by the hand.
+
+Penn Morgan was never quite sure that he had meant to betray his cousin,
+but, finding that several others were trafficking with the rebels,
+fancied he might mention their names as men on whom a sharp eye might be
+kept. Andrew went unsuspiciously into town one day, eager to learn
+something about the British army, and if it were true they were
+preparing for an active campaign. As he stood in Market Square with his
+load nearly disposed of a whisper caught his ear.
+
+"The tall Quaker. He will go to the Pewter Platter. Jonas Evans has been
+suspected for some time. When he has loaded up afresh and is about
+starting will be the time to seize him."
+
+Andrew Henry did not move a muscle while two men scrutinized him
+closely. Afterward one of them approached with a half-insolent air.
+
+"Is trade fair to-day, Friend Broadbrim? The winter seems quite broken
+up. And round about country places they are plowing, no doubt. If thou
+hast made a good bargain thou mightst stand treat. We have drained the
+King's men pretty dry."
+
+"Nay, I am busy just now with some bills to collect, but if thou wilt
+meet me an hour hence at the Pewter Platter, thou shalt have thy fill of
+meat and drink. And since my start was early this morning I shall bring
+a hearty appetite myself."
+
+"Thou art a good fellow, truly," nodding with a slight leer.
+
+"And since thou hast to wait, here is a shilling for ale. There are pot
+houses near by," returned Andrew.
+
+He watched the man enter one. Then he summoned one of the idle boys
+about.
+
+"Keep my horses for five minutes," he said, "and thou shalt be well
+paid." Then he dashed among the crowd, and could not have been told from
+a dozen other men in drab coats and wide hats.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+PARTING.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill sat deep in her account books. Primrose was studying
+arithmetic, and the tough rules were not at all to her taste.
+
+Janice Kent paused at the door. "Madam," she said, "Friend Henry is here
+on urgent business. And he begs that he may come up to you."
+
+Primrose's pretty face was in a glow, and she sprang from her seat.
+
+"It may not concern thee, moppet. Go to Patty. Thou canst not be in
+everything."
+
+The child rose reluctantly, but obeyed.
+
+"I am in trouble," Andrew began briefly. "We have been informed
+about--how much I know not. I thought it best to come and warn thee.
+Still I do not see how thou can be brought in, and thy shrewd wit will,
+I think, save thee. But I must get out of the town some way. I may be
+accused of spying about, and I am not over anxious for a hempen
+necklace, nor lodgings in Walnut Street. So I have little time to
+spare."
+
+With that he related his morning's adventure and how he had left his
+team.
+
+"Canst thou send a blind message to the Pewter Platter at once? Jonas
+Evans will understand."
+
+"Yes. Patty will be best. We can trust her, and she will hardly be
+noted. And thou?"
+
+"I must get out of the town in some sort of disguise. There is much
+behind this that I do not know."
+
+Patty was dispatched on her errand. "Sit still, child, with thy book,
+and presently thou shalt know what is meet," said she.
+
+Andrew Henry went briefly over his inner life for the last two months,
+his desire to enlist in the Continental army, his shrinking from the
+pain it would be to his parents.
+
+"But now, madam, it would bring greater trouble on them for me to go
+home. The British would likely arrest me."
+
+"Yes, I see. And thou hast resolved to be a soldier lad? Not from the
+teasing of little Primrose, I hope."
+
+"No, madam, though I shall be her soldier as well. But those brave men
+at Valley Forge have been before my eyes night and day. I should have
+done this a little later, anyhow. My father and mother are in good
+hands."
+
+"Heaven keep thee! But better a hundred times perish on the field of
+battle than be thrust into that vile den, the Walnut Street Jail, where
+that fiend in human shape, Cunningham, works his cruel will on helpless
+men. Not a day but dead bodies are carried out, some of them bruised and
+beaten and vermin-covered. Faugh! The thought sickens me! Yes, thou must
+escape. Primrose, child, come in."
+
+She ran eagerly to Andrew, who greeted her with a smile. Then Patty
+returned breathless.
+
+"It is all right. They will find nothing from cellar to the top layer of
+the chimney. But Master Evans says get out of the town as fast as you
+can."
+
+Madam Wetherill was considering. "A disguise," she said. "A suit of
+Captain Nevitt's is here, but thou couldst hardly squeeze into it. At
+thirty thou wilt be the counterpart of thy uncle Philemon. Thou wilt go
+to Valley Forge?"
+
+"Yes. After I have struck into the old Perkiomen road no one will look
+for me. It is getting through the city. And the time is brief. I would
+not for worlds raise any suspicion for thee."
+
+"Patty, exercise thy quick wit. If we could dress him up as a young man
+of fashion--or make him into Ralph Jeffries, who is more barrel-shaped.
+But there, the pass!"
+
+"I have it," cried Patty with a merry laugh. "Order up gray Bess, and
+dress him to personate thee. He can put on a mask and drop his
+shoulders. Thy plaided camlet cape will do well. And put Moppet on a
+pillion behind. Someone else must go. Ah, Madam Kent! who will enjoy it
+mightily and sit up like a brigadier. Then, when he is out of harm's
+way, she can bring Primrose home."
+
+"But the mare--how shall I get her back?"
+
+"Thou mayst need her; if not, present her to Madam Washington. Patty,
+thy brain has served us as well as in the matter of making gowns. Come,
+we must make ready."
+
+Janice Kent was summoned, and ready enough for the adventure; and the
+horses were ordered up. Then came a great deal of amusement in attiring
+Andrew.
+
+"Since it is quite muddy put my linen safeguard petticoat on him, Patty,
+the better to conceal his long legs, for it will be somewhat awkward
+riding woman-fashion, but my saddle is broad. Now my bedgown of
+paduasoy. Alack! how short the sleeves are! Here are the long cuffs.
+That will do. Now the camlet cape and my black beaver hat. A mercy it
+is, Andrew, that thou hast no beard. Patty, tie the bow. Upon my word,
+thou art so good-looking, with the coquettish bow under thy chin, that I
+am half afraid some saucy redcoat may stop thee. Janice, guard him well.
+And you must wear my silken mask. April wind is bad for complexions and
+might freckle thee."
+
+Primrose had been dancing about, not comprehending the gravity of the
+case.
+
+"Oh, Aunt Wetherill, how queer it all is! He is like and unlike thee."
+
+"And if thou shouldst meet a friend, be careful and remember that 'tis
+thy aunt. And now, Janice, make thyself ready. Meanwhile I will go into
+retirement under Patty's wing."
+
+Patty went down to see that all was ready. Old Cato stood with the
+horses. Luckily sharper-eyed Julius had gone to market.
+
+Janice helped her mistress, who was rather awkward, it was true. The
+skirts were adjusted, the mask dropped over the face, and then Primrose
+was put in her seat.
+
+"Not a word out of thee for thy very life," said Patty. "Look as demure
+as if on the road to church."
+
+Mistress Janice sprang into her saddle. As they were going out of the
+courtyard, she exclaimed: "Let us take Fairemount, Madam Wetherill, and
+find some wild flowers. The spring is late, to be sure, but they must be
+in bloom."
+
+"There will be no danger, I think," said Patty softly, as she re-entered
+the room.
+
+"I will have my netting and sit here by the child's bed. What a queer
+caper, and so quickly managed! But it is what I thought would come
+presently. Not the suspicion, but Andrew Henry's going over to the
+rebels. He is more like his uncle than Phil Nevitt. Ah, if it could be
+true that the British would decamp before they have quite ruined our
+city we should all give thanks."
+
+There was an imperious knock presently that made the great door rattle.
+The small black factotum, in his Barbadoes suit and red turban, opened
+the top door and glanced at the caller.
+
+"Madam Wetherill----"
+
+"Madam and Missy and Mistress Janice have gone out ridin' som'er."
+
+"Out riding, hey! with mud a foot deep! Tell your mistress that I came
+to have my revenge for her beating me last night at piquet. The young
+people made such a rumpus with their talk I lost my head," and Ralph
+Jeffries looked vexed.
+
+The youngster nodded and grinned. Later on came Polly Wharton and Miss
+Stuart, to meet with the same reply.
+
+At the corner of the street they encountered Captain Nevitt and Vane,
+and an elderly officer.
+
+"It is a fine day save for the mud!" exclaimed Sally. "Fine overhead,
+but few are going that way."
+
+"We did not set out for that," returned Vane, smiling.
+
+"And if you have set out for Madam Wetherill's it will be quite as
+useless. She and the young one have gone off larking, for wild flowers,
+I believe. Mistress Kent went with them for dragon."
+
+Then the men looked at each other.
+
+"How long have they been gone, I wonder."
+
+"Oh, since about high noon!"
+
+Patty had looked up from her sewing at the second knock.
+
+"Thy ride will get noised about and throw suspicion off guard, which
+will be so much the better," she exclaimed.
+
+They waited impatiently for the return of the guard, laughing over
+another call or two. It was almost dusk when Janice and Primrose
+returned.
+
+"Friend Henry escaped safely, though, madam, if thou shouldst be taxed
+with rudeness in not bowing at the proper time, pray apologize. We met
+some old friends, but he was somewhat stiff. And the saddle is left with
+one Master Winter at Fairemount. I ripped it that he might have the job
+of sewing and earn a few pence. Friend Henry was glad enough to doff
+petticoats and jump on astride; 'tis about the only thing I envy in a
+man. And then I put on thy skirt, and we slunk into town quietly. Quite
+an adventure, truly! If one could only hear the end of it!"
+
+James Henry heard the next day that there was a warrant out for his son,
+who was suspected of carrying messages and other matters to the rebel
+headquarters at Valley Forge. He had left his horses and the wagon in
+the market place, and disappeared. No one remembered letting him out on
+his pass. It might be that he was still hiding in the town.
+
+"There has been too much of this carrying back and forth," declared the
+sergeant. "It is time there was a sterner hand at the helm, and not so
+much pleasuring."
+
+There were reasons why Captain Nevitt said nothing to his little sister
+about the matter, and she was strictly forbidden to suggest it. The
+Wetherill household had not seen Andrew, as he had watched his
+opportunity to slip in unaware; consequently, nothing was gained by
+questioning them.
+
+"They would certainly have known if he had come in our absence," said
+Madam Wetherill with an air of interest. "Of course we must be sorry to
+have him in danger, but we will not lay the matter before Primrose."
+
+There were stirring events on both sides. On the 7th of May the news
+reached the Continental army of the recognition of France. The warmer
+weather and the replenishment of food and clothing had inspirited the
+men. Many new enlistments from the country around had come in. On this
+morning they were assembled for prayers and thanksgiving. General
+Steuben had drilled them until they presented a really soldierly
+appearance. But their enthusiasm broke bounds when the salutes were
+fired.
+
+"Long live the King of France!" ran through the army with a shout.
+Another salute was fired. "Long live the friendly European powers." And
+the third, "The American States," was received with the wildest joy.
+They all forgot the suffering of the long, dreary winter.
+
+After a discourse by one of the chaplains, there was a collation. When
+the General and Mrs. Washington retired the soldiers lined the way with
+the cry of "Long live General Washington!" "Long live Lady Washington!"
+a title that seemed to follow her, and that had been given her before by
+Colonel Hancock.
+
+It was supposed the campaign would open almost at once. But General
+Howe's army had been demoralized more by dissipation than the
+Continentals by hardships, and weakened by numerous desertions. The
+officers had been in one round of gayety, and the city recalled their
+charms long afterward. They had made the theater a reputable place of
+amusement, and the higher-class balls had been well patronized by the
+Tory ladies.
+
+But the farewell to General Howe was to excel all other gayeties, and to
+be an event long remembered, including a regatta, a tournament, and a
+dance. Decorated barges left Knight's Wharf in the afternoon, full of
+handsomely attired guests, who were carried to Old Fort, and escorted by
+troops to the beautiful and spacious lawn of Walnut Grove. The English
+fleet lay at anchor, flying their colors, and the transport ships were
+crowded with spectators.
+
+The tournament, with its two sets of knights ready to do battle for
+their favorite ladies, sounds like a chapter out of the Middle Ages. New
+York had abounded in gayeties, but this eclipsed anything yet attempted.
+The apartment had been decorated by the British officers, foremost among
+them young André, little dreaming then what fate had in store for him,
+and how his life would end.
+
+After the tournament, with its stilted magnificence, came a dance, a
+display of fireworks, a supper with twenty-four slaves in Oriental
+costumes, with silver collars and gilt armlets. The walls were hung with
+mirrors, and thousands of wax tapers reflected the brilliance of silken
+gowns and jewels, of scarlet and gold uniforms, of fair women and brave
+men that made the Mischianza a glittering page of history.
+
+It was true that many beside the Tory ladies graced the occasion. There
+had been an undeniable friendliness between both Americans and British,
+and many a heart won and lost, as it was said six hundred or more
+deserters from Clinton's army found their way back to Philadelphia and
+made worthy citizens, some of them indeed entering the American army.
+
+Captain Nevitt had importuned Madam Wetherill to attend, for he was
+resolved Primrose should see the pageant. Polly Wharton had, as she
+admitted, nine minds out of the ten to go, as Thomas Wharton, the owner
+of Walnut Grove, was her uncle. But her brother was in the American
+army, and her heart really went with her country.
+
+"As if a little dancing could matter!" said Phil Nevitt. "Nay, Miss
+Polly, I doubt not but that some day I shall see you at the court of our
+King, and perhaps dance with you in a palace. And I want Primrose to go,
+but Madam Wetherill will not, though Major André himself sent the
+invitation. He is such a charming, generous fellow that he can do more
+with his winning air than many with their swords. But Primrose I must
+take. She is such a pretty, saucy, captivating rebel that it is charming
+to tease her. And, if you will go, her aunt will give in, I know."
+
+"I'm not sure," Primrose declared with dainty hesitation, "whether I
+want to go or not. I am certain, Phil, I shall be a worse rebel than
+ever, afterward."
+
+"Nay, Primrose, when you see the gallant gentlemen who have come over to
+help the King restore peace and order, and punish some of the
+ringleaders, you will be convinced of the great mistake the Americans
+have made. And then we shall be friends again."
+
+"I wish you were all going back to England with General Howe!"
+
+"And you give me up so easily--your own brother?" with a pathetic
+upbraiding in his tone.
+
+"Only a half-brother! And the Tory half I can't like. The other, the
+Henry half----"
+
+"Well----" studying her mischievous, dancing eyes.
+
+"I like that--a little," demurely.
+
+"I shall be patient, sweet darling. I have come to love you dearly--your
+mother's half, and your father's half."
+
+She glanced up with her warm, frank heart shining in her eyes, and he
+kissed her fondly.
+
+"When thou lovest me well I shall know it by one sign: thou wilt kiss me
+of thy own accord."
+
+She had to steel her heart hard when he adopted the old phraseology, and
+smiled in that beseeching manner.
+
+"We shall not be converted, little Primrose," said Polly Wharton. "I
+shall think of Allin at Valley Forge, and thou of thy splendid Quaker
+cousin that so adroitly escaped the snare set for him. And we shall
+twist the festivities about. When they drink to the King and the redcoat
+army, we shall say to ourselves, 'Washington and the buff and blue.' And
+when we dance, for there will be your brother and young Vane and Captain
+Fordham, so we are sure of three partners, and as we whirl around we
+shall say to ourselves 'Hurrah for the flag of the thirteen colonies!'"
+
+"It looks quite patriotic that way," answered Primrose archly.
+
+It ended by their going. Mrs. Stuart and Sally, who were hardly Whig or
+Tory, promised to keep watch of them. And though Miss Auchmuty had been
+crowned Queen of Beauty at the tournament, and there were the fair
+Shippen women and the Chews, men paused to look at the sweet,
+golden-haired child who was so simply gowned that her dress did not
+detract from her beauty. And long afterward, when she was an old lady,
+she could recount the famous scene that ended, as one might say, the
+British possession of Philadelphia. For even as they danced amid the
+gleaming lights and fragrant flowers, a premonition of what was to come,
+although unexpected, and a bloodless victory, 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 André 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 sobbing heap at the foot of the broad stairway.
+
+"Come, dear," said Madam Wetherill, much moved. "Thou shalt sleep in my
+bed and I will comfort thee."
+
+It was true enough that the Continentals, marching down, found an empty
+city. General Charles Lee had held back some information and acted in an
+unpatriotic manner when his commander had reposed unlimited trust in
+him. And a few days later his indecision was made manifest at the battle
+of Monmouth, when he was courtmartialed and disgraced.
+
+But another tall soldier came in buff and blue, and so amazed Primrose
+that she hardly knew him. With him was Allin Wharton, who had much to
+say about Andrew's work through the winter, and that no gift had ever
+been more timely than Madam Wetherill's great bag of stockings that was
+still talked about; and Lady Washington had esteemed it as one of the
+most providential happenings.
+
+"I have much to tell thee, sometime," Andrew said. "There is only a
+moment now, for we are after the runaways." And then he gave her a long,
+fond kiss.
+
+Madam Wetherill glanced at them. Would it be the old story over again?
+
+The battle of Monmouth was hard fought, but a victory for neither side,
+since Sir Henry saved his stores at the sacrifice of many lives, and
+escaped. Washington came back to the city for a brief stay and new
+plans.
+
+Lovely old Philadelphia, that had been William Penn's dream, was no
+more. British occupation had overthrown its quaint charm. Gardens had
+been destroyed, houses ruined, streets were a mass of filth and rubbish,
+the country roads were full of lawless gangs who plundered inoffensive
+people.
+
+"Oh, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, freed from the anxious and
+troublesome solicitations, hurries, and perplexities of woeful Europe,"
+Penn had exclaimed, on his return from his first visit back to England.
+But the quiet had disappeared; even the old Quaker homes, that had held
+out alike from blaming foe and encouraging friend, were full of
+apprehension.
+
+Washington at once placed General Arnold in command. His marriage with
+Mistress Margaret Shippen, and his beautiful home at Mount Pleasant,
+where elegance and extravagance reigned, had rendered him an object of
+disapprobation with the sober-thoughted and solid part of the community.
+Joseph Ross, the president of the executive council, brought many
+charges against him, which though angrily repelled at the time were
+proved sadly true later on.
+
+There were some trials of Tories, and two men were hanged for high
+treason, both Quakers, one of whom had enlisted in Howe's army, and the
+other was accused of numerous crimes. Many had to choose between exile,
+or contempt that was ostracism at home. Dr. Duché had in the darkest
+period written a letter to General Washington beseeching him to submit
+to any proffer of peace that England might hold out, having lost his
+ardent patriotism, and he went to his old home to meet with charges of
+disloyalty there.
+
+But people began to take heart a little, to clear up their wasted
+gardens and fields and repair their houses. Some of the pleasure haunts
+were opened again, and women ventured on their afternoon walks on the
+streets, well protected, to be sure. There was, too, a certain amount of
+gayety, tea-drinking and cards, and excursions up the river were well
+patronized.
+
+Andrew Henry, now sergeant, was detailed for a while among the troops to
+remain in Philadelphia. Now that he had embarked in the war he preferred
+a more active life, and it was too near his old home to be satisfactory.
+But as soon as possible he reported to Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I can never thank thee sufficiently for thy assistance and quick wit,"
+he said to her. "Through it I escaped without harm, but I found
+afterward they had more proof than I could have safely met. And when I
+arrived at camp I dispatched a messenger to my father, telling him of my
+changed mind and plans for the future."
+
+"And he was angry enough!" interposed Madam Wetherill.
+
+"It was worse than that. Mere anger is, perhaps, outlived. He had some
+other plans," and the young Quaker flushed. "He gave me a fortnight to
+return, and, if not, would put Penn in my place and I need expect
+nothing more."
+
+"See what thy talk hath led to, Primrose! For I was afraid thy patriotic
+rebellion was contagious."
+
+Andrew smiled down on the child. "She hath been a wise little one, and I
+am not sorry to be her soldier. With women like you, madam, to bring up
+girls, and Lady Washington to care for disheartened soldiers, there will
+be still greater victories, and there can be but one end."
+
+Primrose looked up with an enchanting smile. "I am proud of thee," she
+made answer with an exultant ring in her voice. "And there is Polly
+Wharton's brother who ran over me on the ice, and--my own brother that I
+pray may come around."
+
+"I feel very much as if I had been on both sides of the fence," remarked
+Madam Wetherill. "Still I could not have helped so much if I had been
+outspoken on the rebel side. I heard many a little thing that could be
+passed on, and found how a few supplies could be forwarded without
+suspicion. But, Andrew, wilt thou never regret this step?"
+
+"I considered well for many weeks. There were some other conditions I
+could not wisely accept. And Penn will be a good son to my father.
+Otherwise I could hardly have left him. But 'tis done now, and though I
+shall long many times to see my dear mother's face, I shall fight none
+the less bravely for our land. I hope to follow our intrepid Washington,
+and may soon be transferred."
+
+"And leave the city?" cried Primrose in dismay.
+
+"I do not quite like our new general. I am afraid the coming winter will
+be like the last, and I, for one, would have no heart for pleasure until
+we have won our independence."
+
+Andrew promised to come in again when he was off duty, and Primrose
+reluctantly let him go. Yet she watched him with glistening eyes, and
+could hardly decide how much was glory and how much tears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+LOVE AND TRUE LOVE.
+
+
+"A very plain stiff Quaker downstairs, Primrose, who demands to see thee
+alone. There is a sharp air about her. I think she must be one of those
+the madam spoke of who are importuning about repairs and want rents for
+nothing."
+
+"To see me?" asked Primrose in surprise. "I have nothing to do with the
+houses."
+
+"She would not allow her business was with anyone else. She does not
+look like one of the begging women with whom the city is overrun."
+
+Primrose walked slowly down the wide staircase full of curiosity. Polly
+Wharton asked for her sometimes, and Anabella Morris.
+
+The visitor had on the close hat with the big round crown that but few
+of the younger women wore, and rarely in black. Her gown was straight
+and plain, the long sleeves coming down over her ungloved hands, and a
+square of gray twilled silk crossed over her bosom. She did not stir
+until Primrose was well into the room and then she turned.
+
+"Oh, Rachel!" was the surprised exclamation.
+
+Rachel Morgan stared at the vision before her. An unwonted envy stirred
+her. It seemed as if Faith grew plainer every day, and this girl took
+all the beauty!
+
+"How are they all at the farm?" Primrose inquired with pretty
+graciousness. "Is Uncle James quite well and strong?"
+
+"How could one be well with such a great sorrow?" the visitor asked
+sternly, fixing her eyes on Primrose, who shrank from the hard gaze, and
+felt her heart beat in strange protest.
+
+"But--Andrew is well--is here----"
+
+"We heard a part of the army had been retained, and a neighbor hath seen
+Andrew Henry in the attire of the sons of cruelty and worldliness, and
+that bitter spirit toward the law that Mr. Penn besought his brethren
+not to use. But no one seems to heed duty or obedience any more."
+
+Primrose stood gazing as if the voice held her in a half-frightened
+thrall.
+
+"He hath been here, in this house?"
+
+"Yes, yesterday," with some hesitation.
+
+"And he will come again?"
+
+"Oh, yes!" There was a confident ring in her voice that angered the
+other.
+
+"The world and its sins hath grown greatly upon him. I will venture to
+say he feels more at home amid these gauds and giddy flowered damasks
+and soft cushions and numerous things the elect would term idols of the
+carnal sort," glancing around. "And the vain women who frequent houses
+like these. I see thou art tricked out with much worldly vanity, and thy
+father was one of the straitest Friends. How canst thou do it?"
+
+Primrose opened her eyes wide at this tirade and shook back the curly,
+glistening hair that she did not yet wear high on her head, for Madam
+Wetherill hated to have her leave the cloisters of girlhood. And her
+frock was white muslin, lengthened down a little and the piece covered
+with an artful ruffle. There was a silver buckle at her belt, and on
+each shoulder a knot of blue ribbon.
+
+She hardly knew what to say, but presently she ventured--"Truly, Cousin
+Rachel, I do not feel vain. I seldom think of my gowns."
+
+"I am in no mood to discuss attire," as if Primrose had begun it. "I
+come to thee on an urgent errand. Thou knowest, perhaps, that Andrew
+hath angered his father beyond everything. Instead of heeding the
+admonition to come out from the world and have no part in its
+wickedness, he hath all winter been a go-between, encouraging rebellion
+by carrying supplies to the camp at Valley Forge----"
+
+"It was noble and kindly to take a great danger upon himself, to feed
+sick and starving men, and to clothe their poor bodies. It surely made
+one's heart bleed to hear of their sufferings. Nay, thou shalt not say
+hard and bitter things against him!" cried Primrose spiritedly.
+
+"The truth is wholesome, if it hath a bitter tang. We surmised that he
+found encouragement in this house, and had beforetime listened to thy
+childish and unreasoning folly. And he made himself a criminal in the
+eyes of the law. His father's house was searched, and a man of Belial
+abode with us to see if he would not come back. And the two fine animals
+and the market wagon were carried off. If they had found him it would
+have gone hard with him."
+
+"But they did not," Primrose said triumphantly.
+
+"Thou didst see him then?"
+
+"Yes. And we knew--we saw him safely on the old Perkiomen road. Then
+someone came the next day to inquire about him, so we know he had
+eluded them. And now they have marched in and Philadelphia is free!"
+
+"There were anxious days and nights about him until the word came that
+he had joined the camp of rebels under Washington."
+
+"But long ago he said if the country needed him he would go. And there
+was Penn to take his place."
+
+"Penn will be a good son to my uncle. But, after all, it is Andrew's
+place. He is needed. His mother's heart is sore for him, and I can see
+that Uncle James is not at rest. So I have put my pride in my pocket as
+a sinful thing, and come to thee. Perhaps thou mayest have some
+influence over him. Wilt thou try to persuade him?"
+
+Primrose looked down on the floor as she laced her slim hands together.
+
+"I will tell thee the whole story. He was to marry me. Aunt Lois wished
+it and said I was a daughter after her own heart. I should have cared
+for them as if I had been an own child. Uncle James had spoken to him
+and he had promised to consider. At the meeting it had been talked of as
+most proper and suitable. I had not much money, for our small farm hath
+to be divided among three. But Uncle James thought a good wife better
+than wealth."
+
+Primrose stared in blank amazement. Had not Andrew said there was a
+condition he could not fulfill? Was it this?
+
+"I should have made him a good wife and roused him out of that
+dreaminess he allowed to hang about him. And because it was to be so, I
+plead with Uncle James until he relented. He hath promised me to take
+him back----"
+
+"But he will not leave the army until they have driven the English
+across the seas again. And if thou couldst see him so straight and tall
+and proud, holding up his head as he never did before! And all his heart
+is in it."
+
+"But the Lord made him a son and not a soldier. It is against our
+belief. We have come out from the world, and are not to fight its sinful
+battles. He hath a higher duty. Thou hast a smooth and persuasive
+tongue, and if thou wouldst use it to restore peace between a sad father
+and wayward son, and assure him he hath only to come back and fulfill
+his promise and all will be peace--if thou carest to do a good work,
+this will be one."
+
+Rachel Morgan rose, and looked so steadily, so sternly at Primrose Henry
+that she felt a shrinking all over her.
+
+"Thou wilt do this," she said. "It seems as if thou hadst cared a little
+for Aunt Lois and thy dead father's brother, and if thou hast any love
+thou wilt try to restore peace."
+
+"I will tell him what thou sayest," in a weak tone as if she was hardly
+persuaded.
+
+Rachel caught her hand, which was soft as a rose leaf, and wrung it in
+hers until she could have cried with pain.
+
+"Nay, not in that cold way. Thou hast the eyes and the tongue to move
+whomever thou wilt, and he set strange store by thee. Men often yield to
+a honeyed voice. Coax him, convince him it is his duty. Otherwise their
+sorrow and, perhaps, their death may be on his hands, and neither wilt
+thou be altogether free. That was my errand and the Lord gave me
+strength to come, though women do not generally plead for their
+lovers."
+
+"I will try," Primrose said, much moved.
+
+But she sat by herself after Rachel had left her, thinking the matter
+over with a curious protest that she did not understand. Why should she
+shrink from his marrying Rachel? She had seen many lovers through the
+winter, and Anabella had poured into her ears a great deal of
+foolish-sounding flattery, and delight on her part, that had caused
+Primrose much wonder. And now her gay captain had followed the fortunes
+of Sir Henry Clinton, and she was in despair, though he had promised to
+return.
+
+But she asked Madam Wetherill what she ought to do. The lady gave an odd
+little smile.
+
+"You must tell him, since you have consented. But it will not change his
+intentions. His enlisting was no sudden notion, if he was forced into it
+by circumstances. I wonder at Mistress Rachel making this appeal."
+
+"Do you think he ought to marry her?" Primrose asked timidly.
+
+"That is a question for him to answer, my child."
+
+But Madam Wetherill knew if he had been in love with Rachel he would
+have made some overtures himself.
+
+Primrose studied the subject within her heart and was quite grave over
+it. For two days they did not see him and on the third a messenger came
+with a note.
+
+The permission to join Washington had arrived suddenly and they were to
+march at once. It was the present plan of the Commander in Chief to
+invest New York and pen up the British there. "I would rather fight than
+see the gayety of the last winter repeated," Andrew wrote. "And I am
+much afraid our officers have not learned wisdom by the experience of
+their enemies. For surely so much pleasure will demoralize them. And
+though I am sorry not to see thee, partings are sad at the best, and I
+have a strong belief that I shall return well and sound. Dear Primrose,
+if so be thou could get word to my mother without too great an effort,
+tell her I keep her in my heart day and night. She will know it was not
+possible for me to accede to my father's request, pleasant as it might
+have been for others. I send him a son's respect, whether he considers
+me in the light of a son or no, and am sorry that at the last I should
+have brought trouble and suspicion upon them. It is my present hope that
+Penn will be a good son to them. I wish little Faith could have some of
+thy joy, for I am afraid it is a dreary life for the child. Heaven be
+watchful of thee, little Primrose."
+
+It was true that several companies were not needed for the city's
+protection, and were dispatched in the hasty mood that not infrequently
+ruled General Arnold.
+
+And now new defenses were erected for the city, and there was a general
+clearing up. The barricade around the old Treaty Elm was taken down, the
+squares were freed from rubbish and the grass restored, the houses
+repaired and new ones planned. True, landlords groaned about unpaid
+rents, and money-lenders almost wept over the sums the British had
+despoiled them of. The country estates were in a sad plight, many of
+them, but others had escaped.
+
+Madam Wetherill thanked Heaven that it was no worse with her. Mount
+Pleasant was a scene of great gayety during the summer, and the Arnolds
+and the Shippens held grand court, almost like royalty. She had much to
+do minding her estate and looking out for some of her southern
+interests, and took less heed to gay parties.
+
+Twice a year the trustees met to consider the estate of Mistress
+Primrose Henry. Just before this Madam Wetherill took her charge over to
+the old Quaker farm, that was so peaceful and thrifty one would hardly
+dream there had been war in the land. Primrose had sent a message to
+Rachel Morgan to explain why she had not undertaken her trust.
+
+Aunt Lois was rather feeble, but Rachel seemed to carry the house on her
+shoulders, and was noticeably sharp with the men and Chloe, who was
+growing old as well as her mistress. Certainly she looked after all
+things in a thrifty fashion that had already brought a crease between
+her eyes, young as she was.
+
+Faith was thin and fearful-looking, as if she expected some chiding in
+nearly everything, and it rarely missed coming. For Rachel had been
+sorely disappointed in her marriage plans, and liked to make others
+suffer for her unhappiness.
+
+Primrose was like a butterfly in the plain old house, and seemed to make
+a swift dazzle. Aunt Lois warmed curiously toward her, feeling as if the
+sun was shining after a spell of lowering weather.
+
+She rose from her chair and laid aside her knitting.
+
+"Thee used to love the chickens so much," she said gently. "We have some
+pretty ones. While thy aunt talks business let us get out and see them.
+I sit in doors so much thinking, and though I try not to question the
+will of Providence, life does not seem quite as it used. It may be that
+I am getting old. Poor mother used to sit under the tree yonder, but
+when it comes my time, Faith will be too womanly and too busy to look
+after me, and perhaps married."
+
+They walked down the well-trodden path. There were chicken mothers in
+little coops, and yellow, downy balls, others with tiny wings and
+patches of feathers here and there.
+
+"Thou didst see Andrew before he went away?"
+
+The mother's eyes had a soft, wistful, far-off look.
+
+"Yes. And a lovely letter that I have read again and again. Oh, why did
+I not bring it--but indeed I did not know"--pausing in a tone that
+indicated what might be meant.
+
+"A mother is a mother always. A father may feel hard when his plans are
+traversed. Tell me about my son; for I cannot shut my heart upon him."
+
+"He makes a handsome soldier and a good one. He will have a large heart
+and a wise head."
+
+"But a soldier! And to kill his fellow-creatures. We are to live in
+peace."
+
+"But I was to say when I could, that he kept thee in his heart day and
+night, and that he would never forget thee. Dear Aunt Lois, he is brave
+and good and tender of soul, and I know God loves him for his work to
+the poor and needy last winter."
+
+"I have wondered many times how he escaped. We only knew that he was
+safe."
+
+"Someone betrayed him. He had taken great care. Wilt thou hear how he
+left the town?"
+
+"Dost thou know?" raising her soft eyes.
+
+Primrose told gleefully how they had disguised him and seen him safe on
+the road where he was not likely to meet the soldiery.
+
+"And thou didst do this for him, dear child!"
+
+She took the soft hands in hers, that were soft again now that she did
+little coarse labor.
+
+"It was not much to do, surely. And it was rare fun when the guards
+passed us."
+
+"I owe much to thee and Madam Wetherill. And did he speak of any
+return?"
+
+"Nay, his is a soldier's life."
+
+"I sometimes think it is not wisdom to plan children's lives. Perhaps if
+we had let him be," and she gave a gentle sigh. "But we had hopes he
+would fancy Rachel, and she somehow had set her heart upon it. He seemed
+not inclined to marry, and so we should have waited until the spirit
+guided him. Child, I thank thee for thy care and interest in him. We
+should have been glad if thou couldst have kept thy father's faith and
+been content to stay here, but I can see thou didst need a larger life.
+Perhaps we narrow ours too much. It may not always be the Lord's will as
+we think. I have strange ideas as I sit and knit or sew. And I remember
+that good Mr. Penn and his wife took much pleasure of a kind we hardly
+approve of now. It is hard to tell which is right."
+
+"Dear Aunt Lois, whatever leads people to be sweet and joyful and
+thankful and kind to all who suffer cannot be far wrong. And were there
+no good men before the time of Mr. Fox and Mr. Penn?"
+
+"Thou wert always finding prettiness of speech and ways that have a
+charm in them. And if thou shouldst send word to Andrew at any time,
+tell him his mother's heart is tender towards him and that no one can
+fill his place. Thou hast given me much joy. But I can see thou art not
+fitted for the grave life here, and if our ancestors crossed the sea
+that they might have liberty of belief, why should we not grant it to
+others?"
+
+James Henry no longer insisted upon what he called his rights in his
+brother's child. She was too gay and worldly for his taste, which, where
+women were concerned, could have been comprised in the old advice "To
+avoid Papishers and learn to knit." And when he looked on the industry
+and thrift of Rachel his heart hardened toward his son for his
+blindness.
+
+For Primrose went steadily now to Christ Church, but England would not
+send over a bishop while people were so contumacious, and so some rites
+were held in abeyance.
+
+But she was very happy and growing tall rapidly, and Friend Henry turned
+her over altogether to Madam Wetherill, who after all was not forgotten
+by the fashionables, even if they did run after the Arnolds.
+
+And in the autumn there were some changes, although the Continentals had
+not swept their enemies across the sea. Society Hill put on a brisk
+aspect, and gardens opened again where they sold beer and cakes, and
+young people chatted merrily, while older people gossiped. There were
+shops trying to turn out much-needed goods that gave the town an aspect
+of industry. Indeed employment was provided for the poor classes in
+putting streets in order. All manner of homespun cloth was made. Even
+Mrs. Washington had ordered that her spinning wheels at Mount Vernon
+should fly as briskly as if she were there, and sixteen were kept going
+all the time.
+
+Franklin and John Adams were in France cementing the alliance that was
+so slow in doing its promised work. At home, political leaders were
+quarreling fiercely among themselves. Joseph Reed and Arnold were at
+swords' points. A charge of dishonesty and malpractice in office was
+preferred against Arnold before the Continental Congress, but, though
+convicted, he was sentenced to a reprimand only. He had been a brave
+soldier, and Washington, with a heart full of anxiety for other
+undertakings, unfortunately dealt leniently with him, but it made no
+appeal to better feelings or conduct, for he began almost at once his
+treasonable practices with the British, that were to bring about a
+lasting shame.
+
+There were other troubles as well. The Quakers could not and would not
+serve in the army nor pay taxes for its support. Franklin had known how
+to gain by diplomacy what they would not openly concede, but they were
+unpopular with those in power, and the mob openly rejoiced when goods
+were levied upon. Indeed many of the poorer and plainer brethren had
+little sympathy when such articles as "a looking glass in wide gilt and
+mahogany frame, with ornamental corners" and "handsome walnut chairs
+deeply carven and with silken cushions" and "mahogany tea table with
+carved legs and crow feet" were sold for a quarter of their value. It
+shows that many of the Friends were not stinted in their household
+appointments, and must indeed have had sturdy consciences to part with
+their cherished belongings rather than pay away a little money in what
+was considered an unjust cause.
+
+New York was full of gayety and dissipation under the British, as
+Philadelphia had been. And Primrose was sent for by her brother, who was
+now Colonel Nevitt and in a pleasant position.
+
+"There is much to see and enjoy," he wrote. "And there are fine manners
+and customs that will fit you for London when we go. For it is most
+certain, by the looks of things, that the rebellion will soon be
+brought to an end. The winter in Philadelphia was a great mistake,
+though pleasant enough to me. And you must be now a pretty young woman
+that I should be proud to have. If Madam Wetherill feels that she is not
+young enough for gayety, I have some friends here who will be glad to
+take charge of a fair young girl, and I shall be most happy with my
+charming sister. There are parties coming almost every week, and I can
+find safe escort. Do not disappoint me."
+
+"What wilt thou do?" asked Madam Wetherill. "Thou art no longer a little
+girl, Primrose, though it grieves me to say it. Patty scolds about
+lengthening thy gowns all the time, and Anabella is sure I will keep
+thee an old maid. Though between two stools she is like to come to the
+floor for aught I see. Her British lover never so much as wrote her a
+line, and young Matthews, that she made quite certain of, hath married
+Kitty Strong. She need not worry about thee, since thou hast nearly two
+years' grace behind her. But her mother was so foolishly hasty to have
+her married."
+
+"But I want to stay a little girl," cried Primrose eagerly. "I hate a
+big hoop and a monstrous topknot that pulls my hair, and a bunch of
+feathers that makes one look like an Indian sachem."
+
+She made such a pretty pouting mouth, like a rose half-blown, that madam
+laughed.
+
+"And then one can run around with Patty and tease the boys who sell pink
+calamus buds, and buy 'Peppery pot, smoking hot.'" She was such a good
+mimic it sounded exactly like the venders.
+
+"I am afraid I have spoiled thee. But it is thy brother whom we must
+consider. He may have some rights."
+
+"What rights, indeed, to a rebel maiden who would hate the sight of so
+many red coats together?"
+
+"Still thou dost love him a little. Surely he is thy nearest kin."
+
+"I can never think whether I love him dearly or only a little. When I
+pull a daisy out it says only a little. And when I blew a puffy
+dandelion out to tell me where my true love dwelt, it went south instead
+of north."
+
+"But the great city. I was there once, years ago. It hath many queer
+things and reminders of the old Dutch people who settled it. And it has
+a beautiful river and an island south of it, and a short way out to the
+ocean."
+
+"As if we did not have our fine and noble Delaware that runs on and up
+past the Jerseys to the State of New York. And there is our Schuylkill
+with its peaceful shores and green and flowery banks, now that the
+British are away, and our beautiful Wissahickon. Nay, I want nothing
+beyond my own home town, and no one but you and the friends that come
+here. I will write to Phil and tell him that neither his tongue nor his
+pen can charm me. And he never says 'thou' latterly."
+
+"But the young people here leave it off, I notice. And thou must not
+write saucily."
+
+Primrose laughed and tossed her golden head.
+
+She wrote to her brother and put in some rhymes, a fashion quite
+affected then, for many of the young ladies wrote sentimental and
+would-be satiric verses. Hannah Griffiths, who was cousin to Deborah
+Logan, had satirized the famous Mischianza, and there were songs for
+various occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
+
+Primrose wrote also to Andrew Henry. It was difficult to get letters
+from the Federal soldiers unless some messenger came direct, but she
+guessed how much pleasure the bit of news would be to him. She rode out
+to the farm occasionally and took a message from Aunt Lois to Andrew.
+Uncle James was growing quite deaf and irritable in temper, but Aunt
+Lois softened perceptibly and was always glad to see Primrose.
+
+Rachel had a new vexation that did not improve her temper. Chloe
+grumbled at the sharpness, but she was too old to think of another home.
+Faith was now a tall, thin girl, looking careworn and sallow.
+
+"I must walk a little with thee even if I should get beaten for it
+afterward," she said in one of the visits, as she intercepted Primrose
+and Patty at the group of great sycamores that shut off the view of the
+road. "For I feel sometimes as if the strings of my heart would burst
+when there is no one to talk to but old Chloe, and Rachel watches us as
+a cat does a mouse."
+
+"She would not beat thee, surely." Primrose's face was one indignant
+flame.
+
+"She did when I was smaller, until one day Aunt Lois interfered. Now she
+slaps, and her hand is hard as a board; or she boxes my ears until bells
+ring in them. I know not what made her so cross at first, except that
+she tried to be sweet and pleasant to Andrew, and when he was gone all
+was different. Now Penn walks home from meeting with Clarissa Lane and
+finds excuses for going over there. But Rachel says he is needed here on
+the farm since uncle cannot work as he used, and that he shall neither
+go away to marry, nor bring a wife home here. They had a bitter quarrel
+one day. I was gathering sassafras and birch buds for her and they did
+not know I was there. And Rachel said if he married Clarissa, she would
+persuade uncle not to leave him any part of the farm. Ought not the farm
+belong to Andrew?"
+
+Primrose shook her head doubtfully.
+
+"If I were a man I would run away and fight too. I would find Andrew and
+march and fight beside him. Oh, Primrose, thou canst never know how good
+and sweet he was to me and what wise counsel he gave. And now I am so
+wretched!"
+
+"Poor girl, poor Faith!" Primrose cried, deeply moved. "If you could
+come into town----"
+
+"I can go nowhere, she says, until I am of age; if I did, that the
+constable could bring me back, or I could be put in jail. And that if I
+do not please her I shall have none of Uncle James' money."
+
+"It is not honest to count on the money, and James Henry may live many
+years!" exclaimed Patty sharply.
+
+"If I had it I should give it back to Andrew. I feel as if we had
+crowded him out of his home. No one speaks of him but Aunt Lois and old
+Chloe, and Rachel frowns at her. Oh, if I dared come to thee, I would be
+a servant, or anything! Oh, Primrose, God hast set thee in a blessed
+garden! Bend over and kiss me. And come again. It is like a bit of
+heaven to see thee."
+
+Then Faith vanished, and the tears ran down the pink cheeks of the
+child.
+
+"Oh, what can we do?" she sobbed.
+
+"Nothing, dear," returned Patty, much moved, and feeling that some
+comfort was needed, even if it was only the sound of a human voice.
+"Friend Rachel hath grown hard through disappointment. Grace does not
+always wrap itself in a plain garb, and a red rose is sweet and pretty
+in its redness. There is much selfishness in the world under all colors,
+methinks, and when it is gray; it grows grayer by the wearing."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+MID WAR'S ALARMS.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill sighed over the affair and was sorry to hear of the
+failing health of James Henry. But nothing could be done to ease up
+Faith's hard lines. She understood much more than she could explain to
+the innocent Primrose; more indeed than she cared to have her know at
+present about the emotions the human soul. For she had the sweet
+unconsciousness of a flower that had yet to open, and she did not want
+it rudely forced.
+
+Rachel's desire and disappointment must have soured her greatly, she
+thought. In spite of her training in resignation, human nature seemed as
+strong in her as in any woman of the world who maneuvered for a lover.
+Yet Madam Wetherill was truly glad Andrew had escaped the snare.
+
+And now the country was in great disquiet again. Arnold's treason and
+its sad outcome in the death of the handsome and accomplished Major
+André fell like a thunderbolt on the town where he had been the leader
+of the gay life under Howe. Many women wept over his sad end. Washington
+had been doubtful of Arnold's integrity for some time, but thought
+giving him the command at West Point would surely attach him to his
+country's fortunes. Washington being called to a conference with the
+French officers at Hartford, Arnold chose this opportunity to surrender
+West Point and its dependencies, after some show of resistance, into
+the hands of the British for a certain sum of money.
+
+But Arnold had roused suspicions in the heart of more than one brave
+soldier; among them Andrew Henry, who had been promoted to a lieutenancy
+for brave conduct and foresight.
+
+Clinton was to sail up the river. André went up the Hudson in the sloop
+of war _Vulture_, which anchored off Teller's Point. Fearing they knew
+not what, the Continentals dragged an old six-pound cannon to the end of
+Teller's Point. That galled the _Vulture_ and drove her from her
+anchorage, so that she drifted down the river. André, therefore, was
+compelled to make his way by land. Being arrested at Haverstraw, the
+commander unwisely allowed him to send a letter to Arnold, who at once
+fled down the river in a barge and met the _Vulture_, leaving behind his
+wife, the beautiful Philadelphian, Margaret Shippen, and their infant
+son, and thus the chief traitor escaped.
+
+England had spent a vast amount of treasure and thousands of lives in
+battles, hardships, and disease, and had not conquered the
+revolutionists. She had now involved herself in war with both France and
+Spain. Holland, too, was secretly negotiating a treaty with the United
+Colonies.
+
+While the town was in consternation over these events, late in November
+Mrs. Washington, then on her way to join her husband, stopped a brief
+while with President Reed of the Congress. Again the soldiers were in
+great distress, needing everything and winter coming on. The ladies had
+formed a society for work, and were making clothing and gathering what
+funds they could.
+
+"Mrs. Washington is to come," said Polly Wharton, dropping in at Arch
+Street, full of eagerness. "The Marquis de Lafayette has given five
+hundred dollars in his wife's name, and the Countess de Luzerne gives
+one hundred. When we count it up in our depreciated money it sounds much
+greater," and Polly laughed with a gay nod. "Mrs. Washington has begged
+to contribute also. It is said the commander in chief was almost
+heart-broken about that handsome young André, and would have saved him
+if he could. And Margaret Shippen comes home next to a deserted wife, at
+all events deserted in her most trying hour. Of course, Primrose, you
+will join us. You can do something more useful than embroider roses on a
+petticoat, or needlework a stomacher."
+
+"Indeed I can. Patty has seen to it that I shall know something besides
+strumming on the spinet and reading French verse. But the French are our
+very good friends."
+
+"And I am crazy to see Mrs. Washington. There is devotion for you!"
+
+"If thou wert a commander's wife thou wouldst be doing the same thing,
+Polly. 'For,' she said in the beginning, 'George is right; he is always
+right. And though I foresee dark days and many discouragements, my heart
+will always be with him and the country.' If we had more such patriots
+instead of pleasure-loving women!" And Madam Wetherill sighed, though
+her face was in a glow of enthusiasm.
+
+"But there are many brave women who give up husbands and sons. And
+though my mother consented about Allin, it wrung her heart sorely. We
+have not heard in so long. That is the hardest. But we seem to get word
+easily of the gay doings in New York. And so thou wilt not go,
+Primrose?"
+
+"Indeed, I will not. What pleasure would it be to me to dance and be gay
+with my country's enemies? I shall make shirts and knit socks."
+
+"Yes, Primrose is old enough, but she somehow clings to childhood," said
+Madam. "We have spoiled her with much indulgence."
+
+"Indeed, I am not spoiled. And if the British should take away all we
+had, dear aunt, I would work for thee. I do know many things."
+
+"Dear heart!" and Madam Wetherill kissed her.
+
+There was much interest to see Mrs. Washington, though some of the
+ladies had met her on a previous visit. Madam Wetherill had been among
+those brave enough to ally herself with the cause by calling then, and
+Mrs. Washington gracefully remembered it.
+
+"And this is the little girl, grown to womanhood almost," she said, as
+Primrose courtesied to her. "You are not a Friend, I see by your attire;
+but the name suggested someone----"
+
+"But my father was, madam, and well known in the town. And I have a
+brave Quaker cousin who joined the army at Valley Forge, Andrew Henry."
+
+"Yes, I think that is the name. Did he not bring some supplies while we
+were in so much want, and come near to getting in trouble? You must be
+proud of him indeed, for he was among those who suspected Arnold's
+treachery, and were so on the alert that they set some of his plans at
+naught, for which we can never be thankful enough. Henry, that is the
+name! A tall fine young fellow with a martial bearing, one of the
+fighting Quakers, and Philadelphia hath done nobly in raising such men.
+The General never forgets good service, and he is marked for promotion."
+
+Primrose courtesied again, her eyes shining with lustrousness that was
+near to tears.
+
+"I should almost have danced up and down and clapped my hands, or else
+fallen at her feet and kissed her pretty hands if she had said that
+about Allin," declared Polly afterward. "Oh, it was soul-stirring, and
+the belles stood envying you, but some of them have blown hot and blown
+cold, and were ready to dance with Whig and Tory alike. And I wanted to
+say that you were too patriotic to go up to New York and be merry with
+your brother. Then I bethought me he was on the wrong side. Such a
+splendid fellow, too, Primrose; skating like the wind, and such a
+dancer, and with so many endearing ways. Child, how can you resist him?"
+
+"I cannot be a turncoat for the dearest love."
+
+"Andrew Henry should have been your brother. He looks more like that
+grand old portrait of your father than his own son does," declared
+Polly, and some inexplicable feeling sent the scarlet waves to the fair
+face of Primrose.
+
+Busy enough the women were, and on many of the shirts was the name of
+the maker. Primrose begged that Patty's name might be put on their
+dozen, and Janice Kent consented hers should be used.
+
+"For Primrose is such an odd, fanciful name, and it seems as if it
+belonged just to my own self and my dear mother," the child said, and
+Madam Wetherill respected the delicacy.
+
+Mrs. Bache, Franklin's daughter, wrote to Washington that there were
+twenty-five hundred shirts, the result of nimble and patriotic fingers;
+and, she added, "we wish them to be worn with as much pleasure as they
+were made."
+
+Philemon Nevitt was indeed angry at his sister's refusal, but as he was
+in no sense her guardian, he could not compel her. Some weeks elapsed
+before he wrote again. It was a hard, cold winter, and if full of
+discouragements for the Continentals was not especially inspiriting for
+the British.
+
+There had been something of a revolt among the Philadelphia troops at
+Morristown, who thought, having served their three years' enlistment,
+they should be allowed to return to their homes. Sir Henry Clinton,
+mistaking the spirit of the trouble, at once offered to take them under
+the protection of the British government, clothe and feed them and
+require no service of them, unless it was voluntarily proffered.
+
+"See, comrades," exclaimed one of the leaders; "we have been taken for
+traitors! Let us show General Clinton that the American Army can furnish
+but one Arnold, and that America has no truer patriots than we. But if
+we fight, we should not be compelled to starve on the field, nor have
+our wives and children starving at home."
+
+This protest aroused Congress. Taxes were imposed and submitted to
+cheerfully, and Robert Morris, an ardent patriot, with Thomas Mifflin,
+labored to bring about a better state of finances, and the Bank of
+Pennsylvania was due to the ability and munificence of the former.
+
+And though, as Thomas Reed admitted, "the bulk of the people were weary
+of war," and the different parties in the city were almost at swords'
+points, they had all joined in fierce denunciation of Arnold's treason.
+His handsome estate was confiscated, not so much for its value, as it
+was deeply in debt, but as an example of the detestation in which the
+citizens held his crime. His wife pleaded to stay in her father's house
+with her young son, but the executive council decided that she must
+leave the State at once.
+
+The mob made a two-faced effigy, which was dragged in a cart through the
+streets, a band of rough music playing the Rogue's March. Afterward it
+was hanged and burned, and no Tory voice was raised in his behalf,
+though universal sympathy was expressed for the unfortunate young André.
+
+Philemon Henry was intensely bitter about it. "But you have not all the
+traitors," he wrote. "My heart has been rent by the defection of some of
+our bravest men, and most trusted; and one who has seemed almost a
+brother to me, as we played together in boyhood, and have kept step in
+many things. I had cherished a curious hope that he might disarm thy
+girlish bitterness, Primrose, and that sometime his true worth would be
+apparent to you. And from the first, though he never confessed any
+further than that he envied me my pretty little sister, I knew he was
+more than common interested. These things are best left to work
+themselves out, and you were both young, so I held my peace. Six months
+ago Sir Gilbert Vane, the uncle, died, and, as title and estates were
+entailed, Vane Priory came to him. At first he was minded to return, and
+I wish now that I had bundled him off. Then he had queer, dispirited
+fits about the cause we were serving. I regret we have not been more in
+earnest and not so much given to pleasure. The city has been very gay,
+but I think many of the women whose feet twinkled merrily in the dance
+talked treason with rosy lips in the pauses.
+
+"I was angry when I read your letter and tossed it over to him, wishing
+that I had been your guardian and had some right to order your life. He
+held it a long while, then he rose and began to pace the floor.
+
+"'I tell you, Phil,' he said with strange earnestness, 'we are on the
+wrong side. Nothing can ever conquer these people while the love of
+their own country outweighs everything else. If the women feel this way,
+and cannot be tempted, no wonder the men are steadfast and go in rags
+and half starve and take any hardship. We forget that they are our own
+kin, of our own brave English blood, and would we tolerate an invader?
+Would we not fight to the last man? It would be nobler to go home and
+let them rule themselves, for we can never conquer them.'
+
+"'You talk treason,' I said angrily. 'You had better be careful.'
+
+"'They are talking the same thing in the House of Parliament. I have
+been paying more attention to these things of late, and I feel that in
+the end we shall be worsted. Better make brothers of them now while we
+can. If this were my country, my birthplace----'
+
+"'Hold!' I cried in a passion. 'I am an Englishman. That is the country
+of my mother's birth, and my father had good English blood in his veins.
+My Uncle Henry thinks the rebels all in the wrong, and I know well my
+father would never have sided with them. My sister would have been
+brought up to love the King.'
+
+"He made no answer, but went out presently. Then for some days he was
+moody and kept himself quite busy, and I thought was planning to return
+to England to look after his estates. Our colonel thought so, too. And
+then five others beside him suddenly disappeared. Shortly after we
+learned they had gone South to enter the army under General Greene. I
+only hope they will fall into Tarleton's hands, and he will make short
+work of them. But my heart is sore for the loss of my boyhood's friend,
+and the shame of his turning traitor. I hear that Benedict Arnold has
+joined the King's forces, and of a surety he and they would be well
+matched in any fight.
+
+"I have a presentiment I shall never see my pretty darling again.
+Primrose, I love thee more than thou canst imagine. I would that I had
+thee and that we two were going to England out of this terrible strife.
+Farewell.
+
+                    "Thine own dear brother,
+
+                                "PHIL."
+
+Primrose ran weeping to her aunt and gave her the long epistle. Madam
+Wetherill tried to comfort her, and presently she dried her tears a
+little.
+
+"We can hardly call him a traitor,--Gilbert Vane, I mean,--for he has
+not really betrayed his country, but changed his mind. And I think it
+very brave of him when he might go to England and live in luxury," said
+Primrose in a broken voice.
+
+"Thou art quick to see the heroic side. Of course, if he should be taken
+prisoner, he would be put to death without mercy."
+
+"But he does not sell his country!" with emphasis. "Oh, poor, dear Phil!
+My heart aches for him. And yet, if the British soldiers begin to see
+the doubtfulness of a final conquest, I think there must be hope. But
+what can I say to Philemon? I seem destined to be always divided in
+opposite directions."
+
+"That is very true," and Madam Wetherill smiled rather sadly. For it
+seemed hard indeed that brother and sister should have such opposing
+interests. Many a girl would have been won at once by the proffer of
+pleasure.
+
+But Primrose did not have very long to consider. Another note came from
+New York. Tired of inaction, Philemon Nevitt had asked that some more
+stirring duty should be allotted to him, and he was transferred to
+another body of troops, who were watching the Americans and harassing
+them in the vicinity of Morristown. It was said deserters from the
+British army had transferred their allegiance, and Colonel Nevitt
+determined to put a stop to this, and capture some of them to make an
+example the soldiers would dread in future.
+
+"When he writes like this I hate him!" and Primrose stamped her dainty
+foot upon the floor, while her eyes flashed with curious steely gleams
+that seemed to have black points. "It does not seem as if the same blood
+could run in our veins, but then he hath none of my own dear mother's
+sweetness. If he were related to her my heart would break. And I think
+he must have some of the characteristics of uncle James, who keeps his
+hard heart against Cousin Andrew. Was my father of that stamp, dear
+madam?"
+
+"He had a much broader life. He was brought into contact with various
+people, and possessed a certain suavity that one finds in many of the
+old families here in town. Good Mr. Penn did not insist that men should
+be all of one mind."
+
+"'Twould be a queer world indeed," and Primrose half smiled, for her
+moods were like an April day.
+
+"Then thy mother was a wise, winsome woman," said Madam Wetherill in
+fond remembrance.
+
+"That is what wins me to Phil," returned the girl. "When he talked of
+her and all her pretty ways, and the dainty verses and tales she told
+him, and how she shielded him from his father's displeasure when he
+would have been whipped, then he seems like a vision of her come back.
+But, now that he is going to fight against my country----" and the rosy
+lips curled in scorn. "He might have remained a fine, pleasure-loving
+soldier, doing no real harm, fit to dance with pretty women or march in
+a fine parade."
+
+She discussed this with Polly Wharton, who was now her dearest friend,
+although she was two years older.
+
+"Art thou not unduly bitter, Primrose?" Polly always chided in grave
+Quaker phraseology, but, like many of the younger generation, fell into
+worldly pronouns in seasons of haste or merriment. "We should be ashamed
+of him if he saw his duty and weakly shirked it. I am sorry such a fine
+fellow, with good American blood in his veins, should be a Tory. In
+truth I cannot see at present how the quarrel can be mended, and I am
+desperately sorry."
+
+Polly's cheeks were pink as a rose.
+
+"It never will be mended now. Times are hard with us, to be sure, and
+there is much discouragement, but the French army and a great navy have
+reached Newport, and Aunt Wetherill was reading of a French loan. That
+wise Mr. Adams is in Paris with our dear Mr. Franklin----"
+
+"Who plays chess with French beauties and writes them skits and
+bagatelles, and, no doubt dances the grave minuet with them. And then we
+blame our young lads for having a little pleasure! But 'tis darkest
+just before dawn, and maybe we have come to the darkest times."
+
+"And I am certain the dawn will come. God will not let such a good cause
+and so great an effort in behalf of human liberty go by default."
+
+So they worked on and hoped. There was great interest in the Southern
+campaign now.
+
+And then Polly came one morning, full of tears and trouble. There had
+been sad news from the highlands of the Hudson. A troop of British had
+made their way almost to one of the camps, expecting to surprise and
+capture the Federal soldiers. There had been a sharp skirmish, spirited
+and fateful enough to be called a battle. The Federals had won in the
+end and taken a number of prisoners, while many British soldiers were
+among the killed and wounded.
+
+"Andrew Henry sent the word to my father, who means to apply for passes
+and go at once," and there Polly broke down.
+
+"But that is not the worst of it. Something has happened to Allin! Oh,
+Polly!" and the soft arms were about Polly's neck, while she was kissing
+the tear-wet cheek, her own eyes overflowing.
+
+"Yes, it is Allin!" sobbed the girl. "They thought when they first
+brought him in that he was dead. But it seems now he is badly wounded
+and may live. They wanted to take his leg off, but Lieutenant Henry
+would not let them. Oh, poor Allin! And he begged that father would come
+or send, for the regiment may go on to Virginia."
+
+"Oh, if he could be brought home!"
+
+"It comes so near now." Polly wiped her eyes. "But oh, Primrose! I had
+nigh forgotten. Forgive me that I put my own sorrow first. Colonel--I
+believe he is that now--Colonel Nevitt led the men and was wounded also,
+and is captured."
+
+Primrose stood up very straight, and contradictory emotions struggled in
+her fair face. Her rosy lips faded and quivered, and she swallowed over
+a great lump in her throat.
+
+"It seems strange," said Polly, "that the cousins should have been
+pitted against each other. And, though I am desperately sorry about
+Colonel Nevitt, I am proud of Andrew Henry. Oh, dear Primrose!"
+
+"I am always torn in two. I wonder if there was ever such a girl!" and
+the slow tears beaded the bronze lashes of Primrose Henry's eyes.
+
+"Think of poor Peggy Shippen being banished from her family and forced
+to follow a traitor! For, after all, it was the fortune of war, and
+Colonel Nevitt was doing his duty as he saw it in all good faith."
+
+"Thou art so generous, Polly. He should have been some connection to
+thee; oh! what am I saying? Surely thou wouldst not want a redcoat
+Britisher tacked to thy family! I hope he is not sorely wounded, but
+just enough to keep him from fighting against my country until we have
+won our independence."
+
+"Thou dost make cunning wishes, Primrose," and in spite of her sorrow,
+Polly Wharton smiled.
+
+Madam Wetherill came home from her marketing, which was no light
+undertaking with all the trouble about paper money, and gold and silver
+so scarce. She still rode her horse well, and time dealt very leniently
+with her.
+
+"I heard some strange news in the market place," she began, and then
+she caught sight of Polly. "Oh, dear child! is it true that some of the
+flower of our town have perished? It was a great surprise, to capture
+some deserters, it was said, and went hard with our brave men."
+
+"Nay, Lieutenant Henry won in the end, and our loss was nothing compared
+to the enemy. But poor Allin----"
+
+"He is not dead," added Primrose, when Polly's voice failed. "And,
+madam, Cousin Andrew hath taken our heroic Colonel Nevitt a prisoner in
+his first battle. I know not whether to rejoice or cry."
+
+"Primrose, thou art a naughty girl!"
+
+"If it had been the other way, I should have had no difficulty. Yes, I
+am a hard-hearted little wretch and do not deserve any brother! But
+Andrew will see that he is not treated as the poor fellows were in the
+Walnut Street Jail; and if he should lose an arm or a leg I will devote
+my life to him. Oh!" with a sudden burst of tenderness, "I hope it is
+nothing serious. The mortification will be hard enough."
+
+There were numbers of the wounded sent as soon as possible to the larger
+cities where they could be cared for. Rough journeying it was, with none
+of the modern appliances of travel, and many a poor fellow died on the
+way.
+
+For various reasons Madam Wetherill had not gone out to the farm as
+usual. The news was troublesome from Virginia and Maryland, where Arnold
+was destroying stores and laying waste plantations. The seat of war
+seemed to be changing in this direction, and some of the most famous
+battles were to be fought here. Cornwallis was fortifying, and everybody
+dreaded the news.
+
+Pleasure in town had slipped back to a more decorous aspect. There were
+simple tea-drinkings and parties of young people going out on the river
+in the early evening singing pretty songs. Or there were afternoon
+rambles to the charming green nook called Bethsheba's Bath and Bower,
+where wild flowers bloomed in profusion, and the copses were fragrant
+with sweet herbs, growing wild; or the newly cut hay in the fields still
+about. Sometimes they took along a luncheon and some sewing. There were
+still windmills to grind the grain, and Windmill Island had been
+repaired and was busy again.
+
+Primrose seemed just beginning life. Hitherto she had been a child, and
+now she was finding friends of her own age, with whom it was a pleasure
+to chat and to compare needlework and various knowledges.
+
+She sympathized tenderly with Polly Wharton in her sorrow, and began to
+go frequently to the house. Next in age to Polly were two boys, and then
+a lovely little girl.
+
+Another incident had made the summer quite notable to Primrose. This was
+the marriage of Anabella Morris, which took place in Christ Church.
+Anabella's husband was a widower with two quite large children, but of
+considerable means. Madam Wetherill was very generous with her outfit,
+though she began to feel the pinch of straitened means. So much property
+was paying very poorly and some not rented at all.
+
+Primrose was one of the maids, and consented to have her hair done high
+on her head and wear a train, and to be powdered, though Madam Wetherill
+disapproved of it for young people who had pretty natural complexions.
+Some young women wore a tiny bit of a black patch near their smiling
+lips, or a dimple, as if to call attention to it.
+
+"And, if it grew there, they would move heaven and earth to have it
+taken off," said that lady with a little scorn.
+
+The bride's train was held up by a page dressed in blue and silver, and
+then followed the pretty maids, and the relatives. It was quite a brave
+show, and a proud day for Anabella, who had been dreaming of it since
+she was a dozen years old.
+
+Madam Wetherill gave her a wedding dinner, which now would be called a
+breakfast, so much have things changed, and then a coach took the newly
+married pair to their own home. Though Anabella would rather not have
+had another woman's children to manage, she was truly glad that all her
+anxieties in husband-hunting were over.
+
+Then Mr. Wharton came home with his son, who was still in a quite
+uncertain state, and it had been a question whether his shattered leg
+could be saved. But Dr. Benjamin Rush took it in hand and said it would
+be a shame indeed if such a fine young fellow would have to stump around
+all the rest of his life on a wooden leg.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+WHOM SHALL SHE PITY?
+
+
+September came in with all the glory of ripening fruit and the late
+rich-colored flowers, with here and there a yellow leaf on the
+sycamores, a brown one on the hickories, and a scarlet one on the
+maples. There were stirring events, too. A French vessel had arrived
+with stores and four hundred thousand crowns in specie, besides an
+accession of enthusiastic men to the army. General Washington had
+determined to attempt the capture of New York, but hearing there were
+large re-enforcements on the way to Sir Henry Clinton, allowed the
+British to believe this was his plan and turned his army southward.
+
+A gala time indeed it was for the Quaker city. For the Continentals were
+no longer ragged, but proudly marched in the glory of new shoes and
+unpatched breeches and newly burnished accouterments. The French
+regiment of DeSoissonnais, in rose-color and white, with rose-colored
+plumes, was especially handsome and quite distanced our own army
+trappings, that had never been fine. General Washington, Count
+Rochambeau, and M. de Luzerne, the French minister, with Chief Justice
+McKean reviewed the troops. The sober citizens were stirred to unwonted
+enthusiasm. Houses were decorated, windows filled with pretty girls
+waved handkerchiefs, and the mob shouted itself hoarse with joy; going
+at night to the residence of the French minister and shouting lustily
+amid the cheering for the King, Louis XVI.
+
+The hall boy ushered in a fine martial-looking man in officer's dress at
+Madam Wetherill's. A number of guests were in the parlor, and he
+hesitated a moment before he said: "Summon Miss Primrose Henry."
+
+"Grand sojer man in buff and blue," he whispered. "'Spect it General
+Washington hisself."
+
+Primrose flashed out. For a moment she stood amazed. It was not her
+brother.
+
+"Primrose, hast thou forgotten me?"
+
+"Oh!" with a glad cry of joy. "Oh, Andrew," and she was clasped in the
+strong arms and greeted with a kiss.
+
+"Yes," joyfully. "All the march I have counted on this moment. I could
+not wait until to-morrow. Primrose, how are they--my dear mother?"
+
+"She is quite well, but Uncle Henry fails and has grown very deaf. And I
+think Rachel and Penn do not agree well, and are not happy. But things
+go on the same."
+
+"And is there--any longing for me?"
+
+Oh, how cruel it was to feel that only the poor mother cared. For
+Primrose was not old enough nor suspicious enough to imagine the hundred
+little ways Rachel found to blame Andrew and widen the breach between
+him and his father.
+
+"Thy mother is always asking for thee. I learn thy infrequent letters by
+heart, and repeat them to her as I get opportunity."
+
+"Thank thee a thousand times."
+
+"And my brother?"
+
+"Hast thou not heard?"
+
+"Not since the return of Allin Wharton. He is still ill and no one sees
+him, but Polly tells me now and then. Only he is not allowed to excite
+himself by talking, and it is such little dribbles that I cannot glean
+much. And you met face to face?"
+
+"We were both doing our duty like brave men, I trust. I'm not sure but
+in the mêlée that Allin saved my life, and then----"
+
+"Thou couldst have taken his! Oh, Andrew, thank God it was not so," and
+her voice was tremulous with the joy of thanksgiving.
+
+"A soldier fired and wounded his right shoulder." Andrew did not say
+that it was only a hair's-breadth escape of his own life. "Neither knew
+he should meet the other."
+
+"And what hath happened since?"
+
+"He was paroled and exchanged. Since then I have heard nothing. And now
+I must go. First to see Allin, and then our Commander. The bulk of the
+troops are still to follow in the steps of these noble Frenchmen. And
+to-morrow night I must start south on an important mission. In the
+morning I shall see thee again. My respects to Madam Wetherill."
+
+Her arms were about his neck. How tall she had grown! He remembered when
+she had first come to Cherry farm he had carried her about in his arms.
+
+"Dear----" He unclasped the clinging hands softly. And then he turned
+the door knob and was gone.
+
+She ran to her room, a pretty chamber next to Madam Wetherill's, now,
+and burying her face in the pillow, cried for ever so many causes, it
+seemed to her. Sorrow that her brother should not have cared enough to
+write, grief that they two should have met in strife, thanksgiving that
+neither should be guilty of the awful weight of the other's blood, joy
+that she should have seen Andrew, and pain and grief that he could not
+go home as a brave and well-loved son.
+
+It was quite late when Madam Wetherill came up, when the last guest had
+gone.
+
+"I thought it was thy cousin, and I knew thou would not feel like
+further gayety, though all the town seems wild, as if we had gained a
+victory. These French soldiers in their fine attire have turned
+everyone's head. After all, methinks gay clothes have their uses and
+help to preserve the spirits. And Andrew--Major Henry, do we call him?"
+
+Primrose smiled then. "He is my own dear cousin and never forgets me.
+And he wished his respects to thee, and will come to-morrow morning. And
+Colonel Nevitt has been paroled and is in New York."
+
+"Go to bed now. It is full midnight. The rest will keep," and she patted
+the soft cheek, warm with flushes of satisfaction.
+
+Major Henry came the next morning. Madam Wetherill was struck with the
+likeness he bore his uncle, and certainly be made a grand-looking
+soldier. Then he had to tell all about the affray, but Primrose came to
+know afterward that he made light of his part in it, and but for his
+suspicions and presence of mind there would have been great slaughter.
+
+"I can hardly venture to predict, but it does seem to me that we are
+nearing the end of the brunt of the fighting. It will be no secret in a
+few days, but I can trust thee, I know. The French fleet may be in the
+Chesapeake even now, and though Cornwallis hath fortified Yorktown and
+Gloucester, we shall have the British between two fires, and all aid cut
+off, even escape. I think we shall capture them, and if so, it will be
+a blow they cannot recover from. War is cruel enough. I do not wonder
+Christian people oppose it. But slavery of the free spirit is worse
+still, and if one must strike, let it be in earnest. But we have gone
+against fearful odds."
+
+"Heaven knows how thankful we shall be to see it ended. And yet there
+are nations that have fought longer still," subjoined Madam Wetherill
+thoughtfully.
+
+"And I hope, when we are through with the enemy, we shall not quarrel
+among ourselves as to the making of a great country and nation. It is
+not given to many men to have breadth and wisdom and foresight."
+
+"And there have been disputes enough here. I sometimes wonder if men
+have any good sense."
+
+"Thou hast not a wonderfully high opinion of them," and Andrew smiled.
+
+"A party of women could be but little worse, and sometimes I think would
+do better."
+
+They talked about young Wharton, and Andrew instanced many brave acts on
+his part.
+
+"If thou hadst seen them patient in hunger and cold, with poor
+frost-bitten feet, and hardly a place to shelter them from the storm,
+thou wouldst not rail at them."
+
+"It is the stay-at-home soldiers who fight battles over the council
+board and always win, and know just what every general and every private
+could do, that provoke me! I wish sometimes they could be put in the
+forefront of the battle."
+
+"They would learn wisdom, doubtless. An enemy on paper is easily
+managed."
+
+Then Andrew had to go. And though he longed to press a kiss on the sweet
+rosy lips that were fond enough last night, Primrose seemed quite a tall
+young woman, and a child no longer; so, although the leave-taking was
+very sincere, it had a delicate formality in it.
+
+They had hardly time to consider anything, for the next day brought a
+tax on their sympathies. Primrose remembered a long ago winter when Miss
+Betty Randolph had come from Virginia to get some city accomplishments,
+and flashed in and out of the great house and gone to parties, and had
+been the envy of Anabella Morris. She had married shortly after and had
+two babies. And now her father's farm had been despoiled and he rendered
+homeless, her husband had been killed in battle, and they had made their
+way northward, hoping to find a friend in Madam Wetherill.
+
+Nor were they mistaken. There were the two elderly people, Betty and her
+babies, and a younger sister. The only son was in General Greene's army.
+
+"There is plenty of room at the farm," said Madam Wetherill. "I am not
+as young as I used to be and it gets a greater care year by year, and I
+think I grow fonder of the city. It would be well to have someone there
+all the time, and Cousin Randolph understands farming."
+
+"And this is the shy little yellow-haired Primrose, grown up into a
+pretty girl," Betty said in surprise. "I remember you were full of those
+quaint Quaker 'thees and thous.' But certainly you are a Quaker no
+longer, with that becoming attire? Oh, child, be glad you have not
+supped sorrow's bitter cup."
+
+There was so much on hand getting them settled that Primrose could not
+go to Uncle Henry's with her blessed news at once. It was always pain as
+well as pleasure. Sometimes she could hardly find a free moment with
+Aunt Lois, so jealously did Rachel watch them. And though Primrose had
+planned talks with Uncle James they invariably came to nought, for she
+could never surprise him alone, and he was so hard of hearing she knew
+there would be listeners.
+
+Faith was upstairs spinning on the big wheel, and her window overlooked
+the stretch of woods that shut out the road altogether. Aunt Lois sat
+knitting, Rachel was making some stout homespun shirts for winter wear,
+and Uncle James was lying on the bed asleep.
+
+"Thou hast something else in thy face," began Aunt Lois presently, when
+Primrose had recounted the misfortunes of the Randolphs and the shelter
+that had opened before them. "Hast thou heard from----"
+
+"I have seen him!" Primrose clasped both hands and the knitting fell to
+the floor.
+
+"Seen him! Oh, child! Hath he been here?"
+
+Her voice quavered and her eyes filled with tears.
+
+Rachel picked up the knitting with a frown. The needle had slipped out
+half-way.
+
+"Thou mightst have shown a little more care, Primrose," beginning to
+pick up the stitches.
+
+"Tell me, tell me! Is he here now?"
+
+"He came with the French soldiers. Oh, how fine and gallant they were!
+He could only stay one night, for the Commander had some special
+business for him at the seat of war. All the troops are going on, and it
+is hoped that, when the Continentals win, this will lead to peace."
+
+"When they win," said Rachel with doubtful scorn. "It seems as if they
+cared for nothing but going on and on like quarrelsome children, and no
+good comes of it. No good can come of such an evil as war. And if you
+sell anything, here is all this wretched, worthless money! I had rather
+have good British gold."
+
+"So Arnold thought." Primrose's mirth-loving eyes danced with a sense of
+retaliation. "There has been some French gold quite as good, since it
+has clothed our troops and given them many comforts. And, Aunt Lois, he
+is well and splendid, the picture of my own father, Aunt Wetherill
+thinks. He sent so much love, and if the war should end he will come
+home for good. He is not fond of battle, but you may know how good a
+soldier he has proved, since he has gone from private to major."
+
+Aunt Lois looked up with tender, longing eyes. "Then I shall see him,"
+she said. "He will not stay away?"
+
+"Oh, surely, surely! If there had been time he would have come now. And
+oh, Aunt Lois, up there on the Hudson we almost lost him. There was a
+sudden surprise, and, but for young Allin Wharton, it might have gone
+hard indeed with him."
+
+She could not confess that it was a kindred hand raised against him,
+though her quick flush betrayed some deep feeling.
+
+"Heaven be thanked! And the young man?"
+
+"He was wounded then and again later on, but has been brought home and
+is mending. And surely God was watching over Andrew, for he had no hurt
+whatever. And I feel sure now he will come back safe to us."
+
+Rachel Morgan's face worked with some deep passion, and grew darker
+under the sunburn. The young girl's delight angered her. Perhaps, too,
+the beauty and grace, the cloth habit fitting her slim, elegant figure,
+the beaver hat that looked so jaunty and had in it some long cock's
+plumes, quite a new fashion. Then there was the trim foot with its fine
+shoe and steel buckle, all gauds of worldliness to be sure, but they
+would attract a man's eye.
+
+Rachel had not been beautiful in her childhood, but the tender grace
+that softens so many faces had not been allowed its perfect work on
+hers. She looked older now than her years and there were hard lines that
+some day would be avarice, uncharity, and other evil traits. Then this
+girl was an idle butterfly, frisking from one folly to another in a
+wicked and worldly fashion, even despising the plain faith her father
+had intended she should follow.
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Aunt Lois, after a blissful communing with her soul in
+very thankfulness, "thou puttest new life into me. I can feel it run
+through like the breeze in the grass. Sometimes I think with the wise
+man that few and evil have been my days, and I would not have them
+unduly prolonged, but to see my son again, my dear son!"
+
+The smile was so sweet that Primrose, leaning over, kissed into it and
+then both smiled again, while there were tender tears in the eyes of
+both.
+
+"And now I must go," Primrose said presently, "but I will try to come
+sooner again. It is such fine weather that the orchards are full of
+fruit and the wild grapes and the balsams fill the air with fragrance.
+Oh, Aunt Lois, God must have made such a beautiful world for us to
+enjoy. He cannot mean to have us frown on this, and wait until we get to
+heaven, for then the smiles and joy will not come so readily."
+
+"It is flippant for thee to talk of heaven this way. We do not go
+dancing into it. We must fashion our lives on more godly things," said
+Rachel rebukingly.
+
+Primrose made no reply, but drew on her glove.
+
+"Then I shall not see Faith," she said rather disappointedly as she
+rose.
+
+"Where is Faith?" Aunt Lois looked up.
+
+"She idled so much yesterday that she did not finish her stent, and she
+has a larger share this afternoon."
+
+Rachel followed the girl out. The horses stood in the shade and Jerry
+had been lounging on the grass, but he sprang up and doffed his hat to
+his young mistress.
+
+"I have something to say to thee." Rachel took her arm and turned her
+away from the house and Jerry as well. "Dost thou truly think Andrew
+will return?"
+
+"He will return." There was an exultant ring of hope and youth in the
+sweet voice that smote the listener.
+
+"And then," very deliberately, as if her words meant to cut something,
+they were so sharp and cold, "then you will marry him."
+
+"Marry him? I?"
+
+There was indignation in every line of the face and Rachel noted it with
+secret joy, though her countenance remained unmoved.
+
+"Yes," persistently. "Thou hast always been fondling about him and
+kissing him, and such foolishness wins a man when plain common sense
+gets flouted."
+
+"I have never thought of such a thing," and her face was full of
+surprise, though the lovely color kept coming and going, and her eyes
+flashed a little. "I do not want any lovers, and as for husbands,
+nothing would tempt me to change with Mistress Anabella. And there is
+poor Betty Randolph, full of sorrow. No, I mean to be like Madam
+Wetherill, who can always do as she pleases."
+
+"Silly child! I should be sorry indeed for the man who took thee. But
+Madam Wetherill was married once."
+
+"And her husband died. No, I cannot bear death and sorrow," and she gave
+a quick shiver.
+
+"Thou hast made trouble enough for Andrew. First it was getting away and
+mooning over books and strange things, instead of useful ones. Then it
+was passing food and clothing out to Valley Forge, and running his neck
+in a noose. Then it was going to war, for which his father disowned
+him."
+
+"Nay, not that altogether." She looked steadily at Rachel, whose eyes
+fell a little.
+
+"Yes, if he had not gone he would not have been disowned. It was through
+thy preachment. Thou hast cost him trouble everywhere. And now, if he
+should return, thou canst make or mar again."
+
+"I shall not mar," proudly.
+
+"It stands this way. Thy mother was one of the smiling, tempting,
+deceitful women, who can twist a man about her finger. She spoiled thy
+father's life and would have won him from the faith----"
+
+Primrose's slim form trembled with indignation and Rachel cowered
+beneath the flashing eye.
+
+"That is a falsehood, Mistress Rachel, and God will surely mark thee for
+it! There is an old journal of my father's that, beside business dates
+and comments, has bits of sweetness about her, and how he thanks God for
+her, and that she is the sunshine of his life, and if he were to lose
+her, all would be darkness. Madam Wetherill is to give it to me when I
+am quite grown."
+
+"I but repeat what I have heard Uncle James say. And if thou wert to
+marry Andrew he would forbid him the house as much as he did when Andrew
+became a soldier. He does not approve of thee nor thy tribe."
+
+The hot blood stained the girl's cheeks. Yes, she had long mistrusted
+that her uncle did not like her, and that he fancied in some way Madam
+Wetherill had gotten the better of him.
+
+"I am not going to marry Andrew--nor anyone. I love him very much, but I
+know it is not in that way. And my own life is growing exceeding sweet,
+day by day. It is like a garden full of wonderful flowers that no one
+can guess until they bloom."
+
+"Then thou wilt not hinder him again? His father's heart hath grown
+tender toward him, and I can persuade if I have this surety to go upon."
+
+"And then--dost thou hope to marry him?"
+
+"I hope for nothing, Miss Impertinence. I only want that Andrew shall be
+restored."
+
+A willful mood came over Primrose. What if she did not promise?
+
+"There is little dependence on thee, I see. I was a fool to think it.
+Girls like thee play with men's hearts."
+
+Rachel turned away with a bitter curl of the lip, and held her head up
+determinedly.
+
+"Oh, Rachel, if that will help, I promise. If thou wilt do thy best to
+soften Uncle James. I care not so much that he shall regard me with
+favor. I have many to love me."
+
+Rachel turned back a step, caught the round arm and held it up.
+
+"Promise," she cried, almost fiercely.
+
+"I promise," Primrose said solemnly.
+
+"That is in the sight of God. Thou wilt be a very wicked girl to break
+it."
+
+"I shall not break it. Oh, Rachel, do thy best to restore peace. For to
+Andrew it would be great joy."
+
+Then she went over to Jerry, who helped her into the saddle. The girls
+curiously enough had not said good-by to each other. Rachel had gone
+into the house.
+
+"I did it for the best," she was thinking to herself. "There should be
+peace between them, for Uncle James acts strangely sometimes. And then
+if Andrew hath any gratitude--perhaps soft measures may conquer. His
+mother wishes for the marriage as well."
+
+Primrose seemed in no haste and the ride was long. She was annoyed that
+Rachel should talk of her marrying. And her brother, she remembered, had
+confessed a half-formed plan of wedding her to Gilbert Vane. Why could
+not everybody let her alone? Madam Wetherill never spoke of it, and she
+was glad.
+
+Where was Gilbert Vane? And oh, where was her poor brother? The soft
+wind cooled her cheeks and the longing brought tears to her eyes.
+
+"How late thou hast stayed," said Madam Wetherill with tender chiding.
+"I hope nothing was amiss?"
+
+"Oh, no, dear madam. The air was so fine that I loitered. And the dark
+seems to fall suddenly when it does come."
+
+"Thou must change thy habit and come to supper. Put on a jacket and
+petticoat, and afterward one of thy best gowns, for there is to be some
+young company. Pamela Trumbull sent word 'That she would come with a
+host of cousins, and thou must have in thy best singing teeth.' The maid
+is always full of merry conceits. And over our teacups thou shalt tell
+me about the Henrys."
+
+Primrose repeated all but her last interview with Rachel. Delicacy
+forbade that. And then Patty helped her into a furbelowed gown of china
+silk that had been made from Madam Wetherill's long-ago treasures and
+had a curious fragrance about it.
+
+The young people came, a merry company, and first they had a game of
+forfeits and some guessing puzzles. Then Pamela, who had quite bewitched
+her cousin with tales of Primrose's singing, insisted that she should go
+to the spinet. She found a song.
+
+"Oh, not that foolish one," cried Primrose, blushing scarlet.
+
+"It is so dainty and no one sings it as you do. And in the print store
+on Second Street there was a laughable picture of such a pretty, doleful
+Cupid shut out of doors in the cold, that I said to Harry, 'Mistress
+Primrose Henry sings the most cunning plaint I know, and you shall hear
+it.'"
+
+Mr. Henry Beall joined his persuasion and they found the music. Primrose
+had a lovely voice and sang with a deliciously simple manner.
+
+    "As little Cupid play-ed,
+      The sweet blooming flowers among,
+    A bee that lay concealed
+      Under the leaf his finger stung.
+    Tears down his pretty cheeks did stream
+      From smart of such a cruel wound,
+    And crying, through the grove he ran,
+      Until he his mammy found.
+
+    "'Mammy, I'm sorely wounded,
+      A bee has stung me on the plain,
+    My anguish is unbounded,
+      Assist me or I die with pain.'
+    She smil-ed then, replying,
+      Said, 'O my son, how can it be?
+    That by a bee you're dying,--
+      What must she feel who's stung by thee?'"
+
+There was a burst of eager applause.
+
+"It was a quaint old song when I was young," said Madam Wetherill. "Then
+there are some pretty ones of Will Shakespere's."
+
+"This is what I like," began Primrose.
+
+    "Tell me not, sweet, I am unkinde."
+
+She sang it with deep and true feeling, Lovelace's immortal song. And
+she moved them all by her rendering of the last two lines in her proud
+young voice--
+
+    "I could not love thee, dear, so much,
+      Loved I not honor more."
+
+Then Mistress Kent would have them come out for curds and cream and
+floating islands, and they planned a chestnutting after the first frost
+came. They were merry and happy, even if the world was full of sorrow.
+
+Yet it seemed so mysterious to Primrose that the songs should be so much
+about love, and that stories were written and wars made and kingdoms
+lost for its sake. What was it? No, she did not want to know, either.
+And just now she felt infinitely sorry for Rachel. Come what might,
+Andrew would not marry her. How she could tell she did not know, but she
+felt the certainty.
+
+"Do not sit there by the window, Primrose, or thou wilt get moon-struck
+and silly. And young girls should get beauty sleep. Come to bed at
+once," said Madam Wetherill.
+
+But after all she admitted to herself that Primrose was not urgently in
+need of beauty sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE MIDNIGHT TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
+
+
+Old Philadelphia had fallen into her midnight nap. Since Howe's time
+there had been a more decorous rule, and the taverns closed early. There
+were no roystering soldiers flinging their money about and singing songs
+in King George's honor, or ribald squibs about the rebels, and braggart
+rhymes as to what they would do with them by and by. Everything, this
+October night, was soft and silent. Even party people had gone home long
+ago, and heard the watchman sing out, "Twelve o'clock and all is well!"
+Only the stars were keeping watch, and the winds made now and then a
+rustle.
+
+Someone rode into the town tired and exhausted, but joyful, and with
+joyful news. The German watchman, who caught it first, went on his
+rounds with, "Past two o'clock and Lord Cornwallis is taken."
+
+He came down Arch Street. Madam Wetherill had been rather wakeful. What
+was it? She threw up the window and the sonorous voice sang out again,
+"Past two o'clock and Lord Cornwallis is taken!"
+
+"Oh, what is it, madam?" cried Patty, coming in in her nightgown and
+cap.
+
+"It is enough to make one faint with joy! Patty, wake Joe at once and
+send him down the street. It can't be true!"
+
+"But what is it?" in alarm.
+
+"If I was not dreaming it is that Lord Cornwallis is taken. But I am
+afraid. Patty, it is a great victory for our side. Run quick!"
+
+Joe, rolled up in his warm blanket, had to be thumped soundly before he
+would wake.
+
+"Put on your clothes this instant," and Patty stood over him, giving him
+a cuff on one ear, then on the other to balance him. "Run down the
+street, and if you don't find Lord Cornwallis taken don't pretend to
+show your face here again in this good rebel household. For now we dare
+sail under true colors!"
+
+But others had heard. In early morning before the day was awake there
+was such a stir that the old town scarcely knew itself. One cried to
+another. There were a thousand doubts and fears until the messenger was
+found, quite gone with fatigue, on a bench at a tavern, with a great
+crowd around him.
+
+"Yes," he said, "on the nineteenth, four days ago. They were between the
+devil and the deep sea. They tried to escape on the York River, but a
+storm set in and they were driven back. And there was the French
+squadron to swallow them up, and the French and American troops posted
+about in a big half circle! 'Twas a splendid sight as one would wish to
+see! And there was nothing but surrender, or they would all have been
+cut to pieces. And such a sight when my lord sent General O'Hara with
+his sword and the message, not having courage to come himself. Then we
+were hustled off with the news. There's the posts of Yorktown and
+Gloucester and seven thousand or so soldiers, and stores and arms and
+colors and seamen and ships. By the Lord Harry! we're set up for life!
+And now let me eat and drink in peace. By night there'll be someone else
+to tell his story."
+
+Surely never had there been such an early rising. Neighbors and friends
+wrung each other's hands in great joy and talked in broken sentences,
+though there were some Tories who said the thing was simply impossible,
+and rested in serene satisfaction.
+
+Primrose had roused, and was so wild with joy that there could be no
+thought of a second nap. And after breakfast she was crazy to go over to
+Walnut Street to Polly Wharton's.
+
+The servant sent her into the small anteroom, for she wasn't quite sure
+Mistress Polly was in. And there, in a long easy-chair Dr. Rush had
+planned and a skilled carpenter made, that could be lowered into a bed
+at will, reclined a pale young fellow with a mop of chestnut hair, and
+temples that were full of blue veins, as well as the long, thin hands.
+
+"Oh--it is Mistress Primrose Henry--but I was hardly sure! You are so
+tall, and you were such a little girl. Oh, do you remember when I ran
+over you on the Schuylkill and quarreled with your brother and wanted to
+fight a duel? I can just see how you looked as you lay there in his
+arms, pale as death, with your pretty yellow hair floating about. Well,
+I had a monstrous bad hour, I assure you. And you were such a gay, saucy
+little rebel, and so full of enthusiasm! By George! I believe you sent
+us all to war. And now this glorious news, and Andrew Henry in the midst
+of it all! It makes a fellow mad, and red-hot all over longing to be
+there! Was there ever anything so splendid! But, I beg your pardon! Will
+you not be seated? Polly went out with father, but will soon be back."
+
+The servant brought the same message. Mrs. Wharton would be down as soon
+as the children were off to school.
+
+"Tell her not to hurry," said the audacious young man. "It is such a
+treat to have company all to myself. And to-day is my first coming
+downstairs. Father has been so afraid all along lest I should do
+something that would undo all the good doctor's work. Between him and
+Andrew they have saved my leg, and I shan't be lame. I'll come and dance
+at your birthday party. It is in the spring, isn't it, and that is why
+you were named Primrose?"
+
+"I don't know for certain," and the girl smiled; "my mother was fond of
+flowers."
+
+"And it's the prettiest name under the sun." He wanted to say that it
+belonged to the prettiest girl under the sun, but he did not quite dare.
+For he thought this blessed October morning she was the loveliest vision
+he had ever beheld.
+
+"Oh, won't you take off your hat and that big cape, for Polly _will_ be
+in soon, and I have such a heap of things to tell you. Polly said she
+would ask you to come around as soon as I was allowed downstairs, and
+Dr. Rush said I must wait until I could walk well. Wasn't it grand to
+see Andrew in his new uniform? We've all gone in rags and patches,
+and--well, when we're old fellows, we shall all be proud enough that we
+fought for the country. I want to live to be a full hundred, if the
+world stands so long. When have you heard from your brother?"
+
+The young girl's face was scarlet. "Not since--since he went to New
+York."
+
+"Wasn't it queer we should all have had a hand in the fight, and Andrew
+never got scratched?"
+
+"And you saved them both! Andrew told me! Oh, I can't give you thanks
+enough! My brother is very dear to me if he is on the wrong side, and I
+have been angry with him."
+
+He always remembered with a mysterious sort of gladness that she did not
+say Andrew was dear to her. Of course he was, but he would rather not
+have it set in words.
+
+"Yes--that we should meet just that way! He and I had quarreled, and he
+and Andrew were cousins, whose duty it was to disable each other, at
+least, though the encounter was so sudden that at the first moment I
+think they did not know each other. I gave a push to Andrew and that
+deflected his aim, for somehow I did not want him to kill Nevitt. And
+before he could recover, though the next shot was aimed at me, someone
+had struck your brother in the shoulder, and he fell. It was all done in
+a moment, but there are so many near escapes. He was pretty badly hurt,
+but Andrew managed that he should have the best of care. And they gained
+nothing by their daring and we made a lot of prisoners. Before it was
+over I was wounded, and that has put an end to my fun. But I am glad
+Andrew was in at this great victory."
+
+Primrose's eyes were shining with a kind of radiant joy. And yet, down
+deep in her heart, there was a pang for her brother. Sometimes she was
+vexed that he had not cared enough to write.
+
+"But it seems--incredible!"
+
+"It is a sort of miracle of foresight. The man at the head of it all is
+wise and far-sighted and not easily discouraged. And Lady Washington, as
+the men call her, is not afraid to follow the camp and speak a word of
+cheer to the soldiers. We have been through many a hard time, some of
+the others much more than I. But, if I could have chosen, I'd rather
+been on the march and in the fight than lying here."
+
+Primrose could not doubt it. A faint color had warmed up the face and
+it looked less thin, and the eyes were full of enthusiasm. Something in
+their glance made hers droop and an unexpected glow steal up in her
+face.
+
+"Andrew said he was your soldier, that you were so full of loyalty and
+duty it inspired him. And don't you remember that you talked to me as
+well? I don't see why I shouldn't be your soldier."
+
+"Why--yes. You are." Then she blushed ever so much more deeply.
+
+"And how brave you were that day when you assisted him to escape! Oh,
+you can't think how delightful it was to talk of you when we were cold
+and hungry and so far away from home! And all the shrewdness of Madam
+Wetherill! How she won British gold and sent it or its equivalent out to
+Valley Forge! Next summer we ought to make a picnic out there, and climb
+up Mount Pleasant and go down Mount Misery with jest and laughter."
+
+There was a whirl and a gentle stamping of some light feet on the
+bearskin rug in the hall.
+
+"Oh, Primrose! It is the most glorious morning the world ever saw! And
+'tis a delight to see you here. It is Allin's first day downstairs, and
+he thinks he has been defrauded, selfish fellow! He insists I shall tell
+him everywhere I go and everybody I see, and, when I get it all related
+minutely, he sighs like a wheezy bellows and thinks I have all the fun.
+And just now I want to dance and shout, don't you, Primrose? Such news
+stirs one from finger tips to toes."
+
+"Get up and dance, then. I'll whistle a gay Irish jig, such as the men
+used in Howe's time at the King of Prussia Inn, while their betters were
+footing it to good British music. Think of the solemn drumbeat there
+will be at Yorktown! No gay Mischianza there! What a march it will be to
+the haughty prisoners!"
+
+They all laughed at the idea of dancing, and then they talked until
+Primrose said she must go home, but Polly would send a messenger to say
+that she meant to keep her to dinner, and then they would take a nice
+walk along Chestnut Street, and go to Market Street and see the new,
+homespun goods Mr. Whitesides had in his store.
+
+"For they say the weaver cunningly put in flocks of silk from old silken
+rags and has made a beautiful, glistening surface that catches the light
+in various colors. A man in Germantown, 'tis said. We shall be so wise
+presently that we shall not hanker after England's goods."
+
+What a merry time they had! And then Primrose must sing some songs.
+Allin thought he had never heard anything so beautiful as the one of
+Lovelace's. And he was so sorry to have them go that he looked at
+Primrose with wistful eyes.
+
+"When I am quite strong I am coming around to Madam Wetherill's for half
+a day."
+
+She blushed and nodded. He was very tired and turned over in his chair,
+and in his half sleepiness could still see Primrose Henry.
+
+The news was true enough. And though the Earl of Cornwallis received
+back his sword, the twenty-eight battle flags were delivered to the
+Americans, with all the other trophies.
+
+Congress assembled and Secretary Thompson read the cheering news. Bells
+were rung, and it was such a gala day as the city had never seen.
+Impromptu processions thronged the streets, salutes were fired, and far
+into the night rockets were sent up. The little old house in Arch
+Street where Betsy Ross lived, who had made the first flag with the
+thirteen stars, that could wave proudly over the other twenty-eight
+captured ones, had her house illuminated by enthusiastic citizens.
+
+Hundreds of Tories accepted the offer of pardon. Clinton reached the
+Chesapeake too late for any assistance and returned disheartened and
+dismayed, for it was felt that this was indeed a signal victory, and the
+renown of English arms at an end.
+
+The troops were not disbanded for more than a year afterward, but many
+of the soldiers and officers were furloughed, and it was announced that
+Washington would be in Philadelphia shortly, so every preparation was
+made to receive the great commander.
+
+Primrose had a tardy note from her brother that brought tears to her
+eyes and much contrition of spirit.
+
+His wound had been troublesome, but never very serious. Then a fever had
+set in. For weeks he could not decide what to do. Being a paroled
+prisoner, he had no right to take up arms. He was beginning to be very
+much discouraged as to the outcome of the war. Whether to go back to
+England or not was the question he studied without arriving at any
+decision.
+
+There had been a second heir born to his great-uncle, so there was
+little likelihood of his succeeding to the estate. Whether they were of
+the true Nevitt blood, considering the low ebb of morals and the many
+temptations of court life for a gay young wife, he sometimes doubted,
+but he had to accept the fact. His uncle had given him a handsome income
+at first, but he could see now that it was paid at longer intervals and
+with much pleading of hard times. Indeed, from these very complaints of
+exorbitant taxes, he gleaned that the war was becoming more unpopular at
+home.
+
+And now had come this crushing defeat. What should he do? A return to
+England did not look inviting. The dearest tie on earth was in
+Philadelphia. And that was his home, his father's home. Sometimes he
+half desired to go there and begin a new life.
+
+"I long for you greatly, little Primrose," he wrote. "I seem like a boat
+with no rudder, that is adrift on an ocean. Do you think good Madam
+Wetherill, who has been so much to you, would let you ask a guest for a
+few days? A Henry who has dared to lift his hand against the country of
+his birth, and regrets it now in his better understanding of events?
+For, if England had listened to her wisest counselors, the war had never
+been. I am ill and discouraged, and have a weak longing for a little
+love from my dear rebel sister, a rebel no longer, but a victor. Will
+she be generous? And then I will decide upon what I must do, for I
+cannot waste any more of life."
+
+"Oh, dear aunt, read it, for I could not without crying. Dear Phil! What
+shall I do?" and she raised her tear-wet face.
+
+"Why, ask him here, of course," smilingly. "I am not an ogre, and, being
+victors, we can afford to be generous. It will be a new amusement for
+thee, and keep thee from getting dull!"
+
+"Dull?" Then she threw her arms about the elder's neck and kissed her
+many times.
+
+"Child, thou wilt make me almost as silly as thyself. In my day a maiden
+stood with downcast eyes and made her simple courtesy for favors, and
+thou comest like a whirlwind. Sure, there is not a drop of Quaker blood
+in thy veins, thou art so fond of kissing. Thou art Bessy Wardour all
+over."
+
+"See, madam--dost thou like me better this way?"
+
+She stood before her in great timidity with clasped hands and eyes down
+to the ground. And she was so irresistible that Madam Wetherill caught
+her in her arms.
+
+"I am quite as bad as thou," she declared. "We are a couple of silly
+children together. If thou should ever marry----"
+
+"But I shall not marry. I shall be gay and frisky all my first years;
+then I shall take to some solid employment, perhaps write a volume of
+letters or chatty journal and say sharp things about my neighbors, wear
+a high cap and spectacles, and keep a cat who will scratch every guest.
+There, is it not a delightful picture?"
+
+"Go and write thy letters, saucy girl. All the men will fear thy tongue,
+that is hung so it swings both ways."
+
+"Like the bells on the old woman's fingers and toes, 'It makes music
+wherever I go.' Is not that a pretty compliment? Polly Wharton's brother
+gave it to me. Ah, if my brother had been like that!"
+
+"Do not say hard or naughty things to him, moppet. What is past is
+past."
+
+Primrose Henry's brother was greatly moved by some traces of tears he
+found in the epistle, and he was so hungering for the comforts of a
+little affection that he started at once.
+
+She was much troubled now about her cousin's return. For Friend Henry
+had fallen into a strange way and the doctor said he would never be any
+better. The fall had numbed his spine and gradually affected his limbs.
+He gave up going out, and could hardly hobble about the two rooms. Some
+days he lay in bed all the time, and scarcely spoke, sleeping and
+seeming dazed. Lois watched over him and waited on him with the utmost
+devotion.
+
+"Is that the voice of the child Primrose?" he asked sharply one morning
+as she was cheerfully bidding Chloe and Rachel good-day.
+
+"Yes. Wouldst thou like to see her?"
+
+He nodded. But when Primrose came in he stared and shook his head.
+
+"That is Bessy Wardour. I want the child Primrose," he mumbled slowly.
+
+"I am Primrose, uncle. Mamma hath been dead this long time. But I have
+grown to a big girl, as children do."
+
+He seemed to consider. "And thou dost know Andrew. Where is my son, and
+why does he stay so? I want him at home."
+
+"He is coming soon; any day, perhaps."
+
+"Tell him to hasten. There is something--I seem to forget, but Mr. Chew
+will know. It must be cast into the fire. It is a tare among the wheat.
+Go quick and tell him. My son Andrew! My only and well-beloved son!"
+
+Then he shut his eyes and drowsed off.
+
+"He hath not talked so much in days. Oh, will Andrew ever come? What is
+it thou must do?"
+
+"He has started by this time. There are to be some officers in
+Philadelphia, and General Washington is to come to consult with
+Congress. They have had a sad bereavement in Madam Washington's only
+son, who was ill but a short time and leaves a young family. And I will
+not let Andrew lose a moment."
+
+"Thank you, dear child," clasping her hands.
+
+Faith was coming up from the barn with a basket of eggs.
+
+"Oh, dear Primrose!" she cried, "I know Uncle James is dying. They will
+not let me see him alone, and there is a great thing on my conscience.
+Oh, if Andrew were only here!"
+
+"He will be here shortly. Oh, Faith, not really dying!" in alarm.
+
+"Yes, yes! Grandmother was something that way. To be sure it is little
+comfort living. But I want to tell thee--Rachel has softened strangely,
+and sometimes has a frightened, far-away look in her eyes and she
+listens so when her uncle frets. Oh, if I were but twenty-one, and could
+get away from it all! It is as if I might see a ghost."
+
+"He wants to see Andrew. Something is to be cast into the fire. I wish I
+knew."
+
+"It was so quiet and no one was afraid when grandmother died. But this
+is awesome. Oh, Primrose, I hate to have thee go."
+
+"Faith! Faith!" called the elder sister.
+
+Primrose went her way in a strange state of mind. Was there anything she
+could do? She would ask Aunt Wetherill.
+
+"Something is on his mind, surely. But whether one ought to take the
+responsibility to see Mr. Chew, I cannot decide."
+
+How long the hours appeared! Twice the next day she sent fleet-footed
+Joe down to see if any soldiers had come in. And Madam Wetherill called
+at the Attorney General's office to find that he was in deep
+consultation with the Congress.
+
+Just at the edge of the next evening there was a voice at the great
+hall door that sent a thrill to her very soul. She sped out.
+
+"Oh, Primrose--dear child----"
+
+But she did not fly to his arms. Some deep inward consciousness
+restrained her and the words of Rachel, that just now rang in her ears.
+
+How tall and sweet and strange withal she was. He stood for a moment
+electrified. She was a child no longer.
+
+Then she found her tongue, though there was a distraught expression in
+her face as if she could cry.
+
+"Oh, Andrew, it is a great relief to greet thee, but there is not a
+moment to lose. Thy poor father is dying and longs to see thee. And
+there is sorrel Jack in the stable, fresh and fleet as the wind. Madam
+Wetherill has gone out to a tea-drinking, but she said thou wert to take
+him at once, and we were so afraid thou would not come in time. Joe"--to
+the black hall boy--"see that Jack is made ready. Meanwhile, wilt thou
+have a glass of wine, or ale, or even a cup of tea?"
+
+"Nothing, dear child. When did thou see them last?" His voice sounded
+hollow to himself.
+
+"Three days ago."
+
+"And my mother?"
+
+"She is well. She grows sweeter and more angel-like every day."
+
+Then they stood and looked at each other. How fine and brave he was, and
+he held his head with such spirit.
+
+"Oh," she could not resist this, "was it not glorious there at
+Yorktown?"
+
+"It was worth half a man's life! It gave us a country. And there hath a
+friend of thine come up with me, a brave young fellow--one Gilbert
+Vane."
+
+"Oh!" was all she answered.
+
+Then the horse came, giving a joyful whinny as he felt the fresh air,
+and Andrew Henry went out into the night as if a beautiful vision were
+guiding him. Was it Primrose in all that strange, sweet glory?
+
+He had ridden fast and far many a time. Up by the river here, under this
+stretch of woods, then a great level of meadows, here and there a tiny
+light gleaming in a house, hills, a valley, then more woods, and he drew
+a long breath.
+
+Someone came to meet him. He took his mother in his arms and kissed her,
+but neither spoke, for the rapture was beyond words.
+
+There was a candle burning on each end of the high mantelshelf. There
+was Friend Browne, bent and white-haired, who looked sourly at the
+soldier trappings and gave him a nerveless hand. There was Friend
+Preston. On the cot lay the tall, wasted frame of James Henry, as if
+already prepared for sepulture, so straight and still and composed. His
+mother took her seat at the foot of the bed. Andrew knelt down and
+prayed.
+
+It was in the gray of the dawning when James Henry stirred and opened
+his eyes wide. They seemed at first fixed on vacancy, then they moved
+slowly around.
+
+"Andrew, my son, my only son," and he stretched out his hands. "Tell
+Primrose--tell her to burn the ungodly thing. I am glad thou hast come.
+Now I shall get strong and well. I was waiting for thee."
+
+Andrew Henry held his father's hand. It was very cool, and the pulse
+was gone. That was the end of life, of what might have been love.
+
+Rachel met her cousin in the morning with a strange gleam of fear in her
+eyes. He was very gentle. After breakfast he had to go into town and
+report, and get leave of absence, and inform some of the friends, Madam
+Wetherill among the rest.
+
+He had seen much of men and the world in the last few years, and learned
+many things, among others that a life of repression was not religion.
+And he knew now it was the love of God, and not the estimate of one's
+fellowmen, that did the great work of the world and smoothed the way of
+the dying. From henceforth he should live a true man's life. But his
+mother would be his first care always.
+
+Some days afterward Mr. Chew sent for him and gave him the will.
+
+"I did not make it," he explained. "I refused to write out one that I
+considered unjust, and later on he brought this to me for safe keeping.
+I sincerely hope it is not the same. Take it home and read it, and then
+come to me."
+
+It was made shortly after Andrew had joined the army, and the reasons
+were given straightforwardly why he left his son Andrew Henry the sum of
+only one hundred dollars. In consideration of the sonlike conduct and
+attention to the farm, and respect shown to himself, and Lois, his wife,
+the two great barns and one hundred acres of land, meadow and orchard,
+west of the barns, to Penn Morgan, the son of his wife's sister. To
+Rachel Morgan, for similar care and respect, the dwelling house and one
+barn and one hundred acres, and this to be chargable with Lois Henry's
+home and support. Another hundred and twenty acres to Faith Morgan, and
+the stock equally divided among the three. The moneys out at interest to
+be his wife's share.
+
+Lois Henry went to her son.
+
+"I am sorry," she said. "He repented of something, and I think he meant
+to have the will destroyed. He was very stern after thou didst leave,
+and sometimes hard to Penn, who had much patience. I think his mind was
+not quite right, and occasionally it drowsed away strangely."
+
+"He was glad to see me. That was like a blessing. And we came to look at
+matters in such different lights. He was home here with the few people
+who could not see or know the events going on in the great world. I do
+not think Mr. William Penn ever expected that we should narrow our lives
+so much and take no interest in things outside of our own affairs. And
+when one has been with General Washington and seen his broad, clear
+mind, and such men as General Knox, and Greene and Lee and Marion, and
+our own Robert Morris, the world grows a larger and grander place. I
+shall be content with that last manifestation, and I have thee and thy
+love. Sometime later on we will have a home together," and the soldier
+son kissed his mother tenderly.
+
+Penn stopped him as he was walking by the barns and looking at the
+crops.
+
+"Andrew," he began huskily, "of a truth I knew nothing about the will. I
+had no plan of stepping into thy place. I had meant, when I came of age,
+to take my little money and buy a plot of ground. But thy father made me
+welcome, and when thou wert gone stood sorely in need of me."
+
+"Yes, yes, thou hadst been faithful to him and it was only just to be
+rewarded. I have no hard feelings toward thee, Penn, and I acquit thee
+of any unjust motive."
+
+Penn Morgan winced a little and let his eyes drop down on the path, for
+an expression in the clear, frank ones bent upon him stung him a little.
+How much had the suggestion he had given had to do with his cousin's
+almost capture and enlistment? He knew his uncle would grudge the
+service done to the rebels, and he considered it his duty to stop it. He
+fancied he took this way so as not to make hard feelings between Andrew
+and his father. He did not exactly wish it undone, but there was a sense
+of discomfort about it.
+
+"There were many hard times for me thou knowest nothing about," said
+Penn, with an accent of justification. "He grew very unreasonable and
+sharp--Aunt Lois thinks his mind was impaired longer than we knew. I
+worked like a slave and held my peace. It is owing to me that the farm
+is in so good a condition to-day, while many about us have been suffered
+to go to waste. I have set out new fruit. I have cared for everything as
+if it had been mine, not knowing whether I should get any reward in the
+end. And though Rachel hath grown rather dispirited at times and crossed
+my wishes, she had much to bear also. I should have some amends besides
+mere farm wages."
+
+"I find no fault. It must please thee to know thou didst fill a son's
+place to him. And a life like this is satisfactory to thee." The tone
+was calm.
+
+"I could not endure soldiering and vain and worldly trappings," casting
+his eye over his cousin's attire. "And I care not for the world's
+foolish praise. A short time ago it was Howe and the King, now it is
+Washington, and Heaven only knows what is to come. I have this two
+years been spoken to Clarissa Lane and shall take my own little money
+and build a house for her, and live plainly in God's sight."
+
+"I wish thee much happiness. And never think I shall grudge thee
+anything."
+
+"And I suppose thou wilt become a great military man! Thou wert hardly
+meant for a Quaker."
+
+"I shall serve my country while she needs me," was the grave reply.
+
+As for Rachel, she had no mind to give up all for lost. Even now she
+could depend upon Primrose to keep her promise. She had the old house
+that was dear to Andrew, and she had his mother in her care. When the
+war was really ended and the soldiers disbanded, he must settle
+somewhere, and so she took new courage. If she did not marry him there
+were others who would consider her a prize. But she knew she should
+never love any man as she could love Andrew Henry.
+
+There were times when she hated herself for it. And now that he had
+come, gracious, tender, and with that air of strength and authority that
+always wins a woman, fine-looking withal, and clinging to some Quaker
+ways and speech, her heart went out to him again in a burst of
+fondness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+WHEN THE WORLD WENT WELL.
+
+
+About the country farms, with their narrow ways, opinion was divided.
+Andrew had shocked the Friends by wearing his uniform to his father's
+burial, but he felt he was the son of his country, as well, and had her
+dignity to uphold. Penn Morgan was very much respected and certainly had
+done his duty to his dead uncle.
+
+But at Arch Street indignation ran high, and the Whartons were also very
+outspoken. Primrose was lovelier than ever in her vehemence, and Polly
+declared it was the greatest shame she had ever known. Even Mr. Chew
+said it was an unjust will, and he thought something might be done in
+the end with Primrose Henry's testimony.
+
+"But for my sake thou wilt not give it. Family quarrels are sore and
+disgraceful things, and it is true Penn was a good son to him. My mother
+is well provided for, and I shall find something to do when peace is
+declared, for it is said when Lord North heard of the surrender, he beat
+his breast and paced the floor, crying out: 'Oh, God, it is all over, it
+is all over, and we have lost the colonies!' So that means the end of
+the war."
+
+"And will you not stay a soldier? You are so brave and handsome,
+Andrew."
+
+She meant it from her full heart, and the admiration shone in her eyes.
+But she was thinking that Rachel would never marry a soldier.
+
+"Nay, little one," smiling with manly tenderness. "I have no love for
+soldiering without a cause. When all is gained you will see even our
+great commander come back to private life. I think to-day he would
+rather be at Mount Vernon with his wife and the little Custis children
+than all the show and trappings of high military honors. And there
+should never be any love or lust of conquest except for the larger
+liberty."
+
+Madam Wetherill comforted him with great kindliness.
+
+"I think thou wilt lose nothing in the end," she said gravely. For
+though she was somewhat set against cousins marrying, and Andrew seemed
+too grave a man for butterfly Primrose, she remembered Bessy Wardour had
+been very happy.
+
+Allin Wharton could walk out with a cane, and found his way often down
+to Arch Street. He was sitting there one morning, making Primrose sing
+no end of dainty songs for him, when a chaise drove up to the door.
+
+"Now there is a caller and I will sing no more for you," she exclaimed
+with laughing grace. "Some day these things will be worn threadbare with
+words falling out and leaving holes."
+
+"And you can sing la, la, as you do sometimes when you pretend to
+forget, and so patch it up."
+
+"Then my voice will get hoarse like a crow. Ah, someone asks for Miss
+Henry. How queer! I hardly know my own name."
+
+She ran out heedlessly. Allin was no longer pale, and gaining flesh, but
+this man was ghostly, and for a moment she stared.
+
+"Oh, Phil! Phil!" she cried, and went to his arms with a great throb of
+sisterly love.
+
+"Oh, Primrose! Surely you have grown beautiful by the hour. And such a
+tall girl--why, a very woman!"
+
+"But how have you come? We have been waiting and waiting for word. Oh,
+sit down, for you look as if you would faint."
+
+He took the big splint armchair in the hall, and she stood by him
+caressing his hand, while tears glittered on her lashes.
+
+"I reached the town yesterday. I had not the courage to come, and was
+very tired with my journey, so I went to Mrs. Grayson's, on Second
+Street. I knew her during Howe's winter; some of our officers were
+there."
+
+"'Our.' Oh, Phil! now that all is over I want to hear you say 'my
+country.' For it is your birthplace. There must be no mine or thine."
+
+"I am a poor wretch without a country, Primrose," he said falteringly.
+
+"Nay, nay! You must have a share in your father's country. I shall not
+let you go back to England."
+
+"I have thought the best place to go would be one's grave. Everything
+has failed. Friends are dead or strayed away. The cause is lost. For I
+know now no armies can make a stand against such men as these patriots.
+And if I had never gone across the sea, I suppose I should be one of
+them. But it is ill coming in at the eleventh hour, when you have lost
+all and must beg charity."
+
+"But we have abundant charity and love."
+
+"You are on the winning side."
+
+Her beautiful, tender eyes smiled on him, and the tremulous lips tried
+not to follow, but she was proud of it, her country's side.
+
+"Oh, forgive me!" she cried in a burst of pity.
+
+"Nay, Primrose, I am not so much of a coward but that I can stand being
+beaten and endure the stigma of a lost cause--an unjust cause, we shall
+have to admit sooner or later. But I seem to have been shilly-shallying,
+a sort of gold-lace soldier, and the only time I was ever roused--oh,
+Primrose! believe that I did not know who I should attack until it was
+too late."
+
+"And, Phil, you will take it all back now. Come hither in the parlor.
+There is one soldier who will shake hands heartily without malice, and
+my Cousin Andrew is often dropping in--_your_ cousin," in a sweet,
+unsteady voice, that was half a laugh and half a cry. "And we shall all
+be friends. Allin!"
+
+He thought the name had never sounded so sweet and he would have gone up
+to the cannon's mouth if she had summoned him that way. She had caught
+it from Polly saying it so much.
+
+But he hesitated a little, too. Besides the morning of the skirmish
+there had been the other encounter of hard words.
+
+She took a hand of each and clasped them together, though she felt the
+resistance to the very finger ends. She smiled at one and at the other,
+and the sweetness of the rosy lips and dimpled chin was enough to
+conquer the most bitter enemies.
+
+"Now you are to be friends, honest and true. This is what women will
+have to do: gather up the ends and tie them together, and make cunning
+chains that you cannot escape. Oh, there comes Madam Wetherill. See,
+dear aunt, I have reconciled Tory and Rebel!" and she laughed
+bewitchingly.
+
+Allin said he must go, but he did wish Philemon Nevitt had not come
+quite so soon. How queer it was to meet thus, but then, could any man
+resist Primrose Henry?
+
+Afterward they had a long talk. It seemed true now that Philemon Nevitt
+stood very much alone in the world, and certainly whatever dreams he had
+entertained of greatness were at an end. They had not been so very
+ambitious, to be sure, but he was young yet and could begin a new life.
+
+But first of all he was to get sound and in good spirits, and Madam
+Wetherill quite insisted that he should spend the winter in Philadelphia
+and really study the country he knew so little about.
+
+Dinner-time came, and she would have him stay. Every moment he thought
+Primrose more bewitching. For when one decided she was all froth and
+gayety, the serious side would come out and a tenderness that suggested
+her mother. It was not all frivolity, and he found she was wonderfully
+well-read for a girl of that day.
+
+Philemon Nevitt was more than surprised when his cousin made his
+appearance. There was something in the hearty clasp and full, rich voice
+that went to his lonely heart. Once he recalled that he had met the
+quiet Quaker in his farm attire in this very house, and the bareness of
+his uncle's home, at his call, had rather displeased his fashionable and
+luxurious tastes.
+
+They could not help thinking of the time when they had met in what might
+have been deadly affray if Providence had not overruled. And now Andrew
+Henry was many steps up the ladder of success; and he was down to the
+very bottom. He felt almost envious.
+
+"But Andrew does not mean to be a soldier for life," Primrose declared
+afterward.
+
+"What, not with this splendid prospect? And that martial air seems born
+with him. Why, it would be sinful to throw so much away when it is in
+his very grasp. I cannot believe it!"
+
+"There is good Quaker blood in his veins as well," said Madam Wetherill
+with a smile. "And the fighting Quakers have been the noblest of all
+soldiers because they went from the highest sense of patriotism, not for
+any glory. And you will find them going back to the peaceful walks of
+life with as much zest as ever."
+
+"Yet you are not a Quaker, though you use so much of the speech. And I
+miss the pretty quaintness in Primrose. How dainty it was!"
+
+Primrose ran away and in five minutes came back in a soft, gray silken
+gown, narrow and quite short in the skirt, a kerchief of sheer mull
+muslin crossed on her bosom, and all her hair gathered under a plain
+cap. Madam Wetherill was hardly through explaining that she had always
+been a Church of England woman, and one thing she had admired in Mr.
+Penn more than all his other wisdom, was his insistence that everyone
+should be free to worship as he chose.
+
+"Oh, Primrose!" he cried in delight. "What queer gift do you possess of
+metamorphosis? For one would declare you had never known aught outside
+of a gray gown. And each change brings out new loveliness. Madam
+Wetherill, how do you keep such a sprite in order?"
+
+"She lets me do as I like, and I love to do as she likes," was the quick
+reply, as she laid her pretty hand on the elder woman's shoulder, and
+smiled into her eyes.
+
+"She is a spoiled child," returned madam fondly. "But since I have
+spoiled her myself, I must e'en put up with it."
+
+"But Mrs. Wharton spoils me too, and thinks the best of the house must
+be brought out for me. And even Aunt Lois has grown strangely
+indulgent."
+
+"I believe I should soon get well in this atmosphere. And of course,
+Primrose," with a certain amused meaning, "you will never rest until I
+am of your way of thinking and have forsworn the king. Must I become a
+Quaker as well?"
+
+"Nay, that is as thou pleasest," she said with a kind of gay
+sententiousness.
+
+All of life was not quite over for him, Philemon Nevitt decided when he
+went back to Mrs. Grayson's house. It had been quite a famous house when
+the Declaration of Independence was pending, and held Washington, and
+Hancock, and many another rebel worthy. Then it had been a great place
+again in the Howe winter. Madam Wetherill had generously invited him to
+make her house his home, but he had a delicacy about such a step.
+
+Early in December hostilities at the south ceased and the British
+evacuated Charleston. Preparations were made for a discussion of the
+preliminaries of peace. John Adams, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin,
+Jefferson, and Laurens were, after some discussion, named commissioners
+and empowered to act. General and Mrs. Washington came up to
+Philadelphia.
+
+There was not a little wrangling in the old State House, for it was not
+possible that everyone should agree. And if the men bickered the women
+had arguments as well. Some were for having an American King and
+degrees of royalty that would keep out commoners, but these were mostly
+Tory women.
+
+There was not a little longing for gayety and gladness after the long
+and weary strife, the deaths, the wounded soldiers, and all the
+privations. The elder people might solace themselves with card-playing,
+but the younger ones wanted a different kind of diversion.
+
+The old Southwark Theater was opened under the attractive title of
+"Academy of Polite Science." Here a grand ovation was given to General
+Washington, "Eugenie," a play of Beaumarchais, being acted, with a fine
+patriotic prologue. The young women were furbishing up their neglected
+French, or studying it anew, and the French minister was paid all the
+honors of the town. The affection and gratitude shown the French allies
+were one of the features of the winter.
+
+Philemon Henry was proud enough of his pretty sister, and the still
+fine-looking grand dame Mrs. Wetherill. Then there was piquant Polly
+Wharton with her smiles and ready tongue, and even Andrew Henry was
+recreant enough to grace the occasion, which seemed to restore an
+atmosphere of amity and friendly alliance.
+
+There was more than one who recalled the gay young André and his
+personations during the liveliest winter Philadelphia had ever known.
+
+Dancing classes were started again, and the assemblies reopened. Many of
+the belles of that older period were married; not a few of them, like
+Miss Becky Franks, had married English officers, and were now departing
+for England since there was no more glory to be gained at war, and these
+heroes were somewhat at a discount.
+
+There were many young patriots and not a few Southerners who had come up
+with the army, for Philadelphia, though she had been buffeted and
+traduced, had proved the focus of the country, since Congress had been
+held here most of the time; here the mighty Declaration had been born
+and read, when the substance was treason, and here the flag had been
+made; here indeed the first glad announcement of the great victory had
+been shouted out in the silent night. So the old town roused herself to
+a new brightness. Grave as General Washington could be when seriousness
+was requisite, he had the pleasant Virginian side to his nature, and was
+not averse to entertainments.
+
+Gilbert Vane had returned with the soldiers, and ere long he knew his
+friend was in the city; for Major Henry said the brother of Primrose was
+almost a daily visitor at Madam Wetherill's.
+
+"And still a stout Tory, I suppose, regarding me as a renegade?" Vane
+ventured with a half smile.
+
+"He has changed a great deal. Primrose, I think, lops off a bit of
+self-conceit and belief in the divine right of kings, at every
+interview. And he is her shadow."
+
+"Then I should have no chance of seeing her," the young man said
+disappointedly.
+
+"Nay. I think Cousin Phil nobler than to hold a grudge when so many
+grudges have been swept away. I find him companionable in many respects.
+He was in quite ill-health when he first came, but improves daily."
+
+"He was like an elder brother to me always, and it was a sore pang to
+offend him. But I came to see matters in a new light. And I wonder how
+it was his sweet little sister did not convert him? She was always so
+courageous and charming, a most fascinating little rebel in her
+childhood. I should have adored such a sister. Indeed, if I had
+possessed one at home I should never have crossed the ocean."
+
+Andrew repeated part of this conversation to Primrose. He had been
+impressed with the young man's patriotism.
+
+"Oh, you know, in a certain way, he was _my_ soldier," she said with her
+sunniest smile. "And now I must see him. How will we plan it? For Phil
+is a little proud and a good deal obstinate. Polly would know how to
+bring it about, she has such a keen wit. And Allin would like him, I
+know. Polly shall give you an invitation for him at her next dance. And
+you must come, even if you do not dance."
+
+Andrew gave an odd, half-assenting look. It was as Rachel had said long
+ago; in most things she wound him around her finger.
+
+But at the first opportunity she put the subject cunningly to Philemon.
+
+"What became of that old friend of yours, who changed your colors for
+mine, and went to fight my battles?" she asked gayly, one day, when they
+had stopped reading a thin old book of poems by one George Herbert.
+
+"My friend? Oh, do you mean young Vane? I have often wondered. He went
+to Virginia--I think I told you. It was a great piece of folly, when
+there was a home for him in England."
+
+"But if his heart was with us!" she remarked prettily with her soft
+winsomeness. "Art thou very angry with him?" and her beautiful eyes wore
+an appealing glance.
+
+"Primrose, when you want to subdue the enemy utterly, use 'thee' and
+'thou.' No man's heart could stand against such witchery. Thou wilt be a
+sad coquette later on."
+
+She laughed then at his attempt. There was always a little dimple in her
+chin, and when she laughed one deepened in her cheek.
+
+"Surely I am spoiled with flattery. I should be vainer than a peacock.
+But that is not answering my question. I wonder how much thou hast of
+the Henry malice."
+
+"Was I angry? Why, the defection seemed traitorous then. I counted
+loyalty only on the King's side. But I have learned that a man can
+change when he is serving a bad side and still be honest. He was a fine
+fellow, but I think he was tired of idleness and frivolity, and he fell
+in with some women who were of your way of believing, and their glowing
+talk fascinated him. One of them I know had a brother in the southern
+army."
+
+"Then it was not _I_ who converted him." She gave a pretty pout, in mock
+disappointment.
+
+"I think you started it. Though New York had many rebels."
+
+"And perhaps he will come back and marry one of them."
+
+"He may be at that now. Nay," seriously, "more likely he is in some
+unknown grave. And he was very dear to me," with a manly sigh.
+
+"Then you could forgive him?" softly.
+
+"In his grave, yes. Alive, the question would be whether, being the
+victor, he would not crow over me. Oh, little Primrose, war is a very
+bitter thing after all. To think I came near to killing Cousin Andrew,
+and yet he holds no malice. What a big heart he has! I do not believe
+in Henry malice."
+
+"And _you_ will hold no malice?"
+
+"It is hardly likely I shall see him."
+
+She turned around and pretended to be busy with the curtain so that he
+might not see the glad light shining in her eyes. But he was thinking of
+the old days when they were lads together and talked of what they would
+do when they were lords of Vane Priory and Nevitt Grange.
+
+And when they met they simply looked into each other's eyes and clasped
+hands; the new disquiet being forgotten and the old affection leaping to
+its place. Just a moment. They were forming a little dance, and
+Lieutenant Vane was to lead with Miss Polly Wharton, while Primrose had
+Allin for a partner.
+
+"You little mischief," and Phil gave Primrose a soft pinch afterward,
+"how did you dare? What if we had both been foes to the teeth?"
+
+"Ah, I knew better. Andrew said he was longing to be friends, but would
+not dare make the first advances. And if you had refused to speak with
+him at this house you would not be gentlemanly."
+
+"I should like to kiss you before everybody."
+
+"It is not good manners."
+
+"You will have a rival."
+
+"I shall not like that. Whatever you do, no one shall be loved better
+than I."
+
+"Not even a wife, if I should get one? Oh, you jealous little Primrose!"
+
+"Let me see--if I should choose her----" And she glanced up archly.
+
+"Then you would have me here forever. She would be a maiden of this
+quaint old town."
+
+"Then I shall choose her," triumphantly.
+
+"Primrose, come and sing," said half a dozen voices.
+
+And though Gilbert Vane listened entranced to the singing, he also had
+an ear for his friend. It was so good to be at peace with him, and they
+promised to meet the next day.
+
+Madam Wetherill was glad to see the young lieutenant again. Her house
+seemed to be headquarters, as before, and nothing interested her more
+than to hear the story of the southern campaign from such an
+enthusiastic talker as Vane, for Andrew was rather reticent about his
+own share in these grand doings.
+
+It was not a cold winter, and the spring opened early. Philadelphia
+seemed to rise from her depression and there were signs of business once
+more, although the finances of the nation were in a most troubled state.
+Shops were opening, stores put on their best and bravest attire, and
+suddenly there was a tremor in the very air, a flutter and song of
+birds, and a hazy, grayish-blue look about the trees that were swelling
+with buds, soon to turn into crimson maple blooms, and tender birch
+tassels and all beautiful greenery, such as moves the very soul, and
+informs it with new life.
+
+In March the cessation of hostilities was agreed upon, and plans looking
+toward peace.
+
+"Now, little rebel!" exclaimed Philemon Henry, "you must lay down your
+arms. Surely you should meet us half-way?"
+
+"What arms?" archly, smiling out of mischievous eyes.
+
+"A sharp and saucy tongue. Sometimes you are hardly just to Vane, and in
+your eyes he should be a patriot."
+
+"He is. But surely I do not talk half as bad as Mrs. Ferguson and Miss
+Jeffries. One would think, listening to them, that the Americans had no
+sense, and could not govern the country they fought for. Why do not
+people like these go back to England?"
+
+"Shall I go?" in a voice of sad indecision.
+
+"If you talked like that I should bid you a joyous send off! What a pity
+Miss Jeffries had not married one of Howe's officers; then she would
+have to go when they are all sent out of the country. And poor old Mr.
+Jeffries hath quite lost his head. Aunt hates to play with him any more,
+for he loses incessantly."
+
+"But do not the soldiers need something out of the fund?"
+
+They both laughed at that.
+
+"No doubt we could still find some with well-worn shoes. But the need
+not being urgent, she hates to impoverish the old man who hath lost so
+much. For it seems he made some heavy bets upon Lord Cornwallis reducing
+the southern Colonies and entering Philadelphia in triumph. And even now
+he is sure the King will never consent to the separation."
+
+"Which shows how much the King loved the Colonies."
+
+"A queer love, that would deprive them of any kind of freedom. No, my
+kind of love is broad and generous, and not thinking how much profit one
+can squeeze out," and her lovely eyes were deep with intense feeling.
+
+"When wilt thou give me a little of this measure?"
+
+"Oh, Phil, am I very naughty and cross?" and her sweet voice would have
+disarmed anyone. "But I think sometimes you are only half converted. You
+talk of returning to England, and it grieves me."
+
+"But if I stay here I must find some business. I am not very lucky at
+cards. I have resigned my position, and now that poor old Sir Wyndham is
+dead and the income shrunk sadly, I can count on no more from that
+quarter. There is only the interest on what my dear father invested for
+me, and that may pay but poorly. They will hardly want to make a rebel
+officer of me, since if peace comes they will disband many of the
+regiments. To beg I am ashamed. I hardly know how to work. If I went
+home and re-enlisted--England always hath some wars on hand."
+
+"They are a naughty, quarrelsome nation, and then they wonder how we
+come to have so much spunk and bravery! No, thou shalt not go back.
+Business here will stir up. Then men talk to Madam Wetherill about it.
+And I think thou hast wit enough to learn. Thou shalt get settled here,
+and--and marry some pretty rebel wife----"
+
+"And quarrel with her?" mirthfully.
+
+"Nay, she shall be better tempered than I. Everybody hath spoiled me,
+and I am a shrew. No man will ever want to marry me, and I am glad of
+that."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+AN APRIL GIRL.
+
+
+"On Thursday next I shall have a birthday," said Primrose Henry. "And I
+shall be seventeen. Yet I never can catch up with Polly, who is
+nineteen."
+
+"Well--some day thou wilt be nineteen. And what shall we do for thee?
+Wilt thou have a party?"
+
+"I am tired of parties, and it is growing warm to dance. I believe in a
+fortnight or so the army is to leave. Andrew is going with the commander
+at first, but, if he is not needed, will come back. He makes such a
+handsome soldier."
+
+"Thou art a vain little moppet, always thinking whether people look fine
+or not."
+
+"But Andrew is handsome of himself. I wish Phil came up to six feet and
+past. I think the Nevitts could not have been overstocked with beauty."
+
+"How thou dost flout the poor lad! I wonder that he loves thee at all!"
+
+"But I love him," with charming serenity.
+
+"And show it queerly."
+
+Primrose gave her light, rippling laugh.
+
+"I think"--after a pause, twirling her sewing around by the thread--"I
+think we will all take a walk about the dear old town. Then we will come
+home and have tea, and rest ourselves."
+
+"But why not ride? I am too old and too stout to be trotting about, and
+Patty is hardly----"
+
+"Patty will flirt with my fine cousin. Oh, I have caught her at it. You
+would be amazed to know the secrets they have with each other, and the
+low-toned talk that goes on. I have to be severe, and to be severe on
+one's birthday would be hard indeed."
+
+Madam Wetherill laughed.
+
+"Betty Mason was complaining of being so mewed up all winter. And now
+her baby is old enough to leave, and she might come down and see the
+changes planned for the town, and the other changes since the winter she
+had her gay fling. What a little girl I was! And she being a widow can
+watch us, but Phil has such sharp eyes that he might be a veritable
+dragon. He will not let me buy a bit of candied calamus unless the boy
+is under ten, he is so afraid I shall be looked at. And there will be
+Polly's brother to watch her. But Betty will have two attendants, which
+is hardly fair, and she thinks Gilbert Vane quite a hero."
+
+"And Andrew Henry?"
+
+"Oh, she is soft-hearted about him because he has lost his fortune. And
+Gilbert Vane is like to lose his in the general settling up. So she can
+administer the same kind of consolation to both."
+
+"Thou hast a shrewd way of allotting matters. Poor Betty! It will be
+nice to ask her since you both have brothers to watch over you. And you
+will not stray very far? Then what delicacies will you have for supper?"
+
+"Oh, we shall be hungry as wolves. I must see what Mistress Kent can
+give us. She thinks soldiers have grown hollow by much tramping and
+cannot be filled up."
+
+Madam Wetherill smiled indulgently.
+
+They all promised to come. Julius went out on Wednesday and brought in
+Betty, who was delighted with the outing.
+
+But when Primrose opened her eyes at six in the morning there was a
+gentle patter everywhere, and dashes on the window pane. But, oh! how
+sweet all the air was, and the clouds were having a carnival in the sky,
+chasing each other about in the vain endeavor to cover up the bits of
+laughing blue.
+
+"Patty," in a most doleful voice, "it rains!"
+
+"To be sure, child," cheerfully. "What would you have on an April day?
+And if it rains before seven 'twill clear before eleven. There will be
+no dust for your walk."
+
+"You are a great comforter, Patty. Are you sure it will stop by noon?"
+
+"Oh, la, yes! April days can never keep a whole mind."
+
+"That must be the reason I am so changeable."
+
+"I dare say. But I was born in November, and I like to change my mind.
+'Twould be a queer world if people were like candles, all run in one
+mold."
+
+"But there are fat candles and thin candles."
+
+"And they are always round. Folks have corners. They're queer-like and
+pleasant by spells, and you can't see everything about them at a glance.
+We must have candles, but I have a hankering for folks as well."
+
+Primrose laughed and ran to Betty, who was not as philosophical, and was
+afraid that the day was spoiled.
+
+"The wind is west," said Madam Wetherill.
+
+Sure enough, by nine it was a radiant day. The two girls chattered, for
+Betty was only three-and-twenty, and the news from Virginia had put new
+heart in her.
+
+"You must talk to Lieutenant Vane as much as you can. You see, he was
+there so much longer than Andrew, and knew more about everything. And he
+is such a splendid American! But he may have to give up Vane Priory,
+which Phil says was beautiful. Or, rather, it will be confiscated.
+General Howe sent over word when he joined our army. It is hard to be
+called a traitor and a deserter when you are doing a noble deed. But he
+doesn't seem very disheartened over it."
+
+"It is very brave of him."
+
+Primrose brought out her pretty frocks and her buckles and some of her
+mother's trinkets she was allowed to wear, and Betty told over various
+Virginian gayeties, and the sun went on shining. So, quite early Polly
+and Allin came. Allin had decided to study law, for his ambition had
+been roused by the appointment of really learned men to discuss the
+points of coming peace. And there would always be legal troubles to
+settle, property boundaries to define, wills to make, and Allin admitted
+he had seen quite enough of war, though, if the country needed him, he
+should go again. But Gilbert Vane was a truly enthusiastic soldier.
+
+When Andrew came he announced that the company was to be ready to start
+next week. General Washington would have his quarters for some time up
+the Hudson, so as to be ready for a descent on New York if England
+should start the war afresh on any pretext.
+
+Certainly the afternoon was beautiful. People were beginning with
+gardens, and climbing roses were showing green stems. And the tall box
+alleys were full of new sprouts, betraying a great contrast to the deep
+green that had withstood the frosts of many winters.
+
+There was a ferry over Dock Creek; indeed, there were but few bridges,
+but being ferried over was more to their taste. Then they walked up
+Society Hill, where some fine, substantial houses were being put up.
+There were the city squares, and, far over, a great ragged waste, with
+tree stumps everywhere.
+
+"That is what you did in Howe's winter--cut down all the beautiful
+woods--Governor's woods," Primrose said resentfully. "There are traces
+of you everywhere. It will take years and years for us to forget it or
+remedy it."
+
+"But do you not suppose the soldiers around Valley Forge cut down the
+woods as well? You would not have them freeze. And the poor men here
+wanted a little warmth," said Phil.
+
+"There was plenty of waste land where you could have gone," in her
+severest tone.
+
+"I thought myself there were many acts of vandalism," commented Vane.
+"But I believe it is the rule of warfare to damage your enemy all you
+can. Think of the magnificent cities the old Greeks and Romans destroyed
+utterly."
+
+"They were half savages, idolaters, believing in all sorts of gods. And
+you pretended to be Christians!"
+
+"You were so sweet a moment ago, Primrose," said her brother.
+
+"Unalloyed sweetness is cloying. You need salt and spice as well. And I
+always feel afraid I shall forgive you too easily when I look at those
+poor stumps and pass the jail."
+
+"You can remember all one's sins easily," Phil retorted rather
+gloomily.
+
+"And one's virtues, too, behind one's back. Never fear her loyalty, Mr.
+Nevitt." Phil had insisted everyone should drop his military cognomen.
+"You should have heard her solicitude when no word came from you, and
+was there not some joy in her face when you appeared that could not have
+put itself into words?" cried Allin Wharton eagerly, for he always
+resented the least suspicion of a non-perfection in Primrose.
+
+"Now I will cross thee off my books," blushing and trying to look stern.
+"Allin Wharton! To betray a friend in that manner!"
+
+"To recount her virtues," and Betty Mason laughed over to the pretty
+child. "She has a right to be like an April day."
+
+"And I found this pretty conceit in some reading," interposed Vane. "We
+should have tried our pens in your behalf, Mistress Primrose, but I knew
+nothing of this birthday except just as we met, so I can only offer
+second-hand, but then 'tis by a famous fellow:
+
+    "'May never was the month of love,
+      For May is full of flowers,--
+    But rather April wet by kind,
+      For love is full of showers.'"
+
+"Am I such a crying girl?" Primrose's face was a study in its struggle
+not to smile.
+
+"And here is another." Andrew Henry half turned:
+
+    "'When April nods, with lightsome smiles
+      And Violets all a-flower;
+    Her willful mood may turn to tears
+      Full twice within an hour.'"
+
+"Then I am very fickle--and bad tempered, and--and----" There was deep
+despair in the voice.
+
+"And Primrose, an April girl who can have whatever mood she chooses,"
+said Wharton. "I wish I had known one was to bring posies of thought and
+I would have looked up one. How I envy those people who can write
+acrostics or sudden verses, and all I know seem to have gone from me."
+
+Primrose made a mocking courtesy. "Thank you. We can all go and gather
+violets. I know a stretch of woods the British left standing, where the
+grass is full of them. And a bit of stream that runs into the
+Schuylkill. Oh, and a clean, well-behaved mead-house where one can get
+delightful cheesecake. Now that we have reached the summit, look about
+the town. A square, ugly little town, is it not?"
+
+"It is not ugly," Polly protested resentfully.
+
+The rivers on either side, the angle with docks jutting out, and
+creeping up along the Delaware, Windmill Island and the Forts; the two
+long, straight streets crossing at right angles, and even then rows of
+red-brick cottages, but finer ones as well, with gardens, some seeming
+set in a veritable park; and Master Shippen's pretty herd of deer had
+been brought back. There were Christ Church and St. Peter's with their
+steeples, there were more modest ones, and the Friends' meeting house
+that had held many a worthy.
+
+"It is well worth seeing," said Betty Mason. "Some of the places about
+make me think of my own State and the broad, hospitable dwellings."
+
+"Oh, but you should see Stenton and Clieveden! and the Chew House at
+Germantown is already historical. There is to be a history writ of the
+town, I believe, and all it has gone through!" exclaimed Polly.
+
+Then they begin to come down in a kind of winding fashion. Women are out
+making gardens and tying up vines, some of them in the quaint, short
+gown and petticoat, relegated mostly to servants. Then Friends, in cap
+and kerchief; children in the fashion of their parents, with an odd
+made-over appearance.
+
+"It will be a grand city if it stretches out according to Mr. Penn's
+ideas. And oh, Betty! you must see the old house in Letitia Street, with
+its dormer windows and odd little front door with its overhanging roof.
+And the house on Second Street that is more pretentious, with its slated
+roof. If the talk is true about peace there are great plans for the
+advancement of the town. They are going to cut down some of the hills
+and drain the meadows that the British flooded," and Primrose glanced
+sidewise at her brother's face with a half-teasing delight. "So, if the
+dreams of the big men who govern the city come true, there will
+presently be no old Philadelphia. I hear them talking of it with Aunt
+Wetherill."
+
+They wander on, now and then changing places and partners, having a
+little merry badinage. Polly keeps coming to the rescue where Philemon
+Nevitt is concerned.
+
+There are other gay parties out rambling; some with hands full of wild
+flowers, laughing and chatting, occasionally bestowing a nod on the
+Whartons and Primrose, and staring perhaps unduly at the tall fine
+soldier with his martial air and uniform, hardly suspecting the Quaker
+heart underneath.
+
+"Now that we have come so near I bethink me of an errand for Mistress
+Janice Kent," exclaimed Primrose. "And you will like to see the row of
+small, cheerful houses where some poor women come, some poor married
+folks when life has gone hard with them. See here is Walnut Street. Let
+us turn in. It is an old, old place that somebody left some money to
+build."
+
+"Old John Martin," said Andrew. "Yes, I have been here. It is a snug,
+pretty place, not an alms-house."
+
+"My old lady is not in this long, plain house, but around in Fourth
+Street, in her own little cottage. See how quaint they are?"
+
+A narrow passage like a green lane ran through the center. Small,
+one-storied cottages, with a doorway and a white-curtained window; a
+steep roof with a window in the end to light the garret. There was a
+garden with each. There were fruit trees ready to burst into bloom, so
+sheltered were they. There were grape arbors, where old men were smoking
+and old ladies knitting.
+
+One old lady had half a dozen little children in her room, teaching a
+school. One was preparing dried herbs in small cardboard boxes. There
+were sweet flavors as of someone distilling; there was a scent of
+molasses candy being made, or a cake baked, even new, warm biscuit.
+
+Everybody seemed happy and well employed.
+
+"It is something like the Church Charities at home," said Vane, "only
+much more tidy and beautiful."
+
+"It is where I shall come some day," announced Primrose with a plaintive
+accent, as if she were at the end of life.
+
+"You!" Polly glanced at her with surprised eyes, hardly knowing whether
+to laugh or not.
+
+"As if you would ever have need!" declared Betty Mason.
+
+"But they are not very poor, you see. They have to be worthy people and
+nice people, who have been unfortunate. And when I am old I shall beg
+one of the little houses to live in. I think I shall make sweet flavors
+and raise herbs."
+
+She looked so utterly grave and in earnest that both Wharton and
+Lieutenant Vane stared as if transfixed.
+
+"What nonsense!" exclaimed her brother. "As if there would not always be
+someone----"
+
+"But I shall live to be very old, I know. Aunt Wetherill tells of one of
+the Wardour women who lived to be a hundred and two years old, ever so
+long ago, in England. And it is hardly probable, Phil, that you can live
+to be one hundred and ten or more, and, if you did, you would most
+likely be helpless," in an extremely assured tone.
+
+"Well, you would not be poor," he subjoined quickly, indignantly.
+
+"How do you know? Some of the people here have been in comfortable
+circumstances. And, two days ago, when Mr. Northfield was over he was
+talking about some of papa's property that had nearly gone to ruin--been
+destroyed, I think, and would take a good deal to repair it. And--eighty
+or ninety years is a long time to live. There may be another war--people
+are so quarrelsome--and everything will go then! Betty's house was
+burned, and her father's fine plantation laid waste. And Betty is not
+very much older than I, and all these misfortunes have happened to her."
+
+The whole four men are resolved in their secret hearts that no sorrow or
+want will ever come to her, even if she should outlive them all.
+
+They reached Mrs. Preston's cottage and Primrose delivered her message.
+Then they lingered about, and Betty concluded it would be no great
+hardship to come here when one was done with other pleasures and things,
+and had little to live upon.
+
+"It is a delightful spot," said Vane, "and I never dreamed of it before.
+That it should have been here all through that winter----"
+
+"But you were dancing and acting plays!"
+
+"Don't call up any more of my bad, mistaken deeds! Have I not convinced
+you that I repented of them, and am doing my best to make amends?"
+
+The fire in Vane's eyes awed Primrose, conquered her curiously, and a
+treacherous softening of the lines about her sweet mouth almost made a
+smile.
+
+"And now what next?" commented Polly. "Do you know how we are loitering?
+Has the place charmed us? I never thought it so fascinating before."
+
+It was to charm many a one, later on, like a little oasis in the great
+walls of brick that were to grow about it, of traffic and noise and
+disputations that were never to enter here, and to have a romance,
+whether rightly or wrongly, that was to call many a one thither at the
+thought of Evangeline. And so a poet puts an imperishable sign on a
+place, or a historian a golden seal.
+
+"We were to go somewhere else. And see where the sun is dropping to. It
+always slides so fast on that round part of the sky."
+
+"Yes, the most beautiful little place, and to get our violets. Betty,
+when they are all gone we will have long days hunting up queer corners
+and things. And somewhere--out at Dunk's Ferry--there is a strange sort
+of body who tells fortunes occasionally--when she is in _just_ the
+humor. And that makes it the more exciting, because you can never quite
+know. We will take Patty; we can find all the strange corners."
+
+"Why couldn't we all go? To have one's fortune told--not that I believe
+in it," and Vane laughed.
+
+"Then you have no business to have it told. And Miss Jeffries runs over
+the cards and tells ever so many things, and they _are_ really true. You
+will meet her again some evening."
+
+Gilbert Vane blushed. The fortune he wanted to hear was not one with
+which he would like a whole roomful entertained.
+
+"It is this way."
+
+Primrose walked on ahead with Andrew Henry.
+
+"There is a suspicious-looking cloud, bigger than a man's hand."
+
+"Oh, then let us hurry! Nonsense, Phil, why do you alarm a body? See how
+the sun shines. It is going past. Now--down at the end of this lane----"
+
+Just then some great drops fell. Primrose ran like a sprite and turned a
+triumphant face to the others when she was under shelter.
+
+It was indeed a fairy nook with a strip of woods back of it. A little
+thread of a stream ran by on one side. In summer, when the trees were in
+full leaf, it would be a bower of greenery. A low, story-and-a-half
+house, with a porch running all across the front, roofed over with
+weather-worn shingles. The hall doors, back and front, stand wide open,
+and there is a long vista reaching down to the clump of woods made up of
+a much-patched-up trellis with several kinds of vines growing over it to
+furnish a delightful shade in summer. Some benches in the shining glory
+of new green paint stand along the edge. There was a small table with
+three people about it, and the stout, easy-going hostess, who
+pronounced them "lucky," as there comes a three-minutes' fierce downpour
+of rain while the sun is still shining, then stops, and everything is
+beaded with iridescent gems. The very sky seems laughing, and the round
+sun fairly winks with an amused joviality.
+
+In the small front yard the grass is green and thickly sown with tulips
+that have two sheath-like leaves of bluish-green enfolding the bud. "It
+will be a sight presently," exclaimed Polly, "but so will most of the
+gardens. Why, we might be Hollanders, such a hold has this tulip mania
+taken of us!"
+
+By craning their necks a little they can look out on the Delaware and
+see the ambitious little creek rushing into it. The glint of the sun
+upon the changing water is magnificent.
+
+"What a beautiful spot! Why, Polly, have we ever been here before?"
+asked Allin.
+
+"No, I think not. There are some places very like it on the Schuylkill.
+But I do not remember this."
+
+Then the hostess comes to inquire what she can serve them with. There is
+fresh birch beer, there is a sassafras metheglin made with honey, there
+is mead, and she looks doubtfully at the two soldiers as if her simple
+list might not come up to their desires.
+
+"And cheesecake?" ventured Primrose.
+
+"Oh, yes! and wafers and gingerbread, and real Dutch doughnuts."
+
+Primrose glanced around, elated. Her birthday treat was to be a success.
+
+So they sat and refreshed themselves and jested, with Primrose in her
+sunniest mood, while the sun dropped lower and lower and burnished the
+river.
+
+"I wonder if there are many violets in the woods."
+
+"Oh, yes, indeed!" answered the woman. "It's rather early for many
+people to come and I am out of the way until they begin to sail up and
+down the river; that's when it is warmer, though to-day has been fine
+enough."
+
+"Suppose we go and gather the violets," suggested Philemon.
+
+"Of course we expect you to go, don't we, Polly? But then we are going
+also."
+
+"Won't it be wet?"
+
+"Not with that little sprinkle!" cried Primrose disdainfully.
+
+There were dozens of pretty spring things in the woods, but violets were
+enough. Large bluish-purple ones, down to almost every gradation. Then
+Betty thought of an old-time verse and Lieutenant Vane of another.
+
+"But it should be primroses," he said. "If we were at home in English
+haunts we should find them. I don't know why I say at home, for I doubt
+if it is ever my home again."
+
+"I am a more hopeful exile than you," commented Betty Mason. "My country
+will be restored to me, and I shall never forget that you helped."
+
+What large, soft, dark eyes she had, and a voice with a peculiar
+lingering cadence; but it did not go to one's heart like that of
+Primrose.
+
+The sun was speeding downward. It was a long walk home. Andrew Henry
+headed the procession with his cousin, and Vane followed with Betty, so
+it was Polly who had the two attendants, and Allin was rather out of
+humor.
+
+Janice Kent had a birthday supper for them, but with the treat at Larch
+Alley, and, perhaps, some fatigue, they were not ravenous. Primrose sang
+for them and was bewilderingly sweet--Andrew thought, just as the day
+had been, full of caprices but ending in tender beauty. And then they
+drank her health and wished her many happy returns, bidding her a very
+fervent good-night.
+
+There had been a good deal of enthusiasm about General Washington, and
+many very warm friends had sympathized deeply with Mrs. Washington in
+her sorrow. Plans of a new campaign had also been discussed. The city
+was sorry to relinquish its noble guests. Society had taken on an aspect
+of dignified courtesy; contending parties had ceased to rail at each
+other, and there was a greater air of punctilious refinement, that was
+to settle into a grace less formal than that of the old-time Quaker
+breeding, but more elegant and harmonious. A new ambition woke in the
+heart of the citizens to beautify, adorn, and improve. There was a stir
+in educational circles, and the library that had languished so long was
+making its voice heard. Peace was about to have her victory.
+
+Andrew Henry was closeted a long while one morning with Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I shall go to Newburgh with the General," he said, "but if there is to
+be no more war I shall resign my commission. That sounds almost like a
+martial declaration in favor of war, but it is not so. I was not meant
+for a soldier except in necessity. There are those whom the life really
+inspires, and who would be only too glad to fill my place. I could not
+step out with such a clear conscience if I were a private. And since you
+have been good enough, madam, to ask me about plans, I must confess
+that I have not gone very far in any. There are, no doubt, farms around
+that I could hire and make profitable, but my mother no longer has the
+strength and energy to be at the head of such a place. I have thought
+something might open here in the city that would enable me to make a
+home for her and myself; that is my ambition now. I do not feel that I
+ought to leave her to the care of my Cousin Rachel while she has a son
+of her own. True, her home is left to her there, but she is not
+compelled to stay in it."
+
+"And Rachel may marry."
+
+"I think she will. She is a smart and capable woman, but it is hard
+doing all things and managing alone; though now she and Penn have made
+up over a little coldness. He will till Faith's land for the present.
+The greatest profit, the cherries, and one good orchard belongs to
+Rachel, so she is well to do. However, I want my dear mother with me,
+and by mid-summer I may return."
+
+"I have been thinking somewhat about thee. There will be great changes
+in the town. Trade already is stirring up, and commerce will begin again
+when the restrictions are removed. But it is in the very heart of things
+where we may look for the greatest changes. There have been many years
+of doubt and hesitation, but now there is a great expanding of
+enterprise. James Logan and Mr. Chew were discussing it not many
+mornings since. The city must almost be made over, as one may say. I own
+a great deal of waste property, and plantations in Maryland. There is
+also considerable belonging to Primrose."
+
+"But there is her brother, madam. The more I see of Philemon Henry the
+better I like him. He hath had a hard year, a year of great
+disappointment and mortification, and he comes out of it with more
+bravery than I supposed possible for one whose opinions have been so
+strongly the other way. Why not give him a helping hand?"
+
+"You are very honorable, Friend Henry, and I respect you for it. Then,"
+laughingly, "do you think you two could ever come to an agreement and be
+friendly as brothers if your interests were identical?"
+
+"I could answer for myself," he said with respectful gravity.
+
+"For many years the old house of Henry & Co. had an excellent standing.
+Mr. Northfield was much the elder and it seemed as if he might go years
+the first, but he did not. Now he wishes to be relieved of all the
+affairs of our dear Primrose. And I have thought, with some assistance
+and a good deal of energy on the part of two young people if they should
+agree, there might be a new house of Henry & Co., with its reputation
+half made to begin with. I know Philemon will agree. He hath already
+proposed to take a position under Mr. Morris, and seems only anxious now
+to earn a living in some respectable way. But I wanted to consult thee
+first."
+
+"I thank thee a thousand times, dear madam. Am I losing Quaker
+simplicity?" and he smiled gravely. "I am afraid I have acquired a good
+many worldly ways."
+
+"A little worldliness will not hurt thee. In sooth my plan would call
+for a large share of it, but I want the old-fashioned trustiness and
+integrity. When times change men and women, too, must change with them.
+I should like to see thee a solid and respected citizen of the town--of
+the new town that is to be."
+
+"Thou dost honor me greatly. And I must confess to thee, since seeing
+larger men and larger issues, a higher ambition has stirred within me.
+If it had so fallen out that I had gone back to the farm, I could not
+have been content with the old plodding round. And when it was taken
+from me it seemed in some degree the work of Providence that I should
+have been pushed out of the old nest and made to think on new lines."
+
+"Then wilt thou carry my idea with thee and consider it well? There need
+be no haste. Thy return will do."
+
+Much moved, he pressed her hand warmly. Then he carried it to his lips
+with the grace of a courtier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+POLLY AND PHIL.
+
+
+The city seemed quite dull when the Commander-in-Chief and his staff had
+departed for Newburgh. The feeling of peace grew stronger every day. The
+country mansions along the Schuylkill began to take on new life, and the
+town to bestir itself. True, finances were in the worst possible shape
+from the over issue of paper money, and in many instances people went
+back to simple barter.
+
+The Randolphs were very much at home on the farm. Betty's two babies
+were cunning little midgets, the elder a boy, the younger a girl.
+Primrose fell very much in love with them. Here was something she need
+not be afraid of loving with all her might.
+
+"Only I wish I had not been seventeen," she cried pettishly. "I can't
+see how Polly gets along with so many admirers. I do not want any. There
+is something in their eyes when they look at you that sends a shiver
+over me."
+
+"Has Polly so many?" asked madam, rather amused.
+
+"Why, yes. Just a few evenings ago young Mr. Norris came in and then Mr.
+Ridgway. I thought they quite glowered at each other. And what one said
+the other sniffed about as if it was hardly worth saying. And Mr.
+Ridgway thought cards stupid, and Phil grew quite cross and said we
+would come home. It is very pleasant when there is no one there, we
+four can agree so well."
+
+"At card-playing?" in a rather diverted manner.
+
+"Not always, not often indeed. We sing and talk and say over verses.
+There are so many in that old ballad book. But lovers seem always to
+break one's heart and to love the wrong one. I shall never have a lover.
+I shall never marry," and her sweet voice has a delightful severity.
+
+Madam Wetherill really laughs then.
+
+"Oh, I am in earnest. You shall see. For when I called on Anabella
+yesterday she flung her arms around my neck and cried out--'Oh,
+Primrose, never, never marry! I wish I could undo my marriage. Men are
+so selfish and care so little for one after they get them. And they all
+say the same thing as lovers. Captain Decker was going to die if he
+could not have me, and he marched off, never writing a word afterward.
+And so said Mr. Parker, and now he thinks of nothing but his dinner and
+his pipe afterward, and his nap, and having his clothes all laid out in
+the morning and brushed, and does not want to go out anywhere, nor have
+company at home. And the two hateful children brawl all the time, and
+their father scolds because I cannot keep them in order. 'Tis a wretched
+life and I hate it!' What think you of that, dear madam?"
+
+"It was not a wise marriage, but I am sorry Anabella is so unhappy.
+There is plenty of time yet for thee to have lovers, so do not trouble
+thy golden head."
+
+"Phil has grown so good to take me out everywhere. And we are all going
+up to the farm some day to get Betty, and then on up the Schuylkill.
+There are so many beautiful places, and now that May has brought
+everything out in bloom, all the roads and by-ways are like pictures.
+And Betty wants to see Valley Forge; so, for that matter, do I. But Phil
+is worrying about some work Mr. Morris promised him."
+
+"Yes. There are some other things to see to. Mr. Northfield wants to
+instruct him about the estate, for he is very poorly."
+
+"It seems a shame for me to have so much and Phil nothing," she said
+tentatively.
+
+"Perhaps there will not be so very much when things come to be settled.
+Do not be disturbed about Phil. A true man would scorn to take from a
+woman."
+
+There were many delightful rides in the country about, many historical
+places on both sides of the river, queer interests at Germantown, where
+people had gone back to their old employments, and were spinning and
+weaving and making furniture and carving. There were no lack of
+reminders of the great battle in some ruins that had never been rebuilt,
+and men still working cheerfully who had lost an arm or a leg. There was
+the brave old Chew house that had proved indestructible.
+
+And there was another old house, quite dilapidated now and in charge of
+an old couple, who, for any trifle people chose to give, would exhibit a
+curious arrangement of cogs and wheels and mysterious wires that a great
+many years before a man, named Redhefer, claimed possessed the secret of
+perpetual motion. It always went day and night, as the neighbors could
+testify. Men of curious or scientific leanings paid to see the wonderful
+machine. And one day the secret was found out. There was a curious crank
+in the loft connected by wires in the wall, and a kind of clock
+arrangement, that kept it going. This part of the loft being roughly
+boarded up, and the loft itself kept for mere rubbish, no one suspected
+it.
+
+There were School Lane, and the Schuylkill falls, really beautiful then,
+and the lovely Wissahickon, famous for its abundant supply of fish, and
+places one could ramble about forever. Betty Mason was a charming
+companion. Philemon often had them all, for Allin was busy with his
+studies and some plans he nursed in secret, now that Andrew Henry and
+Vane were both away.
+
+Penn Morgan and Clarissa Lane stood up in meeting one evening and
+plighted their marriage vows. Rather unwillingly Rachel offered them
+accommodation in her house, but Penn had fixed up a room in the barn
+that would do very well until two rooms in the new house were finished,
+and Clarissa was very happy, and was also very respectful to Aunt Lois.
+But the great interest had gone out of the old house, and she did not
+feel at home any more. However, she rested serenely in Andrew's promise
+that before very long he would have a home to take her to.
+
+Rachel had hoped and despaired alternately. She had a strong, stubborn
+will under her plain exterior and quiet manner. And she hated not to
+succeed in anything she undertook. It seemed to her one of the most
+natural and most reasonable things in the world that Andrew should marry
+her when his parents strongly desired it. In her estimation it was an
+absolute sin for him to go against the opinion of the brethren and
+become a soldier. Yet she was willing to forgive it all and help lead
+him back in the right way.
+
+It was but justice that Penn should be rewarded for his care and
+patience. She had not expected so much, but Aunt Lois, left to her
+charge, would surely have some influence over him, and now that peace
+was likely to be declared he would return, and his old home might be
+dear to him. So she would not give up hope, but she did give up her
+foolish jealousy of Primrose. She had the girl's solemn promise, but
+what comforted her more than all was the rumor of young Wharton being
+quite devoted to the girl.
+
+What a summer it was to Primrose! They were out at the farm, but matters
+were much more quiet. The young women who had been so gay and
+entertaining were mostly married, and Madam Wetherill was very much
+engrossed with business matters. She found Philemon Henry very
+clear-headed. And as he came to know more about the Colonies, and the
+causes that led to the rebellion, he found there was more injustice on
+the side of England, but that even there they had not all been of one
+mind.
+
+So he was being gradually Americanized, though he and Primrose still had
+disputes. But Polly had such a fascinating fashion of sometimes turning
+an argument against Primrose, or picking a weak place in hers until one
+could not help seeing it. And then Primrose would fly into a pretty
+ruffle of temper with both of them, and presently suffer herself to be
+coaxed around.
+
+"I suppose I am like April," she said ruefully one morning, when she and
+Polly had had a disagreement. They were staying at the farm, and the day
+before they had all been up to Valley Forge, and climbed up the hill and
+down again. In the early morning both of the young men had gone down to
+the city.
+
+"Do you think it really can influence anyone?" she inquires with
+charming gravity. "Then I should suppose a person born in July, under
+scorching suns, would be fiery-tempered."
+
+"Do you know of anyone born in July?"
+
+"Why, yes," laughing in a dainty fashion. "Betty for one, and she is
+sweet and good-humored; and there is Cousin Andrew."
+
+"Then the sign does not hold good."
+
+"I don't know where I could have gotten all my temper from. Mamma was
+lovely, Phil says, and Aunt Wetherill gives her credit for all the
+virtues."
+
+"I do not think it is real temper. It is love of tormenting--poor Phil."
+
+"And, Polly, you always take his part."
+
+"Yes." Polly's face turned scarlet to the very tips of her ears. Even
+her fingers showed pink against the white ruffle she was hemming.
+
+"Oh, you don't mean--Polly, I never thought of _that_!" in great
+surprise.
+
+"You may think of it now," in a soft, quivering tone. "Though it is
+almost--nothing."
+
+Primrose threw herself down beside Polly and clasped her knees.
+
+"And he never so much as suggested it to me. He might have----" in a
+plaintively aggrieved tone.
+
+"Don't be angry. It was just a word, this morning. But I think we both
+knew. And I loved him long ago, when he was a King's man, and you
+flouted him so and delighted in being untender, when he loved you so."
+
+"And you would have--do you mean to marry him? and would you have
+married a--a----"
+
+"No, I shouldn't have married anyone who was fighting against my
+country. But you really did not do him any justice." Now that Polly was
+started she rushed along like a torrent in a storm. "He was brought up
+to think England right, and he knew nothing about the Colonies or the
+temper and the courage of the people. If you were taken to Russia when
+you were very little, and everybody was charming to you, you might think
+what they did was right and nice, and we know they are awfully
+barbarous! And I thought it real fine and manly in him to prefer the
+hardships of war to the pleasures in New York. And he never raised his
+hand but once, and wasn't it queer that he and Allin and Andrew should
+have been in the mêlée, and now be such good friends? But when he saw
+that it was Andrew, he was quite horrified. And I think it is very manly
+of him just to renounce the King for good and all, while there are ever
+so many Tories right around us sighing again for his rule, and making
+all sorts of evil predictions. The broadest and finest man I know is
+Andrew Henry."
+
+"And why did you not fall in love with him?" asked Primrose in great
+amaze.
+
+"Because, silly child, my heart went out to the other when you tormented
+him so and gave him such little credit, and could not see the earnest
+side to him. I should hate a man that could be lightly won over. I like
+him to look on both sides."
+
+"Was I very cruel?" Primrose was appalled by the charges. "But truly,
+Polly, when he first came and the British were so lordly, thinking they
+owned the whole earth, I could not bear to have him claim me and talk of
+taking me to England and have me go to court and all that;" and Primrose
+shook her shining curly head defiantly, while her oval cheeks bloomed.
+
+"Surely, Primrose, thou didst not have a Quaker temper either," rejoined
+Polly laughingly. "I doubt if thou wouldst turn the other cheek even
+for a kiss, much less a blow."
+
+"The man would get the blow back in short order."
+
+The beautiful blue eyes turned almost black with indignation at the
+thought, and sent out rays that might have blinded an unfortunate
+culprit.
+
+The girls looked at each other as fiercely as two hearts brimming over
+with love, and eyes in an April shower could look, and then they fell on
+each other's neck and cried in honest girl-fashion for just nothing at
+all, as girls did a hundred or so years ago.
+
+"And you are quite sure you will never quarrel with me?" besought
+Primrose. "It must be lovely to have a sister, though Rachel and Faith
+were not happy. Poor Faith! She hath grown strangely loving, and I know
+not what she would do if it were not for Aunt Lois."
+
+"Thou art the dearest and sweetest little thing in all the world, and
+though I may sometimes scold thee for thy naughtiness, I shall always
+love thee. And now I must sew, for my mother declares I never do
+anything out here at the farm. And Betty is so industrious, making
+clothes for the babies."
+
+Then they were still a moment or two while the sunshine rippled all
+about, for they were sitting out under a tree, and the wind made a
+pretty dance in the tall grass, and seemed to whisper among the boughs,
+and push the heads of the shrubs toward each other as if they might be
+kissing. Overhead the birds sang with wild bursts of melody or went
+dazzling through the air, cleaving the sunshine with swift wings.
+
+"Perhaps I ought not have told you so soon," said Polly with a sigh. "It
+was just a word, the sweetest word a man can say, but then I had half
+guessed it before, and I knew he was waiting to have something to offer
+me. Mr. Norris does not seem very ready in finding him a place, and old
+Mr. Northfield takes so much of his time and has to tell him what a fine
+business man your father was, and how he did this and that, and people
+entrusted him with their estates and money to buy and sell, and no one
+ever lost a penny by him. So I suppose we will not be really promised
+until something is settled, and thou must keep my secret, little
+Primrose. For I know now that my father would look askance at it.
+Strange that people years ago could marry without thinking of money, but
+they are not willing their children shall. And there are men like the
+great Mr. Franklin, who sometimes hardly knew where to turn for bread,
+and come up to very luxurious living. But I am young, and Phil is not
+very old."
+
+"It all seems very strange and sweet," and Primrose threw herself down
+on the grass and leaned her arms on Polly's knee, while the wind tossed
+her pretty shining hair about. There was always so much short around the
+edge of her forehead, and such dainty, mischievous little curls on her
+white neck when she did it up high on her head. And whatever she did
+made a picture, she was so full of grace. When Gilbert Stuart painted
+her as a lovely matron with her baby beside her knee, he said: "What a
+pity there is no picture of you in your girlhood." He would have been
+justly proud if he could have painted her in all that grace and
+loveliness.
+
+"And how can one tell?" she went on dreamily when Polly made no answer.
+"There are so many things in different ones to like, and you cannot put
+them all in one man. I love Andrew dearly. He was so good and tender
+when I first went out to his father's farm, and I was so frightened of
+Uncle James, and Aunt Lois was so grave and particular. But then Andrew
+will never dance--fancy the tall soldier! though the great generals do.
+And he is not over fond of pleasure."
+
+She threw up her pretty head, while a stray sunbeam through the trees
+danced over it in golden ripples, and her eyes laughed as well as her
+rosy, dimpled mouth.
+
+There was a sudden start through Polly's nerves, but the gay, light,
+merry voice went on:
+
+"And he will always be a Quaker, though he went to Christ Church with
+madam and me. But--don't you know, you can tell with some people, Polly,
+that things do not quite suit. And he is too grave to frolic, and oh, I
+do love dancing and frolicking and saucy speeches. A grave life would
+never suit me. And there is Mr. Hunter with his pink-and-white skin and
+his ruffles and his velvet clothes, and his clocked silk stockings and
+shoe buckles that he has polished with a peculiar kind of powder that
+comes over from France--he told me so," laughing with dainty mirth and
+mischief. "When he comes to spend the evening I feel as if I should like
+to tear his finery to pieces as the old strutting cock sometimes gets
+torn when the others can no longer endure his overbearing ways. And
+there is Mr. Rittenhouse, who does nothing but talk of the Junta and the
+learned men of the Philadelphia Society, and the grand new hall they
+mean to build, and chemistry, as if one was so anxious to know what was
+in one's body and one's food and the air one breathed. Why, it would
+make life a burthen. To be sure, Betty says Mr. Franklin's stove is a
+most excellent thing, ever so much better than a fireplace, and that she
+will take one to Virginia with her. She had better take Mr. Rittenhouse
+as well!" and Primrose sent a host of delighted ripples on the sunny
+air. "Oh, there is Tot!"
+
+Tot was Betty Mason's three-year-old baby boy, and the next instant
+Primrose had forgotten her admirers and was tumbling in the grass with
+him.
+
+There were two she had not mentioned: Allin Wharton and Gilbert Vane.
+But Polly said to her brother shortly after--growing very wise, as young
+women in love are apt to:
+
+"Be careful not to go too fast, Allin, or you will stumble over a
+decided no. Primrose has no more idea of love than a two-year-old baby
+who answers everybody that smiles at him."
+
+"But they haunt Madam Wetherill's in droves," flung out the over anxious
+young man.
+
+"With the droves one has nothing to fear," counsels the wise young
+woman. "It is when there are only one or two, and much sitting around in
+corners and behind curtains and whispering that plots are hatched. And
+Primrose is fond of having ever so many enjoy her good time and
+mirthfulness. And, Allin, there is a great deal for you to do before
+lovemaking begins."
+
+"I'm not so much worse off than Phil Henry."
+
+"But Phil Henry is not dreaming of marrying," returned Allin's sister
+with dignified composure.
+
+Meanwhile affairs dragged slowly on, but it was evident there were many
+things to discuss before a treaty of peace would be signed. There were
+various apprehensions of coming internal trouble. The public treasury
+was empty, officers and soldiers were clamoring for pay. There were
+endless discussions as to whether a republican form of government would
+be best and strongest. Of these Philadelphia had her full share, but
+there was a strong undercurrent. Had not the famous Declaration of
+Independence been born here and the State House bell pealed out the
+first tocsin of freedom? And here Congress had met year after year.
+
+Many of the soldiers had been discharged for wounds and ill health, and
+on their own earnest appeal. Some officers resigned; among them Andrew
+Henry, much to the regret of several of the generals.
+
+"If the country needs me again I am hers to command," he said with much
+earnestness. "But I feel that I am needed at home and there are others
+who will be glad to fill my place. There are many brave privates who
+would be made happy by the reward of promotion."
+
+"He is a brave man," said Mrs. Washington, "which is sometimes better
+than being a brave soldier. If the country had hundreds of such citizens
+her prosperity would be assured. I am sorry to part with many of them,
+but we shall all be glad of peaceful times and our own homes."
+
+And so in the early autumn Andrew Henry came home and went back to his
+Quaker costume.
+
+"Really," declared Mr. Logan, "one might think the elder Philemon Henry
+had come back to life. The nephew is more like him than the son, though
+the son is a fine intelligent man and will make an excellent citizen.
+Then he is a great favorite with Madam Wetherill, who has much in her
+hands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+PRIMROSE.
+
+
+With all the disquiet it had been an unusually gay summer for
+Philadelphia, even after the General and Mrs. Washington had bidden it
+adieu. For in June there had been a great fête given by the French
+minister in honor of the birth of the Dauphin, the heir to the throne of
+France. M. de Luzerne's residence was brilliantly illuminated, and a
+great open-air pavilion, with arches and colonnades, bowers, and halls
+with nymphs and statues, even Mars leaning on his shield, and Hebe
+holding Jove's cup. It was seldom indeed that the old Carpenter mansion
+had seen such a sight.
+
+There were elegant women and brave men, though the Mischianza crowd had
+been widely scattered. The girls had danced, and chatted in French as
+far as they knew how, and enjoyed themselves to the full, and the elders
+had sat down to an almost royal banquet. Polly and Primrose had been
+among the belles.
+
+Then there had been a grand Fourth of July celebration. A civic banquet,
+with Morris, Dickinson, Mifflin, and many another. Bells were rung and
+cannons fired, the Schuylkill was gay with pleasure parties and
+fluttering flags and picnic dinners along its winding and pleasant
+banks. And then in August they had most loyally kept the French King's
+birthday with banquets and balls. And though financial ruin was largely
+talked of, a writer of the times declares "No other city was so rich, so
+extravagant, and so fashionable."
+
+And yet withal there was a serious and sensible element. There had
+before the war been many years of unexampled prosperity; and though
+there might be a whirl, people soon came back to reasonable living.
+
+Truth to tell, Philemon Henry was becoming quite captivated with the
+city of his birth and his later adoption. And as he began to understand
+Madam Wetherill's views for his own future as well as that of his
+cousin, he was amazed at her generosity. "Nay, it is not simple
+generosity," she declared with great vigor. "There is no reason why you
+two should not make a place for yourselves in the new city, such as your
+father held in the old. Perhaps wider, for your father would have
+nothing to do with government, and a man ought to take some interest in
+the civic prosperity of his city as well as money-getting. Mr.
+Wetherill, whether wisely or not, put much money in property, and it has
+been a dead weight mostly. But now the time has come to improve it, and
+with peace there will be many changes and much work to do. I have grown
+too old, and a woman cannot well attend to it. Younger blood and
+strength must take it up. Then--if we make some mistakes, there is no
+one to suffer, though I did not expect to give even two well-trained
+colts their heads altogether."
+
+He smiled, but there was a soft mistiness in his eyes.
+
+"I can never thank you," he said unsteadily.
+
+"I must trust someone, you see. Mr. Northfield is too old, Mr. Morris
+has his hands full; indeed, I can think of no one better. I have some of
+the Wardour willfulness, and take my own way about things. I do not
+often make mistakes. This is no sudden notion of mine."
+
+"There is one thing, madam, I must explain before we go farther. I am--I
+have"--he paused and flushed in embarrassment--"there is an
+understanding between myself and Miss Polly Wharton, not an engagement,
+for as yet I have had no certainty to offer. But we care very much for
+each other."
+
+Madam Wetherill gave a quick nod or two and there was a smile in her
+bright eyes.
+
+"Polly will make a good wife. Thou couldst hardly have chosen better. I
+would speak to Mr. Wharton and have the matter settled now. If he had
+not been of a consenting mind, thou wouldst hardly have found a welcome
+entrance for so long in his home."
+
+"Madam--I never dreamed of being so happy."
+
+"Oh, no doubt thou wilt be much happier on thy wedding day," and she
+laughed with a bright sparkle of amusement. "I am fond of young people,
+though they do many foolish things."
+
+"But my sister?" he said suddenly. "We have forgotten about her. All
+these years of thy kind care----"
+
+"Well--what of her? I loved her mother. I never had a child of my own,
+though a hen rarely runs after another hen's chicks. The little moppet
+stole into my heart, and by just raising her eyes inveigled me into
+fighting for her. Miss Primrose Henry has all the fortune it is good for
+a girl to have, and she is a gay butterfly to go dancing about for the
+next few years. Indeed, I believe she has quite made up her mind to stay
+single, to have many admirers, but no husband. It may not be a good
+plan, but there have been some famous old maids,--Queen Elizabeth, for
+instance,--while poor Marie Stuart began with husbands early and lost
+her head. We can dismiss Miss Primrose to her pleasures."
+
+Then they talked long and earnestly. Andrew Henry was coming home, and
+the matter would be settled.
+
+And settled it was speedily. Andrew, having been consulted before, was
+not so much taken by surprise, but his gratitude was none the less
+fervent. And one Sunday morning Polly walked very proudly up the aisle
+in Christ Church, with her brother on one side, and her lover on the
+other, right behind her parents, and when they were seated in Mr.
+Wharton's pew, Polly was in the middle with her lover beside her, and he
+found the places in her prayer book and made responses with her and sang
+joyfully in the hymns. Coming out she took his arm, and blushed a good
+deal as people smiled at her. It was a fashion then, and everybody knew
+it was a sign of engagement.
+
+"The young Englishman is very good-looking," said Miss Morris, "but I
+shall set my cap for the Quaker cousin. What a pity he gives up war and
+discards soldier clothes, for there is scarcely such a fine-appearing
+general!"
+
+The young Quaker, mature and manly for his years, took hold of business
+as if it had been his birthright. Perhaps it had come to him with the
+resemblance to his uncle. And when Philemon Nevitt decided to take back
+his father's name, Polly and Primrose rejoiced wildly.
+
+Primrose threw her arms around his neck and gave him many of the kisses
+she had used to be so chary about.
+
+"Now you are my own dear brother!" she exclaimed, and the satisfaction
+rang through her voice like a bell. "No king can ever claim you again."
+
+"Unless _we_ have a king."
+
+"But we are not going to have a king. We are all born free and equal."
+
+"Julius and Joe and the old Pepper Pot woman, and the Calamus boys?"
+with a mischievous smile.
+
+"The slaves are all going to be free. We cannot do everything in a
+moment. And the equality----" Primrose was rather nonplused.
+
+"Yes, the equality," with a triumphant lifting of the brows.
+
+"I think the equality means this: that everyone shall have a right to
+try for the best places, and no one shall push him down. To try for
+education and happiness, and if he is full up to the brim and content,
+even if he has not as much as the other, isn't there a certain
+equalization?"
+
+"Primrose, I fear thou wilt be a sophist before thy hundred years are
+ended," said her brother with a soft pinch of her rosy cheek.
+
+The Randolphs had considered the feasibility of returning south, but
+Madam Wetherill begged them not to try homelessness with winter coming
+on. And at Cherry Farm there was one supremely happy woman, Lois Henry.
+
+"Madam Wetherill is more than good to thee," she said to her son with a
+thankfulness that trembled in her voice. "How one can be mistaken in
+souls under gay garbs. Indeed it is as the child used to say, 'God made
+all beautiful things, and nothing is to be called common or unclean, or
+high and lofty and wasteful.' I am more glad than I can say that thou
+hast returned to the fashion of the Friends again, but thou art a man
+to look well in nice attire, and truly one serveth God with the heart
+and not with the clothes, except that neatness should be observed. The
+Lord hath given Madam Wetherill a large heart, and she holds no rancor."
+
+"She is one in a thousand," was the fervent reply.
+
+And then Andrew described one of several cottages on Chestnut Street
+that belonged to the estate of Miss Primrose Henry, and was to rent.
+There was a small court in front, a grassy space at the side with a
+cherry tree and a pear tree, and a garden at the back for vegetables.
+
+"For I must have thee in the city near by," he said, "so I can come in
+to dinner at noon, and spend most of my evenings with thee. Mr.
+Franklin's old paper, the _Gazette_, is to be brought out again, and we
+shall know what is going on. And we will find a meeting house near by,
+and take great comfort with each other after our seasons of sorrow and
+separation."
+
+"My son, my dear son! I bless the Lord for thee every day. He hath given
+me the oil of joy for mourning."
+
+Andrew had greeted Rachel with great cordiality. He was grateful that
+she had cared so kindly for his mother, though Faith had been the more
+tender. Penn was settled in part of his new house and very content.
+Indeed his love for Clarissa was something of a thorn in Rachel's side,
+but she paid small attention to it outwardly. When Andrew laid his plan
+before her, however, her very heart sank within her.
+
+"She is to have her living here. I am sure, Andrew, as God is my
+witness, that I have been like a daughter to her. She hath said so
+herself. My own mother is dead, let her remain in the place. And
+thou--thou wilt marry sometime----"
+
+"A long while yet. I am her son and want her, and she is ready and
+pleased to come. It is but right and natural. As for the living, make no
+account of that. When we want a holiday it may be pleasant to come out
+to the farm."
+
+That was a straw and she caught quickly at it. But in any event she saw
+that she could not help nor hinder.
+
+Primrose took Polly with her to see what should be put in the cottage.
+
+"There are many new things to make work handy, and comforts. Andrew must
+have a settle here in the living room and it shall be my pleasure to
+make cushions for it. And oh, Polly, he has learned to smoke while he
+was soldiering! Of course Aunt Lois will want some of the old things,
+and she has chests of bed and table linen. But we can buy some plates
+and cups. Aunt Lois had some pretty Delft ware that I used to dry on
+nice soft towels when I was a little girl. We will hunt the city over to
+find Delft."
+
+They were delightfully engrossed with shopping. The stores were
+displaying tempting aspects again and merchants were considering foreign
+trade. But it was quite ridiculous, though no one saw it in just that
+light then, that one should take with them a thousand or so dollars to
+do a morning's buying. But when a frying pan cost sixty dollars and
+three cups and saucers one hundred and fifty, and a table two hundred,
+money soon went. There was plenty of it, to be sure. Congress ordered
+new issues when it fell short.
+
+People still watched out for Quaker sales: that is, Quakers who refused
+to pay certain taxes had their belongings seized and sold, and women
+were as ready for bargains then as now.
+
+Faith took counsel of the trustees who had been appointed for her, and
+found that she could get away from her sister's home. So she begged Aunt
+Lois to take her, as they would need some help. Andrew opposed this at
+first, fearing it would lead to trouble, and Rachel was very angry. But
+on second thought she decided it would be wiser. For by this means she
+would still have some hold over them all. On condition that Faith would
+come home every fortnight for a little visit she consented, and though
+Faith, trained long in repression, said but little, her heart beat with
+great joy. Rachel had kept a Swedish woman nearly all summer for
+out-of-door work, and now engaged her for the winter. By spring,
+certainly, she would know what lay before her.
+
+William Frost, who had once been in the habit of walking home with her,
+was married. A well-to-do farmer living up the Wissahickon had called a
+number of times, but he had four children, and Rachel had no mind to
+give up her home for hard work and little thanks. She was still young,
+and with her good marriage portion would not go begging. But the choice
+of her heart, the best love of her heart all her life, would be Andrew
+Henry, and she felt the child and the girl, Primrose, had always stood
+in her way. If she would only marry!
+
+But Primrose was having a lovely winter. True, there were times when
+Allin Wharton grew a little too tender, and she would tease him in her
+willful fashion, or be very cool to him, or sometimes treat him in an
+indifferent and sisterly fashion, so difficult to surmount. There were
+so many others, though Primrose adroitly evaded steady admirers. When
+they grew too urgent she fled out to the farm and Betty.
+
+There was great fun, too, in planning for wedding gear. Polly's sister,
+Margaret, was grown up now, and Polly was to be married in the late
+spring, and go out to the farm all summer, as the Randolphs had fully
+decided to return to Virginia in April. Mr. Randolph would go a month or
+two earlier to see about a home to shelter them. For although the treaty
+of peace had not been signed it was an accepted fact, and everybody
+settled to it.
+
+Old Philadelphia woke up to the fact that she must make herself nearly
+all over. Low places were drained, bridges built, new docks constructed,
+and rows of houses went up. The wildernesses about, that had grown to
+brushwood, were cleared away. Hills were to be lowered, and there was a
+famous one in Arch Street.
+
+"Nay, I should not know the place without it," declared Madam Wetherill.
+"It will answer for my time, and after that do as you like."
+
+But she was to go out of Arch Street years before her death, though she
+did not live to be one hundred and two.
+
+The taverns made themselves more decorous and respectable, the coffee
+houses were really attractive, the theater ventured to offer quite a
+variety of plays, and the assemblies began in a very select fashion.
+There was also a more general desire for intelligence, and the days of
+"avoiding Papishers and learning to knit" as the whole duty of women
+were at an end.
+
+There were grace and ease and refinement and wit, and a peaceable sort
+of air since Congress had gone to Princeton.
+
+Midwinter brought out-of-door amusements, though the season seemed
+short, for spring came early, and in March parties were out hunting for
+trailing arbutus and hardy spring flowers, exchanging tulip bulbs and
+dividing rose bushes, as well as putting out trees and fine shrubbery
+that was to make the city a garden for many a long year.
+
+Primrose danced and was merry, and skated with Allin Wharton when Polly
+and Phil could go, but she was very wary of confining herself to one.
+She dropped in and cheered Aunt Lois and fascinated Faith with her
+bright talk and her bright gowns and the great bow under her chin, for
+even if it was gray it seemed the softest and most bewildering color
+that ever was worn. Then she rode out and spent two or three days
+frolicking with Betty's babies, and came home more utterly fascinating
+than before.
+
+"Oh, Primrose!" said Madam Wetherill, "I cannot think what to do with
+thee. Thou wilt presently be the talk of the town."
+
+"Oh, I think I will go to Virginia with Betty and bury myself in a great
+southern forest where no one can find me. And I will take along pounds
+of silk and knit some long Quaker stockings for Andrew, with beautiful
+clocks in them. Hast thou not remarked, dear aunt, that he betrays a
+tendency toward worldliness?"
+
+"Thou art too naughty, Primrose."
+
+It was fortunate for women's purses that one did not need so many gowns
+as at the present day, even if they did take out with them marvelous
+sums. But thinking men were beginning to see the evil of the old
+Continental money and trying to devise something better, with that able
+financier, Robert Morris, at their head.
+
+The wedding finery was bought, and the looms at Germantown supplied webs
+of cloth to be made up in table napery and bedding. There were old laces
+handed down, and some brocade petticoats, and two trained gowns that had
+come from England long before. Primrose and Margaret Wharton were
+bridesmaids, and, oddly enough, Captain Vane, for he had arrived at that
+dignity, came from Newburgh on a furlough and stood with Margaret, so
+the foes and the friends were all together. It was a very fine wedding,
+and at three in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Philemon Nevitt Henry were
+put in a coach, a great luxury then, and went off in splendid state,
+with a supply of old slippers thrown after them for good luck.
+
+Captain Vane had lost his estate, that was a foregone conclusion. The
+next of kin had acted and proved the estates forfeited.
+
+"And now I am a true buff-and-blue American," he said proudly to Madam
+Wetherill. "I shall remain a military man, for the spirit and stir of
+the life inspire me, and there seems nothing else for me to do. Phil, I
+think, was only a half-hearted soldier, and business suits him much
+better. After all, one can see that he is at home among his kinsfolk.
+Perhaps there was a little of the old Quaker leaven in him that England
+could not quite work out. He has a charming wife, and a friend such as
+few men find;" bowing low and kissing the lady's hand.
+
+A party of guests went out to the farm to have a gay time with the young
+couple. It was Primrose's birthday, but it never rained a drop. And it
+would have been hard to tell which was the heroine of the occasion,
+Primrose or Polly. And, oh, the verses that were made! some halting and
+some having altogether too many feet. There were dancing and jollity and
+every room was crowded. They had coaxed Betty to stay and she was very
+charming; quite too young, everybody said, to be a widow with two
+babies.
+
+Philemon Henry held his pretty sister to his heart and gave her eighteen
+kisses for her birthday.
+
+"Dear, thou hast so many gifts on all occasions," he said, "that a
+brother's best love is all I can bestow upon thee now. When I am a rich
+man it may be otherwise. Polly and thee will always be the dearest of
+sisters, and I hope to be a faithful son to Madam Wetherill."
+
+Primrose wiped some tears from her lovely eyes.
+
+"That is the best any man can be," she made answer.
+
+It was a very gay fortnight, and Allin Wharton was so angry and so
+wretched that he scarce knew how to live. Captain Vane was handsome and
+fascinating, and a hero from having lost his estates, and there were a
+full hundred reasons why he should be attractive to a woman. He believed
+Andrew Henry was no sort of rival beside him. Of course Primrose
+would--what a fool he had been to take Polly's advice and wait!
+
+But Primrose had been very wise and very careful for such a pretty,
+pleasure-loving girl. There had been something in Gilbert Vane's eyes
+that told the story, and she understood now what it was: the sweetest
+and noblest story a man can tell a woman, but a woman may not always be
+ready to hear it, and now some curious knowledge had come to
+Primrose--she would never be ready to hear this.
+
+She had threaded her way skillfully through every turning, she had
+jested and parried until she was amazed at her own resources. The last
+morning Madam Wetherill was suddenly called down to the office about the
+transfer of some property, and she had not been gone ten minutes when
+Captain Vane was announced.
+
+He was very disappointed not to see madam--of course. Primrose was shy
+and looked like a bird about to fly somewhere, but so utterly bewitching
+that his whole heart went out to her.
+
+"Oh, you sweetest, dearest Primrose!" he cried, and caught her hand in
+such a clasp that she could not pull it away. "I love you, love you! and
+yet I have no business to say it, a soldier of fortune, who has nothing
+now but his sword, and his patriotism for the country of his
+adoption--all his fortune yet to make. But it will not hurt you, dear,
+to know that a man loves you with his whole soul and hopes
+for--nothing."
+
+But his wistful eyes told another story.
+
+"Oh, why did you say it?" she cried, full of regret.
+
+"Because I could not help it. Oh, I know it is useless, and yet I would
+give half a lifetime--nay, all of it--for a year or two of such bliss as
+Phil is having, to hold you in my arms, to call you my wife, my dear
+wife," and his tone thrilled her with exquisite pain, but something akin
+to pleasure as well. "Primrose, you are the sweetest flower of the
+world, but it could never be--never; tell me so, darling. Much as it
+pains you, say 'no.' For if you do not I shall always dream. And I am a
+soldier and can meet my fate."
+
+He dropped her hand and stood before her straight, strong, and proud;
+entreaty written in every line of his face. She covered hers with her
+hands to shut out the sight and tried vainly to find her voice.
+
+"Nay, dear," he took the hands down tenderly and saw tears and blushes,
+but not the look he wanted. "That was cruel, unmanly. If it were 'yes'
+there would be no tears, and so I am answered. It is not your fault. You
+have a grander, nobler lover than I. But it has been sweet to love you.
+From almost the first I have loved you, when you were a little girl and
+I longed to have you for my sister. It will not hurt you, as the years
+go on, to know you won a soldier for your country and a lifelong
+patriot. And I know Andrew Henry will not grudge me one kiss. God give
+thee all happiness. Good-by."
+
+He pressed his lips to her forehead and turned.
+
+"God bless thee," she said, and he bowed reverently as he went out of
+the room.
+
+She stood quite still, never heeding the tears that dropped on the front
+of her gown. Andrew Henry! Her dear, dear cousin, who was like a
+brother. Did he love her that way? Did she love him? And if she did
+there was her solemn promise to Rachel.
+
+She ran upstairs and had a good cry.
+
+"Whatever is the matter?" asked Patty. "You are fuller of whims than an
+egg is of meat, for the egg has a breathing space if the chick wants it.
+Not an hour ago you were laughing like a mocking bird. You had better
+have a pitcher of sweet balm for your nerves. You have dissipated too
+much, but thank Heaven there are no more weddings near by."
+
+Primrose dried her eyes and laughed again presently. It was noon when
+Madam Wetherill returned. Attorney Chew had been in with some new plans
+that were quite wonderful.
+
+"And Captain Vane to say good-by. What friends he and Phil are! But he
+is a soldier born, if ever there was one. And he looked so fine and
+spirited. He said he had been here."
+
+"For a few minutes, yes. And now, dear madam, when you are rested, can
+we have a better afternoon to ride out to the Pembertons'? I have
+promised some books to Julia, and that new sleeve pattern, and to-morrow
+Polly comes in."
+
+"Well, child--yes, after my nap. 'Tis a lovely day, and every day is so
+busy. Yes, we will go."
+
+She hath escaped that danger, Madam Wetherill thought. And in her heart
+she honored the brave soldier; how brave, she was never quite to know.
+
+Was there ever a summer without diversions? There was a new interest in
+plants and flowers. Parties went out to John Bartram's, the quaint old
+house with its wide doorway and the great vines that had climbed over it
+for years, until they had grown thick as a man's wrist, almost hiding
+the names cut in the stone long ago, of John and Elizabeth Bartram. The
+old garden of flowers and the ferns were worth some study. And there
+were rambles in the lanes, going after wild strawberries, and even the
+venturesome ones went on the sly to Dunk's Ferry and had their fortune
+told by Old Alice. There were many little shrieks and giggles, and
+joyous or protesting confidences afterward.
+
+And now Primrose thought, as she had years before, that she was quite
+torn in two. Did she love Andrew Henry with an absorbing love, such as
+Polly had for her brother? Another face and another voice haunted her.
+She dreamed of Allin Wharton. This night they were sailing up the lovely
+Schuylkill and pausing under the overhanging trees to hear the birds
+who were saying, "Sweet, sweet, I love you," and then Allin would look
+up at her.
+
+Then they were at the farm. Betty and the babies were gone now, and she
+missed them sorely. But Allin came out with Phil, and Phil walked off
+with Polly. Would they never get talked out? Then Allin would draw her
+out in some fragrant nook and look at her with upbraiding eyes. Or, it
+was vivacious Peggy who would drag her in to tea, and then some girl
+would come and she and Allin be left alone again.
+
+Then, by day and in real life, she was cross and tormenting to him.
+Desperately sorry afterward, for now she had no ambition to be
+bad-tempered. Everything had come out to her satisfaction. Phil was the
+dearest of brothers, and prospering, and Madam Wetherill was elated with
+her successful firm. The prestige of the elder Henry dropped its mantle
+over them. And as for Polly, there could not be a wiser, sweeter wife.
+Then Aunt Lois was so tranquilly happy, and Faith growing brighter, yes,
+prettier, and buying grays with a peachy or lavender tint instead of
+that snuffy yellow, or dismally cold stone color, and coaxing Andrew,
+sometimes, to go to Christ Church to hear the singing or the tender
+prayers where the people could all say "Amen."
+
+Oh, what was the matter that she was not happy and satisfied!
+
+Allin was studying hard and well, and growing more manly every day. And
+at last he made up his mind there should be no more shilly-shallying.
+For when Primrose was tender and sweet he knew she loved him. She
+was--yes, a little bit jealous when he wandered too far in a half
+angry, half desperate moment.
+
+So one evening he came upon her all alone. Miss Jeffries had begged
+madam so to come in to a little card party, for now her father was quite
+lame and could not get out much, and rather deaf, and altogether
+disheartened about England conquering America. Therefore it was a
+charity to visit him.
+
+"And lose _my_ money now," she said with a good-natured laugh.
+
+Now Primrose could not shelter herself behind Polly nor Phil. She was
+sweet and startled, and a dozen things that made her lovelier than ever,
+with a betraying color coming and going in her charming face. And the
+lover took sudden heart. How many times he had planned the scene. There
+was a lover in an old novel that won an obdurate lady, and he had
+rehearsed the arguments numberless times, they were so fine and
+convincing. Oh, how did they begin?
+
+He reached over suddenly and took her in his arms and kissed the
+fragrant lips again and again.
+
+"Primrose," just above his breath, "you know I love you. You must have
+seen it ages ago, that morning you came,--do you remember,--when I had
+been wounded, and how we talked and talked, and you sung. I couldn't
+bear to have you go. You were the sweetest and dearest and most lovely
+thing in the whole wide world. Polly had talked so much about you. And
+ever since that you have been a part of my very life. I've been jealous,
+and angry when you smiled on others, and you do it so much, Primrose;
+and when that handsome young Vane was here I remembered how you loved
+soldiers and was--well I could have waylaid him and done anything to
+him, but that wouldn't have won you. I've waited so long. And now,
+Primrose, you must give me a little hope. Just say you will love me
+sometime. Oh, no! I can't wait, either. Primrose, my darling, the
+sweetness and glory of my life, love me now, now."
+
+The words came out like a torrent and carried her along. The kisses had
+gone down to her very soul. The clasp of his hands thrilled her.
+
+"Primrose, my sweetest darling----"
+
+It seemed as if she was under a spell. She tried to free herself, but
+she had no strength. Other men had said silly things, but this was like
+a swift rush of music, and she was sure no one had ever uttered Primrose
+in such an exquisitely delicious tone before.
+
+"Oh, Allin!" in a half sigh.
+
+All the answer was kisses.
+
+"Allin, Allin! Oh, let me--yes, let me free. I must tell you----"
+
+"You must tell me nothing, save that you love me. I will listen to
+nothing else. Primrose, sweetest, dearest----"
+
+"Oh, hush, Allin, let me think----"
+
+If she did not mean to love him he would know it by some sure sign. The
+hesitation, the half yielding tells its own story.
+
+And the very foolishness of love went to her heart. The vehemence, the
+ownership in its fearlessness, the persuasive certainty. Of course she
+had known it all along, she had feared now on the side of distance, now
+that he might speak too soon, then wondered if he would ever speak at
+all, while she was all the while putting him off, strange contradiction.
+
+"Say that you love me. Just say it once and I will live on it for
+weeks."
+
+"Oh, Allin, you would grow thin!" She gave a little half-hysterical
+laugh. And then something stole over her, an impression vague,
+inexplicable, that she did not quite belong to herself. Was there
+someone who had a better right than Allin? Before she gave herself
+irrevocably to this delightful young lover, she must be sure, quite
+sure.
+
+"What is it, Primrose?" for he had noted the change, the almost paleness
+that drowned out the beautiful, radiant flush that was happiness,
+satisfaction.
+
+"Oh, Primrose, surely you did not, do not love Captain Vane?"
+
+There was a struggle in her soul, in her pulses, an unseen power that
+grasped her and for a moment almost rendered her breathless.
+
+"No, I did not--love him--but he----"
+
+"Oh, I know. It is hard winning what everyone wants," he answered
+moodily. "But tell me one good reason why you cannot love me."
+
+As if there was no good reason she was silent.
+
+"I really couldn't stand the uncertainty. I couldn't study. Oh, what
+would it all be worth--life, fame, fortune, or anything if I did not
+have you!"
+
+"Do you love me as much as that. Would it make a great difference?"
+
+"It would ruin all my life. It is in your hands. Oh, my darling!" For it
+was so delightful to be necessary.
+
+It was not foolish to the ears of eighteen when the heart of eighteen
+had sometimes longed for the words. Good, sound sense is much amiss in
+lovemaking.
+
+"And you do love me--a little?"
+
+If he could make her admit that he would coax a great deal more.
+
+"I--I can't tell in a moment."
+
+"But you know you do? Will you deny utterly that you do?"
+
+She could evade with pretty turnings and windings, but this, so simple,
+so to the point.
+
+"Oh, wait," she cried. "I must think. Allin it is a lifelong thing. I
+want to be sure----"
+
+"And then you will smile on someone else, and walk with someone else and
+dance and all that, and I shall be utterly miserable and never sure
+until you do promise."
+
+She put her hand over his, her soft dimpled hand that thrilled and
+comforted him, and said in a beseeching tone, as if it was his to grant
+or not:
+
+"Give me a month, Allin. I will not smile on anyone, since you think it
+so dangerous," with a touch of her old witchery.
+
+"A month! As if you could not tell in a moment whether you loved or
+hated!"
+
+"But I don't hate. I like you ever so much. I want to think it over. One
+must consider----"
+
+"A week then. And after that we can be engaged for ever so long. It
+shall all be as you like then."
+
+It proved very difficult to settle the point. He was so urgent, she so
+hesitating. The big old English clock in the hall struck ten, and
+gentlemen expected to keep good hours.
+
+"Do not come in a whole week. No, do not kiss me again," and she held
+her dainty head up haughtily. "It was all very wrong. I should not have
+allowed such a thing until I was quite sure. Allin, perhaps I am a
+coquette."
+
+"You may be anything if you are only mine."
+
+"And then of course I should be steady and devoted, and--like Polly."
+
+That was a maddening picture to hold out. But she would be a hundred
+times sweeter than Polly, than anyone's sister could possibly be, he
+thought as he went his way.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Was there a ghost in the room? Primrose shivered as she looked at her
+bed with the white curtains and her dressing table that all the girls
+were trimming up now with ruffling and bows. She was so glad to hear the
+chaise stop and to have the warm, ample presence in the room, to hear
+the cheerful voice.
+
+"Poor old Mr. Jeffries fails fast," said madam. "It would be a sin to
+win his money now. And I grew so dull and sleepy that I wished myself
+home twenty times. Suppose one had an old husband like that? And years
+ago, about fifteen, I think, Mr. Ralph Jeffries asked for my hand."
+
+She laughed softly and began to take out her pins and stick them
+carefully in the cushion. Pins were very precious then.
+
+There were two rainy days, an autumnal storm. Then Sunday. Allin Wharton
+looked at Primrose across the church and spoke coming out. There were
+laces to mend and gowns to consider and poor to visit. And all the time
+Primrose Henry was thinking if--if a man who was nobleness and goodness
+and tenderness itself, loved her, and would never love anyone else, what
+ought she to do?
+
+Thursday noon Phil came in to dinner. Polly was not very well and he was
+going out at three. Wouldn't Primrose come with him?
+
+Primrose colored and looked oddly embarrassed, and said, in a confused
+sort of way, there was something she must do this afternoon, but
+to-morrow she would come out and spend two or three days with Polly. She
+sent her best and dearest love.
+
+Yes, she must know once for all. If duty was demanded of her--if she
+loved Andrew less, or more, when it came to that. What was this romance
+and mystery, and incomprehensible thrill! She _did_ experience it for
+Allin, and alone by herself her face flushed and every pulse trembled.
+His foolish words were so sweet. His kisses--ah, _had_ she any right to
+offer the cup of joy and delight to another when someone had drained the
+first sweetness?
+
+But if Andrew loved her with the best and holiest love. Could she follow
+in her mother's steps? But her mother had singled Philemon Henry out of
+a world of lovers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE OLD AND THE NEW.
+
+
+Primrose Henry put on her camlet cloak and took several skeins of yarn
+to one of the old ladies in the almshouses, to knit some stockings for
+some other poor. Afterward she sauntered round with a guilty feeling.
+She often ran in to see Phil and Andrew, and the one clerk always stared
+at the radiant vision. She hesitated on the broad sill, then she opened
+the door. There was a sort of counting room first, and that was vacant
+now. Andrew was in the apartment beyond.
+
+There was her promise to Rachel. Oh, what must she do!
+
+"Philemon has gone," and Andrew glanced up with tender gravity as he
+espied Primrose.
+
+"Yes. I saw him. How is Aunt Lois, and Faith?"
+
+"Very well." There was a different smile, now, a sense of amusement, and
+a peculiar light in the eyes like relief.
+
+"What is it?" Her heart-beat almost strangled her.
+
+"Rachel was in this morning. And you cannot guess--she is to be married
+presently."
+
+"Married! And she cared so much for you," cried Primrose in
+consternation.
+
+Andrew colored and moved his head with a slow negative.
+
+"No, it could not have been. Andrew--I wonder what kind of a wife you
+would like?" turning her eyes away.
+
+He could have reached out his hand and answered her with a clasp. But
+there was another who loved her very much, who was young and gay and
+full of ardent hopes. That would be better for the child.
+
+"I shall not marry for years to come." His voice was very tranquil.
+"There is my mother, and now we are so much to each other."
+
+"And _she_ ought to be a Friend. You would like a Friend best, Andrew?
+And no flighty young thing."
+
+Was _she_ thinking of anything? Oh, she was too young and sweet. It
+would be putting a butterfly in a cage.
+
+"That would be better, certainly. When two people elect to spend their
+lives together, it is best that they should have similar tastes and
+desires."
+
+"But a sweet and pretty one, Andrew. One like Miss Whiting, who is
+intelligent and noble and reads a great many things and has a lovely
+garden of flowers. I want you to be very, very happy, Andrew."
+
+"Thank you, little one. Let me wish the same for you. A gallant young
+lover with ambition, who can take his place in society and who will
+enjoy with you the youthful pleasures that are so much to you, and then
+grow older with you and come to ripe middle life and serene old age. I
+think I could put my finger on someone----"
+
+Primrose's sweet face was scarlet, and her eyes suddenly fluttered down
+with tremulous lids.
+
+"Thou hast been a dear little sister," going back to the Quaker speech.
+"Thy happiness will be much to me; thy pain, if any happened to thee,
+would be my pain. Thy prosperity will always be my prayer, for I think
+thou wert born for sunniness and clear sailing and joy, with someone
+bright and young like thyself."
+
+"A little sister," she repeated softly. If it was that and only that,
+her conscience would be clear.
+
+"Yes. Didst thou ever doubt it?"
+
+He raised his serene brown eyes and smiled. He was not one to carry all
+his soul in his eyes.
+
+"Nay, and I never shall." She pressed her lips to his forehead, which
+was as fair as any girl's. How long it had been since he kissed her! He
+might trust himself again on her wedding day.
+
+"And now tell me about Rachel. We have queer talk of loves and such."
+
+"He is a young man, a neighbor, the eldest of several sons. And Rachel
+hath a nice dower. I hope all will go well."
+
+She was infinitely sorry for Rachel at that moment.
+
+"You will come soon and see us. I send love to Aunt Lois," and Primrose
+turned.
+
+"Fare thee well. Blessings attend thee, little one."
+
+He sat there a long while, thinking how her mother had given up many
+worldly things for the man she loved. Primrose would do it, too, he said
+stoutly to himself, if she had loved. It was best this way. The sunshine
+did not rise up from the brown earth, but shone down out of the radiant
+blue sky.
+
+Primrose Henry went home with a light heart. And that evening Allin
+Wharton had his answer.
+
+Madam Wetherill shook her head, but said smilingly, "If you take the
+young woman you must take the old one, too. I will never give up
+Primrose."
+
+The girl's soft arms were around her neck and the sweet young voice,
+with a rapture of emotion, cried, "Oh, madam, am I indeed so dear to
+you?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The world goes on and the stories of life are repeated, but to each one
+comes that supreme taste of personal joy and rapture that is alone for
+itself; that is new, no matter how many times it may have been lived
+over.
+
+There was a long, delightful engagement of the young people, who waited
+for Allin to take his degree, and his father felt justly proud of his
+standing. There was all the reckless happiness of two young people in
+that wonderful joyousness of youth when one apes sorrows for the sake of
+being comforted, indulges in dainty disagreements so that they can
+repent with fascinating sweetness, and are inconsequent, unreasonable,
+entrancing, and delightful, and gayety of any kind seems good, so that
+it goes hand and hand with love. Primrose danced and laughed through her
+April years, and then came May with bloom and more steadiness, and then
+peerless, magnificent June.
+
+"I am but a sad trifler, after all," she would say to Madam Wetherill.
+"Shall I ever be like my dear mother or have any of the sober Henry
+blood in me?"
+
+"Nay," was the answer. "We never find fault with the rose because it
+does not bear an ear of corn or a stalk of grain. And yet so great a
+thing as an oak tree is content to bear a small acorn."
+
+And while they were being married and rejoicing in Phil's sturdy little
+boy and dainty, golden-haired baby girl called Primrose, old
+Philadelphia was making rapid strides. Indeed, in Washington's language,
+the United Colonies had now "the opportunity to become a respectable
+nation," and it came back to the city where it had first uttered its
+lusty young cry and protest. In May of 1787, in the old State House,
+assembled the delegates who were to frame a Constitution that would
+stand the wear and tear of time. Their four months' work has come down
+to us written in letters of imperishable glory, that were not to be too
+large for the Thirteen Colonies, and large enough for any multiple the
+nation might come to use in the course of its existence.
+
+For the tardy treaty of peace had been signed, and though there were
+much discussion and various opinions, such as children of one family
+often have, it was all settled. And the next Fourth of July had a grand
+procession, for the times, and a ship of state was dragged proudly
+through the streets on a float, with some pretty boys for midshipmen;
+the great judges in their official robes, soldiers, and civilians, and,
+side by side, walked Andrew Henry and Philemon Henry, brothers indeed in
+all the wide and varied interests that go to make up brotherhood and not
+a little human love. The bells of Christ Church, that had once been
+taken down and hidden from vandal hands, were rehung, and rung at
+intervals all day long, while flags floated and bonfires blazed at
+night, and a grand supper was eaten by the dignitaries at Bush Hill.
+
+While other and larger matters were being discussed, a President
+nominated, elected, and inaugurated, Philadelphia, like a prudent
+householder, was attending to her own affairs. When Washington passed
+through the city on his way to New York to receive the grandest
+compliment of the nation, she again paid him all honor in his reception.
+
+The beautiful city with its greenery and quiet, of which William Penn
+had dreamed, and in many of whose footsteps the renowned Franklin had
+followed, had gone through curious changes, and was putting on new
+aspects with every year. But "Fairemount," with its homes that were to
+be handed down in story a hundred years later; Stenton, with its grand
+aspects; Lansdowne, with its woods and waters; the Logan House, the
+Shippens', and old Mount Pleasant, and so on stretching up the banks of
+the Schuylkill were to be left beautiful and tranquil and free from the
+thought of business invasion. For Old Philadelphia is like a dream, and
+there will always linger about it the youthful tenderness of William
+Penn's plan and his life story.
+
+And then, to the chagrin of New York, came the transference of the
+Capital to Philadelphia. She had perked up and brightened up, stretched
+out her wharves, filled up her low places, cleared her streets of
+rubbish, and built rows of houses, had her library and her university,
+and it seemed as if she had been getting ready for this accession within
+her borders, the "Republican Court," as it was to be called.
+
+A plain enough house, on High Street, it was, with a few fine old trees
+about, where many famous decisions were shaped by wisdom that seems
+wonderful to us now. When Congress was in session there were many
+gayeties, dinners, private balls, suppers, and dances for the young
+people, and then, to its ruler, the retirement of Mount Vernon.
+
+With it all a sort of serene steadiness and refinement that never
+allowed pleasures to degenerate into a maddening whirl. A thrift and
+prudence, too, that had become a solid, underlying strand in the
+character of the city.
+
+The bell still rang out on market mornings and mistresses were not above
+visiting the long, clean spaces, though there was much fault-finding
+about the dearness of things, and Mrs. Adams complained of the
+loneliness of Bush Hill, though she was afterward to be comforted by
+being the first lady of the land at Washington, the final Capital.
+
+Primrose Wharton was a pretty young wife and the mother of a
+golden-haired little girl when she next saw "Lady Washington," as she
+was often called. She had settled into a gracious, but still piquant,
+matron, and she and Allin enjoyed the theater and still dearly loved a
+dance. Madam Wetherill was yet a handsome and stately dame, and "foolish
+over the little one," she said.
+
+There were many memories of the dismal winter of Valley Forge renewed
+when Mrs. Washington met some of the brave soldiers. And among them all
+there was no finer nor more attractive figure than that of Andrew Henry,
+now arrived at its full manliness. The Quaker costume became him as no
+other would, though the Continental attire was distinctive and well
+calculated to show off a man. Fair and fresh and strong, yet with
+well-bred gentleness and a cultivated mind, he was often singled out at
+the receptions, and more than one admiring girl would have gladly
+enacted Bessy Wardour's romance.
+
+Was there any story in the eyes that gave a glimpse of the great heart
+back of them? tender, sweet, brave eyes? Sometimes Primrose Wharton
+thought so, and all her pulses stood still in awesome silence. She was
+very happy. She and Allin had had an April fling and had settled into
+May bloom, but--could anything have been different--better? Not for her,
+but for him. A little sister! Is she that?
+
+He was very happy, now, in a larger house, with a study and book
+shelves, his mother a tender and tranquil woman, Faith a contented
+housekeeper with a servant, and hardly knowing which to adore the most,
+Polly Henry's merry madcap household, or Primrose Wharton's sunny-haired
+daughter.
+
+The only thing Philemon Henry would undo are those years that he was
+hardly answerable for.
+
+"Of course it was not your fault," Polly declares in her impetuous,
+fond, and justifying way. "I think it really braver, for it requires
+more courage to own that a man has been wrong, than to go along in a
+straight path already made for him. And I fell in love with you as a
+redcoat, I really did, and fought with myself in the nights when I was
+alone. For, of course, I couldn't have told Prim; she would have crossed
+me quite out of her books. And I wouldn't have dared hint such a thing
+to anybody. Now, truly, was I not a silly girl?"
+
+A fond kiss is her answer.
+
+If the war made enemies it also made brothers, informed with larger
+wisdom.
+
+A hundred and more years ago! Yet there are storied places that will
+never die out and the old bell of freedom has clanged many a peal, and
+the State House had many a Pilgrim. Truly there are numberless worthies
+in the great beyond, who have left behind imperishable memories even in
+a city that has grown anew more than once, and added beauty to beauty.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Girl Chum's Series
+
+ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS.
+
+ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES.
+
+
+A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
+authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and full
+of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting motives,
+vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS.
+
+BENHURST, CLUB, THE. By Howe Benning.
+
+BERTHA'S SUMMER BOARDERS. By Linnie S. Harris.
+
+BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West. By Joy Allison.
+
+DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story. By Caroline B. Le Row.
+
+FUSSBUDGET'S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls. By Anna F. Burnham.
+
+HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A. By Elizabeth Cummings.
+
+JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories. By Agnes Carr Sage.
+
+KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl's Story of Factory Life. By M. E. Winslow.
+
+LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls. By M. L. Thornton-Wilder.
+
+MAJORIBANKS. A Girl's Story. By Elvirton Wright.
+
+MISS CHARITY'S HOUSE. By Howe Benning.
+
+MISS ELLIOT'S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls. By Mary Spring Corning.
+
+MISS MALCOLM'S TEN. A Story For Girls. By Margaret E. Winslow.
+
+ONE GIRL'S WAY OUT. By Howe Benning.
+
+PEN'S VENTURE. By Elvirton Wright.
+
+RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls. By Marion Thorne.
+
+THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life. By M. E. Winslow.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers. A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York.
+
+
+The Girl Comrade's Series
+
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+
+
+A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
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+of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting motives,
+vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.
+
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+
+A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER. By I. T. Thurston.
+
+ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls. By Fanny E. Newberry.
+
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+
+ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
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+
+COMRADES. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
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+
+JOYCE'S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers. A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York.
+
+
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+
+By CAROLYN JUDSON BURNETT
+
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding Price, 40c. per Volume
+
+_Splendid Stories of the Adventures of a Group of Charming Girls_
+
+THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' VACATION ADVENTURES; or, Shirley Willing
+to the Rescue.
+
+THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS; or, A Four Weeks'
+Tour with the Glee Club.
+
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+Mission of Peace.
+
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+Summer's Cruise Through the Panama Canal.
+
+
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+
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+
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+
+MILDRED KEITH
+
+MILDRED'S MARRIED LIFE
+
+MILDRED AT ROSELANDS
+
+MILDRED AT HOME
+
+MILDRED AND ELSIE
+
+MILDRED'S BOYS AND GIRLS
+
+MILDRED'S NEW DAUGHTER
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers
+
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+
+
+The Camp Fire Girls Series
+
+By HILDEGARD G. FREY. The only series of stories for Camp Fire Girls
+endorsed by the officials of the Camp Fire Girls Organization. PRICE, 40
+CENTS PER VOLUME
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The Winnebagos go Camping.
+
+     This lively Camp Fire group and their Guardian go back to
+     Nature in a camp in the wilds of Maine and pile up more
+     adventures in one summer than they have had in all their
+     previous vacations put together. Before the summer is over they
+     have transformed Gladys, the frivolous boarding school girl,
+     into a genuine Winnebago.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers.
+
+     It is the custom of the Winnebagos to weave the events of their
+     lives into symbolic bead bands, instead of keeping a diary. All
+     commendatory doings are worked out in bright colors, but every
+     time the Law of of the Camp Fire is broken it must be recorded
+     is black. How these seven live wire girls strive to infuse into
+     their school life the spirit of Work, Health and Love and yet
+     manage to get into more than their share of mischief, is told
+     in this story.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic Garden.
+
+     Migwan is determined to go to college, and not being strong
+     enough to work indoors earns the money by raising fruits and
+     vegetables. The Winnebagos all turn a hand to help the cause
+     along and the "goings-on" at Onoway House that summer make the
+     foundations shake with laughter.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road That Leads the Way.
+
+     The Winnebagos take a thousand mile auto trip. The "pinching"
+     of Nyoda, the fire in the country inn, the runaway girl and the
+     dead-earnest hare and hound chase combine to make these three
+     weeks the most exciting the Winnebagos have ever experienced.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers
+
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+
+
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+
+By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS
+
+In Handsome Cloth Binding
+
+Price, per Volume 60 Cents
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    A Little Girl in Old New York
+
+    A Little Girl of Long Ago
+      A sequel to "A Little Girl in Old New York"
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Boston
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Washington
+
+    A Little Girl in Old New Orleans
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Detroit
+
+    A Little Girl in Old St. Louis
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Chicago
+
+    A Little Girl in Old San Francisco
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Quebec
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Baltimore
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Salem
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For Sale by all Booksellers or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS
+
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+
+
+
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diff --git a/28648-8.zip b/28648-8.zip
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia, by Amanda Minnie Douglas</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em;
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia, by Amanda
+Minnie Douglas</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia</p>
+<p>Author: Amanda Minnie Douglas</p>
+<p>Release Date: April 30, 2009  [eBook #28648]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by<br />
+    Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, J. P. W. Fraser, Josephine Paolucci,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 414px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="414" height="650" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h1>A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA</h1>
+
+
+<h2>By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 262px;">
+<img src="images/image2.jpg" width="262" height="350" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">
+A. L. BURT COMPANY<br />
+<span class="smcap">Publishers</span>      <span class="smcap">New York</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1890,<br />
+by<br />
+DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY.</span><br />
+</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<h3>TO MR. AND MRS. HENRY HORTON LAWRENCE.</h3>
+
+<p>The early youth of an old town has a certain simplicity like the youth
+of human life. Its struggles, its romance, its unfolding come down
+through the earnest hands that have labored for its welfare and left
+imperishable monuments. To the legacies of remembrances you have had
+handed down to you, I add this little story of a long ago time, a posy
+culled from quaint gardens.</p>
+
+
+<p class="right"><i>With sincere regard</i>,<br /><br />
+
+AMANDA M. DOUGLAS.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Newark</span>, N.J., 1899.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>
+CHAPTER                                       <span class="tocnum">PAGE</span><br />
+<br />
+I.     <span class="smcap">Here and There,</span>                  <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></span><br />
+<br />
+II.    <span class="smcap">Bessy Wardour,</span>                  <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_14'>14</a></span><br />
+<br />
+III.   <span class="smcap">In a New World,</span>                 <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_29'>29</a></span><br />
+<br />
+IV.    <span class="smcap">Of Many Things,</span>                 <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_44'>44</a></span><br />
+<br />
+V.     <span class="smcap">A Bouleversement,</span>               <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_58'>58</a></span><br />
+<br />
+VI.    <span class="smcap">To the Rescue,</span>                  <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_74'>74</a></span><br />
+<br />
+VII.   <span class="smcap">At Some Crossroads,</span>             <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_87'>87</a></span><br />
+<br />
+VIII.  <span class="smcap">A Little Rebel,</span>                <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_104'>104</a></span><br />
+<br />
+IX.    <span class="smcap">Fate To the Fore,</span>              <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_122'>122</a></span><br />
+<br />
+X.     <span class="smcap">To Turn and Fight,</span>             <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_134'>134</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XI.    <span class="smcap">A Rift of Suspicion,</span>           <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_150'>150</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XII.   <span class="smcap">True To Her Colors,</span>            <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_167'>167</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XIII.  <span class="smcap">Under the Rose,</span>                <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_183'>183</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XIV.   <span class="smcap">For Native Land and Loyalty,</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_200'>200</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XV.    <span class="smcap">Parting,</span>                       <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_215'>215</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XVI.   <span class="smcap">Love and True Love,</span>            <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_231'>231</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XVII.  <span class="smcap">Mid War's Alarms,</span>              <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_238'>238</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XVIII. <span class="smcap">Whom Shall She Pity,</span>           <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_264'>264</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XIX.   <span class="smcap">Midnight Tidings of Great Joy,</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_279'>279</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XX.    <span class="smcap">When the World Went Well,</span>      <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_297'>297</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXI.   <span class="smcap">An April Girl,</span>                 <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_312'>312</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXII.  <span class="smcap">Polly and Phil,</span>                <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_330'>330</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXIII. <span class="smcap">Primrose,</span>                      <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_342'>342</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXIV.  <span class="smcap">The Old and the New,</span>           <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_364'>364</a></span><br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>HERE AND THERE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>She was swinging her gingham sunbonnet, faded beyond any recognition of
+its pristine coloring, her small hand keeping tight hold of the strings.
+At every revolution it went swifter and swifter until it seemed a
+grayish sort of wheel whirling in the late sunshine that sent long
+shadows among the trees. When she let it go it flew like a great bird,
+while she laughed sweet, merry childish notes that would have stirred
+almost any soul. A slim, lithe little maid with a great crop of yellow
+hair, cut short in the neck, and as we should say now, banged across the
+forehead. But it was a mass of frowzy curls that seemed full of
+sunshine.</p>
+
+<p>With two or three quick leaps she captured it again and was just
+preparing for her next swirl.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose! Primrose! I think thee grows more disorderly every day. What
+caper is this? Look at these strings, they are like a twisted rope. And
+if thy bonnet had gone into the pond! For that matter it needs the
+washtub."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose laughed again and then broke it in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>middle with a
+funny little sound, and glanced at the tall woman beside her, who was
+smoothing out the strings with sundry pinches.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly thou art a heedless girl! What thou wilt be&mdash;&mdash;" She checked
+herself. "Come at once to the kitchen. Wash thy face and hands and comb
+out that nest of frowze. Let me see"&mdash;surveying her. "Thou must have a
+clean pinafore. And dust thy shoes."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose followed Aunt Lois in a spell of wonderment. The scolding was
+not severe, but it was generally followed by some sort of punishment. A
+clean pinafore, too! To be set on a high stool and study a Psalm, or be
+relegated to bread and water, and, oh! she was suddenly hungry. Down in
+the orchard were delicious ripe apples lying all about the ground. Why
+had she not gone and taken her fill?</p>
+
+<p>She scrubbed her face with her small hands until Aunt Lois said, "That
+is surely enough." Then she wet her hair and tugged at the tangles, but
+as for getting it straight that was out of the question. All this time
+Aunt Lois stood by silent, with her soft gray eyes fixed on the culprit,
+until Prim felt she must scream and run away.</p>
+
+<p>The elder turned to a chest of drawers and took out an apron of homespun
+blue-and-white check, a straight, bag-like garment with plain armholes
+and a cord run in at the neck. A bit of tape was quite a luxury, as it
+had to be imported, while one could twist cords, fine or coarse, at
+home.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Aunt Wetherill's housekeeper is in the next room. She has come
+hither to give notice. Next week will be the time to go in town."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Aunt Lois! Aunt Lois!" Primrose buried her face <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> in the
+elder's gown. A curious yearning passed over the placid countenance,
+followed by a stronger one of repression, and she unclasped the clinging
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a misfortune, as I have ever said, and there will be just
+shifting hither and yon, until thou art eighteen, a long way off. It
+makes thee neither fish nor fowl, for what is gained in one six months
+is upset in the next. But thy mother would have it so."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose made no further protest, but swallowed over a great lump in her
+throat and winked hard. What she longed to do was to jump up and down
+and declare she would not go, in a tone that would reach the town
+itself. Even well-trained children had unregenerate impulses, but
+self-control was one of the early rules impressed upon childhood, the
+season and soil in which virtues were supposed to take root and flourish
+most abundantly.</p>
+
+<p>There were two doors opening from this kitchen to a small hall, from
+thence to the ordinary living room, and a smaller one adjoining, used
+for a sort of parlor, as we should call it now, a kind of state room
+where the Friends often held meetings. It was very plain indeed. There
+were straight white curtains at the windows, without a bit of fringe or
+netting. Women used to make these adornments as a kind of fancy work,
+but the rigid rules of the Friends discountenanced all such employments,
+even if it was to improve odd moments. There was no carpet on the floor,
+which was scrubbed to spotlessness; chairs of oaken frame, bent, and
+polished by the busy housewife until they shone, with seats of broad
+splint or rushes painted yellow. A large set of drawers with several
+shelves on top stood between the windows, and a wooden settle <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> was
+ranged along the wall. A table with a great Bible and two or three
+religious books, and a high mantel with two enormous pitchers that
+glittered in a brilliant color which was called British luster, with a
+brass snuffers and tray and candlesticks, were the only concession to
+the spirit of worldliness.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose entered with a lagging step behind her aunt. There sat Mistress
+Janice Kent in her riding habit of green cloth faced with red silk, and
+a habit shirt of the same color just showing at the neck where the
+lapels crossed. Her hat was wound around with a green veil, and her
+gauntlet gloves were of yellow buckskin broidered with black. In one
+hand she still held her riding whip. A somewhat airy but
+dignified-looking person with dark, rather sharp eyes, and dark hair;
+and a considerable amount of color, heightened now by the rapid
+exercise.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy of me! The child has grown mightily!" she exclaimed. "Indeed,
+there will not be a thing fit for her to wear! Madam Wetherill was
+considering that, and has sent for new measurements. With the last
+vessel in, has come lots of choice stuffs of every kind, and the maid
+has already fallen to work. How do you do, Mistress Primrose? Rose would
+better become such a blossoming maid without the Prim," and she laughed
+gayly, as if pleased with her conceit. "Come hither, child; do not be
+afraid. There, I'll lay my whip on the floor. It has a threatening look,
+I will admit, yet 'tis a harmless thing without the owner's hand. I am
+sent to measure thee, Mistress Rose, and to announce that next Wednesday
+the chaise will be sent out for you, with perhaps Madam Wetherill.
+Meanwhile we shall be making ready to transform you from a sober gray
+Friend to a gay<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> young damsel. It is a pity you are not older. There
+will be great doings this winter."</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry's face settled into sterner lines. It was a sweet and
+peaceful face, rendered so by some discipline and much freedom from
+care. For the Friends made small efforts to shine in society, and at
+this period there were few calls upon charity or even sympathy. James
+Henry was a prosperous farmer, and the style of living simple. Fair as
+to complexion, rather aquiline in features, with blue-gray eyes and
+nearly straight brows, her soft hair drawn back from her forehead and
+gathered under a plain cap with a frill a little full at the sides and
+scant across the top, a half square of white linen crossed over her
+bosom, a gray homespun gown reaching barely to the ankles, with blue
+homeknit stockings and stout low shoes with a black buckle on the top,
+Lois Henry was a fine sample of a Quaker gentlewoman.</p>
+
+<p>"There are many things to life beside gayety," she said rather severely.
+"And such a child hath much that is useful to learn."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we have a tutor in the house, Madam Wetherill's two cousins will
+spend the winter in town, Miss Betty Randolph from Virginia, and Martha
+Johns from some western county. There will be lessons on the spinet and
+in dancing."</p>
+
+<p>Mistress Kent gave a little smile of malice and a jaunty toss to her
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"The child needs nothing of that since she comes back to us and plainer
+living. She reads well and is not slow in figures. I shall see that she
+is instructed in all housewifely ways, but it is ill making headway when
+the tide runs down the stream."</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry really sighed then. She did hate to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> have her six months'
+labor and interest come to naught. She longed to snatch the child from
+these paths of temptation, for now, as she was growing older, they might
+be more alluring.</p>
+
+<p>"Come hither, little one, and let me measure you. My, but you have grown
+tall, and keep slim, so there will be less for stays to do. 'As the twig
+is bent,' you know," laughing and showing her even teeth, of which she
+was very proud. "And a fine figure is a great advantage. Your hands are
+not ill-kept, I see."</p>
+
+<p>They were tanned, but dimpled, with tapering fingers and rosy nails, and
+the skin fine and soft.</p>
+
+<p>"Hands are for use and not ornament. Thou art to do with thy might
+whatsoever comes in thy way."</p>
+
+<p>"True, Friend Henry. But a clean room may abound in virtue as well as an
+untidy one. And a well-kept person surely is no sin. Put off your shoe,
+child. Ah, you have a slim foot, though no one would think it, to see
+the shoe."</p>
+
+<p>She had been taking measurements and putting figures on an ivory tablet
+that she slipped into a cloth pocket hanging at her side.</p>
+
+<p>"I have the necessary requirements, I believe, and the maid can have a
+few things in order. We will send in on Wednesday. That is the date
+appointed, Friend Henry."</p>
+
+<p>She picked up her whip with an airy grace, and stood tall and straight,
+her habit falling around her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I will bid you good-day, though it is almost evening. Do not look
+so sober, little Rose, but then we will soon have smiles displacing the
+Quaker gravity, which ill beseems young people. Friend Henry, why do
+your community consider smiling sinful when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> it is so pretty and comes
+from a merry heart? A man who went about to commit murder would scarcely
+smile, methinks."</p>
+
+<p>"'The laughter of fools is as the crackling of thorns under a pot,'" was
+the somewhat severe answer.</p>
+
+<p>"One need not break out into silly giggling," was the rather tart reply.
+"I abhor that myself. But a smile on a child's face is much to be
+preferred to a frown. 'And a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.'"</p>
+
+<p>"'Children,' saith the wise man, 'are to be brought up in the fear and
+admonition of the Lord.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, well! luckily there are many rules and opinions in the world.
+Good-by, Rose-blossom. Next week we will welcome thee at Wetherill
+House."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose followed her aunt to the door. There were Mistress Kent's horse
+and the black servant, who respectfully touched his hat and assisted his
+mistress to mount, then sprang on his own steed, and with a wave of the
+hand and a nodding of the veil she cantered away.</p>
+
+<p>"Next week! Why, Aunt Lois, how near it is! I had forgotten," Primrose
+exclaimed breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be a most excellent thing if thou wert allowed to forget
+altogether. This continual changing works ill. Now go and stir the meal
+and feed those late chicks. Put in some of the cracked corn for the
+mother hen."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose went at once, though she was eager to ask about the promised
+journey, but the habit of repression was strong upon her, and obedience
+to the letter was exacted from children at that period. It must have
+been a halcyon time for mothers when a child never ventured to ask why.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Friend Henry went out to the kitchen again. It was a great room with a
+wide fireplace and a crane that accommodated two kettles. An iron baking
+pot stood in a bed of coals, with a plentiful supply on the cover. The
+black woman came and gave it a push partly around, with the tongs, so
+that the farthest side should have the benefit of the blaze.</p>
+
+<p>There were even then many Friends who owned slaves, indeed most of the
+servants were of African descent. The feelings and beliefs of
+Philadelphia were more in consonance with the settlements farther south,
+than those to the north of them. But the Henrys held slavery in
+abhorrence, and hired their servants. Lois Henry kept but one woman, and
+she was quite superior to the average of her race; indeed, like her
+mistress, was of the persuasion of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>The two women busied themselves about the supper. If Friends were plain
+in their household adornments and attire, they did not stint in food nor
+the trouble of preparing it.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose fed the two late broods whose mothers had stolen their nests
+and brought off their families in great triumph. One had thirteen, the
+other eleven. Their mothers ran cheerfully to the coops and called their
+progeny. When the families were within, Primrose took up the slatted
+door and fastened it down with a stake and shut up the peeping things so
+busy with their supper.</p>
+
+<p>As she was loitering on the way back, she saw her uncle and cousin
+Andrew talking eagerly. Did they know she was going away next week? She
+ran forward and Andrew turned to her with a smile, while his father
+talked on.</p>
+
+<p>She clasped his hands in hers so warm and soft.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> His were brawny and
+hard, but he was a great fellow and he looked down with a kindly,
+protective air.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do you know Aunt Wetherill has sent over, and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," slowly, "we knew it was time. Madam Wetherill does not forget
+easily."</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose!" called her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>She hastened to the kitchen, rinsed out her dipper, and hung it up.
+Uncle Henry was washing his hands and Chloe was taking up the hot bread
+and dishing the stewed chicken. Oh, how delightfully appetizing the
+fragrance was! And she was so glad not to have forfeited her right to
+the supper.</p>
+
+<p>"Come to the table," said Aunt Lois.</p>
+
+<p>The four heads were bowed reverently. There was not much talking at meal
+time. Aunt Lois was ever afraid of idle words and vain babbling. Uncle
+James had a good, hearty appetite, as became his size and strength, and
+generally occupied himself in ministering to it. Children in Quaker
+households&mdash;indeed, in nearly all others&mdash;had the wise old adage dinned
+into their ears that they were to be seen and not heard, and they also
+understood that they were to be seen as little as possible.</p>
+
+<p>When the supper was ended Primrose went out to the kitchen and dried the
+teacups, of which Aunt Lois was quite choice, and the silver
+heirlooms&mdash;the teaspoons her grandmother had brought from old England.</p>
+
+<p>Friend Dunscomb was coming up the path. That meant an evening in the
+best room with Uncle James and Aunt Lois. There were many agitating
+subjects to talk about in these days. Primrose walked out of the kitchen
+door and around the path, sending<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> a long, dubious glance in the
+direction of her new home.</p>
+
+<p>Six months ago she had left it. How queer to be divided up in this way.
+She had felt lonely at Wetherill House, and missed her mother sadly. To
+be sure it was winter, and here on the farm it was glowing, golden
+summer. She had not known the dreariness of a long winter here. There
+were so many enchanting things, so much life and joy and beauty. In a
+vague way it thrilled her, even if she did not understand. There were
+rambles in the lanes, and the orchard where she could climb trees; there
+was luscious fruit in which she was never stinted. Rides behind Cousin
+Andrew on Jack, and going to market, as a rare treat, with Uncle James,
+learning to spin on the little wheel, stealing away to the old garret
+and reading some forgotten, time-stained books that she dared not ask
+about. Sometimes she had a misgiving of conscience, but no one ever
+inquired about them, or what she did up there.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew came out and took a seat under the old apple tree. She ran down
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew, why must I go to Aunt Wetherill's every six months?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>He glanced at her in a slow, irresolute fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"I must go again next week. It is like a ball being tossed back and
+forth. I&mdash;I didn't quite like it. I would rather stay here."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad of that." He passed his arm around her and gave her a gentle
+hug.</p>
+
+<p>"But why must I go?" impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"It was thy mother's will. Madam Wetherill was her dearest cousin, like
+a mother to her. Thou art too young to understand."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But my mother is dead this long while." There was a sound of perplexity
+in the youthful voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. It is hard to explain to thee, and a child should not be thinking
+of money. Thy father appointed mine guardian of thee. Then the Wardours,
+thy mother's people, left her some fortune, and as thy father was dead
+she made her will as she pleased."</p>
+
+<p>"Is a will such a very bad thing, Cousin Andrew?" she inquired in a
+timid voice. She had heard much talk through the winter of governing and
+restraining the will until it had become a sort of personality to her,
+and connected solely with a state of grace, another vague territory.</p>
+
+<p>He smiled. "This is not&mdash;&mdash;" How could he explain it to her
+comprehension? He had only the plainest sort of education. For though it
+was true that many of the earliest Friends were versed in worldly
+knowledge, they had grown more restricted in their narrower lives in the
+new country. And on the farms there were not many advantages. Perhaps he
+could mend her confusion of mind in another fashion. "When one has some
+property or money and desires to give it to another, he or she states
+the wish in writing before witnesses. And the law makes this intention
+respected. This is too grave a matter for a child's understanding, but
+thy mother and Madam Wetherill planned this. When my father protested,
+this compromise, I think they call it, was decided upon."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was not much used to long words. Most of the Friends kept to
+brief, concise Saxon.</p>
+
+<p>"A compromise? Is that why I am changed about so? What queer names
+things have! I like better living straight along. And I was much
+frightened last<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> winter. But there were two little girls in the next
+place, and I should have been sorry enough to leave them, only they were
+going to England to be educated."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew remembered there was some talk of sending her to England, where
+she had a half-brother, but that was not on the mother's side.</p>
+
+<p>"Cannot something be done with this wicked compromise? I should like to
+stay here. Andrew, I love you better than anyone in the wide world."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew hugged her up close and gave a soft sigh. He could remember two
+little girls sleeping in the Friends' burying ground. One would have
+been seventeen now, and had stayed with them five years, dying the night
+her sister was born. He had believed it was little Lois come in a new
+baby body. And after three brief years she, too, had gone to the other
+country. His mother had been graver ever since; more self-contained,
+more spiritual, the Friends said.</p>
+
+<p>This little girl, whom they had seen occasionally in her mother's life,
+had crept into his heart during her six months' stay and he hated to let
+her go. He was so fond of all young and helpless things. The lambs, the
+tiny chickens, and the calves appealed to him strongly as they looked
+out of asking eyes, it seemed to him. He was beginning to chafe under
+the colorless, repressed life about him, and the little girl had been a
+great outlet for his affection, though much of it had been nursed in
+secret.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know what can be done, if anything," he said in answer to her
+question. "But I am truly sorry. I love thee dearly, Primrose. I wish
+thou wert my sister."</p>
+
+<p>He bent over and kissed the soft, fragrant child<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> lips. Oh, how sweet
+they were! Was such tenderness reprehensible? He was beginning to think
+of love and marriage as strong, heartsome youth will, but, strange to
+say, the young woman his father approved of was not at all to his
+liking. He was nearing man's estate, and though he labored with himself
+to repress what he knew would be considered lawless desires, they
+returned again and again. And how much he should long for the sweetness
+of this little girl.</p>
+
+<p>She put her arms up around his neck and her soft, caressing fingers
+seemed to play with his very heart strings. Oh, how dear she was! And
+her new life would be so different. Madam Wetherill rather flouted the
+Friends with what she called their drab religion.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose! Primrose!" called the curiously soft voice of Chloe, that had
+a different accent from the habitual evenness of the real Quaker tone.
+"Where is the child!"</p>
+
+<p>"Here! here! I am coming." She gave Andrew one long, tender kiss and
+then walked rapidly to the kitchen porch.</p>
+
+<p>"Thee should have been in bed with the chickens. Go at once. The moon is
+coming up and thou wilt need no light. Forget not thy prayers. Mistress
+Janice is an emissary of the evil one that thou must resist."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose went up to her chamber under the eaves in a state of half
+terror and restrained rebellion.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>BESSY WARDOUR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was a rather curious tangle, as Primrose Henry was to learn
+afterward. Philemon Henry was older than his brother James, and in trade
+in the city that William Penn had planned and founded in an orderly
+manner. And though it is the common belief that Philadelphia was born at
+right angles and on a level, at its early inception there was much
+diversity to it. Creeks swept it in many directions, and there were
+hills and submerged lands waiting for the common sense of man to fill up
+and hew down the romance. Even before Revolutionary times there was much
+business on the wharves of the Delaware, and many men owned trading
+ships and warehouses. And though England had made no end of bothersome
+and selfish restrictions as to trade, men had found ways to evade them;
+at some peril, it is true, but that added zest.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry was tolerably successful in his undertakings and adhered
+to the faith of William Penn, even if his own son afterward went astray.
+He married an Englishwoman of good descent, who had left her native land
+with a company of Friends for the sake of the larger liberty. The fine,
+stalwart Quaker had soon attracted her, and with him she spent three
+years of happy married life, when she died, leaving a baby boy of little
+more than a year old. A goodly housekeeper came to care for them, and
+the boy throve finely. She would willingly have married<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> Philemon, but
+as he evinced no inclination, she provided for her old age by marrying
+another well-to-do Friend. And then, as sometimes happens in a widower's
+household, there was an interregnum of trouble and disorder.</p>
+
+<p>He had business dealings with the Wardours and met a connection, an
+orphan, pretty young Bessy Wardour, who fell in love with the fine,
+strong, still handsome Quaker, whose attire was immaculate, and whose
+manners were courtly. And he surprised himself by a tenderness for the
+winsome, kittenish thing, who, for his sake, laid aside her fripperies
+and, to the amazement of her relatives, joined the Society of Friends.
+But if she had been tempting in her worldly gear, she was a hundred
+times more bewitching in her soft grays that were exquisite in quality,
+and her wide brim, low-crowned beaver tied under her dimpled chin with a
+bow that was distracting. The great blue eyes were of the melting,
+persuasive kind, her voice had a caressing cadence, and her smile was
+enough to conquer the most obdurate heart, and yet withal she had an air
+of masquerading and enjoyed it to the full. She was deeply in love with
+Philemon, and though he struggled against a passion he deemed almost
+ungodly, she being so young and pretty, she conquered in the end. He
+almost scandalized the Society when he stood up to be married. The young
+Quaker women envied her, the elders shook their heads doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>She was sunny and charming and did adore her great stalwart husband. She
+had so many tempting, beguiling ways, her kisses had such a delicious
+sweetness that he sometimes felt afraid. And yet, was she not his lawful
+wife, and had he not a right? Were not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> husbands enjoined to be tender
+to their wives? She charmed little Phil as well. She played with him,
+ran races, repeated verses, caressed him until sometimes the father was
+almost jealous of the tenderness showered upon the child. She had such a
+dainty taste and was always adding delicate touches to the plain Quaker
+habits that made them seem twice as pretty. Sometimes he tried to frown
+upon them.</p>
+
+<p>"But God has made the world beautiful," she would protest. "And is it
+not for us, his children? If I go out in the lanes and woods and gather
+wild flowers that have cost no man any time or strength to be taken from
+money-getting and business, but have just grown in God's love, and put
+them here in a bowl and give Him thanks, what evil have I done? In
+heaven there will be no business, and we shall have to adore His works
+there, not the works of our own hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast a subtle tongue, dear one, and what thou sayest seems to have
+an accent from a finer world. I am at times sore at loss&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou must believe in a kindly All-father and the eyes of thy inner soul
+will be opened."</p>
+
+<p>Then she would kiss him tenderly and he would go away much puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>Presently an incident happened that caused them both no little
+perplexity. The Nevitt estate had lost its direct heir, and that of Leah
+Nevitt was next in succession, after an old great-uncle, who sent for
+the boy to be brought up in English ways and usages. Sir Wyndham Nevitt
+was not a Friend, though several branches of the family were. And if
+Philemon Henry failed, the next heir was a dissolute fellow up in
+London, who would soon make ducks and drakes of the fine old estate.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It does seem a pity that it should be destroyed," said the young wife.
+"If only the boy were old enough to choose! But, you see, he is next in
+the succession, and it would come to him even if he were here. English
+laws are curious. I should hate to give up the boy. He is a sweet child
+and a great comfort to me when thou art away. But his welfare ought to
+be considered."</p>
+
+<p>"And thou dost spoil him every hour in the day. I should have to send
+him away presently for some sterner training. And then"&mdash;she blushed
+scarlet at the hope&mdash;"there may be other sons and daughters."</p>
+
+<p>Friend Henry took counsel of several respected and judicious men, and
+the weight of it lay with sending the child abroad. It would be a hard
+wrench, but if he was called upon to do it? Many that he knew had sent
+their children abroad for education, the advantages being limited at
+home. And it was true that the settlers below New York had a much warmer
+affection for the mother country than the Puritans of New England.</p>
+
+<p>It ended by little Philemon Henry being sent abroad with many tears and
+much reluctance, and a safe convoy. The boy went quite readily, under
+the impression that he could come back frequently, and having no idea of
+the length of the journey, but being an adventurous little fellow.</p>
+
+<p>Bessy Henry sorrowed deeply. "The house was as if one had been buried
+out of it," she said. Then her own baby was born.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry was disappointed that it should be a girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not mind, husband," she said in her winsome way, "this shall be <i>my</i>
+child, for its head is full of yellow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> fuzz like mine, and its eyes are
+blue. Presently there will be a son with dark eyes, and no doubt a
+houseful of sons and daughters," laughing merrily. "And Phil, I think,
+will be better pleased about a sister. He might be jealous if we filled
+his place so soon."</p>
+
+<p>There was some wisdom in that, and quite a comfort to the father's
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>The baby's name was the first real disagreement. She grew rapidly and
+was a bright, smiling little thing. Bessy loved her child extravagantly,
+jealously. But she would have none of the plain or biblical names her
+husband suggested. She laughed at them with her bright humor and made
+merry amusement over them, calling the child by endearing and fanciful
+appellations. To-day she was one kind of a flower, to-morrow another,
+and Rosebud a great deal of the time.</p>
+
+<p>She was often at the house of Madam Wetherill. Indeed, she was generally
+spoken of as the gay little Quaker, but it was only her slim
+gracefulness and dainty ways that gained this description, for she was
+quite tall. She discarded her thees and thous here, though at that day
+all language was much more formal. Sometimes, when her husband was to be
+away all day, she would take the child and its nurse and spend the time
+with her relative.</p>
+
+<p>It was after one of these occasions that she took off a little of the
+worldly frippery she had indulged in and put on her very plainest cap,
+but she could not disguise the arch, pretty face, and this evening it
+really seemed more beguiling than ever. Caresses of all kinds were
+frowned upon as being not only undignified, but savoring of the world
+and the flesh. Still, Philemon Henry would have sorely missed the
+greeting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> and parting kiss his wife gave him. She had a certain
+adroitness, too, and the tact to make no show of this before the
+brethren, or any of the sober-minded sisters. He sometimes wondered if
+it was not "stolen waters," it had such an extraordinary flavor of
+sweetness. Then he would resolve to forget it, but he never did.</p>
+
+<p>She kissed him tenderly this evening. His dinner was excellent, his
+day's work had been very profitable, and he was in high good humor.</p>
+
+<p>"Husband," she began afterward, leaning her head on his shoulder, "I
+must make a confession to thee of my day's doings. Thou wilt be angry at
+first, but it is done now," smilingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hast thou been up to some mischief?" His tone had a sense of amusement
+in it.</p>
+
+<p>"Very serious mischief. For a brief while I felt like going back to the
+faith of my childhood, but my love for thee will keep me in the straight
+and narrow faith. But to-day I have had my babe christened in Christ
+Church, and named Primrose."</p>
+
+<p>"Bessy!" in a horror-stricken tone.</p>
+
+<p>He strove to put her from him, but she clung the more tightly.</p>
+
+<p>"Bessy! woman! To do such an unlawful thing!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not unlawful to give a Christian name."</p>
+
+<p>"A vain, trifling, heathenish name!" he interrupted fiercely. "I will
+have none of it! I will&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"God made a Primrose and many another beautiful thing in this world of
+His. He has even given me a prettiness that plain Quaker garb cannot
+wholly disguise. Suppose I scarred my face and deformed my body, would
+my praise be any more acceptable to Him? And people do not all think
+alike. They look<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> at religion in divers ways, and so they who deal
+justly and are kind to the poor and outcast, and keep the Commandments
+are, I think, true Christians in any garb. And her name is writ in the
+Church books, her legal, lawful name that only the law can change. And
+see, husband, thou shalt call thy son whatever pleaseth thee. But the
+little daughter is mine own."</p>
+
+<p>"She is my child as well. And to go through all this mummery that we
+believe not in, that we have come to this new country to escape! It is
+wicked, sinful!"</p>
+
+<p>"And some consider that discarding all forms and sacraments is sinful. I
+am sure God ordained many for the Jews, his chosen race!"</p>
+
+<p>"Which they could not keep, which were of no importance to real
+salvation. Then Christ came and all was abrogated."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, He added to the Commandments the one tenderer rule&mdash;thou shalt
+love thy neighbor as thyself."</p>
+
+<p>"Woman, thou art full of excusing subtleties. Thou art no true Friend,
+methinks. Is there any real conviction under thy plain garb, or was it
+only put on for&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"For love of thee," she interrupted with brave sweetness shining in her
+appealing eyes. "I was in Christ's household before I knew thee. I
+worshiped God and prayed to Him and gave thanks. He hath not made the
+world all alike, one tree differeth from another, and the lowly Primrose
+groweth where other flowers might not find sustenance, but God careth
+for them all, and gives to each its need and its exquisite coloring. So
+he will care for the child, never fear."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But I am very angry at thy disobedience."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, it was not that," and a glimmering light like a smile crossed her
+sweet face. "I did not ask and thou didst not deny."</p>
+
+<p>"Sophistry again. Thou art still in the bonds of iniquity."</p>
+
+<p>"And thou must forgive seventy times seven. Thou must do good to those
+that despitefully use thee. If thou art so much wiser and stronger than
+I, then set this example. I have done many things to please thee. And,
+husband, thou canst call the little one Prim. I am sure that is plain
+enough, but to me she will be Rose, the blended sweetness of three
+lives."</p>
+
+<p>He broke away from her. She had softened many points in his character,
+he knew, and just now she was a temptress to him. He must assert his own
+supremacy and deliver himself from these dangerous charms. Just now it
+looked sinful to him that she had come over to the Friends' persuasion
+for love of him.</p>
+
+<p>She had been a sweet, thoughtful wife, he could not deny that. But he
+had been weak to yield to so much happiness. And when the brethren heard
+of this outrage put upon their usages there would be hard times for her.
+Suddenly his whole soul protested against having her haled before the
+meeting. Oh, what had her spirit of willfulness led her into!</p>
+
+<p>She went back to her baby, kissed it and caressed it, prepared it for
+the night, and sang it to sleep. Philemon Henry wrote long in his little
+office at home, where he kept sundry business matters he did not want
+his clerks gossiping about. There were only two discreet friends that he
+had taken into his confidence and his ventures. Just now there was a
+slight, uneasy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> feeling that if he were brought to the strictest
+account&mdash;and yet there was nothing really unlawful in his gains. There
+were many curious questions in the world, there were diverse people,
+many religions. And the Friends had sought out liberty of conscience.
+Was it liberty to compel another?</p>
+
+<p>Bessy and her child were sleeping sweetly when he glanced at them, and
+his heart did soften. But he would never call her by that name. He would
+give her another.</p>
+
+<p>Bessy was up betimes and made some delicacy with her own hands for her
+husband's breakfast. She came around and kissed him on the forehead as
+was her morning custom, and though she was a little more grave than
+usual, she was serene and charming. But he must show her how displeased
+he was.</p>
+
+<p>The christening had been very quiet. Madam Wetherill had been godmother,
+and the godfather was a distant relative who resided in New York. Good
+Parson Duch&eacute; had been asked to keep the matter private. And so, if the
+meeting came to know, Philemon Henry must be the accuser. It was his
+duty, of course, but he put it off month after month. The babe grew
+sweet and winsome, and there were many things beside family cares to
+distract men's minds: The friction between the mother country and grave
+questions coming to the fore; the following out of Mr. Penn's plans for
+the improvement of the city, the bridging of creeks and the filling up
+of streets, for there was much marsh land; the building of docks for the
+trade that was rapidly enlarging, and the public spirit that was
+beginning to animate the staid citizens.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry called his babe little one, child,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> and daughter, and the
+mother was too wise to flaunt the name in his face. She had great faith
+in the future.</p>
+
+<p>"For if you keep stirring your rising continually, you will have no good
+bread," she said. "Many things are best left alone, until the right
+time."</p>
+
+<p>She dressed the child quaintly, and she grew sweeter every day. But they
+talked about the son they were to have, and other daughters. Little Phil
+wrote occasionally. He was studying in an English school, but he had
+spells of homesickness now and then, and his uncle said if he learned
+smartly he should take a voyage to America when he was older. Nevitt
+Grange was a great, beautiful place with a castle and a church and
+peasants working in the fields. And he was to go up to London to see the
+king.</p>
+
+<p>One damp, drizzling November night Philemon Henry came home with so
+severe a cold that he could hardly speak. He had been on the dock all
+day, supervising the unloading of a vessel of choice goods. He could eat
+no supper. Bessy made him a brew of choice herbs and had him hold his
+feet in hot water while she covered him with a blanket and made a steam
+by pouring some medicaments on a hot brick. Then he was bundled up in
+bed, but all night long he was restless, muttering and tumbling about.
+He would get up in the morning, but before he was dressed he fell across
+the bed like a log, and Bessy in great fright summoned the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>He had never been ill before, and for a few days no one dreamed of
+danger. Then his brother James was summoned, and his clerk from the
+warehouse, and there were grave consultations. Bessy's buoyant nature
+could not at first take in the seriousness of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> case. Of course he
+would recover. He was so large and strong, and not an old man.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! In a brief fortnight Philemon Henry lay dead in the house, and
+Bessy was so stunned that she, too, seemed half bereft of life. She had
+loved him sincerely, and for months they had forgotten their unfortunate
+difference over the child's name. And when he was laid in the burying
+ground beside his first wife, there was a strange feeling that he no
+longer belonged to her, and she was all alone; that somehow the bond had
+snapped that united her with the Friends.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry had made a will in the lucid intervals of his fever. His
+brother was appointed guardian of the child and trustee of the property.
+To Bessy was left an income in no wise extravagant, so long as she
+remained a widow. The remainder was to be invested for the child, who
+was not to come into possession until she was twenty-one. She and her
+mother were to spend half of every year on the farm, and in case of the
+mother's death she was to be consigned to the sole guardianship of her
+uncle. There were a few outside bequests and remembrances to faithful
+clerks.</p>
+
+<p>The other trustee was Philemon's business partner, who had lately
+returned from Holland. If Friend Henry had lived a few years longer he
+would have been a rich man, but in process of settlement his worldly
+wealth shrank greatly.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle James proposed that the house should be sold, and she be free from
+the expense of maintaining it.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," she protested. "Surely thou hast not the heart to deprive me of
+the little joy remaining to my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> life. The place is dear to me, for I can
+see him in every room, and the garden he tended with so much care. Thou
+wilt kill me by insisting, and a murder will be on thy hands."</p>
+
+<p>She spent the winter and spring in the house. One day in every week she
+went to cousin Wetherill's.</p>
+
+<p>The elder lady, a stickler for fashion, suggested that she should wear
+mourning.</p>
+
+<p>"I like not dismal sables," declared Bessy. "And it is not the custom of
+Friends. I shall no doubt do many things I should be restricted from
+were my husband alive, but I will honor him in this."</p>
+
+<p>She attended the Friends' meeting on Sunday afternoon, but the evening
+assemblies that had convened at the Henrys' once a fortnight were
+transferred to another house. And in summer, although she went to the
+Henry farm, she made visits in town and resumed some of her old
+friendships.</p>
+
+<p>The next autumn there came an opportunity to sell the house and the
+business, and James Henry urged it.</p>
+
+<p>"Then her home will be here with us," he said to his wife. "Philemon was
+anxious to have the child brought up under the godly counsel of Friends,
+and she will be less likely to stray. I think she is not a whole-hearted
+Friend, and her relatives are worldly people."</p>
+
+<p>But when the place was sold she went at once to Madam Wetherill's. And
+she began to lay aside her Quaker plainness and frequented Christ
+Church; indeed, though she was not very gay as yet, she was a great
+attraction at the house of her relative.</p>
+
+<p>Before the summer ended an event occurred that gave her still greater
+freedom of action. This was a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> legacy from England left to the Wardour
+branch in the New World, and as there were but three heirs, her portion
+was a very fair one. There was some talk of Madam Wetherill taking her
+to England, but the cold weather came on, and there seemed so many
+things to settle. That winter she went over to the world's people
+altogether.</p>
+
+<p>"I think, Bessy, you should make a will," said Madam Wetherill as they
+were talking seriously one day. "It will not bring about death any
+sooner. I have had mine made this fifteen years, and am hale and hearty.
+But, if anything should happen, the child will be delivered over to the
+Henrys and brought up in the drab-colored mode of belief. It seems hard
+for little ones so full of life."</p>
+
+<p>"She must have her free choice of religion. Having tried both," and
+Bessy gave a dainty smile, "I like my own Church the best. If she should
+grow up and fall in love with a Friend, she can do as she likes. There
+are not many as manly and handsome as was Philemon. Indeed I think they
+make their lives too sad-colored, too full of work. I should go wild if
+I lost my little one, but Lois Henry goes about as if nothing had
+happened. I found it a luxury to grieve for Philemon. There is wisdom in
+thy suggestion."</p>
+
+<p>A lawyer was sent for and the matter laid before him. She could appoint
+another guardian now that she had money of her own to leave the child,
+and she could consign it part of the time to that guardian's care.</p>
+
+<p>There was much consultation before the matter was settled. And though,
+when the time came, she moved some chests of goods out to the farm and
+made a pretense of settling, she and Madam Wetherill soon after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> went up
+to New York and were gone three full months.</p>
+
+<p>James Henry found himself circumvented in a good many ways by woman's
+wit. There was no dispute between them, and much as he objected to the
+ways of the world's people, he had no mind to defraud his small niece
+out of a considerable fortune that might reasonably come to her. Indeed
+he began to be a little afraid of Bessy Henry's willfulness. And she
+might marry and leave all of her money to a new set of children.</p>
+
+<p>But fate ordered it otherwise. Bessy went for a visit to Trenton, and
+though she was rarely separated from her darling, this time she left her
+behind. She did not return as soon as she expected, on account of a
+feverish illness which would be over in a few days, her friends
+insisted, but instead developed into the scourge of smallpox, the
+treatment of which was not well understood at that time, and though she
+was healthy ordinarily, the bleeding so reduced her strength that she
+sank rapidly and in a week had followed her husband.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was cut to the very heart by the sad incident, for she
+loved Bessy as if she had been her own daughter, and she was tenderly
+attached to baby Primrose, who was too little to realize all she had
+lost.</p>
+
+<p>When Friend Henry preferred his claim to his brother's child, he was met
+by some very decided opposition. In the first place the child had been
+christened in the church, and was, according to her mother's wishes, to
+be left in Madam Wetherill's charge for six months every year and be
+instructed in the tenets of her own church, and to remain perfectly free
+to make her choice when she was eighteen. If<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> her mother's wishes could
+not be carried out, her fortune was to revert to Madam Wetherill, and
+she would inherit only what her father bequeathed her.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot believe my brother was knowing to this nefarious scheme!"
+cried Friend Henry in a temper. "And I always thought Primrose a most
+ungodly name. It was his wish she should become a Friend."</p>
+
+<p>"And if your son marries among the world's people and leaves the faith
+what will you do?" asked Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>"I should disown him," was the hasty reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then Bessy had a right to disown her child if she left the faith. See
+how unreasonable you are, Friend Henry, and how little true love is in
+your mind. Now if you have any regard for the little child do not let us
+quite dismember her after the fashion of Solomon's judgment. You may
+have her next summer, and I in the winter. I warn you, if you do not
+agree, I shall fight to the end. I have no children of my own to deprive
+if I go on lawing, and my purse will surely hold out as long as yours."</p>
+
+<p>That was true enough; longer, he knew. So, after a while, he assented
+ungraciously, and the matter was adjusted.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not a happy omen that the child's name should cause one
+quarrel and the possession of her another. She herself was bright and
+joyous, with much of her mother's merry nature and her clear, frank,
+beguiling blue eyes.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN A NEW WORLD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A very homesick little girl was Primrose Henry when she went out to her
+uncle's farm. The nurse went with her, but Lois Henry preferred that she
+should not stay. The child was old enough to wait upon herself. She had
+a longing for it to fill the vacant place of her own little girls, but
+she knew that was carnal and sinful, and strove against it. Since God
+had deprived her of them it was not right to put aught else in their
+place. So it was a continual struggle between love and duty, and she was
+cold to the little stranger.</p>
+
+<p>The name, too, was a stumbling block. They had to accept it, however,
+and called her Primrose with the soberest accent. Uncle James felt sore
+about being worsted in his suit, for he had desired supreme control of
+the child.</p>
+
+<p>She soon found things to love. There was the big house dog Rover. Tiger,
+the watch dog, was kept chained in the daytime and let loose at night to
+ward off marauders. But he soon came to know her voice and wagged his
+tail joyously at her approach. She was quite afraid of the cows, but a
+pretty-faced one with no horns became a favorite, and she used to carry
+it tid-bits to eat. The cats, too, would come at her call, though they
+were not allowed in the house.</p>
+
+<p>And there was Andrew. She was very shy of him at first, but he coaxed
+her to look at a bird's nest with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> its small, blue-speckled eggs. And
+there were the chickens that, as they grew larger, followed her about.
+Andrew found the first ripe early pear for her, and the delicious, sweet
+July apple; he took her when he went fishing on the creek, but she
+always felt sorry for the poor fish so cruelly caught, it seemed to her.
+He taught her to ride bareback behind him, and some boyish tricks that
+amused her wonderfully.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Lois trained her in spelling, in sums in addition, sewing
+patchwork, and spinning on the small wheel. But there was not enough in
+the simple living to keep a child busy half the time, and she soon found
+ways of roaming about, generally guarded by Rover. Aunt Wetherill had
+said, "In six months you are coming back to us," so at first she was
+very glad she was not to stay always.</p>
+
+<p>It is the province of happy and wholesome childhood to forget the things
+that are behind, or even a future in which there is dread. The life of
+childhood is in the present, and it finds many pleasures. So now
+Primrose had almost forgotten her joyous and sorrowful past, and really
+dreaded the next change. She hated to leave Andrew, the dogs and the
+chickens, the cows that she did not fear quite so much, the great
+orchard, the long reaches of meadows, and the woods where the birds sang
+so enchantingly. But Aunt Lois had not grown into her heart, and she
+stood greatly in awe of Uncle James, who had a way of speaking sharply
+to her.</p>
+
+<p>But black Cato came with Madam Wetherill in the lumbering chaise, which
+was a great rarity at that period. Primrose was dressed in a white
+homespun linen frock. At this early stage of the country's industries
+they were doing a good deal of weaving at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> Germantown, though many
+people had small looms in their houses. Imported goods were high, and
+now that so much of the land was cleared and houses built, they had time
+for other things, and were ingenious in discoveries.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was very grand in her satin petticoat and brocade gown,
+that fell away at the sides and made a train at the back. Her imported
+hat of Leghorn, very costly at that period but lasting half a lifetime,
+had a big bow of green satin on top, and the high front was filled in
+with quilled lace and pink bows. From its side depended a long white
+lace veil with a deep worked border of flowers. Her shoes had glittering
+buckles, and she wore a great brooch in her stomacher.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was dreadfully shy, she saw so few strangers. She scarcely
+raised her eyes to the rustling dame, and her heart beat with unwonted
+agitation.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill wanted to laugh at the queer little figure, but she was
+better bred, and kept a lingering fondness for the child's mother.
+Besides, she was one of the possible heirs to her fortune, and some of
+the grandnieces and nephews were not altogether to her fancy. And though
+she was high-spirited and could both resent and argue fiercely, she had
+the Wardour suavity, and some early training abroad in the Court.</p>
+
+<p>"Come hither, little one," and she held out her jeweled hand. "Friend
+Henry, I should have called to see my grandniece, but you remember we
+thought it best not so to do. You have had the uninterrupted six months,
+and I can see you have kept her well. What a clear complexion the child
+hath! A little sun-burned, perhaps. Her mother was a fine hearty woman,
+and it was a thousand pities she had not been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> inoculated and cared for
+carefully, instead of being attacked in that blind way no one suspected.
+She was a sweet thing and I loved her as a daughter of my own, though I
+would fain not have had her marry Philemon Henry. But la! love rules us
+all, at least us worldly people. I am thankful for thy good care of
+Primrose. And now, child, put on thy hood or cap or whatever 'tis, and
+come to thy new home, where we promise to treat thee well."</p>
+
+<p>"And return her to us," subjoined Lois Henry, almost afraid to let her
+go now that the time had come. "Get thy hat, child."</p>
+
+<p>Chloe entered just then with a glass of home-made wine of excellent
+flavor and age, and some newly baked cake that was quite enough in its
+very appearance to make one long to taste it. And the napkin she spread
+on my lady's lap was fine and soft, if it had not been woven in English
+air and taken a sea voyage.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had glanced up at the lady when she began to address her, and
+one by one old memories returned. Friend Henry never spoke of her mother
+or Madam Wetherill, and in six months a good deal drops out of a child's
+mind, but she smiled a little as the stream of remembrance swept over
+her, and recalled her pretty mother's kisses and fondness and a
+beautiful house that had made this seem like a desert to her. And Madam
+Wetherill squeezed the small hand in a friendly manner, then began to
+eat her cake and praise it as well, though Friend Henry protested
+against that.</p>
+
+<p>"Chloe, bring the child's hat," she said in so calm a tone it hardly
+seemed a command.</p>
+
+<p>Then Madam took her by the hand and they walked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> out together and the
+black servant put her in the chaise. Madam Wetherill spread out her fine
+gown so that it almost covered the plain garments of the child.</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry had merely uttered the briefest of good-byes, with no parting
+kiss. She had given her some counsel before. Yet when she shut the main
+door that opened into the sitting room, for the strictest of Friends
+would have no parlor, she sat down suddenly and put both hands to her
+face. It would be very hard to part thus every year, to know one's
+sincere efforts in training the child to a godly life would be uprooted
+by the vain show of the world, so attractive to youth, and the vision of
+the two little girls gone out never to return, swept over her with a
+pang. Why could she not give them wholly to the Lord, and be glad they
+were in His fold, safe from evil? And this little one&mdash;Madam Wetherill
+was quite at middle life&mdash;she herself was surely younger and might
+outlive the other. But at eighteen the child could choose, and she would
+be likely to choose the ways of the world, so seductive to youth.</p>
+
+<p>They did not go in to the city house, which was being repaired and
+cleaned. Many people owned farms along the banks of the Schuylkill and
+in the outlying places, where choice fruits of all kinds were
+cultivated, melons and vegetables for winter use as well as summer
+luxury. For people had to provide for winter, and there was much
+pickling and preserving and candying of fruits, and storing commoner
+things so that they would keep well.</p>
+
+<p>The houses were large, if rambling and rather plain, with porches wide
+enough to dance on on the beautiful moonlight nights. And there were
+sailing and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> rowing on the river, lovely indeed then with its shaded
+winding banks, mysterious nooks, and little creeks that meandered gently
+through sedgy grass and rested on the bosom of their mother, lost in her
+tenderness.</p>
+
+<p>Parties of young people often met for the afternoon and evening. There
+would be boating and dancing and much merrymaking. The people of this
+section were less strenuous than the New Englanders. They affiliated
+largely with their neighbors to the South. Indeed, many of the business
+men owned tobacco plantations in Maryland and Virginia. They kept in
+closer contact with the mother country as well. Madam Wetherill herself
+had crossed the ocean several times and brought home new fashions and
+court gowns and manners. The English novelists and poets were quite well
+read, and, though the higher education of women was not approved of,
+there were bright young girls who could turn an apt quotation, were
+quick at repartee, and confided to their bosom friend that they had
+looked over Sterne and Swift. They could indite a few verses on the
+marriage of a friend, or the death of some loved infant, but pretty,
+attractive manners and a few accomplishments went farther in the gentler
+sex than much learning.</p>
+
+<p>The Friends who were in society were not so over strict as to their
+attire. Those who lived much alone on the farms, like Lois Henry, or led
+restricted lives in the town, pondered much on how little they could
+give to the world. But they took from it all they could in thriftiness
+and saving.</p>
+
+<p>Young Mrs. Penn and Mrs. Logan and many another indulged in pretty gear,
+and grays that went near to lavender and peachy tints. There were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+pearl-colored brocades and satins, and dainty caps of sheerest material
+that allowed the well-dressed hair to show quite distinctly. There was
+also a certain gayety and sprightliness in entertaining, since there
+were no matin&eacute;es or shows to visit. Both hostess and guest were expected
+to contribute of their best.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill had long been a well-to-do widow and conducted her large
+estate with ability, though she employed a sort of overseer or
+confidential clerk. She had inherited a good deal in her own right from
+the Wardours and sundry English relatives. Some of the Wetherills were
+of the Quaker persuasion, but her husband had wandered a little from the
+fold. She had been a Churchwoman, and still considered herself so, but
+she was of a very independent turn, and on her last visit to England had
+come home rather affronted with the light esteem in which many professed
+to hold the colonies.</p>
+
+<p>"They talk as if we were a set of ignoramuses," she declared in high
+dudgeon. "We are worthy of nothing but the tillage of fields and
+whatever industries the will of the mother country directs. Are we,
+their own offspring, to be always considered children and servants, and
+have masters appointed over us without any say of our own? We can build
+ships. Why can we not trade with any port in the world? What if we have
+raised up no Master Chaucer nor Shakspere nor Ben Jonson, nor wise Lord
+Bacon and divers storytellers&mdash;did England do this in her early years
+when she was hard bestead with the hordes from the Continent? We have
+had to make our way against Indian savages, and did we not conquer the
+French in our mother's behalf? And then to be set down as ignorant
+children, forsooth, and told what we must<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> do and from what we must
+refrain. The colonies have outgrown swaddling-clothes!"</p>
+
+<p>But she was fond of gayety and pleasure as well, and having no children
+to place in the world and no really near kindred but first and second
+cousins she saw no need of being penurious, and lived with a free hand.
+She was very fond of young people also, and it seemed a great pity she
+had not been mother of a family. Her city house was a great rendezvous,
+and her farmhouse was the stopping place of many a gay party, and often
+a crowd to supper with a good deal of impromptu dancing afterward.</p>
+
+<p>The porch was full of young people now, with two or three men in
+military costume, so they drove around to the side entrance. Mistress
+Janice was busy ordering refreshments and making a new kind of frozen
+custard. A pleasant-faced, youngish woman came to receive them.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is the little Quaker, Patty, in her homespun gown. I might as well
+have sent you, for Friend Henry made no time at all, but was as meek as
+a mild-mannered mother sheep. It is the law, of course, and they had no
+right to refuse, but I was a little afraid of a fuss, and that perhaps
+they had set up the child against such ungodly people."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how she has grown!" cried Patty. "Child, have you forgotten me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" said Primrose a little shyly. "And my own mother liked you so.
+You were my nurse&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She slipped her hand within that of the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"She was a sweet person, poor dear! It will always be a great loss to
+thee, little child. Oh, madam, the eyes are the same; blue as a bit of
+sky between mountains. But she is not as fair&mdash;&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou must bleach her up with sour cream and softening lotions that will
+not hurt the skin. There, child, go with Patty, who will get thee into
+something proper. But she is like her mother in this respect, common
+garb does not disfigure her."</p>
+
+<p>Patty led her upstairs and through the hall into a sort of ell part
+where there were two rooms. The first had a great work table with
+drawers, and some patterns pinned up to the window casings that seemed
+like parts of ghosts. The floor was bare, but painted yellow. There was
+a high bureau full of drawers with a small oblong looking-glass on top,
+a set of shelves with a few books, and numerous odds and ends, a long
+bench with a chintz-covered pallet, and some chairs, beside a sort of
+washing stand in the corner. The adjoining room was smaller and had two
+cot beds covered with patchwork spreads.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, thou hast grown wonderfully," repeated Patty. "And who cut thy
+lovely hair so short? But it curls like thy mother's. I find myself
+talking Quaker to thee, though to be sure the best quality use it."</p>
+
+<p>"I had so much hair and it was so warm that it hath been cut several
+times this summer."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you charming little Friend!" Patty gave her a hug and half a dozen
+kisses. "I'll warrant thou hast forgotten the old times!"</p>
+
+<p>"It comes back to me," and the blue eyes kindled with a soft light that
+would have been entrancing in a woman. "Aunt Lois checked me when I
+would have talked about them. And when I was here&mdash;it was in the other
+house, I remember&mdash;I was so sad and lonely without my dear mamma."</p>
+
+<p>She gave a sigh and her bosom swelled.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Patty, I cannot understand clearly. What is death, and why does God
+want people when He has so many in heaven? And a little girl has but one
+mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Law, child! I do not know myself. The catechism may explain it, but I
+was ever a dull scholar at reading and liked not study. Yes, thy face
+must be bleached up, and I will begin this very night. They were good to
+thee"&mdash;tentatively.</p>
+
+<p>"I always felt afraid of Uncle James, though he never slapped me but
+once, when I ran after the little chickens. They were such balls of
+yellow down that I wanted to hug them. Afterward I asked Andrew what I
+might do. He was very good to me, and he wished I had been his little
+sister."</p>
+
+<p>Patty laughed. "And did you wish it too?"</p>
+
+<p>"I liked my own dear mother best. When I was out in the woods alone I
+talked to her. Do you think she could hear in the sky? Aunt Lois said it
+was wrong to wish her back again, or to wish for anything that God took
+away. And so I ceased to wish for anybody, but learned to put on my
+clothes and tie my strings and button, and do what Aunt Lois told me. I
+can wipe cups and saucers and make my bed and sweep my room and weed in
+the garden, and sew, and spin a little, but I cannot make very even
+thread yet. And to knit&mdash;I have knit a pair of stockings, Patty. Aunt
+Lois said those I brought were vanity."</p>
+
+<p>"Stuff and nonsense! These Quakers would have the world go in hodden
+gray, and clumsy shoes and stockings. Let us see thine. Oh, ridiculous!
+We will give them to little Catty, the scrubwoman's child. Now I will
+put thee in something decent."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She began to disrobe her and bathed her shoulders and arms in some
+fragrant water.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how delightful! It smells like roses," and she pressed the cloth to
+her face.</p>
+
+<p>"It is rose-water. What was in the garden at the Henrys'? Or is
+everything wicked that does not grow to eat?"</p>
+
+<p>"The roses were saved to make something to put in cake. But the lavender
+was laid in the press and the drawers. It was very fragrant, but not
+like the roses."</p>
+
+<p>She combed out the child's hair until it fell in rings about her head.
+Then she put on some fine, pretty garments and a slip of pink silk, cut
+over from a petticoat of Madam Wetherill's. Her stockings were fine, cut
+over as well, and her low shoes had little heels and buckles.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," she cried with sudden gayety that still had a pathos in it, "it
+brings back mamma and so many things! Were they packed away, Patty, like
+one's best clothes? It is as if I could pull them out of a trunk where
+they had been shut up in the dark. And there were so many pretty
+garments, and a picture of father that I used to wear sometimes about my
+neck with a ribbon."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; madam has a boxful, saving for you, unless you turn Quaker.
+But we shall keep a sharp eye on you that you do not fall in love with
+any of the broadbrims. But your father was one of the handsomest of his
+sect, and a gentleman. It was whispered that his trade made him full
+lenient of many things, and your mother looked like a picture just
+stepped out of a frame. She had such an air that her dressing never made
+her plain. I am afraid you will not be as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> handsome. Oh, fie! what
+nonsense I am talking! I shall make thee as vain as a peacock!"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose laughed gayly. She felt happy and unafraid, as if she had been
+released from bondage. And yet everything seemed so strange she hardly
+dared stir. Why, this was the way she felt at Aunt Lois' the first week
+or two.</p>
+
+<p>There was a rustle in the little hall, and the child turned.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare, Patty, thou hast transformed our small Quaker, and improved
+her beyond belief. She is not so bad when all's said and done!"</p>
+
+<p>"But all isn't done yet, madam. When she comes to be bleached, and her
+hair grown out, but la! it's just a cloud now, a little too rough for
+silk, but we will soon mend that, and such a soft color."</p>
+
+<p>"Canst thou courtesy, child? Let me see?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose looked a little frightened and glanced from one to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"This way." Patty held up a bit of the skirt of her gown, took a step
+forward with one foot, and made a graceful inclination. "Now try. Surely
+you knew before you fell into the hands of that strait sect who consider
+respectable manners a vanity. Try&mdash;now again. That does fairly well, my
+lady."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was so used to obeying that, although her face turned red, she
+went through the evolution in a rather shy but not ungraceful manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou has done well with the frock, Patty, and it is becoming. My! but
+she looks another child. Now I am going to lead thee downstairs and thou
+must not be silly, nor frighted of folks. They knew thy dear mother."</p>
+
+<p>Madame Wetherill took her by the hand and led her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> through another hall
+and down a wide staircase to the main hall that ran through the house. A
+great rug lay in the front square, and on one side was a mahogany settle
+with feather cushions in gay flowered chintz.</p>
+
+<p>Out on the porch was a girlish group laughing and jesting, sipping mead,
+and eating cake and confections. Little tables placed here and there
+held the refreshments. The sun was dropping down and the Schuylkill
+seemed a mass of molten crimson and gold commingled. The fresh wind blew
+up through the old-fashioned garden of sweet herbs and made the air
+about fragrant.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my little grandniece, Primrose Henry," she exclaimed,
+presenting the child. "Some of you have seen her mother, no doubt, who
+died so sadly at Trenton of that miserable smallpox."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, and her father, too!" exclaimed Mrs. Pemberton, putting down her
+glass and coming forward.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had made her courtesy and now half buried her face in Madame
+Wetherill's voluminous brocade.</p>
+
+<p>"A fine man indeed was Philemon Henry, with the air of good descent, and
+the manner of courts. And we always wondered if he would not have come
+over to us if his sweetheart had stood firm. Girls do not realize all
+their power. But it was a happy marriage, what there was of it. Alas!
+that it should have ended so soon! But I think the child favors her
+mother."</p>
+
+<p>"And it will not do to say all the sweet things we know about her
+mother," laughed pretty Miss Chew. "Sweet diet is bad for infants and
+had better be saved for their years of appreciation. You see we may
+never reach discretion."</p>
+
+<p>"Come hither, little maid," said a persuasive voice. "I have two at home
+not unlike thee, and shall be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> glad to bring them when Madam comes home
+to Arch Street. Primrose! What an odd name, savoring of English
+gardens."</p>
+
+<p>Some of the younger women pulled her hither and thither and kissed her,
+and one pinned a posy on her shoulder. Then Madam Wetherill led her down
+quite to the edge of the porch, where sat a rather thin, fretted-looking
+woman, gowned in the latest style, and a girl of ten, much more
+furbelowed than was the custom of attiring children.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the child I was telling thee of, Bessy Wardour's little one
+that she had to leave with such regrets. This is a relative of thy
+mother's, Primrose, and this is Anabella. I hope you two children may be
+friends."</p>
+
+<p>There was a certain curious suavity in Madam Wetherill's tone that was
+not quite like her every-day utterances.</p>
+
+<p>"A Wardour&mdash;yes; was there not something about her marriage&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She became a Friend for love's sake," laughed Madam Wetherill. "Others
+stood ready to marry her, but she would have none of them&mdash;girls are
+willful."</p>
+
+<p>The lady rose with a high dignity.</p>
+
+<p>"It grows late," she said, "and if you will keep your promise, dear
+aunt, I should like to be sent home, since it is not well for children
+to be out in the evening dews. And I hope the little girls may indeed be
+friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I will order the chaise."</p>
+
+<p>Others had risen. Mrs. Pemberton and her daughter, and two or three
+more, had been bidden to supper. Some of the ladies had come on
+horseback, the ordinary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> mode of traveling. They clustered about Madam
+Wetherill and praised her cake and said how glad they would be to get
+her in the city again. Then they pinned up their pretty skirts and put
+on their safeguard petticoats and were mounted by Cato and went off,
+nodding. The chaise took in two other ladies.</p>
+
+<p>The little girls had simply eyed each other curiously, but neither made
+any advance, and parted formally.</p>
+
+<p>Then Patty came and took Primrose upstairs and gave her a supper of
+bread and milk and a dish of cut peaches and cream. Afterward she
+undressed her and put her in one of the cots, bidding her go to sleep at
+once. She was needed elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>But Primrose felt desperately, disobediently wide awake. It had been
+such an afternoon of adventure after six months of the quietest routine
+that had made memory almost lethargic. The remembrances came trooping
+back&mdash;the long time it seemed to her when she had yearned and cried in
+secret for her mother, the two little girls that in some degree
+comforted her, and then the half terror and loneliness on the farm until
+she had come to love the dumb animals and her Cousin Andrew. This was
+all so different. A long, long while and then she must go back. What
+made people so unlike? What made goodness and badness? And what was God
+that she stood dreadfully in awe of, who could see her while she could
+not see Him?</p>
+
+<p>Thus, swinging back and forth amid unanswerable questions, she fell
+asleep.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>OF MANY THINGS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was much engrossed with visitors and overseeing the farm
+work, ordering what of the produce was to be sold, what of the flax and
+the wool sent away to be spun and woven, and the jars and boxes and
+barrels set aside to be taken into the town later on. Patty was busy
+sewing for the little girl and her mistress, and sometimes, when she was
+bothered, she was apt to be rather sharp. At others she proved
+entertaining.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose learned to know her way about the great house and the garden
+and orchard. Now she must go with a bonnet to protect her from the sun
+and linen gloves to keep her hands white, or to get them that color. At
+night she was anointed with cosmetics, and her hair was brushed and
+scented, but needed no help from curling tongs or pins.</p>
+
+<p>It was like a strange dream to her, and in the morning when she awoke
+she wondered first if she had not overslept and missed the call of Aunt
+Lois; then she would laugh, remembering. She was a very cheerful,
+tractable child, and Madam Wetherill was much drawn to her. Sometimes
+she went riding with her in the coach, which was a rather extravagant
+luxury in those days.</p>
+
+<p>And then they came into town and it was stranger still to the little
+girl. But now she began to be busy.</p>
+
+<p>There were some schools where boys and girls went<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> together, but many of
+the best people had their daughters educated at home. It seemed quite
+desirable that they should learn French, as it was useful to have a
+language servants could not understand. They began with Latin, as that
+gave a better foundation for all else. Then there was enough of
+arithmetic to keep household accounts and to compute interest. Madam
+Wetherill had found her knowledge most useful, as she had a large estate
+to manage and had no such objections as many of the women of that
+period.</p>
+
+<p>There was the spinet and singing of songs, dancing and doing fine
+needlework. Anabella Morris was to come in for the accomplishments.</p>
+
+<p>Her mother professed to hold the weightier knowledge in slight esteem.</p>
+
+<p>"Anabella will no doubt have a husband to manage for her," her mother
+said with a high sort of indifference. "Women make but a poor fist at
+money affairs."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, Niece Mary, I do not see but what I have managed my affairs as
+well as most men could have done them for me. And look at Hester Morris,
+left with a handsome patrimony by an easy husband, and now dependent on
+relatives. I am glad there is talk of her second marriage."</p>
+
+<p>"Mere talk, it may be." With her nose in the air, Mary Morris was not a
+little jealous that her almost penniless sister-in-law should capture
+the prize she had been angling for.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hope it will be something more. I hear Miss Morris hath promised
+her a wedding gown, and I will add a brocade with a satin petticoat.
+Hester is a pleasant body, if not overdowered with wisdom."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Mary Morris was not poor, though it needed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> much contriving to get
+along on her income. She was very fond of play, one of the vices of the
+time, and though she was often successful, at others she lost heavily.
+She was fond of being considered much richer than she really was, and
+kept her pinches to herself. One of her dreams had been the possibility
+of being asked to stay at Wetherill House for the winter, at least, but
+this had not happened. She was not as near a connection as Bessy Wardour
+had been, but she made the most of the relationship, and there were not
+a great many near heirs; so all might reasonably count on having
+something by and by.</p>
+
+<p>She had received a goodly supply of provisions from the farm, and the
+offer had been made for Anabella to share Primrose Henry's teachers with
+no extra charge.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very generous to the child," she said in a complaining tone. "I
+thought Philemon Henry was in excellent circumstances."</p>
+
+<p>"So he was."</p>
+
+<p>"And is not her guardian, the other one, a well-to-do Quaker? Why must
+you be so regardful of her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, she will have a nice sum, doubtless. I want her brought up to fit
+her station, which the Henrys, being strict Friends, would not do. Her
+mother appointed me her guardian, you know. I do nothing beside my duty.
+But if you do not care&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, 'tis a real charity to offer it for Anabella, and I am glad to
+accept. She is well trained, I suppose, so no harm can come of the
+association."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no harm indeed," returned the elder dryly.</p>
+
+<p>After the simplicity of life at the Henrys' there seemed such a
+confusion of servants that Primrose was almost frightened. Mistress
+Janice Kent kept them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> in order, and next to Madam Wetherill ruled the
+house. Patty was a seamstress, a little higher than the maid who made
+her mistress ready for all occasions, looked after her clothes, did up
+her laces, and crimped her ruffles. But Patty wrote her invitations and
+answered the ordinary notes; and she was appointed to look after and
+care for Primrose, who was too old for a nurse and not old enough for a
+maid.</p>
+
+<p>Patty was a woman of some education, while Mistress Kent had been to
+France and Holland, and could both write and speak French. Patty's
+advantages had been rather limited, but she was quick and shrewd and
+made the most of them, though the feeling between her and Janice Kent
+rather amused Madam Wetherill. Janice was always trying to "set her down
+in her proper place," but what that was exactly it would have been hard
+to tell. Janice would not have had time to look after the child, and
+this responsibility rather raised her. Then she had wonderful skill with
+caps and gowns, and could imitate any imported garment, for even then
+those who could sent abroad for garments made up in the latest style,
+though it was London and not Paris style.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose kept her bed in Patty's room. There were plain little gowns for
+her daily wear, but white aprons instead of homespun ginghams. She came
+to breakfast with Madam Wetherill when there were no guests, or only one
+or two intimates. For the people of the town had much of the Southern
+ways of hospitality, and when on their farms in summer often invited
+their less fortunate friends. It was not always lack of money, but many
+of the merchants in trade and commerce between the home ports had no
+time to spend upon country places, and were not averse to having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> their
+wives and daughters enjoy some of the more trying summer weeks in the
+cooler suburban places.</p>
+
+<p>So Primrose sat like a mouse unless someone spoke to her, and it was
+considered not best to take too much notice of children, as it made them
+forward. Then there were two hours devoted to studying, and sewing with
+Patty until dinner, which was often taken upstairs in the sewing room.
+Twice a week the tutor came for Latin and French, the former first; and
+then Anabella came for French, and after that the little girls could
+have a play or a walk, or a ride with Madam Wetherill. Then there was a
+dancing lesson twice a week, on alternate days, and a young woman came
+to teach the spinet, which was a rather unusual thing, as women were not
+considered to know anything except housekeeping well enough to teach it.
+But this was one of Madam Wetherill's whims. For the girl's family had
+been unfortunate, and the elder woman saw in this scheme a way to assist
+them without offering charity.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose the little girls I knew last winter will ever come
+back?" she asked of Patty one day.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, la, no!" was the reply. "Five years of school lies before them&mdash;not
+like Master Dove's school, where one goes every morning, but a great
+boarding house where they are housed and fed and study, and have only
+half of Saturday for a holiday. And they study from morning to night."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be very hard," sighed Primrose. "And why do they learn so
+much?"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure, that's the puzzle! And they say women don't need to know.
+They can't be lawyers nor doctors nor ministers, nor officers in case of
+war, nor hold offices."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But they can be queens. There was Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne. I
+read about them in a book downstairs one day. And if women can be
+queens, why can't they be something else?"</p>
+
+<p>Patty looked down, nonplused for a moment. "I suppose it was because the
+kings died, and all the sons were dead, if they ever had any. Well&mdash;I
+don't know why woman shouldn't be 'most anything; but she isn't, and
+that's all about it. There's more than one man wanted to marry the
+madam, but she's wise not to take a spendthrift&mdash;or one of the Friends,
+who would be obstinate and set in his ways. She's good enough at
+bargaining, and she has a great tobacco plantation at Annapolis, and is
+as smart as any man. And she can beat half of them at piquet and ombre
+and win their money, too."</p>
+
+<p>"What is piquet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lord, child! I've always heard that little pitchers had big ears,
+and many a rill runs to the sea. Don't you carry things, now, nor ask
+questions. Little girls have no call to know such things. What were we
+talking about when I made that slip? Oh, about those girls. They'll be
+trained in fine manners. The English ladies go to court and see the King
+and the Queen and the princesses, and have gay doings."</p>
+
+<p>"Have we any court?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear, no! England governs us. But there's a good deal of
+talk&mdash;there, child, get some sewing&mdash;hemstitching or something&mdash;and
+don't talk so much."</p>
+
+<p>She was silent quite a while. Then she said gravely: "I think I liked
+the other girls better than I do Anabella. Is she my real cousin? She
+said so yesterday. And once, just before I came here, Andrew said I had
+no cousin but him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That's true enough. Andrew is a real cousin, your father's brother's
+son. And your mother had no brothers or sisters. But it's a fashion to
+say cousin. It sounds more respectful. Mistress Morris is a great one to
+scrape relationship with high-up folks."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose suddenly wondered if anybody missed her at the farm. The little
+chickens must have grown into quite large ones, and all the other things
+she cared for so much. There was a sudden homesickness. She would like
+to see them. But&mdash;yes, she <i>would</i> rather be here. There were so many
+things to learn. She didn't see any sense in the Latin, and she was sure
+it didn't make the French any easier. But the spinet&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Patty," she ventured timidly, "do you not think I ought to go at my
+notes? I didn't play them very well yesterday, and the mistress rapped
+me over the knuckles."</p>
+
+<p>She spread her small hand out on her knee and inspected it.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Dear me! you'll never get that kerchief done. But, then, run
+along. There's no one downstairs. They are all invited to Mistress
+Pean's to take tea, and pick everybody to pieces."</p>
+
+<p>"But they have no feathers," said the little girl with a quaint smile,
+as she folded up her work and ran her needle through it. Then she put it
+in a large silken bag that hung on a nail, and remembered with a
+half-guilty conscience that there were some stockings to darn, and she
+almost expected to hear Patty ask about them and call her back.</p>
+
+<p>Down over the wide steps she tripped. She was half minded to take a
+plunge amid the down cushions on the settle. She had sometimes turned
+somersaults in the grass when no one was by, being very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> careful not to
+let Aunt Lois surprise her. She felt like that now, but she walked along
+decorously. The great company room was always a marvel to her. It held
+so many wonderful things.</p>
+
+<p>There was, even then, a good deal of luxury for those who had the money
+to buy it. England did not care how much her colonists spent so that it
+passed through her hands. She brought treasures from the far East&mdash;there
+were only a very few ports allowed to the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>And here were Oriental rugs on the polished floor; furniture carved and
+padded in brocade, tables with massive claw feet, and others in thin
+spindles that seemed hardly stout enough to hold up the top. There was a
+great carved chimney-piece with some tiles let in, and some curious
+iridescent bulbs not unlike the "bullseyes" over the wide hall door, but
+in different phases of light they gave out varied colors. There were
+queer, beautiful, and grotesque ornaments, some ugly Chinese gods that
+had been brought hither by sea captains, but if to convert the new
+continent, the scheme certainly would prove a failure. Primrose always
+looked at them with a shudder, and instinctively thought of the Friends'
+meeting with the soft gray gowns and shawls with fine fringes, or in
+summer just a plain white kerchief crossed over the bosom. Then there
+was a great blue-and-white Chinese pagoda, ornamented with numerous
+bells, every story growing smaller. It stood on a solid clawfoot table,
+and beside it, also in china, a mandarin with flowing sleeves and a long
+pigtail in dark-blue.</p>
+
+<p>There were curious chairs as well, and no end of square ottomans covered
+with brocade or tapestry,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> sadly faded now and some of the edges worn.
+Everywhere about were candlesticks and snuffers, for sometimes the room
+was brilliantly lighted.</p>
+
+<p>Adjoining this, with a wide doorway between, was a room not quite so
+long, but jutting out at the side. In a sort of alcove stood the spinet.
+There were also two corner buffets, as they were called. One of them had
+drawers at the bottom, and the shelves above held various heirlooms, and
+quaint old silver, with the punch bowl over two hundred years old,
+bearing the Crown mark.</p>
+
+<p>The other contained a good many books, for the descendants of the
+cavaliers were not averse to something lighter than the "Book of
+Martyrs." An old brown leather-covered Shakspere, and some of his
+compeers, and Bacon, Lord Verulam, reposing peacefully on the shelf
+underneath. Mr. Benjamin Franklin had given an impetus to knowledge and
+ventured upon the writing of books himself.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose wandered among them now and then, not understanding, and having
+a greater fondness for the versifying part than the prose. But she did
+pore over "Rasselas," and an odd collection of adventures in Eastern
+lands, very like the "Arabian Nights."</p>
+
+<p>But now she went straight at her spinet. She was thrilled through and
+through with the sound of the notes, and often before she was aware her
+little fingers would wander off in some melody, recalling how a bird
+sang or how a streamlet rippled over the stones. Then she would stop in
+affright and go carefully over her lesson.</p>
+
+<p>Anabella really succeeded better than she did. There was no singing bird
+in her brain that tempted her to stray. But sometimes the music master
+was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> quite angry with her, and said she "might as well be a boy driving
+nails or facing stone."</p>
+
+<p>But now she went over and over and would not be seduced by "wonderful
+melodies." It was quite dark when Mistress Janice called her to supper
+in the tea room, with Patty. The two women had a great deal of sparring,
+it would seem. At the farm there was never any bickering. Once in a
+while Uncle James scolded some of the laborers. Yet it seemed curious to
+Primrose that they should talk so sharply to each other and the next
+minute join in gay laughter.</p>
+
+<p>The very next day she had a visitor. Uncle James had been in once and
+had a long talk with Madam Wetherill. After he had given her a somewhat
+serious scrutiny and asked a few questions she was dismissed. But Aunt
+Wetherill was out now and Andrew Henry asked for her.</p>
+
+<p>"Promise me you won't run off with him," exclaimed Patty. "I must finish
+this gown, as madam goes to Mrs. Chew's this afternoon, and all these
+furbelows have to be sewed on. Folks can't be content with a plain gown
+any more, but must have it laced and ruffled and bows stuck on it as if
+it was Fair time!"</p>
+
+<p>"When is Fair time?" asked Primrose, as she was putting on a clean
+pinafore.</p>
+
+<p>"How you take one up, child! There are fairs and fairs. They started in
+England, where all things do. For all we put on such mighty independent
+airs we do but follow like a flock of sheep. There, child, run and don't
+stand gaping! And mind that you don't attempt to run off with friend
+Broadbrim."</p>
+
+<p>She was glad to be clasped in the strong arms and have the hearty kiss
+on her forehead.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It is like a different place without thee," he exclaimed. "I cannot
+make the days go fast enough until spring opens and thou come back with
+the birds. We are such quiet folk. And here all is gayety. Wilt thou
+ever be content again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is gayety so very wrong, Andrew? It seems quite delightful to me," she
+returned wistfully. "And when the ladies move about in their pretty
+gowns it is like great flocks of birds, or the meadows with lilies and
+daisies and red clover-heads. Why do they have all the bright colors?"</p>
+
+<p>A hint of perplexity crossed her brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely I cannot tell. And the woods have been robed in scarlet and
+yellow, and such tints of red brown that one could study them by the
+hour. And the corn has turned a russet yellow and looks like the tents
+of an army. Yes, there are divers colors in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"And sometimes I have wished to be a butterfly. They were so beautiful,
+skimming along. God made them surely."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. But He put no soul in them. Perhaps that was to show His estimate
+of fine gear."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"They would make heaven more beautiful. And the singing birds! Oh,
+surely, Cousin Andrew, they must be saved."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, child, such talk is not seemly. What should a thing without a soul
+do in heaven where all is praise and worship?"</p>
+
+<p>"And the worship at Christ Church is very nice, with the singing of
+psalms and hymns and the people praying together. Why do we not sing,
+Andrew?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He hugged her closer. The soft "we" went to his heart. She had not
+identified herself with these people of forms and ceremonies then, nor
+quite accepted their "vain repetitions."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt understand better in the course of a few years. There is much
+mummery in all of these things. They who worship God truly do it in
+spirit and in truth. But tell me what else thou art doing on week-days?"</p>
+
+<p>She told him of her studies. The Latin and French seemed quite useless
+to him, although he knew it was taught at the Friends' school, and many
+of the persuasion he knew did not disdain education. But his father was
+quite as rigorous as the Church Catechism about the duties pertaining to
+one's station in life, and as his son was to be a farmer and inherit
+broad acres, he cared for him to know nothing outside of his business.</p>
+
+<p>But the bits of history, of men and women, interested him very much.</p>
+
+<p>"I hear them talk sometimes," she said. "And some of them do not want a
+king. Why is he not content to govern England and let us alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not clear in my own mind about that," he answered thoughtfully.
+"So many of us came over here to escape the rigors of a hard rule and to
+worship God as we chose. And methinks we ought to have the right to live
+and do business as we choose. I should like to hear able men talk on
+both sides. I heard some things in the market place this morning that
+startled me strangely."</p>
+
+<p>"They will not have the tea," she said tentatively. "It is queer, bitter
+stuff, so I do not wonder."</p>
+
+<p>He laughed at that.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I heard we were like to be as famous as Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"Patty knows about Boston," she said. "She was a little girl there. But
+she doesn't like it very much."</p>
+
+<p>Mistress Kent came in with some cake and a home brew of beer, and asked
+politely after Mrs. Henry. Then Andrew rose to go.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot take thee just yet," he said, twining the little fingers about
+one of his. "But the time will soon pass. And I shall be likely to come
+in on market day once in a while, if I do not make bad bargains!" with a
+grave sort of smile. "Then I shall see thee, and take home a good
+account."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou mayst indeed do that," said Mistress Janice, with high dignity.
+"She learns many things in this great house."</p>
+
+<p>He stooped and kissed her, and she somehow felt sorry to say good-by.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose," exclaimed his father that evening, "that the child has been
+tutored out of her simple ways, and is aping the great lady with fine
+feathers and all that!"</p>
+
+<p>"She is not much changed and plainly dressed, and seems not easily to
+forget her old life, asking about many things."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother Philemon's intentions will be sorely thwarted. He was called
+upon to give up his son, but I am not sure I should have done it for
+worldly gain. It was going back to the bondage we were glad to escape.
+And he had counted on other sons to uphold the faith. But the mother was
+only half-hearted, and the child will always be in peril."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry wondered a little about this question<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> of faith. He had
+heard strange talk in the market place to-day. The Puritans of Boston
+had persecuted and banished the Friends, and the Friends here could
+hardly tolerate the royalist proclivities of the Episcopalians. If war
+should come, would one have to choose between his country and his
+faith?</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>A BOULEVERSEMENT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was a winter of much perturbation. Grave questions were being
+discussed&mdash;indeed, there had been overt acts of rebellion. And while the
+Friends counseled peace and preached largely non-resistance, those in
+trade found they were being sadly interfered with, and this led them to
+look more closely into the matter and frequent some of the meetings
+where discussions were not always of the moderate sort.</p>
+
+<p>There had been a congress held at Smith's Tavern after Captain Ayres,
+with his ship <i>Polly</i>, had thought it wisdom to turn about upon reaching
+Gloucester Point and hearing that the town had resolved he should not
+land his cargo of tea. Boston and New York had destroyed it, and he
+thought it wiser not to risk a loss.</p>
+
+<p>They went, afterward, to Carpenter's Hall, where the Reverend Mr. Duch&eacute;
+made a prayer and read the collect for the day. The discussion was
+rather informal, if spirited, and the general disuse of English goods
+was enjoined.</p>
+
+<p>A sentiment was given afterward:</p>
+
+<p>"May the sword of the parent never be stained with the blood of his
+children."</p>
+
+<p>There were a number of Friends present at the table. One, who had
+protested vigorously against the possibilities of war, said heartily:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"This is not a toast, but a prayer. Come, let us join it."</p>
+
+<p>Christmas was kept with much jollity on the part of many who had no fear
+of the Scarlet Lady before their eyes, and whose affiliations with
+Virginia and Maryland were of the tenderer sort. There was great
+merrymaking at Madam Wetherill's, visitors having been invited for a
+week's stay. And just at this time the widow Hester Morris married
+again, and Anabella assumed a great deal of consequence.</p>
+
+<p>Wedding festivities lasted several days. Primrose, in a flowered silken
+gown, was permitted to go and have a taste of the bride cake, with
+strict injunctions to refuse the wine. There were several children, and
+they danced the minuet, to the great admiration of the grown people.</p>
+
+<p>There were some other pleasures as well. The creeks were frozen over and
+there were fascinating slides,&mdash;long, slippery places like a sheet of
+glass,&mdash;and the triumph was to slide the whole length and keep one's
+head well up. You could spread your arms out like a windmill, only you
+might come in contact with some other arms, and the great thing was to
+preserve a correct and elegant balance. Sometimes there were parties of
+large girls, and then the little ones had to retire elsewhere lest they
+might get run over and have a bad fall.</p>
+
+<p>One of the pretty ways was to gather up one's skirt by an adroit
+movement, and suddenly squat down and sail along like a ball. There was
+a great art in going down, for you could lurch over so easily, and you
+were almost sure to come down on your nose.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose and Bella went out together after the former learned her way
+about a little. And though<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> Anabella seemed a rather precise body and
+easily shocked over some things, she was quite fond of the boys, and
+often timed their play hour so as to meet the boys coming home from
+school, and have a laughing chat with them.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had a scarlet coat edged with fur and a hood to match. She
+looked very charming in it, and even a stranger could see the glances of
+admiration bestowed upon her. She was very shy with strangers, though
+she did make friends with two or three girls.</p>
+
+<p>"You must be very careful," declared the pretentious Bella. "I wouldn't
+take so much notice of that Hannah Lee. They are very common people. Her
+father is a blacksmith and her mother was a servant before she was
+married. And they are Quakers."</p>
+
+<p>"So was my own father and my dear mother."</p>
+
+<p>"But your mother wasn't really, you know, and she had all those English
+Wardour relations, and was well connected. But the Lees are very common
+people, and poor. You see such people hang to you when you are grown up.
+My mother says one cannot be too careful. Then I think Aunt Wetherill
+would not approve."</p>
+
+<p>She did like the fresh, rosy, brown-eyed Hannah Lee, though her dress,
+from crown almost to toe, was drab, and somewhat faded at that. Her gray
+beaver hat was tied snugly under her chin, and her yarn stockings were
+gray. Her shoes had plain black buckles on them. But there were other
+little gray birds as well, and some Quaker damsels were in cloth and
+fur.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose thought she would ask Aunt Wetherill. One morning she was up in
+the sewing room and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> Patty was downstairs pressing out a gown that was
+to be made over.</p>
+
+<p>"You look nice and rosy, little Primrose," said the lady. "A run out of
+doors is a good thing for you. I saw a flock of children sliding
+yesterday, and I thought I knew the scarlet hood. It is more sensible
+than a hat. Did you like the fun?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, so much!" answered Primrose, her soft eyes shining like a summer
+sky. "And I can keep up a good long while. But, when I go down, I do
+often tip over."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt learn all these things. I am glad to have thee with the
+children, too. It is not good for little ones to live too much with
+grown people and get their ways."</p>
+
+<p>"I know some of the girls," said Primrose. "I like Hannah Lee very much.
+She goes to Master Dove's school, but Bella said she was poor."</p>
+
+<p>"Fie! fie! Children should put on no such airs! Bella hath altogether
+too many of them, and her mother is not an overwise woman! Let me hear
+no more about whether one is poor or rich."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was not at all hurt by the chiding tone. She was so glad that
+she might keep her friend with a clean conscience that she looked up and
+smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a wholesome little thing, and the training of the Friends has
+some good points. Let me see&mdash;I think thou canst have a white beaver
+this winter, and a cloak with swansdown. And I will give Bella one of
+blue, so she shall not ape thee. I do not like one to copy the other
+when one purse is long and the other short."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, a white beaver! That would be beautiful!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> and the eager eyes were
+alight more with pleasure than vanity.</p>
+
+<p>"She is like her mother," Madam Wetherill thought. Primrose was really
+happy not to give up Hannah Lee. They could find so many subjects of
+interchange&mdash;what the children were doing at Master Dove's school, and
+the plays they had. The snowballing, although as yet there had been only
+one snow, had been almost a battle between two parties of boys.</p>
+
+<p>"But Master Dove said no one should dip the balls in water and then let
+them freeze, or he would get birched soundly. The soft ones are more
+fun, methinks; they often go to pieces in a shower. My brothers and I
+snowball after the night work is done. We can keep no servant, so we all
+have to help."</p>
+
+<p>That was being poor, Primrose supposed. Yet Hannah seemed a great deal
+kinder and merrier than Bella, and never said sharp things, or was
+haughty to a playmate.</p>
+
+<p>What Primrose had to tell seemed like wonderland to the little girl
+whose only story was "Pilgrim's Progress"&mdash;the great house, with rugs
+and silken curtains, the Chinese mandarin and the pagoda, the real
+pictures that had come from England, and a beautiful, full-length
+portrait of her own mother, the books in the library, and the gay
+companies, the silver and fine dishes, and all the servants.</p>
+
+<p>Not that Primrose boasted. She was very free from such a fault. It was
+not hers, either, and she had no sense of possession. She spoke of her
+life at her uncle's as well, of the quiet at the farm, of the sewing and
+spinning.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall learn to spin another year," said Hannah with interest. "I like
+the merry, buzzing sound. And<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> when I am tall enough for the big wheel I
+shall enjoy running to and fro. I have an uncle at Germantown who
+weaves. Mother lets us visit him now and then, and I delight in that."</p>
+
+<p>Hannah had so many aunts and cousins that the little girl quite envied
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Bella Morris had a great deal to say about her newly married aunt, who,
+after all, was no real relation, but her father's sister-in-law. She had
+married a Mr. Mathews, a well-to-do widower with two growing-up sons who
+were among the mischievous lads of the day, for even then signs were
+reversed and gates carried off and front stoops barricaded; even windows
+were broken in sport, the sport seeming to be chiefly in the adroitness
+with which one could parry suspicion. They had a house on Spruce Street,
+set in the midst of a considerable garden, while not a few respectable
+business men lived over their stores and offices. Polly Morris really
+grudged her sister-in-law the good fortune, for Hester had been left
+much worse off than she, but Hester had no incumbrances, and was
+younger.</p>
+
+<p>In January another congress met, and there was a warm discussion about
+home manufactures. Underneath was a seething mass ready to bubble over
+at another turn of the screws. England had utterly refused to listen to
+the colonists or accede to their wishes. Franklin returned home
+heavy-hearted indeed, and though he counseled prudence and moderation,
+and could not believe there would be what he foresaw, if it came to an
+open issue, would prove a long and bitter struggle. But the gun was
+fired at Lexington, and the State of Massachusetts stood forth an
+undisguised rebel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One market day Andrew came in again. Primrose had wondered at his long
+absence. There had been many things to disturb the serenity of the
+peaceful farmhouse. A sister of Aunt Lois' who had cared for the mother
+during years of widowhood was taken down, and died after a short
+illness. The mother, old and feeble, and wandering in her mind, needed
+constant care. There were three children also, a lad of sixteen and two
+younger girls, one of whom was devoted to the poor old grandmother.
+There was nothing to do but to offer them a home, James Henry felt, for
+Lois would want to make her mother's declining years as comfortable as
+possible. They were not penniless, but the income was small, and the
+farm in debt, so it was judged best to sell it and invest the money for
+the children. Penn Morgan was a stout young fellow and would be of much
+assistance to Uncle James, while he was learning to do for himself.
+Rachel, at fourteen, was very womanly, and little Faith was ten.</p>
+
+<p>All this had happened during March. James Henry paid little attention to
+outside matters. He was prosperous enough under the King's rule, he
+thought, and he was not a man to take up the larger questions.</p>
+
+<p>"We can hardly have thy brother's child here this season," Lois Henry
+said to her husband one evening as she sat in her straight-backed chair,
+too tired even to knit when the cares of the day were over, and the
+poor, half-demented mother safely asleep.</p>
+
+<p>He looked up in anger. "Not have her here?" he repeated vaguely.</p>
+
+<p>"There is so much more care for me. Rachel is a great help and a
+comforting maiden. I never thought anyone could come so near to the
+place of the lost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> ones, the daughters I had hoped would care for my old
+age. Faith is gentle and tractable, but two children so nearly of an
+age, yet with such a different training, would lead to no end of
+argument and do each other no good. I dare say Madam Wetherill has used
+her best efforts to uproot our ways and methods."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be a small and unjust thing, remembering her father's
+faith."</p>
+
+<p>There was something not quite a smile crossed Lois' face, so tired now
+that a few of the placid lines had lost their sweetness.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet it was what we did, James." Lois had a great sense of fair-dealing
+and truth-telling. So far she had had no bargains to make with the
+world, nor temptations to get the better of anyone. "We thought it our
+duty to instruct her in her father's faith and keep her from the
+frivolities that were a snare to her mother. I dare say Madam Wetherill
+looks at the reverse side for her duty. They go to Christ Church, Andrew
+said, and though christening signifieth nothing to us, she may impress
+the child with a sense of its importance. Then the Wetherill House has
+been very gay this winter. Friend Lane said there was gaming and
+festivities going on every night, and that it was a meeting place for
+disaffected minds."</p>
+
+<p>"But Madam Wetherill is a fine royalist. Still there are many ungodly
+things and temptations there, and this is why I requested Andrew not to
+go there on market days. He was roused in a way I could not approve and
+talked of the books in the house. Indiscreet reading is surely a snare.
+I am not at all sure the ever-wise Franklin, while no doubt he hath much
+good sense and counseleth patience and peace, hath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> done a wise thing in
+advocating a public library where may be found all kinds of heresy. Yet
+it is true that James Logan was learned in foreign tongues and gave to
+the town his collection. It was better while they were kept in the
+family, but now they have been taken to Carpenter's Hall, and some other
+books added, I hear, and it is a sort of lounging place where the young
+may imbibe dangerous doctrines. I am glad Penn is such a sensible
+fellow, though Andrew hath been obedient, but he will soon be of age."</p>
+
+<p>"The child has been subject to little restraint then, if she is allowed
+to read everything. And it would be better for Faith not to have the
+companionship. Then I do not feel able to undertake the training out of
+these ideas, as I should feel it my duty to do."</p>
+
+<p>James Henry gave a sigh. He could recall his brother's anxiety that the
+child should not stray from the faith of the Friends.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go in next week myself and have an interview with Madam
+Wetherill and see the child. I shall be better able to decide what is my
+duty."</p>
+
+<p>Then they lapsed into silent meditation. If the prayers, since they are
+only fervent desires, could have been uttered aloud, they would have
+been found quite at variance.</p>
+
+<p>Providence, which is supposed to have a hand in these matters, was
+certainly on Lois Henry's side, though she never took comfort in the
+fact; indeed, accepted the accident with the sweet patience of her sect
+and never disturbed her mind studying why it should have been sent at
+this particular time. For James Henry had a fall from the upper floor of
+his barn and broke his hip, which meant a long siege in bed at the
+busiest season.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Penn Morgan, a nice, strong fellow, was a great comfort. He had managed
+his mother's smaller farm and was not afraid of work.</p>
+
+<p>There was yet considerable farm produce, and much demand for the nicer
+qualities. Andrew was instructed to call at Arch Street and request a
+visit from Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>The news had not yet come of the great battle at Lexington, but all was
+stir and ferment and activity. For six weeks Andrew had not seen the
+town. Now on nearly every corner was a group in eager discussion. There
+had been Patrick Henry's incendiary speech, there was Mr. Adams from
+Massachusetts, and Benjamin Franklin, so lately returned from England,
+and many another one from whom the world was to hear before the struggle
+ended.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was out, but would surely be in at dinner time, and
+though society functions were sometimes as late as two, the ordinary
+dinner was in the middle of the day. He would have almost an hour to
+wait, but he had sold very rapidly this morning and made good bargains.</p>
+
+<p>"It is thy cousin," said Mistress Kent. "I have no time to spare, and if
+thou art not needed at lessons&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let me go to him!" cried Primrose, her face alight with joyous
+eagerness. "It is so long since I have seen him. I can study this
+afternoon, as there are no more dancing lessons."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, run along, child. Don't be too forward in thy behavior."</p>
+
+<p>Patty had gone out with her mistress to do a little trading, since she
+was excellent authority and had many gossiping friends who were much
+interested in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> the latest fashions. And now, in the disturbed state of
+imports, it would not be so easy to have orders filled abroad.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose danced down the stairs and through the hall. "Oh, Andrew!" she
+cried, as she was clasped in the fond arms.</p>
+
+<p>Then he held her off a bit. No, Faith could not compare with her. Yet
+Faith had blue eyes, a fair skin, and light hair, straight and rather
+stringy and cut short in her neck. But these eyes were like a glint of
+heaven on a most radiant day, these curving red lips were full of smiles
+and sweetness, and this lovely hair, this becoming and graceful
+attire&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, why do you sigh!" in a pretty, imperious fashion. "Are you not glad
+to see me? I thought you had forgotten me. It is such a long, long
+while."</p>
+
+<p>"Did I sigh? I was surprised. Thou art like a sweet, blossomy rose with
+the morning dew upon it."</p>
+
+<p>"Prim Rose." She drew her face down a little, drooped her eyes, and let
+her arms hang at her side in a demure fashion, and though Andrew's
+vocabulary had few descriptive adjectives in it, he felt she was
+distractingly pretty. He wanted to kiss her again and again, but
+refrained with Quaker self-restraint.</p>
+
+<p>She laughed softly. "Madam Shippen was here one day with big Miss Peggy,
+who can laugh and be gay like any little girl, and who is so pretty&mdash;not
+like my dear mother in the frame, but&mdash;oh, I can't find a word, and I am
+learning so many new ones, too. But one would just like to kneel at her
+feet, and draw a long breath. And she took hold of my hands and we
+skipped about in the hall with the new step Master Bagett taught me. And
+Madam Shippen said I was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> 'most like a rose, and that if I became a
+Friend I should be called Prim alone, since the name would be suitable.
+And Madam Wetherill said I was divided, like my name. When will it be
+time to go to the farm?"</p>
+
+<p>"Would it be a great disappointment if thou didst not go?" he asked
+gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"What has happened, cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>Her sweet face took instant alarm. The smiles shaped themselves to a
+sudden unspoken sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>"A great many things have happened." He would have liked to draw her
+down to his knee as he had seen Penn hold his sister Faith and comfort
+her for the loss of their mother. But Primrose did not need comforting.
+He kept his arm about her and drew her nearer to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, a great many things. Mother's sister, Aunt Rachel Morgan, died in
+March, and grandmother and the three children have come to live with us.
+Grandmother is old and has mostly lost her mind. Penn is a large fellow
+of his age, almost grown up, and is of great service. Rachel is fourteen
+and is wise in the management of grandmother, who cannot tell one from
+another and thinks my mother the elder Rachel who died. And then there
+is little Faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith? What is she like? Would you rather have her than&mdash;than me? Do
+you love her most?"</p>
+
+<p>A sudden jealousy flamed up in the child's heart. Since her mother had
+gone she had really loved no one until she had met Andrew. Perhaps it
+was largely due to the fact that he was the only sympathetic one in a
+lonely life.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew laughed, stirred by a sweet joy.</p>
+
+<p>"I would a dozen times rather have thee, but Faith<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> is nice and obedient
+and my mother has grown fond of her. But there is something about thee,
+Primrose&mdash;canst thou remember how the chickens followed thee, and the
+birds and the squirrels never seemed afraid? Thou didst talk to the
+robins as if thou didst understand their song. And the beady-eyed
+squirrels&mdash;how they would stop and listen."</p>
+
+<p>"I made a robin's song on the spinet quite by myself, one afternoon. And
+the dainty Ph[oe]be bird, and the wren with her few small notes. Do you
+know, I think the wren a Quaker bird, only her gown is not quite gray
+enough. We went out to great-aunt's farm one day, and oh, the birds!
+Some had on such dazzling plumage and flew so swiftly. We went to the
+woods and found trailing arbutus, that is so sweet, and hepatica, and
+oh! many another thing. I can't recall half the names. There was a tall,
+grave gentleman who talked much about them and said they were families.
+Are the little birds the babies, and are there cousins and aunts and
+grandmothers all faded and shriveled up? And can they talk to each other
+with those little nods and swinging back and forth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a strange child, Primrose," and he smiled. "What were we
+talking of? Oh, the coming of the children. And then father hath had a
+bad fall and has to be kept in bed for weeks. So we seem full of
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am so sorry, Andrew!" Her head was up by his shoulder and she
+leaned over and kissed him, and then he held her in a very close embrace
+and felt in some mysterious way that she belonged to him, rather than to
+his father or to her grand aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"And you will hardly want me," with a slow half question answering
+itself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is one of my errands. Father desires to see Madam Wetherill. He
+did not say&mdash;he wishes to follow out my uncle's will concerning you."</p>
+
+<p>Then he looked her all over. Her eyes were cast down on the polished
+floor that had lately come in. Many people had them sanded; indeed, the
+large dining room here was freshly sanded every morning and drawn in
+waves and diamonds and figures of various sorts. The Friends used the
+sand, but condemned the figures as savoring of the world.</p>
+
+<p>As Primrose stood there she was grace itself. Her head was full of loose
+curls that glinted of silver in the high lights and a touch of gold in
+the shade, deepening to a soft brown. Her skin was fine and clear, her
+brows and the long lashes were quite dark, the latter just tipped with
+gold that often gave the eyes a dazzling appearance. Her ear was like a
+bit of pinkish shell or a half crumpled rose leaf. And where her chin
+melted into her neck, and the neck sloped to the shoulder, there were
+exquisite lines. After the fashion of the day her bodice was cut square,
+and the sleeves had a puff at the shoulder and a pretty bow that had
+done duty in various places before. He did not understand that it was
+beauty that moved him so, for he had always been deeply sympathetic over
+the loss of her parents.</p>
+
+<p>She was not studying the floor, or thinking whether she looked winsome
+or no, though Bella Morris would have done for an instructor on poses
+already, and was often saying, "Primrose, you must stand that way and
+turn your face so, and look as if you were listening to something," or
+"Bend your head a little."</p>
+
+<p>"But I'm not listening, and I can't have my head<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> bent over, it tires my
+neck," she would reply with a kind of gay decision.</p>
+
+<p>She was wondering whether she wanted to go out to the farm or not. Would
+she be allowed to take her books along, or must she go on with the
+spinning and sewing? And she did love her pretty gowns and the ribbons,
+and the silver buckles on her shoes, and several times she had worn the
+gold beads that her mother had left behind for her. And there was the
+spinet, with its mysterious music, the drives about, and she was
+learning to ride on a pillion; and Patty knew so many stories about
+everything, merry and sad and awesome, for her grandmother's sister had
+been thrust into prison at Salem for being a witch. And Patty also knew
+some fairy stories, chief among them a version of "Cinderella," and that
+fascinating "Little Red Riding Hood."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I shall want thee always," he began, breaking the silence. "I
+have missed thee so much, and counted on thy coming back to us. But you
+might find it dull after all the pleasure and diversion. There would be
+Faith&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Should I like her?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot tell," and he smiled gravely.</p>
+
+<p>She did not altogether like Bella, but she did not want to say so. It
+was queer, but she was learning that you could not like everybody to
+order. There was something about kind, gentle Aunt Lois that held one at
+a distance, and she was always afraid of her Uncle James.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you like her very much?" with a lingering intonation.</p>
+
+<p>"We are commanded to love everyone, chiefly those of the household of
+faith."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Cousin Andrew," very seriously, "I go to Christ Church now. I like the
+singing. And it says&mdash;in the Scriptures, I think&mdash;'Let everything that
+hath breath praise the Lord!'"</p>
+
+<p>"One can praise in the heart."</p>
+
+<p>"How should another know it? One might be thinking very naughty things
+in the heart, and keep silence."</p>
+
+<p>"But the naughty and evil heart would not be likely to do good works."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was silent. The spiritual part of theology was quite beyond
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Then there was a clang at the knocker and the small black boy in a
+bright turban went to answer.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>TO THE RESCUE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Primrose was dismissed, though she saw her Cousin Andrew again at
+dinner. Madam Wetherill had quite settled the question. She was going
+out to her own country estate, and Primrose would have a change of air
+and much more liberty, and under the circumstances it was altogether
+better that she should not go to her uncle's, and Madam Wetherill
+considered the matter as settled, though she promised to come out the
+next day.</p>
+
+<p>The dream of William Penn had been a fair, roomy city, with houses set
+in gardens of greenery. There were to be straight, long streets reaching
+out to the suburbs and the one to front the river was to have a great
+public thoroughfare along the bank. Red pines grew abundantly, and many
+another noble tree was left standing wherever it could be allowed, and
+new ones planted. Broad Street cut the city in two from north to south,
+High Street divided it in the opposite direction.</p>
+
+<p>But even now "The greene country towne" was showing changes. To be sure
+the house in Letitia Court was still standing and the slate-roof house
+into which Mr. Penn moved later on. But market houses came in High
+Street, the green river banks were needed for commerce, and little
+hamlets were growing up on the outskirts. There were neighborly rows of
+houses that had wide<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> porches where the heads of families received their
+neighbors, the men discussing the state of the country or their own
+business, the women comparing household perplexities, complaining of
+servants, who, when too refractory, were sent to the jail to be whipped,
+and the complaints or the praises of apprentices who boarded in their
+master's houses, or rather, were given their board and a moderate yearly
+stipend to purchase clothes, where they were not made at home. Young
+people strolled up and down under the great trees of elm and sycamore,
+or lingered under the drooping willows where sharp eyes could not follow
+them so closely, and many a demure maiden tried her hand on her father's
+favorite apprentice, meaning to aim higher later on unless he had some
+unusual success.</p>
+
+<p>Up to this time there had been a reign of quiet prosperity. The old
+Swedes had brought in their own faith; the church, so small at first as
+to be almost unnoticed, was winning its way. And though Whitfield had
+preached the terrors of the law, religious life was more tolerant.
+Natural aspects were more conciliatory. The Friends were peace-loving
+and not easily roused from placid methods of money-getting. There was
+nothing of the Puritan environment or the strenuous conscience that
+keeps up fanatics and martyrs. Witchcraft could not prosper here, there
+being only one trial on record, and that easily dismissed. The mantle of
+charity and peace still hovered over the place, and prosperity had
+brought about easy habits. Perhaps, too, the luxuriant growth and
+abundance of everything assisted. Nature smiled, springs were early,
+autumns full of tender glory.</p>
+
+<p>And though the city was not crowded, according to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> modern terms, there
+were many who migrated up the Schuylkill every summer, who owned
+handsome farms and wide-spreading country houses. Chestnut Hill and
+Mount Airy, Stenton and the Chew House at Germantown, were the scene of
+many a summer festivity where Friends and world's people mingled in
+social enjoyment; pretty Quakeresses practiced the fine art of pleasing
+and making the most of demure ways and eyes that could be so seductively
+downcast, phraseology that admitted of more intimacy when prefaced by
+the term "Friend," or lingered in dulcet tones over the "thee and thou."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill always made a summer flitting to her fine and profitable
+farm, and surrounded herself with guests. She was very fond of company
+and asked people of different minds, having a great liking for argument,
+though it was difficult to find just where she stood on many subjects,
+except the Church and her decided objection to many of the tenets of the
+Friends, though she counted several of her most intimate acquaintances
+among them. She had a certain graceful suavity and took no delight in
+offending anyone.</p>
+
+<p>But she was moved to the heart by Lois Henry's misfortunes. The old
+mother sat under a great walnut tree on a high-backed bench, with some
+knitting in her hand, in which she merely run the needles in and out and
+wound the yarn around any fashion, while she babbled softly or asked a
+question and forgot it as soon as asked. Rather spare in figure and much
+wrinkled in face, she still had a placid look and smiled with a
+meaningless softness as anyone drew near.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Madam Wetherill thought of William Penn, whom her father
+had visited at Ruscombe<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> in those last years of a useful life when
+dreams were his only reality, still gentle and serene, and fond of
+children. Faith was sitting at her knee and answering her aimless talk,
+and Rachel had her spinning wheel on the porch.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill alighted from her horse, and Rachel came out to her. She
+sometimes took her servant, but she was a fearless and capable rider.</p>
+
+<p>"I will call my aunt," the young woman said with a courtesy of respect
+such as girls gave to elders.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell her it is Madam Wetherill. Nay, I will sit here," as the girl
+invited her within; and she took the porch bench.</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry showed her added cares in the thinness of her face and
+certain drawn lines about the mouth, but it had not lost its grave
+sweetness.</p>
+
+<p>"I hear you are full of trouble," began Madam Wetherill in her well-bred
+tones. What with education on the one side, and equable temperament on
+the other, perhaps too, the softness of the climate and the easier modes
+of life, voices and manners both had a refinement for which they are
+seldom given credit. The intercourse between England and the colonies
+had been more frequent and kindly, though the dawning love of liberty
+was quite as strong as in the Eastern settlements.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, there is heaviness and burthens laid upon me, but if we are glad
+to receive good at the hands of the Lord we must not murmur against
+evil. The spring is a bad time for the head of the house to be laid
+aside."</p>
+
+<p>"And you have added family cares. I have come to see if you are willing
+to be relieved in some measure. Everyone counts at such a time, while in
+a family<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> like ours, with the going and coming, one more never adds to
+the work."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be quite willing if we could be assured it was our duty to
+shift burthens in times of trouble. James is somewhat disquieted about
+the child. Will you come in and talk with him?"</p>
+
+<p>The bed had been brought out to the best room, as it was so much larger
+than the sleeping chamber adjoining it. James Henry lay stretched upon a
+pallet, his ruddy face somewhat paler than its wont.</p>
+
+<p>"I am pleased to see thee," he said gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"And I am sorry for thy misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>The use of the pronoun "thou" had its old English manner and was not
+confined to the Friends alone. The more rigid, who sought to despise all
+things that savored of worldliness, used their objective in season and
+out. And among the younger of the citified Friends, "you" was not
+infrequently heard.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the Lord's will. We are not allowed our choice of times. Though I
+must say I have been prospered heretofore, and give thanks for it. I
+hear there are other troubles abroad and that those pestilent Puritans,
+who were never able to live in peace for any length of time, have
+rebelled against the King. I am sorry it hath come to open blows. But
+they will soon have the punishment they deserve. We are enjoined to live
+at peace with all men."</p>
+
+<p>"The news is extremely meager. There is a great ferment," Madam
+Wetherill replied suavely.</p>
+
+<p>"And in town they are holding congresses! The Lord direct them in the
+right way. But we have many rebels among us, I think. This was to be a
+town of peace. William Penn conciliated his enemies and had no use for
+the sword."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"True&mdash;true! We shall need much wisdom. But I must not weary thee
+talking of uncertainties. There is another matter that concerns us both,
+our little ward. As affairs stand I think she had better remain with me
+through the summer. She will be on a farm and have plenty of air and
+take up some of the arts of country life. She is in good health and is,
+I think, a very easily governed child."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not following out her father's wishes. He hoped she would be of
+his faith. And the influence here might serve to counteract some
+follies. I would rather she came. But Lois is heavily weighted and two
+children of the same age&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose would have many strange things for her little cousin's ears.
+Nay, they are hardly cousins." And Madam Wetherill smiled. A keen
+observer might have observed a touch of disdain.</p>
+
+<p>"Except as to faith. She would be forbidden to talk over her worldly
+life. We discountenanced it before. It is a sad thing that a child
+should be so torn and distracted before she can hardly know good or
+evil. I do not think my brother meant this course should be followed."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet he could not deprive the mother of her child. And he gave away his
+son for worldly advancement. It was merely that Mistress Henry and her
+child should live here half the year. The court decided she could
+transfer her rights to another guardian, and I was nearest of kin. And I
+shall have to seek heirs somewhere. But one summer cannot matter much,
+and it will be a relief to thy overtired wife."</p>
+
+<p>James Henry started to raise himself on his elbow and then remembered
+that he was bandaged and strapped, and was but a helpless log. Two
+months,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the doctor had said, even if all went well, before he could
+make any exertion. He glanced at his wife. He must be waited on hand and
+foot, and now the child had been filled with worldliness and would need
+strong governing. Andrew was overindulgent to her.</p>
+
+<p>"It hath caused me much thought. This time we might make it a year for
+good reasons. Mr. Northfield would no doubt consent. Then she would come
+in the fall and remain."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I will not promise that. Her winters in town are important for
+education. It was for that partly that I preferred the winters. She hath
+no farm to go to afterward and will lead a town life."</p>
+
+<p>"But so much worldly education does not befit a woman or improve her."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet we must admit that the earlier Friends were men of sound education.
+They read Greek and Latin, and now at the Friends' school there are many
+high branches pursued. And it is becoming a question whether spelling
+correctly, and being able to write a letter and cast up accounts, will
+harm any woman. Widows often have a sorry time when they know nothing of
+affairs, and become the prey of designing people. I have had large
+matters to manage and should have had a troublesome time had I been
+ignorant."</p>
+
+<p>James Henry sighed. He had wished before that this woman had not been
+quite so shrewd. And though he was a stanch Friend and would have
+suffered persecution for the cause, wealth had a curious charm for him,
+and he was not quite certain it would be right to deprive Primrose Henry
+of any chance. She had seemed easily influenced last year. If Faith<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>
+could gain some ascendency over her! But Faith was more likely to be
+swayed than to sway, he was afraid.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let the case stand this way," said Madam Wetherill. "After a month
+or so matters may be improved with you, and she can come then, being a
+month or two later in town."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that may do," he answered reluctantly, but he did long for a whole
+year in which to influence his brother's child. For surely she was born
+in the faith. He would not have gone outside for a convert; the Friends
+were not given to the making of proselytes. Everyone must be convinced
+of his own conscience.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we will agree upon this for the present. Thou hast my warmest
+sympathy, and I shall be glad to hear of thy improvement. I hope Friend
+Lois will not get quite worn out. Good-day to thee. If there is anything
+a friend can do, command me at once."</p>
+
+<p>"My own patience is the greatest requisite," said the master of the
+house, while Lois raised her eyes with a certain grateful light.</p>
+
+<p>She paused a moment for a word with Rachel, a nice, wholesome-looking
+girl with the freshness of youth, and who responded quietly but made no
+effort for conversation. Faith was still chatting with the grandmother.
+Madam Wetherill stepped on the block and mounted her horse as deftly as
+a young person might.</p>
+
+<p>"The youth Andrew is not so straitlaced," she ruminated. "And he seemed
+much interested in the talk of war. If it comes to that, what will the
+Quakers do, I wonder? They can hardly go among the Indians to escape the
+strife, and if home and country is worth anything they ought to take
+their share in defending<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> it. As Mr. Adams says, it would come sooner or
+later. The colonists are of English blood and cannot stand so much
+oppression. It is queer they cannot think of us as their own children.
+And we of the more southern lands have felt tenderly toward the mother
+country, especially we of the church."</p>
+
+<p>Philadelphia believed herself on the eve of great changes, as well as
+Boston. Virginia had her heroes that felt quite as keenly the injustice
+of the mother country. Patrick Henry had fired many hearts with his
+patriotic eloquence. When Governor Dunmore had seized a quantity of
+gunpowder belonging to the colonies and had it shipped on board a man of
+war, Henry went at the head of a party of armed citizens and demanded
+restitution, which was made with much show of ill feeling. Not long
+after the exasperated people had driven the Governor from his house,
+shorn him of power, and compelled him to seek safety. In North Carolina
+there had been a declaration of independence read aloud to a convention
+at Charlotte. "An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts, is all that is
+left us," said Patrick Henry. And Joseph Hawley said, "We must fight."</p>
+
+<p>The battle of Lexington was the match that started the blaze. The other
+colonies were ready. Philadelphia prepared herself for the struggle. At
+another meeting it was resolved, "That the United Colonies are of right
+or ought to be free and independent states, and that they are absolved
+from all duties to the British crown."</p>
+
+<p>Jefferson wrote this declaration, submitting it to Franklin and John
+Adams, and many discussions followed before it was adopted. And the
+Continental Congress had been much encouraged by the enthusiasm<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> of
+Virginia. Washington had said publicly, "I will raise a thousand men,
+subsist them at my own expense, and march with them, at their head, for
+the relief of Boston."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Washington had not been less patriotic, though her love of peaceful
+domestic affairs was well known. To a friend she had written, "Yes, I
+foresee serious consequences, dark days and darker nights, domestic
+happiness suspended, social enjoyments abandoned, property of every kind
+put in jeopardy by war, neighbors and friends at variance, and eternal
+separations possible."</p>
+
+<p>There had come news of the seizure of fortresses at Ticonderoga and
+Crown Point. Ammunition, stores, and fifty pieces of cannon had been
+taken. General Gage had announced his intentions of sending "those arch
+offenders Samuel Adams and John Hancock" to England to be hanged. The
+latter brave rebel had laughed the threat to scorn. But the Declaration
+was considered a bold step.</p>
+
+<p>There was a gathering of friends at Madam Wetherill's that very evening,
+for it was known that she would soon be out on the farm, and since she
+had much at stake in trade and property, many were curious to see which
+side she would really espouse.</p>
+
+<p>"The idea of a horde of common people running a government with no head
+but their own wills is preposterous!" cried the proud old Tory Ralph
+Jeffries, as he settled his wig with a shake of the head and pulled out
+his lace ruffles. "Are these canting Puritans going to rule us with
+their quarrels?"</p>
+
+<p>"The whole country seems pretty well ablaze. It is like a Latimer and
+Ridley fire," was the retort.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We will put it out, sir! We will put it out! Where would be the dignity
+or security of any such government? A pack of braggarts over a little
+skirmish. King George is good enough for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you may have to emigrate again presently," suggested portly John
+Logan. "The storm has been long gathering. Little by little we have seen
+our rights abridged, while we have been growing up to the full size of
+manhood. We have tried our wit and ability. To-day we could enter the
+lists of trade with foreign nations, but our ports have been closed.
+England dictates how much and how little we shall do. We are not a
+nation of slaves, but brethren with them over the seas. We are not to be
+kept in the swaddling clothes of infancy.</p>
+
+<p>"It hath been a sorry hardship not to trade where we will when the
+country groweth steadily. It is a great and wonderful land and needeth
+only wise rulers to make it the garden of the world. But the taxes are
+grievous, and no one knows where this will end. I am a man of peace as
+thou all knowest, but when the iron is at white heat and has been struck
+one blow it is best to keep on."</p>
+
+<p>"And you believe," returned Jeffries scornfully, "that a handful of men
+can conquer the flower of Britain? How many, think you, will come to the
+fore if there is a call to arms? A few of these noisy brawlers like
+Henry and Jefferson and Adams, and those pestilent Puritans who have
+been ever stirring up strife, and a few foolish men easily turned with
+every wind that blows. Good Lord, what an army to cope with trained
+men!"</p>
+
+<p>"These same brawlers have done England some good service against the
+French. They have fighting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> blood, and when it is roused on the side of
+right will be a match for the redcoats at Champlain."</p>
+
+<p>Some of the women were gathered in the hall where there was tea and
+cakes, or mead if one liked better.</p>
+
+<p>"But, if there is war, we shall not be able to get anything," said vain
+and pretty Madam Jeffries, who was a second wife, and strong of will as
+her husband seemed, twisted him around her finger. "And I have just sent
+abroad for finery."</p>
+
+<p>"We must come to linsey-woolsey, though the weavers of Germantown make
+fine goods, and there is silk already made in our own town. Instead of
+so much gossiping and sitting with idle hands we must make our own
+laces. It is taught largely, I hear, at Boston, and my mother was an
+expert at it. Then there are fringes and loops&mdash;and, oh, I think we
+shall manage."</p>
+
+<p>"But will there really be war?&mdash;Madam Wetherill, it will begin in the
+room there," laughing and nodding her head. "They will come to blows
+soon. And Hugh Mifflin, methinks, has forgotten his Quaker blood. How
+well he talks! And hear&mdash;he quotes from the Farmers' letters. I thought
+the Friends were resolved not to bear arms."</p>
+
+<p>"Do they always turn the other cheek to the smiter?" asked someone, and
+a laugh followed.</p>
+
+<p>In the upper hall Primrose stood by the end window, listening and
+wondering. Patty found her there, large-eyed.</p>
+
+<p>"What will there be war about?" she asked. "And will they come here and
+take us all prisoners?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, child! This is no talk for thee. Come to bed at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Patty, did you hear my great-aunt say if I was to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> go out to the farm?
+What if they make Cousin Andrew fight? I should be so sorry."</p>
+
+<p>"Quakers do not fight."</p>
+
+<p>"But brave men do. I have read about them. And I am sure Andrew is
+brave."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be sure of any man. Thou wilt get a sight of wisdom between this
+and twenty years. And I believe thou art not to go out to Cherry Hill.
+There is too much illness. And we are to move to our own farm."</p>
+
+<p>"And will there be chickens and birds and squirrels, and little lambs
+playing about, and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not string any more things together with an 'and,' like beads on a
+chain, but get to bed. Yes, they seem to be having a fine noisy time
+downstairs. I know on which side the madam will be."</p>
+
+<p>"For the King?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not strongly, I think," with an ironical laugh Primrose did not
+understand.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Patty?"</p>
+
+<p>"The King would have poor luck if he depended on me to fight for him.
+There, good-night, and good sleep."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>AT SOME CROSSROADS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>There was much confusion in the old house, putting fine things and
+ornaments away and packing family heirlooms and silver. There was also
+much going to and fro, and after a few days Primrose, with her
+attendant, Patty, went out to the farm, then in all its beauty of
+greenness, though the fruit blooms were over. But there were countless
+roses and garden flowers of all the old-fashioned sorts, and sweet herbs
+and herbs for all kinds of medicinal brews. For though Dr. Shippen and
+Dr. Rush had begun to protest against "old women's doses," many still
+had faith in them and kept to feverfew and dittany and golden rod and
+various other simples, and made cough balsams and salves.</p>
+
+<p>The house was large and plain, with uncarpeted floors that were mopped
+up in the morning for coolness and cleanliness, quite a Virginian
+fashion. The kitchen and dining room were sanded, the chairs were plain
+splint or rather coarse rush or willow. There were a wide wooden settle
+and some curious old chests used for seats, as well as hiding places for
+commoner things.</p>
+
+<p>But it was the garden that attracted Primrose. She had never seen so
+many flowers nor such lovely ones, for in the woods there was not this
+variety. Life had been too busy, and wants too pressing, to indulge in
+much luxury where gardening was concerned. John<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> Bartram had many
+remarkable trees and plants, but they were things of families and
+pedigrees, and his house was the resort of curious and scientific men.
+Although a Friend, he had a tender heart for beauty, as well as many
+other things. But in general the Friends cultivated simple and useful
+herbs. At the Henry farm there was no pretense of a flower garden.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose ran up and down the wide, smooth walk, made of dirt and small
+stones with much labor, where, through the summer at least, not a tuft
+of grass was permitted to grow. How lovely it was! The house stood on
+quite an elevation. One could see Mount Airy and Clieveden and other
+summer homes, and the Schuylkill winding placidly about, peeping through
+its embowered banks here and there.</p>
+
+<p>But the quiet, romantic stream was to witness many a tragedy and many an
+act of heroism that no one dreamed of that summer. The real alarms of
+war scarcely penetrated it. Young people went sailing and rowing and had
+picnics and teas along its banks, and the air was gay with jests and
+laughter.</p>
+
+<p>The town was much divided in spirit and did not really pull together.
+There were rampant Tories, who declared boldly for the King; there were
+more faint-hearted ones who had much business at stake and cared only
+for making money, and many of the Friends who counseled peace at any
+price. But events marched on rapidly and in June Congress declared for a
+Continental Army, and the host of patriots at Cambridge called Colonel
+Washington from Philadelphia, where he had been in consultation with
+some of the important citizens, and made him commander in chief of the
+American forces.</p>
+
+<p>The city had been prosperous and stretched out its<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> borders in many
+directions. There were flourishing Friends' meeting houses, there was
+Christ Church and St. Peter's on the hill. For the hills had not been
+leveled, and there were many pretty altitudes crowned with brick
+residences that were considered fine at that time and certainly were
+roomy. The Swedes had their church and all the denominations were well
+represented, for at this period religious, interest was strong. There
+were not many outside amusements. Plays were considered rather
+reprehensible.</p>
+
+<p>There were a few bridges over the creeks where boys waded, and girls
+were not always averse to the enjoyment on a summer afternoon. There
+were flocks of geese and ducks disporting themselves. And along the
+shore front docks had been built, there were business warehouses and
+shipping plying to and fro, for the trade with more southern ports was
+brisk. There were some noted taverns where one might see foreign
+sailors, and shops that displayed curious goods. There was damask
+Floreells silk, brocades and lutestrings done up in fair boxes, as you
+found when you entered. There were gold and silver laces and gold
+buttons and brocades of every variety and cost.</p>
+
+<p>The young damsels were sometimes allowed to go out with their elders and
+have a peep at the fine things and express their likings. Some of the
+storekeepers who had laid in abundant stocks chuckled to themselves at
+the thought that now, when all importations on private account must be
+stopped, they would stand a better chance.</p>
+
+<p>In the early part of the century there had been an eloquent divine, a
+Mr. Evans, who had succeeded Mr. Clayton and who somehow had proved very
+attractive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> to the Friends. They had flocked to church to hear him, they
+had even taken off their broadbrims with a timid desire to conform to
+the ways of the world's people. This had gone on until it awakened a
+sense of alarm, and at the evening meeting where business might be
+considered, they had been forbidden to attend the services. So there had
+grown up a broader feeling, and numbers, while they did not quite like
+to break with their own communion, were more tolerant, read disapproved
+books, thought more of education, and began to look with different eyes
+on the great world, while others, almost horror-stricken at the
+latitude, drew their lines tighter.</p>
+
+<p>From Christ Church, as an offshoot, had sprung up St. Peter's. Governor
+Penn had his pew in the south gallery. Benjamin Franklin and many of the
+&eacute;lite thronged the stone aisles with pattering footsteps, in laced
+coats, queues, and ruffles; the women with their big hats tied under the
+chin with an enormous bow, a fashion that sent the top up with a great
+flare where puffs of hair were piled one upon another, or little curls,
+and stiff brocades that rustled along, little heels that clicked, lace
+or lawn scarfs coquettishly arranged for summer use, and great fans
+carried by a ribbon on the arm. In winter there were silk pelisses edged
+with fur, or a fur or velvet coat. The great distinction was the young
+girls in much more simple material, with pretty demureness and sometimes
+longing looks cast at the attire of the young wives or older matrons,
+and a thought of the time when this glory should be theirs.</p>
+
+<p>Now that one must be for or against, Madam Wetherill, though not
+aggressive in her opinions, plainly showed on which side her sympathies
+were ranged.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Wiseacres shook their heads; even among those who came to drink tea in
+the summer house, made primarily by four large, over-arching trees and a
+latticework about, against which there was a bench all around, and a
+great table sufficiently rustic not to mind the summer showers.</p>
+
+<p>There was no spinet to practice on. There were no tutors, but Primrose
+said a few lessons to Patty, sewed a little, and ran about, her hands
+and arms encased in long linen mitts that left the fingers free, and a
+widebrimmed straw hat tied well down, or a Quaker sun bonnet made of
+reeds and cambric. But there were so many visitors that she was often
+dressed up, and made much of by the young ladies.</p>
+
+<p>Polly Morris complained that "Bella was in a very poor state and pining
+for country air. If her purse were long enough she would take her up to
+Martha Woolcot's, but boarding was high. The Matthews had gone over to
+the Jerseys. They had been very kind in giving her a fortnight's visit,
+but now the house would be shut up, and there was only her small
+cottage, that had been so built around by reason of business that one
+could hardly find a mouthful of fresh air."</p>
+
+<p>"I did say I would not ask her here again in the summer. Bella is
+troublesome and forward amid company. But, poor thing! she has only part
+of her house, as below it is a shop and rented out, and her purse is a
+slim one at best," said good-hearted Madam Wetherill. "Patty, suppose
+you write for me, and ask her for a fortnight. She will stay a full
+month. The children may play about and amuse themselves. 'Tis not that I
+grudge what she eats and drinks, but I like not to have people take so
+much by right, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> feel that your best is hardly good enough for them,
+and that you owe them something."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madam," replied Patty respectfully, though she set about it rather
+reluctantly. She was not over fond of Bella.</p>
+
+<p>A week later they came with a chest of attire that did indeed presage a
+good long stay. Bella was glad enough to meet her compeer.</p>
+
+<p>"For it has been utterly wretched since Aunt Matthews went away," she
+confessed to Primrose. "We went there so often. And Jonas, the younger
+boy, has so much drollness in him and tells about pranks at school. And
+one night he crept out of the window on a shed and slid down and went to
+a merrymaking at some tavern, where they had rare fun. He did not come
+in until nearly morning, and his head ached so he was ill the next day.
+Aunt Matthews made him a posset."</p>
+
+<p>"And did he confess this wrong to her?" asked Primrose in grave
+solicitude.</p>
+
+<p>"Confess! What a silly you are, Primrose! That would have spoiled all
+the fun."</p>
+
+<p>"But it was not right."</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;his father would have been severe with him, and when one is sharp
+it is a pleasure to outwit him. The boys had carried off some gates
+shortly before, and they had changed the sign of the Jolly Fisherman to
+Friend Reed's coffin shop, and he never knew it the whole morning and
+wondered why people stared. Both boys were soundly caned for it, and
+after all it was only a bit of fun. So then they kept their own counsel.
+Jonas knows such pages of funny verses, and there are some in Latin."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you come to know?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he told me!" Bella bridled her head and half shut one eye that gave
+her an unpleasant look of cunning. "He swore me not to tell and said
+little girls were often better than big girls."</p>
+
+<p>"And did you swear?" Primrose was horror-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I didn't say any wicked words. Some of the great ladies say, 'I
+swear,' and the men often do, but it doesn't really mean anything when
+you say it in French."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose asked Patty about it.</p>
+
+<p>"Swearing is swearing, whether you do it in French or Dutch. What put
+such nonsense in thy head? I think the French a wicked language anyhow,
+and I don't see why madam wants thee to jabber any such gibberish."</p>
+
+<p>"It's very hard and I don't believe I ever shall," said the child with a
+sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"The better grace for thee then."</p>
+
+<p>Bella was quite wise and precocious and learning ways of fashion
+rapidly. She stood a little in awe of Madam Wetherill and could be very
+demure when she saw that it was the part of wisdom. Occasionally she
+made Primrose a tacit partner in some reprehensible matter in a way that
+the child could not protest against. And then Bella laughed at her love
+for birds and flowers and was always talking about finery and repeating
+the flattering things that were said to her. And she much preferred
+listening to the ladies and the gallants to gathering flowers or hearing
+the birds singing in the trees.</p>
+
+<p>One day Andrew came. Everything was better at Cherry Hill, and her uncle
+thought now it was time for her to come.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, is your father getting about so soon?" asked Madam Wetherill in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, indeed! He mends but slowly. Still he wishes to do his duty,
+and I think he broods over it more than is good for him. So my mother
+proposed to him that the little maid should be sent for, and he was
+eager at once. And he wished me to say if it was not too inconvenient to
+thee I would bring her back. I have a pillion."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, the child knows so little about riding. I meant to have her
+instructed this summer. And there would be some garments to take. I
+cannot get them ready so soon. And I am afraid she will bother thy
+people sadly. Thou hadst better return and explain this. I will drive
+over in a few days and bring her. Meanwhile thou art warm and tired.
+Rest and refresh thyself a little. I think the children are roaming in
+the woods, but, like the chickens, they are sure to come home to
+supper."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry washed his face and hands at the rustic out-of-doors
+toilette, and little Casper, the black boy, brought him a thick linen
+towel, with velvet-like softness and smelling of lavender. Then he must
+have some home-brewed beer to refresh himself, and a plate of Janice
+Kent's wafers, that were spicy and not over sweet and went excellently
+well with the beer.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou go often to the city?" Madam Wetherill asked. She was
+thinking how finely this young Quaker was filling out in the shoulders,
+how well set and soft his brown eyes were, and his cherry lips had fine
+curves with resolution, yet a certain winning tenderness.</p>
+
+<p>"I go in on market days, twice a week. These are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> stirring times. There
+are arguments on every corner of the street, and men almost come to
+blows."</p>
+
+<p>"The blows may be needed later on. Thou art a peace man, I dare say."</p>
+
+<p>"That is the belief in which I have been brought up," he answered
+respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"And I was brought up to honor the King. But if a king listens to evil
+rather than good counselors&mdash;kings were cut off in old times for not
+dealing justly. I am sure Mr. Pitt hath given excellent advice, but it
+has not been followed."</p>
+
+<p>"I know so little about it," Andrew returned. "I went once to John
+Bartram's for some rare cuttings my father desired, and met there the
+great Franklin, who counseled peace and leniency in England. And they
+all think now that nothing can stop the war."</p>
+
+<p>"It hath begun already. We must decide which side we shall be on, even
+if we do not fight. But come down here where smiling peace sits
+gossiping with fair plenty. I wonder if next summer will give us such a
+scene?"</p>
+
+<p>She made a gracious little movement, and she took his arm as they began
+to descend the sloping path. She was a very fascinating woman and now
+she had resolved to do her best to win over those who stood in
+uncertainty if she could not move the uncompromising Friend.</p>
+
+<p>It was a pretty scene. After the slope was a level of beautiful sward,
+with a circle of magnificent trees. Then another varying decline that
+ended at the river's edge, where rocked two or three gayly painted
+boats. There were two young fellows in the attire of the gallant of the
+day lolling on the grass, and a young man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> in Quaker garb of the finest
+sort, sporting silver buckles at his knee and on his low shoes.</p>
+
+<p>The ladies were some of the beauties of Philadelphia, to be famous long
+afterward. There was the pretty Miss Shippen and Becky Franks, noted for
+her wit and vivacity; Miss Wharton and Miss Mifflin and the gay Mrs.
+Penn.</p>
+
+<p>"I have brought thee a new recruit, Friend Norris," she began smilingly,
+"since thou art of the same faith and texture. Thy father knew Philemon
+Henry well, and this is his nephew. Ladies, let me present Friend Henry,
+since the Quakers will have no handle to their names. Perhaps many of
+you know Cherry Hill, from whence some of our finest fruit is brought."</p>
+
+<p>The ladies courtesied. Mrs. Penn stepped nearer.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I knew thy uncle somewhat and had met his lovely wife, who lives
+again in the little fairy she left behind. It must have broken her heart
+to go."</p>
+
+<p>Young Norris came around. Andrew Henry had blushed furiously under the
+scrutiny of so many lovely eyes, and then, recovering, stood his ground
+manfully. The scene affected him something as if he had been drinking
+wine, and yet the impression was delightful.</p>
+
+<p>"He has come to take our little moppet away. She belongs part of the
+time to her uncle."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Madam Wetherill," exclaimed Miss Franks, "put her best gown on Miss
+Bella and send her by mistake. Wait until dusk and no one will ever
+know."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even in the morning?" asked Andrew with a touch of merriment, while
+the others laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, the best gown is not needed if you want to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> pass off someone in
+her stead," said Norris. "That would be suspected at once. Plan again."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I forgot! Little Miss Bella hath so much pretty attire. I do
+suppose she would be astray in a Quaker frock. Well, what can we do? Mr.
+Henry, we shall outwit thee, never fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Madam Wetherill hath refused me already," he answered. "But she was
+merciful."</p>
+
+<p>"And I brought him hither for consolation. An old woman's refusal cannot
+be so heart-breaking as that of a young lass."</p>
+
+<p>"But we have had no chance to refuse," said saucy Miss Mifflin, raising
+her coquettish eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Cherry hill is a large estate, but somewhat out of the way. I have
+ridden by it," said Norris. "We of the town get spoiled by neighbors. It
+must be dreary in the winter."</p>
+
+<p>"The evenings are lonesome. In summer, what with being up at sunrise and
+busy all day, the nights are welcome, but in winter the city hath a
+deeper interest. Although I have so far been content."</p>
+
+<p>"We are in a curious heat now. Our staid town never saw such a ferment.
+Every day we wait for news from some of the provinces, north or south. I
+suppose thou wilt take little heed to it. Yet we number many of the
+Friends on our side."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not paid much attention to what has gone before, I must admit,
+but one day I heard some speeches at Carpenter's."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, you are not to talk war to Friend Henry. He will take us for a
+party of savages. Is there no more inviting topic?"</p>
+
+<p>They found one that was full of light, harmless<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> jest, and an hour
+passed so quickly that Andrew Henry was startled.</p>
+
+<p>He rode home alone without seeing Primrose, who could not be found in
+the nearby haunts. And for the first time strange visions, strange
+longings filled his mind, as if he had suddenly come to manhood and
+outgrown the bands that had made his way so strait.</p>
+
+<p>Was it some suggestion of the tempter? All the strong virile blood
+rushed through his veins, and he only made a feeble fight to subdue it.
+He did not really want to put it aside.</p>
+
+<p>It was much later than usual when he reached home. In fact the sun had
+gone down, Julius with the great market wagon had been home hours
+before.</p>
+
+<p>"Son, what delayed thee so? And the child&mdash;where is she?" asked his
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>He explained that she had gone off with her companion and that he had
+waited; that Madam Wetherill would bring her up in a day or two. Rachel
+sat on the doorstep knitting, and some supper was spread in the living
+room. But he went in to his father first, and, after a few words about
+Primrose, gave an account of his day's doings, except a little loitering
+to hear the talk. And he took from his pocket the leathern pouch tied
+tightly with a string, pouring the money on the bed and counting it over
+for his father. Then he brought out a curious box much ornamented with
+copper, now black by age except at the sides where it had been handled,
+and, unlocking it, put in the money, giving the key back to his father.</p>
+
+<p>"You think Friend Wetherill is quite honest about the child?" he asked
+feverishly.</p>
+
+<p>"She is not one to place a light value on her own<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> word. The child could
+hardly have been gotten ready in that brief while."</p>
+
+<p>"There was nothing to get," rather fretfully. "We do not want the vain
+clothing of the world. The child will be ruined by vanity."</p>
+
+<p>"She keeps very sweet, methinks."</p>
+
+<p>"How canst thou judge? Thy mother hath more wisdom and may tell another
+story. There, get to supper. It is weary lying here, but the Lord's ways
+are not as ours."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew ate a little supper in the plain, bare room. On the green where
+the ladies had sat was a strong cherry table, containing some plates and
+glasses and a great stone pitcher curiously molded. How the trees had
+waved overhead and sifted golden gleams and shadows through! There had
+been a bit of peerless blue sky, the sweetness of the grass, the soft
+lap of the river that one could hear only when the talk stopped. How
+beautiful it all was! That was God's world. And the long ride home, the
+woods in solemn grandeur, the bits of river now and then. He was stirred
+mysteriously. He was a new man.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel still sat on the doorstep. Sometimes he came out, and, though
+they said little, there was a pleasure in the nearness.</p>
+
+<p>Penn Morgan returned from the great barn, where he and the hired man had
+left things comfortable for the night. Anything was safe enough. No need
+to lock or bolt in this Arcadian simplicity, except to keep cattle from
+straying.</p>
+
+<p>Penn told over his day's work and the morrow's plans and went to bed.
+Rachel had not been knitting for some time, but she folded up her work
+and passed in without a word. Friends of the stricter sort<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> were as
+careful of vain and idle words as the most rigid Puritan.</p>
+
+<p>He missed something sorely to-night. It was the little girl who had
+kissed him.</p>
+
+<p>Two days later Madam Wetherill brought her over in the neatest attire,
+with no furbelows or laces. Primrose had demurred somewhat. "Nay," said
+Madam Wetherill with a consoling sound in her voice, "they would not
+like it, and it is only for a few months. All the articles will be here
+on thy return or in the city," smiling. "It will not be long and thou
+must be a brave, good girl, and happy, too. Sometime thou wilt choose. A
+hundred things may happen."</p>
+
+<p>She ran down the path and said good-by to the nodding flowers. She was
+sorry to part with Bella and Patty, and Casper and the great dog, and
+the mother cat with the two kittens, and she was loath to leave the gay
+chatter and the visions of the radiant young women who petted her now
+and then. She was not afraid of Mistress Kent, though her tongue was
+still sharp, and she kept her riding whip handy to give Casper and Joe,
+the black boys, who were very full of frolic, a cut now and then.</p>
+
+<p>The ride in the clumsy chaise was a silent one. Madam Wetherill was
+surprised to find how the little one had crept into her heart. And she
+was growing ever so much prettier, more like her mother. It was the
+care, no doubt. They would let her get tanned and try to subdue the curl
+in her lovely silken hair. The lady smiled oddly to herself, thinking a
+mightier power than Quaker rule had put it there. But it would be bad
+for the child, this continual changing. However, it could not be helped
+now. One consolation<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> was that she was much too young to give anything
+but a child's love to her cousin. And he would be married to some
+thrifty woman before she was grown up.</p>
+
+<p>It was Rachel who came to take the budget done up in a stout hempen
+cloth, and lifted out the little girl, then holding the horse while
+Madam descended, and fastening it to the hitching post. The old lady sat
+under the same tree, but the little girl was weeding in the garden and
+stood up to look, covered with her widebrimmed hat.</p>
+
+<p>"They have been wondering," said Rachel. "Uncle is not so well. The
+fever hath been troublesome. Wilt thou come in? And this is the little
+cousin? Thou and Faith will make nice companions."</p>
+
+<p>Friend Lois came to the door and received her guest with grave courtesy,
+saying to Primrose, "We have been looking for thee, child," as they
+walked in.</p>
+
+<p>There was a pitcher of mead standing in a stone jar of cold spring water
+and both travelers were thirsty. Friend Lois had the name of making it
+in a most excellent fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid Primrose will be a care to thee this summer," Madam
+Wetherill said with kindly solicitude. "And thy husband is not so well,
+the young girl tells me."</p>
+
+<p>"My niece, Rachel Morgan. And though the loss of my sister was great and
+unexpected, her health being robust, and it hath added much to my cares,
+Rachel is to me as a daughter and a great comfort."</p>
+
+<p>The young girl made a courtesy and stood undecided.</p>
+
+<p>"Does not the broken limb mend?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is doing well. But he hath thought of his duty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> concerning the child
+overmuch. I assured him he might let it go for this summer, but he was
+not minded to."</p>
+
+<p>"It would have been quite as well."</p>
+
+<p>"He did not think so. And since it was on his mind I sent." She gave a
+soft sigh. "Wilt thou come in and see him? He would rather."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill walked into the room and greeted the invalid. There was
+a flush on his cheek and a brightness in the eye that betokened feverish
+disarrangement. He began to explain in a quick, excited tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is thy time. We shall not dispute about the law's
+decision, though Mr. Chew did think it would not be so good for the
+child, seeing that our lines are cast in such different places. I hope
+all will go well with you and she will not add to your cares. I will
+send over to hear now and then."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she?" in a half-suspicious manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose!" the lady called.</p>
+
+<p>The child came in reluctantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. James Henry has never shirked a duty. And one is entitled to
+make a fair fight for the soul that belongs to the faith. It was her
+father's wish."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope thou wilt mend rapidly. The warm weather is trying." There was
+no use of argument as to faiths.</p>
+
+<p>He nodded languidly.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I will return. I have a long ride before me, and guests at
+home. Farewell."</p>
+
+<p>No one made any effort to detain her. There was little persuasion among
+the Friends, who despised what they considered the insincere usages of
+society.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Primrose caught at Madam Wetherill's gown. Her eyes were lustrous with
+tears that now brimmed over, and her slight figure all a-tremble.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, take me back with you; take me back!" she cried with sudden
+passion. "I cannot like it here, I cannot!"</p>
+
+<p>"Child, it is only for a little while. Remember. Be brave. One's word
+must always be kept."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I cannot!" The small body was in a quiver of anguish, pitiful to
+see.</p>
+
+<p>Bessy Wardour had loved, too, and then gone away to the man of her
+choice, if not the life of her choice. But she was much moved by the
+passionate entreaty, and stooped to kiss her, then put her away, saying,
+"It must be, my child. But thou wilt come back to us."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A LITTLE REBEL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As the carriage-wheels rolled away Primrose burst into a violent
+paroxysm of weeping. Rachel came forward and took her hand, but it was
+jerked away rudely.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, this is most unseemly," said Lois Henry, looking at her in
+surprise. "If thou art indulged in such tempers at Madam Wetherill's, it
+is high time thou went where there is some decent discipline. I am
+ashamed of thee. And yet it is more the fault of those who have been set
+over thee."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose Henry straightened up and seemed an inch or two taller for the
+ebullition of anger. She looked directly at her aunt and the blue eyes
+flashed a sort of steely gleam. The mouth took on determined curves.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing to put me in tempers at home. I like it. I like
+everybody. And it is the being torn away&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But wert thou not torn away from this house last year?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was silent a moment. "I hate this being tossed to and fro! And
+I have learned to love them all at Aunt Wetherill's. I go to Christ
+Church. I shall never, never be a Quaker. And I am a&mdash;a rebel! If I were
+a man I would go and help them fight against the King."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry looked horrified.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, thou art silly and ignorant, and wicked, too. What dost thou
+know about the King? We do not believe in kings, but we obey those set
+over us until it comes to a matter of conscience. We leave all these
+turbulent discussions alone and strive to be at peace with all men. Thou
+canst not be saucy nor show thy hot temper here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then send me home. Do send me home," said the child with spirited
+eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>"This is thy home for six months. Rachel, take the bundle up to the
+little chamber next to that of Faith and put away the things in the
+cupboard&mdash;and take the child with you. Primrose, thou wilt remain there
+until thou art in a better frame of mind. I am ashamed of thee."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose did not mind where she went. She knew her way up the winding
+stairs put in a corner off the living room. The house had a double pitch
+to the roof, the first giving some flat headway to the chambers, the
+second a steep slant, though there were many houses with nearly flat
+roofs. This was of rough, gray stone, and the windows small. There was
+but one, and a somewhat worn chair beside it, the splints sorely needing
+replacement. A kind of closet built up against the wall, and a cot bed
+with a blue and gray blanket were all the furnishing.</p>
+
+<p>The child glanced at it in dismay, not remembering that she had been
+happy here only such a little while ago. But it seemed ages now, just as
+she had almost forgotten what had passed before. There had been no one
+to talk over the past with her, and she had missed her tender mother
+sorely. Children were not considered of much importance then except as
+regarded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> their physical welfare and a certain amount of training to
+make them obedient to their elders. That serious, awesome spiritual life
+that shadowed so much of childhood under Puritan auspices was not a
+feature of the more southern colonies. They were supposed to imbibe
+religious impressions from example. Early in the history of the town
+there had been some excellent Quaker schools, that of Friend Keith, who
+sowed some good seed even if he did afterward become a scorn to the
+profane and contentious, because he started to found a sect of
+"Christian Quakers," and finally found a home in England and the
+Anglican Church. But the school flourished without him, and to the
+Friends belongs the credit of the early free schools. The subtle
+analysis of later times found no inquiring minds except among a few of
+the higher scholars. It was not considered food for babes.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel untied the bundle that had been bound up with a stout cord.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou canst put them in the closet in an orderly manner. Then, if thou
+hast returned to thy right mind, come downstairs."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose looked out of the window without stirring. The great walnut
+trees were waving their arms and making golden figures on the grass that
+ran about everywhere. Patty had told her stories of "little people" who
+lived in the north of England and Scotland, but they only came out in
+the moonlight. Ah, these were birds or squirrels&mdash;oh! there was a
+squirrel up in the tree, with his great bushy tail thrown over his back.
+And Primrose laughed with tears still shining on her lashes. Over at a
+distance was a hen with a brood of chickens, clucking her way along. And
+there were two pretty calves in an inclosure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But then there was everything at Aunt Wetherill's, and such rows and
+rows of flowers. Patty brought them into the rooms in bowls, and the
+young ladies wore them. What was that? Oh, the little old lady under the
+tree was walking away&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Faith," said the clear, calm voice, "leave off thy gardening.
+Grandmother is growing restless."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose watched with strange interest. Presently a girl of about her
+own size walked quietly out to the old lady and took her by the arm,
+turning her around, and led her back to the house. After that&mdash;nothing.
+She was almost frightened at the stillness and began to cry again as a
+sense of loneliness oppressed her. Oh, she must go back! There was
+something in her throat that choked her. Then a tall figure came across
+the field in his shirt-sleeves, and with a great swinging stride.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly her heart bounded within her body. Like a bird she flew down
+the stairs, almost running over Chloe, out of the door, skimming along
+the grassy way, and never taking breath until two strong arms lifted her
+from the ground and kissed her, not once, but dozens of times.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, when did you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, such a long time ago! It must be years, I think. And I hate it, the
+old house and everything! I cannot stay. Andrew, take me back. If you do
+not I shall run away. I want Patty and Aunt Wetherill, and little Joe,
+who is always doing such funny things, and Mistress Kent whips him, but
+he does them over when she is not there, only she comes suddenly&mdash;and
+the pretty ladies who laugh and talk. It is so dreary here."</p>
+
+<p>She raised her lovely eyes that were to conquer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> many a heart later on,
+and the lips quivered in entreaty like an opening rose in the breeze.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay&mdash;I am here," he said. "And I love you. I want you."</p>
+
+<p>She looked as if she was studying. A little crease came between her
+eyes, but it seemed to him it made her prettier than before.</p>
+
+<p>"But why must I come? Why must I stay?"</p>
+
+<p>How could he make her understand?</p>
+
+<p>"And there are some other girls&mdash;Faith and the big one. I do not like
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will. I like her very much."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you shall not like me." She struggled to free herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a briery little Rose," and he smiled into her eyes and kissed
+her. "I shall hold thee here until thou dost repent and want to stay
+with me. Faith is not as sweet as thou and Rachel is too old for
+caresses. Then I am not sure they are proper."</p>
+
+<p>"When I get as old as Rachel&mdash;how old is that? shalt thou cease to care
+whether I come or not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never cease to care. If I could change places with Madam
+Wetherill I would never let thee go. But what folly am I talking! It is
+the law that thou shalt do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Who makes the law? Put me down, Andrew; I feel as if part of my body
+would be drawn from the other part. Oh," laughing in a rippling, merry
+fashion, "if such a thing <i>did</i> happen! If there could be two of me!
+Rose should be the part with the pink cheeks and the red, red lips, and
+the bright eyes, and the other, Prim, might stay here."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou naughty little midget! I am glad there cannot be two, if that is
+thy division. I will take part<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> of the time instead. Little Primrose, it
+is a sad thing to part with those we love, even for a brief while. The
+place was not the same when thou went away. And surely, then, thou wert
+sorry to go."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was silent so long that he glanced into her eyes. There was
+such a difference in eyes the young Quaker had learned. The pretty,
+laughing women on the green at Wetherill farm had said so much with
+theirs when they had not uttered a word. Rachel's were a dullish-blue,
+sometimes a kind of lead color, Faith's light, with curious greenish
+shadows in them. But these were like a bit out of the most beautiful
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>"It seemed quite terrible to me then," she made answer slowly. "Are
+people very queer, Andrew? For then I was afraid of Mistress Kent and
+Aunt Wetherill and everybody, and I wanted to stay here. And now it is
+so merry and pleasant in Arch Street, and there is the spinet that I
+sing to, and the lessons I learn, and some books with verses in and
+tales of strange places and people, and going out to the shops with
+Patty and watching the boys snowballing, and learning to slide."</p>
+
+<p>"But thou art not in Arch Street, and there is a farm here. Come, let us
+find the early sweet apples. I think there are some ripe ones, and thou
+art so fond of them."</p>
+
+<p>They walked along together. "Still, I do not understand why a thing
+should be so dear and pleasant and then change and look&mdash;look hateful to
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>There was a pang in the great fellow's tender heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, not hateful!" he said pleadingly.</p>
+
+<p>"But I did not want to stay. Aunt Lois looked stern and spoke crossly.
+And I am not a Quaker any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> more. I told her so. And I am a&mdash;a rebel! I
+will have no English King."</p>
+
+<p>Her tone accented it all with capitals.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a rebel, sure enough." Yet he smiled tenderly on her. Whatever
+she was was sweet.</p>
+
+<p>"And I said I would fight against the King."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven send there may not be much fighting! Even now it is hoped the
+colonists will give way a little and the King yield them some liberties,
+and we shall be at peace again."</p>
+
+<p>"But we will have a king of our very own," she said willfully,
+forgetting her protest of a moment agone. "The old one in England shall
+not rule over us. And why do not the people who like him go back to that
+country?"</p>
+
+<p>"They cannot very well. They have their land and their business here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then they should try to agree."</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou try to agree when things are not to thy liking?"</p>
+
+<p>She glanced up with a beseeching, irresistible softness in her eyes, and
+then hung her dainty head.</p>
+
+<p>"But you have the other girl Faith. And Aunt Lois thinks what I learn is
+wrong. And&mdash;and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>They paused under the wide-spreading tree. What a fine orchard it was!
+Andrew pulled down a branch and felt of several apples, then found one
+with a soft side.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a good half to that. I will cut it with my knife and the
+chickens may find the rest. There are plenty more."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how delicious! I had almost forgotten the apples. Things ought to
+be sewn up in one's mind<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> and never drop out. We have had none save some
+green ones to be gathered for sauce and pies."</p>
+
+<p>"And there will be many other things. The peaches hang full. And there
+are pears, but the cherries are all gone save the bitter wild ones. Then
+thou canst find the squirrels again, and there is a pretty, shy little
+colt in the west field, with a white star in his forehead."</p>
+
+<p>"Madam Wetherill has three little colts," she returned rather
+triumphantly. "And calves, and oh! such a lot of pretty, little
+pinky-white pigs."</p>
+
+<p>He cut another apple and fed it to her.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have walks and thou shalt ride on a pillion. And I have found
+some books up in the old garret that have verses in them. Oh, wilt thou
+not try to be content?"</p>
+
+<p>She felt it was naughty, yet she cast about her for other protestations.</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not a Quaker. I say the Lord's Prayer aloud when I go to bed,
+over and over again."</p>
+
+<p>"I like it myself," he returned reverently. "But one needs to
+desire&mdash;various matters."</p>
+
+<p>There had been serious questions among the Friends; some insisting all
+forms were hampering, and that spiritual life was a law unto itself and
+could be moved only by divine guidance, as even the Apostles were
+ordered to take no heed as to what they should say. Yet, amid the many
+shades of opinion, there had not been much dissension. Of late years not
+a few had been scandalized by the defection of the Penns and several
+others from the ways of their fathers, and drawn the cords a little
+tighter, making the dress plainer and marking a difference between them
+and the world's people.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou couldst take me to the farm some day when I have learned to ride
+on a pillion&mdash;just for a visit."</p>
+
+<p>How coaxing the tone was! How bewitchingly the eyes smiled up into his!</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt stay and be content?" he said persuasively.</p>
+
+<p>"I will think. Content? That is a great thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And now let us return."</p>
+
+<p>"If there were no one but thou I should be quite happy," she said
+innocently.</p>
+
+<p>So they walked on. Rachel was standing down at the end of the path with
+the horn in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"It is nigh supper time," she said, "and thy father wishes to see thee.
+To-morrow is market day. Primrose, didst thou put away thy things
+neatly?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will do it now."</p>
+
+<p>The child ran upstairs.</p>
+
+<p>"A self-willed little thing," commented Rachel, "and she has much
+temper."</p>
+
+<p>"But a great deal of sweetness withal. And she hath been much petted.
+She will feel strange for a few days. Be kindly affectioned toward her."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel made no reply. She went to the kitchen where Chloe had her
+master's supper prepared, a very simple one to-night on account of the
+fever, and carried it in. Then she blew a long blast on the horn, which
+she had forgotten in her surprise at seeing Primrose clinging to
+Andrew's hand.</p>
+
+<p>When Primrose reached the little room her old feelings returned. She
+frowned on the parcel lying on the floor, as if it were an alien thing
+that she would like to hide away. There were several shelves in the
+closet and some hooks at one end. Oh, here were some frocks she had worn
+last summer, homespun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> goods! A pair of clumsy shoes, larger than those
+she had on, and she gave them a little kick.</p>
+
+<p>Grandmother was in the living room, sitting by the window. Very pale and
+frail she looked.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith," she said. "Faith," in a tremulous voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not Faith. My name is Primrose Henry," and the child came nearer
+with a vague curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"No, thou art not a true Henry with that trifling name. The Henrys were
+sober, discreet people, fearing the Lord and serving Him. What didst
+thou say?" lapsing in memory and looking up with frightened eyes. "Thou
+art a strange girl and I want Faith."</p>
+
+<p>She began to cry with a soft, sad whine.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmother, yes; Faith will be here in a minute. This is Andrew's
+cousin, his dead uncle's child, Philemon Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"And she said her name was&mdash;a posy of some sort; I forget. They used to
+take posies to meetings, sweet marjoram and rosemary. And there was
+fennel. It was a long while ago. Why did Philemon Henry die?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose looked at her curiously.</p>
+
+<p>"That was my own father," she said with a feeling that these people had
+no right of real ownership in him, except Andrew.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Lois came out, and taking her mother's hand, said, "Come and have
+some supper." Then, turning to Primrose, "I hope thou art in a better
+humor, child. It does not speak well for town training that thou
+shouldst fly in such a passion with thy elders."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was in a passion?" repeated grandmother with a parrot-like
+intonation. "Not one of the Lord's people I hope?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Silence, mother!"</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry spoke in a low tone but with a certain decision. She was like
+a child and had to be governed in that manner. They were all taking
+their places at the table, Lois at the head and Rachel next to
+grandmother on the other side, then Faith and Primrose. Opposite the
+workmen were ranged, Andrew with one on either hand. The colored help
+had a table in the kitchen. This was the only distinction the Henrys
+made.</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry accepted the burthen of a half demented mother with a quiet
+resignation. In her serene faith she never inquired why a capable and
+devoted Christian woman should have her mind darkened and be made
+comparatively helpless while physical strength remained, though it was a
+matter of some perplexity why her sister should have been taken and her
+mother left.</p>
+
+<p>The master's seat at the foot of the table was vacant. Lois would have
+it so. It seemed as if they were only waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had turned scarlet at her aunt's rebuke and Faith's scrutiny.
+After the silent blessing the supper was eaten quietly, Chloe coming in
+now and then to bring some dish or take away an empty one. And when they
+rose Faith led her grandmother out under the tree where she spent her
+half hour before bedtime, unless it rained. Rachel went in to Uncle
+Henry, and Lois took a careful supervision of the kitchen department,
+that did miss her steady oversight, though Rachel was very womanly.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose sauntered out and sat down on the doorstep, feeling very
+strange and lonely, and resenting a little the knowledge of having been
+crowded out.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> Penn Morgan gave her a sharp look as he went out with the
+milking pail. There was still considerable work to do before bedtime.</p>
+
+<p>When Rachel was released she took grandmother to bed. The window had
+been made secure with some slats nailed across, for she had been known
+to roam about in the night. Her room opened into that of Rachel's
+instead of the little hall, and the girl closed the door and put a small
+wedge above the latch so that it could not be opened.</p>
+
+<p>James Henry had asked in a vague, feverish way if they had allowed
+Primrose to go back with her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, no," answered Lois. "Wilt thou see her?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I cannot be disturbed. It is but right that she should come.
+Thou wilt no doubt find her head full of vagaries and worldliness. What
+can one do when the enemy sows tares? I cannot resign myself to letting
+them grow together."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet so the Lord has bidden."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, we are to do our duty in the Lord's vineyard as well as in the
+fields. I uproot noxious weeds, or I should have fields overrun. And now
+that haying has begun I must lie here like a log and not even look out
+to see what is going on," and he groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"But Andrew is almost like thyself, and Penn this two year hath managed
+for his mother. We must submit to the Lord's will. Think if I had lost
+thee, James, and men have been killed by a less mishap!"</p>
+
+<p>James Henry sighed, unresigned.</p>
+
+<p>Faith came out timidly to the doorstep, and looked askance at Primrose.
+She was not robust and ruddy like Penn and Rachel, and yet she did not
+look delicate, and though fair by nature was a little tanned by sun and
+wind. Not that the Friends were indifferent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> to the grace of
+complexions, but children were often careless. But even among the
+straitest there was a vague appreciation of beauty, as if it were a
+delusion and a snare. And the Quaker child glanced at the shining hair,
+the clear, pearly skin, the large lustrous eyes, the dainty hand, and
+the frock that, though plain, had a certain air like Lord's Day attire,
+and was not faded as an every-day garb would be. Then she glanced at
+hers, where a tuck had been pulled out to lengthen it, and left a band
+of much deeper blue, and the new half sleeves shamed the old tops. Her
+heart was filled with sudden envy.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art not to live here always," she began. "It is only for a brief
+while. And I am to stay years, until I am married. Mother's bedding and
+linen hath been put in two parcels, one for Rachel, who will be married
+first, as she is the eldest, and the other will be mine."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose stared. Bella talked of marriage, but it seemed a great mystery
+to Primrose. There was no one she liked but Cousin Andrew, but she liked
+liberty better, she thought. Why should one want to get married? The
+pretty young girls who came out to the farm had no husbands. Patty had
+none and she was talking forever about the trouble they were, and
+Mistress Janice and Madam Wetherill&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But if he should be ill in bed and thou had to sit by him like Aunt
+Lois&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle is not ill. He hath a broken leg, and that will mend," was the
+almost rebuking reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I like the town better. I did not want to come nor to stay, and I am
+glad I am not to live here always," Primrose said spiritedly. "I like my
+Cousin Andrew&mdash;&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"How comes it that he is <i>thy</i> cousin? My mother was own sister to Aunt
+Lois, and so <i>we</i> are cousins. Had thy mother any sisters?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had not thought much about relationships. Now she was puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"Our names are alike," after some consideration. "And I was here the
+first, a long while ago&mdash;last summer."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have been here many times. And now I am to live here. Besides
+thou&mdash;thou art hardly a Friend any more&mdash;I heard Chloe tell Rachel. Thou
+art with the vain and frivolous world's people, and Andrew cannot like
+thee."</p>
+
+<p>That was too much. The dark eyes turned black with indignation and the
+cheeks were scarlet.</p>
+
+<p>"He does like me! Thou art a bad, wicked girl and tellest falsehoods!"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose sprang up and the belligerents faced each other. Then Andrew
+came up the path, and she flew out with such force that the milk
+scattered on the ground, and he had to steady himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She said thou didst not like me, and that I am no relation. What didst
+thou say down in the orchard? And if no one likes me why can I not go
+back to Aunt Wetherill?"</p>
+
+<p>The usually gay voice was full of anger, just as he had heard it before.
+Truly the child had a temper, for all her sweetness.</p>
+
+<p>"Children&mdash;wait until I carry in the milk, and then I will come out and
+hear thee."</p>
+
+<p>Chloe took the pail and Penn followed with his.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew came out, and looked at the girls with grave amusement. Primrose
+was the most spirited.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> Really, was he being caught with the world's
+snare, beauty?</p>
+
+<p>"She said you&mdash;you did not like me." Primrose's lip quivered in an
+appealing fashion, and her bosom swelled with renewed indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not say that," interposed Faith. "Not <i>just</i> that. It was about
+vain and frivolous world's people, and Chloe said she was not a Quaker
+any more, and I&mdash;how canst thou like her, Cousin Andrew?"</p>
+
+<p>"Children, there must be no quarreling. There are many families where
+there are friends and members of various beliefs. And if we cannot love
+one another, how shall we love God?"</p>
+
+<p>Faith made a sudden dart to Andrew and caught his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art not her cousin, truly," she exclaimed with triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"As much as I am thine. Our mothers were sisters. Primrose's father and
+mine were brothers. That is why our names are alike. And if you are good
+I shall like you both, but I cannot like naughty children."</p>
+
+<p>"You see!" Primrose said in high disdain to her crestfallen compeer. "I
+was right. If Uncle James had not been my uncle I should not have had to
+come here. And I should not care for Andrew."</p>
+
+<p>There was something superb in the defiance visible in every feature and
+the proud poise of the shoulders. A woman grown could hardly have done
+better. Andrew Henry was curiously amused, and not a little puzzled as
+to how he should restore peace between them. Faith's face had settled
+into sullen lines.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall love best whichever one is best and readiest in obedience and
+kindliness," he said slowly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I do not care." Primrose turned away with the air of a small queen. "I
+shall go back to town and you may have Faith and&mdash;and everybody." But
+the voice which began so resolutely in her renunciation broke and ended
+with a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dear child!" Andrew's arm was about her and his lips pressed
+tenderly to her forehead, and the relenting lines gave him an exquisite
+thrill of pleasure he did not understand.</p>
+
+<p>"What is all this discussion and high voices about?" demanded Lois
+Henry. "I will not have the night disturbed by brawls. Both children
+shall be whipped soundly and sent to bed."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, mother, listen." Andrew straightened himself up but still kept his
+arm protectingly about Primrose, glad that the falling twilight did not
+betray the scarlet heat in his face. "It came from a misunderstanding.
+Faith did not know we were cousins by the father's side, as she and I
+are on the mother's. It is hard for little ones to get all the lines of
+relationship, and this being Faith's true home it seemed as if her right
+must be best. But now they are at peace and will be pleasant enough on
+the morrow. They did nothing worthy of punishment."</p>
+
+<p>Faith was glad enough of the chance to escape, for she had already
+smarted from the rod in the resolute hands of her aunt. She came toward
+her now and said humbly:</p>
+
+<p>"I did not understand, truly. I will be wiser and never again think it
+untrue. And now&mdash;shall I go up to bed?"</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry was not satisfied, but she did not want to have open words
+with her son before the children.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Both go to bed at once," she said sharply. "Rachel?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am here," said the elder girl quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Take Primrose upstairs and see that she is fixed for the night, though,
+hereafter, she will wait upon herself. I like not to have children
+brought up helpless."</p>
+
+<p>"Go, my little dear," Andrew whispered caressingly. "To-morrow&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was awed by Aunt Lois and followed with no further word or
+sign.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel found her nightdress and half envied the daintiness.</p>
+
+<p>"What were thy words with Faith about," she inquired in a somewhat
+peremptory tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art Faith's sister, ask her," was the resentful reply. She must
+tell the truth if she spoke at all, and she did not want to run another
+risk of being blamed. Andrew believed in her, that was the comfort she
+held to her throbbing heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a froward child and hast been overindulged. But, I warn thee,
+Aunt Lois will train naughty girls sharply."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel stood in a sort of expectant attitude and Primrose leaned against
+the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Get to bed," the elder said quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Go! go!" Primrose stamped her rosy bare foot on the floor. "I want you
+away. I cannot say my prayer with you here."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou needst prayer certainly. Among other things pray for a better
+temper."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel went slowly, and shut the door. Primrose threw herself on the bed
+and gave way to a paroxysm of sobs and tears. Once she thought she would
+creep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> downstairs and fly to the woods&mdash;anywhere to be out of reach of
+them all. Oh, how could she endure it! Patty scolded sometimes, and
+Madam Wetherill reproved and had on an occasion or two sent her out of
+the room, but to be threatened with a whipping was too terrible!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>FATE TO THE FORE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>They were early astir at the farm. Rachel in going downstairs called
+Primrose and Faith. The latter rubbed her sleepy eyes&mdash;it was always so
+hard to get up, but there were many things to do. Grandmother was the
+only one allowed to sleep in quiet, and sometimes she would lie as late
+as nine o'clock, to the great relief of everyone.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, thou sluggard!" and the child's shoulder was roughly shaken.
+"This is twice I have called thee, and what will happen a third time I
+cannot undertake to say."</p>
+
+<p>"Patty!" Primrose opened her eyes and then gave a little shriek of
+affright. "Oh, where am I?"</p>
+
+<p>She had cried herself to sleep and forgotten all about her prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not Patty, and thou wilt find no servant here to wait upon thee.
+We are not fine Arch Street people. Come, if thou dost want any
+breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>Slowly memory returned to Primrose. She leaned out of the little window.
+Oh, what joyous sound was that! She smiled as the birds caroled in the
+trees and followed them with her soft, sweet voice that could not reach
+the high notes. Then she began to dress, eager to be out of the small
+room that would have seemed a prison to her if she had known anything
+about a prison. But the wonderful melody filled her soul and lifted her
+up to the very blue heavens. So she loitered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> sadly about her dressing,
+and when she came down the table had been cleared away.</p>
+
+<p>Chloe had received instructions to give her a bite out in the kitchen
+presently, but with a sense of injustice, growing stronger every moment,
+she almost flew from the house. Rachel was working butter in the milk
+room and Faith weeding in the garden. Aunt Lois had had a very disturbed
+night and was suffering with a severe headache. Her husband's fever had
+abated toward morning, and now he had fallen into a quiet sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose made her way to the old orchard. Ah, how enchantingly the birds
+sang! Then there was a long, melodious whistle that she tried to imitate
+and failed, and laughed gleefully at her non-success. Where was the old
+tree blown almost over by wind and storm that she used to run up, and
+fancy herself a squirrel? Ah, here it was! bent over so much more that
+its branches touched the ground. She walked up the trunk, holding out
+both arms to keep her balance, and then sitting down where three
+branches crossed and made a seat. The apples were hard and sour, she
+remembered, regular winter apples. She rocked to and fro, singing with
+the birds and watching the white boats go sailing across the sky. She
+laughed in her lightness of heart, though there was no malice in it. She
+did not even give the household a thought.</p>
+
+<p>And then she was suddenly hungry. She sighed a little. Were there any
+more ripe, sweet apples, she wondered! Oh, how long would she have to
+stay at Uncle Henry's? It was early July now, six months. What a long,
+long while as she counted them up! And there would be winter when she
+could not run out of doors, and no lessons, no books to pore over, no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+music, no great parlor full of strange things that she never tired of
+inspecting, no pretty ladies in silk and satin gowns, chattering and
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>What with the soft wind and the swaying motion she began to feel sleepy
+again. She crawled down and looked for the tree they had found
+yesterday. Alas! its branches were too high for her conquest. She threw
+herself down on the grass and leaned against the trunk, and in five
+minutes was soundly asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel had gone about her duties in a quiet, rather resentful manner.
+Once Chloe had asked about the child.</p>
+
+<p>"I have called her twice," was the brief answer.</p>
+
+<p>Then she heard grandmother stirring and went up to dress her and gave
+her some breakfast. She would not even look in the small chamber where
+she supposed Primrose was lazily sleeping. Afterward she called in
+Faith, who washed her hands and changed her frock, as the dew and dirt
+had made it unsightly.</p>
+
+<p>"If thou wouldst only be careful and tuck it up around thy knees," said
+Rachel in a fretted tone. "There is no sense in getting so draggled, and
+it makes overmuch washing."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I take the towels out to hem?" asked Faith.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Thee should get them done this morning. Aunt Lois spoke of thy
+dilatoriness."</p>
+
+<p>Faith longed to ask about the newcomer. It was sinful indulgence for her
+to be lying abed. And why was she not sent to weed in the garden or put
+at other unpleasant work?</p>
+
+<p>Rachel heard the rap on the tin cup that answered the purpose of a bell
+to summon one. Aunt Lois was still in her short bedgown and nightcap.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou must wait upon thy uncle this morning," she began feebly. "I have
+tried, but I cannot get about. There is a dizziness in my head every
+time I stir, and strange pains go shooting about me. It is an ill time
+to be laid by with the summer work pressing, and two people needing
+constant care."</p>
+
+<p>She looked very feeble, and there was an unwholesome red spot upon each
+cheek. Her usually calm and steady voice was tremulous.</p>
+
+<p>"But I feel better. The fever is gone," said Uncle James. "There will be
+only two weeks more and then I can begin to get about. When there is no
+head matters go loosely enough."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am sure Andrew is capable. He hath been trained under thine own
+eye. And Penn is steady and trusty."</p>
+
+<p>"But a dozen young things cannot supply the master's place," he returned
+testily. "And one almost feels as if the evil one hath gotten in his
+handiwork as he did on Job."</p>
+
+<p>Lois sighed. Rachel washed her uncle's face and hands and brought him
+some breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I not bring thee some, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, the thought goes against me. I will have some boneset tea steeped.
+And presently I will get out to the kitchen. Perhaps I shall mend by
+stirring about."</p>
+
+<p>Grandmother sat under the tree or wandered about, babbling of old times
+and asking questions that she forgot the next moment. There was a ham
+boiling in the great kettle over the kitchen fire, and a big basket of
+vegetables for the dinner. There were two neighboring men working, who
+were to have their midday meal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>James Henry would have enjoyed Job's disputatious friends. There were
+several knotty points in doctrine that he had gone over while lying
+here, and he longed to argue them with someone. The days were very long
+and tedious to him, for he had never been ill a whole week in his life.</p>
+
+<p>Lois crept out to the living room, then to the great shady doorstep. How
+fine and fresh and reviving the waft of summer air, with its breath of
+new-mown hay, was to her fevered brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the child?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I called her twice. What with packing the butter and various duties she
+hath quite gone out of my mind. Surely she sleeps like the young man in
+the Apostles' time."</p>
+
+<p>"Go summon her again. She must be broken of such an evil habit."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel primed herself for some well-deserved severity. There was no one
+in the room. She searched the closet, the other rooms, then the "tuck
+place" as it was called, and went through Chloe's room, over the
+kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>"She is not anywhere to be seen. Chloe, hast thou observed her stealing
+out?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," and the colored servitor shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Strange where she can be."</p>
+
+<p>"The child was tractable and well trained through the past summer, but
+she hath grown lawless and saucy. When she comes I shall give her a good
+switching, if I am able. I will not have these mischievous pranks," said
+Aunt Lois feebly.</p>
+
+<p>"She deserves it," rejoined Rachel with unwonted zest. She longed to see
+the child conquered.</p>
+
+<p>Still Primrose did not appear. Lois Henry took<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> her herb tea, and after
+a severe fit of nausea felt somewhat relieved, but very weak and shaky.
+She was just thinking of retiring when Andrew came across the field. But
+he was alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Hast thou seen aught of that willful child?" she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose? No." He looked from one to the other. "What hast thou been
+doing with her?"</p>
+
+<p>Rachel sullenly recapitulated the morning's experience.</p>
+
+<p>"And she had no breakfast? Where can she have gone? Surely she hath not
+thought to find her way to Wetherill farm! We should not have insisted
+upon her coming at this time. Mother, you look very ill," and the kindly
+face was full of solicitude.</p>
+
+<p>"I am, my son. And it was not my will to have her, but your father's
+mind was set upon it."</p>
+
+<p>"And then she is so different," began Rachel. "What if we had allowed
+Faith in such tantrums!"</p>
+
+<p>"She needs a sharp hand to cure her evil temper."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," said Andrew with a sense of the injustice, and a rising
+tenderness in his heart for Primrose, "we must consider. She is not to
+have our lives, nor to be brought up in our way. She hath her own
+fortune, and her mother was a lady&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There are no ladies, but all are women in the sight of God. And as for
+such foolish, sinful lives as the townfolk lead, playing cards and
+dancing, and all manner of frivolous conversation, it were a mercy to
+snatch one from the burning. She was a nice little child last year. I
+must reduce her to obedience again, and some sense of a useful, godly
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"To have thy training upset by the next hand! It<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> is neither wise nor
+wholesome for the child, and she will come to have ill will towards us.
+I can remember how bright and cheerful and easily pleased her mother
+was&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She was never grounded in the faith. She had a worldly and carnal love
+for Philemon Henry, and it was but lip service. If he had lived&mdash;&mdash;"
+Lois Henry had interrupted with an energetic protest in her voice, but
+now she leaned her head on the door post and looked as if she might
+collapse utterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, thou art too ill to be sitting up. Let me help thee to bed, and
+then I must go look for the child."</p>
+
+<p>He lifted her in his strong young arms and, carrying her through, laid
+her on the bed beside her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very ill," she moaned, and indeed she looked so. All her strength
+seemed to have gone out of her.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard high words about the child. Hath she proved refractory? Madam
+Wetherill and the houseful of servants have no doubt spoiled her. It is
+God's mercy that there may be seasons of bringing her back to reasonable
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not trouble about the little girl. To-day I think the doctor will be
+here to examine thy leg, and I am sure my mother needs him. I am afraid
+it is a grave matter."</p>
+
+<p>"My poor wife! And I am a helpless burden on thee! I am afraid I have
+demanded too much."</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord will care for us," she made answer brokenly.</p>
+
+<p>After giving some charges to Rachel, Andrew walked down the path that
+led to the road. Was Primrose afraid of punishment, and had Rachel said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+more to her than she was willing to own? This was no place for her,
+Andrew said to himself manfully. And if his mother was to be ill&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>He changed his steps and went to the barn. Would Rover remember the
+little girl of last summer? He raised the clumsy wooden latch.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Rover," he said cheerily. "Come, we must go and find Primrose. I
+wonder if thou hast forgotten her?"</p>
+
+<p>Rover sprang out and made a wide, frolicsome detour. Then he came back
+to his master and listened attentively, looked puzzled, and started off
+again down the road, but returned with a sort of dissatisfaction in his
+big brown eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"The orchard, perhaps. We might look there first. She was such a
+venturesome, climbing little thing last year."</p>
+
+<p>Rover ran about snuffling, and started off at a rapid rate, giving a
+series of short, exultant barks as he bounded to his master.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Rover!" patting the shaggy creature, who sprang up to his shoulder
+in joy.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was still asleep. The winds had kissed with fragrant touches,
+the birds had sung to her, the bees had crooned, and the early summer
+insects ventured upon faint chirps, as if they hardly knew whether they
+might be allowed to mar the radiant summer day. How divinely beautiful
+it was!</p>
+
+<p>Her head had fallen on her shoulder and the old tree rose gray and
+protecting. The long fringe of lashes swept her cheek, her hair was
+tumbled about in shining rings, her dewy lips slightly apart, almost as
+if she smiled.</p>
+
+<p>She had been worn out with her crying last night,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> but now was rested
+and fresh. The dog's bark roused her, and she opened her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Andrew! Where have I been? Why&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Little runaway!" but his tone was tender, his eyes soft and shining.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Andrew!" she exclaimed again. Then she clasped her arms about his
+body with a kind of vehemence and buried her face for a moment. "Take me
+back, won't you? I can't stay here. I can't! I don't like anyone. Even
+Aunt Lois is cross and Rachel hates me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no! But thou shalt go back. This is no real home for thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, come, too!" she cried eagerly. "There is a great farm, and Madam
+Wetherill will be glad to have thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my father is ill and I could not leave him. And there is so much
+work to do. But I will see thee now and then to freshen thy memory."</p>
+
+<p>"I should not be likely to forget thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Didst thou have any breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I didn't. I was very sleepy when Rachel called. I think I must have
+run straight to the land of Nod again," laughingly. "And when I came
+down the table was cleared. There was someone in the kitchen, but I was
+afraid. I do not know why it is," and her plaintive voice touched him,
+"only now I am afraid of everybody&mdash;oh, no! not afraid of you, for I
+like you so much. And then I wanted to run away, but I did not know how
+to go. I climbed the crooked apple tree and swung to and fro until I was
+sleepy and afraid I might fall out. Then I came down here. Oh, can I go
+back? Truly, truly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly." Yet he said it with a pang. How sweet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> and dainty she was! He
+would not have used the words, they were strange to him, but they sent a
+thrill through his body, as music sometimes does.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, dinner will be ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Will anyone scold me?" fearfully.</p>
+
+<p>"No one shall scold thee."</p>
+
+<p>They walked together to the house. Rachel was just blowing the horn.
+Faith looked curiously at her and rather exulted in the punishment she
+would get.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew went straight to the sick room.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid thy mother is ill beyond the power of herb teas," said
+James Henry. "What a godsend that we should have Rachel! And oh, Heaven
+grant that it may not be as it was before! the strong and helpful one
+taken, and the helpless left."</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry was deeply flushed now and lay with her eyes half open,
+muttering to herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother?" he said, but she did not notice him.</p>
+
+<p>He went out to dinner in a thoughtful mood, but he had no appetite.
+Primrose was hungry enough, but looked up smilingly now and then. Dr.
+Reed came in earlier than his wont and accepted the invitation to dine,
+asking questions occasionally as to how Friend Lois had been last week,
+and if she had shown any tendency to be flurried.</p>
+
+<p>"She hath not been quite herself, now that I come to recall it,"
+answered Rachel, "and complaining of being tired and not sleeping well.
+Oh, I hope&mdash;&mdash;" She was about to add, "it will not be with her as it was
+with my poor mother," but tears stopped her.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fever sure enough. It would be better to have her in a separate
+chamber, and if some old nurse would come in. "There was Mistress
+Fanshaw, only come home last week."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I will go for her," responded Andrew.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be in on the second day," the doctor announced, as he mounted
+his horse and settled his saddlebags.</p>
+
+<p>"A sad thing for all of us." Rachel wiped her eyes with the end of her
+stout linen apron.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall take Primrose back to Wetherill farm."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that will indeed be a relief. She and Faith, I foresee, would not
+get along together, and I could not manage such a froward child."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew made no reply. There was a little more work devolving upon him,
+and he deputed the rest of the day's management to Penn.</p>
+
+<p>He had fortified himself with many arguments as to why Primrose should
+return to her great aunt, but to his surprise, his father assented at
+once. He was much worried about his wife, who had never been ill before.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was glad with a great delight. She sat under the tree with
+Faith and roused the child's envy with accounts of her life in town, and
+the time for pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"But dost thou not sew or knit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, except lacework and hemstitching, but I shall as I grow older.
+There is Patty to sew, and as for stockings, I do not know how they
+come, for no one knits them, and they are fine and nice, with gay clocks
+in them, and oftentimes silken. I like the pretty things. But all
+Friends are not so plain. Some come to us with silken petticoats and
+such gay, pretty aprons, just like a garden bed."</p>
+
+<p>Faith sighed. And now she wished Primrose might say, there was such
+witchery in her words.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was much surprised to have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> Primrose return so soon, but
+not sorry, she frankly admitted. She was greatly concerned about Friend
+Henry and hoped the fever would not be over troublesome.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, little one," Andrew said, holding her hand. "I hope thou wilt
+be very happy; and I shall come to hear how it fares with thee."</p>
+
+<p>Did she pull the stalwart figure down with her small hands? He bent over
+and kissed her and then blushed like a girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Fie, Primrose! Thou art a little coquette, and learning thy lesson
+young!"</p>
+
+<p>"But I like him very much," she replied with brave seriousness.
+"Only&mdash;it's pleasanter to live with thee," and she hid her face in Madam
+Wetherill's gown.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>TO TURN AND FIGHT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>James Henry mended slowly, and Lois' fever lasted a month before she
+could leave her bed, and then she could only totter about. Rachel had
+proved herself a daughter of the house, efficient, thoughtful, and
+capable, and although a few weak protests had been made, it was an
+undeniable relief not to have Primrose to consider.</p>
+
+<p>The town had been stirred to the utmost by conflicting views and
+parties. Washington had gone to Boston to take command of the troops,
+and now sent for his family from their quiet retreat at Mount Vernon.</p>
+
+<p>Most of the people had shut up their country houses and come into town,
+and now that it was announced that Mrs. Washington would make a brief
+stop on her way to Cambridge, there was a curious feeling pervading the
+community in spite of a very pardonable interest. What if the war should
+be a failure?</p>
+
+<p>"But we have committed ourselves too deeply to draw back now," said some
+of the loyal women. "Let us pay her all courtesy."</p>
+
+<p>The rebel party resolved to give a ball in her honor at New Tavern. Mrs.
+Hancock was also in the city, and some fine preparations were made.
+There was a heated discussion. Some of the more sedate people, who never
+took part in gayeties, represented that this would be a most inopportune
+time for such a revel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> when the country was in the throes of a mighty
+struggle.</p>
+
+<p>Christopher Marshall, who was a Quaker by birth, but had espoused the
+side of the colonies warmly, went to John Hancock, who was then
+President of the Congress, and requested him to lay the matter seriously
+before Mrs. Washington and beg her to decline the invitation, "while her
+brave husband was exposed in the field of battle." She assented most
+cheerfully, and was in no wise offended.</p>
+
+<p>There was a bevy of women discussing this at Madam Wetherill's; the
+young ones loud in their disappointment, as gayeties had not been very
+frequent so far.</p>
+
+<p>"And I like Colonel Harrison's spunk in chiding Mr. Samuel Adams," said
+someone. "He agreed there would be no impropriety in it, but rather an
+honor. And we should all have seen Lady Washington."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Lady</i> forsooth! I did not know the widow Custis had put on such airs
+with her second marriage. Presently we shall hear of Mount Vernon palace
+if Dunmore does not make short work of it. And some of the rebels sneer
+at good English titles, or think it heroic to drop them."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferguson was well known for her Tory proclivities. She ran her
+cards over as she held her hand up, and the excellence of it pleased
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"But I am desperately disappointed," declared Kitty Ross. "And if we are
+to go in sackcloth all winter I shall die of the megrims. There is my
+new petticoat of brocaded satin, and my blue gown worked with white and
+silver roses down the sides, and across the bosom, with such realness
+you would declare they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> were fresh picked. And lace in the sleeves that
+my great-grandmother wore at the French Court. And surely there would be
+many gallants ready to dance. I am just dying for some merriment."</p>
+
+<p>"Not much will you see until this folly is over."</p>
+
+<p>"It does not seem to end rapidly. I hear the men at Boston are very
+stanch and in earnest since the murder of their brethren."</p>
+
+<p>"Murder indeed! Truly we have grown very fine and sensitive. They had no
+more than they deserved. And Massachusetts hath ever been one of the
+most turbulent provinces."</p>
+
+<p>"And Virginia a firebrand! As for us, we have the Congress, and I hear
+they are talking of putting some sort of declaration in shape. And it is
+said General Washington hath a very soldierly and honorable mind. He
+will do nothing for pay, it seems, and only agreed that his expenses
+should be met. At this rate he will not beggar the country."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will see how General Howe will make mincemeat of his straggling
+army. Madam Washington will hardly be recompensed for her journey,
+methinks," said Mrs. Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet it would be good to have a sight of her," cried Sally Stuart. "And
+it is said she dances elegantly, as do all Virginians. Like Kitty, I am
+out of conceit with the wisdom of these fearsome men who want to suit
+everybody and end by suiting none. And it seems there hath been a
+division of opinion about calling. Who hath gone?" and Sally glanced at
+Mrs. Ferguson with a merry sort of malice in her laughing eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Not I, indeed, you may be certain, but I will not be backward on her
+return, I assure you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have been," announced Madam Wetherill quietly. "I thought it but a
+duty, having met Colonel Hancock and wishing to be presented to his
+wife."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, tell us!" cried half a dozen voices. "What is she like&mdash;very grand?
+For he is fine and commanding."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall never finish our game with so much talk about everybody,"
+declared one of the Tory ladies in vexation.</p>
+
+<p>"She is not commanding." Madam Wetherill laid down her card as she
+smiled, and trumped her adversary. "But she hath a certain dignity and
+intelligence that makes up for inches, and a face that is winning and
+expressive, with fine, dark eyes and fair skin showing just a natural
+blossom on her cheek. And her manners are most agreeable. I am sorry we
+could not have given her some sort of welcome. Well, moppet?" as
+Primrose entered shyly with a written message to her great aunt, "make
+your best courtesy, child, and tell the ladies how you liked Madam
+Washington."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose obeyed with a pretty flush on her cheek, and an irresistibly
+shy manner.</p>
+
+<p>"I liked her very much. And she said she once had a little girl of her
+own, and then her eyes looked almost as if they had tears in them, they
+were so soft and sweet. Her face was beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, we all feel disposed to envy thee," said Sally. "Some of us
+should have the courtesy to go to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferguson rapped on the table. "If no one means to pay attention to
+the game we may as well give up and devote ourselves to laudation," she
+said shortly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill looked at the note and said, "Yes," and Primrose,
+courtesying, stole out softly. But afterwards the game was ended with a
+good deal of curtness on Mrs. Ferguson's part, who had lost; for, while
+people were strenuous enough on some points, no one disdained to play
+for money.</p>
+
+<p>The girls stopped for a cup of chocolate that Mistress Janice sent in,
+and renewed the talk of their disappointment, bewailing the prospect of
+a dull enough season.</p>
+
+<p>But there were much excitement and high and bitter discussions to mark
+the winter. The breach between the war party and the peace party of
+Quakers widened greatly, and the outcome was the Free Quakers, or
+Fighting Quakers, as they came to be called. The departure of the
+British from Boston was hailed as a sign of hope. Thomas Paine's "Common
+Sense" was widely read, and disputed the palm with Dickinson's "Farmer's
+Letters" that had been so popular. Adams and James Allen, who disagreed
+with Paine, issued pamphlets, and many writers aired their opinions
+under various assumed names.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry came in regularly to market. His father had not regained
+his full strength, and his leg was rather untrustworthy in slippery
+weather. Now and then he paused at some tavern, as they were considered
+respectable meeting places, to hear the discussions, for he was much
+perturbed in these days. He was made a welcome guest at Madam
+Wetherill's also, and met from time to time some notable person, and
+became much interested in Mr. Benjamin Franklin.</p>
+
+<p>Very little had been said about Primrose at home. Rachel was growing
+into daughterhood, and though<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> Lois Henry would have denied the
+slightest suggestion of matchmaking, she saw with no disfavor that
+Rachel was much drawn toward Andrew.</p>
+
+<p>When spring opened grandmother failed rapidly and took to her bed a
+great part of the time, so that it was necessary to bring her downstairs
+for convenience' sake. It would be rather troublesome to have a
+discordant element, and the Henrys felt that Primrose was more firmly
+established in her willful ways, no doubt, and they did not care for a
+continual struggle like that which had begun and ended so disastrously
+the preceding summer.</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of revolt had gained ground in all the Colonies; still it had
+been hard work to persuade them to act together. But, in May, Congress
+passed resolutions leading to the better equipment of the Colonies for
+the struggle. At dinners&mdash;the only sources of amusement now&mdash;the King's
+health was no longer drunk, but "The free and independent States of
+America" were toasted with acclaim. With the old Assembly the political
+power of the Friends waned, and Philadelphia was taking upon herself a
+great and serious change. If Bunker Hill had electrified the country,
+the Declaration of Independence, read to the few people who gathered to
+hear it at the State House, was to be the imperishable crown of the
+city, although it was not signed until August.</p>
+
+<p>The King's arms were taken down and burned, the church bells rang, and
+the young people caught the enthusiasm from a few bonfires on the square
+and lighted them elsewhere, little thinking they were kindling a flame
+in men's souls that was to be handed down to posterity for ages. A very
+small beginning then, but among the hearers was Andrew Henry, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+wondered mightily at the boldness of such a step, though the glory of it
+thrilled every pulse, and he was amazed at the fighting blood within
+him.</p>
+
+<p>At the yearly meeting he and his father had attended, the Friends had
+counseled against open rebellion and shown each other the futility of
+such a step. All acts of violence and bloodshed were deprecated, and
+Lexington and Concord pronounced a useless sacrifice, and displeasing to
+God. But in the little knots that had gathered afterward there had been
+more than one low, dissentient voice concerning a man's duty, and the
+impossibility of a government so far away knowing what was best for the
+Colonies.</p>
+
+<p>He was to meet Madam Wetherill, who had come in to her city home on some
+business.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad thy father agrees about Primrose," she began in her cordial
+tone, that invariably charmed the young Quaker. "Her attire, too, had an
+appropriate aspect in his eyes, as it gave her a fine dignity. He was
+secretly pleased that she was not of his persuasion. The changes are
+hard on the child even if all other matters were in accord. I think she
+will never be of her father's faith, but she is sweet and attractive and
+good at heart. I am afraid we sometimes lay too much stress on outward
+appearances. Is thy mother well this summer?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is not as strong as she was, and we should not know how to manage
+without my cousin Rachel. Poor grandmother is nearing the close of her
+earthly pilgrimage. She may go at any time. Dr. Reed hath given us
+notice, and death is a sad and awesome matter even for little ones. So
+mother said she would rather have no added cares, though she would not
+shirk any duty."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Set her heart quite at rest. Tell her for me that the duties of God's
+sending are first. I have been consulting the other trustees, and they
+think the child is as well with me."</p>
+
+<p>"I think, now, better," returned Andrew gravely. "She is fitted for a
+wider life and knowledge than my father thinks necessary. And we have
+two girls now to comfort my mother, and they are of the same faith. But
+I find there is a wide line of opinion even among Friends. And the
+coming struggle will make it greater still. The town hath done a daring
+thing to-day. Will the great and wise men sign the document?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think all but a few. They are not certain of Mr. Dickinson, although
+he hath been writing so boldly. But Mr. Richard Penn advises that they
+all hang together, lest they may have to hang separately!" and she
+smiled.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry drew a long breath.</p>
+
+<p>"But it hardly seems possible they can win. England can put such armies
+in the field."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet I think we have shown that patriotism can make good soldiers. There
+will be much suffering and Heaven only can foresee the end. Still it is
+a glorious thing, and we shall strive hard for freedom."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a patriot surely. The little girl must inherit some of thy
+blood, for she boldly declared herself a rebel."</p>
+
+<p>"She is an odd, spirited child, with a good deal of her mother's
+charming manner. I have grown very fond of her, though I thought myself
+too old to take up new loves. Thou must come down to the farm sometime
+and see her."</p>
+
+<p>"That I will gladly," was the quick reply.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And thou must study this matter thou hast heard to-day. It is a great
+thing to make a country, and a trust above all others to keep it intact.
+And, though thy people are averse to fighting, I see some of them have
+ranged themselves already on the side of liberty and the colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a great interest&mdash;&mdash;" Then he paused and flushed. "But it grows
+late, and I must bid thee farewell. Give my respects to the little girl
+and say I do not forget her."</p>
+
+<p>Every effort was now made to strengthen the defenses, and a bounty was
+issued for volunteers. Gun-boats were ordered for the river front and
+the manufacture of gunpowder was hurried along. There was much
+watchfulness over those suspected of Toryism, or caught carrying away
+stores. Occasionally one saw a cart packed with Tories, seated backward
+and being driven along to the tune of the Rogue's March, and jeered by
+the populace.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the autumn they buried Lois Henry's mother. James Henry gave up
+more of the severe work and going about to the young men. Penn Morgan
+was large and strong, and grown very fond of his uncle in an admiring
+fashion. Andrew puzzled him oftentimes.</p>
+
+<p>Pinches were beginning to be felt and a great part of the commerce
+languished. Salt, one of the importations, became very scarce. Stores
+and shops were dull enough, and men hung about the streets with nothing
+to do.</p>
+
+<p>In November came the news of Howe's successful march and the taking of
+Fort Washington. Then he swept onward, dismaying the towns, and when he
+reached Trenton he issued a proclamation that won<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> over many who still
+hoped in their hearts that by some miracle the colonists would win.</p>
+
+<p>But Philadelphia celebrated the anniversary of her heroic Declaration of
+Independence with much firing of guns all day and a great civic banquet
+in the evening. The streets wore quite a holiday aspect. Many people
+came in from the farms and residences at a distance, and flags, made
+after the pattern that Betsy Ross had designed for the army when General
+Washington went to Boston, were shown in some houses.</p>
+
+<p>There was also a smashing of Quaker windows, and much hooting at the
+peace men, who were bidden to come out of the shelter of their
+broadbrims.</p>
+
+<p>A new oath of allegiance had been exacted from the citizens of the whole
+State that created great consternation among the Friends. Many now
+openly espoused the cause of freedom, being convinced it was a duty, and
+their expulsion from the ranks followed. Even among the women there were
+enthusiastic souls who gave aid and comfort in the years of trial that
+were to follow.</p>
+
+<p>James Henry had ranged himself strongly on the peace side. Indeed the
+household were a unit with the exception of Andrew, who held his temper
+bravely when the talk was of the condemnatory order.</p>
+
+<p>There had been no open rupture on the little girl's account. In a way
+James Henry resigned some of his powers, though he kept the trusteeship,
+and was sharp to see to the accounting of money matters. Madam Wetherill
+and Primrose made journeys to the Quaker farmhouse, and the Henrys were
+cordially invited to the city to test the Wetherill hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had listened to Andrew's persuasion, and in the summer gone for
+several days. How queer it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> all seemed to her! The plain, homely rooms,
+the absence of the many little courtesies to which she had become
+accustomed, the routine of work that left no leisure for reading or
+enjoyment. For already in the city there was a great deal of
+intelligence.</p>
+
+<p>She had grown tall, but was very slim and full of grace in every
+movement. Her hair still held its sunny tint, and even if combed as
+straight as possible, soon fell into waves and curling tendrils, and her
+complexion was radiant in pearl and rose.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel was quite a young woman, with a thin, muslin Quaker cap over her
+brown hair, and not the slightest attempt at ornament; a great worker
+and very thrifty in her methods. In her opinion idleness was a sin.
+Faith had grown tall, but was not as robust.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was like a sudden sunbeam in the old house. Her merry laugh
+rippled everywhere. As of old, every animal on the place made friends
+with her. And though Uncle James looked stern and sour at times, she
+would not heed his frowns.</p>
+
+<p>Not only Andrew, but Penn, acknowledged her witching sway. She could
+ride finely now on horseback or with a pillion, and the cunning little
+beauty persuaded one or the other to take her out on numerous
+excursions.</p>
+
+<p>"One could envy thee heartily," declared Faith. "For when Rachel and I
+desire any recreation or to go of some errand, there are a thousand
+excuses. What coaxing art hast thou? And how dost thou come by so much
+prettiness? Was it on thy mother's side?"</p>
+
+<p>"Am I so pretty?" She laughed in a gay, amused fashion. "Sometimes Patty
+says I shall grow old and yellow and wrinkled, but though Aunt
+Wetherill's hair<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> is snowy-white, and there are tiny marks and creases
+in her skin, she is not yellow nor cross, and looks like the most
+beautiful of queens in her brocades and satins."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is a queen if there are no thrones here in America?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how dull thou art! It is because we call anyone a queen who is a
+beautiful and dignified woman, and can receive with graciousness, and
+hold a little court about her."</p>
+
+<p>"But the fine clothes are vain and wicked. And&mdash;and plaiting of the
+hair, and the much pleasuring&mdash;and the giddy talk&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The small Quakeress paused with a sort of longing and envy that she
+could think of no more sins.</p>
+
+<p>"But my hair is not plaited. I think the good God curled it just as he
+makes the pretty vine creep up and twine about. And He makes a gay,
+beautiful world, where birds go flying and dazzle the air with their
+bright colors. Dost thou know the firebird, with his coat of red, and
+the yellow finches and the bluebirds? The little brown wren greets them
+in her pert way, and I dare say takes pleasure in them. And how many
+flowers you find in the woods and the meadows."</p>
+
+<p>"I never go for flowers. It is a sinful waste of time, and we have no
+use for them, since they do but litter everything. And thou wilt some
+day be called to account for these idle, frivolous moments."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know. I think God means us to be happy. And I cannot help
+being gay and pleased with all the things He has made. It is very
+naughty and unkind to despise them."</p>
+
+<p>Faith knew in her heart there were many things she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> would be glad to
+have, and that she hated to sit in the house and spin and sew, when
+Primrose was roaming around with Penn and Andrew, and riding on the hay
+cart amid the fragrant dried grass.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew, wilt thou always be a Quaker?" Primrose asked one evening when
+she found him sitting under the tree where poor old grandmother had
+spent so many of her days.</p>
+
+<p>"Always? Why, I suppose so. Children generally follow in the footsteps
+of their fathers."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that because you are a man?"</p>
+
+<p>"I like <i>thou</i> better," smiling and putting his arm about her.</p>
+
+<p>"But I am only half a Quaker. Do you think my father truly meant me to
+be? There is a fine picture of him at Mr. Northfield's that is said to
+be worth a great deal of money, and was made in England by a great man,
+and is sometime to go over again. Did you know I had a brother, Andrew?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems very unreal. A letter came one day from him, and he asked if
+there were any other children alive. A brother! How strange it sounds!
+Why, it would be like Penn and Faith."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope he may never want thee," with a little hug that made her head
+droop on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; and if he does, he must come here. I should be afraid of the
+great ocean that it takes days and days to cross. And I might be
+drowned," plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>"Then thou shalt never cross it."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt not let him take me away? Though I think Aunt Wetherill would
+not consent."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I would fight for thee."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then thou must fight for the country. It is <i>my</i> country."</p>
+
+<p>"If any need comes in thy behalf I will fight," he returned solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>"And thou wilt put on some fine soldier clothes. The men all look so
+handsome in their blue coats and buff breeches, and the hats turned up
+in a three-cornered way."</p>
+
+<p>She only saw the glory in it. He hoped she might never know the other
+side.</p>
+
+<p>"What art thou studying about so gravely?" when Primrose lapsed into
+silence and let her small white hand lie in his brown one.</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking. Penn is here, and does your father need two sons? Aunt
+Wetherill said, one day, that you were wasted on the farm, and that some
+of the generals ought to have you for your cool clear head, and your
+strength, and oh! I do not remember what else. And if you would come
+into town&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"If thou were older, Primrose, thou couldst tempt a man to his undoing.
+But thou art a sweet, simple child. And when my country needs me she
+will not ask about my faith. Already there is more than one Quaker
+soldier in her ranks."</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose!" Rachel had been sitting on the old stone step until there
+seemed a curious fire kindled all through her body at the sight of the
+golden head on the broad shoulder. "Primrose, come in. The dew is
+falling."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no dew here under the tree," returned Andrew.</p>
+
+<p>"It is high bedtime. Faith is going. Come!"&mdash;peremptorily.</p>
+
+<p>There were times when Primrose was fond of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> teasing Rachel, but she rose
+now. When she had gone a step or two she turned around for a kiss.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ashamed of thee!" Rachel said sharply. "Thou art a bold child to
+hang around after men. Didst thou kiss him? That was shameful."</p>
+
+<p>"It was not shameful. I will ask him&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Rachel caught her arm. "Aunt Lois will be shocked! No nice little girl
+does such a thing! Faith would be whipped for it. Go straight along."</p>
+
+<p>She blocked the way, and Primrose, in her sweet hopefulness, thought of
+to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Lois had overheard the talk. When Rachel had mixed the bread, for
+Chloe had a sore finger, the elder said gravely:</p>
+
+<p>"Thy uncle goes over to Chew House to morrow, and I think Primrose had
+better return home. She is too forward and light to have with Faith. I
+like not city manners and freedoms. Her mother was not to my fancy. Men
+are weak sometimes, but I hope ere long, Rachel, my son's fancy will be
+fixed where it will afford me great satisfaction."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel colored with a secret joy. She could have clasped the mother to
+her heart for the admission, but she would not spoil the commendation by
+any lack of discretion.</p>
+
+<p>While Primrose was waiting for Uncle James in the morning she ran out to
+the barn.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew, I am going. It hath been very pleasant, and I hoped thou would
+have taken me. Andrew"&mdash;with a strange, new hesitation&mdash;"is it&mdash;is it
+wrong to kiss thee?"</p>
+
+<p>She looked up out of such clear honest eyes in all their sweet
+guilelessness that he took the fair face between his hands and kissed it
+again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nay, there could never be a wrong thought in thy sweet young heart. And
+thou art my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>She wondered, as she was retracing her steps, if he kissed Faith and
+Rachel, since they were cousins.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>A RIFT OF SUSPICION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lois Henry had no especial fear of any serious matter with such a mere
+child as Primrose, as she was far too young. But she had been trained in
+a repressed, decorous fashion, and many of the Friends were as rigorous
+as the Puritans. Young men were better off without caresses, even from
+mother or sister. And she was compelled to acknowledge within herself
+that Primrose had a large share of what she set down as carnal beauty,
+the loveliness of physical coloring and symmetry. Neither of the Morgan
+girls would ever be temptingly pretty, and she gave thanks for it.
+Rachel would make a thrifty and admirable housewife. She could not wish
+her son a better mate. Andrew would be needed on the farm, which would
+be his eventually, and she would have no difficulty in living with such
+a daughter-in-law.</p>
+
+<p>But she resolved that the old arrangement, whereby Philemon Henry's
+daughter was to spend the summers with them, should remain no longer in
+force. She did not ask that her husband should view the matter at once
+through her eyes; she knew a quiet, steady influence would better gain
+her point than an outspoken opposition.</p>
+
+<p>James Henry was rather surprised when she proposed that he should take
+Primrose home, as they had begun to call Madam Wetherill's.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no great haste," he replied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But thou art going at least half-way there, and it was to be merely a
+visit. Thou must see, James, that all her ways and habits are very
+different, and our good seed would be sown on sandy ground. When the
+child comes to be a year or so older we may have more influence, and
+presently, I think, Madam Wetherill may tire of her. She distracts Faith
+with her idle habits and light talk, and just now we are very busy with
+the drying of fruit and preserving, the spinning, and the bleaching of
+white cloth, as well as the dyeing of the other. It takes too much of my
+time to look after her. And, since my illness, I have not felt equal to
+the care of doing my duty to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; as thou wilt, wife. I foresee that we shall gain no great
+influence over her, since every season our work must be undone. And I
+will discuss the matter with Friend Chew. If he considers that some part
+of the duty may be abrogated, we will not push our claim at present."</p>
+
+<p>Friend Chew thought there was nothing really binding in the agreement.
+Philemon had requested that his wife and daughter should spend a part of
+the year with his brother, but here had been the mother's fortune and
+the appointment of a new guardian. And since Madam Wetherill had a
+fortune and so few relatives, perhaps it would be as well to allow her
+some leeway.</p>
+
+<p>The good lady was surprised at the speedy return. She ordered some
+refreshments for James Henry and begged that the horses might have a
+rest. Then they talked of farming matters and the state of the country,
+hoping hostilities might be confined where they had their first
+outbreak, mostly to the Eastern Colonies and New York.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou dost know that I am bitterly opposed to war," he said. "It is
+unchristian, inhuman, and we cannot think to conquer the British armies,
+therefore it is folly. I was sorry enough to see the town William Penn
+reared on peaceful foundations with the service of God, turn traitor and
+range herself on the side of the King's enemies. Many a Friend, I hear,
+had his windows destroyed in that ungodly rejoicing a short time ago,
+and men of peace have been persecuted and ridiculed. We know little of
+it on our far-away farm, but Friend Chew hath kept account of both
+sides. And the rebel lines seem to have fallen in hard places."</p>
+
+<p>"We must give thanks that it hath come no nearer." She would not argue
+nor offend him, for the sake of Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another matter," he began, after a few moments of silence,
+occupied in sipping his ale and munching some particularly nice wafer
+biscuits that Janice Kent had made quite famous around the country side,
+and though she willingly gave the recipe, no one could imitate them
+exactly. "It is about the child. It hath been a matter of conscience
+with me whether I ought to expose her to the temptations of the world,
+but since I cannot by law keep her altogether&mdash;&mdash;" And he hesitated a
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>"We have not quarreled about her since the judges made the decision,
+though thou knowest I would like to have her altogether," and Madam
+Wetherill smiled amicably, sipping her ale to keep him company. "It
+seems folly, like the man's two wives who plucked at his hair, the first
+to take out the white ones and the other the black."</p>
+
+<p>"There was the illness last summer, and I think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> my wife hath not been
+so strong since, and we have two girls&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And since good fortune brought them to thee and I have none, I shall
+beseech thee to waive thy claim, and let me keep the child. I know our
+ways are different, but if presently she should choose thy faith,&mdash;and
+we have many of thy persuasion dropping in,&mdash;and desire to return to
+thee, I will be quite as generous and kindly as thou hast been, and not
+oppose her."</p>
+
+<p>"That is as fair as one can expect," the man said with a sigh. "I would
+my brother had lived and managed the matter. Friend Chew thinks there
+will be hard times before us all, especially those who have laid up
+treasure in perishable money."</p>
+
+<p>"But, whatever comes, I shall care for her to my last penny."</p>
+
+<p>"And if thou shouldst die, as we are but mortal, the best of us, wilt
+thou transfer her back to us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her guardians will do that. I promise no will of mine shall be left to
+oppose it."</p>
+
+<p>"And that she shall visit us now and then."</p>
+
+<p>"I agree to that."</p>
+
+<p>"We are busy now&mdash;thou knowest the many things that press in the
+summer&mdash;and two children of an age are troublesome unless brought up
+together. So we thought it best to return her just now."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am glad to have her. There is so much help here that a child's
+trouble is scarcely noted."</p>
+
+<p>But on his way home James Henry wondered if he had not given in too
+easily to the worldly and pleasing way of Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled a little to herself as she called Primrose from the summer
+house to say good-by, and to receive some sage advice.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou naughty little moppet," she said when the stout Quaker had ridden
+away, as she caught the little girl's hand in hers and gave her a swing,
+"what didst thou do that thou wert sent home in disgrace?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was it disgrace?" The color deepened on the rose-leaf cheek. "Aunt Lois
+found no fault, only to call me an idle girl. Faith is busy from morning
+to night and cannot even take a walk nor haunt the woods for flowers.
+Rachel is very stern and hath sharp eyes&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Should she confess last night's misdemeanor? But what right had Rachel
+to condemn it? Cousin Andrew had kissed her in this house. Oh, was so
+sweet a thing as a kiss wrong?</p>
+
+<p>"Truly thou must be set about some task. I think I will have thee taught
+to work flowers in thy new silk petticoat, for we shall have no more
+fine things from England in a long while. And that would be vanity in
+the eyes of thy Uncle James."</p>
+
+<p>"I should not like to work every moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a spoiled and lazy little girl. Does Faith read and spell and
+repeat Latin verses, and write a fair hand?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose laughed. "She reads in the Bible slowly. And the Latin Uncle
+James thinks wicked. I have half a mind to think so myself, it is so
+bothersome. And the French&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou mayst marry a great man some time and go to the French Court.
+Perhaps thou wouldst rather spin and churn, and make cheese and soap.
+But when there are so many glad to live by doing these things it seems
+kindness to pay them money for it. And so thy Aunt Lois did not really
+take thee to task?"</p>
+
+<p>"She did not set me about anything. And Rachel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> would not let me go to
+feed the chickens, nor gather up eggs, which is such fun."</p>
+
+<p>"And what didst thou do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing but sit under the tree as the old grandmother used. It was very
+tiresome. And a walk in the orchard. Then I found a cornfield where Penn
+was plowing, and I waited to see him come out of the rows and get lost
+in them again."</p>
+
+<p>"And did you like this Master Penn?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was very pleasant. He showed me a nest with tiny birds in it that
+were naked and ugly, but they grow beautiful presently. And he picked a
+great dock leaf of berries, so that I should not get my hands scratched,
+and we sat down on a stone to eat them. But I like my own cousin Andrew
+better. Penn is not my cousin&mdash;Rachel said so."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill nodded with piquant amusement. Perhaps there had been a
+little jealousy.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am glad to get thee back. I am afraid I spoil thee; Mistress
+Kent insists that I do. But there will be time enough to learn to work.
+And if this dreadful war should sweep away all our fortunes, we shall
+have to buckle to, and, maybe, plant our own corn and husk it, and dig
+our potatoes as our fore-mothers helped to when they lived in the cave
+houses by the river's edge, before they built the real ones."</p>
+
+<p>"Caves by the river's edge? Did the river never overflow them? And is
+that where the Penny Pot stands&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Who told thee about that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I walked there once with Patty. She knows a great many things about the
+town. And she said I ought to learn them as I was born here, lest the
+British come and destroy them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill smiled at the sweet, earnest face.</p>
+
+<p>"They did not destroy New York, but I should be sorry to see them here.
+And I will tell thee: in that cave was born the first child to the
+colonists. He was named John Key, and good Master Penn presented him
+with a lot of ground. But I think he should have been called William
+Penn Key, to perpetuate the incident and the great founder. There are
+many queer old landmarks fading away."</p>
+
+<p>"And where were you born?" asked Primrose, deeply interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Not here at all, but in England. And I grew up and was married there.
+Then my husband put a good deal of money in the new colony and came
+over, not meaning to stay. But I had some relatives here, and no near
+ones at home, being an only child. The Wardours did not run to large
+families. My husband was much older than I, and when his health began to
+fail, instructed me in many things about the estate. So, when I lost
+him, I was interested to go on and see what a woman could do. There was
+a cousin who was a sea captain and had been to strange places, the
+Indies it was called then, and the curious ports on the Mediterranean,
+and brought home many queer things."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that is the portrait hanging in the big room at Arch Street, and is
+Captain Wardour?" exclaimed Primrose. "And where did he go at last?"</p>
+
+<p>"To a very far country, across the great sky. He was lost at sea."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill sighed a little. How long ago it seemed, and yet,
+strange contradiction, it might have been not more than a month since
+Captain Wardour bade her good-by with the promise that it should be his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+last voyage and then he would come home for good and they would marry.
+This love and waiting had bound her to the New World. She had made many
+friends and prospered, and there had been a sweet, merry young girl
+growing up under her eye, which had been a rather indulgent one, and who
+had fallen in love with Philemon Henry, and perhaps coquetted a little
+until she had the Quaker heart in her net he did not care to break if
+she could come over to his faith. It had disappointed Madam Wetherill at
+first, but having had business dealings with him, she had learned to
+respect his integrity.</p>
+
+<p>But as if there seemed a cruel fate following her loves, just as it was
+settled for Bessy to come back with her little Primrose, death claimed
+her. And Madam Wetherill had tried to keep a fair indifference toward
+the child since she could not have her altogether, but the little one
+had somehow crept into her heart. And now that there were two girls at
+James Henry's farm, the wife's own nieces, she could see they would the
+more readily relinquish her. The sending back of the child seemed to
+indicate that, though she had only gone for a visit.</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou sad about Captain Wardour?" And the little maid looked up with
+lustrous and sympathetic eyes, wondering at the long silence. "And do
+you think he could find my mother and my father? It must be a beautiful
+world, that heaven, if it is so much finer and better than this, and
+flowers bloom all the time and the trees never get stripped by the cruel
+autumn winds and the birds go on singing. I shall love to listen to
+them. But, aunt, what will people do who are like Rachel and think
+listening idle and sinful, and that flowers are fripperies that spoil
+the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> hay and prevent the grass from growing in that space?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure myself." Madam Wetherill laughed at the quaint conceit.</p>
+
+<p>There were many gay Friends in town whose consciences were not so
+exigent, who believed in education and leisure and certainly wore fine
+clothes, if one can trust the old diaries of the time. But the other
+branch, the people who thought society worldly and carnal, reduced life
+to the plainest of needs, except where eating was concerned. There they
+could not rail at their brethren.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not bother thy small brain about this," the elder went on after a
+pause. "It is better to learn kindness to one's neighbor, and
+truth-telling that is not made a cloak for malicious temper. I am glad
+to have thee back, little one, and they will not be likely to need thee
+at the farm, nor perhaps care so much about thy faith."</p>
+
+<p>The whole household rejoiced. They had grown very fond of Primrose.
+Often now in the late afternoon Madam Wetherill would mount her horse
+with the pillion securely fastened at the back, and Primrose quite as
+secure, and with a black attendant go cantering over the country roads,
+rough as they were, to Belmont Mansion with its long avenue of great
+branching hemlocks; or to Mount Pleasant, embedded in trees, that was to
+be famous many a long year for the tragedy that befell its young wife;
+and Fairhill, with English graveled walks and curious exotics brought
+from foreign lands where Debby Norris planted the willow wand given her
+by Franklin, from which sprang a numerous progeny before that unknown in
+the New World.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They would stop and take a cup of tea on the tables set under a tree. Or
+there would be ale or mead, or a kind of fragrant posset, with cloves
+and raisins and coriander seed, with enough brandy to flavor it, and a
+peculiar kind of little cakes to be eaten with it. Discussions ran high
+at times, and there was card-playing, or, if water was near, the young
+people went out rowing with songs and laughter. A lovely summer, and no
+one dreamed, amid the half fears, that from the town to Valley Forge was
+always to be historic ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam Wetherill has grown wonderfully fond of that child," said Miss
+Logan. "And what eyes she hath! They begin to look at you in a shy way,
+as if begging your pardon for looking at all; then they go on like a
+sunrise until you are quite amazed, when the lids droop down like a
+network and veil the sweetness. And a skin like a rose leaf. It is said
+her mother had many charms."</p>
+
+<p>"And her father looked courtly enough for a cavalier. There is a
+portrait of him that Mr. Northfield hath stored away, that is to be sent
+to England to the son by a former wife. Though I believe the great hall
+the boy was to inherit hath a new heir, the old lord having married a
+young wife, 'tis said. The lad sent word that he would come over, but
+nothing hath been heard, and now there are such troublous times upon the
+ocean."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, England is mistress of the seas. And a new recruit of troops is
+being sent over. Some think Virginia will be the point of attack."</p>
+
+<p>There was but little news except that by private hands. No telegram
+could warn of an approaching foe. In July Washington, leaving a body of
+troops<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> on the Hudson, pushed forward to Philadelphia, where he met, for
+the first time, the young Marquis Lafayette, who had been so fired with
+admiration at an account of the daring and intrepidity of the Americans
+in confronting a foe like England, and declaring for freedom, that he
+crossed the ocean to offer his services to the Continental Congress.</p>
+
+<p>The British fleet under Sir William Howe did not ascend the Delaware, as
+was anticipated, but landed at the Chesapeake Bay and were met by
+Washington on their march up, and after a day's hard fighting, at Chad's
+Ford, Washington was compelled to retreat with many killed and wounded,
+among the latter the brave young Frenchman. And then the city had its
+first bitter taste of war, and all was consternation. Many packed up
+their valuables and fled, others shut up their country houses and came
+into town. General Howe crossed the Schuylkill, intending to winter at
+Germantown, but, after the battle there, in which he was victorious,
+resolved to place his army in winter quarters at Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>Promise was given that all neutrals should be respected in property and
+person. The advent of the English was regarded with conflicting
+emotions. There were stately Tories, who held out a hand of welcome;
+there was a large and influential body of Friends who had resolutely
+kept to business, having, perhaps, little faith in the ultimate triumph
+of the colonists.</p>
+
+<p>And now the aspect of the town was changed, in a night, it seemed.
+Officers were sent to the wealthier households, and General Howe finally
+established himself in the house of Richard Penn. Barracks were hastily
+thrown up for the soldiers who could not find refuge elsewhere.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was summoned to her parlor one morning, though, thus
+far, she had not been molested.</p>
+
+<p>"There are two redcoats, full of gold lace and frippery," said Janice
+Kent severely. "In God's mercy they have let us alone, but such fortune
+cannot last forever. Still they are more mannerly than those who invaded
+Mrs. Wray's, for one of them, a very good-looking officer, asked to see
+you with an air of seeking a favor. But we have hardly chambers enough
+to accommodate even a company, so heaven send they do not billet a whole
+regiment upon us!"</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill gave a little frown.</p>
+
+<p>"No, we cannot hope to be let entirely alone. Let me see thy work,
+child," to Primrose. "Yes, do this part of the rose; it requires less
+shading, and keep at it industriously."</p>
+
+<p>Then she went down the broad staircase in stately dignity. The wide door
+space made her visible to the young man, who had been examining the
+Chinese pagoda standing on a table in the corner.</p>
+
+<p>"I must beg your pardon for coming unceremoniously upon you," he began
+in a well-trained voice that showed his breeding. "I reached the city
+only yesterday after a variety of adventures, and as it would have taken
+a long epistle to explain my history, I resolved to come in person.
+There was a connection of yours who married a Mr. Philemon Henry. I
+bethink me that the Quakers disapprove of any title beyond mere names,"
+and he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," the lady answered gravely, eying the young man with a peculiar
+impression of having seen him before. "I knew Friend Henry very well."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And you have quite forgotten me? I hoped there would be some
+resemblance. I have been in this house as a little lad with my
+stepmother&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not&mdash;oh, yes! it must be Philemon Henry's son!"</p>
+
+<p>"That was my father, truly. I had thought some day to come over, when I
+heard there was a little girl still living, my half-sister. And I
+remember I was very much in love with my pretty, winsome stepmother. I
+took it rather hard that I should be sent to England. And, as events
+turned out, I might have been as well off here in the city of my birth."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray be seated," rejoined Madam Wetherill. "This is singular indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to present to you my friend, Lieutenant Vane, who is in
+General Howe's army, where I expect soon to have a position myself. I
+hope, madam, you are not too bitter against us?"</p>
+
+<p>"There will be time to discuss that later on," she answered in a guarded
+tone. "Yet I am almost surprised to find thee in arms against thy
+father's country."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he would have been a peace man. I have memories of a tall,
+rather austere person, yet of great kindliness, but it was the pretty,
+playful stepmother that made the most vivid impression. And now tell me
+of the little girl. Where is she?"</p>
+
+<p>"In this house. In my care partly. She has two trustees, or guardians,
+besides. One is your father's brother, James Henry, who lives not far
+from Germantown. But I forget&mdash;you know nothing of our localities."</p>
+
+<p>"An uncle! Really that had slipped my mind. And has he any family?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"One son of his own. A youth and two girls, orphans, whose mother was
+his wife's sister, have a home there. They are Friends of the quite
+strict order."</p>
+
+<p>"I must find them. My remembrance of him had faded, but I think I do
+recall his coming in to dinner at my father's. So my little sister is
+here? I have said the name over many times. Primrose. Is she as pleasing
+as the name? If she favors her mother she must be pretty enough."</p>
+
+<p>"She is very well looking," was the quiet answer.</p>
+
+<p>"And somewhat of an heiress."</p>
+
+<p>"No one can tell about property in such times as these. I am sorry thou
+shouldst have been disappointed in this respect."</p>
+
+<p>The young fellow shrugged his shoulders and smiled with a kind of gay
+indifference.</p>
+
+<p>"A young woman when Sir Wyndham was up at London captured him. He had
+gone many a time and had his yearly carouse with no danger, but she made
+him fast before he could fairly escape. She pays him much outward
+devotion. There was a great family of girls and they were glad to get
+homes, having little fortune, but being well connected. Then her child,
+being a boy, knocked me out altogether; the estate and title going in
+the male line. Still, he was generous to me. And being of a somewhat
+adventurous disposition I thought to enlist in the King's Guard, but
+there being a call for men to subdue the rebelling colonies, I decided
+to come hither."</p>
+
+<p>"Thy philosophic acceptance speaks well for thee. Few young men could
+take a disappointment so calmly."</p>
+
+<p>"I raved a little at first," laughingly. "But I was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> given a journey on
+the Continent, and there are chances still. It is said old men's
+children are seldom robust, while I can frolic for a week and remain
+sound as a nut."</p>
+
+<p>Now that she saw more of him he did resemble his father somewhat, though
+not so tall and of a more slender build.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he said presently, veiling his impatience, "am I to see the
+little girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Julius," to the hall boy, who was shooting up into a tall lad, "go
+upstairs and ask Mistress Primrose to come down to me."</p>
+
+<p>The child entered shyly, Julius having announced "two Britisher
+redcoats" with bated breath and wide-open eyes. She walked swiftly to
+Madam Wetherill's side.</p>
+
+<p>"This is little Mistress Henry. Primrose, thou hast inquired about thy
+brother. This is he. Hast thou taken thy father's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have added Nevitt to it. In a certain way I am still an appanage of
+Nevitt Grange&mdash;next of kin and in the succession. My sweet little
+maiden, I am your half-brother from England, and I knew and loved your
+mother."</p>
+
+<p>He crossed over to Primrose and would have taken her hand, but she clung
+closer to Madam Wetherill, looking at him with half-frightened eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, do not be so doubtful, my pretty child. If I have convinced your
+protectress, and I think General Howe has sufficient credentials to
+vouch for me, you may safely acknowledge me. At least, shake hands. I
+will prove the kindest of brothers if you do but give me a chance."</p>
+
+<p>She glanced questioningly at her aunt and then ventured<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> one small hand,
+while her cheeks flushed in a delicate pink.</p>
+
+<p>He bent over and carried the hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"We must be friends, little Primrose, for now we shall see a good deal
+of each other, I hope. Will you not give me one smile? As I remember
+your mother, she was most generous of her sweetness."</p>
+
+<p>"The child is strange of course. And she hath not heard much about you."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it truly my brother?" She glanced up at Madam Wetherill as if not
+convinced.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt. I think I had an impression at once," smiling. "And
+when she is better acquainted&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But I do not like General Howe to take possession of our city. Patty
+says the streets are full of redcoats and I cannot go out."</p>
+
+<p>She stiffened herself with great dignity, and now she looked squarely at
+him out of beautiful eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Who may Patty be? And you will see that General Howe has a right to be
+here. He will soon settle the rebels if he keeps on as he has begun."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a rebel. And your general shall not conquer me. He is cruel and
+wicked!"</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose!" said her aunt, though much amused.</p>
+
+<p>"You have found a foe already," laughed Gilbert Vane. "One you cannot
+fight, but must persuade."</p>
+
+<p>"But my Cousin Andrew has promised to fight for me. He is larger than
+you, and I like him very much."</p>
+
+<p>She looked so spirited and daring that he wanted to clasp her in his
+arms and conquer her with kisses. He would soon oust this Cousin Andrew
+in her affections.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Little girls must not be so fierce," reproved Madam Wetherill. "We have
+talked on all sides and the child hears it. Then some of my old servants
+are strong patriots, rebels I suppose they will be called. Your friend
+is right&mdash;a little patience is best for conviction."</p>
+
+<p>"At least you will let me try to win your regard?" and he glanced
+steadily at his little sister, but she kept silent.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely you will wish me a farewell in a kindly fashion?" exclaimed her
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>TRUE TO HER COLORS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>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
+ran high, and no end of dice and card-playing. There was among many of
+the lower classes an insolent revolt against an established order of
+things that had not brought them prosperity, and tradesmen had felt the
+pinch of hard times severely. The influx of British gold was hailed with
+delight, and some timorous souls that had longed for the larger liberty,
+yet feared the Colonies could never win independence, went over to the
+other side with sudden fervor.</p>
+
+<p>Those of royalist proclivities opened their houses to the gayeties that
+swept over the town like sudden intoxication. There were private balls
+and dinners and tea-drinking, with no end of scarlet-coated young
+officers, and card-playing was rampant. The shabby little theater on
+South Street was no longer relegated to opprobrium, but put in some
+repair and made a place of fashionable entertainment; the versatile
+Englishmen turning their hands and their wits to almost anything in that
+line, from scene-painting to acting in comedy, farce, or tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>It was soon noised about that Madam Wetherill's grand niece and prot&eacute;g&eacute;
+had a brother among the English officers. Many people could recall the
+fine old Quaker Philemon Henry, and his pretty second wife Bessy
+Wardour.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely you are in luck, Madam Wetherill," said bright, inconsequent
+Sally Stuart. "Will you not be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> generous enough to give us a peep at
+this handsome captain? My mother remembers his father well. And what
+does the child say to this fine surprise?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is not as enthusiastic as one might suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I remember; she is quite a little rebel, and her patriotism becomes
+her well, since she is but a child, but she will mend of that."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou shalt see the young man, with pleasure. I shall choose some of the
+young people who have a hankering for scarlet."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, they are going to give us a gay winter, and, Heaven knows, we
+have been dull as ditch water. The theater has been refitted. And there
+is talk of racing again and no end of diversion."</p>
+
+<p>So Madam Wetherill gave a dancing party and asked the favorite young
+women of the day, since Captain Nevitt had proposed to bring some
+brother officers. Miss Franks and Miss Kitty Ross and Betty Randolph
+were to be among the belles of the evening, and many were pleading for
+invitations.</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly know how to manage," the Mistress said with a sigh to Janice
+Kent. "Many have had soldiers quartered upon them with hardly a moment's
+notice. Mrs. Norris was relieved, it is true, and Lord Cornwallis proved
+himself a gentleman. Elizabeth Drinker protested since her husband was
+from home, but it was not regarded. And we have been favored, whether
+from the influence of this young Nevitt or not, I cannot decide. I like
+not to be so identified with the Tory party, but I cannot be ungracious
+to my little girl's half-brother and the child Bessy Henry loved. I
+think he must favor his mother's people; he has not much of the old
+Henry blood in him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure it is so bad a thing, madam, for we shall be less
+suspected of kindliness to the poor fellows who need it so much. And we
+may hear news to their benefit occasionally."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, if a turn could be brought about for our brave men! I hear that
+Mrs. Washington is to join her husband and share his hardships. It will
+put courage into many a loyal fellow that misfortunes have well-nigh
+disheartened."</p>
+
+<p>So the great apartment was cleared of some of its ornaments that there
+might be more room for dancing, in that and the spacious hall.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had been curiously distant and wary. It had amused her brother
+very much, and he teased her about being a little rebel and said he
+should take her to England to cure her of such folly and that she should
+be presented at Court. For certainly the Continentals could not hold out
+when all the principal cities were taken and trade stopped.</p>
+
+<p>He was proud of her beauty, and his flattery might have turned the head
+of almost any child.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall insist upon taking her back to England with me," he announced
+to his friend. "And this fine old lady, Madam Wetherill, can be induced
+to go along, I think, when she realizes the hopelessness of the cause,
+for she is, by birth, an Englishwoman. And Primrose, it is true, will be
+quite an heiress. What a pretty name her mother gave her, and it seems
+that in it she outwitted my father. He was one of the strait sort as I
+remember him, and my pretty stepmother planned many a bit of indulgence
+for me, and hid some childish pranks from his eyes that would have
+brought severe punishment."</p>
+
+<p>"You have good reason, then, to care for her and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> love the child. It
+seems to me a curious thing that your father should let you go
+abroad&mdash;his only son."</p>
+
+<p>"But, if he had lived, he might have had half a dozen sons. He was a
+hale, hearty man, much too fine looking for a Friend. You must go with
+me to see the portrait of him, which, with some other keepsakes, belongs
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>"And these cousins they talk about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I must pay my respects to them. The days go so rapidly that one
+does not get through half one's plans. I had no idea there was so much
+interest in this old town of William Penn's. The winter will be a merry
+one."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems not much like war," returned Gilbert Vane thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>The party at Madam Wetherill's was a most brilliant affair. It seemed as
+if every conclave except the Continentals were represented. There were
+staid Friends in the rich attire of the better class; some in drab,
+others in coat and breeches of brown velveteen and silk stockings, and
+the younger men with various touches of worldly gauds. There were other
+citizens in the picturesque attire of the day, with embroidered satin
+waistcoats, powdered hair, and side rolls beside the queue, lace ruffles
+and gold lace and gold buttons.</p>
+
+<p>And the belles were not to be outdone by the beaux. There were gowns of
+almost every degree of elegance, in brocades and glistening satins,
+wrought with roses or silver thread, turned back over beautiful
+petticoats. Gowns of Venise silk and velvet, with elbow sleeves and
+ruffles of rich lace, and square corsages filled in with stiffened lace
+called a modesty fence, through which the younger girls ran a narrow
+ribbon that was tied in a cluster of bows.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The hair was worn high on the head, with puffs and rolls held in place
+with great gilt or silver pins, and an aigrette nodding saucily from the
+top. The elder women had large caps of fine and costly material. Few
+were brave enough to go without, lest they might be accused of aping
+youthfulness. There were fans of white, gray, and lavender silk,
+bordered with peacocks' eyes, and their fair owners needed no Japanese
+training to flirt with them.</p>
+
+<p>There had been numerous discussions about Primrose. Her brother longed
+to see her attired quite as a young lady.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, they grow up fast enough," protested Madam Wetherill. "And there
+will be a host of town beauties to whom you must pay court, who would be
+jealous of such a chit and think her forward."</p>
+
+<p>"But she dances so beautifully. I can never be grateful enough that you
+have had her so well instructed, and brought up a churchwoman. And
+really she must dance. Lieutenant Vane is almost as much smitten with
+her as I am."</p>
+
+<p>"The more need for me to be careful, then."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I shall guard her well, for I want to take her to England
+fancy-free, so that she may have her pick among titles. She is fast
+outgrowing childhood. And there is nothing so sweet as an opening bud."</p>
+
+<p>"Mine shall not be pulled open before the time. Remember she has
+guardians, and thou art not one. Her Quaker uncle may have a word. He
+hath only lent her to me."</p>
+
+<p>"We will settle that with other questions," the young man replied
+laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>That very morning he had brought her in a pair of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> pretty bracelets that
+had delighted her mightily. He clasped them on her slender wrists.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are my prisoner," he said. "I will not let you go until I have
+a sweet kiss from your rosy lips."</p>
+
+<p>She turned her cheek to him gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, that will not do. Truly thou art stingy of kisses. And I am thy
+own brother!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not thy prisoner!" turning her eyes full upon him with a spirit of
+resistance.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed. I will get a requisition from General Howe that you shall
+be delivered over to my keeping."</p>
+
+<p>"But I will not go. Americans are born free."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have heard that they so declared. And equal, which is very
+amusing, seeing there are slaves and work people of all sorts, with no
+more manners than a plowboy at home. And elegant women like your Madam
+Wetherill and that charming Miss Franks and the handsome Shippens.
+Still, I adore thy spirit."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou mayst take back thy gifts. I shall never go to London with thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose! What does possess thee to be so cruel! I am half a Friend
+for thy sake, and our soldiers laugh at my thee and thou. What else
+shall I do to win thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou shalt fight on the side of my country instead of against it. I
+cannot love a traitor."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I am no traitor. There was no question of this war when I was sent
+to England. There are many Friends siding with us and longing for peace
+and prosperity. It is these in arms against us who have forgotten their
+fealty to their King. They are the ones to be called traitors."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nay, there is no king here. And many of them came hither to be free and
+away from the King's rule, and they have the right to choose."</p>
+
+<p>"What a saucy little rebel! And yet thou art so daintily sweet! Love me
+just a little bit because thy mother did. Many a time she kissed me. And
+hast thou no word of praise for the bracelets?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are pretty, but I will not be a prisoner for their sake," and her
+eyes sparkled with resolution and a spice of mischief.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou shalt be quite free if thou wilt wear them for my sake and give me
+a tender thought. Come, can I not be liked a little? I have heard thee
+declare an ardent love for the woman Patty. Am I of less account than a
+serving woman?"</p>
+
+<p>There was something persuasive and plaintive in his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"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&mdash;I do not
+think such pretty ears can ever ache."</p>
+
+<p>There were some quivering lines about her mouth, and now both laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"I would not give away a poor little kiss," she answered with
+well-feigned indignation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"I do care for thee," she said softly, a delicious color stealing over
+her face.</p>
+
+<p>"Then one kiss."</p>
+
+<p>She stood up on tiptoe and her soft, rosy lips met his.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven bless thee, little Primrose. Thou art very dear to me. Go show
+thy gift to Madam Wetherill. I asked her permission beforehand."</p>
+
+<p>She ran to Madam Wetherill's room, holding up both arms. "See!" she
+cried.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>She hung her head, while a warm color came into her face, and raised her
+eyes hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I would not be pleased at first because he said I was a prisoner, and
+that Americans were traitors."</p>
+
+<p>"He loves to tease thee, Primrose. Yet he has a deep and fervent
+affection for thee."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose hid her face on the ample shoulder. "I kissed him," she
+murmured softly. "Was it very wrong? For he coaxed so about it."</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>Patty did her hair high on her head, but Madam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> Wetherill bade her take
+it down again and tie it with a ribbon. And her white muslin dress was
+short and scant, just coming to her ankles and showing the instep of her
+pretty clocked stockings. There were lace frills to her puffed sleeves,
+and a lace tucker, with a pretty bow on one shoulder. But it seemed as
+if she looked more beautiful than ever before.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody made much of her. It appeared to be an easy road to Captain
+Nevitt's heart. Even the handsome Major Andr&eacute;, who had come because
+Nevitt had talked so much about his little sister and Madam Wetherill,
+and also because he was likely to meet some of the attractive young
+women of the town, and "Primrose was like a little fairy for beauty, and
+that her smiles were bewitching."</p>
+
+<p>A very great time it was indeed. There were ombre and quadrille tables,
+piquet and guinea points for the elders, while the black fiddlers in the
+end of the hall inspired the feet of the younger portion. With the
+dancing there were jest and laughter and compliments enough to give a
+novice vertigo. Primrose was daintily shy and clung close to her
+brother, of which he was very proud, as she had never shown him quite
+such favor before.</p>
+
+<p>Anabella Morris was setting up for a young lady, being nearly two years
+older than Primrose. Mrs. Morris had taken a certain Captain Decker in
+her house to lodge, who seemed very devoted to her daughter. She had not
+succeeded in capturing a husband yet, but it seemed quite possible with
+all this influx of masculines. The glowing and attractive description of
+"Fairemount" given before, as a place "where no woman need go without a
+husband," had not held good of late years.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The supper was in keeping with all the rest. There were solids in the
+way of cold meats served up in various fashions, there were wines of all
+kinds, and lighter refreshments of cake, floating islands, jellies,
+whipped sillabubs, curds and cream, and all the delicacies in vogue.
+There were healths drunk, toasts and witty replies, and, after a
+complimentary mention of the hostess, someone asked whether that
+pestilent old Quaker Samuel Wetherill was any relative, expressing
+ironical regret that he was not present.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill rose tall and stately, with the most courteous
+self-possession.</p>
+
+<p>"My husband and Mr. Samuel Wetherill's grandfather came from different
+towns in old England, but there may have been some of the same blood in
+their veins. And I think if my husband had espoused a cause he believed
+right, and gave of his means and influence courageously, fought, and
+should, perhaps, die for it, I should honor him as a brave man. For
+there will many brave men die on both sides."</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment's silence, then hearty applause without a dissentient
+sound.</p>
+
+<p>And when, toward morning, the servants were carrying away dishes and
+putting out lights, Madam Wetherill came and jingled three guineas in
+her hands, close to Janice Kent.</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking of our poor fellows and the sick and wounded to-night,
+and resolved that when they return to the city they shall have a greater
+welcome than this. And that rampant old Tory Ralph Jeffries, whom I
+should not have asked but for his daughter's sake, insisted upon playing
+when he was half fuddled. He is shrewd enough when sober, but to-night I
+won his guineas. And now I tell thee, Janice, what I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> will do. These new
+people are ready enough with their play and have plenty of money.
+Whatever I win I shall lay aside for our poor fellows."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a fine scheme," and Janice Kent laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"We must get out to the farm some day and see if we cannot send
+provisions before these British troops lay hands on it. For it will take
+a great deal to feed eighteen thousand men, and I doubt if they suffer
+at any time from honest scruples."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a grand time. There are many handsome young men among them. But
+I think that Major Andr&eacute; bears off the palm. There is music in his
+laugh, and his handsome face is enough to turn a girl's head. They are
+to act a play, I believe. Miss Becky Franks was talking of it to the
+Shippens."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill sighed a little.</p>
+
+<p>Already the quiet streets of the town had taken on a new aspect. There
+were fiddling and singing in many of the decorous old taverns. Men were
+shouting Tory broadsides of ridiculous verse; selling places for the
+races, when Tarleton was to ride, as that was sure to draw crowds, or
+hawking tickets for plays. Women were careful about going in the streets
+unattended, and cavaliers became general.</p>
+
+<p>A few days later Captain Nevitt came in to escort the ladies out to
+Cherry Farm, as, somehow, many duties and engagements had intervened
+since his arrival until, as he admitted, he was quite ashamed of the
+lack of respect due his uncle. It was a bright, clear winter day, with a
+sky of wonderful blue, against which the distant trees stood out
+distinctly, the hemlocks looking almost black against it. The soldiers'
+barracks stretched out, giving a strange appearance to the once peaceful
+city. Groups of men were lounging<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> idly about, and confusion seemed to
+predominate. But they soon left the city behind them, and rode along the
+Schuylkill, where the wintry landscape, leafless trees, and denuded
+cornfields met their glance, dreary now, but to be ruinous by and by.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had a pony of her own and rode beside her aunt, with her
+brother as her guard, while Lieutenant Vane was her aunt's escort.
+Primrose wore a blue cloth coat and skirt, trimmed with fur, and her
+white beaver hat was tied under her chin. Many women used a thin, silken
+sort of mask to protect their complexion from wind and dust, but Madam
+Wetherill had discarded it and did not always insist upon Primrose
+wearing one.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the beautiful houses destroyed later on were standing now. A few
+had been taken as outposts for the army, others looked lonely enough
+closed for the season, as it had not been considered prudent to leave
+even the farmer in charge, after the battle of Germantown.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose does credit to someone's training," Captain Nevitt remarked.
+"Is it a long ride?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are used to this fashion of getting about and hardly think of
+fatigue. It would be a poor weakling who could not stand a few miles.
+The roads are rough for the chaise."</p>
+
+<p>How pretty she looked in her white and blue. She smiled at him. They had
+been quite good friends since the night of the dance, though there had
+been no opportunity of teasing each other.</p>
+
+<p>But she was not thinking of his regard nor his pleasure just now. She
+seemed to have changed mysteriously, to have grown out of careless
+childhood, and taken a great deal of thought about the country.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> When
+she remembered that General Howe had come with his army to subdue it and
+that her brother was in the soldiery she shrank from him. How could she
+love him? He had pleaded for her sweet mother's sake, and that touched
+her inmost soul.</p>
+
+<p>She had listened with frightened eyes and a breathless throbbing of the
+heart to the account of the battle of Germantown, and her fears for her
+beloved country often outran her hopes when she had a quiet time to
+think. The servants had been forbidden to tell her the more awesome part
+of it, only she knew General Washington had been beaten and forced to
+retreat, and the British hailed it as a great victory.</p>
+
+<p>The young lieutenant and the stately dame found many things to talk
+about, as well-bred people often do, skirting over the thin places, for
+by this time he understood that madam's heart was not on the English
+side. But he was confident when it was all over that she would accept
+defeat gracefully.</p>
+
+<p>The ascent from the city was gradual. In the distance they noted the
+small gray stone houses, looking frosty in the wintry air, with here and
+there a larger one, like the Chew House, to be famous long afterward in
+history. Then they turned aside and lost sight of it. Captain Nevitt
+thought he would like to have been in the fray, but he did not say so.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art very quiet, little one. I have heard people offer a penny for
+one's thoughts, a big English penny," smilingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Mine do not go as cheap as that," answered the maiden.</p>
+
+<p>"A crown, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think I will sell them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou art not very much in love with the cousins?" he said presently.</p>
+
+<p>She colored quickly and turned her face to him, quite unaware of
+betrayal until he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I have thy thoughts without the penny! Is it the tall Quaker cousin
+madam talks about, or the other&mdash;William Penn?"</p>
+
+<p>"His name is simply Penn, Penn Morgan. And he is not an own cousin.
+Surely it is not strange if I did think about them."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be offended. I shall like them if they have thy affection."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast small mind of thy own if thou takest a girl's whims for thy
+pattern," she answered with a show of disdain. "Whether I like them or
+not is my own affair. And Patty declares I change about with every puff
+of wind."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I shall not believe that until I follow the changes, or they are
+made in my behalf."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you know why I am cross to you! I cannot like a redcoat! But
+because my own mamma loved you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, thou art quite too peppery in temper with thy brother,"
+interrupted Madam Wetherill gently. "The Henrys will think I have
+indulged thee ruinously."</p>
+
+<p>She looked up laughingly. The soft yellow hair was blown about her like
+a cloud, and the great bow under her chin gave her a coquettish air.
+What a changeful little sprite she was!</p>
+
+<p>They were coming in sight of the great barns and outhouses for the
+cattle, and nestled down among them was the house, looking really
+smaller. A line of blue smoke from the chimney was floating over to the
+west,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> betokening a storm wind not far off. Someone was coming from the
+barn, a stoutish man who walked with a cane, and paused to wonder at the
+party.</p>
+
+<p>"That is your uncle, your father's brother," said Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>UNDER THE ROSE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill made her brief explanation to show why she had ventured
+to bring two dashing redcoats, in their military trappings, to the home
+of the plain Quaker. James Henry looked at his nephew with many lines of
+doubt in his face and evident disapprobation.</p>
+
+<p>"I have planned for the last two years to come over," said the winsome
+voice with the sound of glad, merry youth in it that jarred on the
+sedateness of his listener. "I was waiting for a promotion, and then had
+permission from the King to join General Howe. So I found him in
+possession of my native city, and in short order I discovered my little
+sister."</p>
+
+<p>"We are men of peace," returned his uncle gravely. "William Penn founded
+his colony on the cornerstones of peace and equity, and all we ask is to
+live undisturbed and away from carnal pleasures and the wanton
+fripperies of the world. And it pains me to see Philemon Henry's son
+come among us in the habiliments of war. Still I suppose thou must do
+thy duty to thy Master, the King, since thou hast strayed from thy
+father's faith. There is no discipline now for children, and they follow
+evil counsel as they will."</p>
+
+<p>"It was my father's will rather than mine. I remember, big boy that I
+was, crying many a night on shipboard for my stepmother's affection and
+kisses."</p>
+
+<p>"It was an error of judgment, and he hath no doubt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> bewailed his mistake
+if it is given us to sorrow in the next world. But come in. And though
+thou art of the world, worldly, there is much in kindred blood. Come in
+and take welcome among us."</p>
+
+<p>The keeping room was cheerful with a great fire of logs in the wide
+stone chimney-place. There was a spicy fragrance of pine knots and
+hemlock. In one corner Rachel Morgan sat at her spinning wheel, with a
+woman's cap upon her head, and a bit of thin white muslin crossed inside
+her frock at the neck; a full-fledged Quaker girl, with certain lines of
+severity hardly meet for so young a face. Mother Lois sat beside the
+fire knitting. She had never been quite so strong since her fever, and
+Faith had a basket of woolen pieces out of which she was patching some
+shapely blocks for a bed comfort.</p>
+
+<p>She sprang up with a face full of joy. The summers were not so bad, but
+she dreaded the long, dreary winters when she had to stay indoors and
+sew and spin, with none of her own years to speak with.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose! And is it really thy brother? What a pretty habit thou
+hast with all the fur, and the hat makes a picture of thee! There is one
+upstairs of a great-grandmother, and thou lookest like it, but it
+belongs to Andrew and not to our side, and," lowering her voice, "Uncle
+Henry thinks it vain. Andrew wanted it in his room, but uncle would not
+listen. Oh, I am so glad to see thee. I am so lonely," piteously.</p>
+
+<p>The little Quaker girl in her sudden delight had forgotten her superior
+virtue. Her eyes fairly danced as they devoured Primrose. All the others
+seemed talking and explaining, so she had dared to step over the traces
+in the din.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We have some odd old portraits in Arch Street. If thou couldst visit
+me, Faith!"</p>
+
+<p>"Faith," said her uncle, "go and call Andrew. I left him threshing in
+the farther barn."</p>
+
+<p>Faith rose with sober gravity, running her needle through the patch, and
+walked placidly through the room, though she had telegraphed to Primrose
+with her eye. And just as she opened the door Primrose gathered up her
+skirts and, saying, "I will go, too," flashed along before anyone could
+frame a remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish thou wert here&mdash;nay, not that, for thou would be kept straitly,
+and there would be no pleasure. Rachel has grown severe, and works so
+much at her outfitting, for she means to be married sometime."</p>
+
+<p>"Who will she marry?" There seemed no one besides Andrew, and the
+child's heart made a sudden fierce protest.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do not know. William Frost hath walked home with her when the
+meetings were at Friend Lester's. All girls marry, I think, and I shall
+be glad enough when my time comes. If it were not for Andrew I hardly
+know what would become of me. He is so good. He reads curious books and
+tells them to me. And sometimes there are verses that I want to sing,
+they are so sweet&mdash;but such things are wrong. Andrew! Nay, hide here,
+Primrose," pushing her in a corner. "Andrew, guess what has happened,
+and who hath come! An elegant soldier in scarlet and gold,
+and&mdash;and&mdash;someone thou lovest. I was mad one day when I said I hated
+her&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not Primrose!" in a surprised but gladsome tone.</p>
+
+<p>There was a swift rush and Primrose was in his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> arms. He did not kiss
+her, but held her so tightly that she could feel his strong heart beat.</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, Faith, thou didst not hate me?" she said when released, turning
+to the girl.</p>
+
+<p>The maiden's face was scarlet.</p>
+
+<p>"She does not hate thee now, dear," said Andrew softly.</p>
+
+<p>"It was most wicked and hateful! Thou hadst so many joys and pretty
+things and lessons, and a beautiful face, and then Andrew said thou
+didst have the sweetest big heart in all the world and could love me and
+would be glad to share thy joys with me. Is it so, Primrose?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose clasped her in her arms and kissed her many times.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish thou could come. There are so many things, and it makes no one
+poorer by sharing them."</p>
+
+<p>"And then I learned to love thee. We talk of thee until at night, when I
+shut my eyes and draw the coverlid about me, I can see thee like a star
+coming out in the blue. And Andrew thinks sometime he may take me in on
+market day, when the spring opens, for I would like to see the great
+city. And thou might come to meet us. I think Aunt Lois and Rachel would
+be angry if I went to Madam Wetherill's. But I am forgetting. Thou hast
+a soldier cousin, Andrew."</p>
+
+<p>"He is my brother," explained Primrose with curious dignity. "And&mdash;I do
+not like him to be a King's soldier."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew gave a long whistle of amazement, and studied Primrose so keenly
+that she flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Thy brother? Of course, then, being Uncle Philemon's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> son he is my
+cousin. Is he not Lord somebody?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is Captain Nevitt. And at times I love him, but he teases and
+threatens to take me to England, and&mdash;and he is to fight our soldiers.
+It does not seem right, then, to love him at all. Andrew," looking up
+out of the softly radiant eyes, "I wish thou wert in his stead."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry was satisfied then. For an instant his soul had been wrung
+with jealousy. But his look of tender regard answered hers and both
+understood.</p>
+
+<p>"And I must go see this British cousin. Faith, hand me that brush, even
+if it does get used at times on Dobbin's sleek coat."</p>
+
+<p>He brushed the dust of the grain out of his clothes and gave his hair a
+stir with his fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"And Primrose hath a pony!" cried Faith. "It is pretty, with great, soft
+eyes! Next summer I shall learn to ride."</p>
+
+<p>She caught the hand of her visitor and pressed it with pervading
+rapture. Primrose wondered how she could have grown so different.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast stayed finely!" said Rachel reprovingly. "It is ever the way
+when two do an errand. And Madam Wetherill will take dinner with us, it
+is so near noon. The horses must be put out, and Penn and Jonas are down
+in the wood lot. Go to the kitchen and help Chloe."</p>
+
+<p>There were tears in Faith's eyes, but she dared not even loiter, for
+Rachel's hand was not light when it came with a box on the ear. There
+were so few visitors at the house that this was a great treat, and Faith
+hated to be shut out.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Nevitt surveyed his cousin with some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> curiosity and decided
+that the plain young Quaker farmer was no great rival after all in his
+young sister's favor. For he was not likely to fight for his country,
+the great test Primrose seemed to require. But when Andrew went out to
+care for the horses the two young men asked permission to leave the
+ladies and take a look around.</p>
+
+<p>"The country surprises me," declared Captain Nevitt. "We have heard much
+talk about the wilderness and the forests, and the few towns such as
+Penn's Colony, which is a much greater city than one could imagine. And
+there is the town the Dutch started, New York, and the Puritan Boston,
+beside many lesser places that must show wonderful capacity for settling
+the New World. There are industries, too, that have amazed me. 'Tis a
+great pity a people doing so well should rebel against all law and
+order, and be willing to have their country destroyed rather than yield
+while they have something to save."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall not agree upon this matter," Andrew Henry replied with quiet
+dignity. "And since we are of blood kin, we will not dispute. There are
+other subjects of talk."</p>
+
+<p>"But my uncle is strong for peace," in a tone of surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I, too, am for peace, unless manliness and honor goes not with it.
+And when one has seen wrongs and usurpations creep in gradually, and
+privileges taken away&mdash;but," checking himself, "I was not to discuss
+such points. We are plain people but we may have some stock, and
+browsing for it, that will interest thee."</p>
+
+<p>The cattle were certainly fine and well fed. There were stacks of hay
+and piles of Indian corn, great pits<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> of vegetables, and potatoes enough
+to feed an army, it seemed. Everything was so well kept, and there was a
+great sheepfold with shelter for the flock in storm.</p>
+
+<p>"And, now, which way retreated the rebels after their defeat?" asked
+Captain Nevitt.</p>
+
+<p>"They went on up the Schuylkill, on the other side, to Whitemarsh first,
+and then to Valley Forge."</p>
+
+<p>"A blacksmithy town?"</p>
+
+<p>"There was once an old forge there. It is not a town."</p>
+
+<p>"There seems many comfortable country houses about, as if there might be
+gentry."</p>
+
+<p>"Some of them now are filled with the wounded and the ill. They were
+worth seeing in the summer."</p>
+
+<p>Then they discussed horses and found the young Quaker no mean authority.
+The horn blew to summon them within, where a bountiful feast was spread,
+to which they all did ample justice and talked of family affairs.
+Captain Nevitt had another view of his father from his brother's
+comprehension of him, and though it was much narrower, not less
+complimentary than that of Madam Wetherill. Certainly there was nothing
+to regret on the Henry side. He was beginning to feel proud of these
+clean, wholesome people of strong character.</p>
+
+<p>When they had risen Madam Wetherill said they must leave presently. The
+sky was getting to be rather lowering, with a grayish cloud in the south
+that betokened snow, Friend Henry said.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go out with thee, Andrew, and see about the horses," said the
+lady.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," interposed Captain Nevitt smilingly. "It is hardly a lady's
+business&mdash;&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have some privacy with Andrew," she returned. "I have had some useful
+hints from him, young as he is, and you must know if women are not
+equipped for soldiering, they make excellent farmers at times. But you
+may all come, though if I extract any grand secret from Andrew as to how
+to double the value of a crop next year, I shall not bruit it abroad, I
+promise you."</p>
+
+<p>Faith looked up wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Child," she said, "thou and Primrose go take a little run in the keen
+air. Thou art not very rosy for a farmer's maid, and Primrose hath been
+housed overmuch of late, our streets are so full of roysterers."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith hath some work&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," interposed Madam Wetherill, "ten minutes' run will make her all
+the brisker for work. Run along, children; and have a little visit with
+each other."</p>
+
+<p>There was something in Madam Wetherill not easily gainsaid. Rachel saved
+up her displeasure for a scolding presently.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew attended the lady to the stalls where the horses had been led.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast not been in to market of late?"</p>
+
+<p>"There had been so much disorder, and I believe a permit is needed. Then
+there have been people about, buying up produce of all kinds."</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou know anything of the other army?" Her voice was very low.</p>
+
+<p>"Somewhat," in a hesitating tone.</p>
+
+<p>"They are likely to need many things. Howe's purpose to attack them was
+frustrated by a timely warning. There may be other warnings as well, for
+the army contains many braggarts. And their winter of dissipation, of
+gambling and betting and carousing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> will not fit them for a spring
+campaign. I heard it said that Philadelphia was capturing them by
+allurements, and it may be a poor victory for General Howe. I have a
+faith&mdash;I cannot tell thee of any tangible groundwork, but I feel assured
+we shall win."</p>
+
+<p>"It is dark enough now."</p>
+
+<p>"But there was the splendid capture of Burgoyne, and our army made much
+richer by stores sorely needed. Canst thou get things to Valley Forge?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know of someone who can," and he studied her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Even if it is gold&mdash;British gold? It will not stick to anyone's
+fingers?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will warrant that," and the delight encouraged her.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a small fund that will come in from time to time. Here is a
+little bag. It is not much, but it will help. And if I could get needful
+things to them, clothes and blankets? If thou wilt sell provisions to me
+for them&mdash;thy father keeps a sharp lookout?"</p>
+
+<p>"He hath a shrewd mind and far sight. And I would not render him liable
+to trouble. I think I could manage that way. Oh, madam, I ought to be
+with those brave fellows whom nothing disheartens. The general's wife
+hath left her pleasant, peaceful home to share his hardships. It is <i>my</i>
+country."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a little and be patient. It is a pity this fine cousin is on the
+wrong side. It would amuse thee to hear Primrose dispute with him. Now I
+trust thee to get this gold thither."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank thee a hundred times for them. There are many loyal hearts in
+town, as I well know."</p>
+
+<p>"And many disloyal ones. It angers me. Come in some time. Primrose will
+be overjoyed to see thee.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> She is growing tall fast, too fast for my
+pleasure. I would fain keep her a little girl."</p>
+
+<p>"I am jealous of my cousin," declared Captain Nevitt coming out to them
+with the air of a spoiled boy. "When wilt thou give me a confidence?"</p>
+
+<p>"All the way home," she answered readily. "And I have so many good
+points I think I shall bet on the next race. How many of you will ride?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why do we not have some hunts?" he asked eagerly. "If there is no
+fighting there must be diversion."</p>
+
+<p>They mounted the ladies and rode up to the door of the cottage to say
+good-by.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall dream of thee to-night," Faith whispered to Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>The wind blew up colder and sharper. They were glad to get home. There
+was a slight fall of snow and everything was frozen up hard enough to
+last all winter.</p>
+
+<p>The streets seemed merrier than ever. All the creeks were frozen solid,
+it seemed, and the Schuylkill was a sparkling white band, winding about.
+Skating had broken out into fashion, and the prettiest belles of the day
+were out with trains of military men at their beck. The river banks
+would be lined with spectators, who envied, criticised, and carped.
+Women were muffled up in furs and carried huge muffs, their wide hats
+tied down under their chins with great bows, some wearing the silken
+mask, in much the fashion of a veil, to protect their skins from frosty
+touches. The skaters, in skirts that betrayed trim and slender ankles,
+spun along like a whirl of the wind, or with hands crossed with a
+partner, went through graceful rocking evolutions, almost like a waltz.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The scarlet uniforms of the officers made a brilliant pageant. It was
+indeed a winter long to be remembered, and recalled with keen relish
+when the British, with lovers and friends, had flown.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Nevitt had insisted upon taking his sister out, as Primrose was
+a very fair skater, and, under his tuition, improved wonderfully. She
+looked so pretty in her skating dress with her soft, yellow hair flying
+in the wind, and her lovely face half hidden in her hat, to be revealed
+like a vision at the various turns.</p>
+
+<p>Nevitt had been taken on General Howe's staff for the present. Foiled in
+his endeavor to call out Washington by any maneuver, and feeling that
+another battle was quite impossible and useless in the extreme cold,
+which was more bitter than for years, he too, gave himself over to
+diversion, and looked leniently on the frivolities of his officers and
+the ruder dissipations of his men.</p>
+
+<p>The most fascinating game on the ice was skating after a ball. A man
+called the hurlie propelled half a dozen balls along with a long,
+sharp-pointed stick, between two given points, often far enough apart to
+make a trial of speed and endurance. The fortunate one was he or she who
+caught a ball before it reached the goal, and then the merriest shout
+would ring out on the air.</p>
+
+<p>A tall, fine-looking young fellow in civilian attire had captured two of
+the balls one afternoon and was flying at his most vigorous speed for
+another. Primrose had paused for a moment while her brother stopped to
+chaff a companion. The ball rolled swiftly along, and from some slight
+inequality in the ice deflected. The arm was outstretched to catch it,
+and she could not quite remember afterward whether<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> she had stooped, but
+he came against her with sufficient force to knock her over. He caught
+the ball and held it up in triumph, with a joyous hurrah, and then
+turned to see what the oath and the exclamation meant.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Heavens! you have killed her, you brute!" Captain Nevitt cried
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"I was under such headway and I had no thought the ball would go in that
+direction. Let us see at once. Is she unconscious? Dr. Shippen is here.
+I passed him not ten seconds ago. I will find him."</p>
+
+<p>Nevitt took Primrose in his arms, limp and white as a lily. There was a
+little circle about them, but the others went on with their gayety. A
+fall was no such uncommon thing.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Shippen had been out for a little exercise, and withal had some
+curiosity to see the mad carnival that had broken out in the staid city.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, it is Madam Wetherill's little girl!" looking sharply at Nevitt.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I had seen the child somewhere," said the young man who had
+caused the accident. "Can we not take her home at once?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am her brother," was Nevitt's stiff reply. "You have done enough
+mischief with your awkwardness. I hope your silly victory repays you.
+Let me pass, with no further parley on your part."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think, Dr. Shippen?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a faint, of course. Whether she is more severely injured I cannot
+tell. Let us take her home, for she will be chilled through, and I have
+an errand in Second Street."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor sat down on a stump to unbuckle his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> skates. Nevitt had taken
+his off a few moments before, but Primrose had begged that they might
+skate all the way down.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do nothing to assist?" asked the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on with your prize-winning," said the captain haughtily. "You may
+run over someone else if you have good luck."</p>
+
+<p>"You British think you own the town and can order us about like slaves!"
+was the fiery reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut! tut! Wharton! Don't get into a fight. You are hotheaded."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not be insulted by any interloper, even if he wears a red coat."
+Wharton's face was flushed with anger, and his eyes sparkled with
+passion.</p>
+
+<p>"Where will a note reach you?" Captain Nevitt was in a flame of anger as
+well.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along at once! Allin Wharton, go over yonder and cool your temper
+talking to the pretty women. And if you are the child's brother, get
+along as fast as you can with her, and let us see what it amounts to. A
+fall like that is enough to knock the breath out of anyone."</p>
+
+<p>Wharton did not attempt to follow them. They hurried on, Nevitt's anger
+giving him strength. He pressed his face against the cold, white one.</p>
+
+<p>"Who was that boor?" he cried passionately. "If my sister is injured I
+shall half murder him!"</p>
+
+<p>"If you are her brother then you are Philemon Henry's son, and he was a
+man of peace. I have had a great desire to see you, since your father
+was a good friend of mine. I heard you had come over, I must say on bad
+business. Here, this turn cuts off some distance, though we have been
+squared according to plummet and line; and then down here. Let<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> me take
+the child. Is there no sign of returning animation?"</p>
+
+<p>They reached the Wetherill house, and its mistress caught sight of them
+from the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dr. Shippen!" she cried in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"The child has had a fall. Take off her hat and coat. Now let me see!"</p>
+
+<p>He laid her on the settle in the hall and began chafing her hands, and
+ordering some restoratives.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure there are no bones broken?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite. It really was not that kind of a fall. There, she is coming
+around. Now, Madam Wetherill, here is a pepper-pot of a young soldier
+that you must cool down with some soothing potions, and I will find the
+other firebrand. We won't have them shooting each other unless in up and
+down warfare."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you will bear witness that I was insulted," declared Nevitt.</p>
+
+<p>"And gave an insult. It is about even. No fighting, therefore. Dueling
+for trifles is cold-blooded murder. I ask it for your father's sake. My
+little dear, wake up from your nap."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" Primrose said in a faint voice. "I feel queer." Then she
+lapsed into insensibility again.</p>
+
+<p>"Take her upstairs if you will, please. And, doctor, what mystery is
+there about this mishap? How did it occur? Patty, come hither."</p>
+
+<p>The child opened her eyes again and half smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"She will do now, I think; her pulse is stronger. Here is a small
+injury; nothing worse than a sprain, I think. She was run down on the
+ice. Our town goes crazy over a trifle now. The wrist is bruised and
+sprained. Patty, if you are the owner of so useful a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> name, undress the
+child, but I think she hath no broken bones."</p>
+
+<p>The men retired to the adjoining room while Patty alternately scolded
+and petted her young charge.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will reconsider your threat," said the doctor. "There are
+too many good uses for life to throw it away foolishly. If you are a
+King's man your life belongs to him, and is not to be wasted in a fit of
+temper."</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Nevitt flushed with a sense of shame. He had been hotheaded,
+unreasonable.</p>
+
+<p>There was no serious injury, they found. The bruised wrist was to be
+bound up with the old-fashioned remedy of wormwood and hot vinegar. And
+to-morrow Primrose would be all right again.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know this Allin Wharton?" Nevitt asked of Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>"I know his family well, only young people have such a way of growing up
+that one loses track of them. He cannot be more than twenty. And words
+between you ought not to lead to any serious matter. You should have
+kept better watch of Primrose in such a crowd."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I ought," he admitted frankly. "And I was hasty." He recalled
+the fact that he had given the insult, and that the other had the right
+to seek satisfaction. In London duels were common enough.</p>
+
+<p>But by great good fortune young Wharton called on Madam Wetherill the
+next morning to inquire about the mishap to Primrose and found her none
+the worse except a bandaged wrist.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it really true that this fire-eating young captain is&mdash;what shall I
+say? A relative, since this pretty flower is your niece, is she not? And
+Polly was so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> taken with him, but for his red coat, that when I began to
+talk of him I found I had fallen into a hornets' nest. And now, Madam
+Wetherill, what shall I do? Some hot and hasty words passed between us.
+Can I safely show the white feather? For no doubt your captain is a fine
+shot, and, truth to tell, I have some other plans for my life. Since he
+is even half-brother to Miss Primrose I should not want to shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose looked up with languid sweetness. She felt rather sore and
+inert from the shock.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, were you going to shoot him?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"We had some words. You know I ran over you. It was very rude and
+careless. And it might have been much worse, and then I should really
+have been guilty."</p>
+
+<p>"But you caught the ball! I saw it as I went down. I should not have
+been so intent and moved a little. But I had not taken off my skates.
+Brother Phil wanted me to, but I was quite determined to have my own
+way. And so I went over more easily. It would be very cruel and wicked
+to shoot each other on account of me."</p>
+
+<p>"And silly, too," said Madam Wetherill sharply. "I shall take the case
+in my own hands, and arrange matters," laughingly. "I think Captain
+Nevitt was unmindful for a moment. And there is no great harm done but a
+sprained wrist."</p>
+
+<p>"And if you had shot Phil&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what would you have done?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should never, never want to see you or to think of you again!"</p>
+
+<p>"And if he had shot me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then, I think, I should send him away and never see him again."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Allin Wharton wondered how it would be in the future if they should meet
+on the field of battle. For he had just wrung a reluctant consent from
+his father that he should respond to his country's call, whose need
+would never be more urgent than now.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if you are on the side of the King? It would seem so natural
+with a brother in the ranks," and he recalled the entertainment in his
+honor at Madam Wetherill's hands. Polly, his sister, had thought the
+captain charming.</p>
+
+<p>"I am a rebel," she said proudly. "And I shall never be content until he
+comes over to the side of the country, to the buff and blue instead of
+the red."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, surely; you are a brave, patriotic girl. Wish me success in
+case I want to join the rebel army," with a half-embarrassed smile. It
+was not wisdom to confess all one's plans.</p>
+
+<p>She put out her right hand. It was the other that had been hurt. "I wish
+thee success. That means victory and a safe return," she replied with
+sweet solemnity.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>FOR NATIVE LAND AND LOYALTY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>They all made so light of the occurrence that a note of apology from Mr.
+Wharton settled the matter. Captain Nevitt felt in his cooler moments
+that he had been a little to blame, also hasty and unreasonable. And
+when, a few evenings after, he met pretty and vivacious Polly Wharton
+and danced with her, he was very glad the matter had gone no farther.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was soon well again, but Madam Wetherill would not consent to
+her going out on the river among the gay crowd, though she felt it a
+great deprivation. There were two or three quiet spots on the creeks
+where children could go without harm, and Patty used to take her when
+Phil was engaged, though Lieutenant Vane was always inquiring if he
+could not accompany them. He seemed younger and more boyish than the
+captain, and proved quite delightful to the groups of children, though
+he admitted laughingly that he found a great many rebels among them.</p>
+
+<p>And so the days went on, one and another indignant over the "rollicking
+winter" as Mr. Allen termed it, and others storming at General Howe for
+the wanton destruction everywhere visible. Groves of trees were cut down
+for firewood, gardens despoiled, and some of the houses taken possession
+of by the troops were cut and hacked with insulting boasts, and really
+ruined. Others, Continentals confessedly, railed at Washington for his
+inaction and supineness.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Howe had planned one surprise and possible capture of the troops, but
+heroic Lydia Darragh, having overheard the plot, walked to Washington's
+camp while it was at Whitemarsh, and forewarned them. Finding the rebels
+prepared with a warm welcome the British retraced their steps. There
+were small skirmishes outside the lines, and once the impetuous
+Lafayette advanced, hoping to surprise the enemy, but nothing came of
+this. Baron Steuben was training the Continentals, as many of them were
+raw recruits, but, used to hunting as they were, most of the young men
+had a quick eye and correct aim.</p>
+
+<p>But stories crept in concerning their hardships and sufferings. Every
+avenue was closely watched that no supplies should be sent directly from
+the city, but more than once keen wit evaded them. There were passes for
+the farmers to come in on market days, and many were glad even to supply
+their enemies for British gold. James Henry thought this no sin, and was
+given a pass for his son and nephew. Penn had imbibed many of his
+uncle's beliefs, and took home rather rose-colored accounts of the
+prosperity of the city. He kept, too, a watchful eye over Andrew, who
+was more than half suspected of being quite as willing to deal with the
+rebels, and Madam Wetherill's was considered a rather tempting and
+unsafe place for sober-going Friends.</p>
+
+<p>But one day he came alone, and made his way to Arch Street, leaving his
+empty wagon at a nearby tavern that he knew he could trust.</p>
+
+<p>"It is thy cousin," whispered Madam Wetherill, who had some callers.
+"Take him upstairs in Patty's sewing room."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose ran out with delight in her eyes, but she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> had grown wise, and,
+instead of a cry of joy, placed her finger archly on her lips and
+motioned him through the hall.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw a glimpse of a red coat," he said in a low tone. "I have no
+desire to run into a hornets' nest. Oh, Primrose, thou hast grown taller
+since the day thou wert at the farm. Thou wilt soon be a young lady. And
+the sweetness of childhood will be ended."</p>
+
+<p>"Is girlhood sharp, then, and&mdash;and sour?"</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes danced with a merry, mischievous light.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, sweeter than ever; but it's sweetness is more sacred. And
+presently comes the time of lovers."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not have any lovers. They say pert things and talk about pretty
+faces, or else are silly like Anabella's lover, and forever kissing
+one's hand. And what think you Lieutenant Vane did when we were going to
+ride a few days since? There was pretty Mistress Wharton here, and my
+brother is much taken with her, though she is such a rebel. But I was
+not allowed to mount the stepping stone, and his hand was placed under
+my foot. So I pressed down hard, wishing I could squeeze the British
+blood out of him. They do nothing but run about and have pleasure. But
+if I were a hundred years old I would have none of them for lovers. I
+want no one but my brother and my cousin, and sometimes I think thou art
+dearer, because thou would fight for thy country. And I am ashamed when
+I think it is his country as well."</p>
+
+<p>"What preachment is the little maid making, Andrew?" said the older
+voice as the ample figure entered the doorway. "I sometimes think I
+shall have to keep her shut up in one room, people talk to her so much
+and spoil her."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, she is not spoiled," protested Andrew.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"She is a wise little thing, and saucy, too, and often amuses the
+company by bits of patriotism that are shrewd and wholesome. I think
+people in this mad revel are forgetting they are Americans and have a
+country to fight for. And, now, what is the news? There is much
+dissatisfaction, I hear, with General Washington. It cannot be that they
+will give up the rallying point, the wisest man of them all, and break
+up into factions."</p>
+
+<p>"They will not give him up, madam. It is a bitter winter, and the stores
+at York are sadly depleted. They are watched on every hand. While the
+town is dancing to British music, and giving aid and comfort to the
+enemy, our men are living in rude huts that hardly shelter them from the
+storms and are glad for crusts. But the men will stand by him to the
+last. It is only idle talk about superseding him. And the men worship
+Madam Washington and Madam Knox. If you could see them! They minister to
+the sick, they patch the worn-out clothes and blankets. There is so much
+need of these things, stockings, and shoes."</p>
+
+<p>"My heart aches for them. I have been gathering a store&mdash;&mdash;" She paused
+and eyed Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not be afraid," cried Primrose eagerly. "Is it not <i>my</i>
+country? And, Cousin Andrew, I have saved some money that my brother
+gave me to buy frippery and sweetmeats with. And I am knitting socks."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a brave girl, and quite able to keep thy own counsel. I have
+known that aforetime," and he smiled. "Indeed, madam, we could trust her
+to the uttermost."</p>
+
+<p>"There is quite a store of some things&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell thee&mdash;there is a false bottom to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> wagon that I can
+raise up after the load is sold. That is my secret. And I can trust him
+at the Pewter Platter. I have carried more than one lot."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a bagful," pulling it out of the cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>"It will look like a sack of potatoes."</p>
+
+<p>They all laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a blanket in my room. Come thither. Then thou hast little
+fear? It is a great relief to hear this."</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, such courage must be rewarded. I should want to be with them,
+but that I think I can be of more service here. When the spring
+opens&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He paused and looked from one to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Wilt thou go, then?" Primrose slipped her hand in his, and though her
+voice was just above a whisper it was an inspiration to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall go, then. Penn can fill my place at home. The country's need
+will never be greater."</p>
+
+<p>There was another half fear that the loyal soul barely breathed to
+itself. He must be away before it came to anything beyond the half fear.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful eyes were grave, and the face had a new solemnity. Her
+faith inspired him.</p>
+
+<p>"We have not much time to lose," he said. "You see, I must go up the
+rough Perkiomen road to meet the friend in waiting. We have safe
+points," and he smiled gravely.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill pulled out the stout sack and held the top open.</p>
+
+<p>"That will be a godsend. Madam, many a poor fellow's heart will be glad
+and his toes warm. Heaven reward thee!"</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven has rewarded me in many things. If I could see the end more
+clearly!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Primrose brought her little purse with its gilt clasps, and poured out
+her money. Madam Wetherill added her store to it.</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou sure there is no risk?" she said.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be careful. One learns much shrewdness."</p>
+
+<p>He shouldered the bag.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me out the side way like any other servant," he said, as he bade
+them farewell.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, little Primrose," cautioned her Aunt, "thou must keep guard
+over thy tongue as if with a steel chain, for thy cousin's sake."</p>
+
+<p>"It will never be a traitor tongue," returned the maiden proudly.</p>
+
+<p>Patty had been down in the kitchen helping with some ironing, and now
+she came up with an armful of stiff skirts. For many women on state
+occasions wore a big hoop, and others swelled out with starched
+petticoats.</p>
+
+<p>"I have to go among the stores to find some things that have grown
+scarce as hen's teeth. And thou hast not been out these two days,
+Primrose. Thy gallants have deserted thee. What sayest thou to a little
+run in the brisk air. We shall not go in public places, madam, and she
+will be safe by my side."</p>
+
+<p>"As she likes. There are plenty of pretty girls in town, perhaps better
+worth being looked at. And it is early yet."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose enjoyed these small shopping expeditions. There were some very
+nice places kept by Friends who had been famous in merchandise a few
+years before, but stocks had sadly diminished and prices gone up.
+Patty's Yankee blood came to the fore in such times as these, and she
+had become rather a dread to clerks and shopmen. This part of it amused
+Primrose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> very much, as Patty was sure to make a good bargain.</p>
+
+<p>"There seems nothing at all to buy now," she cried in disdain, finding
+some difficulty in getting what she wanted.</p>
+
+<p>"There will be less yet unless the war ends presently," was the reply of
+the shopkeeper.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we must turn our old gowns, though in truth there seems no lack of
+fine attire if one looks at the gay maidens on the street. They seem
+turned into butterflies. And it must take a mint of money for their
+wings."</p>
+
+<p>The clerk smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go round by the creek," pleaded Primrose. "The skaters are so
+merry."</p>
+
+<p>"If thou wilt not coax to stay more than a moment."</p>
+
+<p>The child promised.</p>
+
+<p>As they were turning a corner a young man eyed them sharply. Primrose
+did not see him, and Patty hurried on, for he was a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>But he took some long strides and caught up to them.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Mistress Primrose Henry&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The little girl turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Patty, it is Miss Polly Wharton's brother," she said, holding out
+her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Who runs over thee again," said Patty sharply, for she had heard the
+story.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but it is quite a godsend, as I have been to thy aunt's to say
+good-by. In an hour's time I shall be on my way to Valley Forge to cast
+in my lot with the brave fellows there, and I wanted to take thy
+godspeed with me. I have great faith in it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" Primrose gave a little cry.</p>
+
+<p>"I want thee to be both sorrowful and joyful. Glad that thou hast a
+patriot friend, and sorry that there should be war. I could not wait any
+longer and wrung my father's consent from him, though he thinks we are
+right. And I believe we shall have a great and grand country some day
+that soldiers will be proud of defending. I go this very night with a
+party of young men who have planned to elude observation. And
+so&mdash;good-by."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish thee&mdash;a safe return."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks. Keep me in mind when thou prayest for soldiers and victory."</p>
+
+<p>Then he was gone like a flash.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no heart for the skaters now," Primrose said with a sigh. "Let
+us go home."</p>
+
+<p>The Whartons kept the news very quiet, for it would have made them a
+marked family to have it bruited abroad just now. But Polly was less
+gay, and Primrose watched her wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>And now the long cold winter was drawing to a close. In March came
+gleams of warmth, welcome sunny days that softened the ice and spoiled
+skating, and the great Delaware sent floating cakes down to the sea.
+Buds began to swell and grass to spring up, and there was a great deal
+of drilling among the troops, and sickness as well.</p>
+
+<p>England began to think that Howe might have captured Washington, cooped
+up in a desolate wild as they considered it from their imperfect news.
+The capture of Burgoyne had been an unexpected blow and led to eloquent
+arguments in Parliament. Mr. Pitt's great speech had reached America,
+and thrilled every patriotic heart. Leaning on his crutches he had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>
+denounced the purchase of German hirelings and brutal savages.</p>
+
+<p>"If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, while a foreign troop was
+landed in my country, I never would lay down my arms, never! never!
+never!" he had exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>Then King Louis of France acceded to the treaty of alliance and informed
+the American commissioners "that it was decided to acknowledge the
+independence of the United States."</p>
+
+<p>Howe was to be recalled and succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton. Even this
+news inspired the camp at Valley Forge, where the word from France had
+not yet been received.</p>
+
+<p>At the Henry farm there had been an undercurrent of dissatisfaction.
+Lois Henry had set her heart on Rachel Morgan as a daughter-in-law, and
+her husband was nothing loath, since she was a good housekeeper and
+strong in the faith. It was feared that Andrew was wavering. He never
+spoke at the meetings, and absented himself from home now and then with
+no explanations. It was well known that his sympathies were with the
+army at Valley Forge, and it was surmised in some way that he had a hand
+in sending supplies. Several of the young men about had joined the army.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew," his father began one morning when they were sorting seeds of
+various kinds for planting, "Andrew, I have somewhat to say to thee.
+Thou art of age, and a good marriage is the best ballast for the journey
+of life. I am elderly and shall never entirely recover from my accident,
+but the farm is large, and some day it will all be thine. A wife that we
+should agree with would pleasure us both fervently. It is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> true thou
+wilt be able to marry well in a worldly point of view, but we do not
+care so much for that. Thy mother and I have decided it would gratify us
+greatly in the Lord, if thou shouldst see thy way clear to take thy
+cousin Rachel."</p>
+
+<p>"Rachel!" He had more than half suspected this and dreaded it. There was
+also a feeling that Rachel cared for him. He could not imagine himself
+in love with her. Love was something more than a cool, friendly regard,
+meals properly cooked, and a house well kept; thriftiness and laying
+farm to farm.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, does it take thee so by surprise? Moreover, we both know she has
+a deep regard for thee."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not thought of it in that way. I am in no haste to marry," the
+young man replied hesitatingly, casting about for a more forcible
+rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"A good wife is a good thing, and thou mayst look far and wide and not
+find thy cousin's equal. She is well grounded in the faith, and I have
+observed with sorrow thy tendency to stray from the old landmarks, but
+youth hath such seasons until the carnal will is subdued. Then it will
+need to make no change in our living. Thy mother and I can grow old in
+this, the home of our youth, and see our children, and our children's
+children, mayhap, growing up, well trained in the faith."</p>
+
+<p>"I will consider it," Andrew said gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Lay my counsel to heart for thy mother's sake."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry went on with his work, but he knew a crisis had come in his
+life. Like many another Friend trained in the ways of peace he had a
+horror of the cruelties of war, of which he had heard and seen much
+since the battle of Germantown, and shrank from the thought of taking
+any human life. On the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> other hand was the brave and boundless
+aspiration for liberty and a country of one's own, that had thrilled him
+when he heard the Declaration of Independence read. And now that France
+had held out a helping hand, and the English Parliament was divided, the
+aspect looked more hopeful to him. But for his parents he would go at
+once and cast in his lot with the heroes at Valley Forge, to whom
+patriotism was as brave a religion as that of Roger Williams.</p>
+
+<p>And Rachel! No, he could not marry her. All his soul rose up in revolt.
+Not but what such marriages often occurred among Friends and were
+reasonably happy. Very few sons or daughters went contrary to the advice
+of their parents in such matters. And he knew to refuse would be giving
+up his home.</p>
+
+<p>If Rachel was soft-tongued and attractive like his mother, for Lois
+Henry was still fair of face, visions of the pretty, graceful maidens in
+town danced before his eyes. He had seen them on the streets chatting
+merrily, on the ice flying swiftly like so many gay birds. He had
+listened to Primrose playing on her spinet and singing pretty old love
+songs that she did not understand aught of but the rare melody. And he
+enjoyed Madam Wetherill's house&mdash;he had borrowed a few books from the
+old case, and, plain as he was, he had been charmed by some volumes of
+verse.</p>
+
+<p>Surely this Master Quarles must have been a man of deep feeling and
+godliness. And there was one Ben Jonson, and a Master Suckling, though
+he was not quite sure about his dainty conceits. Queer old books in
+stained leather covers and print hard to read. Volumes of one John
+Milton who, he learned, had stood out bravely for liberty.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill had come upon him one morning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> browsing deeply in the
+case of books. "Take anything that pleaseth thee," she said kindly.
+"They are old things in the Wardour family that came to my father, and
+he knew many of the scholars of his day. They had not such a fear of
+learning then. And he knew this Mr. Pope and Addison and many another.
+And even our master Franklin, with all his many businesses, found time
+to write verses for his wife, it seems, and with James Logan, has been
+much in earnest that the town should have some sort of library."</p>
+
+<p>He had carried home a thin, old book and kept it closely in his
+waistcoat pocket that no one should surprise it, and read it by odd
+spells. And a volume of John Milton's tracts stirred him mightily.</p>
+
+<p>All these things he would have to give up if he was Rachel Morgan's
+husband. He felt that he had grown out of the narrow bounds and could
+never get back into them.</p>
+
+<p>James Henry went into the house. His wife sat alone, knitting.</p>
+
+<p>"I have spoken to Andrew," he said, "and he will take time to consider.
+But he did not say aught against Rachel, and he certainly hath no other
+fancy. I am thankful my brother's daughter is a mere child, since he
+shows such fondness for her, and thou wert wise, wife, in not having her
+here. She would have been an unmanageable firebrand, since we could not
+control her wholly. And I have good hopes for Rachel. We will not delay
+when the matter is settled, but have them man and wife speedily.
+Marriage is a cure for many wayward notions."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel had come downstairs in her list boots, that she was fond of
+wearing indoors, and could make herself. The door was ajar and she had
+heard all her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> uncle said. Her heart beat exultantly, and she crept back
+again softly, with a flush on her face and a pleased light in her eye.
+For she was very much in love with Andrew, though she did not call her
+preference by that name. She would give him decorous opportunities to
+speak.</p>
+
+<p>But he went away and left her sitting alone by the fireside, and poured
+over John Milton in his cold room. And if she went out to the barn at
+meal time he made some excuse for not walking back with her.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou know," she asked of Penn one day, "where Andrew goes in these
+curious absences? His father is troubled, but he will not say a word."</p>
+
+<p>"He went, one day, across the river to Swede's Ford. It was about some
+wood," he said. "And he hath a friend on the Lancaster road. Now that I
+think, I am afraid there is mischief in it. He hath a soft spot for the
+rebels at Valley Forge. But he always brings home money for what he hath
+sold."</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle James hath spoken to him about marrying."</p>
+
+<p>"Marrying! Whom, pray?"</p>
+
+<p>Rachel flushed swarthily.</p>
+
+<p>"If thy eyes were keen thou couldst have seen what they both desire. I
+shall marry him ere long. It will be a good thing for all of us, and no
+change of home."</p>
+
+<p>Penn simply stared his amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"He is an obstinate fellow in many things. Well&mdash;if thou canst manage
+him," doubtfully. "He hath no plans for marriage at present, I know
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"He will heed his father, I think. And, Penn, it will be to thy interest
+to help me. Thou canst put in a word here and there."</p>
+
+<p>Penn Morgan soon learned some things that astonished him. His cousin was
+giving aid to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> rebels. Yet it was odd that these starving men could
+pay in gold and silver when the Congress had issued so much paper money.</p>
+
+<p>Penn half suggested the marriage one day when they were working
+together.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew glanced at him with resolute eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a fancy of my father's," he answered, "but I have no mind toward
+it, as I shall tell him presently."</p>
+
+<p>"Is anything displeasing to thee about Rachel?" was the rather nettled
+response.</p>
+
+<p>"Rachel is a good girl and my parents are fond of her. But I have other
+plans for my life," was the quiet reply.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel was vexed at his coldness and studious avoidance of her. She
+boldly walked by his side on Sunday to meeting, but, coming home, there
+was always someone to talk with, until they passed the cross-roads, and
+then he would take Faith by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>Penn Morgan was never quite sure that he had meant to betray his cousin,
+but, finding that several others were trafficking with the rebels,
+fancied he might mention their names as men on whom a sharp eye might be
+kept. Andrew went unsuspiciously into town one day, eager to learn
+something about the British army, and if it were true they were
+preparing for an active campaign. As he stood in Market Square with his
+load nearly disposed of a whisper caught his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"The tall Quaker. He will go to the Pewter Platter. Jonas Evans has been
+suspected for some time. When he has loaded up afresh and is about
+starting will be the time to seize him."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry did not move a muscle while two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> men scrutinized him
+closely. Afterward one of them approached with a half-insolent air.</p>
+
+<p>"Is trade fair to-day, Friend Broadbrim? The winter seems quite broken
+up. And round about country places they are plowing, no doubt. If thou
+hast made a good bargain thou mightst stand treat. We have drained the
+King's men pretty dry."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I am busy just now with some bills to collect, but if thou wilt
+meet me an hour hence at the Pewter Platter, thou shalt have thy fill of
+meat and drink. And since my start was early this morning I shall bring
+a hearty appetite myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a good fellow, truly," nodding with a slight leer.</p>
+
+<p>"And since thou hast to wait, here is a shilling for ale. There are pot
+houses near by," returned Andrew.</p>
+
+<p>He watched the man enter one. Then he summoned one of the idle boys
+about.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep my horses for five minutes," he said, "and thou shalt be well
+paid." Then he dashed among the crowd, and could not have been told from
+a dozen other men in drab coats and wide hats.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>PARTING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill sat deep in her account books. Primrose was studying
+arithmetic, and the tough rules were not at all to her taste.</p>
+
+<p>Janice Kent paused at the door. "Madam," she said, "Friend Henry is here
+on urgent business. And he begs that he may come up to you."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose's pretty face was in a glow, and she sprang from her seat.</p>
+
+<p>"It may not concern thee, moppet. Go to Patty. Thou canst not be in
+everything."</p>
+
+<p>The child rose reluctantly, but obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"I am in trouble," Andrew began briefly. "We have been informed
+about&mdash;how much I know not. I thought it best to come and warn thee.
+Still I do not see how thou can be brought in, and thy shrewd wit will,
+I think, save thee. But I must get out of the town some way. I may be
+accused of spying about, and I am not over anxious for a hempen
+necklace, nor lodgings in Walnut Street. So I have little time to
+spare."</p>
+
+<p>With that he related his morning's adventure and how he had left his
+team.</p>
+
+<p>"Canst thou send a blind message to the Pewter Platter at once? Jonas
+Evans will understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Patty will be best. We can trust her, and she will hardly be
+noted. And thou?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must get out of the town in some sort of disguise.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> There is much
+behind this that I do not know."</p>
+
+<p>Patty was dispatched on her errand. "Sit still, child, with thy book,
+and presently thou shalt know what is meet," said she.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry went briefly over his inner life for the last two months,
+his desire to enlist in the Continental army, his shrinking from the
+pain it would be to his parents.</p>
+
+<p>"But now, madam, it would bring greater trouble on them for me to go
+home. The British would likely arrest me."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I see. And thou hast resolved to be a soldier lad? Not from the
+teasing of little Primrose, I hope."</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, though I shall be her soldier as well. But those brave men
+at Valley Forge have been before my eyes night and day. I should have
+done this a little later, anyhow. My father and mother are in good
+hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven keep thee! But better a hundred times perish on the field of
+battle than be thrust into that vile den, the Walnut Street Jail, where
+that fiend in human shape, Cunningham, works his cruel will on helpless
+men. Not a day but dead bodies are carried out, some of them bruised and
+beaten and vermin-covered. Faugh! The thought sickens me! Yes, thou must
+escape. Primrose, child, come in."</p>
+
+<p>She ran eagerly to Andrew, who greeted her with a smile. Then Patty
+returned breathless.</p>
+
+<p>"It is all right. They will find nothing from cellar to the top layer of
+the chimney. But Master Evans says get out of the town as fast as you
+can."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was considering. "A disguise,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> she said. "A suit of
+Captain Nevitt's is here, but thou couldst hardly squeeze into it. At
+thirty thou wilt be the counterpart of thy uncle Philemon. Thou wilt go
+to Valley Forge?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. After I have struck into the old Perkiomen road no one will look
+for me. It is getting through the city. And the time is brief. I would
+not for worlds raise any suspicion for thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Patty, exercise thy quick wit. If we could dress him up as a young man
+of fashion&mdash;or make him into Ralph Jeffries, who is more barrel-shaped.
+But there, the pass!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have it," cried Patty with a merry laugh. "Order up gray Bess, and
+dress him to personate thee. He can put on a mask and drop his
+shoulders. Thy plaided camlet cape will do well. And put Moppet on a
+pillion behind. Someone else must go. Ah, Madam Kent! who will enjoy it
+mightily and sit up like a brigadier. Then, when he is out of harm's
+way, she can bring Primrose home."</p>
+
+<p>"But the mare&mdash;how shall I get her back?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou mayst need her; if not, present her to Madam Washington. Patty,
+thy brain has served us as well as in the matter of making gowns. Come,
+we must make ready."</p>
+
+<p>Janice Kent was summoned, and ready enough for the adventure; and the
+horses were ordered up. Then came a great deal of amusement in attiring
+Andrew.</p>
+
+<p>"Since it is quite muddy put my linen safeguard petticoat on him, Patty,
+the better to conceal his long legs, for it will be somewhat awkward
+riding woman-fashion, but my saddle is broad. Now my bedgown of
+paduasoy. Alack! how short the sleeves are! Here are the long cuffs.
+That will do. Now the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> camlet cape and my black beaver hat. A mercy it
+is, Andrew, that thou hast no beard. Patty, tie the bow. Upon my word,
+thou art so good-looking, with the coquettish bow under thy chin, that I
+am half afraid some saucy redcoat may stop thee. Janice, guard him well.
+And you must wear my silken mask. April wind is bad for complexions and
+might freckle thee."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had been dancing about, not comprehending the gravity of the
+case.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Aunt Wetherill, how queer it all is! He is like and unlike thee."</p>
+
+<p>"And if thou shouldst meet a friend, be careful and remember that 'tis
+thy aunt. And now, Janice, make thyself ready. Meanwhile I will go into
+retirement under Patty's wing."</p>
+
+<p>Patty went down to see that all was ready. Old Cato stood with the
+horses. Luckily sharper-eyed Julius had gone to market.</p>
+
+<p>Janice helped her mistress, who was rather awkward, it was true. The
+skirts were adjusted, the mask dropped over the face, and then Primrose
+was put in her seat.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a word out of thee for thy very life," said Patty. "Look as demure
+as if on the road to church."</p>
+
+<p>Mistress Janice sprang into her saddle. As they were going out of the
+courtyard, she exclaimed: "Let us take Fairemount, Madam Wetherill, and
+find some wild flowers. The spring is late, to be sure, but they must be
+in bloom."</p>
+
+<p>"There will be no danger, I think," said Patty softly, as she re-entered
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I will have my netting and sit here by the child's bed. What a queer
+caper, and so quickly managed!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> But it is what I thought would come
+presently. Not the suspicion, but Andrew Henry's going over to the
+rebels. He is more like his uncle than Phil Nevitt. Ah, if it could be
+true that the British would decamp before they have quite ruined our
+city we should all give thanks."</p>
+
+<p>There was an imperious knock presently that made the great door rattle.
+The small black factotum, in his Barbadoes suit and red turban, opened
+the top door and glanced at the caller.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam Wetherill&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam and Missy and Mistress Janice have gone out ridin' som'er."</p>
+
+<p>"Out riding, hey! with mud a foot deep! Tell your mistress that I came
+to have my revenge for her beating me last night at piquet. The young
+people made such a rumpus with their talk I lost my head," and Ralph
+Jeffries looked vexed.</p>
+
+<p>The youngster nodded and grinned. Later on came Polly Wharton and Miss
+Stuart, to meet with the same reply.</p>
+
+<p>At the corner of the street they encountered Captain Nevitt and Vane,
+and an elderly officer.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a fine day save for the mud!" exclaimed Sally. "Fine overhead,
+but few are going that way."</p>
+
+<p>"We did not set out for that," returned Vane, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"And if you have set out for Madam Wetherill's it will be quite as
+useless. She and the young one have gone off larking, for wild flowers,
+I believe. Mistress Kent went with them for dragon."</p>
+
+<p>Then the men looked at each other.</p>
+
+<p>"How long have they been gone, I wonder."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, since about high noon!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Patty had looked up from her sewing at the second knock.</p>
+
+<p>"Thy ride will get noised about and throw suspicion off guard, which
+will be so much the better," she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>They waited impatiently for the return of the guard, laughing over
+another call or two. It was almost dusk when Janice and Primrose
+returned.</p>
+
+<p>"Friend Henry escaped safely, though, madam, if thou shouldst be taxed
+with rudeness in not bowing at the proper time, pray apologize. We met
+some old friends, but he was somewhat stiff. And the saddle is left with
+one Master Winter at Fairemount. I ripped it that he might have the job
+of sewing and earn a few pence. Friend Henry was glad enough to doff
+petticoats and jump on astride; 'tis about the only thing I envy in a
+man. And then I put on thy skirt, and we slunk into town quietly. Quite
+an adventure, truly! If one could only hear the end of it!"</p>
+
+<p>James Henry heard the next day that there was a warrant out for his son,
+who was suspected of carrying messages and other matters to the rebel
+headquarters at Valley Forge. He had left his horses and the wagon in
+the market place, and disappeared. No one remembered letting him out on
+his pass. It might be that he was still hiding in the town.</p>
+
+<p>"There has been too much of this carrying back and forth," declared the
+sergeant. "It is time there was a sterner hand at the helm, and not so
+much pleasuring."</p>
+
+<p>There were reasons why Captain Nevitt said nothing to his little sister
+about the matter, and she was strictly forbidden to suggest it. The
+Wetherill household had not seen Andrew, as he had watched his
+opportunity<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> to slip in unaware; consequently, nothing was gained by
+questioning them.</p>
+
+<p>"They would certainly have known if he had come in our absence," said
+Madam Wetherill with an air of interest. "Of course we must be sorry to
+have him in danger, but we will not lay the matter before Primrose."</p>
+
+<p>There were stirring events on both sides. On the 7th of May the news
+reached the Continental army of the recognition of France. The warmer
+weather and the replenishment of food and clothing had inspirited the
+men. Many new enlistments from the country around had come in. On this
+morning they were assembled for prayers and thanksgiving. General
+Steuben had drilled them until they presented a really soldierly
+appearance. But their enthusiasm broke bounds when the salutes were
+fired.</p>
+
+<p>"Long live the King of France!" ran through the army with a shout.
+Another salute was fired. "Long live the friendly European powers." And
+the third, "The American States," was received with the wildest joy.
+They all forgot the suffering of the long, dreary winter.</p>
+
+<p>After a discourse by one of the chaplains, there was a collation. When
+the General and Mrs. Washington retired the soldiers lined the way with
+the cry of "Long live General Washington!" "Long live Lady Washington!"
+a title that seemed to follow her, and that had been given her before by
+Colonel Hancock.</p>
+
+<p>It was supposed the campaign would open almost at once. But General
+Howe's army had been demoralized more by dissipation than the
+Continentals by hardships, and weakened by numerous desertions. The
+officers had been in one round of gayety, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> city recalled their
+charms long afterward. They had made the theater a reputable place of
+amusement, and the higher-class balls had been well patronized by the
+Tory ladies.</p>
+
+<p>But the farewell to General Howe was to excel all other gayeties, and to
+be an event long remembered, including a regatta, a tournament, and a
+dance. Decorated barges left Knight's Wharf in the afternoon, full of
+handsomely attired guests, who were carried to Old Fort, and escorted by
+troops to the beautiful and spacious lawn of Walnut Grove. The English
+fleet lay at anchor, flying their colors, and the transport ships were
+crowded with spectators.</p>
+
+<p>The tournament, with its two sets of knights ready to do battle for
+their favorite ladies, sounds like a chapter out of the Middle Ages. New
+York had abounded in gayeties, but this eclipsed anything yet attempted.
+The apartment had been decorated by the British officers, foremost among
+them young Andr&eacute;, little dreaming then what fate had in store for him,
+and how his life would end.</p>
+
+<p>After the tournament, with its stilted magnificence, came a dance, a
+display of fireworks, a supper with twenty-four slaves in Oriental
+costumes, with silver collars and gilt armlets. The walls were hung with
+mirrors, and thousands of wax tapers reflected the brilliance of silken
+gowns and jewels, of scarlet and gold uniforms, of fair women and brave
+men that made the Mischianza a glittering page of history.</p>
+
+<p>It was true that many beside the Tory ladies graced the occasion. There
+had been an undeniable friendliness between both Americans and British,
+and many a heart won and lost, as it was said six hundred or more
+deserters from Clinton's army found their way<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> back to Philadelphia and
+made worthy citizens, some of them indeed entering the American army.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Nevitt had importuned Madam Wetherill to attend, for he was
+resolved Primrose should see the pageant. Polly Wharton had, as she
+admitted, nine minds out of the ten to go, as Thomas Wharton, the owner
+of Walnut Grove, was her uncle. But her brother was in the American
+army, and her heart really went with her country.</p>
+
+<p>"As if a little dancing could matter!" said Phil Nevitt. "Nay, Miss
+Polly, I doubt not but that some day I shall see you at the court of our
+King, and perhaps dance with you in a palace. And I want Primrose to go,
+but Madam Wetherill will not, though Major Andr&eacute; himself sent the
+invitation. He is such a charming, generous fellow that he can do more
+with his winning air than many with their swords. But Primrose I must
+take. She is such a pretty, saucy, captivating rebel that it is charming
+to tease her. And, if you will go, her aunt will give in, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not sure," Primrose declared with dainty hesitation, "whether I
+want to go or not. I am certain, Phil, I shall be a worse rebel than
+ever, afterward."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Primrose, when you see the gallant gentlemen who have come over to
+help the King restore peace and order, and punish some of the
+ringleaders, you will be convinced of the great mistake the Americans
+have made. And then we shall be friends again."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you were all going back to England with General Howe!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you give me up so easily&mdash;your own brother?" with a pathetic
+upbraiding in his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Only a half-brother! And the Tory half I can't like. The other, the
+Henry half&mdash;&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;&mdash;" studying her mischievous, dancing eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I like that&mdash;a little," demurely.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be patient, sweet darling. I have come to love you dearly&mdash;your
+mother's half, and your father's half."</p>
+
+<p>She glanced up with her warm, frank heart shining in her eyes, and he
+kissed her fondly.</p>
+
+<p>"When thou lovest me well I shall know it by one sign: thou wilt kiss me
+of thy own accord."</p>
+
+<p>She had to steel her heart hard when he adopted the old phraseology, and
+smiled in that beseeching manner.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall not be converted, little Primrose," said Polly Wharton. "I
+shall think of Allin at Valley Forge, and thou of thy splendid Quaker
+cousin that so adroitly escaped the snare set for him. And we shall
+twist the festivities about. When they drink to the King and the redcoat
+army, we shall say to ourselves, 'Washington and the buff and blue.' And
+when we dance, for there will be your brother and young Vane and Captain
+Fordham, so we are sure of three partners, and as we whirl around we
+shall say to ourselves 'Hurrah for the flag of the thirteen colonies!'"</p>
+
+<p>"It looks quite patriotic that way," answered Primrose archly.</p>
+
+<p>It ended by their going. Mrs. Stuart and Sally, who were hardly Whig or
+Tory, promised to keep watch of them. And though Miss Auchmuty had been
+crowned Queen of Beauty at the tournament, and there were the fair
+Shippen women and the Chews, men paused to look at the sweet,
+golden-haired child who was so simply gowned that her dress did not
+detract<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> from her beauty. And long afterward, when she was an old lady,
+she could recount the famous scene that ended, as one might say, the
+British possession of Philadelphia. For even as they danced amid the
+gleaming lights and fragrant flowers, a premonition of what was to come,
+although unexpected, and a bloodless victory, occurred. The redoubts
+were sharply attacked by a daring body of rebels, but so well protected
+that surprise was not possible.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Henry Clinton arrived and the accomplished Andr&eacute; 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"Do go to bed, child," she said rather sharply. "Thou wilt turn into a
+book next."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope it will have a new, bright cover and not this musty, old one."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say, Miss Vanity."</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"Little Primrose, darling Primrose, for I have learned to love thee
+dearly, I have come to say<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> 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?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do not go! do not go! I have teased thee often! I have tried not to
+love thee, but, after all&mdash;&mdash;" And she was sobbing in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a soldier's duty, dear. Wish me well, and I will take it as a
+guerdon."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I cannot wish thee well to fight against my country. My heart is
+torn in two."</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"But for love's sake."</p>
+
+<p>"If your men win I shall have no country. If they lose&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And if I should be lost&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Heaven bring thee back to me again!"</p>
+
+<p>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 sobbing heap at the foot of the broad stairway.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, dear," said Madam Wetherill, much moved. "Thou shalt sleep in my
+bed and I will comfort thee."</p>
+
+<p>It was true enough that the Continentals, marching down, found an empty
+city. General Charles Lee had held back some information and acted in an
+unpatriotic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> manner when his commander had reposed unlimited trust in
+him. And a few days later his indecision was made manifest at the battle
+of Monmouth, when he was courtmartialed and disgraced.</p>
+
+<p>But another tall soldier came in buff and blue, and so amazed Primrose
+that she hardly knew him. With him was Allin Wharton, who had much to
+say about Andrew's work through the winter, and that no gift had ever
+been more timely than Madam Wetherill's great bag of stockings that was
+still talked about; and Lady Washington had esteemed it as one of the
+most providential happenings.</p>
+
+<p>"I have much to tell thee, sometime," Andrew said. "There is only a
+moment now, for we are after the runaways." And then he gave her a long,
+fond kiss.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill glanced at them. Would it be the old story over again?</p>
+
+<p>The battle of Monmouth was hard fought, but a victory for neither side,
+since Sir Henry saved his stores at the sacrifice of many lives, and
+escaped. Washington came back to the city for a brief stay and new
+plans.</p>
+
+<p>Lovely old Philadelphia, that had been William Penn's dream, was no
+more. British occupation had overthrown its quaint charm. Gardens had
+been destroyed, houses ruined, streets were a mass of filth and rubbish,
+the country roads were full of lawless gangs who plundered inoffensive
+people.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, freed from the anxious and
+troublesome solicitations, hurries, and perplexities of woeful Europe,"
+Penn had exclaimed, on his return from his first visit back to England.
+But the quiet had disappeared; even the old Quaker homes, that had held
+out alike from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> blaming foe and encouraging friend, were full of
+apprehension.</p>
+
+<p>Washington at once placed General Arnold in command. His marriage with
+Mistress Margaret Shippen, and his beautiful home at Mount Pleasant,
+where elegance and extravagance reigned, had rendered him an object of
+disapprobation with the sober-thoughted and solid part of the community.
+Joseph Ross, the president of the executive council, brought many
+charges against him, which though angrily repelled at the time were
+proved sadly true later on.</p>
+
+<p>There were some trials of Tories, and two men were hanged for high
+treason, both Quakers, one of whom had enlisted in Howe's army, and the
+other was accused of numerous crimes. Many had to choose between exile,
+or contempt that was ostracism at home. Dr. Duch&eacute; had in the darkest
+period written a letter to General Washington beseeching him to submit
+to any proffer of peace that England might hold out, having lost his
+ardent patriotism, and he went to his old home to meet with charges of
+disloyalty there.</p>
+
+<p>But people began to take heart a little, to clear up their wasted
+gardens and fields and repair their houses. Some of the pleasure haunts
+were opened again, and women ventured on their afternoon walks on the
+streets, well protected, to be sure. There was, too, a certain amount of
+gayety, tea-drinking and cards, and excursions up the river were well
+patronized.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry, now sergeant, was detailed for a while among the troops to
+remain in Philadelphia. Now that he had embarked in the war he preferred
+a more active life, and it was too near his old home to be satisfactory.
+But as soon as possible he reported to Madam Wetherill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I can never thank thee sufficiently for thy assistance and quick wit,"
+he said to her. "Through it I escaped without harm, but I found
+afterward they had more proof than I could have safely met. And when I
+arrived at camp I dispatched a messenger to my father, telling him of my
+changed mind and plans for the future."</p>
+
+<p>"And he was angry enough!" interposed Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>"It was worse than that. Mere anger is, perhaps, outlived. He had some
+other plans," and the young Quaker flushed. "He gave me a fortnight to
+return, and, if not, would put Penn in my place and I need expect
+nothing more."</p>
+
+<p>"See what thy talk hath led to, Primrose! For I was afraid thy patriotic
+rebellion was contagious."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew smiled down on the child. "She hath been a wise little one, and I
+am not sorry to be her soldier. With women like you, madam, to bring up
+girls, and Lady Washington to care for disheartened soldiers, there will
+be still greater victories, and there can be but one end."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose looked up with an enchanting smile. "I am proud of thee," she
+made answer with an exultant ring in her voice. "And there is Polly
+Wharton's brother who ran over me on the ice, and&mdash;my own brother that I
+pray may come around."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel very much as if I had been on both sides of the fence," remarked
+Madam Wetherill. "Still I could not have helped so much if I had been
+outspoken on the rebel side. I heard many a little thing that could be
+passed on, and found how a few supplies could be forwarded without
+suspicion. But, Andrew, wilt thou never regret this step?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I considered well for many weeks. There were some other conditions I
+could not wisely accept. And Penn will be a good son to my father.
+Otherwise I could hardly have left him. But 'tis done now, and though I
+shall long many times to see my dear mother's face, I shall fight none
+the less bravely for our land. I hope to follow our intrepid Washington,
+and may soon be transferred."</p>
+
+<p>"And leave the city?" cried Primrose in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not quite like our new general. I am afraid the coming winter will
+be like the last, and I, for one, would have no heart for pleasure until
+we have won our independence."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew promised to come in again when he was off duty, and Primrose
+reluctantly let him go. Yet she watched him with glistening eyes, and
+could hardly decide how much was glory and how much tears.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>LOVE AND TRUE LOVE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"A very plain stiff Quaker downstairs, Primrose, who demands to see thee
+alone. There is a sharp air about her. I think she must be one of those
+the madam spoke of who are importuning about repairs and want rents for
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"To see me?" asked Primrose in surprise. "I have nothing to do with the
+houses."</p>
+
+<p>"She would not allow her business was with anyone else. She does not
+look like one of the begging women with whom the city is overrun."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose walked slowly down the wide staircase full of curiosity. Polly
+Wharton asked for her sometimes, and Anabella Morris.</p>
+
+<p>The visitor had on the close hat with the big round crown that but few
+of the younger women wore, and rarely in black. Her gown was straight
+and plain, the long sleeves coming down over her ungloved hands, and a
+square of gray twilled silk crossed over her bosom. She did not stir
+until Primrose was well into the room and then she turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Rachel!" was the surprised exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel Morgan stared at the vision before her. An unwonted envy stirred
+her. It seemed as if Faith grew plainer every day, and this girl took
+all the beauty!</p>
+
+<p>"How are they all at the farm?" Primrose inquired<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> with pretty
+graciousness. "Is Uncle James quite well and strong?"</p>
+
+<p>"How could one be well with such a great sorrow?" the visitor asked
+sternly, fixing her eyes on Primrose, who shrank from the hard gaze, and
+felt her heart beat in strange protest.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;Andrew is well&mdash;is here&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We heard a part of the army had been retained, and a neighbor hath seen
+Andrew Henry in the attire of the sons of cruelty and worldliness, and
+that bitter spirit toward the law that Mr. Penn besought his brethren
+not to use. But no one seems to heed duty or obedience any more."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose stood gazing as if the voice held her in a half-frightened
+thrall.</p>
+
+<p>"He hath been here, in this house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yesterday," with some hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>"And he will come again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes!" There was a confident ring in her voice that angered the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>"The world and its sins hath grown greatly upon him. I will venture to
+say he feels more at home amid these gauds and giddy flowered damasks
+and soft cushions and numerous things the elect would term idols of the
+carnal sort," glancing around. "And the vain women who frequent houses
+like these. I see thou art tricked out with much worldly vanity, and thy
+father was one of the straitest Friends. How canst thou do it?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose opened her eyes wide at this tirade and shook back the curly,
+glistening hair that she did not yet wear high on her head, for Madam
+Wetherill hated to have her leave the cloisters of girlhood. And her
+frock was white muslin, lengthened down a little and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> the piece covered
+with an artful ruffle. There was a silver buckle at her belt, and on
+each shoulder a knot of blue ribbon.</p>
+
+<p>She hardly knew what to say, but presently she ventured&mdash;"Truly, Cousin
+Rachel, I do not feel vain. I seldom think of my gowns."</p>
+
+<p>"I am in no mood to discuss attire," as if Primrose had begun it. "I
+come to thee on an urgent errand. Thou knowest, perhaps, that Andrew
+hath angered his father beyond everything. Instead of heeding the
+admonition to come out from the world and have no part in its
+wickedness, he hath all winter been a go-between, encouraging rebellion
+by carrying supplies to the camp at Valley Forge&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It was noble and kindly to take a great danger upon himself, to feed
+sick and starving men, and to clothe their poor bodies. It surely made
+one's heart bleed to hear of their sufferings. Nay, thou shalt not say
+hard and bitter things against him!" cried Primrose spiritedly.</p>
+
+<p>"The truth is wholesome, if it hath a bitter tang. We surmised that he
+found encouragement in this house, and had beforetime listened to thy
+childish and unreasoning folly. And he made himself a criminal in the
+eyes of the law. His father's house was searched, and a man of Belial
+abode with us to see if he would not come back. And the two fine animals
+and the market wagon were carried off. If they had found him it would
+have gone hard with him."</p>
+
+<p>"But they did not," Primrose said triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou didst see him then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And we knew&mdash;we saw him safely on the old Perkiomen road. Then
+someone came the next day to inquire about him, so we know he had
+eluded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> them. And now they have marched in and Philadelphia is free!"</p>
+
+<p>"There were anxious days and nights about him until the word came that
+he had joined the camp of rebels under Washington."</p>
+
+<p>"But long ago he said if the country needed him he would go. And there
+was Penn to take his place."</p>
+
+<p>"Penn will be a good son to my uncle. But, after all, it is Andrew's
+place. He is needed. His mother's heart is sore for him, and I can see
+that Uncle James is not at rest. So I have put my pride in my pocket as
+a sinful thing, and come to thee. Perhaps thou mayest have some
+influence over him. Wilt thou try to persuade him?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose looked down on the floor as she laced her slim hands together.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell thee the whole story. He was to marry me. Aunt Lois wished
+it and said I was a daughter after her own heart. I should have cared
+for them as if I had been an own child. Uncle James had spoken to him
+and he had promised to consider. At the meeting it had been talked of as
+most proper and suitable. I had not much money, for our small farm hath
+to be divided among three. But Uncle James thought a good wife better
+than wealth."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose stared in blank amazement. Had not Andrew said there was a
+condition he could not fulfill? Was it this?</p>
+
+<p>"I should have made him a good wife and roused him out of that
+dreaminess he allowed to hang about him. And because it was to be so, I
+plead with Uncle James until he relented. He hath promised me to take
+him back&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But he will not leave the army until they have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> driven the English
+across the seas again. And if thou couldst see him so straight and tall
+and proud, holding up his head as he never did before! And all his heart
+is in it."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Lord made him a son and not a soldier. It is against our
+belief. We have come out from the world, and are not to fight its sinful
+battles. He hath a higher duty. Thou hast a smooth and persuasive
+tongue, and if thou wouldst use it to restore peace between a sad father
+and wayward son, and assure him he hath only to come back and fulfill
+his promise and all will be peace&mdash;if thou carest to do a good work,
+this will be one."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel Morgan rose, and looked so steadily, so sternly at Primrose Henry
+that she felt a shrinking all over her.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt do this," she said. "It seems as if thou hadst cared a little
+for Aunt Lois and thy dead father's brother, and if thou hast any love
+thou wilt try to restore peace."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell him what thou sayest," in a weak tone as if she was hardly
+persuaded.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel caught her hand, which was soft as a rose leaf, and wrung it in
+hers until she could have cried with pain.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, not in that cold way. Thou hast the eyes and the tongue to move
+whomever thou wilt, and he set strange store by thee. Men often yield to
+a honeyed voice. Coax him, convince him it is his duty. Otherwise their
+sorrow and, perhaps, their death may be on his hands, and neither wilt
+thou be altogether free. That was my errand and the Lord gave me
+strength to come, though women do not generally plead for their
+lovers."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I will try," Primrose said, much moved.</p>
+
+<p>But she sat by herself after Rachel had left her, thinking the matter
+over with a curious protest that she did not understand. Why should she
+shrink from his marrying Rachel? She had seen many lovers through the
+winter, and Anabella had poured into her ears a great deal of
+foolish-sounding flattery, and delight on her part, that had caused
+Primrose much wonder. And now her gay captain had followed the fortunes
+of Sir Henry Clinton, and she was in despair, though he had promised to
+return.</p>
+
+<p>But she asked Madam Wetherill what she ought to do. The lady gave an odd
+little smile.</p>
+
+<p>"You must tell him, since you have consented. But it will not change his
+intentions. His enlisting was no sudden notion, if he was forced into it
+by circumstances. I wonder at Mistress Rachel making this appeal."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think he ought to marry her?" Primrose asked timidly.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a question for him to answer, my child."</p>
+
+<p>But Madam Wetherill knew if he had been in love with Rachel he would
+have made some overtures himself.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose studied the subject within her heart and was quite grave over
+it. For two days they did not see him and on the third a messenger came
+with a note.</p>
+
+<p>The permission to join Washington had arrived suddenly and they were to
+march at once. It was the present plan of the Commander in Chief to
+invest New York and pen up the British there. "I would rather fight than
+see the gayety of the last winter repeated," Andrew wrote. "And I am
+much afraid our officers have not learned wisdom by the experience of
+their enemies.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> For surely so much pleasure will demoralize them. And
+though I am sorry not to see thee, partings are sad at the best, and I
+have a strong belief that I shall return well and sound. Dear Primrose,
+if so be thou could get word to my mother without too great an effort,
+tell her I keep her in my heart day and night. She will know it was not
+possible for me to accede to my father's request, pleasant as it might
+have been for others. I send him a son's respect, whether he considers
+me in the light of a son or no, and am sorry that at the last I should
+have brought trouble and suspicion upon them. It is my present hope that
+Penn will be a good son to them. I wish little Faith could have some of
+thy joy, for I am afraid it is a dreary life for the child. Heaven be
+watchful of thee, little Primrose."</p>
+
+<p>It was true that several companies were not needed for the city's
+protection, and were dispatched in the hasty mood that not infrequently
+ruled General Arnold.</p>
+
+<p>And now new defenses were erected for the city, and there was a general
+clearing up. The barricade around the old Treaty Elm was taken down, the
+squares were freed from rubbish and the grass restored, the houses
+repaired and new ones planned. True, landlords groaned about unpaid
+rents, and money-lenders almost wept over the sums the British had
+despoiled them of. The country estates were in a sad plight, many of
+them, but others had escaped.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill thanked Heaven that it was no worse with her. Mount
+Pleasant was a scene of great gayety during the summer, and the Arnolds
+and the Shippens held grand court, almost like royalty. She had much to
+do minding her estate and looking out for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> some of her southern
+interests, and took less heed to gay parties.</p>
+
+<p>Twice a year the trustees met to consider the estate of Mistress
+Primrose Henry. Just before this Madam Wetherill took her charge over to
+the old Quaker farm, that was so peaceful and thrifty one would hardly
+dream there had been war in the land. Primrose had sent a message to
+Rachel Morgan to explain why she had not undertaken her trust.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Lois was rather feeble, but Rachel seemed to carry the house on her
+shoulders, and was noticeably sharp with the men and Chloe, who was
+growing old as well as her mistress. Certainly she looked after all
+things in a thrifty fashion that had already brought a crease between
+her eyes, young as she was.</p>
+
+<p>Faith was thin and fearful-looking, as if she expected some chiding in
+nearly everything, and it rarely missed coming. For Rachel had been
+sorely disappointed in her marriage plans, and liked to make others
+suffer for her unhappiness.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was like a butterfly in the plain old house, and seemed to make
+a swift dazzle. Aunt Lois warmed curiously toward her, feeling as if the
+sun was shining after a spell of lowering weather.</p>
+
+<p>She rose from her chair and laid aside her knitting.</p>
+
+<p>"Thee used to love the chickens so much," she said gently. "We have some
+pretty ones. While thy aunt talks business let us get out and see them.
+I sit in doors so much thinking, and though I try not to question the
+will of Providence, life does not seem quite as it used. It may be that
+I am getting old. Poor mother used to sit under the tree yonder, but
+when it comes my time, Faith will be too womanly and too busy to look
+after me, and perhaps married."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They walked down the well-trodden path. There were chicken mothers in
+little coops, and yellow, downy balls, others with tiny wings and
+patches of feathers here and there.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou didst see Andrew before he went away?"</p>
+
+<p>The mother's eyes had a soft, wistful, far-off look.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And a lovely letter that I have read again and again. Oh, why did
+I not bring it&mdash;but indeed I did not know"&mdash;pausing in a tone that
+indicated what might be meant.</p>
+
+<p>"A mother is a mother always. A father may feel hard when his plans are
+traversed. Tell me about my son; for I cannot shut my heart upon him."</p>
+
+<p>"He makes a handsome soldier and a good one. He will have a large heart
+and a wise head."</p>
+
+<p>"But a soldier! And to kill his fellow-creatures. We are to live in
+peace."</p>
+
+<p>"But I was to say when I could, that he kept thee in his heart day and
+night, and that he would never forget thee. Dear Aunt Lois, he is brave
+and good and tender of soul, and I know God loves him for his work to
+the poor and needy last winter."</p>
+
+<p>"I have wondered many times how he escaped. We only knew that he was
+safe."</p>
+
+<p>"Someone betrayed him. He had taken great care. Wilt thou hear how he
+left the town?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou know?" raising her soft eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose told gleefully how they had disguised him and seen him safe on
+the road where he was not likely to meet the soldiery.</p>
+
+<p>"And thou didst do this for him, dear child!"</p>
+
+<p>She took the soft hands in hers, that were soft again now that she did
+little coarse labor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It was not much to do, surely. And it was rare fun when the guards
+passed us."</p>
+
+<p>"I owe much to thee and Madam Wetherill. And did he speak of any
+return?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, his is a soldier's life."</p>
+
+<p>"I sometimes think it is not wisdom to plan children's lives. Perhaps if
+we had let him be," and she gave a gentle sigh. "But we had hopes he
+would fancy Rachel, and she somehow had set her heart upon it. He seemed
+not inclined to marry, and so we should have waited until the spirit
+guided him. Child, I thank thee for thy care and interest in him. We
+should have been glad if thou couldst have kept thy father's faith and
+been content to stay here, but I can see thou didst need a larger life.
+Perhaps we narrow ours too much. It may not always be the Lord's will as
+we think. I have strange ideas as I sit and knit or sew. And I remember
+that good Mr. Penn and his wife took much pleasure of a kind we hardly
+approve of now. It is hard to tell which is right."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Aunt Lois, whatever leads people to be sweet and joyful and
+thankful and kind to all who suffer cannot be far wrong. And were there
+no good men before the time of Mr. Fox and Mr. Penn?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wert always finding prettiness of speech and ways that have a
+charm in them. And if thou shouldst send word to Andrew at any time,
+tell him his mother's heart is tender towards him and that no one can
+fill his place. Thou hast given me much joy. But I can see thou art not
+fitted for the grave life here, and if our ancestors crossed the sea
+that they might have liberty of belief, why should we not grant it to
+others?"</p>
+
+<p>James Henry no longer insisted upon what he called<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> his rights in his
+brother's child. She was too gay and worldly for his taste, which, where
+women were concerned, could have been comprised in the old advice "To
+avoid Papishers and learn to knit." And when he looked on the industry
+and thrift of Rachel his heart hardened toward his son for his
+blindness.</p>
+
+<p>For Primrose went steadily now to Christ Church, but England would not
+send over a bishop while people were so contumacious, and so some rites
+were held in abeyance.</p>
+
+<p>But she was very happy and growing tall rapidly, and Friend Henry turned
+her over altogether to Madam Wetherill, who after all was not forgotten
+by the fashionables, even if they did run after the Arnolds.</p>
+
+<p>And in the autumn there were some changes, although the Continentals had
+not swept their enemies across the sea. Society Hill put on a brisk
+aspect, and gardens opened again where they sold beer and cakes, and
+young people chatted merrily, while older people gossiped. There were
+shops trying to turn out much-needed goods that gave the town an aspect
+of industry. Indeed employment was provided for the poor classes in
+putting streets in order. All manner of homespun cloth was made. Even
+Mrs. Washington had ordered that her spinning wheels at Mount Vernon
+should fly as briskly as if she were there, and sixteen were kept going
+all the time.</p>
+
+<p>Franklin and John Adams were in France cementing the alliance that was
+so slow in doing its promised work. At home, political leaders were
+quarreling fiercely among themselves. Joseph Reed and Arnold were at
+swords' points. A charge of dishonesty and malpractice in office was
+preferred against Arnold before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> the Continental Congress, but, though
+convicted, he was sentenced to a reprimand only. He had been a brave
+soldier, and Washington, with a heart full of anxiety for other
+undertakings, unfortunately dealt leniently with him, but it made no
+appeal to better feelings or conduct, for he began almost at once his
+treasonable practices with the British, that were to bring about a
+lasting shame.</p>
+
+<p>There were other troubles as well. The Quakers could not and would not
+serve in the army nor pay taxes for its support. Franklin had known how
+to gain by diplomacy what they would not openly concede, but they were
+unpopular with those in power, and the mob openly rejoiced when goods
+were levied upon. Indeed many of the poorer and plainer brethren had
+little sympathy when such articles as "a looking glass in wide gilt and
+mahogany frame, with ornamental corners" and "handsome walnut chairs
+deeply carven and with silken cushions" and "mahogany tea table with
+carved legs and crow feet" were sold for a quarter of their value. It
+shows that many of the Friends were not stinted in their household
+appointments, and must indeed have had sturdy consciences to part with
+their cherished belongings rather than pay away a little money in what
+was considered an unjust cause.</p>
+
+<p>New York was full of gayety and dissipation under the British, as
+Philadelphia had been. And Primrose was sent for by her brother, who was
+now Colonel Nevitt and in a pleasant position.</p>
+
+<p>"There is much to see and enjoy," he wrote. "And there are fine manners
+and customs that will fit you for London when we go. For it is most
+certain, by the looks of things, that the rebellion will soon be
+brought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> to an end. The winter in Philadelphia was a great mistake,
+though pleasant enough to me. And you must be now a pretty young woman
+that I should be proud to have. If Madam Wetherill feels that she is not
+young enough for gayety, I have some friends here who will be glad to
+take charge of a fair young girl, and I shall be most happy with my
+charming sister. There are parties coming almost every week, and I can
+find safe escort. Do not disappoint me."</p>
+
+<p>"What wilt thou do?" asked Madam Wetherill. "Thou art no longer a little
+girl, Primrose, though it grieves me to say it. Patty scolds about
+lengthening thy gowns all the time, and Anabella is sure I will keep
+thee an old maid. Though between two stools she is like to come to the
+floor for aught I see. Her British lover never so much as wrote her a
+line, and young Matthews, that she made quite certain of, hath married
+Kitty Strong. She need not worry about thee, since thou hast nearly two
+years' grace behind her. But her mother was so foolishly hasty to have
+her married."</p>
+
+<p>"But I want to stay a little girl," cried Primrose eagerly. "I hate a
+big hoop and a monstrous topknot that pulls my hair, and a bunch of
+feathers that makes one look like an Indian sachem."</p>
+
+<p>She made such a pretty pouting mouth, like a rose half-blown, that madam
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"And then one can run around with Patty and tease the boys who sell pink
+calamus buds, and buy 'Peppery pot, smoking hot.'" She was such a good
+mimic it sounded exactly like the venders.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I have spoiled thee. But it is thy brother whom we must
+consider. He may have some rights."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What rights, indeed, to a rebel maiden who would hate the sight of so
+many red coats together?"</p>
+
+<p>"Still thou dost love him a little. Surely he is thy nearest kin."</p>
+
+<p>"I can never think whether I love him dearly or only a little. When I
+pull a daisy out it says only a little. And when I blew a puffy
+dandelion out to tell me where my true love dwelt, it went south instead
+of north."</p>
+
+<p>"But the great city. I was there once, years ago. It hath many queer
+things and reminders of the old Dutch people who settled it. And it has
+a beautiful river and an island south of it, and a short way out to the
+ocean."</p>
+
+<p>"As if we did not have our fine and noble Delaware that runs on and up
+past the Jerseys to the State of New York. And there is our Schuylkill
+with its peaceful shores and green and flowery banks, now that the
+British are away, and our beautiful Wissahickon. Nay, I want nothing
+beyond my own home town, and no one but you and the friends that come
+here. I will write to Phil and tell him that neither his tongue nor his
+pen can charm me. And he never says 'thou' latterly."</p>
+
+<p>"But the young people here leave it off, I notice. And thou must not
+write saucily."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose laughed and tossed her golden head.</p>
+
+<p>She wrote to her brother and put in some rhymes, a fashion quite
+affected then, for many of the young ladies wrote sentimental and
+would-be satiric verses. Hannah Griffiths, who was cousin to Deborah
+Logan, had satirized the famous Mischianza, and there were songs for
+various occasions such as birthdays and weddings.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Primrose wrote also to Andrew Henry. It was difficult to get letters
+from the Federal soldiers unless some messenger came direct, but she
+guessed how much pleasure the bit of news would be to him. She rode out
+to the farm occasionally and took a message from Aunt Lois to Andrew.
+Uncle James was growing quite deaf and irritable in temper, but Aunt
+Lois softened perceptibly and was always glad to see Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel had a new vexation that did not improve her temper. Chloe
+grumbled at the sharpness, but she was too old to think of another home.
+Faith was now a tall, thin girl, looking careworn and sallow.</p>
+
+<p>"I must walk a little with thee even if I should get beaten for it
+afterward," she said in one of the visits, as she intercepted Primrose
+and Patty at the group of great sycamores that shut off the view of the
+road. "For I feel sometimes as if the strings of my heart would burst
+when there is no one to talk to but old Chloe, and Rachel watches us as
+a cat does a mouse."</p>
+
+<p>"She would not beat thee, surely." Primrose's face was one indignant
+flame.</p>
+
+<p>"She did when I was smaller, until one day Aunt Lois interfered. Now she
+slaps, and her hand is hard as a board; or she boxes my ears until bells
+ring in them. I know not what made her so cross at first, except that
+she tried to be sweet and pleasant to Andrew, and when he was gone all
+was different. Now Penn walks home from meeting with Clarissa Lane and
+finds excuses for going over there. But Rachel says he is needed here on
+the farm since uncle cannot work as he used, and that he shall neither
+go away to marry, nor bring a wife home here. They had a bitter quarrel
+one day. I was gathering sassafras and birch buds<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> for her and they did
+not know I was there. And Rachel said if he married Clarissa, she would
+persuade uncle not to leave him any part of the farm. Ought not the farm
+belong to Andrew?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose shook her head doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"If I were a man I would run away and fight too. I would find Andrew and
+march and fight beside him. Oh, Primrose, thou canst never know how good
+and sweet he was to me and what wise counsel he gave. And now I am so
+wretched!"</p>
+
+<p>"Poor girl, poor Faith!" Primrose cried, deeply moved. "If you could
+come into town&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I can go nowhere, she says, until I am of age; if I did, that the
+constable could bring me back, or I could be put in jail. And that if I
+do not please her I shall have none of Uncle James' money."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not honest to count on the money, and James Henry may live many
+years!" exclaimed Patty sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"If I had it I should give it back to Andrew. I feel as if we had
+crowded him out of his home. No one speaks of him but Aunt Lois and old
+Chloe, and Rachel frowns at her. Oh, if I dared come to thee, I would be
+a servant, or anything! Oh, Primrose, God hast set thee in a blessed
+garden! Bend over and kiss me. And come again. It is like a bit of
+heaven to see thee."</p>
+
+<p>Then Faith vanished, and the tears ran down the pink cheeks of the
+child.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what can we do?" she sobbed.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, dear," returned Patty, much moved, and feeling that some
+comfort was needed, even if it was only the sound of a human voice.
+"Friend Rachel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> hath grown hard through disappointment. Grace does not
+always wrap itself in a plain garb, and a red rose is sweet and pretty
+in its redness. There is much selfishness in the world under all colors,
+methinks, and when it is gray; it grows grayer by the wearing."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>MID WAR'S ALARMS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill sighed over the affair and was sorry to hear of the
+failing health of James Henry. But nothing could be done to ease up
+Faith's hard lines. She understood much more than she could explain to
+the innocent Primrose; more indeed than she cared to have her know at
+present about the emotions the human soul. For she had the sweet
+unconsciousness of a flower that had yet to open, and she did not want
+it rudely forced.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel's desire and disappointment must have soured her greatly, she
+thought. In spite of her training in resignation, human nature seemed as
+strong in her as in any woman of the world who maneuvered for a lover.
+Yet Madam Wetherill was truly glad Andrew had escaped the snare.</p>
+
+<p>And now the country was in great disquiet again. Arnold's treason and
+its sad outcome in the death of the handsome and accomplished Major
+Andr&eacute; fell like a thunderbolt on the town where he had been the leader
+of the gay life under Howe. Many women wept over his sad end. Washington
+had been doubtful of Arnold's integrity for some time, but thought
+giving him the command at West Point would surely attach him to his
+country's fortunes. Washington being called to a conference with the
+French officers at Hartford, Arnold chose this opportunity to surrender
+West Point and its dependencies, after some show of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> resistance, into
+the hands of the British for a certain sum of money.</p>
+
+<p>But Arnold had roused suspicions in the heart of more than one brave
+soldier; among them Andrew Henry, who had been promoted to a lieutenancy
+for brave conduct and foresight.</p>
+
+<p>Clinton was to sail up the river. Andr&eacute; went up the Hudson in the sloop
+of war <i>Vulture</i>, which anchored off Teller's Point. Fearing they knew
+not what, the Continentals dragged an old six-pound cannon to the end of
+Teller's Point. That galled the <i>Vulture</i> and drove her from her
+anchorage, so that she drifted down the river. Andr&eacute;, therefore, was
+compelled to make his way by land. Being arrested at Haverstraw, the
+commander unwisely allowed him to send a letter to Arnold, who at once
+fled down the river in a barge and met the <i>Vulture</i>, leaving behind his
+wife, the beautiful Philadelphian, Margaret Shippen, and their infant
+son, and thus the chief traitor escaped.</p>
+
+<p>England had spent a vast amount of treasure and thousands of lives in
+battles, hardships, and disease, and had not conquered the
+revolutionists. She had now involved herself in war with both France and
+Spain. Holland, too, was secretly negotiating a treaty with the United
+Colonies.</p>
+
+<p>While the town was in consternation over these events, late in November
+Mrs. Washington, then on her way to join her husband, stopped a brief
+while with President Reed of the Congress. Again the soldiers were in
+great distress, needing everything and winter coming on. The ladies had
+formed a society for work, and were making clothing and gathering what
+funds they could.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Washington is to come," said Polly Wharton, dropping in at Arch
+Street, full of eagerness. "The Marquis de Lafayette has given five
+hundred dollars in his wife's name, and the Countess de Luzerne gives
+one hundred. When we count it up in our depreciated money it sounds much
+greater," and Polly laughed with a gay nod. "Mrs. Washington has begged
+to contribute also. It is said the commander in chief was almost
+heart-broken about that handsome young Andr&eacute;, and would have saved him
+if he could. And Margaret Shippen comes home next to a deserted wife, at
+all events deserted in her most trying hour. Of course, Primrose, you
+will join us. You can do something more useful than embroider roses on a
+petticoat, or needlework a stomacher."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I can. Patty has seen to it that I shall know something besides
+strumming on the spinet and reading French verse. But the French are our
+very good friends."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am crazy to see Mrs. Washington. There is devotion for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"If thou wert a commander's wife thou wouldst be doing the same thing,
+Polly. 'For,' she said in the beginning, 'George is right; he is always
+right. And though I foresee dark days and many discouragements, my heart
+will always be with him and the country.' If we had more such patriots
+instead of pleasure-loving women!" And Madam Wetherill sighed, though
+her face was in a glow of enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>"But there are many brave women who give up husbands and sons. And
+though my mother consented about Allin, it wrung her heart sorely. We<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>
+have not heard in so long. That is the hardest. But we seem to get word
+easily of the gay doings in New York. And so thou wilt not go,
+Primrose?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I will not. What pleasure would it be to me to dance and be gay
+with my country's enemies? I shall make shirts and knit socks."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Primrose is old enough, but she somehow clings to childhood," said
+Madam. "We have spoiled her with much indulgence."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I am not spoiled. And if the British should take away all we
+had, dear aunt, I would work for thee. I do know many things."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear heart!" and Madam Wetherill kissed her.</p>
+
+<p>There was much interest to see Mrs. Washington, though some of the
+ladies had met her on a previous visit. Madam Wetherill had been among
+those brave enough to ally herself with the cause by calling then, and
+Mrs. Washington gracefully remembered it.</p>
+
+<p>"And this is the little girl, grown to womanhood almost," she said, as
+Primrose courtesied to her. "You are not a Friend, I see by your attire;
+but the name suggested someone&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But my father was, madam, and well known in the town. And I have a
+brave Quaker cousin who joined the army at Valley Forge, Andrew Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I think that is the name. Did he not bring some supplies while we
+were in so much want, and come near to getting in trouble? You must be
+proud of him indeed, for he was among those who suspected Arnold's
+treachery, and were so on the alert that they set some of his plans at
+naught, for which we can never be thankful enough. Henry, that is the
+name! A tall fine young fellow with a martial bearing, one of the
+fighting Quakers, and Philadelphia hath done nobly in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> raising such men.
+The General never forgets good service, and he is marked for promotion."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose courtesied again, her eyes shining with lustrousness that was
+near to tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I should almost have danced up and down and clapped my hands, or else
+fallen at her feet and kissed her pretty hands if she had said that
+about Allin," declared Polly afterward. "Oh, it was soul-stirring, and
+the belles stood envying you, but some of them have blown hot and blown
+cold, and were ready to dance with Whig and Tory alike. And I wanted to
+say that you were too patriotic to go up to New York and be merry with
+your brother. Then I bethought me he was on the wrong side. Such a
+splendid fellow, too, Primrose; skating like the wind, and such a
+dancer, and with so many endearing ways. Child, how can you resist him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot be a turncoat for the dearest love."</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew Henry should have been your brother. He looks more like that
+grand old portrait of your father than his own son does," declared
+Polly, and some inexplicable feeling sent the scarlet waves to the fair
+face of Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>Busy enough the women were, and on many of the shirts was the name of
+the maker. Primrose begged that Patty's name might be put on their
+dozen, and Janice Kent consented hers should be used.</p>
+
+<p>"For Primrose is such an odd, fanciful name, and it seems as if it
+belonged just to my own self and my dear mother," the child said, and
+Madam Wetherill respected the delicacy.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Bache, Franklin's daughter, wrote to Washington that there were
+twenty-five hundred shirts, the result of nimble and patriotic fingers;
+and, she added,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> "we wish them to be worn with as much pleasure as they
+were made."</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Nevitt was indeed angry at his sister's refusal, but as he was
+in no sense her guardian, he could not compel her. Some weeks elapsed
+before he wrote again. It was a hard, cold winter, and if full of
+discouragements for the Continentals was not especially inspiriting for
+the British.</p>
+
+<p>There had been something of a revolt among the Philadelphia troops at
+Morristown, who thought, having served their three years' enlistment,
+they should be allowed to return to their homes. Sir Henry Clinton,
+mistaking the spirit of the trouble, at once offered to take them under
+the protection of the British government, clothe and feed them and
+require no service of them, unless it was voluntarily proffered.</p>
+
+<p>"See, comrades," exclaimed one of the leaders; "we have been taken for
+traitors! Let us show General Clinton that the American Army can furnish
+but one Arnold, and that America has no truer patriots than we. But if
+we fight, we should not be compelled to starve on the field, nor have
+our wives and children starving at home."</p>
+
+<p>This protest aroused Congress. Taxes were imposed and submitted to
+cheerfully, and Robert Morris, an ardent patriot, with Thomas Mifflin,
+labored to bring about a better state of finances, and the Bank of
+Pennsylvania was due to the ability and munificence of the former.</p>
+
+<p>And though, as Thomas Reed admitted, "the bulk of the people were weary
+of war," and the different parties in the city were almost at swords'
+points, they had all joined in fierce denunciation of Arnold's treason.
+His handsome estate was confiscated, not so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> much for its value, as it
+was deeply in debt, but as an example of the detestation in which the
+citizens held his crime. His wife pleaded to stay in her father's house
+with her young son, but the executive council decided that she must
+leave the State at once.</p>
+
+<p>The mob made a two-faced effigy, which was dragged in a cart through the
+streets, a band of rough music playing the Rogue's March. Afterward it
+was hanged and burned, and no Tory voice was raised in his behalf,
+though universal sympathy was expressed for the unfortunate young Andr&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry was intensely bitter about it. "But you have not all the
+traitors," he wrote. "My heart has been rent by the defection of some of
+our bravest men, and most trusted; and one who has seemed almost a
+brother to me, as we played together in boyhood, and have kept step in
+many things. I had cherished a curious hope that he might disarm thy
+girlish bitterness, Primrose, and that sometime his true worth would be
+apparent to you. And from the first, though he never confessed any
+further than that he envied me my pretty little sister, I knew he was
+more than common interested. These things are best left to work
+themselves out, and you were both young, so I held my peace. Six months
+ago Sir Gilbert Vane, the uncle, died, and, as title and estates were
+entailed, Vane Priory came to him. At first he was minded to return, and
+I wish now that I had bundled him off. Then he had queer, dispirited
+fits about the cause we were serving. I regret we have not been more in
+earnest and not so much given to pleasure. The city has been very gay,
+but I think many of the women whose feet twinkled merrily in the dance
+talked treason with rosy lips in the pauses.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I was angry when I read your letter and tossed it over to him, wishing
+that I had been your guardian and had some right to order your life. He
+held it a long while, then he rose and began to pace the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"'I tell you, Phil,' he said with strange earnestness, 'we are on the
+wrong side. Nothing can ever conquer these people while the love of
+their own country outweighs everything else. If the women feel this way,
+and cannot be tempted, no wonder the men are steadfast and go in rags
+and half starve and take any hardship. We forget that they are our own
+kin, of our own brave English blood, and would we tolerate an invader?
+Would we not fight to the last man? It would be nobler to go home and
+let them rule themselves, for we can never conquer them.'</p>
+
+<p>"'You talk treason,' I said angrily. 'You had better be careful.'</p>
+
+<p>"'They are talking the same thing in the House of Parliament. I have
+been paying more attention to these things of late, and I feel that in
+the end we shall be worsted. Better make brothers of them now while we
+can. If this were my country, my birthplace&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'Hold!' I cried in a passion. 'I am an Englishman. That is the country
+of my mother's birth, and my father had good English blood in his veins.
+My Uncle Henry thinks the rebels all in the wrong, and I know well my
+father would never have sided with them. My sister would have been
+brought up to love the King.'</p>
+
+<p>"He made no answer, but went out presently. Then for some days he was
+moody and kept himself quite busy, and I thought was planning to return
+to England to look after his estates. Our colonel thought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> so, too. And
+then five others beside him suddenly disappeared. Shortly after we
+learned they had gone South to enter the army under General Greene. I
+only hope they will fall into Tarleton's hands, and he will make short
+work of them. But my heart is sore for the loss of my boyhood's friend,
+and the shame of his turning traitor. I hear that Benedict Arnold has
+joined the King's forces, and of a surety he and they would be well
+matched in any fight.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a presentiment I shall never see my pretty darling again.
+Primrose, I love thee more than thou canst imagine. I would that I had
+thee and that we two were going to England out of this terrible strife.
+Farewell.</p>
+
+
+<p class="right">"Thine own dear brother,<br /><br />
+
+"Phil."</p>
+
+
+<p>Primrose ran weeping to her aunt and gave her the long epistle. Madam
+Wetherill tried to comfort her, and presently she dried her tears a
+little.</p>
+
+<p>"We can hardly call him a traitor,&mdash;Gilbert Vane, I mean,&mdash;for he has
+not really betrayed his country, but changed his mind. And I think it
+very brave of him when he might go to England and live in luxury," said
+Primrose in a broken voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art quick to see the heroic side. Of course, if he should be taken
+prisoner, he would be put to death without mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"But he does not sell his country!" with emphasis. "Oh, poor, dear Phil!
+My heart aches for him. And yet, if the British soldiers begin to see
+the doubtfulness of a final conquest, I think there must be hope. But
+what can I say to Philemon? I seem destined to be always divided in
+opposite directions."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is very true," and Madam Wetherill smiled rather sadly. For it
+seemed hard indeed that brother and sister should have such opposing
+interests. Many a girl would have been won at once by the proffer of
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>But Primrose did not have very long to consider. Another note came from
+New York. Tired of inaction, Philemon Nevitt had asked that some more
+stirring duty should be allotted to him, and he was transferred to
+another body of troops, who were watching the Americans and harassing
+them in the vicinity of Morristown. It was said deserters from the
+British army had transferred their allegiance, and Colonel Nevitt
+determined to put a stop to this, and capture some of them to make an
+example the soldiers would dread in future.</p>
+
+<p>"When he writes like this I hate him!" and Primrose stamped her dainty
+foot upon the floor, while her eyes flashed with curious steely gleams
+that seemed to have black points. "It does not seem as if the same blood
+could run in our veins, but then he hath none of my own dear mother's
+sweetness. If he were related to her my heart would break. And I think
+he must have some of the characteristics of uncle James, who keeps his
+hard heart against Cousin Andrew. Was my father of that stamp, dear
+madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"He had a much broader life. He was brought into contact with various
+people, and possessed a certain suavity that one finds in many of the
+old families here in town. Good Mr. Penn did not insist that men should
+be all of one mind."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould be a queer world indeed," and Primrose half smiled, for her
+moods were like an April day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then thy mother was a wise, winsome woman," said Madam Wetherill in
+fond remembrance.</p>
+
+<p>"That is what wins me to Phil," returned the girl. "When he talked of
+her and all her pretty ways, and the dainty verses and tales she told
+him, and how she shielded him from his father's displeasure when he
+would have been whipped, then he seems like a vision of her come back.
+But, now that he is going to fight against my country&mdash;&mdash;" and the rosy
+lips curled in scorn. "He might have remained a fine, pleasure-loving
+soldier, doing no real harm, fit to dance with pretty women or march in
+a fine parade."</p>
+
+<p>She discussed this with Polly Wharton, who was now her dearest friend,
+although she was two years older.</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou not unduly bitter, Primrose?" Polly always chided in grave
+Quaker phraseology, but, like many of the younger generation, fell into
+worldly pronouns in seasons of haste or merriment. "We should be ashamed
+of him if he saw his duty and weakly shirked it. I am sorry such a fine
+fellow, with good American blood in his veins, should be a Tory. In
+truth I cannot see at present how the quarrel can be mended, and I am
+desperately sorry."</p>
+
+<p>Polly's cheeks were pink as a rose.</p>
+
+<p>"It never will be mended now. Times are hard with us, to be sure, and
+there is much discouragement, but the French army and a great navy have
+reached Newport, and Aunt Wetherill was reading of a French loan. That
+wise Mr. Adams is in Paris with our dear Mr. Franklin&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Who plays chess with French beauties and writes them skits and
+bagatelles, and, no doubt dances the grave minuet with them. And then we
+blame our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> young lads for having a little pleasure! But 'tis darkest
+just before dawn, and maybe we have come to the darkest times."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am certain the dawn will come. God will not let such a good cause
+and so great an effort in behalf of human liberty go by default."</p>
+
+<p>So they worked on and hoped. There was great interest in the Southern
+campaign now.</p>
+
+<p>And then Polly came one morning, full of tears and trouble. There had
+been sad news from the highlands of the Hudson. A troop of British had
+made their way almost to one of the camps, expecting to surprise and
+capture the Federal soldiers. There had been a sharp skirmish, spirited
+and fateful enough to be called a battle. The Federals had won in the
+end and taken a number of prisoners, while many British soldiers were
+among the killed and wounded.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew Henry sent the word to my father, who means to apply for passes
+and go at once," and there Polly broke down.</p>
+
+<p>"But that is not the worst of it. Something has happened to Allin! Oh,
+Polly!" and the soft arms were about Polly's neck, while she was kissing
+the tear-wet cheek, her own eyes overflowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is Allin!" sobbed the girl. "They thought when they first
+brought him in that he was dead. But it seems now he is badly wounded
+and may live. They wanted to take his leg off, but Lieutenant Henry
+would not let them. Oh, poor Allin! And he begged that father would come
+or send, for the regiment may go on to Virginia."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, if he could be brought home!"</p>
+
+<p>"It comes so near now." Polly wiped her eyes. "But oh, Primrose! I had
+nigh forgotten. Forgive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> me that I put my own sorrow first. Colonel&mdash;I
+believe he is that now&mdash;Colonel Nevitt led the men and was wounded also,
+and is captured."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose stood up very straight, and contradictory emotions struggled in
+her fair face. Her rosy lips faded and quivered, and she swallowed over
+a great lump in her throat.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems strange," said Polly, "that the cousins should have been
+pitted against each other. And, though I am desperately sorry about
+Colonel Nevitt, I am proud of Andrew Henry. Oh, dear Primrose!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am always torn in two. I wonder if there was ever such a girl!" and
+the slow tears beaded the bronze lashes of Primrose Henry's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Think of poor Peggy Shippen being banished from her family and forced
+to follow a traitor! For, after all, it was the fortune of war, and
+Colonel Nevitt was doing his duty as he saw it in all good faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art so generous, Polly. He should have been some connection to
+thee; oh! what am I saying? Surely thou wouldst not want a redcoat
+Britisher tacked to thy family! I hope he is not sorely wounded, but
+just enough to keep him from fighting against my country until we have
+won our independence."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou dost make cunning wishes, Primrose," and in spite of her sorrow,
+Polly Wharton smiled.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill came home from her marketing, which was no light
+undertaking with all the trouble about paper money, and gold and silver
+so scarce. She still rode her horse well, and time dealt very leniently
+with her.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard some strange news in the market place,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> she began, and then
+she caught sight of Polly. "Oh, dear child! is it true that some of the
+flower of our town have perished? It was a great surprise, to capture
+some deserters, it was said, and went hard with our brave men."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Lieutenant Henry won in the end, and our loss was nothing compared
+to the enemy. But poor Allin&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He is not dead," added Primrose, when Polly's voice failed. "And,
+madam, Cousin Andrew hath taken our heroic Colonel Nevitt a prisoner in
+his first battle. I know not whether to rejoice or cry."</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, thou art a naughty girl!"</p>
+
+<p>"If it had been the other way, I should have had no difficulty. Yes, I
+am a hard-hearted little wretch and do not deserve any brother! But
+Andrew will see that he is not treated as the poor fellows were in the
+Walnut Street Jail; and if he should lose an arm or a leg I will devote
+my life to him. Oh!" with a sudden burst of tenderness, "I hope it is
+nothing serious. The mortification will be hard enough."</p>
+
+<p>There were numbers of the wounded sent as soon as possible to the larger
+cities where they could be cared for. Rough journeying it was, with none
+of the modern appliances of travel, and many a poor fellow died on the
+way.</p>
+
+<p>For various reasons Madam Wetherill had not gone out to the farm as
+usual. The news was troublesome from Virginia and Maryland, where Arnold
+was destroying stores and laying waste plantations. The seat of war
+seemed to be changing in this direction, and some of the most famous
+battles were to be fought here. Cornwallis was fortifying, and everybody
+dreaded the news.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Pleasure in town had slipped back to a more decorous aspect. There were
+simple tea-drinkings and parties of young people going out on the river
+in the early evening singing pretty songs. Or there were afternoon
+rambles to the charming green nook called Bethsheba's Bath and Bower,
+where wild flowers bloomed in profusion, and the copses were fragrant
+with sweet herbs, growing wild; or the newly cut hay in the fields still
+about. Sometimes they took along a luncheon and some sewing. There were
+still windmills to grind the grain, and Windmill Island had been
+repaired and was busy again.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose seemed just beginning life. Hitherto she had been a child, and
+now she was finding friends of her own age, with whom it was a pleasure
+to chat and to compare needlework and various knowledges.</p>
+
+<p>She sympathized tenderly with Polly Wharton in her sorrow, and began to
+go frequently to the house. Next in age to Polly were two boys, and then
+a lovely little girl.</p>
+
+<p>Another incident had made the summer quite notable to Primrose. This was
+the marriage of Anabella Morris, which took place in Christ Church.
+Anabella's husband was a widower with two quite large children, but of
+considerable means. Madam Wetherill was very generous with her outfit,
+though she began to feel the pinch of straitened means. So much property
+was paying very poorly and some not rented at all.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose was one of the maids, and consented to have her hair done high
+on her head and wear a train, and to be powdered, though Madam Wetherill
+disapproved of it for young people who had pretty natural complexions.
+Some young women wore a tiny bit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> a black patch near their smiling
+lips, or a dimple, as if to call attention to it.</p>
+
+<p>"And, if it grew there, they would move heaven and earth to have it
+taken off," said that lady with a little scorn.</p>
+
+<p>The bride's train was held up by a page dressed in blue and silver, and
+then followed the pretty maids, and the relatives. It was quite a brave
+show, and a proud day for Anabella, who had been dreaming of it since
+she was a dozen years old.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill gave her a wedding dinner, which now would be called a
+breakfast, so much have things changed, and then a coach took the newly
+married pair to their own home. Though Anabella would rather not have
+had another woman's children to manage, she was truly glad that all her
+anxieties in husband-hunting were over.</p>
+
+<p>Then Mr. Wharton came home with his son, who was still in a quite
+uncertain state, and it had been a question whether his shattered leg
+could be saved. But Dr. Benjamin Rush took it in hand and said it would
+be a shame indeed if such a fine young fellow would have to stump around
+all the rest of his life on a wooden leg.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHOM SHALL SHE PITY?</h3>
+
+
+<p>September came in with all the glory of ripening fruit and the late
+rich-colored flowers, with here and there a yellow leaf on the
+sycamores, a brown one on the hickories, and a scarlet one on the
+maples. There were stirring events, too. A French vessel had arrived
+with stores and four hundred thousand crowns in specie, besides an
+accession of enthusiastic men to the army. General Washington had
+determined to attempt the capture of New York, but hearing there were
+large re-enforcements on the way to Sir Henry Clinton, allowed the
+British to believe this was his plan and turned his army southward.</p>
+
+<p>A gala time indeed it was for the Quaker city. For the Continentals were
+no longer ragged, but proudly marched in the glory of new shoes and
+unpatched breeches and newly burnished accouterments. The French
+regiment of DeSoissonnais, in rose-color and white, with rose-colored
+plumes, was especially handsome and quite distanced our own army
+trappings, that had never been fine. General Washington, Count
+Rochambeau, and M. de Luzerne, the French minister, with Chief Justice
+McKean reviewed the troops. The sober citizens were stirred to unwonted
+enthusiasm. Houses were decorated, windows filled with pretty girls
+waved handkerchiefs, and the mob shouted itself hoarse with joy; going
+at night to the residence of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> French minister and shouting lustily
+amid the cheering for the King, Louis XVI.</p>
+
+<p>The hall boy ushered in a fine martial-looking man in officer's dress at
+Madam Wetherill's. A number of guests were in the parlor, and he
+hesitated a moment before he said: "Summon Miss Primrose Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"Grand sojer man in buff and blue," he whispered. "'Spect it General
+Washington hisself."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose flashed out. For a moment she stood amazed. It was not her
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, hast thou forgotten me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" with a glad cry of joy. "Oh, Andrew," and she was clasped in the
+strong arms and greeted with a kiss.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," joyfully. "All the march I have counted on this moment. I could
+not wait until to-morrow. Primrose, how are they&mdash;my dear mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is quite well, but Uncle Henry fails and has grown very deaf. And I
+think Rachel and Penn do not agree well, and are not happy. But things
+go on the same."</p>
+
+<p>"And is there&mdash;any longing for me?"</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how cruel it was to feel that only the poor mother cared. For
+Primrose was not old enough nor suspicious enough to imagine the hundred
+little ways Rachel found to blame Andrew and widen the breach between
+him and his father.</p>
+
+<p>"Thy mother is always asking for thee. I learn thy infrequent letters by
+heart, and repeat them to her as I get opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank thee a thousand times."</p>
+
+<p>"And my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hast thou not heard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not since the return of Allin Wharton. He is still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> ill and no one sees
+him, but Polly tells me now and then. Only he is not allowed to excite
+himself by talking, and it is such little dribbles that I cannot glean
+much. And you met face to face?"</p>
+
+<p>"We were both doing our duty like brave men, I trust. I'm not sure but
+in the m&ecirc;l&eacute;e that Allin saved my life, and then&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou couldst have taken his! Oh, Andrew, thank God it was not so," and
+her voice was tremulous with the joy of thanksgiving.</p>
+
+<p>"A soldier fired and wounded his right shoulder." Andrew did not say
+that it was only a hair's-breadth escape of his own life. "Neither knew
+he should meet the other."</p>
+
+<p>"And what hath happened since?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was paroled and exchanged. Since then I have heard nothing. And now
+I must go. First to see Allin, and then our Commander. The bulk of the
+troops are still to follow in the steps of these noble Frenchmen. And
+to-morrow night I must start south on an important mission. In the
+morning I shall see thee again. My respects to Madam Wetherill."</p>
+
+<p>Her arms were about his neck. How tall she had grown! He remembered when
+she had first come to Cherry farm he had carried her about in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear&mdash;&mdash;" He unclasped the clinging hands softly. And then he turned
+the door knob and was gone.</p>
+
+<p>She ran to her room, a pretty chamber next to Madam Wetherill's, now,
+and burying her face in the pillow, cried for ever so many causes, it
+seemed to her. Sorrow that her brother should not have cared enough to
+write, grief that they two should have met in strife, thanksgiving that
+neither should be guilty of the awful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> weight of the other's blood, joy
+that she should have seen Andrew, and pain and grief that he could not
+go home as a brave and well-loved son.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite late when Madam Wetherill came up, when the last guest had
+gone.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it was thy cousin, and I knew thou would not feel like
+further gayety, though all the town seems wild, as if we had gained a
+victory. These French soldiers in their fine attire have turned
+everyone's head. After all, methinks gay clothes have their uses and
+help to preserve the spirits. And Andrew&mdash;Major Henry, do we call him?"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose smiled then. "He is my own dear cousin and never forgets me.
+And he wished his respects to thee, and will come to-morrow morning. And
+Colonel Nevitt has been paroled and is in New York."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to bed now. It is full midnight. The rest will keep," and she patted
+the soft cheek, warm with flushes of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Major Henry came the next morning. Madam Wetherill was struck with the
+likeness he bore his uncle, and certainly be made a grand-looking
+soldier. Then he had to tell all about the affray, but Primrose came to
+know afterward that he made light of his part in it, and but for his
+suspicions and presence of mind there would have been great slaughter.</p>
+
+<p>"I can hardly venture to predict, but it does seem to me that we are
+nearing the end of the brunt of the fighting. It will be no secret in a
+few days, but I can trust thee, I know. The French fleet may be in the
+Chesapeake even now, and though Cornwallis hath fortified Yorktown and
+Gloucester, we shall have the British between two fires, and all aid cut
+off, even escape. I think we shall capture them, and if so, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> will be
+a blow they cannot recover from. War is cruel enough. I do not wonder
+Christian people oppose it. But slavery of the free spirit is worse
+still, and if one must strike, let it be in earnest. But we have gone
+against fearful odds."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven knows how thankful we shall be to see it ended. And yet there
+are nations that have fought longer still," subjoined Madam Wetherill
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"And I hope, when we are through with the enemy, we shall not quarrel
+among ourselves as to the making of a great country and nation. It is
+not given to many men to have breadth and wisdom and foresight."</p>
+
+<p>"And there have been disputes enough here. I sometimes wonder if men
+have any good sense."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast not a wonderfully high opinion of them," and Andrew smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"A party of women could be but little worse, and sometimes I think would
+do better."</p>
+
+<p>They talked about young Wharton, and Andrew instanced many brave acts on
+his part.</p>
+
+<p>"If thou hadst seen them patient in hunger and cold, with poor
+frost-bitten feet, and hardly a place to shelter them from the storm,
+thou wouldst not rail at them."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the stay-at-home soldiers who fight battles over the council
+board and always win, and know just what every general and every private
+could do, that provoke me! I wish sometimes they could be put in the
+forefront of the battle."</p>
+
+<p>"They would learn wisdom, doubtless. An enemy on paper is easily
+managed."</p>
+
+<p>Then Andrew had to go. And though he longed to press a kiss on the sweet
+rosy lips that were fond enough last night, Primrose seemed quite a tall
+young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> woman, and a child no longer; so, although the leave-taking was
+very sincere, it had a delicate formality in it.</p>
+
+<p>They had hardly time to consider anything, for the next day brought a
+tax on their sympathies. Primrose remembered a long ago winter when Miss
+Betty Randolph had come from Virginia to get some city accomplishments,
+and flashed in and out of the great house and gone to parties, and had
+been the envy of Anabella Morris. She had married shortly after and had
+two babies. And now her father's farm had been despoiled and he rendered
+homeless, her husband had been killed in battle, and they had made their
+way northward, hoping to find a friend in Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were they mistaken. There were the two elderly people, Betty and her
+babies, and a younger sister. The only son was in General Greene's army.</p>
+
+<p>"There is plenty of room at the farm," said Madam Wetherill. "I am not
+as young as I used to be and it gets a greater care year by year, and I
+think I grow fonder of the city. It would be well to have someone there
+all the time, and Cousin Randolph understands farming."</p>
+
+<p>"And this is the shy little yellow-haired Primrose, grown up into a
+pretty girl," Betty said in surprise. "I remember you were full of those
+quaint Quaker 'thees and thous.' But certainly you are a Quaker no
+longer, with that becoming attire? Oh, child, be glad you have not
+supped sorrow's bitter cup."</p>
+
+<p>There was so much on hand getting them settled that Primrose could not
+go to Uncle Henry's with her blessed news at once. It was always pain as
+well as pleasure. Sometimes she could hardly find a free<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> moment with
+Aunt Lois, so jealously did Rachel watch them. And though Primrose had
+planned talks with Uncle James they invariably came to nought, for she
+could never surprise him alone, and he was so hard of hearing she knew
+there would be listeners.</p>
+
+<p>Faith was upstairs spinning on the big wheel, and her window overlooked
+the stretch of woods that shut out the road altogether. Aunt Lois sat
+knitting, Rachel was making some stout homespun shirts for winter wear,
+and Uncle James was lying on the bed asleep.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast something else in thy face," began Aunt Lois presently, when
+Primrose had recounted the misfortunes of the Randolphs and the shelter
+that had opened before them. "Hast thou heard from&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen him!" Primrose clasped both hands and the knitting fell to
+the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Seen him! Oh, child! Hath he been here?"</p>
+
+<p>Her voice quavered and her eyes filled with tears.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel picked up the knitting with a frown. The needle had slipped out
+half-way.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou mightst have shown a little more care, Primrose," beginning to
+pick up the stitches.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, tell me! Is he here now?"</p>
+
+<p>"He came with the French soldiers. Oh, how fine and gallant they were!
+He could only stay one night, for the Commander had some special
+business for him at the seat of war. All the troops are going on, and it
+is hoped that, when the Continentals win, this will lead to peace."</p>
+
+<p>"When they win," said Rachel with doubtful scorn. "It seems as if they
+cared for nothing but going on and on like quarrelsome children, and no
+good comes of it. No good can come of such an evil as war. And<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> if you
+sell anything, here is all this wretched, worthless money! I had rather
+have good British gold."</p>
+
+<p>"So Arnold thought." Primrose's mirth-loving eyes danced with a sense of
+retaliation. "There has been some French gold quite as good, since it
+has clothed our troops and given them many comforts. And, Aunt Lois, he
+is well and splendid, the picture of my own father, Aunt Wetherill
+thinks. He sent so much love, and if the war should end he will come
+home for good. He is not fond of battle, but you may know how good a
+soldier he has proved, since he has gone from private to major."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Lois looked up with tender, longing eyes. "Then I shall see him,"
+she said. "He will not stay away?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, surely, surely! If there had been time he would have come now. And
+oh, Aunt Lois, up there on the Hudson we almost lost him. There was a
+sudden surprise, and, but for young Allin Wharton, it might have gone
+hard indeed with him."</p>
+
+<p>She could not confess that it was a kindred hand raised against him,
+though her quick flush betrayed some deep feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven be thanked! And the young man?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was wounded then and again later on, but has been brought home and
+is mending. And surely God was watching over Andrew, for he had no hurt
+whatever. And I feel sure now he will come back safe to us."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel Morgan's face worked with some deep passion, and grew darker
+under the sunburn. The young girl's delight angered her. Perhaps, too,
+the beauty and grace, the cloth habit fitting her slim, elegant figure,
+the beaver hat that looked so jaunty and had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> in it some long cock's
+plumes, quite a new fashion. Then there was the trim foot with its fine
+shoe and steel buckle, all gauds of worldliness to be sure, but they
+would attract a man's eye.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel had not been beautiful in her childhood, but the tender grace
+that softens so many faces had not been allowed its perfect work on
+hers. She looked older now than her years and there were hard lines that
+some day would be avarice, uncharity, and other evil traits. Then this
+girl was an idle butterfly, frisking from one folly to another in a
+wicked and worldly fashion, even despising the plain faith her father
+had intended she should follow.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," exclaimed Aunt Lois, after a blissful communing with her soul in
+very thankfulness, "thou puttest new life into me. I can feel it run
+through like the breeze in the grass. Sometimes I think with the wise
+man that few and evil have been my days, and I would not have them
+unduly prolonged, but to see my son again, my dear son!"</p>
+
+<p>The smile was so sweet that Primrose, leaning over, kissed into it and
+then both smiled again, while there were tender tears in the eyes of
+both.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I must go," Primrose said presently, "but I will try to come
+sooner again. It is such fine weather that the orchards are full of
+fruit and the wild grapes and the balsams fill the air with fragrance.
+Oh, Aunt Lois, God must have made such a beautiful world for us to
+enjoy. He cannot mean to have us frown on this, and wait until we get to
+heaven, for then the smiles and joy will not come so readily."</p>
+
+<p>"It is flippant for thee to talk of heaven this way. We do not go
+dancing into it. We must fashion our lives on more godly things," said
+Rachel rebukingly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Primrose made no reply, but drew on her glove.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall not see Faith," she said rather disappointedly as she
+rose.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Faith?" Aunt Lois looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"She idled so much yesterday that she did not finish her stent, and she
+has a larger share this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel followed the girl out. The horses stood in the shade and Jerry
+had been lounging on the grass, but he sprang up and doffed his hat to
+his young mistress.</p>
+
+<p>"I have something to say to thee." Rachel took her arm and turned her
+away from the house and Jerry as well. "Dost thou truly think Andrew
+will return?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will return." There was an exultant ring of hope and youth in the
+sweet voice that smote the listener.</p>
+
+<p>"And then," very deliberately, as if her words meant to cut something,
+they were so sharp and cold, "then you will marry him."</p>
+
+<p>"Marry him? I?"</p>
+
+<p>There was indignation in every line of the face and Rachel noted it with
+secret joy, though her countenance remained unmoved.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," persistently. "Thou hast always been fondling about him and
+kissing him, and such foolishness wins a man when plain common sense
+gets flouted."</p>
+
+<p>"I have never thought of such a thing," and her face was full of
+surprise, though the lovely color kept coming and going, and her eyes
+flashed a little. "I do not want any lovers, and as for husbands,
+nothing would tempt me to change with Mistress Anabella. And there is
+poor Betty Randolph, full of sorrow. No,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> I mean to be like Madam
+Wetherill, who can always do as she pleases."</p>
+
+<p>"Silly child! I should be sorry indeed for the man who took thee. But
+Madam Wetherill was married once."</p>
+
+<p>"And her husband died. No, I cannot bear death and sorrow," and she gave
+a quick shiver.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast made trouble enough for Andrew. First it was getting away and
+mooning over books and strange things, instead of useful ones. Then it
+was passing food and clothing out to Valley Forge, and running his neck
+in a noose. Then it was going to war, for which his father disowned
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, not that altogether." She looked steadily at Rachel, whose eyes
+fell a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if he had not gone he would not have been disowned. It was through
+thy preachment. Thou hast cost him trouble everywhere. And now, if he
+should return, thou canst make or mar again."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not mar," proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"It stands this way. Thy mother was one of the smiling, tempting,
+deceitful women, who can twist a man about her finger. She spoiled thy
+father's life and would have won him from the faith&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose's slim form trembled with indignation and Rachel cowered
+beneath the flashing eye.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a falsehood, Mistress Rachel, and God will surely mark thee for
+it! There is an old journal of my father's that, beside business dates
+and comments, has bits of sweetness about her, and how he thanks God for
+her, and that she is the sunshine of his life, and if he were to lose
+her, all would be darkness. Madam Wetherill is to give it to me when I
+am quite grown."</p>
+
+<p>"I but repeat what I have heard Uncle James say.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> And if thou wert to
+marry Andrew he would forbid him the house as much as he did when Andrew
+became a soldier. He does not approve of thee nor thy tribe."</p>
+
+<p>The hot blood stained the girl's cheeks. Yes, she had long mistrusted
+that her uncle did not like her, and that he fancied in some way Madam
+Wetherill had gotten the better of him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to marry Andrew&mdash;nor anyone. I love him very much, but I
+know it is not in that way. And my own life is growing exceeding sweet,
+day by day. It is like a garden full of wonderful flowers that no one
+can guess until they bloom."</p>
+
+<p>"Then thou wilt not hinder him again? His father's heart hath grown
+tender toward him, and I can persuade if I have this surety to go upon."</p>
+
+<p>"And then&mdash;dost thou hope to marry him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope for nothing, Miss Impertinence. I only want that Andrew shall be
+restored."</p>
+
+<p>A willful mood came over Primrose. What if she did not promise?</p>
+
+<p>"There is little dependence on thee, I see. I was a fool to think it.
+Girls like thee play with men's hearts."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel turned away with a bitter curl of the lip, and held her head up
+determinedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Rachel, if that will help, I promise. If thou wilt do thy best to
+soften Uncle James. I care not so much that he shall regard me with
+favor. I have many to love me."</p>
+
+<p>Rachel turned back a step, caught the round arm and held it up.</p>
+
+<p>"Promise," she cried, almost fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>"I promise," Primrose said solemnly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is in the sight of God. Thou wilt be a very wicked girl to break
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not break it. Oh, Rachel, do thy best to restore peace. For to
+Andrew it would be great joy."</p>
+
+<p>Then she went over to Jerry, who helped her into the saddle. The girls
+curiously enough had not said good-by to each other. Rachel had gone
+into the house.</p>
+
+<p>"I did it for the best," she was thinking to herself. "There should be
+peace between them, for Uncle James acts strangely sometimes. And then
+if Andrew hath any gratitude&mdash;perhaps soft measures may conquer. His
+mother wishes for the marriage as well."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose seemed in no haste and the ride was long. She was annoyed that
+Rachel should talk of her marrying. And her brother, she remembered, had
+confessed a half-formed plan of wedding her to Gilbert Vane. Why could
+not everybody let her alone? Madam Wetherill never spoke of it, and she
+was glad.</p>
+
+<p>Where was Gilbert Vane? And oh, where was her poor brother? The soft
+wind cooled her cheeks and the longing brought tears to her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"How late thou hast stayed," said Madam Wetherill with tender chiding.
+"I hope nothing was amiss?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, dear madam. The air was so fine that I loitered. And the dark
+seems to fall suddenly when it does come."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou must change thy habit and come to supper. Put on a jacket and
+petticoat, and afterward one of thy best gowns, for there is to be some
+young company. Pamela Trumbull sent word 'That she would come with a
+host of cousins, and thou must have in thy best singing teeth.' The maid
+is always full of merry conceits. And over our teacups thou shalt tell
+me about the Henrys."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Primrose repeated all but her last interview with Rachel. Delicacy
+forbade that. And then Patty helped her into a furbelowed gown of china
+silk that had been made from Madam Wetherill's long-ago treasures and
+had a curious fragrance about it.</p>
+
+<p>The young people came, a merry company, and first they had a game of
+forfeits and some guessing puzzles. Then Pamela, who had quite bewitched
+her cousin with tales of Primrose's singing, insisted that she should go
+to the spinet. She found a song.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not that foolish one," cried Primrose, blushing scarlet.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so dainty and no one sings it as you do. And in the print store
+on Second Street there was a laughable picture of such a pretty, doleful
+Cupid shut out of doors in the cold, that I said to Harry, 'Mistress
+Primrose Henry sings the most cunning plaint I know, and you shall hear
+it.'"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Henry Beall joined his persuasion and they found the music. Primrose
+had a lovely voice and sang with a deliciously simple manner.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"As little Cupid play-ed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The sweet blooming flowers among,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A bee that lay concealed<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Under the leaf his finger stung.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Tears down his pretty cheeks did stream<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">From smart of such a cruel wound,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And crying, through the grove he ran,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Until he his mammy found.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Mammy, I'm sorely wounded,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A bee has stung me on the plain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My anguish is unbounded,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Assist me or I die with pain.'<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She smil-ed then, replying,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Said, 'O my son, how can it be?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That by a bee you're dying,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">What must she feel who's stung by thee?'"<br /></span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>There was a burst of eager applause.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a quaint old song when I was young," said Madam Wetherill. "Then
+there are some pretty ones of Will Shakespere's."</p>
+
+<p>"This is what I like," began Primrose.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Tell me not, sweet, I am unkinde."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>She sang it with deep and true feeling, Lovelace's immortal song. And
+she moved them all by her rendering of the last two lines in her proud
+young voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I could not love thee, dear, so much,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Loved I not honor more."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Then Mistress Kent would have them come out for curds and cream and
+floating islands, and they planned a chestnutting after the first frost
+came. They were merry and happy, even if the world was full of sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it seemed so mysterious to Primrose that the songs should be so much
+about love, and that stories were written and wars made and kingdoms
+lost for its sake. What was it? No, she did not want to know, either.
+And just now she felt infinitely sorry for Rachel. Come what might,
+Andrew would not marry her. How she could tell she did not know, but she
+felt the certainty.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not sit there by the window, Primrose, or thou wilt get moon-struck
+and silly. And young girls should get beauty sleep. Come to bed at
+once," said Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>But after all she admitted to herself that Primrose was not urgently in
+need of beauty sleep.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MIDNIGHT TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Old Philadelphia had fallen into her midnight nap. Since Howe's time
+there had been a more decorous rule, and the taverns closed early. There
+were no roystering soldiers flinging their money about and singing songs
+in King George's honor, or ribald squibs about the rebels, and braggart
+rhymes as to what they would do with them by and by. Everything, this
+October night, was soft and silent. Even party people had gone home long
+ago, and heard the watchman sing out, "Twelve o'clock and all is well!"
+Only the stars were keeping watch, and the winds made now and then a
+rustle.</p>
+
+<p>Someone rode into the town tired and exhausted, but joyful, and with
+joyful news. The German watchman, who caught it first, went on his
+rounds with, "Past two o'clock and Lord Cornwallis is taken."</p>
+
+<p>He came down Arch Street. Madam Wetherill had been rather wakeful. What
+was it? She threw up the window and the sonorous voice sang out again,
+"Past two o'clock and Lord Cornwallis is taken!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what is it, madam?" cried Patty, coming in in her nightgown and
+cap.</p>
+
+<p>"It is enough to make one faint with joy! Patty, wake Joe at once and
+send him down the street. It can't be true!"</p>
+
+<p>"But what is it?" in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"If I was not dreaming it is that Lord Cornwallis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> is taken. But I am
+afraid. Patty, it is a great victory for our side. Run quick!"</p>
+
+<p>Joe, rolled up in his warm blanket, had to be thumped soundly before he
+would wake.</p>
+
+<p>"Put on your clothes this instant," and Patty stood over him, giving him
+a cuff on one ear, then on the other to balance him. "Run down the
+street, and if you don't find Lord Cornwallis taken don't pretend to
+show your face here again in this good rebel household. For now we dare
+sail under true colors!"</p>
+
+<p>But others had heard. In early morning before the day was awake there
+was such a stir that the old town scarcely knew itself. One cried to
+another. There were a thousand doubts and fears until the messenger was
+found, quite gone with fatigue, on a bench at a tavern, with a great
+crowd around him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he said, "on the nineteenth, four days ago. They were between the
+devil and the deep sea. They tried to escape on the York River, but a
+storm set in and they were driven back. And there was the French
+squadron to swallow them up, and the French and American troops posted
+about in a big half circle! 'Twas a splendid sight as one would wish to
+see! And there was nothing but surrender, or they would all have been
+cut to pieces. And such a sight when my lord sent General O'Hara with
+his sword and the message, not having courage to come himself. Then we
+were hustled off with the news. There's the posts of Yorktown and
+Gloucester and seven thousand or so soldiers, and stores and arms and
+colors and seamen and ships. By the Lord Harry! we're set up for life!
+And now let me eat and drink in peace. By night there'll be someone else
+to tell his story."</p>
+
+<p>Surely never had there been such an early rising.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> Neighbors and friends
+wrung each other's hands in great joy and talked in broken sentences,
+though there were some Tories who said the thing was simply impossible,
+and rested in serene satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had roused, and was so wild with joy that there could be no
+thought of a second nap. And after breakfast she was crazy to go over to
+Walnut Street to Polly Wharton's.</p>
+
+<p>The servant sent her into the small anteroom, for she wasn't quite sure
+Mistress Polly was in. And there, in a long easy-chair Dr. Rush had
+planned and a skilled carpenter made, that could be lowered into a bed
+at will, reclined a pale young fellow with a mop of chestnut hair, and
+temples that were full of blue veins, as well as the long, thin hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;it is Mistress Primrose Henry&mdash;but I was hardly sure! You are so
+tall, and you were such a little girl. Oh, do you remember when I ran
+over you on the Schuylkill and quarreled with your brother and wanted to
+fight a duel? I can just see how you looked as you lay there in his
+arms, pale as death, with your pretty yellow hair floating about. Well,
+I had a monstrous bad hour, I assure you. And you were such a gay, saucy
+little rebel, and so full of enthusiasm! By George! I believe you sent
+us all to war. And now this glorious news, and Andrew Henry in the midst
+of it all! It makes a fellow mad, and red-hot all over longing to be
+there! Was there ever anything so splendid! But, I beg your pardon! Will
+you not be seated? Polly went out with father, but will soon be back."</p>
+
+<p>The servant brought the same message. Mrs. Wharton would be down as soon
+as the children were off to school.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell her not to hurry," said the audacious young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> man. "It is such a
+treat to have company all to myself. And to-day is my first coming
+downstairs. Father has been so afraid all along lest I should do
+something that would undo all the good doctor's work. Between him and
+Andrew they have saved my leg, and I shan't be lame. I'll come and dance
+at your birthday party. It is in the spring, isn't it, and that is why
+you were named Primrose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know for certain," and the girl smiled; "my mother was fond of
+flowers."</p>
+
+<p>"And it's the prettiest name under the sun." He wanted to say that it
+belonged to the prettiest girl under the sun, but he did not quite dare.
+For he thought this blessed October morning she was the loveliest vision
+he had ever beheld.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, won't you take off your hat and that big cape, for Polly <i>will</i> be
+in soon, and I have such a heap of things to tell you. Polly said she
+would ask you to come around as soon as I was allowed downstairs, and
+Dr. Rush said I must wait until I could walk well. Wasn't it grand to
+see Andrew in his new uniform? We've all gone in rags and patches,
+and&mdash;well, when we're old fellows, we shall all be proud enough that we
+fought for the country. I want to live to be a full hundred, if the
+world stands so long. When have you heard from your brother?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl's face was scarlet. "Not since&mdash;since he went to New
+York."</p>
+
+<p>"Wasn't it queer we should all have had a hand in the fight, and Andrew
+never got scratched?"</p>
+
+<p>"And you saved them both! Andrew told me! Oh, I can't give you thanks
+enough! My brother is very dear to me if he is on the wrong side, and I
+have been angry with him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He always remembered with a mysterious sort of gladness that she did not
+say Andrew was dear to her. Of course he was, but he would rather not
+have it set in words.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;that we should meet just that way! He and I had quarreled, and he
+and Andrew were cousins, whose duty it was to disable each other, at
+least, though the encounter was so sudden that at the first moment I
+think they did not know each other. I gave a push to Andrew and that
+deflected his aim, for somehow I did not want him to kill Nevitt. And
+before he could recover, though the next shot was aimed at me, someone
+had struck your brother in the shoulder, and he fell. It was all done in
+a moment, but there are so many near escapes. He was pretty badly hurt,
+but Andrew managed that he should have the best of care. And they gained
+nothing by their daring and we made a lot of prisoners. Before it was
+over I was wounded, and that has put an end to my fun. But I am glad
+Andrew was in at this great victory."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose's eyes were shining with a kind of radiant joy. And yet, down
+deep in her heart, there was a pang for her brother. Sometimes she was
+vexed that he had not cared enough to write.</p>
+
+<p>"But it seems&mdash;incredible!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a sort of miracle of foresight. The man at the head of it all is
+wise and far-sighted and not easily discouraged. And Lady Washington, as
+the men call her, is not afraid to follow the camp and speak a word of
+cheer to the soldiers. We have been through many a hard time, some of
+the others much more than I. But, if I could have chosen, I'd rather
+been on the march and in the fight than lying here."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose could not doubt it. A faint color had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> warmed up the face and
+it looked less thin, and the eyes were full of enthusiasm. Something in
+their glance made hers droop and an unexpected glow steal up in her
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew said he was your soldier, that you were so full of loyalty and
+duty it inspired him. And don't you remember that you talked to me as
+well? I don't see why I shouldn't be your soldier."</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;yes. You are." Then she blushed ever so much more deeply.</p>
+
+<p>"And how brave you were that day when you assisted him to escape! Oh,
+you can't think how delightful it was to talk of you when we were cold
+and hungry and so far away from home! And all the shrewdness of Madam
+Wetherill! How she won British gold and sent it or its equivalent out to
+Valley Forge! Next summer we ought to make a picnic out there, and climb
+up Mount Pleasant and go down Mount Misery with jest and laughter."</p>
+
+<p>There was a whirl and a gentle stamping of some light feet on the
+bearskin rug in the hall.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose! It is the most glorious morning the world ever saw! And
+'tis a delight to see you here. It is Allin's first day downstairs, and
+he thinks he has been defrauded, selfish fellow! He insists I shall tell
+him everywhere I go and everybody I see, and, when I get it all related
+minutely, he sighs like a wheezy bellows and thinks I have all the fun.
+And just now I want to dance and shout, don't you, Primrose? Such news
+stirs one from finger tips to toes."</p>
+
+<p>"Get up and dance, then. I'll whistle a gay Irish jig, such as the men
+used in Howe's time at the King of Prussia Inn, while their betters were
+footing it to good British music. Think of the solemn drumbeat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> there
+will be at Yorktown! No gay Mischianza there! What a march it will be to
+the haughty prisoners!"</p>
+
+<p>They all laughed at the idea of dancing, and then they talked until
+Primrose said she must go home, but Polly would send a messenger to say
+that she meant to keep her to dinner, and then they would take a nice
+walk along Chestnut Street, and go to Market Street and see the new,
+homespun goods Mr. Whitesides had in his store.</p>
+
+<p>"For they say the weaver cunningly put in flocks of silk from old silken
+rags and has made a beautiful, glistening surface that catches the light
+in various colors. A man in Germantown, 'tis said. We shall be so wise
+presently that we shall not hanker after England's goods."</p>
+
+<p>What a merry time they had! And then Primrose must sing some songs.
+Allin thought he had never heard anything so beautiful as the one of
+Lovelace's. And he was so sorry to have them go that he looked at
+Primrose with wistful eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"When I am quite strong I am coming around to Madam Wetherill's for half
+a day."</p>
+
+<p>She blushed and nodded. He was very tired and turned over in his chair,
+and in his half sleepiness could still see Primrose Henry.</p>
+
+<p>The news was true enough. And though the Earl of Cornwallis received
+back his sword, the twenty-eight battle flags were delivered to the
+Americans, with all the other trophies.</p>
+
+<p>Congress assembled and Secretary Thompson read the cheering news. Bells
+were rung, and it was such a gala day as the city had never seen.
+Impromptu processions thronged the streets, salutes were fired, and far
+into the night rockets were sent up. The little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> old house in Arch
+Street where Betsy Ross lived, who had made the first flag with the
+thirteen stars, that could wave proudly over the other twenty-eight
+captured ones, had her house illuminated by enthusiastic citizens.</p>
+
+<p>Hundreds of Tories accepted the offer of pardon. Clinton reached the
+Chesapeake too late for any assistance and returned disheartened and
+dismayed, for it was felt that this was indeed a signal victory, and the
+renown of English arms at an end.</p>
+
+<p>The troops were not disbanded for more than a year afterward, but many
+of the soldiers and officers were furloughed, and it was announced that
+Washington would be in Philadelphia shortly, so every preparation was
+made to receive the great commander.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose had a tardy note from her brother that brought tears to her
+eyes and much contrition of spirit.</p>
+
+<p>His wound had been troublesome, but never very serious. Then a fever had
+set in. For weeks he could not decide what to do. Being a paroled
+prisoner, he had no right to take up arms. He was beginning to be very
+much discouraged as to the outcome of the war. Whether to go back to
+England or not was the question he studied without arriving at any
+decision.</p>
+
+<p>There had been a second heir born to his great-uncle, so there was
+little likelihood of his succeeding to the estate. Whether they were of
+the true Nevitt blood, considering the low ebb of morals and the many
+temptations of court life for a gay young wife, he sometimes doubted,
+but he had to accept the fact. His uncle had given him a handsome income
+at first, but he could see now that it was paid at longer intervals and
+with much pleading of hard times. Indeed, from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> these very complaints of
+exorbitant taxes, he gleaned that the war was becoming more unpopular at
+home.</p>
+
+<p>And now had come this crushing defeat. What should he do? A return to
+England did not look inviting. The dearest tie on earth was in
+Philadelphia. And that was his home, his father's home. Sometimes he
+half desired to go there and begin a new life.</p>
+
+<p>"I long for you greatly, little Primrose," he wrote. "I seem like a boat
+with no rudder, that is adrift on an ocean. Do you think good Madam
+Wetherill, who has been so much to you, would let you ask a guest for a
+few days? A Henry who has dared to lift his hand against the country of
+his birth, and regrets it now in his better understanding of events?
+For, if England had listened to her wisest counselors, the war had never
+been. I am ill and discouraged, and have a weak longing for a little
+love from my dear rebel sister, a rebel no longer, but a victor. Will
+she be generous? And then I will decide upon what I must do, for I
+cannot waste any more of life."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear aunt, read it, for I could not without crying. Dear Phil! What
+shall I do?" and she raised her tear-wet face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, ask him here, of course," smilingly. "I am not an ogre, and, being
+victors, we can afford to be generous. It will be a new amusement for
+thee, and keep thee from getting dull!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dull?" Then she threw her arms about the elder's neck and kissed her
+many times.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, thou wilt make me almost as silly as thyself. In my day a maiden
+stood with downcast eyes and made her simple courtesy for favors, and
+thou comest like a whirlwind. Sure, there is not a drop of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> Quaker blood
+in thy veins, thou art so fond of kissing. Thou art Bessy Wardour all
+over."</p>
+
+<p>"See, madam&mdash;dost thou like me better this way?"</p>
+
+<p>She stood before her in great timidity with clasped hands and eyes down
+to the ground. And she was so irresistible that Madam Wetherill caught
+her in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite as bad as thou," she declared. "We are a couple of silly
+children together. If thou should ever marry&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But I shall not marry. I shall be gay and frisky all my first years;
+then I shall take to some solid employment, perhaps write a volume of
+letters or chatty journal and say sharp things about my neighbors, wear
+a high cap and spectacles, and keep a cat who will scratch every guest.
+There, is it not a delightful picture?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go and write thy letters, saucy girl. All the men will fear thy tongue,
+that is hung so it swings both ways."</p>
+
+<p>"Like the bells on the old woman's fingers and toes, 'It makes music
+wherever I go.' Is not that a pretty compliment? Polly Wharton's brother
+gave it to me. Ah, if my brother had been like that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not say hard or naughty things to him, moppet. What is past is
+past."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose Henry's brother was greatly moved by some traces of tears he
+found in the epistle, and he was so hungering for the comforts of a
+little affection that he started at once.</p>
+
+<p>She was much troubled now about her cousin's return. For Friend Henry
+had fallen into a strange way and the doctor said he would never be any
+better. The fall had numbed his spine and gradually affected<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> his limbs.
+He gave up going out, and could hardly hobble about the two rooms. Some
+days he lay in bed all the time, and scarcely spoke, sleeping and
+seeming dazed. Lois watched over him and waited on him with the utmost
+devotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that the voice of the child Primrose?" he asked sharply one morning
+as she was cheerfully bidding Chloe and Rachel good-day.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Wouldst thou like to see her?"</p>
+
+<p>He nodded. But when Primrose came in he stared and shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"That is Bessy Wardour. I want the child Primrose," he mumbled slowly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Primrose, uncle. Mamma hath been dead this long time. But I have
+grown to a big girl, as children do."</p>
+
+<p>He seemed to consider. "And thou dost know Andrew. Where is my son, and
+why does he stay so? I want him at home."</p>
+
+<p>"He is coming soon; any day, perhaps."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell him to hasten. There is something&mdash;I seem to forget, but Mr. Chew
+will know. It must be cast into the fire. It is a tare among the wheat.
+Go quick and tell him. My son Andrew! My only and well-beloved son!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he shut his eyes and drowsed off.</p>
+
+<p>"He hath not talked so much in days. Oh, will Andrew ever come? What is
+it thou must do?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has started by this time. There are to be some officers in
+Philadelphia, and General Washington is to come to consult with
+Congress. They have had a sad bereavement in Madam Washington's only
+son, who was ill but a short time and leaves a young family. And I will
+not let Andrew lose a moment."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, dear child," clasping her hands.</p>
+
+<p>Faith was coming up from the barn with a basket of eggs.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear Primrose!" she cried, "I know Uncle James is dying. They will
+not let me see him alone, and there is a great thing on my conscience.
+Oh, if Andrew were only here!"</p>
+
+<p>"He will be here shortly. Oh, Faith, not really dying!" in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes! Grandmother was something that way. To be sure it is little
+comfort living. But I want to tell thee&mdash;Rachel has softened strangely,
+and sometimes has a frightened, far-away look in her eyes and she
+listens so when her uncle frets. Oh, if I were but twenty-one, and could
+get away from it all! It is as if I might see a ghost."</p>
+
+<p>"He wants to see Andrew. Something is to be cast into the fire. I wish I
+knew."</p>
+
+<p>"It was so quiet and no one was afraid when grandmother died. But this
+is awesome. Oh, Primrose, I hate to have thee go."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith! Faith!" called the elder sister.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose went her way in a strange state of mind. Was there anything she
+could do? She would ask Aunt Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>"Something is on his mind, surely. But whether one ought to take the
+responsibility to see Mr. Chew, I cannot decide."</p>
+
+<p>How long the hours appeared! Twice the next day she sent fleet-footed
+Joe down to see if any soldiers had come in. And Madam Wetherill called
+at the Attorney General's office to find that he was in deep
+consultation with the Congress.</p>
+
+<p>Just at the edge of the next evening there was a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> voice at the great
+hall door that sent a thrill to her very soul. She sped out.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose&mdash;dear child&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But she did not fly to his arms. Some deep inward consciousness
+restrained her and the words of Rachel, that just now rang in her ears.</p>
+
+<p>How tall and sweet and strange withal she was. He stood for a moment
+electrified. She was a child no longer.</p>
+
+<p>Then she found her tongue, though there was a distraught expression in
+her face as if she could cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Andrew, it is a great relief to greet thee, but there is not a
+moment to lose. Thy poor father is dying and longs to see thee. And
+there is sorrel Jack in the stable, fresh and fleet as the wind. Madam
+Wetherill has gone out to a tea-drinking, but she said thou wert to take
+him at once, and we were so afraid thou would not come in time. Joe"&mdash;to
+the black hall boy&mdash;"see that Jack is made ready. Meanwhile, wilt thou
+have a glass of wine, or ale, or even a cup of tea?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, dear child. When did thou see them last?" His voice sounded
+hollow to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Three days ago."</p>
+
+<p>"And my mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is well. She grows sweeter and more angel-like every day."</p>
+
+<p>Then they stood and looked at each other. How fine and brave he was, and
+he held his head with such spirit.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," she could not resist this, "was it not glorious there at
+Yorktown?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was worth half a man's life! It gave us a country.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> And there hath a
+friend of thine come up with me, a brave young fellow&mdash;one Gilbert
+Vane."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" was all she answered.</p>
+
+<p>Then the horse came, giving a joyful whinny as he felt the fresh air,
+and Andrew Henry went out into the night as if a beautiful vision were
+guiding him. Was it Primrose in all that strange, sweet glory?</p>
+
+<p>He had ridden fast and far many a time. Up by the river here, under this
+stretch of woods, then a great level of meadows, here and there a tiny
+light gleaming in a house, hills, a valley, then more woods, and he drew
+a long breath.</p>
+
+<p>Someone came to meet him. He took his mother in his arms and kissed her,
+but neither spoke, for the rapture was beyond words.</p>
+
+<p>There was a candle burning on each end of the high mantelshelf. There
+was Friend Browne, bent and white-haired, who looked sourly at the
+soldier trappings and gave him a nerveless hand. There was Friend
+Preston. On the cot lay the tall, wasted frame of James Henry, as if
+already prepared for sepulture, so straight and still and composed. His
+mother took her seat at the foot of the bed. Andrew knelt down and
+prayed.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the gray of the dawning when James Henry stirred and opened
+his eyes wide. They seemed at first fixed on vacancy, then they moved
+slowly around.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew, my son, my only son," and he stretched out his hands. "Tell
+Primrose&mdash;tell her to burn the ungodly thing. I am glad thou hast come.
+Now I shall get strong and well. I was waiting for thee."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry held his father's hand. It was very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> cool, and the pulse
+was gone. That was the end of life, of what might have been love.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel met her cousin in the morning with a strange gleam of fear in her
+eyes. He was very gentle. After breakfast he had to go into town and
+report, and get leave of absence, and inform some of the friends, Madam
+Wetherill among the rest.</p>
+
+<p>He had seen much of men and the world in the last few years, and learned
+many things, among others that a life of repression was not religion.
+And he knew now it was the love of God, and not the estimate of one's
+fellowmen, that did the great work of the world and smoothed the way of
+the dying. From henceforth he should live a true man's life. But his
+mother would be his first care always.</p>
+
+<p>Some days afterward Mr. Chew sent for him and gave him the will.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not make it," he explained. "I refused to write out one that I
+considered unjust, and later on he brought this to me for safe keeping.
+I sincerely hope it is not the same. Take it home and read it, and then
+come to me."</p>
+
+<p>It was made shortly after Andrew had joined the army, and the reasons
+were given straightforwardly why he left his son Andrew Henry the sum of
+only one hundred dollars. In consideration of the sonlike conduct and
+attention to the farm, and respect shown to himself, and Lois, his wife,
+the two great barns and one hundred acres of land, meadow and orchard,
+west of the barns, to Penn Morgan, the son of his wife's sister. To
+Rachel Morgan, for similar care and respect, the dwelling house and one
+barn and one hundred acres, and this to be chargable with Lois Henry's
+home and support. Another hundred and twenty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> acres to Faith Morgan, and
+the stock equally divided among the three. The moneys out at interest to
+be his wife's share.</p>
+
+<p>Lois Henry went to her son.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry," she said. "He repented of something, and I think he meant
+to have the will destroyed. He was very stern after thou didst leave,
+and sometimes hard to Penn, who had much patience. I think his mind was
+not quite right, and occasionally it drowsed away strangely."</p>
+
+<p>"He was glad to see me. That was like a blessing. And we came to look at
+matters in such different lights. He was home here with the few people
+who could not see or know the events going on in the great world. I do
+not think Mr. William Penn ever expected that we should narrow our lives
+so much and take no interest in things outside of our own affairs. And
+when one has been with General Washington and seen his broad, clear
+mind, and such men as General Knox, and Greene and Lee and Marion, and
+our own Robert Morris, the world grows a larger and grander place. I
+shall be content with that last manifestation, and I have thee and thy
+love. Sometime later on we will have a home together," and the soldier
+son kissed his mother tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>Penn stopped him as he was walking by the barns and looking at the
+crops.</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew," he began huskily, "of a truth I knew nothing about the will. I
+had no plan of stepping into thy place. I had meant, when I came of age,
+to take my little money and buy a plot of ground. But thy father made me
+welcome, and when thou wert gone stood sorely in need of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, thou hadst been faithful to him and it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> was only just to be
+rewarded. I have no hard feelings toward thee, Penn, and I acquit thee
+of any unjust motive."</p>
+
+<p>Penn Morgan winced a little and let his eyes drop down on the path, for
+an expression in the clear, frank ones bent upon him stung him a little.
+How much had the suggestion he had given had to do with his cousin's
+almost capture and enlistment? He knew his uncle would grudge the
+service done to the rebels, and he considered it his duty to stop it. He
+fancied he took this way so as not to make hard feelings between Andrew
+and his father. He did not exactly wish it undone, but there was a sense
+of discomfort about it.</p>
+
+<p>"There were many hard times for me thou knowest nothing about," said
+Penn, with an accent of justification. "He grew very unreasonable and
+sharp&mdash;Aunt Lois thinks his mind was impaired longer than we knew. I
+worked like a slave and held my peace. It is owing to me that the farm
+is in so good a condition to-day, while many about us have been suffered
+to go to waste. I have set out new fruit. I have cared for everything as
+if it had been mine, not knowing whether I should get any reward in the
+end. And though Rachel hath grown rather dispirited at times and crossed
+my wishes, she had much to bear also. I should have some amends besides
+mere farm wages."</p>
+
+<p>"I find no fault. It must please thee to know thou didst fill a son's
+place to him. And a life like this is satisfactory to thee." The tone
+was calm.</p>
+
+<p>"I could not endure soldiering and vain and worldly trappings," casting
+his eye over his cousin's attire. "And I care not for the world's
+foolish praise. A short time ago it was Howe and the King, now it is
+Washington, and Heaven only knows what is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> to come. I have this two
+years been spoken to Clarissa Lane and shall take my own little money
+and build a house for her, and live plainly in God's sight."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish thee much happiness. And never think I shall grudge thee
+anything."</p>
+
+<p>"And I suppose thou wilt become a great military man! Thou wert hardly
+meant for a Quaker."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall serve my country while she needs me," was the grave reply.</p>
+
+<p>As for Rachel, she had no mind to give up all for lost. Even now she
+could depend upon Primrose to keep her promise. She had the old house
+that was dear to Andrew, and she had his mother in her care. When the
+war was really ended and the soldiers disbanded, he must settle
+somewhere, and so she took new courage. If she did not marry him there
+were others who would consider her a prize. But she knew she should
+never love any man as she could love Andrew Henry.</p>
+
+<p>There were times when she hated herself for it. And now that he had
+come, gracious, tender, and with that air of strength and authority that
+always wins a woman, fine-looking withal, and clinging to some Quaker
+ways and speech, her heart went out to him again in a burst of
+fondness.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHEN THE WORLD WENT WELL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>About the country farms, with their narrow ways, opinion was divided.
+Andrew had shocked the Friends by wearing his uniform to his father's
+burial, but he felt he was the son of his country, as well, and had her
+dignity to uphold. Penn Morgan was very much respected and certainly had
+done his duty to his dead uncle.</p>
+
+<p>But at Arch Street indignation ran high, and the Whartons were also very
+outspoken. Primrose was lovelier than ever in her vehemence, and Polly
+declared it was the greatest shame she had ever known. Even Mr. Chew
+said it was an unjust will, and he thought something might be done in
+the end with Primrose Henry's testimony.</p>
+
+<p>"But for my sake thou wilt not give it. Family quarrels are sore and
+disgraceful things, and it is true Penn was a good son to him. My mother
+is well provided for, and I shall find something to do when peace is
+declared, for it is said when Lord North heard of the surrender, he beat
+his breast and paced the floor, crying out: 'Oh, God, it is all over, it
+is all over, and we have lost the colonies!' So that means the end of
+the war."</p>
+
+<p>"And will you not stay a soldier? You are so brave and handsome,
+Andrew."</p>
+
+<p>She meant it from her full heart, and the admiration<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> shone in her eyes.
+But she was thinking that Rachel would never marry a soldier.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, little one," smiling with manly tenderness. "I have no love for
+soldiering without a cause. When all is gained you will see even our
+great commander come back to private life. I think to-day he would
+rather be at Mount Vernon with his wife and the little Custis children
+than all the show and trappings of high military honors. And there
+should never be any love or lust of conquest except for the larger
+liberty."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill comforted him with great kindliness.</p>
+
+<p>"I think thou wilt lose nothing in the end," she said gravely. For
+though she was somewhat set against cousins marrying, and Andrew seemed
+too grave a man for butterfly Primrose, she remembered Bessy Wardour had
+been very happy.</p>
+
+<p>Allin Wharton could walk out with a cane, and found his way often down
+to Arch Street. He was sitting there one morning, making Primrose sing
+no end of dainty songs for him, when a chaise drove up to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Now there is a caller and I will sing no more for you," she exclaimed
+with laughing grace. "Some day these things will be worn threadbare with
+words falling out and leaving holes."</p>
+
+<p>"And you can sing la, la, as you do sometimes when you pretend to
+forget, and so patch it up."</p>
+
+<p>"Then my voice will get hoarse like a crow. Ah, someone asks for Miss
+Henry. How queer! I hardly know my own name."</p>
+
+<p>She ran out heedlessly. Allin was no longer pale, and gaining flesh, but
+this man was ghostly, and for a moment she stared.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Phil! Phil!" she cried, and went to his arms with a great throb of
+sisterly love.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose! Surely you have grown beautiful by the hour. And such a
+tall girl&mdash;why, a very woman!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how have you come? We have been waiting and waiting for word. Oh,
+sit down, for you look as if you would faint."</p>
+
+<p>He took the big splint armchair in the hall, and she stood by him
+caressing his hand, while tears glittered on her lashes.</p>
+
+<p>"I reached the town yesterday. I had not the courage to come, and was
+very tired with my journey, so I went to Mrs. Grayson's, on Second
+Street. I knew her during Howe's winter; some of our officers were
+there."</p>
+
+<p>"'Our.' Oh, Phil! now that all is over I want to hear you say 'my
+country.' For it is your birthplace. There must be no mine or thine."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a poor wretch without a country, Primrose," he said falteringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay! You must have a share in your father's country. I shall not
+let you go back to England."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought the best place to go would be one's grave. Everything
+has failed. Friends are dead or strayed away. The cause is lost. For I
+know now no armies can make a stand against such men as these patriots.
+And if I had never gone across the sea, I suppose I should be one of
+them. But it is ill coming in at the eleventh hour, when you have lost
+all and must beg charity."</p>
+
+<p>"But we have abundant charity and love."</p>
+
+<p>"You are on the winning side."</p>
+
+<p>Her beautiful, tender eyes smiled on him, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> tremulous lips tried
+not to follow, but she was proud of it, her country's side.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, forgive me!" she cried in a burst of pity.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Primrose, I am not so much of a coward but that I can stand being
+beaten and endure the stigma of a lost cause&mdash;an unjust cause, we shall
+have to admit sooner or later. But I seem to have been shilly-shallying,
+a sort of gold-lace soldier, and the only time I was ever roused&mdash;oh,
+Primrose! believe that I did not know who I should attack until it was
+too late."</p>
+
+<p>"And, Phil, you will take it all back now. Come hither in the parlor.
+There is one soldier who will shake hands heartily without malice, and
+my Cousin Andrew is often dropping in&mdash;<i>your</i> cousin," in a sweet,
+unsteady voice, that was half a laugh and half a cry. "And we shall all
+be friends. Allin!"</p>
+
+<p>He thought the name had never sounded so sweet and he would have gone up
+to the cannon's mouth if she had summoned him that way. She had caught
+it from Polly saying it so much.</p>
+
+<p>But he hesitated a little, too. Besides the morning of the skirmish
+there had been the other encounter of hard words.</p>
+
+<p>She took a hand of each and clasped them together, though she felt the
+resistance to the very finger ends. She smiled at one and at the other,
+and the sweetness of the rosy lips and dimpled chin was enough to
+conquer the most bitter enemies.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are to be friends, honest and true. This is what women will
+have to do: gather up the ends and tie them together, and make cunning
+chains that you cannot escape. Oh, there comes Madam Wetherill. See,
+dear aunt, I have reconciled Tory and Rebel!" and she laughed
+bewitchingly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Allin said he must go, but he did wish Philemon Nevitt had not come
+quite so soon. How queer it was to meet thus, but then, could any man
+resist Primrose Henry?</p>
+
+<p>Afterward they had a long talk. It seemed true now that Philemon Nevitt
+stood very much alone in the world, and certainly whatever dreams he had
+entertained of greatness were at an end. They had not been so very
+ambitious, to be sure, but he was young yet and could begin a new life.</p>
+
+<p>But first of all he was to get sound and in good spirits, and Madam
+Wetherill quite insisted that he should spend the winter in Philadelphia
+and really study the country he knew so little about.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner-time came, and she would have him stay. Every moment he thought
+Primrose more bewitching. For when one decided she was all froth and
+gayety, the serious side would come out and a tenderness that suggested
+her mother. It was not all frivolity, and he found she was wonderfully
+well-read for a girl of that day.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Nevitt was more than surprised when his cousin made his
+appearance. There was something in the hearty clasp and full, rich voice
+that went to his lonely heart. Once he recalled that he had met the
+quiet Quaker in his farm attire in this very house, and the bareness of
+his uncle's home, at his call, had rather displeased his fashionable and
+luxurious tastes.</p>
+
+<p>They could not help thinking of the time when they had met in what might
+have been deadly affray if Providence had not overruled. And now Andrew
+Henry was many steps up the ladder of success; and he was down to the
+very bottom. He felt almost envious.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But Andrew does not mean to be a soldier for life," Primrose declared
+afterward.</p>
+
+<p>"What, not with this splendid prospect? And that martial air seems born
+with him. Why, it would be sinful to throw so much away when it is in
+his very grasp. I cannot believe it!"</p>
+
+<p>"There is good Quaker blood in his veins as well," said Madam Wetherill
+with a smile. "And the fighting Quakers have been the noblest of all
+soldiers because they went from the highest sense of patriotism, not for
+any glory. And you will find them going back to the peaceful walks of
+life with as much zest as ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you are not a Quaker, though you use so much of the speech. And I
+miss the pretty quaintness in Primrose. How dainty it was!"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose ran away and in five minutes came back in a soft, gray silken
+gown, narrow and quite short in the skirt, a kerchief of sheer mull
+muslin crossed on her bosom, and all her hair gathered under a plain
+cap. Madam Wetherill was hardly through explaining that she had always
+been a Church of England woman, and one thing she had admired in Mr.
+Penn more than all his other wisdom, was his insistence that everyone
+should be free to worship as he chose.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose!" he cried in delight. "What queer gift do you possess of
+metamorphosis? For one would declare you had never known aught outside
+of a gray gown. And each change brings out new loveliness. Madam
+Wetherill, how do you keep such a sprite in order?"</p>
+
+<p>"She lets me do as I like, and I love to do as she likes," was the quick
+reply, as she laid her pretty hand on the elder woman's shoulder, and
+smiled into her eyes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"She is a spoiled child," returned madam fondly. "But since I have
+spoiled her myself, I must e'en put up with it."</p>
+
+<p>"But Mrs. Wharton spoils me too, and thinks the best of the house must
+be brought out for me. And even Aunt Lois has grown strangely
+indulgent."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I should soon get well in this atmosphere. And of course,
+Primrose," with a certain amused meaning, "you will never rest until I
+am of your way of thinking and have forsworn the king. Must I become a
+Quaker as well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, that is as thou pleasest," she said with a kind of gay
+sententiousness.</p>
+
+<p>All of life was not quite over for him, Philemon Nevitt decided when he
+went back to Mrs. Grayson's house. It had been quite a famous house when
+the Declaration of Independence was pending, and held Washington, and
+Hancock, and many another rebel worthy. Then it had been a great place
+again in the Howe winter. Madam Wetherill had generously invited him to
+make her house his home, but he had a delicacy about such a step.</p>
+
+<p>Early in December hostilities at the south ceased and the British
+evacuated Charleston. Preparations were made for a discussion of the
+preliminaries of peace. John Adams, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin,
+Jefferson, and Laurens were, after some discussion, named commissioners
+and empowered to act. General and Mrs. Washington came up to
+Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>There was not a little wrangling in the old State House, for it was not
+possible that everyone should agree. And if the men bickered the women
+had arguments as well. Some were for having an American<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> King and
+degrees of royalty that would keep out commoners, but these were mostly
+Tory women.</p>
+
+<p>There was not a little longing for gayety and gladness after the long
+and weary strife, the deaths, the wounded soldiers, and all the
+privations. The elder people might solace themselves with card-playing,
+but the younger ones wanted a different kind of diversion.</p>
+
+<p>The old Southwark Theater was opened under the attractive title of
+"Academy of Polite Science." Here a grand ovation was given to General
+Washington, "Eugenie," a play of Beaumarchais, being acted, with a fine
+patriotic prologue. The young women were furbishing up their neglected
+French, or studying it anew, and the French minister was paid all the
+honors of the town. The affection and gratitude shown the French allies
+were one of the features of the winter.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry was proud enough of his pretty sister, and the still
+fine-looking grand dame Mrs. Wetherill. Then there was piquant Polly
+Wharton with her smiles and ready tongue, and even Andrew Henry was
+recreant enough to grace the occasion, which seemed to restore an
+atmosphere of amity and friendly alliance.</p>
+
+<p>There was more than one who recalled the gay young Andr&eacute; and his
+personations during the liveliest winter Philadelphia had ever known.</p>
+
+<p>Dancing classes were started again, and the assemblies reopened. Many of
+the belles of that older period were married; not a few of them, like
+Miss Becky Franks, had married English officers, and were now departing
+for England since there was no more glory to be gained at war, and these
+heroes were somewhat at a discount.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There were many young patriots and not a few Southerners who had come up
+with the army, for Philadelphia, though she had been buffeted and
+traduced, had proved the focus of the country, since Congress had been
+held here most of the time; here the mighty Declaration had been born
+and read, when the substance was treason, and here the flag had been
+made; here indeed the first glad announcement of the great victory had
+been shouted out in the silent night. So the old town roused herself to
+a new brightness. Grave as General Washington could be when seriousness
+was requisite, he had the pleasant Virginian side to his nature, and was
+not averse to entertainments.</p>
+
+<p>Gilbert Vane had returned with the soldiers, and ere long he knew his
+friend was in the city; for Major Henry said the brother of Primrose was
+almost a daily visitor at Madam Wetherill's.</p>
+
+<p>"And still a stout Tory, I suppose, regarding me as a renegade?" Vane
+ventured with a half smile.</p>
+
+<p>"He has changed a great deal. Primrose, I think, lops off a bit of
+self-conceit and belief in the divine right of kings, at every
+interview. And he is her shadow."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I should have no chance of seeing her," the young man said
+disappointedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay. I think Cousin Phil nobler than to hold a grudge when so many
+grudges have been swept away. I find him companionable in many respects.
+He was in quite ill-health when he first came, but improves daily."</p>
+
+<p>"He was like an elder brother to me always, and it was a sore pang to
+offend him. But I came to see matters in a new light. And I wonder how
+it was his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> sweet little sister did not convert him? She was always so
+courageous and charming, a most fascinating little rebel in her
+childhood. I should have adored such a sister. Indeed, if I had
+possessed one at home I should never have crossed the ocean."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew repeated part of this conversation to Primrose. He had been
+impressed with the young man's patriotism.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you know, in a certain way, he was <i>my</i> soldier," she said with her
+sunniest smile. "And now I must see him. How will we plan it? For Phil
+is a little proud and a good deal obstinate. Polly would know how to
+bring it about, she has such a keen wit. And Allin would like him, I
+know. Polly shall give you an invitation for him at her next dance. And
+you must come, even if you do not dance."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew gave an odd, half-assenting look. It was as Rachel had said long
+ago; in most things she wound him around her finger.</p>
+
+<p>But at the first opportunity she put the subject cunningly to Philemon.</p>
+
+<p>"What became of that old friend of yours, who changed your colors for
+mine, and went to fight my battles?" she asked gayly, one day, when they
+had stopped reading a thin old book of poems by one George Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>"My friend? Oh, do you mean young Vane? I have often wondered. He went
+to Virginia&mdash;I think I told you. It was a great piece of folly, when
+there was a home for him in England."</p>
+
+<p>"But if his heart was with us!" she remarked prettily with her soft
+winsomeness. "Art thou very angry with him?" and her beautiful eyes wore
+an appealing glance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, when you want to subdue the enemy utterly, use 'thee' and
+'thou.' No man's heart could stand against such witchery. Thou wilt be a
+sad coquette later on."</p>
+
+<p>She laughed then at his attempt. There was always a little dimple in her
+chin, and when she laughed one deepened in her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely I am spoiled with flattery. I should be vainer than a peacock.
+But that is not answering my question. I wonder how much thou hast of
+the Henry malice."</p>
+
+<p>"Was I angry? Why, the defection seemed traitorous then. I counted
+loyalty only on the King's side. But I have learned that a man can
+change when he is serving a bad side and still be honest. He was a fine
+fellow, but I think he was tired of idleness and frivolity, and he fell
+in with some women who were of your way of believing, and their glowing
+talk fascinated him. One of them I know had a brother in the southern
+army."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it was not <i>I</i> who converted him." She gave a pretty pout, in mock
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you started it. Though New York had many rebels."</p>
+
+<p>"And perhaps he will come back and marry one of them."</p>
+
+<p>"He may be at that now. Nay," seriously, "more likely he is in some
+unknown grave. And he was very dear to me," with a manly sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you could forgive him?" softly.</p>
+
+<p>"In his grave, yes. Alive, the question would be whether, being the
+victor, he would not crow over me. Oh, little Primrose, war is a very
+bitter thing after all. To think I came near to killing Cousin Andrew,
+and yet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> he holds no malice. What a big heart he has! I do not believe
+in Henry malice."</p>
+
+<p>"And <i>you</i> will hold no malice?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is hardly likely I shall see him."</p>
+
+<p>She turned around and pretended to be busy with the curtain so that he
+might not see the glad light shining in her eyes. But he was thinking of
+the old days when they were lads together and talked of what they would
+do when they were lords of Vane Priory and Nevitt Grange.</p>
+
+<p>And when they met they simply looked into each other's eyes and clasped
+hands; the new disquiet being forgotten and the old affection leaping to
+its place. Just a moment. They were forming a little dance, and
+Lieutenant Vane was to lead with Miss Polly Wharton, while Primrose had
+Allin for a partner.</p>
+
+<p>"You little mischief," and Phil gave Primrose a soft pinch afterward,
+"how did you dare? What if we had both been foes to the teeth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I knew better. Andrew said he was longing to be friends, but would
+not dare make the first advances. And if you had refused to speak with
+him at this house you would not be gentlemanly."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to kiss you before everybody."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not good manners."</p>
+
+<p>"You will have a rival."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not like that. Whatever you do, no one shall be loved better
+than I."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even a wife, if I should get one? Oh, you jealous little Primrose!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see&mdash;if I should choose her&mdash;&mdash;" And she glanced up archly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you would have me here forever. She would be a maiden of this
+quaint old town."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall choose her," triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, come and sing," said half a dozen voices.</p>
+
+<p>And though Gilbert Vane listened entranced to the singing, he also had
+an ear for his friend. It was so good to be at peace with him, and they
+promised to meet the next day.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill was glad to see the young lieutenant again. Her house
+seemed to be headquarters, as before, and nothing interested her more
+than to hear the story of the southern campaign from such an
+enthusiastic talker as Vane, for Andrew was rather reticent about his
+own share in these grand doings.</p>
+
+<p>It was not a cold winter, and the spring opened early. Philadelphia
+seemed to rise from her depression and there were signs of business once
+more, although the finances of the nation were in a most troubled state.
+Shops were opening, stores put on their best and bravest attire, and
+suddenly there was a tremor in the very air, a flutter and song of
+birds, and a hazy, grayish-blue look about the trees that were swelling
+with buds, soon to turn into crimson maple blooms, and tender birch
+tassels and all beautiful greenery, such as moves the very soul, and
+informs it with new life.</p>
+
+<p>In March the cessation of hostilities was agreed upon, and plans looking
+toward peace.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, little rebel!" exclaimed Philemon Henry, "you must lay down your
+arms. Surely you should meet us half-way?"</p>
+
+<p>"What arms?" archly, smiling out of mischievous eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"A sharp and saucy tongue. Sometimes you are hardly just to Vane, and in
+your eyes he should be a patriot."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He is. But surely I do not talk half as bad as Mrs. Ferguson and Miss
+Jeffries. One would think, listening to them, that the Americans had no
+sense, and could not govern the country they fought for. Why do not
+people like these go back to England?"</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go?" in a voice of sad indecision.</p>
+
+<p>"If you talked like that I should bid you a joyous send off! What a pity
+Miss Jeffries had not married one of Howe's officers; then she would
+have to go when they are all sent out of the country. And poor old Mr.
+Jeffries hath quite lost his head. Aunt hates to play with him any more,
+for he loses incessantly."</p>
+
+<p>"But do not the soldiers need something out of the fund?"</p>
+
+<p>They both laughed at that.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt we could still find some with well-worn shoes. But the need
+not being urgent, she hates to impoverish the old man who hath lost so
+much. For it seems he made some heavy bets upon Lord Cornwallis reducing
+the southern Colonies and entering Philadelphia in triumph. And even now
+he is sure the King will never consent to the separation."</p>
+
+<p>"Which shows how much the King loved the Colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"A queer love, that would deprive them of any kind of freedom. No, my
+kind of love is broad and generous, and not thinking how much profit one
+can squeeze out," and her lovely eyes were deep with intense feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"When wilt thou give me a little of this measure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Phil, am I very naughty and cross?" and her sweet voice would have
+disarmed anyone. "But I think sometimes you are only half converted. You
+talk of returning to England, and it grieves me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But if I stay here I must find some business. I am not very lucky at
+cards. I have resigned my position, and now that poor old Sir Wyndham is
+dead and the income shrunk sadly, I can count on no more from that
+quarter. There is only the interest on what my dear father invested for
+me, and that may pay but poorly. They will hardly want to make a rebel
+officer of me, since if peace comes they will disband many of the
+regiments. To beg I am ashamed. I hardly know how to work. If I went
+home and re-enlisted&mdash;England always hath some wars on hand."</p>
+
+<p>"They are a naughty, quarrelsome nation, and then they wonder how we
+come to have so much spunk and bravery! No, thou shalt not go back.
+Business here will stir up. Then men talk to Madam Wetherill about it.
+And I think thou hast wit enough to learn. Thou shalt get settled here,
+and&mdash;and marry some pretty rebel wife&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And quarrel with her?" mirthfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, she shall be better tempered than I. Everybody hath spoiled me,
+and I am a shrew. No man will ever want to marry me, and I am glad of
+that."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>AN APRIL GIRL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"On Thursday next I shall have a birthday," said Primrose Henry. "And I
+shall be seventeen. Yet I never can catch up with Polly, who is
+nineteen."</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;some day thou wilt be nineteen. And what shall we do for thee?
+Wilt thou have a party?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am tired of parties, and it is growing warm to dance. I believe in a
+fortnight or so the army is to leave. Andrew is going with the commander
+at first, but, if he is not needed, will come back. He makes such a
+handsome soldier."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a vain little moppet, always thinking whether people look fine
+or not."</p>
+
+<p>"But Andrew is handsome of himself. I wish Phil came up to six feet and
+past. I think the Nevitts could not have been overstocked with beauty."</p>
+
+<p>"How thou dost flout the poor lad! I wonder that he loves thee at all!"</p>
+
+<p>"But I love him," with charming serenity.</p>
+
+<p>"And show it queerly."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose gave her light, rippling laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"I think"&mdash;after a pause, twirling her sewing around by the thread&mdash;"I
+think we will all take a walk about the dear old town. Then we will come
+home and have tea, and rest ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"But why not ride? I am too old and too stout to be trotting about, and
+Patty is hardly&mdash;&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Patty will flirt with my fine cousin. Oh, I have caught her at it. You
+would be amazed to know the secrets they have with each other, and the
+low-toned talk that goes on. I have to be severe, and to be severe on
+one's birthday would be hard indeed."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Betty Mason was complaining of being so mewed up all winter. And now
+her baby is old enough to leave, and she might come down and see the
+changes planned for the town, and the other changes since the winter she
+had her gay fling. What a little girl I was! And she being a widow can
+watch us, but Phil has such sharp eyes that he might be a veritable
+dragon. He will not let me buy a bit of candied calamus unless the boy
+is under ten, he is so afraid I shall be looked at. And there will be
+Polly's brother to watch her. But Betty will have two attendants, which
+is hardly fair, and she thinks Gilbert Vane quite a hero."</p>
+
+<p>"And Andrew Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, she is soft-hearted about him because he has lost his fortune. And
+Gilbert Vane is like to lose his in the general settling up. So she can
+administer the same kind of consolation to both."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast a shrewd way of allotting matters. Poor Betty! It will be
+nice to ask her since you both have brothers to watch over you. And you
+will not stray very far? Then what delicacies will you have for supper?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we shall be hungry as wolves. I must see what Mistress Kent can
+give us. She thinks soldiers have grown hollow by much tramping and
+cannot be filled up."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill smiled indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>They all promised to come. Julius went out on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> Wednesday and brought in
+Betty, who was delighted with the outing.</p>
+
+<p>But when Primrose opened her eyes at six in the morning there was a
+gentle patter everywhere, and dashes on the window pane. But, oh! how
+sweet all the air was, and the clouds were having a carnival in the sky,
+chasing each other about in the vain endeavor to cover up the bits of
+laughing blue.</p>
+
+<p>"Patty," in a most doleful voice, "it rains!"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure, child," cheerfully. "What would you have on an April day?
+And if it rains before seven 'twill clear before eleven. There will be
+no dust for your walk."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a great comforter, Patty. Are you sure it will stop by noon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, la, yes! April days can never keep a whole mind."</p>
+
+<p>"That must be the reason I am so changeable."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say. But I was born in November, and I like to change my mind.
+'Twould be a queer world if people were like candles, all run in one
+mold."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are fat candles and thin candles."</p>
+
+<p>"And they are always round. Folks have corners. They're queer-like and
+pleasant by spells, and you can't see everything about them at a glance.
+We must have candles, but I have a hankering for folks as well."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose laughed and ran to Betty, who was not as philosophical, and was
+afraid that the day was spoiled.</p>
+
+<p>"The wind is west," said Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough, by nine it was a radiant day. The two girls chattered, for
+Betty was only three-and-twenty, and the news from Virginia had put new
+heart in her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You must talk to Lieutenant Vane as much as you can. You see, he was
+there so much longer than Andrew, and knew more about everything. And he
+is such a splendid American! But he may have to give up Vane Priory,
+which Phil says was beautiful. Or, rather, it will be confiscated.
+General Howe sent over word when he joined our army. It is hard to be
+called a traitor and a deserter when you are doing a noble deed. But he
+doesn't seem very disheartened over it."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very brave of him."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose brought out her pretty frocks and her buckles and some of her
+mother's trinkets she was allowed to wear, and Betty told over various
+Virginian gayeties, and the sun went on shining. So, quite early Polly
+and Allin came. Allin had decided to study law, for his ambition had
+been roused by the appointment of really learned men to discuss the
+points of coming peace. And there would always be legal troubles to
+settle, property boundaries to define, wills to make, and Allin admitted
+he had seen quite enough of war, though, if the country needed him, he
+should go again. But Gilbert Vane was a truly enthusiastic soldier.</p>
+
+<p>When Andrew came he announced that the company was to be ready to start
+next week. General Washington would have his quarters for some time up
+the Hudson, so as to be ready for a descent on New York if England
+should start the war afresh on any pretext.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly the afternoon was beautiful. People were beginning with
+gardens, and climbing roses were showing green stems. And the tall box
+alleys were full of new sprouts, betraying a great contrast to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> deep
+green that had withstood the frosts of many winters.</p>
+
+<p>There was a ferry over Dock Creek; indeed, there were but few bridges,
+but being ferried over was more to their taste. Then they walked up
+Society Hill, where some fine, substantial houses were being put up.
+There were the city squares, and, far over, a great ragged waste, with
+tree stumps everywhere.</p>
+
+<p>"That is what you did in Howe's winter&mdash;cut down all the beautiful
+woods&mdash;Governor's woods," Primrose said resentfully. "There are traces
+of you everywhere. It will take years and years for us to forget it or
+remedy it."</p>
+
+<p>"But do you not suppose the soldiers around Valley Forge cut down the
+woods as well? You would not have them freeze. And the poor men here
+wanted a little warmth," said Phil.</p>
+
+<p>"There was plenty of waste land where you could have gone," in her
+severest tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought myself there were many acts of vandalism," commented Vane.
+"But I believe it is the rule of warfare to damage your enemy all you
+can. Think of the magnificent cities the old Greeks and Romans destroyed
+utterly."</p>
+
+<p>"They were half savages, idolaters, believing in all sorts of gods. And
+you pretended to be Christians!"</p>
+
+<p>"You were so sweet a moment ago, Primrose," said her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Unalloyed sweetness is cloying. You need salt and spice as well. And I
+always feel afraid I shall forgive you too easily when I look at those
+poor stumps and pass the jail."</p>
+
+<p>"You can remember all one's sins easily," Phil retorted rather
+gloomily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And one's virtues, too, behind one's back. Never fear her loyalty, Mr.
+Nevitt." Phil had insisted everyone should drop his military cognomen.
+"You should have heard her solicitude when no word came from you, and
+was there not some joy in her face when you appeared that could not have
+put itself into words?" cried Allin Wharton eagerly, for he always
+resented the least suspicion of a non-perfection in Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I will cross thee off my books," blushing and trying to look stern.
+"Allin Wharton! To betray a friend in that manner!"</p>
+
+<p>"To recount her virtues," and Betty Mason laughed over to the pretty
+child. "She has a right to be like an April day."</p>
+
+<p>"And I found this pretty conceit in some reading," interposed Vane. "We
+should have tried our pens in your behalf, Mistress Primrose, but I knew
+nothing of this birthday except just as we met, so I can only offer
+second-hand, but then 'tis by a famous fellow:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'May never was the month of love,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For May is full of flowers,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But rather April wet by kind,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For love is full of showers.'"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Am I such a crying girl?" Primrose's face was a study in its struggle
+not to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And here is another." Andrew Henry half turned:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'When April nods, with lightsome smiles<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And Violets all a-flower;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her willful mood may turn to tears<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Full twice within an hour.'"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Then I am very fickle&mdash;and bad tempered, and&mdash;and&mdash;&mdash;" There was deep
+despair in the voice.</p>
+
+<p>"And Primrose, an April girl who can have whatever<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> mood she chooses,"
+said Wharton. "I wish I had known one was to bring posies of thought and
+I would have looked up one. How I envy those people who can write
+acrostics or sudden verses, and all I know seem to have gone from me."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose made a mocking courtesy. "Thank you. We can all go and gather
+violets. I know a stretch of woods the British left standing, where the
+grass is full of them. And a bit of stream that runs into the
+Schuylkill. Oh, and a clean, well-behaved mead-house where one can get
+delightful cheesecake. Now that we have reached the summit, look about
+the town. A square, ugly little town, is it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not ugly," Polly protested resentfully.</p>
+
+<p>The rivers on either side, the angle with docks jutting out, and
+creeping up along the Delaware, Windmill Island and the Forts; the two
+long, straight streets crossing at right angles, and even then rows of
+red-brick cottages, but finer ones as well, with gardens, some seeming
+set in a veritable park; and Master Shippen's pretty herd of deer had
+been brought back. There were Christ Church and St. Peter's with their
+steeples, there were more modest ones, and the Friends' meeting house
+that had held many a worthy.</p>
+
+<p>"It is well worth seeing," said Betty Mason. "Some of the places about
+make me think of my own State and the broad, hospitable dwellings."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but you should see Stenton and Clieveden! and the Chew House at
+Germantown is already historical. There is to be a history writ of the
+town, I believe, and all it has gone through!" exclaimed Polly.</p>
+
+<p>Then they begin to come down in a kind of winding fashion. Women are out
+making gardens and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> tying up vines, some of them in the quaint, short
+gown and petticoat, relegated mostly to servants. Then Friends, in cap
+and kerchief; children in the fashion of their parents, with an odd
+made-over appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be a grand city if it stretches out according to Mr. Penn's
+ideas. And oh, Betty! you must see the old house in Letitia Street, with
+its dormer windows and odd little front door with its overhanging roof.
+And the house on Second Street that is more pretentious, with its slated
+roof. If the talk is true about peace there are great plans for the
+advancement of the town. They are going to cut down some of the hills
+and drain the meadows that the British flooded," and Primrose glanced
+sidewise at her brother's face with a half-teasing delight. "So, if the
+dreams of the big men who govern the city come true, there will
+presently be no old Philadelphia. I hear them talking of it with Aunt
+Wetherill."</p>
+
+<p>They wander on, now and then changing places and partners, having a
+little merry badinage. Polly keeps coming to the rescue where Philemon
+Nevitt is concerned.</p>
+
+<p>There are other gay parties out rambling; some with hands full of wild
+flowers, laughing and chatting, occasionally bestowing a nod on the
+Whartons and Primrose, and staring perhaps unduly at the tall fine
+soldier with his martial air and uniform, hardly suspecting the Quaker
+heart underneath.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we have come so near I bethink me of an errand for Mistress
+Janice Kent," exclaimed Primrose. "And you will like to see the row of
+small, cheerful houses where some poor women come, some poor married
+folks when life has gone hard with them. See here is Walnut Street. Let
+us turn in. It is an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> old, old place that somebody left some money to
+build."</p>
+
+<p>"Old John Martin," said Andrew. "Yes, I have been here. It is a snug,
+pretty place, not an alms-house."</p>
+
+<p>"My old lady is not in this long, plain house, but around in Fourth
+Street, in her own little cottage. See how quaint they are?"</p>
+
+<p>A narrow passage like a green lane ran through the center. Small,
+one-storied cottages, with a doorway and a white-curtained window; a
+steep roof with a window in the end to light the garret. There was a
+garden with each. There were fruit trees ready to burst into bloom, so
+sheltered were they. There were grape arbors, where old men were smoking
+and old ladies knitting.</p>
+
+<p>One old lady had half a dozen little children in her room, teaching a
+school. One was preparing dried herbs in small cardboard boxes. There
+were sweet flavors as of someone distilling; there was a scent of
+molasses candy being made, or a cake baked, even new, warm biscuit.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody seemed happy and well employed.</p>
+
+<p>"It is something like the Church Charities at home," said Vane, "only
+much more tidy and beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"It is where I shall come some day," announced Primrose with a plaintive
+accent, as if she were at the end of life.</p>
+
+<p>"You!" Polly glanced at her with surprised eyes, hardly knowing whether
+to laugh or not.</p>
+
+<p>"As if you would ever have need!" declared Betty Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"But they are not very poor, you see. They have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> to be worthy people and
+nice people, who have been unfortunate. And when I am old I shall beg
+one of the little houses to live in. I think I shall make sweet flavors
+and raise herbs."</p>
+
+<p>She looked so utterly grave and in earnest that both Wharton and
+Lieutenant Vane stared as if transfixed.</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense!" exclaimed her brother. "As if there would not always be
+someone&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But I shall live to be very old, I know. Aunt Wetherill tells of one of
+the Wardour women who lived to be a hundred and two years old, ever so
+long ago, in England. And it is hardly probable, Phil, that you can live
+to be one hundred and ten or more, and, if you did, you would most
+likely be helpless," in an extremely assured tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you would not be poor," he subjoined quickly, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know? Some of the people here have been in comfortable
+circumstances. And, two days ago, when Mr. Northfield was over he was
+talking about some of papa's property that had nearly gone to ruin&mdash;been
+destroyed, I think, and would take a good deal to repair it. And&mdash;eighty
+or ninety years is a long time to live. There may be another war&mdash;people
+are so quarrelsome&mdash;and everything will go then! Betty's house was
+burned, and her father's fine plantation laid waste. And Betty is not
+very much older than I, and all these misfortunes have happened to her."</p>
+
+<p>The whole four men are resolved in their secret hearts that no sorrow or
+want will ever come to her, even if she should outlive them all.</p>
+
+<p>They reached Mrs. Preston's cottage and Primrose delivered her message.
+Then they lingered about, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> Betty concluded it would be no great
+hardship to come here when one was done with other pleasures and things,
+and had little to live upon.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a delightful spot," said Vane, "and I never dreamed of it before.
+That it should have been here all through that winter&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But you were dancing and acting plays!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't call up any more of my bad, mistaken deeds! Have I not convinced
+you that I repented of them, and am doing my best to make amends?"</p>
+
+<p>The fire in Vane's eyes awed Primrose, conquered her curiously, and a
+treacherous softening of the lines about her sweet mouth almost made a
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And now what next?" commented Polly. "Do you know how we are loitering?
+Has the place charmed us? I never thought it so fascinating before."</p>
+
+<p>It was to charm many a one, later on, like a little oasis in the great
+walls of brick that were to grow about it, of traffic and noise and
+disputations that were never to enter here, and to have a romance,
+whether rightly or wrongly, that was to call many a one thither at the
+thought of Evangeline. And so a poet puts an imperishable sign on a
+place, or a historian a golden seal.</p>
+
+<p>"We were to go somewhere else. And see where the sun is dropping to. It
+always slides so fast on that round part of the sky."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the most beautiful little place, and to get our violets. Betty,
+when they are all gone we will have long days hunting up queer corners
+and things. And somewhere&mdash;out at Dunk's Ferry&mdash;there is a strange sort
+of body who tells fortunes occasionally&mdash;when she is in <i>just</i> the
+humor. And that makes it the more exciting,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> because you can never quite
+know. We will take Patty; we can find all the strange corners."</p>
+
+<p>"Why couldn't we all go? To have one's fortune told&mdash;not that I believe
+in it," and Vane laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have no business to have it told. And Miss Jeffries runs over
+the cards and tells ever so many things, and they <i>are</i> really true. You
+will meet her again some evening."</p>
+
+<p>Gilbert Vane blushed. The fortune he wanted to hear was not one with
+which he would like a whole roomful entertained.</p>
+
+<p>"It is this way."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose walked on ahead with Andrew Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a suspicious-looking cloud, bigger than a man's hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, then let us hurry! Nonsense, Phil, why do you alarm a body? See how
+the sun shines. It is going past. Now&mdash;down at the end of this lane&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Just then some great drops fell. Primrose ran like a sprite and turned a
+triumphant face to the others when she was under shelter.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a fairy nook with a strip of woods back of it. A little
+thread of a stream ran by on one side. In summer, when the trees were in
+full leaf, it would be a bower of greenery. A low, story-and-a-half
+house, with a porch running all across the front, roofed over with
+weather-worn shingles. The hall doors, back and front, stand wide open,
+and there is a long vista reaching down to the clump of woods made up of
+a much-patched-up trellis with several kinds of vines growing over it to
+furnish a delightful shade in summer. Some benches in the shining glory
+of new green paint stand along the edge. There was a small table with
+three people about it,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> and the stout, easy-going hostess, who
+pronounced them "lucky," as there comes a three-minutes' fierce downpour
+of rain while the sun is still shining, then stops, and everything is
+beaded with iridescent gems. The very sky seems laughing, and the round
+sun fairly winks with an amused joviality.</p>
+
+<p>In the small front yard the grass is green and thickly sown with tulips
+that have two sheath-like leaves of bluish-green enfolding the bud. "It
+will be a sight presently," exclaimed Polly, "but so will most of the
+gardens. Why, we might be Hollanders, such a hold has this tulip mania
+taken of us!"</p>
+
+<p>By craning their necks a little they can look out on the Delaware and
+see the ambitious little creek rushing into it. The glint of the sun
+upon the changing water is magnificent.</p>
+
+<p>"What a beautiful spot! Why, Polly, have we ever been here before?"
+asked Allin.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think not. There are some places very like it on the Schuylkill.
+But I do not remember this."</p>
+
+<p>Then the hostess comes to inquire what she can serve them with. There is
+fresh birch beer, there is a sassafras metheglin made with honey, there
+is mead, and she looks doubtfully at the two soldiers as if her simple
+list might not come up to their desires.</p>
+
+<p>"And cheesecake?" ventured Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes! and wafers and gingerbread, and real Dutch doughnuts."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose glanced around, elated. Her birthday treat was to be a success.</p>
+
+<p>So they sat and refreshed themselves and jested, with Primrose in her
+sunniest mood, while the sun dropped lower and lower and burnished the
+river.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if there are many violets in the woods."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, indeed!" answered the woman. "It's rather early for many
+people to come and I am out of the way until they begin to sail up and
+down the river; that's when it is warmer, though to-day has been fine
+enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we go and gather the violets," suggested Philemon.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course we expect you to go, don't we, Polly? But then we are going
+also."</p>
+
+<p>"Won't it be wet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not with that little sprinkle!" cried Primrose disdainfully.</p>
+
+<p>There were dozens of pretty spring things in the woods, but violets were
+enough. Large bluish-purple ones, down to almost every gradation. Then
+Betty thought of an old-time verse and Lieutenant Vane of another.</p>
+
+<p>"But it should be primroses," he said. "If we were at home in English
+haunts we should find them. I don't know why I say at home, for I doubt
+if it is ever my home again."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a more hopeful exile than you," commented Betty Mason. "My country
+will be restored to me, and I shall never forget that you helped."</p>
+
+<p>What large, soft, dark eyes she had, and a voice with a peculiar
+lingering cadence; but it did not go to one's heart like that of
+Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was speeding downward. It was a long walk home. Andrew Henry
+headed the procession with his cousin, and Vane followed with Betty, so
+it was Polly who had the two attendants, and Allin was rather out of
+humor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Janice Kent had a birthday supper for them, but with the treat at Larch
+Alley, and, perhaps, some fatigue, they were not ravenous. Primrose sang
+for them and was bewilderingly sweet&mdash;Andrew thought, just as the day
+had been, full of caprices but ending in tender beauty. And then they
+drank her health and wished her many happy returns, bidding her a very
+fervent good-night.</p>
+
+<p>There had been a good deal of enthusiasm about General Washington, and
+many very warm friends had sympathized deeply with Mrs. Washington in
+her sorrow. Plans of a new campaign had also been discussed. The city
+was sorry to relinquish its noble guests. Society had taken on an aspect
+of dignified courtesy; contending parties had ceased to rail at each
+other, and there was a greater air of punctilious refinement, that was
+to settle into a grace less formal than that of the old-time Quaker
+breeding, but more elegant and harmonious. A new ambition woke in the
+heart of the citizens to beautify, adorn, and improve. There was a stir
+in educational circles, and the library that had languished so long was
+making its voice heard. Peace was about to have her victory.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Henry was closeted a long while one morning with Madam Wetherill.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall go to Newburgh with the General," he said, "but if there is to
+be no more war I shall resign my commission. That sounds almost like a
+martial declaration in favor of war, but it is not so. I was not meant
+for a soldier except in necessity. There are those whom the life really
+inspires, and who would be only too glad to fill my place. I could not
+step out with such a clear conscience if I were a private. And since you
+have been good enough,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> madam, to ask me about plans, I must confess
+that I have not gone very far in any. There are, no doubt, farms around
+that I could hire and make profitable, but my mother no longer has the
+strength and energy to be at the head of such a place. I have thought
+something might open here in the city that would enable me to make a
+home for her and myself; that is my ambition now. I do not feel that I
+ought to leave her to the care of my Cousin Rachel while she has a son
+of her own. True, her home is left to her there, but she is not
+compelled to stay in it."</p>
+
+<p>"And Rachel may marry."</p>
+
+<p>"I think she will. She is a smart and capable woman, but it is hard
+doing all things and managing alone; though now she and Penn have made
+up over a little coldness. He will till Faith's land for the present.
+The greatest profit, the cherries, and one good orchard belongs to
+Rachel, so she is well to do. However, I want my dear mother with me,
+and by mid-summer I may return."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been thinking somewhat about thee. There will be great changes
+in the town. Trade already is stirring up, and commerce will begin again
+when the restrictions are removed. But it is in the very heart of things
+where we may look for the greatest changes. There have been many years
+of doubt and hesitation, but now there is a great expanding of
+enterprise. James Logan and Mr. Chew were discussing it not many
+mornings since. The city must almost be made over, as one may say. I own
+a great deal of waste property, and plantations in Maryland. There is
+also considerable belonging to Primrose."</p>
+
+<p>"But there is her brother, madam. The more I see of Philemon Henry the
+better I like him. He hath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span> had a hard year, a year of great
+disappointment and mortification, and he comes out of it with more
+bravery than I supposed possible for one whose opinions have been so
+strongly the other way. Why not give him a helping hand?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are very honorable, Friend Henry, and I respect you for it. Then,"
+laughingly, "do you think you two could ever come to an agreement and be
+friendly as brothers if your interests were identical?"</p>
+
+<p>"I could answer for myself," he said with respectful gravity.</p>
+
+<p>"For many years the old house of Henry &amp; Co. had an excellent standing.
+Mr. Northfield was much the elder and it seemed as if he might go years
+the first, but he did not. Now he wishes to be relieved of all the
+affairs of our dear Primrose. And I have thought, with some assistance
+and a good deal of energy on the part of two young people if they should
+agree, there might be a new house of Henry &amp; Co., with its reputation
+half made to begin with. I know Philemon will agree. He hath already
+proposed to take a position under Mr. Morris, and seems only anxious now
+to earn a living in some respectable way. But I wanted to consult thee
+first."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank thee a thousand times, dear madam. Am I losing Quaker
+simplicity?" and he smiled gravely. "I am afraid I have acquired a good
+many worldly ways."</p>
+
+<p>"A little worldliness will not hurt thee. In sooth my plan would call
+for a large share of it, but I want the old-fashioned trustiness and
+integrity. When times change men and women, too, must change with them.
+I should like to see thee a solid and respected citizen of the town&mdash;of
+the new town that is to be."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou dost honor me greatly. And I must confess to thee, since seeing
+larger men and larger issues, a higher ambition has stirred within me.
+If it had so fallen out that I had gone back to the farm, I could not
+have been content with the old plodding round. And when it was taken
+from me it seemed in some degree the work of Providence that I should
+have been pushed out of the old nest and made to think on new lines."</p>
+
+<p>"Then wilt thou carry my idea with thee and consider it well? There need
+be no haste. Thy return will do."</p>
+
+<p>Much moved, he pressed her hand warmly. Then he carried it to his lips
+with the grace of a courtier.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>POLLY AND PHIL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The city seemed quite dull when the Commander-in-Chief and his staff had
+departed for Newburgh. The feeling of peace grew stronger every day. The
+country mansions along the Schuylkill began to take on new life, and the
+town to bestir itself. True, finances were in the worst possible shape
+from the over issue of paper money, and in many instances people went
+back to simple barter.</p>
+
+<p>The Randolphs were very much at home on the farm. Betty's two babies
+were cunning little midgets, the elder a boy, the younger a girl.
+Primrose fell very much in love with them. Here was something she need
+not be afraid of loving with all her might.</p>
+
+<p>"Only I wish I had not been seventeen," she cried pettishly. "I can't
+see how Polly gets along with so many admirers. I do not want any. There
+is something in their eyes when they look at you that sends a shiver
+over me."</p>
+
+<p>"Has Polly so many?" asked madam, rather amused.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes. Just a few evenings ago young Mr. Norris came in and then Mr.
+Ridgway. I thought they quite glowered at each other. And what one said
+the other sniffed about as if it was hardly worth saying. And Mr.
+Ridgway thought cards stupid, and Phil grew quite cross and said we
+would come home.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> It is very pleasant when there is no one there, we
+four can agree so well."</p>
+
+<p>"At card-playing?" in a rather diverted manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Not always, not often indeed. We sing and talk and say over verses.
+There are so many in that old ballad book. But lovers seem always to
+break one's heart and to love the wrong one. I shall never have a lover.
+I shall never marry," and her sweet voice has a delightful severity.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill really laughs then.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am in earnest. You shall see. For when I called on Anabella
+yesterday she flung her arms around my neck and cried out&mdash;'Oh,
+Primrose, never, never marry! I wish I could undo my marriage. Men are
+so selfish and care so little for one after they get them. And they all
+say the same thing as lovers. Captain Decker was going to die if he
+could not have me, and he marched off, never writing a word afterward.
+And so said Mr. Parker, and now he thinks of nothing but his dinner and
+his pipe afterward, and his nap, and having his clothes all laid out in
+the morning and brushed, and does not want to go out anywhere, nor have
+company at home. And the two hateful children brawl all the time, and
+their father scolds because I cannot keep them in order. 'Tis a wretched
+life and I hate it!' What think you of that, dear madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was not a wise marriage, but I am sorry Anabella is so unhappy.
+There is plenty of time yet for thee to have lovers, so do not trouble
+thy golden head."</p>
+
+<p>"Phil has grown so good to take me out everywhere. And we are all going
+up to the farm some day to get Betty, and then on up the Schuylkill.
+There are so many beautiful places, and now that May has brought
+everything out in bloom, all the roads and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> by-ways are like pictures.
+And Betty wants to see Valley Forge; so, for that matter, do I. But Phil
+is worrying about some work Mr. Morris promised him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. There are some other things to see to. Mr. Northfield wants to
+instruct him about the estate, for he is very poorly."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems a shame for me to have so much and Phil nothing," she said
+tentatively.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps there will not be so very much when things come to be settled.
+Do not be disturbed about Phil. A true man would scorn to take from a
+woman."</p>
+
+<p>There were many delightful rides in the country about, many historical
+places on both sides of the river, queer interests at Germantown, where
+people had gone back to their old employments, and were spinning and
+weaving and making furniture and carving. There were no lack of
+reminders of the great battle in some ruins that had never been rebuilt,
+and men still working cheerfully who had lost an arm or a leg. There was
+the brave old Chew house that had proved indestructible.</p>
+
+<p>And there was another old house, quite dilapidated now and in charge of
+an old couple, who, for any trifle people chose to give, would exhibit a
+curious arrangement of cogs and wheels and mysterious wires that a great
+many years before a man, named Redhefer, claimed possessed the secret of
+perpetual motion. It always went day and night, as the neighbors could
+testify. Men of curious or scientific leanings paid to see the wonderful
+machine. And one day the secret was found out. There was a curious crank
+in the loft connected by wires in the wall, and a kind of clock
+arrangement, that kept it going. This part of the loft<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> being roughly
+boarded up, and the loft itself kept for mere rubbish, no one suspected
+it.</p>
+
+<p>There were School Lane, and the Schuylkill falls, really beautiful then,
+and the lovely Wissahickon, famous for its abundant supply of fish, and
+places one could ramble about forever. Betty Mason was a charming
+companion. Philemon often had them all, for Allin was busy with his
+studies and some plans he nursed in secret, now that Andrew Henry and
+Vane were both away.</p>
+
+<p>Penn Morgan and Clarissa Lane stood up in meeting one evening and
+plighted their marriage vows. Rather unwillingly Rachel offered them
+accommodation in her house, but Penn had fixed up a room in the barn
+that would do very well until two rooms in the new house were finished,
+and Clarissa was very happy, and was also very respectful to Aunt Lois.
+But the great interest had gone out of the old house, and she did not
+feel at home any more. However, she rested serenely in Andrew's promise
+that before very long he would have a home to take her to.</p>
+
+<p>Rachel had hoped and despaired alternately. She had a strong, stubborn
+will under her plain exterior and quiet manner. And she hated not to
+succeed in anything she undertook. It seemed to her one of the most
+natural and most reasonable things in the world that Andrew should marry
+her when his parents strongly desired it. In her estimation it was an
+absolute sin for him to go against the opinion of the brethren and
+become a soldier. Yet she was willing to forgive it all and help lead
+him back in the right way.</p>
+
+<p>It was but justice that Penn should be rewarded for his care and
+patience. She had not expected so much,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> but Aunt Lois, left to her
+charge, would surely have some influence over him, and now that peace
+was likely to be declared he would return, and his old home might be
+dear to him. So she would not give up hope, but she did give up her
+foolish jealousy of Primrose. She had the girl's solemn promise, but
+what comforted her more than all was the rumor of young Wharton being
+quite devoted to the girl.</p>
+
+<p>What a summer it was to Primrose! They were out at the farm, but matters
+were much more quiet. The young women who had been so gay and
+entertaining were mostly married, and Madam Wetherill was very much
+engrossed with business matters. She found Philemon Henry very
+clear-headed. And as he came to know more about the Colonies, and the
+causes that led to the rebellion, he found there was more injustice on
+the side of England, but that even there they had not all been of one
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>So he was being gradually Americanized, though he and Primrose still had
+disputes. But Polly had such a fascinating fashion of sometimes turning
+an argument against Primrose, or picking a weak place in hers until one
+could not help seeing it. And then Primrose would fly into a pretty
+ruffle of temper with both of them, and presently suffer herself to be
+coaxed around.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I am like April," she said ruefully one morning, when she and
+Polly had had a disagreement. They were staying at the farm, and the day
+before they had all been up to Valley Forge, and climbed up the hill and
+down again. In the early morning both of the young men had gone down to
+the city.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it really can influence anyone?" she inquires with
+charming gravity. "Then I should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> suppose a person born in July, under
+scorching suns, would be fiery-tempered."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know of anyone born in July?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes," laughing in a dainty fashion. "Betty for one, and she is
+sweet and good-humored; and there is Cousin Andrew."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the sign does not hold good."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know where I could have gotten all my temper from. Mamma was
+lovely, Phil says, and Aunt Wetherill gives her credit for all the
+virtues."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think it is real temper. It is love of tormenting&mdash;poor Phil."</p>
+
+<p>"And, Polly, you always take his part."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes." Polly's face turned scarlet to the very tips of her ears. Even
+her fingers showed pink against the white ruffle she was hemming.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you don't mean&mdash;Polly, I never thought of <i>that</i>!" in great
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You may think of it now," in a soft, quivering tone. "Though it is
+almost&mdash;nothing."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose threw herself down beside Polly and clasped her knees.</p>
+
+<p>"And he never so much as suggested it to me. He might have&mdash;&mdash;" in a
+plaintively aggrieved tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be angry. It was just a word, this morning. But I think we both
+knew. And I loved him long ago, when he was a King's man, and you
+flouted him so and delighted in being untender, when he loved you so."</p>
+
+<p>"And you would have&mdash;do you mean to marry him? and would you have
+married a&mdash;a&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I shouldn't have married anyone who was fighting against my
+country. But you really did not do him any justice." Now that Polly was
+started<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> she rushed along like a torrent in a storm. "He was brought up
+to think England right, and he knew nothing about the Colonies or the
+temper and the courage of the people. If you were taken to Russia when
+you were very little, and everybody was charming to you, you might think
+what they did was right and nice, and we know they are awfully
+barbarous! And I thought it real fine and manly in him to prefer the
+hardships of war to the pleasures in New York. And he never raised his
+hand but once, and wasn't it queer that he and Allin and Andrew should
+have been in the m&ecirc;l&eacute;e, and now be such good friends? But when he saw
+that it was Andrew, he was quite horrified. And I think it is very manly
+of him just to renounce the King for good and all, while there are ever
+so many Tories right around us sighing again for his rule, and making
+all sorts of evil predictions. The broadest and finest man I know is
+Andrew Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"And why did you not fall in love with him?" asked Primrose in great
+amaze.</p>
+
+<p>"Because, silly child, my heart went out to the other when you tormented
+him so and gave him such little credit, and could not see the earnest
+side to him. I should hate a man that could be lightly won over. I like
+him to look on both sides."</p>
+
+<p>"Was I very cruel?" Primrose was appalled by the charges. "But truly,
+Polly, when he first came and the British were so lordly, thinking they
+owned the whole earth, I could not bear to have him claim me and talk of
+taking me to England and have me go to court and all that;" and Primrose
+shook her shining curly head defiantly, while her oval cheeks bloomed.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, Primrose, thou didst not have a Quaker temper either," rejoined
+Polly laughingly. "I doubt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> if thou wouldst turn the other cheek even
+for a kiss, much less a blow."</p>
+
+<p>"The man would get the blow back in short order."</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful blue eyes turned almost black with indignation at the
+thought, and sent out rays that might have blinded an unfortunate
+culprit.</p>
+
+<p>The girls looked at each other as fiercely as two hearts brimming over
+with love, and eyes in an April shower could look, and then they fell on
+each other's neck and cried in honest girl-fashion for just nothing at
+all, as girls did a hundred or so years ago.</p>
+
+<p>"And you are quite sure you will never quarrel with me?" besought
+Primrose. "It must be lovely to have a sister, though Rachel and Faith
+were not happy. Poor Faith! She hath grown strangely loving, and I know
+not what she would do if it were not for Aunt Lois."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art the dearest and sweetest little thing in all the world, and
+though I may sometimes scold thee for thy naughtiness, I shall always
+love thee. And now I must sew, for my mother declares I never do
+anything out here at the farm. And Betty is so industrious, making
+clothes for the babies."</p>
+
+<p>Then they were still a moment or two while the sunshine rippled all
+about, for they were sitting out under a tree, and the wind made a
+pretty dance in the tall grass, and seemed to whisper among the boughs,
+and push the heads of the shrubs toward each other as if they might be
+kissing. Overhead the birds sang with wild bursts of melody or went
+dazzling through the air, cleaving the sunshine with swift wings.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I ought not have told you so soon," said Polly with a sigh. "It
+was just a word, the sweetest word a man can say, but then I had half
+guessed it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> before, and I knew he was waiting to have something to offer
+me. Mr. Norris does not seem very ready in finding him a place, and old
+Mr. Northfield takes so much of his time and has to tell him what a fine
+business man your father was, and how he did this and that, and people
+entrusted him with their estates and money to buy and sell, and no one
+ever lost a penny by him. So I suppose we will not be really promised
+until something is settled, and thou must keep my secret, little
+Primrose. For I know now that my father would look askance at it.
+Strange that people years ago could marry without thinking of money, but
+they are not willing their children shall. And there are men like the
+great Mr. Franklin, who sometimes hardly knew where to turn for bread,
+and come up to very luxurious living. But I am young, and Phil is not
+very old."</p>
+
+<p>"It all seems very strange and sweet," and Primrose threw herself down
+on the grass and leaned her arms on Polly's knee, while the wind tossed
+her pretty shining hair about. There was always so much short around the
+edge of her forehead, and such dainty, mischievous little curls on her
+white neck when she did it up high on her head. And whatever she did
+made a picture, she was so full of grace. When Gilbert Stuart painted
+her as a lovely matron with her baby beside her knee, he said: "What a
+pity there is no picture of you in your girlhood." He would have been
+justly proud if he could have painted her in all that grace and
+loveliness.</p>
+
+<p>"And how can one tell?" she went on dreamily when Polly made no answer.
+"There are so many things in different ones to like, and you cannot put
+them all in one man. I love Andrew dearly. He was so good and tender
+when I first went out to his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> father's farm, and I was so frightened of
+Uncle James, and Aunt Lois was so grave and particular. But then Andrew
+will never dance&mdash;fancy the tall soldier! though the great generals do.
+And he is not over fond of pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>She threw up her pretty head, while a stray sunbeam through the trees
+danced over it in golden ripples, and her eyes laughed as well as her
+rosy, dimpled mouth.</p>
+
+<p>There was a sudden start through Polly's nerves, but the gay, light,
+merry voice went on:</p>
+
+<p>"And he will always be a Quaker, though he went to Christ Church with
+madam and me. But&mdash;don't you know, you can tell with some people, Polly,
+that things do not quite suit. And he is too grave to frolic, and oh, I
+do love dancing and frolicking and saucy speeches. A grave life would
+never suit me. And there is Mr. Hunter with his pink-and-white skin and
+his ruffles and his velvet clothes, and his clocked silk stockings and
+shoe buckles that he has polished with a peculiar kind of powder that
+comes over from France&mdash;he told me so," laughing with dainty mirth and
+mischief. "When he comes to spend the evening I feel as if I should like
+to tear his finery to pieces as the old strutting cock sometimes gets
+torn when the others can no longer endure his overbearing ways. And
+there is Mr. Rittenhouse, who does nothing but talk of the Junta and the
+learned men of the Philadelphia Society, and the grand new hall they
+mean to build, and chemistry, as if one was so anxious to know what was
+in one's body and one's food and the air one breathed. Why, it would
+make life a burthen. To be sure, Betty says Mr. Franklin's stove is a
+most excellent thing, ever so much better than a fireplace, and that she
+will take one to Virginia with her. She had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> better take Mr. Rittenhouse
+as well!" and Primrose sent a host of delighted ripples on the sunny
+air. "Oh, there is Tot!"</p>
+
+<p>Tot was Betty Mason's three-year-old baby boy, and the next instant
+Primrose had forgotten her admirers and was tumbling in the grass with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>There were two she had not mentioned: Allin Wharton and Gilbert Vane.
+But Polly said to her brother shortly after&mdash;growing very wise, as young
+women in love are apt to:</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful not to go too fast, Allin, or you will stumble over a
+decided no. Primrose has no more idea of love than a two-year-old baby
+who answers everybody that smiles at him."</p>
+
+<p>"But they haunt Madam Wetherill's in droves," flung out the over anxious
+young man.</p>
+
+<p>"With the droves one has nothing to fear," counsels the wise young
+woman. "It is when there are only one or two, and much sitting around in
+corners and behind curtains and whispering that plots are hatched. And
+Primrose is fond of having ever so many enjoy her good time and
+mirthfulness. And, Allin, there is a great deal for you to do before
+lovemaking begins."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not so much worse off than Phil Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"But Phil Henry is not dreaming of marrying," returned Allin's sister
+with dignified composure.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile affairs dragged slowly on, but it was evident there were many
+things to discuss before a treaty of peace would be signed. There were
+various apprehensions of coming internal trouble. The public treasury
+was empty, officers and soldiers were clamoring for pay. There were
+endless discussions as to whether a republican form of government would
+be best and strongest. Of these Philadelphia had her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> full share, but
+there was a strong undercurrent. Had not the famous Declaration of
+Independence been born here and the State House bell pealed out the
+first tocsin of freedom? And here Congress had met year after year.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the soldiers had been discharged for wounds and ill health, and
+on their own earnest appeal. Some officers resigned; among them Andrew
+Henry, much to the regret of several of the generals.</p>
+
+<p>"If the country needs me again I am hers to command," he said with much
+earnestness. "But I feel that I am needed at home and there are others
+who will be glad to fill my place. There are many brave privates who
+would be made happy by the reward of promotion."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a brave man," said Mrs. Washington, "which is sometimes better
+than being a brave soldier. If the country had hundreds of such citizens
+her prosperity would be assured. I am sorry to part with many of them,
+but we shall all be glad of peaceful times and our own homes."</p>
+
+<p>And so in the early autumn Andrew Henry came home and went back to his
+Quaker costume.</p>
+
+<p>"Really," declared Mr. Logan, "one might think the elder Philemon Henry
+had come back to life. The nephew is more like him than the son, though
+the son is a fine intelligent man and will make an excellent citizen.
+Then he is a great favorite with Madam Wetherill, who has much in her
+hands."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>PRIMROSE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>With all the disquiet it had been an unusually gay summer for
+Philadelphia, even after the General and Mrs. Washington had bidden it
+adieu. For in June there had been a great f&ecirc;te given by the French
+minister in honor of the birth of the Dauphin, the heir to the throne of
+France. M. de Luzerne's residence was brilliantly illuminated, and a
+great open-air pavilion, with arches and colonnades, bowers, and halls
+with nymphs and statues, even Mars leaning on his shield, and Hebe
+holding Jove's cup. It was seldom indeed that the old Carpenter mansion
+had seen such a sight.</p>
+
+<p>There were elegant women and brave men, though the Mischianza crowd had
+been widely scattered. The girls had danced, and chatted in French as
+far as they knew how, and enjoyed themselves to the full, and the elders
+had sat down to an almost royal banquet. Polly and Primrose had been
+among the belles.</p>
+
+<p>Then there had been a grand Fourth of July celebration. A civic banquet,
+with Morris, Dickinson, Mifflin, and many another. Bells were rung and
+cannons fired, the Schuylkill was gay with pleasure parties and
+fluttering flags and picnic dinners along its winding and pleasant
+banks. And then in August they had most loyally kept the French King's
+birthday with banquets and balls. And though financial ruin was largely
+talked of, a writer of the times declares "No other city was so rich, so
+extravagant, and so fashionable."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And yet withal there was a serious and sensible element. There had
+before the war been many years of unexampled prosperity; and though
+there might be a whirl, people soon came back to reasonable living.</p>
+
+<p>Truth to tell, Philemon Henry was becoming quite captivated with the
+city of his birth and his later adoption. And as he began to understand
+Madam Wetherill's views for his own future as well as that of his
+cousin, he was amazed at her generosity. "Nay, it is not simple
+generosity," she declared with great vigor. "There is no reason why you
+two should not make a place for yourselves in the new city, such as your
+father held in the old. Perhaps wider, for your father would have
+nothing to do with government, and a man ought to take some interest in
+the civic prosperity of his city as well as money-getting. Mr.
+Wetherill, whether wisely or not, put much money in property, and it has
+been a dead weight mostly. But now the time has come to improve it, and
+with peace there will be many changes and much work to do. I have grown
+too old, and a woman cannot well attend to it. Younger blood and
+strength must take it up. Then&mdash;if we make some mistakes, there is no
+one to suffer, though I did not expect to give even two well-trained
+colts their heads altogether."</p>
+
+<p>He smiled, but there was a soft mistiness in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I can never thank you," he said unsteadily.</p>
+
+<p>"I must trust someone, you see. Mr. Northfield is too old, Mr. Morris
+has his hands full; indeed, I can think of no one better. I have some of
+the Wardour willfulness, and take my own way about things. I do not
+often make mistakes. This is no sudden notion of mine."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing, madam, I must explain before we go farther. I am&mdash;I
+have"&mdash;he paused and flushed in embarrassment&mdash;"there is an
+understanding between myself and Miss Polly Wharton, not an engagement,
+for as yet I have had no certainty to offer. But we care very much for
+each other."</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill gave a quick nod or two and there was a smile in her
+bright eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Polly will make a good wife. Thou couldst hardly have chosen better. I
+would speak to Mr. Wharton and have the matter settled now. If he had
+not been of a consenting mind, thou wouldst hardly have found a welcome
+entrance for so long in his home."</p>
+
+<p>"Madam&mdash;I never dreamed of being so happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no doubt thou wilt be much happier on thy wedding day," and she
+laughed with a bright sparkle of amusement. "I am fond of young people,
+though they do many foolish things."</p>
+
+<p>"But my sister?" he said suddenly. "We have forgotten about her. All
+these years of thy kind care&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;what of her? I loved her mother. I never had a child of my own,
+though a hen rarely runs after another hen's chicks. The little moppet
+stole into my heart, and by just raising her eyes inveigled me into
+fighting for her. Miss Primrose Henry has all the fortune it is good for
+a girl to have, and she is a gay butterfly to go dancing about for the
+next few years. Indeed, I believe she has quite made up her mind to stay
+single, to have many admirers, but no husband. It may not be a good
+plan, but there have been some famous old maids,&mdash;Queen Elizabeth, for
+instance,&mdash;while poor Marie Stuart began with husbands early<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> and lost
+her head. We can dismiss Miss Primrose to her pleasures."</p>
+
+<p>Then they talked long and earnestly. Andrew Henry was coming home, and
+the matter would be settled.</p>
+
+<p>And settled it was speedily. Andrew, having been consulted before, was
+not so much taken by surprise, but his gratitude was none the less
+fervent. And one Sunday morning Polly walked very proudly up the aisle
+in Christ Church, with her brother on one side, and her lover on the
+other, right behind her parents, and when they were seated in Mr.
+Wharton's pew, Polly was in the middle with her lover beside her, and he
+found the places in her prayer book and made responses with her and sang
+joyfully in the hymns. Coming out she took his arm, and blushed a good
+deal as people smiled at her. It was a fashion then, and everybody knew
+it was a sign of engagement.</p>
+
+<p>"The young Englishman is very good-looking," said Miss Morris, "but I
+shall set my cap for the Quaker cousin. What a pity he gives up war and
+discards soldier clothes, for there is scarcely such a fine-appearing
+general!"</p>
+
+<p>The young Quaker, mature and manly for his years, took hold of business
+as if it had been his birthright. Perhaps it had come to him with the
+resemblance to his uncle. And when Philemon Nevitt decided to take back
+his father's name, Polly and Primrose rejoiced wildly.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose threw her arms around his neck and gave him many of the kisses
+she had used to be so chary about.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are my own dear brother!" she exclaimed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span> and the satisfaction
+rang through her voice like a bell. "No king can ever claim you again."</p>
+
+<p>"Unless <i>we</i> have a king."</p>
+
+<p>"But we are not going to have a king. We are all born free and equal."</p>
+
+<p>"Julius and Joe and the old Pepper Pot woman, and the Calamus boys?"
+with a mischievous smile.</p>
+
+<p>"The slaves are all going to be free. We cannot do everything in a
+moment. And the equality&mdash;&mdash;" Primrose was rather nonplused.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the equality," with a triumphant lifting of the brows.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the equality means this: that everyone shall have a right to
+try for the best places, and no one shall push him down. To try for
+education and happiness, and if he is full up to the brim and content,
+even if he has not as much as the other, isn't there a certain
+equalization?"</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, I fear thou wilt be a sophist before thy hundred years are
+ended," said her brother with a soft pinch of her rosy cheek.</p>
+
+<p>The Randolphs had considered the feasibility of returning south, but
+Madam Wetherill begged them not to try homelessness with winter coming
+on. And at Cherry Farm there was one supremely happy woman, Lois Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam Wetherill is more than good to thee," she said to her son with a
+thankfulness that trembled in her voice. "How one can be mistaken in
+souls under gay garbs. Indeed it is as the child used to say, 'God made
+all beautiful things, and nothing is to be called common or unclean, or
+high and lofty and wasteful.' I am more glad than I can say that thou
+hast returned to the fashion of the Friends again, but thou art a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span> man
+to look well in nice attire, and truly one serveth God with the heart
+and not with the clothes, except that neatness should be observed. The
+Lord hath given Madam Wetherill a large heart, and she holds no rancor."</p>
+
+<p>"She is one in a thousand," was the fervent reply.</p>
+
+<p>And then Andrew described one of several cottages on Chestnut Street
+that belonged to the estate of Miss Primrose Henry, and was to rent.
+There was a small court in front, a grassy space at the side with a
+cherry tree and a pear tree, and a garden at the back for vegetables.</p>
+
+<p>"For I must have thee in the city near by," he said, "so I can come in
+to dinner at noon, and spend most of my evenings with thee. Mr.
+Franklin's old paper, the <i>Gazette</i>, is to be brought out again, and we
+shall know what is going on. And we will find a meeting house near by,
+and take great comfort with each other after our seasons of sorrow and
+separation."</p>
+
+<p>"My son, my dear son! I bless the Lord for thee every day. He hath given
+me the oil of joy for mourning."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew had greeted Rachel with great cordiality. He was grateful that
+she had cared so kindly for his mother, though Faith had been the more
+tender. Penn was settled in part of his new house and very content.
+Indeed his love for Clarissa was something of a thorn in Rachel's side,
+but she paid small attention to it outwardly. When Andrew laid his plan
+before her, however, her very heart sank within her.</p>
+
+<p>"She is to have her living here. I am sure, Andrew, as God is my
+witness, that I have been like a daughter to her. She hath said so
+herself. My own mother is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> dead, let her remain in the place. And
+thou&mdash;thou wilt marry sometime&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A long while yet. I am her son and want her, and she is ready and
+pleased to come. It is but right and natural. As for the living, make no
+account of that. When we want a holiday it may be pleasant to come out
+to the farm."</p>
+
+<p>That was a straw and she caught quickly at it. But in any event she saw
+that she could not help nor hinder.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose took Polly with her to see what should be put in the cottage.</p>
+
+<p>"There are many new things to make work handy, and comforts. Andrew must
+have a settle here in the living room and it shall be my pleasure to
+make cushions for it. And oh, Polly, he has learned to smoke while he
+was soldiering! Of course Aunt Lois will want some of the old things,
+and she has chests of bed and table linen. But we can buy some plates
+and cups. Aunt Lois had some pretty Delft ware that I used to dry on
+nice soft towels when I was a little girl. We will hunt the city over to
+find Delft."</p>
+
+<p>They were delightfully engrossed with shopping. The stores were
+displaying tempting aspects again and merchants were considering foreign
+trade. But it was quite ridiculous, though no one saw it in just that
+light then, that one should take with them a thousand or so dollars to
+do a morning's buying. But when a frying pan cost sixty dollars and
+three cups and saucers one hundred and fifty, and a table two hundred,
+money soon went. There was plenty of it, to be sure. Congress ordered
+new issues when it fell short.</p>
+
+<p>People still watched out for Quaker sales: that is,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span> Quakers who refused
+to pay certain taxes had their belongings seized and sold, and women
+were as ready for bargains then as now.</p>
+
+<p>Faith took counsel of the trustees who had been appointed for her, and
+found that she could get away from her sister's home. So she begged Aunt
+Lois to take her, as they would need some help. Andrew opposed this at
+first, fearing it would lead to trouble, and Rachel was very angry. But
+on second thought she decided it would be wiser. For by this means she
+would still have some hold over them all. On condition that Faith would
+come home every fortnight for a little visit she consented, and though
+Faith, trained long in repression, said but little, her heart beat with
+great joy. Rachel had kept a Swedish woman nearly all summer for
+out-of-door work, and now engaged her for the winter. By spring,
+certainly, she would know what lay before her.</p>
+
+<p>William Frost, who had once been in the habit of walking home with her,
+was married. A well-to-do farmer living up the Wissahickon had called a
+number of times, but he had four children, and Rachel had no mind to
+give up her home for hard work and little thanks. She was still young,
+and with her good marriage portion would not go begging. But the choice
+of her heart, the best love of her heart all her life, would be Andrew
+Henry, and she felt the child and the girl, Primrose, had always stood
+in her way. If she would only marry!</p>
+
+<p>But Primrose was having a lovely winter. True, there were times when
+Allin Wharton grew a little too tender, and she would tease him in her
+willful fashion, or be very cool to him, or sometimes treat him in an
+indifferent and sisterly fashion, so difficult to surmount.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span> There were
+so many others, though Primrose adroitly evaded steady admirers. When
+they grew too urgent she fled out to the farm and Betty.</p>
+
+<p>There was great fun, too, in planning for wedding gear. Polly's sister,
+Margaret, was grown up now, and Polly was to be married in the late
+spring, and go out to the farm all summer, as the Randolphs had fully
+decided to return to Virginia in April. Mr. Randolph would go a month or
+two earlier to see about a home to shelter them. For although the treaty
+of peace had not been signed it was an accepted fact, and everybody
+settled to it.</p>
+
+<p>Old Philadelphia woke up to the fact that she must make herself nearly
+all over. Low places were drained, bridges built, new docks constructed,
+and rows of houses went up. The wildernesses about, that had grown to
+brushwood, were cleared away. Hills were to be lowered, and there was a
+famous one in Arch Street.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I should not know the place without it," declared Madam Wetherill.
+"It will answer for my time, and after that do as you like."</p>
+
+<p>But she was to go out of Arch Street years before her death, though she
+did not live to be one hundred and two.</p>
+
+<p>The taverns made themselves more decorous and respectable, the coffee
+houses were really attractive, the theater ventured to offer quite a
+variety of plays, and the assemblies began in a very select fashion.
+There was also a more general desire for intelligence, and the days of
+"avoiding Papishers and learning to knit" as the whole duty of women
+were at an end.</p>
+
+<p>There were grace and ease and refinement and wit,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span> and a peaceable sort
+of air since Congress had gone to Princeton.</p>
+
+<p>Midwinter brought out-of-door amusements, though the season seemed
+short, for spring came early, and in March parties were out hunting for
+trailing arbutus and hardy spring flowers, exchanging tulip bulbs and
+dividing rose bushes, as well as putting out trees and fine shrubbery
+that was to make the city a garden for many a long year.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose danced and was merry, and skated with Allin Wharton when Polly
+and Phil could go, but she was very wary of confining herself to one.
+She dropped in and cheered Aunt Lois and fascinated Faith with her
+bright talk and her bright gowns and the great bow under her chin, for
+even if it was gray it seemed the softest and most bewildering color
+that ever was worn. Then she rode out and spent two or three days
+frolicking with Betty's babies, and came home more utterly fascinating
+than before.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose!" said Madam Wetherill, "I cannot think what to do with
+thee. Thou wilt presently be the talk of the town."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I think I will go to Virginia with Betty and bury myself in a great
+southern forest where no one can find me. And I will take along pounds
+of silk and knit some long Quaker stockings for Andrew, with beautiful
+clocks in them. Hast thou not remarked, dear aunt, that he betrays a
+tendency toward worldliness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art too naughty, Primrose."</p>
+
+<p>It was fortunate for women's purses that one did not need so many gowns
+as at the present day, even if they did take out with them marvelous
+sums. But thinking men were beginning to see the evil of the old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span>
+Continental money and trying to devise something better, with that able
+financier, Robert Morris, at their head.</p>
+
+<p>The wedding finery was bought, and the looms at Germantown supplied webs
+of cloth to be made up in table napery and bedding. There were old laces
+handed down, and some brocade petticoats, and two trained gowns that had
+come from England long before. Primrose and Margaret Wharton were
+bridesmaids, and, oddly enough, Captain Vane, for he had arrived at that
+dignity, came from Newburgh on a furlough and stood with Margaret, so
+the foes and the friends were all together. It was a very fine wedding,
+and at three in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Philemon Nevitt Henry were
+put in a coach, a great luxury then, and went off in splendid state,
+with a supply of old slippers thrown after them for good luck.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vane had lost his estate, that was a foregone conclusion. The
+next of kin had acted and proved the estates forfeited.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I am a true buff-and-blue American," he said proudly to Madam
+Wetherill. "I shall remain a military man, for the spirit and stir of
+the life inspire me, and there seems nothing else for me to do. Phil, I
+think, was only a half-hearted soldier, and business suits him much
+better. After all, one can see that he is at home among his kinsfolk.
+Perhaps there was a little of the old Quaker leaven in him that England
+could not quite work out. He has a charming wife, and a friend such as
+few men find;" bowing low and kissing the lady's hand.</p>
+
+<p>A party of guests went out to the farm to have a gay time with the young
+couple. It was Primrose's birthday, but it never rained a drop. And it
+would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> have been hard to tell which was the heroine of the occasion,
+Primrose or Polly. And, oh, the verses that were made! some halting and
+some having altogether too many feet. There were dancing and jollity and
+every room was crowded. They had coaxed Betty to stay and she was very
+charming; quite too young, everybody said, to be a widow with two
+babies.</p>
+
+<p>Philemon Henry held his pretty sister to his heart and gave her eighteen
+kisses for her birthday.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear, thou hast so many gifts on all occasions," he said, "that a
+brother's best love is all I can bestow upon thee now. When I am a rich
+man it may be otherwise. Polly and thee will always be the dearest of
+sisters, and I hope to be a faithful son to Madam Wetherill."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose wiped some tears from her lovely eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the best any man can be," she made answer.</p>
+
+<p>It was a very gay fortnight, and Allin Wharton was so angry and so
+wretched that he scarce knew how to live. Captain Vane was handsome and
+fascinating, and a hero from having lost his estates, and there were a
+full hundred reasons why he should be attractive to a woman. He believed
+Andrew Henry was no sort of rival beside him. Of course Primrose
+would&mdash;what a fool he had been to take Polly's advice and wait!</p>
+
+<p>But Primrose had been very wise and very careful for such a pretty,
+pleasure-loving girl. There had been something in Gilbert Vane's eyes
+that told the story, and she understood now what it was: the sweetest
+and noblest story a man can tell a woman, but a woman may not always be
+ready to hear it, and now some curious knowledge had come to
+Primrose&mdash;she would never be ready to hear this.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She had threaded her way skillfully through every turning, she had
+jested and parried until she was amazed at her own resources. The last
+morning Madam Wetherill was suddenly called down to the office about the
+transfer of some property, and she had not been gone ten minutes when
+Captain Vane was announced.</p>
+
+<p>He was very disappointed not to see madam&mdash;of course. Primrose was shy
+and looked like a bird about to fly somewhere, but so utterly bewitching
+that his whole heart went out to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you sweetest, dearest Primrose!" he cried, and caught her hand in
+such a clasp that she could not pull it away. "I love you, love you! and
+yet I have no business to say it, a soldier of fortune, who has nothing
+now but his sword, and his patriotism for the country of his
+adoption&mdash;all his fortune yet to make. But it will not hurt you, dear,
+to know that a man loves you with his whole soul and hopes
+for&mdash;nothing."</p>
+
+<p>But his wistful eyes told another story.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, why did you say it?" she cried, full of regret.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I could not help it. Oh, I know it is useless, and yet I would
+give half a lifetime&mdash;nay, all of it&mdash;for a year or two of such bliss as
+Phil is having, to hold you in my arms, to call you my wife, my dear
+wife," and his tone thrilled her with exquisite pain, but something akin
+to pleasure as well. "Primrose, you are the sweetest flower of the
+world, but it could never be&mdash;never; tell me so, darling. Much as it
+pains you, say 'no.' For if you do not I shall always dream. And I am a
+soldier and can meet my fate."</p>
+
+<p>He dropped her hand and stood before her straight, strong, and proud;
+entreaty written in every line of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span> his face. She covered hers with her
+hands to shut out the sight and tried vainly to find her voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, dear," he took the hands down tenderly and saw tears and blushes,
+but not the look he wanted. "That was cruel, unmanly. If it were 'yes'
+there would be no tears, and so I am answered. It is not your fault. You
+have a grander, nobler lover than I. But it has been sweet to love you.
+From almost the first I have loved you, when you were a little girl and
+I longed to have you for my sister. It will not hurt you, as the years
+go on, to know you won a soldier for your country and a lifelong
+patriot. And I know Andrew Henry will not grudge me one kiss. God give
+thee all happiness. Good-by."</p>
+
+<p>He pressed his lips to her forehead and turned.</p>
+
+<p>"God bless thee," she said, and he bowed reverently as he went out of
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>She stood quite still, never heeding the tears that dropped on the front
+of her gown. Andrew Henry! Her dear, dear cousin, who was like a
+brother. Did he love her that way? Did she love him? And if she did
+there was her solemn promise to Rachel.</p>
+
+<p>She ran upstairs and had a good cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever is the matter?" asked Patty. "You are fuller of whims than an
+egg is of meat, for the egg has a breathing space if the chick wants it.
+Not an hour ago you were laughing like a mocking bird. You had better
+have a pitcher of sweet balm for your nerves. You have dissipated too
+much, but thank Heaven there are no more weddings near by."</p>
+
+<p>Primrose dried her eyes and laughed again presently. It was noon when
+Madam Wetherill returned. Attorney Chew had been in with some new plans
+that were quite wonderful.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And Captain Vane to say good-by. What friends he and Phil are! But he
+is a soldier born, if ever there was one. And he looked so fine and
+spirited. He said he had been here."</p>
+
+<p>"For a few minutes, yes. And now, dear madam, when you are rested, can
+we have a better afternoon to ride out to the Pembertons'? I have
+promised some books to Julia, and that new sleeve pattern, and to-morrow
+Polly comes in."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, child&mdash;yes, after my nap. 'Tis a lovely day, and every day is so
+busy. Yes, we will go."</p>
+
+<p>She hath escaped that danger, Madam Wetherill thought. And in her heart
+she honored the brave soldier; how brave, she was never quite to know.</p>
+
+<p>Was there ever a summer without diversions? There was a new interest in
+plants and flowers. Parties went out to John Bartram's, the quaint old
+house with its wide doorway and the great vines that had climbed over it
+for years, until they had grown thick as a man's wrist, almost hiding
+the names cut in the stone long ago, of John and Elizabeth Bartram. The
+old garden of flowers and the ferns were worth some study. And there
+were rambles in the lanes, going after wild strawberries, and even the
+venturesome ones went on the sly to Dunk's Ferry and had their fortune
+told by Old Alice. There were many little shrieks and giggles, and
+joyous or protesting confidences afterward.</p>
+
+<p>And now Primrose thought, as she had years before, that she was quite
+torn in two. Did she love Andrew Henry with an absorbing love, such as
+Polly had for her brother? Another face and another voice haunted her.
+She dreamed of Allin Wharton. This night they were sailing up the lovely
+Schuylkill and pausing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> under the overhanging trees to hear the birds
+who were saying, "Sweet, sweet, I love you," and then Allin would look
+up at her.</p>
+
+<p>Then they were at the farm. Betty and the babies were gone now, and she
+missed them sorely. But Allin came out with Phil, and Phil walked off
+with Polly. Would they never get talked out? Then Allin would draw her
+out in some fragrant nook and look at her with upbraiding eyes. Or, it
+was vivacious Peggy who would drag her in to tea, and then some girl
+would come and she and Allin be left alone again.</p>
+
+<p>Then, by day and in real life, she was cross and tormenting to him.
+Desperately sorry afterward, for now she had no ambition to be
+bad-tempered. Everything had come out to her satisfaction. Phil was the
+dearest of brothers, and prospering, and Madam Wetherill was elated with
+her successful firm. The prestige of the elder Henry dropped its mantle
+over them. And as for Polly, there could not be a wiser, sweeter wife.
+Then Aunt Lois was so tranquilly happy, and Faith growing brighter, yes,
+prettier, and buying grays with a peachy or lavender tint instead of
+that snuffy yellow, or dismally cold stone color, and coaxing Andrew,
+sometimes, to go to Christ Church to hear the singing or the tender
+prayers where the people could all say "Amen."</p>
+
+<p>Oh, what was the matter that she was not happy and satisfied!</p>
+
+<p>Allin was studying hard and well, and growing more manly every day. And
+at last he made up his mind there should be no more shilly-shallying.
+For when Primrose was tender and sweet he knew she loved him. She
+was&mdash;yes, a little bit jealous when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span> he wandered too far in a half
+angry, half desperate moment.</p>
+
+<p>So one evening he came upon her all alone. Miss Jeffries had begged
+madam so to come in to a little card party, for now her father was quite
+lame and could not get out much, and rather deaf, and altogether
+disheartened about England conquering America. Therefore it was a
+charity to visit him.</p>
+
+<p>"And lose <i>my</i> money now," she said with a good-natured laugh.</p>
+
+<p>Now Primrose could not shelter herself behind Polly nor Phil. She was
+sweet and startled, and a dozen things that made her lovelier than ever,
+with a betraying color coming and going in her charming face. And the
+lover took sudden heart. How many times he had planned the scene. There
+was a lover in an old novel that won an obdurate lady, and he had
+rehearsed the arguments numberless times, they were so fine and
+convincing. Oh, how did they begin?</p>
+
+<p>He reached over suddenly and took her in his arms and kissed the
+fragrant lips again and again.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose," just above his breath, "you know I love you. You must have
+seen it ages ago, that morning you came,&mdash;do you remember,&mdash;when I had
+been wounded, and how we talked and talked, and you sung. I couldn't
+bear to have you go. You were the sweetest and dearest and most lovely
+thing in the whole wide world. Polly had talked so much about you. And
+ever since that you have been a part of my very life. I've been jealous,
+and angry when you smiled on others, and you do it so much, Primrose;
+and when that handsome young Vane was here I remembered how you loved
+soldiers and was&mdash;well I could have waylaid him and done anything to
+him, but that wouldn't have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> won you. I've waited so long. And now,
+Primrose, you must give me a little hope. Just say you will love me
+sometime. Oh, no! I can't wait, either. Primrose, my darling, the
+sweetness and glory of my life, love me now, now."</p>
+
+<p>The words came out like a torrent and carried her along. The kisses had
+gone down to her very soul. The clasp of his hands thrilled her.</p>
+
+<p>"Primrose, my sweetest darling&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>It seemed as if she was under a spell. She tried to free herself, but
+she had no strength. Other men had said silly things, but this was like
+a swift rush of music, and she was sure no one had ever uttered Primrose
+in such an exquisitely delicious tone before.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Allin!" in a half sigh.</p>
+
+<p>All the answer was kisses.</p>
+
+<p>"Allin, Allin! Oh, let me&mdash;yes, let me free. I must tell you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You must tell me nothing, save that you love me. I will listen to
+nothing else. Primrose, sweetest, dearest&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, hush, Allin, let me think&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>If she did not mean to love him he would know it by some sure sign. The
+hesitation, the half yielding tells its own story.</p>
+
+<p>And the very foolishness of love went to her heart. The vehemence, the
+ownership in its fearlessness, the persuasive certainty. Of course she
+had known it all along, she had feared now on the side of distance, now
+that he might speak too soon, then wondered if he would ever speak at
+all, while she was all the while putting him off, strange contradiction.</p>
+
+<p>"Say that you love me. Just say it once and I will live on it for
+weeks."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Allin, you would grow thin!" She gave a little half-hysterical
+laugh. And then something stole over her, an impression vague,
+inexplicable, that she did not quite belong to herself. Was there
+someone who had a better right than Allin? Before she gave herself
+irrevocably to this delightful young lover, she must be sure, quite
+sure.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Primrose?" for he had noted the change, the almost paleness
+that drowned out the beautiful, radiant flush that was happiness,
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Primrose, surely you did not, do not love Captain Vane?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a struggle in her soul, in her pulses, an unseen power that
+grasped her and for a moment almost rendered her breathless.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I did not&mdash;love him&mdash;but he&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know. It is hard winning what everyone wants," he answered
+moodily. "But tell me one good reason why you cannot love me."</p>
+
+<p>As if there was no good reason she was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"I really couldn't stand the uncertainty. I couldn't study. Oh, what
+would it all be worth&mdash;life, fame, fortune, or anything if I did not
+have you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you love me as much as that. Would it make a great difference?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would ruin all my life. It is in your hands. Oh, my darling!" For it
+was so delightful to be necessary.</p>
+
+<p>It was not foolish to the ears of eighteen when the heart of eighteen
+had sometimes longed for the words. Good, sound sense is much amiss in
+lovemaking.</p>
+
+<p>"And you do love me&mdash;a little?"</p>
+
+<p>If he could make her admit that he would coax a great deal more.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I can't tell in a moment."</p>
+
+<p>"But you know you do? Will you deny utterly that you do?"</p>
+
+<p>She could evade with pretty turnings and windings, but this, so simple,
+so to the point.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, wait," she cried. "I must think. Allin it is a lifelong thing. I
+want to be sure&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And then you will smile on someone else, and walk with someone else and
+dance and all that, and I shall be utterly miserable and never sure
+until you do promise."</p>
+
+<p>She put her hand over his, her soft dimpled hand that thrilled and
+comforted him, and said in a beseeching tone, as if it was his to grant
+or not:</p>
+
+<p>"Give me a month, Allin. I will not smile on anyone, since you think it
+so dangerous," with a touch of her old witchery.</p>
+
+<p>"A month! As if you could not tell in a moment whether you loved or
+hated!"</p>
+
+<p>"But I don't hate. I like you ever so much. I want to think it over. One
+must consider&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A week then. And after that we can be engaged for ever so long. It
+shall all be as you like then."</p>
+
+<p>It proved very difficult to settle the point. He was so urgent, she so
+hesitating. The big old English clock in the hall struck ten, and
+gentlemen expected to keep good hours.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not come in a whole week. No, do not kiss me again," and she held
+her dainty head up haughtily. "It was all very wrong. I should not have
+allowed such a thing until I was quite sure. Allin, perhaps I am a
+coquette."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be anything if you are only mine."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And then of course I should be steady and devoted, and&mdash;like Polly."</p>
+
+<p>That was a maddening picture to hold out. But she would be a hundred
+times sweeter than Polly, than anyone's sister could possibly be, he
+thought as he went his way.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Was there a ghost in the room? Primrose shivered as she looked at her
+bed with the white curtains and her dressing table that all the girls
+were trimming up now with ruffling and bows. She was so glad to hear the
+chaise stop and to have the warm, ample presence in the room, to hear
+the cheerful voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor old Mr. Jeffries fails fast," said madam. "It would be a sin to
+win his money now. And I grew so dull and sleepy that I wished myself
+home twenty times. Suppose one had an old husband like that? And years
+ago, about fifteen, I think, Mr. Ralph Jeffries asked for my hand."</p>
+
+<p>She laughed softly and began to take out her pins and stick them
+carefully in the cushion. Pins were very precious then.</p>
+
+<p>There were two rainy days, an autumnal storm. Then Sunday. Allin Wharton
+looked at Primrose across the church and spoke coming out. There were
+laces to mend and gowns to consider and poor to visit. And all the time
+Primrose Henry was thinking if&mdash;if a man who was nobleness and goodness
+and tenderness itself, loved her, and would never love anyone else, what
+ought she to do?</p>
+
+<p>Thursday noon Phil came in to dinner. Polly was not very well and he was
+going out at three. Wouldn't Primrose come with him?</p>
+
+<p>Primrose colored and looked oddly embarrassed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> and said, in a confused
+sort of way, there was something she must do this afternoon, but
+to-morrow she would come out and spend two or three days with Polly. She
+sent her best and dearest love.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, she must know once for all. If duty was demanded of her&mdash;if she
+loved Andrew less, or more, when it came to that. What was this romance
+and mystery, and incomprehensible thrill! She <i>did</i> experience it for
+Allin, and alone by herself her face flushed and every pulse trembled.
+His foolish words were so sweet. His kisses&mdash;ah, <i>had</i> she any right to
+offer the cup of joy and delight to another when someone had drained the
+first sweetness?</p>
+
+<p>But if Andrew loved her with the best and holiest love. Could she follow
+in her mother's steps? But her mother had singled Philemon Henry out of
+a world of lovers.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OLD AND THE NEW.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Primrose Henry put on her camlet cloak and took several skeins of yarn
+to one of the old ladies in the almshouses, to knit some stockings for
+some other poor. Afterward she sauntered round with a guilty feeling.
+She often ran in to see Phil and Andrew, and the one clerk always stared
+at the radiant vision. She hesitated on the broad sill, then she opened
+the door. There was a sort of counting room first, and that was vacant
+now. Andrew was in the apartment beyond.</p>
+
+<p>There was her promise to Rachel. Oh, what must she do!</p>
+
+<p>"Philemon has gone," and Andrew glanced up with tender gravity as he
+espied Primrose.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I saw him. How is Aunt Lois, and Faith?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well." There was a different smile, now, a sense of amusement, and
+a peculiar light in the eyes like relief.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" Her heart-beat almost strangled her.</p>
+
+<p>"Rachel was in this morning. And you cannot guess&mdash;she is to be married
+presently."</p>
+
+<p>"Married! And she cared so much for you," cried Primrose in
+consternation.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew colored and moved his head with a slow negative.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it could not have been. Andrew&mdash;I wonder what kind of a wife you
+would like?" turning her eyes away.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He could have reached out his hand and answered her with a clasp. But
+there was another who loved her very much, who was young and gay and
+full of ardent hopes. That would be better for the child.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not marry for years to come." His voice was very tranquil.
+"There is my mother, and now we are so much to each other."</p>
+
+<p>"And <i>she</i> ought to be a Friend. You would like a Friend best, Andrew?
+And no flighty young thing."</p>
+
+<p>Was <i>she</i> thinking of anything? Oh, she was too young and sweet. It
+would be putting a butterfly in a cage.</p>
+
+<p>"That would be better, certainly. When two people elect to spend their
+lives together, it is best that they should have similar tastes and
+desires."</p>
+
+<p>"But a sweet and pretty one, Andrew. One like Miss Whiting, who is
+intelligent and noble and reads a great many things and has a lovely
+garden of flowers. I want you to be very, very happy, Andrew."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, little one. Let me wish the same for you. A gallant young
+lover with ambition, who can take his place in society and who will
+enjoy with you the youthful pleasures that are so much to you, and then
+grow older with you and come to ripe middle life and serene old age. I
+think I could put my finger on someone&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Primrose's sweet face was scarlet, and her eyes suddenly fluttered down
+with tremulous lids.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast been a dear little sister," going back to the Quaker speech.
+"Thy happiness will be much to me; thy pain, if any happened to thee,
+would be my pain. Thy prosperity will always be my prayer, for I think
+thou wert born for sunniness and clear sailing and joy, with someone
+bright and young like thyself."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"A little sister," she repeated softly. If it was that and only that,
+her conscience would be clear.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Didst thou ever doubt it?"</p>
+
+<p>He raised his serene brown eyes and smiled. He was not one to carry all
+his soul in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, and I never shall." She pressed her lips to his forehead, which
+was as fair as any girl's. How long it had been since he kissed her! He
+might trust himself again on her wedding day.</p>
+
+<p>"And now tell me about Rachel. We have queer talk of loves and such."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a young man, a neighbor, the eldest of several sons. And Rachel
+hath a nice dower. I hope all will go well."</p>
+
+<p>She was infinitely sorry for Rachel at that moment.</p>
+
+<p>"You will come soon and see us. I send love to Aunt Lois," and Primrose
+turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Fare thee well. Blessings attend thee, little one."</p>
+
+<p>He sat there a long while, thinking how her mother had given up many
+worldly things for the man she loved. Primrose would do it, too, he said
+stoutly to himself, if she had loved. It was best this way. The sunshine
+did not rise up from the brown earth, but shone down out of the radiant
+blue sky.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose Henry went home with a light heart. And that evening Allin
+Wharton had his answer.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Wetherill shook her head, but said smilingly, "If you take the
+young woman you must take the old one, too. I will never give up
+Primrose."</p>
+
+<p>The girl's soft arms were around her neck and the sweet young voice,
+with a rapture of emotion, cried, "Oh, madam, am I indeed so dear to
+you?"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The world goes on and the stories of life are repeated,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span> but to each one
+comes that supreme taste of personal joy and rapture that is alone for
+itself; that is new, no matter how many times it may have been lived
+over.</p>
+
+<p>There was a long, delightful engagement of the young people, who waited
+for Allin to take his degree, and his father felt justly proud of his
+standing. There was all the reckless happiness of two young people in
+that wonderful joyousness of youth when one apes sorrows for the sake of
+being comforted, indulges in dainty disagreements so that they can
+repent with fascinating sweetness, and are inconsequent, unreasonable,
+entrancing, and delightful, and gayety of any kind seems good, so that
+it goes hand and hand with love. Primrose danced and laughed through her
+April years, and then came May with bloom and more steadiness, and then
+peerless, magnificent June.</p>
+
+<p>"I am but a sad trifler, after all," she would say to Madam Wetherill.
+"Shall I ever be like my dear mother or have any of the sober Henry
+blood in me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," was the answer. "We never find fault with the rose because it
+does not bear an ear of corn or a stalk of grain. And yet so great a
+thing as an oak tree is content to bear a small acorn."</p>
+
+<p>And while they were being married and rejoicing in Phil's sturdy little
+boy and dainty, golden-haired baby girl called Primrose, old
+Philadelphia was making rapid strides. Indeed, in Washington's language,
+the United Colonies had now "the opportunity to become a respectable
+nation," and it came back to the city where it had first uttered its
+lusty young cry and protest. In May of 1787, in the old State House,
+assembled the delegates who were to frame a Constitution that would
+stand the wear and tear of time. Their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span> four months' work has come down
+to us written in letters of imperishable glory, that were not to be too
+large for the Thirteen Colonies, and large enough for any multiple the
+nation might come to use in the course of its existence.</p>
+
+<p>For the tardy treaty of peace had been signed, and though there were
+much discussion and various opinions, such as children of one family
+often have, it was all settled. And the next Fourth of July had a grand
+procession, for the times, and a ship of state was dragged proudly
+through the streets on a float, with some pretty boys for midshipmen;
+the great judges in their official robes, soldiers, and civilians, and,
+side by side, walked Andrew Henry and Philemon Henry, brothers indeed in
+all the wide and varied interests that go to make up brotherhood and not
+a little human love. The bells of Christ Church, that had once been
+taken down and hidden from vandal hands, were rehung, and rung at
+intervals all day long, while flags floated and bonfires blazed at
+night, and a grand supper was eaten by the dignitaries at Bush Hill.</p>
+
+<p>While other and larger matters were being discussed, a President
+nominated, elected, and inaugurated, Philadelphia, like a prudent
+householder, was attending to her own affairs. When Washington passed
+through the city on his way to New York to receive the grandest
+compliment of the nation, she again paid him all honor in his reception.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful city with its greenery and quiet, of which William Penn
+had dreamed, and in many of whose footsteps the renowned Franklin had
+followed, had gone through curious changes, and was putting on new
+aspects with every year. But "Fairemount," with its homes that were to
+be handed down in story<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span> a hundred years later; Stenton, with its grand
+aspects; Lansdowne, with its woods and waters; the Logan House, the
+Shippens', and old Mount Pleasant, and so on stretching up the banks of
+the Schuylkill were to be left beautiful and tranquil and free from the
+thought of business invasion. For Old Philadelphia is like a dream, and
+there will always linger about it the youthful tenderness of William
+Penn's plan and his life story.</p>
+
+<p>And then, to the chagrin of New York, came the transference of the
+Capital to Philadelphia. She had perked up and brightened up, stretched
+out her wharves, filled up her low places, cleared her streets of
+rubbish, and built rows of houses, had her library and her university,
+and it seemed as if she had been getting ready for this accession within
+her borders, the "Republican Court," as it was to be called.</p>
+
+<p>A plain enough house, on High Street, it was, with a few fine old trees
+about, where many famous decisions were shaped by wisdom that seems
+wonderful to us now. When Congress was in session there were many
+gayeties, dinners, private balls, suppers, and dances for the young
+people, and then, to its ruler, the retirement of Mount Vernon.</p>
+
+<p>With it all a sort of serene steadiness and refinement that never
+allowed pleasures to degenerate into a maddening whirl. A thrift and
+prudence, too, that had become a solid, underlying strand in the
+character of the city.</p>
+
+<p>The bell still rang out on market mornings and mistresses were not above
+visiting the long, clean spaces, though there was much fault-finding
+about the dearness of things, and Mrs. Adams complained of the
+loneliness of Bush Hill, though she was afterward to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span> be comforted by
+being the first lady of the land at Washington, the final Capital.</p>
+
+<p>Primrose Wharton was a pretty young wife and the mother of a
+golden-haired little girl when she next saw "Lady Washington," as she
+was often called. She had settled into a gracious, but still piquant,
+matron, and she and Allin enjoyed the theater and still dearly loved a
+dance. Madam Wetherill was yet a handsome and stately dame, and "foolish
+over the little one," she said.</p>
+
+<p>There were many memories of the dismal winter of Valley Forge renewed
+when Mrs. Washington met some of the brave soldiers. And among them all
+there was no finer nor more attractive figure than that of Andrew Henry,
+now arrived at its full manliness. The Quaker costume became him as no
+other would, though the Continental attire was distinctive and well
+calculated to show off a man. Fair and fresh and strong, yet with
+well-bred gentleness and a cultivated mind, he was often singled out at
+the receptions, and more than one admiring girl would have gladly
+enacted Bessy Wardour's romance.</p>
+
+<p>Was there any story in the eyes that gave a glimpse of the great heart
+back of them? tender, sweet, brave eyes? Sometimes Primrose Wharton
+thought so, and all her pulses stood still in awesome silence. She was
+very happy. She and Allin had had an April fling and had settled into
+May bloom, but&mdash;could anything have been different&mdash;better? Not for her,
+but for him. A little sister! Is she that?</p>
+
+<p>He was very happy, now, in a larger house, with a study and book
+shelves, his mother a tender and tranquil woman, Faith a contented
+housekeeper with a servant, and hardly knowing which to adore the most,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span>
+Polly Henry's merry madcap household, or Primrose Wharton's sunny-haired
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>The only thing Philemon Henry would undo are those years that he was
+hardly answerable for.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it was not your fault," Polly declares in her impetuous,
+fond, and justifying way. "I think it really braver, for it requires
+more courage to own that a man has been wrong, than to go along in a
+straight path already made for him. And I fell in love with you as a
+redcoat, I really did, and fought with myself in the nights when I was
+alone. For, of course, I couldn't have told Prim; she would have crossed
+me quite out of her books. And I wouldn't have dared hint such a thing
+to anybody. Now, truly, was I not a silly girl?"</p>
+
+<p>A fond kiss is her answer.</p>
+
+<p>If the war made enemies it also made brothers, informed with larger
+wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>A hundred and more years ago! Yet there are storied places that will
+never die out and the old bell of freedom has clanged many a peal, and
+the State House had many a Pilgrim. Truly there are numberless worthies
+in the great beyond, who have left behind imperishable memories even in
+a city that has grown anew more than once, and added beauty to beauty.</p>
+
+
+<h4>THE END.</h4>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>The Girl Chum's Series</h2>
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+
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+<p><b>MISS CHARITY'S HOUSE.</b> By Howe Benning.</p>
+
+<p><b>MISS ELLIOT'S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls.</b> By Mary Spring Corning.</p>
+
+<p><b>MISS MALCOLM'S TEN. A Story For Girls.</b> By Margaret E. Winslow.</p>
+
+<p><b>ONE GIRL'S WAY OUT.</b> By Howe Benning.</p>
+
+<p><b>PEN'S VENTURE.</b> By Elvirton Wright.</p>
+
+<p><b>RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls.</b> By Marion Thorne.</p>
+
+<p><b>THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life.</b> By M. E. Winslow.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p><b>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers.<br /> A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3>The Girl Comrade's Series</h3>
+
+<h4>ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES.</h4>
+
+
+<p>A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
+authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and full
+of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting motives,
+vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.</p>
+
+<h4>HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.</h4>
+
+<h4>PRICE, 60 CENTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER.</b> By I. T. Thurston.</p>
+
+<p><b>ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls.</b> By Fanny E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>ALMOST A GENIUS. A Story For Girls.</b> By Adelaide L. Rouse.</p>
+
+<p><b>ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl.</b> By Adelaide L. Rouse.</p>
+
+<p><b>BUBBLES. A Girl's Story.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>COMRADES.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story.</b> By Adelaide L. Rouse.</p>
+
+<p><b>HELEN BEATON, COLLEGE WOMAN.</b> By Adelaide L. Rouse.</p>
+
+<p><b>JOYCE'S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>MELLICENT RAYMOND. A Story For Girls.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>MISS ASHTON'S NEW PUPIL. A School Girl's Story.</b> By Mrs. S. S. Robbins.</p>
+
+<p><b>NOT FOR PROFIT. A Story For Girls.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>ODD ONE, THE. A Story For Girls.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<p><b>SARA, A PRINCESS. A Story For Girls.</b> By Fannie E. Newberry.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p><b>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers.<br /> A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3>The Blue Grass Seminary Girls Series</h3>
+
+<h4>By CAROLYN JUDSON BURNETT</h4>
+
+
+<h4>Handsome Cloth Binding Price, 40c. per Volume</h4>
+
+<h4><i>Splendid Stories of the Adventures of a Group of Charming Girls</i></h4>
+
+<p><b>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' VACATION ADVENTURES; or, Shirley Willing
+to the Rescue.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS; or, A Four Weeks'
+Tour with the Glee Club.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS IN THE MOUNTAINS; or, Shirley Willing on a
+Mission of Peace.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE WATER; or, Exciting Adventures on a
+Summer's Cruise Through the Panama Canal.</b></p>
+
+
+<h3>The Mildred Series</h3>
+
+<h4>By MARTHA FINLEY</h4>
+
+
+<h4>Handsome Cloth Binding Price, 40c. per Volume</h4>
+
+<h4><i>A Companion Series to the Famous "Elsie" Books by the Same Author</i></h4>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED KEITH</b></p>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED'S MARRIED LIFE</b></p>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED AT ROSELANDS</b></p>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED AT HOME</b></p>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED AND ELSIE</b></p>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED'S BOYS AND GIRLS</b></p>
+
+<p><b>MILDRED'S NEW DAUGHTER</b></p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers</p>
+
+<p><b>A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street. New York.</b></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h3>The Camp Fire Girls Series</h3>
+
+<p><b>By HILDEGARD G. FREY.</b> The only series of stories for Camp Fire Girls
+endorsed by the officials of the Camp Fire Girls Organization. <b>PRICE, 40
+CENTS PER VOLUME</b></p>
+
+<p><b>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The Winnebagos go Camping.</b></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>This lively Camp Fire group and their Guardian go back to
+Nature in a camp in the wilds of Maine and pile up more
+adventures in one summer than they have had in all their
+previous vacations put together. Before the summer is over they
+have transformed Gladys, the frivolous boarding school girl,
+into a genuine Winnebago.</p></div>
+
+<p><b>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers.</b></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>It is the custom of the Winnebagos to weave the events of their
+lives into symbolic bead bands, instead of keeping a diary. All
+commendatory doings are worked out in bright colors, but every
+time the Law of of the Camp Fire is broken it must be recorded
+is black. How these seven live wire girls strive to infuse into
+their school life the spirit of Work, Health and Love and yet
+manage to get into more than their share of mischief, is told
+in this story.</p></div>
+
+<p><b>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic Garden.</b></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Migwan is determined to go to college, and not being strong
+enough to work indoors earns the money by raising fruits and
+vegetables. The Winnebagos all turn a hand to help the cause
+along and the "goings-on" at Onoway House that summer make the
+foundations shake with laughter.</p></div>
+
+<p><b>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road That Leads the Way.</b></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Winnebagos take a thousand mile auto trip. The "pinching"
+of Nyoda, the fire in the country inn, the runaway girl and the
+dead-earnest hare and hound chase combine to make these three
+weeks the most exciting the Winnebagos have ever experienced.</p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers</p>
+
+<p><b>A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street. New York.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3>The "Little Girl" Series</h3>
+
+<h4>By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS</h4>
+
+<h4>In Handsome Cloth Binding</h4>
+
+<h4>Price, per Volume 60 Cents</h4>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old New York<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl of Long Ago<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A sequel to "A Little Girl in Old New York"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Boston<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Washington<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old New Orleans<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Detroit<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old St. Louis<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Chicago<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old San Francisco<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Quebec<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Baltimore<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Salem<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>For Sale by all Booksellers or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price</p>
+
+<p>
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS<br />
+<br />
+New York<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 28648-h.txt or 28648-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/6/4/28648">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/4/28648</a></p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia, by Amanda
+Minnie Douglas
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia
+
+
+Author: Amanda Minnie Douglas
+
+
+
+Release Date: April 30, 2009  [eBook #28648]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD
+PHILADELPHIA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, J. P. W. Fraser, Josephine
+Paolucci, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+(http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA
+
+by
+
+AMANDA M. DOUGLAS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A. L. Burt Company
+Publishers      New York
+
+Copyright, 1890,
+by
+Dodd, Mead and Company.
+
+
+
+
+TO MR. AND MRS. HENRY HORTON LAWRENCE.
+
+The early youth of an old town has a certain simplicity like the youth
+of human life. Its struggles, its romance, its unfolding come down
+through the earnest hands that have labored for its welfare and left
+imperishable monuments. To the legacies of remembrances you have had
+handed down to you, I add this little story of a long ago time, a posy
+culled from quaint gardens.
+
+              _With sincere regard_,
+
+                  AMANDA M. DOUGLAS.
+
+NEWARK, N.J., 1899.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+
+I.     HERE AND THERE,                           1
+
+II.    BESSY WARDOUR,                           14
+
+III.   IN A NEW WORLD,                          29
+
+IV.    OF MANY THINGS,                          44
+
+V.     A BOULEVERSEMENT,                        58
+
+VI.    TO THE RESCUE,                           74
+
+VII.   AT SOME CROSSROADS,                      87
+
+VIII.  A LITTLE REBEL,                         104
+
+IX.    FATE TO THE FORE,                       122
+
+X.     TO TURN AND FIGHT,                      134
+
+XI.    A RIFT OF SUSPICION,                    150
+
+XII.   TRUE TO HER COLORS,                     167
+
+XIII.  UNDER THE ROSE,                         183
+
+XIV.   FOR NATIVE LAND AND LOYALTY,            200
+
+XV.    PARTING,                                215
+
+XVI.   LOVE AND TRUE LOVE,                     231
+
+XVII.  MID WAR'S ALARMS,                       238
+
+XVIII. WHOM SHALL SHE PITY,                    264
+
+XIX.   MIDNIGHT TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY,          279
+
+XX.    WHEN THE WORLD WENT WELL,               297
+
+XXI.   AN APRIL GIRL,                          312
+
+XXII.  POLLY AND PHIL,                         330
+
+XXIII. PRIMROSE,                               342
+
+XXIV.  THE OLD AND THE NEW,                    364
+
+
+
+
+
+A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HERE AND THERE.
+
+
+She was swinging her gingham sunbonnet, faded beyond any recognition of
+its pristine coloring, her small hand keeping tight hold of the strings.
+At every revolution it went swifter and swifter until it seemed a
+grayish sort of wheel whirling in the late sunshine that sent long
+shadows among the trees. When she let it go it flew like a great bird,
+while she laughed sweet, merry childish notes that would have stirred
+almost any soul. A slim, lithe little maid with a great crop of yellow
+hair, cut short in the neck, and as we should say now, banged across the
+forehead. But it was a mass of frowzy curls that seemed full of
+sunshine.
+
+With two or three quick leaps she captured it again and was just
+preparing for her next swirl.
+
+"Primrose! Primrose! I think thee grows more disorderly every day. What
+caper is this? Look at these strings, they are like a twisted rope. And
+if thy bonnet had gone into the pond! For that matter it needs the
+washtub."
+
+Primrose laughed again and then broke it in the in the middle with a
+funny little sound, and glanced at the tall woman beside her, who was
+smoothing out the strings with sundry pinches.
+
+"Certainly thou art a heedless girl! What thou wilt be----" She checked
+herself. "Come at once to the kitchen. Wash thy face and hands and comb
+out that nest of frowze. Let me see"--surveying her. "Thou must have a
+clean pinafore. And dust thy shoes."
+
+Primrose followed Aunt Lois in a spell of wonderment. The scolding was
+not severe, but it was generally followed by some sort of punishment. A
+clean pinafore, too! To be set on a high stool and study a Psalm, or be
+relegated to bread and water, and, oh! she was suddenly hungry. Down in
+the orchard were delicious ripe apples lying all about the ground. Why
+had she not gone and taken her fill?
+
+She scrubbed her face with her small hands until Aunt Lois said, "That
+is surely enough." Then she wet her hair and tugged at the tangles, but
+as for getting it straight that was out of the question. All this time
+Aunt Lois stood by silent, with her soft gray eyes fixed on the culprit,
+until Prim felt she must scream and run away.
+
+The elder turned to a chest of drawers and took out an apron of homespun
+blue-and-white check, a straight, bag-like garment with plain armholes
+and a cord run in at the neck. A bit of tape was quite a luxury, as it
+had to be imported, while one could twist cords, fine or coarse, at
+home.
+
+"Your Aunt Wetherill's housekeeper is in the next room. She has come
+hither to give notice. Next week will be the time to go in town."
+
+"Oh, Aunt Lois! Aunt Lois!" Primrose buried her face in the elder's
+gown. A curious yearning passed over the placid countenance, followed by
+a stronger one of repression, and she unclasped the clinging hands.
+
+"It is a misfortune, as I have ever said, and there will be just
+shifting hither and yon, until thou art eighteen, a long way off. It
+makes thee neither fish nor fowl, for what is gained in one six months
+is upset in the next. But thy mother would have it so."
+
+Primrose made no further protest, but swallowed over a great lump in her
+throat and winked hard. What she longed to do was to jump up and down
+and declare she would not go, in a tone that would reach the town
+itself. Even well-trained children had unregenerate impulses, but
+self-control was one of the early rules impressed upon childhood, the
+season and soil in which virtues were supposed to take root and flourish
+most abundantly.
+
+There were two doors opening from this kitchen to a small hall, from
+thence to the ordinary living room, and a smaller one adjoining, used
+for a sort of parlor, as we should call it now, a kind of state room
+where the Friends often held meetings. It was very plain indeed. There
+were straight white curtains at the windows, without a bit of fringe or
+netting. Women used to make these adornments as a kind of fancy work,
+but the rigid rules of the Friends discountenanced all such employments,
+even if it was to improve odd moments. There was no carpet on the floor,
+which was scrubbed to spotlessness; chairs of oaken frame, bent, and
+polished by the busy housewife until they shone, with seats of broad
+splint or rushes painted yellow. A large set of drawers with several
+shelves on top stood between the windows, and a wooden settle was ranged
+along the wall. A table with a great Bible and two or three religious
+books, and a high mantel with two enormous pitchers that glittered in a
+brilliant color which was called British luster, with a brass snuffers
+and tray and candlesticks, were the only concession to the spirit of
+worldliness.
+
+Primrose entered with a lagging step behind her aunt. There sat Mistress
+Janice Kent in her riding habit of green cloth faced with red silk, and
+a habit shirt of the same color just showing at the neck where the
+lapels crossed. Her hat was wound around with a green veil, and her
+gauntlet gloves were of yellow buckskin broidered with black. In one
+hand she still held her riding whip. A somewhat airy but
+dignified-looking person with dark, rather sharp eyes, and dark hair;
+and a considerable amount of color, heightened now by the rapid
+exercise.
+
+"Mercy of me! The child has grown mightily!" she exclaimed. "Indeed,
+there will not be a thing fit for her to wear! Madam Wetherill was
+considering that, and has sent for new measurements. With the last
+vessel in, has come lots of choice stuffs of every kind, and the maid
+has already fallen to work. How do you do, Mistress Primrose? Rose would
+better become such a blossoming maid without the Prim," and she laughed
+gayly, as if pleased with her conceit. "Come hither, child; do not be
+afraid. There, I'll lay my whip on the floor. It has a threatening look,
+I will admit, yet 'tis a harmless thing without the owner's hand. I am
+sent to measure thee, Mistress Rose, and to announce that next Wednesday
+the chaise will be sent out for you, with perhaps Madam Wetherill.
+Meanwhile we shall be making ready to transform you from a sober gray
+Friend to a gay young damsel. It is a pity you are not older. There
+will be great doings this winter."
+
+Lois Henry's face settled into sterner lines. It was a sweet and
+peaceful face, rendered so by some discipline and much freedom from
+care. For the Friends made small efforts to shine in society, and at
+this period there were few calls upon charity or even sympathy. James
+Henry was a prosperous farmer, and the style of living simple. Fair as
+to complexion, rather aquiline in features, with blue-gray eyes and
+nearly straight brows, her soft hair drawn back from her forehead and
+gathered under a plain cap with a frill a little full at the sides and
+scant across the top, a half square of white linen crossed over her
+bosom, a gray homespun gown reaching barely to the ankles, with blue
+homeknit stockings and stout low shoes with a black buckle on the top,
+Lois Henry was a fine sample of a Quaker gentlewoman.
+
+"There are many things to life beside gayety," she said rather severely.
+"And such a child hath much that is useful to learn."
+
+"Oh, we have a tutor in the house, Madam Wetherill's two cousins will
+spend the winter in town, Miss Betty Randolph from Virginia, and Martha
+Johns from some western county. There will be lessons on the spinet and
+in dancing."
+
+Mistress Kent gave a little smile of malice and a jaunty toss to her
+head.
+
+"The child needs nothing of that since she comes back to us and plainer
+living. She reads well and is not slow in figures. I shall see that she
+is instructed in all housewifely ways, but it is ill making headway when
+the tide runs down the stream."
+
+Lois Henry really sighed then. She did hate to have her six months'
+labor and interest come to naught. She longed to snatch the child from
+these paths of temptation, for now, as she was growing older, they might
+be more alluring.
+
+"Come hither, little one, and let me measure you. My, but you have grown
+tall, and keep slim, so there will be less for stays to do. 'As the twig
+is bent,' you know," laughing and showing her even teeth, of which she
+was very proud. "And a fine figure is a great advantage. Your hands are
+not ill-kept, I see."
+
+They were tanned, but dimpled, with tapering fingers and rosy nails, and
+the skin fine and soft.
+
+"Hands are for use and not ornament. Thou art to do with thy might
+whatsoever comes in thy way."
+
+"True, Friend Henry. But a clean room may abound in virtue as well as an
+untidy one. And a well-kept person surely is no sin. Put off your shoe,
+child. Ah, you have a slim foot, though no one would think it, to see
+the shoe."
+
+She had been taking measurements and putting figures on an ivory tablet
+that she slipped into a cloth pocket hanging at her side.
+
+"I have the necessary requirements, I believe, and the maid can have a
+few things in order. We will send in on Wednesday. That is the date
+appointed, Friend Henry."
+
+She picked up her whip with an airy grace, and stood tall and straight,
+her habit falling around her feet.
+
+"Now I will bid you good-day, though it is almost evening. Do not look
+so sober, little Rose, but then we will soon have smiles displacing the
+Quaker gravity, which ill beseems young people. Friend Henry, why do
+your community consider smiling sinful when it is so pretty and comes
+from a merry heart? A man who went about to commit murder would scarcely
+smile, methinks."
+
+"'The laughter of fools is as the crackling of thorns under a pot,'" was
+the somewhat severe answer.
+
+"One need not break out into silly giggling," was the rather tart reply.
+"I abhor that myself. But a smile on a child's face is much to be
+preferred to a frown. 'And a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.'"
+
+"'Children,' saith the wise man, 'are to be brought up in the fear and
+admonition of the Lord.'"
+
+"Ah, well! luckily there are many rules and opinions in the world.
+Good-by, Rose-blossom. Next week we will welcome thee at Wetherill
+House."
+
+Primrose followed her aunt to the door. There were Mistress Kent's horse
+and the black servant, who respectfully touched his hat and assisted his
+mistress to mount, then sprang on his own steed, and with a wave of the
+hand and a nodding of the veil she cantered away.
+
+"Next week! Why, Aunt Lois, how near it is! I had forgotten," Primrose
+exclaimed breathlessly.
+
+"It would be a most excellent thing if thou wert allowed to forget
+altogether. This continual changing works ill. Now go and stir the meal
+and feed those late chicks. Put in some of the cracked corn for the
+mother hen."
+
+Primrose went at once, though she was eager to ask about the promised
+journey, but the habit of repression was strong upon her, and obedience
+to the letter was exacted from children at that period. It must have
+been a halcyon time for mothers when a child never ventured to ask why.
+
+Friend Henry went out to the kitchen again. It was a great room with a
+wide fireplace and a crane that accommodated two kettles. An iron baking
+pot stood in a bed of coals, with a plentiful supply on the cover. The
+black woman came and gave it a push partly around, with the tongs, so
+that the farthest side should have the benefit of the blaze.
+
+There were even then many Friends who owned slaves, indeed most of the
+servants were of African descent. The feelings and beliefs of
+Philadelphia were more in consonance with the settlements farther south,
+than those to the north of them. But the Henrys held slavery in
+abhorrence, and hired their servants. Lois Henry kept but one woman, and
+she was quite superior to the average of her race; indeed, like her
+mistress, was of the persuasion of Friends.
+
+The two women busied themselves about the supper. If Friends were plain
+in their household adornments and attire, they did not stint in food nor
+the trouble of preparing it.
+
+Primrose fed the two late broods whose mothers had stolen their nests
+and brought off their families in great triumph. One had thirteen, the
+other eleven. Their mothers ran cheerfully to the coops and called their
+progeny. When the families were within, Primrose took up the slatted
+door and fastened it down with a stake and shut up the peeping things so
+busy with their supper.
+
+As she was loitering on the way back, she saw her uncle and cousin
+Andrew talking eagerly. Did they know she was going away next week? She
+ran forward and Andrew turned to her with a smile, while his father
+talked on.
+
+She clasped his hands in hers so warm and soft. His were brawny and
+hard, but he was a great fellow and he looked down with a kindly,
+protective air.
+
+"Oh, do you know Aunt Wetherill has sent over, and----"
+
+"Yes," slowly, "we knew it was time. Madam Wetherill does not forget
+easily."
+
+"Primrose!" called her aunt.
+
+She hastened to the kitchen, rinsed out her dipper, and hung it up.
+Uncle Henry was washing his hands and Chloe was taking up the hot bread
+and dishing the stewed chicken. Oh, how delightfully appetizing the
+fragrance was! And she was so glad not to have forfeited her right to
+the supper.
+
+"Come to the table," said Aunt Lois.
+
+The four heads were bowed reverently. There was not much talking at meal
+time. Aunt Lois was ever afraid of idle words and vain babbling. Uncle
+James had a good, hearty appetite, as became his size and strength, and
+generally occupied himself in ministering to it. Children in Quaker
+households--indeed, in nearly all others--had the wise old adage dinned
+into their ears that they were to be seen and not heard, and they also
+understood that they were to be seen as little as possible.
+
+When the supper was ended Primrose went out to the kitchen and dried the
+teacups, of which Aunt Lois was quite choice, and the silver
+heirlooms--the teaspoons her grandmother had brought from old England.
+
+Friend Dunscomb was coming up the path. That meant an evening in the
+best room with Uncle James and Aunt Lois. There were many agitating
+subjects to talk about in these days. Primrose walked out of the kitchen
+door and around the path, sending a long, dubious glance in the
+direction of her new home.
+
+Six months ago she had left it. How queer to be divided up in this way.
+She had felt lonely at Wetherill House, and missed her mother sadly. To
+be sure it was winter, and here on the farm it was glowing, golden
+summer. She had not known the dreariness of a long winter here. There
+were so many enchanting things, so much life and joy and beauty. In a
+vague way it thrilled her, even if she did not understand. There were
+rambles in the lanes, and the orchard where she could climb trees; there
+was luscious fruit in which she was never stinted. Rides behind Cousin
+Andrew on Jack, and going to market, as a rare treat, with Uncle James,
+learning to spin on the little wheel, stealing away to the old garret
+and reading some forgotten, time-stained books that she dared not ask
+about. Sometimes she had a misgiving of conscience, but no one ever
+inquired about them, or what she did up there.
+
+Andrew came out and took a seat under the old apple tree. She ran down
+to him.
+
+"Andrew, why must I go to Aunt Wetherill's every six months?" she asked.
+
+He glanced at her in a slow, irresolute fashion.
+
+"I must go again next week. It is like a ball being tossed back and
+forth. I--I didn't quite like it. I would rather stay here."
+
+"I'm glad of that." He passed his arm around her and gave her a gentle
+hug.
+
+"But why must I go?" impatiently.
+
+"It was thy mother's will. Madam Wetherill was her dearest cousin, like
+a mother to her. Thou art too young to understand."
+
+"But my mother is dead this long while." There was a sound of perplexity
+in the youthful voice.
+
+"Yes. It is hard to explain to thee, and a child should not be thinking
+of money. Thy father appointed mine guardian of thee. Then the Wardours,
+thy mother's people, left her some fortune, and as thy father was dead
+she made her will as she pleased."
+
+"Is a will such a very bad thing, Cousin Andrew?" she inquired in a
+timid voice. She had heard much talk through the winter of governing and
+restraining the will until it had become a sort of personality to her,
+and connected solely with a state of grace, another vague territory.
+
+He smiled. "This is not----" How could he explain it to her
+comprehension? He had only the plainest sort of education. For though it
+was true that many of the earliest Friends were versed in worldly
+knowledge, they had grown more restricted in their narrower lives in the
+new country. And on the farms there were not many advantages. Perhaps he
+could mend her confusion of mind in another fashion. "When one has some
+property or money and desires to give it to another, he or she states
+the wish in writing before witnesses. And the law makes this intention
+respected. This is too grave a matter for a child's understanding, but
+thy mother and Madam Wetherill planned this. When my father protested,
+this compromise, I think they call it, was decided upon."
+
+Primrose was not much used to long words. Most of the Friends kept to
+brief, concise Saxon.
+
+"A compromise? Is that why I am changed about so? What queer names
+things have! I like better living straight along. And I was much
+frightened last winter. But there were two little girls in the next
+place, and I should have been sorry enough to leave them, only they were
+going to England to be educated."
+
+Andrew remembered there was some talk of sending her to England, where
+she had a half-brother, but that was not on the mother's side.
+
+"Cannot something be done with this wicked compromise? I should like to
+stay here. Andrew, I love you better than anyone in the wide world."
+
+Andrew hugged her up close and gave a soft sigh. He could remember two
+little girls sleeping in the Friends' burying ground. One would have
+been seventeen now, and had stayed with them five years, dying the night
+her sister was born. He had believed it was little Lois come in a new
+baby body. And after three brief years she, too, had gone to the other
+country. His mother had been graver ever since; more self-contained,
+more spiritual, the Friends said.
+
+This little girl, whom they had seen occasionally in her mother's life,
+had crept into his heart during her six months' stay and he hated to let
+her go. He was so fond of all young and helpless things. The lambs, the
+tiny chickens, and the calves appealed to him strongly as they looked
+out of asking eyes, it seemed to him. He was beginning to chafe under
+the colorless, repressed life about him, and the little girl had been a
+great outlet for his affection, though much of it had been nursed in
+secret.
+
+"I do not know what can be done, if anything," he said in answer to her
+question. "But I am truly sorry. I love thee dearly, Primrose. I wish
+thou wert my sister."
+
+He bent over and kissed the soft, fragrant child lips. Oh, how sweet
+they were! Was such tenderness reprehensible? He was beginning to think
+of love and marriage as strong, heartsome youth will, but, strange to
+say, the young woman his father approved of was not at all to his
+liking. He was nearing man's estate, and though he labored with himself
+to repress what he knew would be considered lawless desires, they
+returned again and again. And how much he should long for the sweetness
+of this little girl.
+
+She put her arms up around his neck and her soft, caressing fingers
+seemed to play with his very heart strings. Oh, how dear she was! And
+her new life would be so different. Madam Wetherill rather flouted the
+Friends with what she called their drab religion.
+
+"Primrose! Primrose!" called the curiously soft voice of Chloe, that had
+a different accent from the habitual evenness of the real Quaker tone.
+"Where is the child!"
+
+"Here! here! I am coming." She gave Andrew one long, tender kiss and
+then walked rapidly to the kitchen porch.
+
+"Thee should have been in bed with the chickens. Go at once. The moon is
+coming up and thou wilt need no light. Forget not thy prayers. Mistress
+Janice is an emissary of the evil one that thou must resist."
+
+Primrose went up to her chamber under the eaves in a state of half
+terror and restrained rebellion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+BESSY WARDOUR.
+
+
+It was a rather curious tangle, as Primrose Henry was to learn
+afterward. Philemon Henry was older than his brother James, and in trade
+in the city that William Penn had planned and founded in an orderly
+manner. And though it is the common belief that Philadelphia was born at
+right angles and on a level, at its early inception there was much
+diversity to it. Creeks swept it in many directions, and there were
+hills and submerged lands waiting for the common sense of man to fill up
+and hew down the romance. Even before Revolutionary times there was much
+business on the wharves of the Delaware, and many men owned trading
+ships and warehouses. And though England had made no end of bothersome
+and selfish restrictions as to trade, men had found ways to evade them;
+at some peril, it is true, but that added zest.
+
+Philemon Henry was tolerably successful in his undertakings and adhered
+to the faith of William Penn, even if his own son afterward went astray.
+He married an Englishwoman of good descent, who had left her native land
+with a company of Friends for the sake of the larger liberty. The fine,
+stalwart Quaker had soon attracted her, and with him she spent three
+years of happy married life, when she died, leaving a baby boy of little
+more than a year old. A goodly housekeeper came to care for them, and
+the boy throve finely. She would willingly have married Philemon, but
+as he evinced no inclination, she provided for her old age by marrying
+another well-to-do Friend. And then, as sometimes happens in a widower's
+household, there was an interregnum of trouble and disorder.
+
+He had business dealings with the Wardours and met a connection, an
+orphan, pretty young Bessy Wardour, who fell in love with the fine,
+strong, still handsome Quaker, whose attire was immaculate, and whose
+manners were courtly. And he surprised himself by a tenderness for the
+winsome, kittenish thing, who, for his sake, laid aside her fripperies
+and, to the amazement of her relatives, joined the Society of Friends.
+But if she had been tempting in her worldly gear, she was a hundred
+times more bewitching in her soft grays that were exquisite in quality,
+and her wide brim, low-crowned beaver tied under her dimpled chin with a
+bow that was distracting. The great blue eyes were of the melting,
+persuasive kind, her voice had a caressing cadence, and her smile was
+enough to conquer the most obdurate heart, and yet withal she had an air
+of masquerading and enjoyed it to the full. She was deeply in love with
+Philemon, and though he struggled against a passion he deemed almost
+ungodly, she being so young and pretty, she conquered in the end. He
+almost scandalized the Society when he stood up to be married. The young
+Quaker women envied her, the elders shook their heads doubtfully.
+
+She was sunny and charming and did adore her great stalwart husband. She
+had so many tempting, beguiling ways, her kisses had such a delicious
+sweetness that he sometimes felt afraid. And yet, was she not his lawful
+wife, and had he not a right? Were not husbands enjoined to be tender
+to their wives? She charmed little Phil as well. She played with him,
+ran races, repeated verses, caressed him until sometimes the father was
+almost jealous of the tenderness showered upon the child. She had such a
+dainty taste and was always adding delicate touches to the plain Quaker
+habits that made them seem twice as pretty. Sometimes he tried to frown
+upon them.
+
+"But God has made the world beautiful," she would protest. "And is it
+not for us, his children? If I go out in the lanes and woods and gather
+wild flowers that have cost no man any time or strength to be taken from
+money-getting and business, but have just grown in God's love, and put
+them here in a bowl and give Him thanks, what evil have I done? In
+heaven there will be no business, and we shall have to adore His works
+there, not the works of our own hands."
+
+"Thou hast a subtle tongue, dear one, and what thou sayest seems to have
+an accent from a finer world. I am at times sore at loss----"
+
+"Thou must believe in a kindly All-father and the eyes of thy inner soul
+will be opened."
+
+Then she would kiss him tenderly and he would go away much puzzled.
+
+Presently an incident happened that caused them both no little
+perplexity. The Nevitt estate had lost its direct heir, and that of Leah
+Nevitt was next in succession, after an old great-uncle, who sent for
+the boy to be brought up in English ways and usages. Sir Wyndham Nevitt
+was not a Friend, though several branches of the family were. And if
+Philemon Henry failed, the next heir was a dissolute fellow up in
+London, who would soon make ducks and drakes of the fine old estate.
+
+"It does seem a pity that it should be destroyed," said the young wife.
+"If only the boy were old enough to choose! But, you see, he is next in
+the succession, and it would come to him even if he were here. English
+laws are curious. I should hate to give up the boy. He is a sweet child
+and a great comfort to me when thou art away. But his welfare ought to
+be considered."
+
+"And thou dost spoil him every hour in the day. I should have to send
+him away presently for some sterner training. And then"--she blushed
+scarlet at the hope--"there may be other sons and daughters."
+
+Friend Henry took counsel of several respected and judicious men, and
+the weight of it lay with sending the child abroad. It would be a hard
+wrench, but if he was called upon to do it? Many that he knew had sent
+their children abroad for education, the advantages being limited at
+home. And it was true that the settlers below New York had a much warmer
+affection for the mother country than the Puritans of New England.
+
+It ended by little Philemon Henry being sent abroad with many tears and
+much reluctance, and a safe convoy. The boy went quite readily, under
+the impression that he could come back frequently, and having no idea of
+the length of the journey, but being an adventurous little fellow.
+
+Bessy Henry sorrowed deeply. "The house was as if one had been buried
+out of it," she said. Then her own baby was born.
+
+Philemon Henry was disappointed that it should be a girl.
+
+"Do not mind, husband," she said in her winsome way, "this shall be _my_
+child, for its head is full of yellow fuzz like mine, and its eyes are
+blue. Presently there will be a son with dark eyes, and no doubt a
+houseful of sons and daughters," laughing merrily. "And Phil, I think,
+will be better pleased about a sister. He might be jealous if we filled
+his place so soon."
+
+There was some wisdom in that, and quite a comfort to the father's
+heart.
+
+The baby's name was the first real disagreement. She grew rapidly and
+was a bright, smiling little thing. Bessy loved her child extravagantly,
+jealously. But she would have none of the plain or biblical names her
+husband suggested. She laughed at them with her bright humor and made
+merry amusement over them, calling the child by endearing and fanciful
+appellations. To-day she was one kind of a flower, to-morrow another,
+and Rosebud a great deal of the time.
+
+She was often at the house of Madam Wetherill. Indeed, she was generally
+spoken of as the gay little Quaker, but it was only her slim
+gracefulness and dainty ways that gained this description, for she was
+quite tall. She discarded her thees and thous here, though at that day
+all language was much more formal. Sometimes, when her husband was to be
+away all day, she would take the child and its nurse and spend the time
+with her relative.
+
+It was after one of these occasions that she took off a little of the
+worldly frippery she had indulged in and put on her very plainest cap,
+but she could not disguise the arch, pretty face, and this evening it
+really seemed more beguiling than ever. Caresses of all kinds were
+frowned upon as being not only undignified, but savoring of the world
+and the flesh. Still, Philemon Henry would have sorely missed the
+greeting and parting kiss his wife gave him. She had a certain
+adroitness, too, and the tact to make no show of this before the
+brethren, or any of the sober-minded sisters. He sometimes wondered if
+it was not "stolen waters," it had such an extraordinary flavor of
+sweetness. Then he would resolve to forget it, but he never did.
+
+She kissed him tenderly this evening. His dinner was excellent, his
+day's work had been very profitable, and he was in high good humor.
+
+"Husband," she began afterward, leaning her head on his shoulder, "I
+must make a confession to thee of my day's doings. Thou wilt be angry at
+first, but it is done now," smilingly.
+
+"Hast thou been up to some mischief?" His tone had a sense of amusement
+in it.
+
+"Very serious mischief. For a brief while I felt like going back to the
+faith of my childhood, but my love for thee will keep me in the straight
+and narrow faith. But to-day I have had my babe christened in Christ
+Church, and named Primrose."
+
+"Bessy!" in a horror-stricken tone.
+
+He strove to put her from him, but she clung the more tightly.
+
+"Bessy! woman! To do such an unlawful thing!"
+
+"It is not unlawful to give a Christian name."
+
+"A vain, trifling, heathenish name!" he interrupted fiercely. "I will
+have none of it! I will----"
+
+"God made a Primrose and many another beautiful thing in this world of
+His. He has even given me a prettiness that plain Quaker garb cannot
+wholly disguise. Suppose I scarred my face and deformed my body, would
+my praise be any more acceptable to Him? And people do not all think
+alike. They look at religion in divers ways, and so they who deal
+justly and are kind to the poor and outcast, and keep the Commandments
+are, I think, true Christians in any garb. And her name is writ in the
+Church books, her legal, lawful name that only the law can change. And
+see, husband, thou shalt call thy son whatever pleaseth thee. But the
+little daughter is mine own."
+
+"She is my child as well. And to go through all this mummery that we
+believe not in, that we have come to this new country to escape! It is
+wicked, sinful!"
+
+"And some consider that discarding all forms and sacraments is sinful. I
+am sure God ordained many for the Jews, his chosen race!"
+
+"Which they could not keep, which were of no importance to real
+salvation. Then Christ came and all was abrogated."
+
+"Nay, He added to the Commandments the one tenderer rule--thou shalt
+love thy neighbor as thyself."
+
+"Woman, thou art full of excusing subtleties. Thou art no true Friend,
+methinks. Is there any real conviction under thy plain garb, or was it
+only put on for----"
+
+"For love of thee," she interrupted with brave sweetness shining in her
+appealing eyes. "I was in Christ's household before I knew thee. I
+worshiped God and prayed to Him and gave thanks. He hath not made the
+world all alike, one tree differeth from another, and the lowly Primrose
+groweth where other flowers might not find sustenance, but God careth
+for them all, and gives to each its need and its exquisite coloring. So
+he will care for the child, never fear."
+
+"But I am very angry at thy disobedience."
+
+"Nay, it was not that," and a glimmering light like a smile crossed her
+sweet face. "I did not ask and thou didst not deny."
+
+"Sophistry again. Thou art still in the bonds of iniquity."
+
+"And thou must forgive seventy times seven. Thou must do good to those
+that despitefully use thee. If thou art so much wiser and stronger than
+I, then set this example. I have done many things to please thee. And,
+husband, thou canst call the little one Prim. I am sure that is plain
+enough, but to me she will be Rose, the blended sweetness of three
+lives."
+
+He broke away from her. She had softened many points in his character,
+he knew, and just now she was a temptress to him. He must assert his own
+supremacy and deliver himself from these dangerous charms. Just now it
+looked sinful to him that she had come over to the Friends' persuasion
+for love of him.
+
+She had been a sweet, thoughtful wife, he could not deny that. But he
+had been weak to yield to so much happiness. And when the brethren heard
+of this outrage put upon their usages there would be hard times for her.
+Suddenly his whole soul protested against having her haled before the
+meeting. Oh, what had her spirit of willfulness led her into!
+
+She went back to her baby, kissed it and caressed it, prepared it for
+the night, and sang it to sleep. Philemon Henry wrote long in his little
+office at home, where he kept sundry business matters he did not want
+his clerks gossiping about. There were only two discreet friends that he
+had taken into his confidence and his ventures. Just now there was a
+slight, uneasy feeling that if he were brought to the strictest
+account--and yet there was nothing really unlawful in his gains. There
+were many curious questions in the world, there were diverse people,
+many religions. And the Friends had sought out liberty of conscience.
+Was it liberty to compel another?
+
+Bessy and her child were sleeping sweetly when he glanced at them, and
+his heart did soften. But he would never call her by that name. He would
+give her another.
+
+Bessy was up betimes and made some delicacy with her own hands for her
+husband's breakfast. She came around and kissed him on the forehead as
+was her morning custom, and though she was a little more grave than
+usual, she was serene and charming. But he must show her how displeased
+he was.
+
+The christening had been very quiet. Madam Wetherill had been godmother,
+and the godfather was a distant relative who resided in New York. Good
+Parson Duche had been asked to keep the matter private. And so, if the
+meeting came to know, Philemon Henry must be the accuser. It was his
+duty, of course, but he put it off month after month. The babe grew
+sweet and winsome, and there were many things beside family cares to
+distract men's minds: The friction between the mother country and grave
+questions coming to the fore; the following out of Mr. Penn's plans for
+the improvement of the city, the bridging of creeks and the filling up
+of streets, for there was much marsh land; the building of docks for the
+trade that was rapidly enlarging, and the public spirit that was
+beginning to animate the staid citizens.
+
+Philemon Henry called his babe little one, child, and daughter, and the
+mother was too wise to flaunt the name in his face. She had great faith
+in the future.
+
+"For if you keep stirring your rising continually, you will have no good
+bread," she said. "Many things are best left alone, until the right
+time."
+
+She dressed the child quaintly, and she grew sweeter every day. But they
+talked about the son they were to have, and other daughters. Little Phil
+wrote occasionally. He was studying in an English school, but he had
+spells of homesickness now and then, and his uncle said if he learned
+smartly he should take a voyage to America when he was older. Nevitt
+Grange was a great, beautiful place with a castle and a church and
+peasants working in the fields. And he was to go up to London to see the
+king.
+
+One damp, drizzling November night Philemon Henry came home with so
+severe a cold that he could hardly speak. He had been on the dock all
+day, supervising the unloading of a vessel of choice goods. He could eat
+no supper. Bessy made him a brew of choice herbs and had him hold his
+feet in hot water while she covered him with a blanket and made a steam
+by pouring some medicaments on a hot brick. Then he was bundled up in
+bed, but all night long he was restless, muttering and tumbling about.
+He would get up in the morning, but before he was dressed he fell across
+the bed like a log, and Bessy in great fright summoned the doctor.
+
+He had never been ill before, and for a few days no one dreamed of
+danger. Then his brother James was summoned, and his clerk from the
+warehouse, and there were grave consultations. Bessy's buoyant nature
+could not at first take in the seriousness of the case. Of course he
+would recover. He was so large and strong, and not an old man.
+
+Alas! In a brief fortnight Philemon Henry lay dead in the house, and
+Bessy was so stunned that she, too, seemed half bereft of life. She had
+loved him sincerely, and for months they had forgotten their unfortunate
+difference over the child's name. And when he was laid in the burying
+ground beside his first wife, there was a strange feeling that he no
+longer belonged to her, and she was all alone; that somehow the bond had
+snapped that united her with the Friends.
+
+Philemon Henry had made a will in the lucid intervals of his fever. His
+brother was appointed guardian of the child and trustee of the property.
+To Bessy was left an income in no wise extravagant, so long as she
+remained a widow. The remainder was to be invested for the child, who
+was not to come into possession until she was twenty-one. She and her
+mother were to spend half of every year on the farm, and in case of the
+mother's death she was to be consigned to the sole guardianship of her
+uncle. There were a few outside bequests and remembrances to faithful
+clerks.
+
+The other trustee was Philemon's business partner, who had lately
+returned from Holland. If Friend Henry had lived a few years longer he
+would have been a rich man, but in process of settlement his worldly
+wealth shrank greatly.
+
+Uncle James proposed that the house should be sold, and she be free from
+the expense of maintaining it.
+
+"Nay," she protested. "Surely thou hast not the heart to deprive me of
+the little joy remaining to my life. The place is dear to me, for I can
+see him in every room, and the garden he tended with so much care. Thou
+wilt kill me by insisting, and a murder will be on thy hands."
+
+She spent the winter and spring in the house. One day in every week she
+went to cousin Wetherill's.
+
+The elder lady, a stickler for fashion, suggested that she should wear
+mourning.
+
+"I like not dismal sables," declared Bessy. "And it is not the custom of
+Friends. I shall no doubt do many things I should be restricted from
+were my husband alive, but I will honor him in this."
+
+She attended the Friends' meeting on Sunday afternoon, but the evening
+assemblies that had convened at the Henrys' once a fortnight were
+transferred to another house. And in summer, although she went to the
+Henry farm, she made visits in town and resumed some of her old
+friendships.
+
+The next autumn there came an opportunity to sell the house and the
+business, and James Henry urged it.
+
+"Then her home will be here with us," he said to his wife. "Philemon was
+anxious to have the child brought up under the godly counsel of Friends,
+and she will be less likely to stray. I think she is not a whole-hearted
+Friend, and her relatives are worldly people."
+
+But when the place was sold she went at once to Madam Wetherill's. And
+she began to lay aside her Quaker plainness and frequented Christ
+Church; indeed, though she was not very gay as yet, she was a great
+attraction at the house of her relative.
+
+Before the summer ended an event occurred that gave her still greater
+freedom of action. This was a legacy from England left to the Wardour
+branch in the New World, and as there were but three heirs, her portion
+was a very fair one. There was some talk of Madam Wetherill taking her
+to England, but the cold weather came on, and there seemed so many
+things to settle. That winter she went over to the world's people
+altogether.
+
+"I think, Bessy, you should make a will," said Madam Wetherill as they
+were talking seriously one day. "It will not bring about death any
+sooner. I have had mine made this fifteen years, and am hale and hearty.
+But, if anything should happen, the child will be delivered over to the
+Henrys and brought up in the drab-colored mode of belief. It seems hard
+for little ones so full of life."
+
+"She must have her free choice of religion. Having tried both," and
+Bessy gave a dainty smile, "I like my own Church the best. If she should
+grow up and fall in love with a Friend, she can do as she likes. There
+are not many as manly and handsome as was Philemon. Indeed I think they
+make their lives too sad-colored, too full of work. I should go wild if
+I lost my little one, but Lois Henry goes about as if nothing had
+happened. I found it a luxury to grieve for Philemon. There is wisdom in
+thy suggestion."
+
+A lawyer was sent for and the matter laid before him. She could appoint
+another guardian now that she had money of her own to leave the child,
+and she could consign it part of the time to that guardian's care.
+
+There was much consultation before the matter was settled. And though,
+when the time came, she moved some chests of goods out to the farm and
+made a pretense of settling, she and Madam Wetherill soon after went up
+to New York and were gone three full months.
+
+James Henry found himself circumvented in a good many ways by woman's
+wit. There was no dispute between them, and much as he objected to the
+ways of the world's people, he had no mind to defraud his small niece
+out of a considerable fortune that might reasonably come to her. Indeed
+he began to be a little afraid of Bessy Henry's willfulness. And she
+might marry and leave all of her money to a new set of children.
+
+But fate ordered it otherwise. Bessy went for a visit to Trenton, and
+though she was rarely separated from her darling, this time she left her
+behind. She did not return as soon as she expected, on account of a
+feverish illness which would be over in a few days, her friends
+insisted, but instead developed into the scourge of smallpox, the
+treatment of which was not well understood at that time, and though she
+was healthy ordinarily, the bleeding so reduced her strength that she
+sank rapidly and in a week had followed her husband.
+
+Madam Wetherill was cut to the very heart by the sad incident, for she
+loved Bessy as if she had been her own daughter, and she was tenderly
+attached to baby Primrose, who was too little to realize all she had
+lost.
+
+When Friend Henry preferred his claim to his brother's child, he was met
+by some very decided opposition. In the first place the child had been
+christened in the church, and was, according to her mother's wishes, to
+be left in Madam Wetherill's charge for six months every year and be
+instructed in the tenets of her own church, and to remain perfectly free
+to make her choice when she was eighteen. If her mother's wishes could
+not be carried out, her fortune was to revert to Madam Wetherill, and
+she would inherit only what her father bequeathed her.
+
+"I cannot believe my brother was knowing to this nefarious scheme!"
+cried Friend Henry in a temper. "And I always thought Primrose a most
+ungodly name. It was his wish she should become a Friend."
+
+"And if your son marries among the world's people and leaves the faith
+what will you do?" asked Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I should disown him," was the hasty reply.
+
+"Then Bessy had a right to disown her child if she left the faith. See
+how unreasonable you are, Friend Henry, and how little true love is in
+your mind. Now if you have any regard for the little child do not let us
+quite dismember her after the fashion of Solomon's judgment. You may
+have her next summer, and I in the winter. I warn you, if you do not
+agree, I shall fight to the end. I have no children of my own to deprive
+if I go on lawing, and my purse will surely hold out as long as yours."
+
+That was true enough; longer, he knew. So, after a while, he assented
+ungraciously, and the matter was adjusted.
+
+But it was not a happy omen that the child's name should cause one
+quarrel and the possession of her another. She herself was bright and
+joyous, with much of her mother's merry nature and her clear, frank,
+beguiling blue eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+IN A NEW WORLD.
+
+
+A very homesick little girl was Primrose Henry when she went out to her
+uncle's farm. The nurse went with her, but Lois Henry preferred that she
+should not stay. The child was old enough to wait upon herself. She had
+a longing for it to fill the vacant place of her own little girls, but
+she knew that was carnal and sinful, and strove against it. Since God
+had deprived her of them it was not right to put aught else in their
+place. So it was a continual struggle between love and duty, and she was
+cold to the little stranger.
+
+The name, too, was a stumbling block. They had to accept it, however,
+and called her Primrose with the soberest accent. Uncle James felt sore
+about being worsted in his suit, for he had desired supreme control of
+the child.
+
+She soon found things to love. There was the big house dog Rover. Tiger,
+the watch dog, was kept chained in the daytime and let loose at night to
+ward off marauders. But he soon came to know her voice and wagged his
+tail joyously at her approach. She was quite afraid of the cows, but a
+pretty-faced one with no horns became a favorite, and she used to carry
+it tid-bits to eat. The cats, too, would come at her call, though they
+were not allowed in the house.
+
+And there was Andrew. She was very shy of him at first, but he coaxed
+her to look at a bird's nest with its small, blue-speckled eggs. And
+there were the chickens that, as they grew larger, followed her about.
+Andrew found the first ripe early pear for her, and the delicious, sweet
+July apple; he took her when he went fishing on the creek, but she
+always felt sorry for the poor fish so cruelly caught, it seemed to her.
+He taught her to ride bareback behind him, and some boyish tricks that
+amused her wonderfully.
+
+Aunt Lois trained her in spelling, in sums in addition, sewing
+patchwork, and spinning on the small wheel. But there was not enough in
+the simple living to keep a child busy half the time, and she soon found
+ways of roaming about, generally guarded by Rover. Aunt Wetherill had
+said, "In six months you are coming back to us," so at first she was
+very glad she was not to stay always.
+
+It is the province of happy and wholesome childhood to forget the things
+that are behind, or even a future in which there is dread. The life of
+childhood is in the present, and it finds many pleasures. So now
+Primrose had almost forgotten her joyous and sorrowful past, and really
+dreaded the next change. She hated to leave Andrew, the dogs and the
+chickens, the cows that she did not fear quite so much, the great
+orchard, the long reaches of meadows, and the woods where the birds sang
+so enchantingly. But Aunt Lois had not grown into her heart, and she
+stood greatly in awe of Uncle James, who had a way of speaking sharply
+to her.
+
+But black Cato came with Madam Wetherill in the lumbering chaise, which
+was a great rarity at that period. Primrose was dressed in a white
+homespun linen frock. At this early stage of the country's industries
+they were doing a good deal of weaving at Germantown, though many
+people had small looms in their houses. Imported goods were high, and
+now that so much of the land was cleared and houses built, they had time
+for other things, and were ingenious in discoveries.
+
+Madam Wetherill was very grand in her satin petticoat and brocade gown,
+that fell away at the sides and made a train at the back. Her imported
+hat of Leghorn, very costly at that period but lasting half a lifetime,
+had a big bow of green satin on top, and the high front was filled in
+with quilled lace and pink bows. From its side depended a long white
+lace veil with a deep worked border of flowers. Her shoes had glittering
+buckles, and she wore a great brooch in her stomacher.
+
+Primrose was dreadfully shy, she saw so few strangers. She scarcely
+raised her eyes to the rustling dame, and her heart beat with unwonted
+agitation.
+
+Madam Wetherill wanted to laugh at the queer little figure, but she was
+better bred, and kept a lingering fondness for the child's mother.
+Besides, she was one of the possible heirs to her fortune, and some of
+the grandnieces and nephews were not altogether to her fancy. And though
+she was high-spirited and could both resent and argue fiercely, she had
+the Wardour suavity, and some early training abroad in the Court.
+
+"Come hither, little one," and she held out her jeweled hand. "Friend
+Henry, I should have called to see my grandniece, but you remember we
+thought it best not so to do. You have had the uninterrupted six months,
+and I can see you have kept her well. What a clear complexion the child
+hath! A little sun-burned, perhaps. Her mother was a fine hearty woman,
+and it was a thousand pities she had not been inoculated and cared for
+carefully, instead of being attacked in that blind way no one suspected.
+She was a sweet thing and I loved her as a daughter of my own, though I
+would fain not have had her marry Philemon Henry. But la! love rules us
+all, at least us worldly people. I am thankful for thy good care of
+Primrose. And now, child, put on thy hood or cap or whatever 'tis, and
+come to thy new home, where we promise to treat thee well."
+
+"And return her to us," subjoined Lois Henry, almost afraid to let her
+go now that the time had come. "Get thy hat, child."
+
+Chloe entered just then with a glass of home-made wine of excellent
+flavor and age, and some newly baked cake that was quite enough in its
+very appearance to make one long to taste it. And the napkin she spread
+on my lady's lap was fine and soft, if it had not been woven in English
+air and taken a sea voyage.
+
+Primrose had glanced up at the lady when she began to address her, and
+one by one old memories returned. Friend Henry never spoke of her mother
+or Madam Wetherill, and in six months a good deal drops out of a child's
+mind, but she smiled a little as the stream of remembrance swept over
+her, and recalled her pretty mother's kisses and fondness and a
+beautiful house that had made this seem like a desert to her. And Madam
+Wetherill squeezed the small hand in a friendly manner, then began to
+eat her cake and praise it as well, though Friend Henry protested
+against that.
+
+"Chloe, bring the child's hat," she said in so calm a tone it hardly
+seemed a command.
+
+Then Madam took her by the hand and they walked out together and the
+black servant put her in the chaise. Madam Wetherill spread out her fine
+gown so that it almost covered the plain garments of the child.
+
+Lois Henry had merely uttered the briefest of good-byes, with no parting
+kiss. She had given her some counsel before. Yet when she shut the main
+door that opened into the sitting room, for the strictest of Friends
+would have no parlor, she sat down suddenly and put both hands to her
+face. It would be very hard to part thus every year, to know one's
+sincere efforts in training the child to a godly life would be uprooted
+by the vain show of the world, so attractive to youth, and the vision of
+the two little girls gone out never to return, swept over her with a
+pang. Why could she not give them wholly to the Lord, and be glad they
+were in His fold, safe from evil? And this little one--Madam Wetherill
+was quite at middle life--she herself was surely younger and might
+outlive the other. But at eighteen the child could choose, and she would
+be likely to choose the ways of the world, so seductive to youth.
+
+They did not go in to the city house, which was being repaired and
+cleaned. Many people owned farms along the banks of the Schuylkill and
+in the outlying places, where choice fruits of all kinds were
+cultivated, melons and vegetables for winter use as well as summer
+luxury. For people had to provide for winter, and there was much
+pickling and preserving and candying of fruits, and storing commoner
+things so that they would keep well.
+
+The houses were large, if rambling and rather plain, with porches wide
+enough to dance on on the beautiful moonlight nights. And there were
+sailing and rowing on the river, lovely indeed then with its shaded
+winding banks, mysterious nooks, and little creeks that meandered gently
+through sedgy grass and rested on the bosom of their mother, lost in her
+tenderness.
+
+Parties of young people often met for the afternoon and evening. There
+would be boating and dancing and much merrymaking. The people of this
+section were less strenuous than the New Englanders. They affiliated
+largely with their neighbors to the South. Indeed, many of the business
+men owned tobacco plantations in Maryland and Virginia. They kept in
+closer contact with the mother country as well. Madam Wetherill herself
+had crossed the ocean several times and brought home new fashions and
+court gowns and manners. The English novelists and poets were quite well
+read, and, though the higher education of women was not approved of,
+there were bright young girls who could turn an apt quotation, were
+quick at repartee, and confided to their bosom friend that they had
+looked over Sterne and Swift. They could indite a few verses on the
+marriage of a friend, or the death of some loved infant, but pretty,
+attractive manners and a few accomplishments went farther in the gentler
+sex than much learning.
+
+The Friends who were in society were not so over strict as to their
+attire. Those who lived much alone on the farms, like Lois Henry, or led
+restricted lives in the town, pondered much on how little they could
+give to the world. But they took from it all they could in thriftiness
+and saving.
+
+Young Mrs. Penn and Mrs. Logan and many another indulged in pretty gear,
+and grays that went near to lavender and peachy tints. There were
+pearl-colored brocades and satins, and dainty caps of sheerest material
+that allowed the well-dressed hair to show quite distinctly. There was
+also a certain gayety and sprightliness in entertaining, since there
+were no matinees or shows to visit. Both hostess and guest were expected
+to contribute of their best.
+
+Madam Wetherill had long been a well-to-do widow and conducted her large
+estate with ability, though she employed a sort of overseer or
+confidential clerk. She had inherited a good deal in her own right from
+the Wardours and sundry English relatives. Some of the Wetherills were
+of the Quaker persuasion, but her husband had wandered a little from the
+fold. She had been a Churchwoman, and still considered herself so, but
+she was of a very independent turn, and on her last visit to England had
+come home rather affronted with the light esteem in which many professed
+to hold the colonies.
+
+"They talk as if we were a set of ignoramuses," she declared in high
+dudgeon. "We are worthy of nothing but the tillage of fields and
+whatever industries the will of the mother country directs. Are we,
+their own offspring, to be always considered children and servants, and
+have masters appointed over us without any say of our own? We can build
+ships. Why can we not trade with any port in the world? What if we have
+raised up no Master Chaucer nor Shakspere nor Ben Jonson, nor wise Lord
+Bacon and divers storytellers--did England do this in her early years
+when she was hard bestead with the hordes from the Continent? We have
+had to make our way against Indian savages, and did we not conquer the
+French in our mother's behalf? And then to be set down as ignorant
+children, forsooth, and told what we must do and from what we must
+refrain. The colonies have outgrown swaddling-clothes!"
+
+But she was fond of gayety and pleasure as well, and having no children
+to place in the world and no really near kindred but first and second
+cousins she saw no need of being penurious, and lived with a free hand.
+She was very fond of young people also, and it seemed a great pity she
+had not been mother of a family. Her city house was a great rendezvous,
+and her farmhouse was the stopping place of many a gay party, and often
+a crowd to supper with a good deal of impromptu dancing afterward.
+
+The porch was full of young people now, with two or three men in
+military costume, so they drove around to the side entrance. Mistress
+Janice was busy ordering refreshments and making a new kind of frozen
+custard. A pleasant-faced, youngish woman came to receive them.
+
+"Here is the little Quaker, Patty, in her homespun gown. I might as well
+have sent you, for Friend Henry made no time at all, but was as meek as
+a mild-mannered mother sheep. It is the law, of course, and they had no
+right to refuse, but I was a little afraid of a fuss, and that perhaps
+they had set up the child against such ungodly people."
+
+"Oh, how she has grown!" cried Patty. "Child, have you forgotten me?"
+
+"Oh, no!" said Primrose a little shyly. "And my own mother liked you so.
+You were my nurse----"
+
+She slipped her hand within that of the woman.
+
+"She was a sweet person, poor dear! It will always be a great loss to
+thee, little child. Oh, madam, the eyes are the same; blue as a bit of
+sky between mountains. But she is not as fair----"
+
+"Thou must bleach her up with sour cream and softening lotions that will
+not hurt the skin. There, child, go with Patty, who will get thee into
+something proper. But she is like her mother in this respect, common
+garb does not disfigure her."
+
+Patty led her upstairs and through the hall into a sort of ell part
+where there were two rooms. The first had a great work table with
+drawers, and some patterns pinned up to the window casings that seemed
+like parts of ghosts. The floor was bare, but painted yellow. There was
+a high bureau full of drawers with a small oblong looking-glass on top,
+a set of shelves with a few books, and numerous odds and ends, a long
+bench with a chintz-covered pallet, and some chairs, beside a sort of
+washing stand in the corner. The adjoining room was smaller and had two
+cot beds covered with patchwork spreads.
+
+"Yes, thou hast grown wonderfully," repeated Patty. "And who cut thy
+lovely hair so short? But it curls like thy mother's. I find myself
+talking Quaker to thee, though to be sure the best quality use it."
+
+"I had so much hair and it was so warm that it hath been cut several
+times this summer."
+
+"Oh, you charming little Friend!" Patty gave her a hug and half a dozen
+kisses. "I'll warrant thou hast forgotten the old times!"
+
+"It comes back to me," and the blue eyes kindled with a soft light that
+would have been entrancing in a woman. "Aunt Lois checked me when I
+would have talked about them. And when I was here--it was in the other
+house, I remember--I was so sad and lonely without my dear mamma."
+
+She gave a sigh and her bosom swelled.
+
+"Patty, I cannot understand clearly. What is death, and why does God
+want people when He has so many in heaven? And a little girl has but one
+mother."
+
+"Law, child! I do not know myself. The catechism may explain it, but I
+was ever a dull scholar at reading and liked not study. Yes, thy face
+must be bleached up, and I will begin this very night. They were good to
+thee"--tentatively.
+
+"I always felt afraid of Uncle James, though he never slapped me but
+once, when I ran after the little chickens. They were such balls of
+yellow down that I wanted to hug them. Afterward I asked Andrew what I
+might do. He was very good to me, and he wished I had been his little
+sister."
+
+Patty laughed. "And did you wish it too?"
+
+"I liked my own dear mother best. When I was out in the woods alone I
+talked to her. Do you think she could hear in the sky? Aunt Lois said it
+was wrong to wish her back again, or to wish for anything that God took
+away. And so I ceased to wish for anybody, but learned to put on my
+clothes and tie my strings and button, and do what Aunt Lois told me. I
+can wipe cups and saucers and make my bed and sweep my room and weed in
+the garden, and sew, and spin a little, but I cannot make very even
+thread yet. And to knit--I have knit a pair of stockings, Patty. Aunt
+Lois said those I brought were vanity."
+
+"Stuff and nonsense! These Quakers would have the world go in hodden
+gray, and clumsy shoes and stockings. Let us see thine. Oh, ridiculous!
+We will give them to little Catty, the scrubwoman's child. Now I will
+put thee in something decent."
+
+She began to disrobe her and bathed her shoulders and arms in some
+fragrant water.
+
+"Oh, how delightful! It smells like roses," and she pressed the cloth to
+her face.
+
+"It is rose-water. What was in the garden at the Henrys'? Or is
+everything wicked that does not grow to eat?"
+
+"The roses were saved to make something to put in cake. But the lavender
+was laid in the press and the drawers. It was very fragrant, but not
+like the roses."
+
+She combed out the child's hair until it fell in rings about her head.
+Then she put on some fine, pretty garments and a slip of pink silk, cut
+over from a petticoat of Madam Wetherill's. Her stockings were fine, cut
+over as well, and her low shoes had little heels and buckles.
+
+"Oh," she cried with sudden gayety that still had a pathos in it, "it
+brings back mamma and so many things! Were they packed away, Patty, like
+one's best clothes? It is as if I could pull them out of a trunk where
+they had been shut up in the dark. And there were so many pretty
+garments, and a picture of father that I used to wear sometimes about my
+neck with a ribbon."
+
+"Yes, yes; madam has a boxful, saving for you, unless you turn Quaker.
+But we shall keep a sharp eye on you that you do not fall in love with
+any of the broadbrims. But your father was one of the handsomest of his
+sect, and a gentleman. It was whispered that his trade made him full
+lenient of many things, and your mother looked like a picture just
+stepped out of a frame. She had such an air that her dressing never made
+her plain. I am afraid you will not be as handsome. Oh, fie! what
+nonsense I am talking! I shall make thee as vain as a peacock!"
+
+Primrose laughed gayly. She felt happy and unafraid, as if she had been
+released from bondage. And yet everything seemed so strange she hardly
+dared stir. Why, this was the way she felt at Aunt Lois' the first week
+or two.
+
+There was a rustle in the little hall, and the child turned.
+
+"I declare, Patty, thou hast transformed our small Quaker, and improved
+her beyond belief. She is not so bad when all's said and done!"
+
+"But all isn't done yet, madam. When she comes to be bleached, and her
+hair grown out, but la! it's just a cloud now, a little too rough for
+silk, but we will soon mend that, and such a soft color."
+
+"Canst thou courtesy, child? Let me see?"
+
+Primrose looked a little frightened and glanced from one to the other.
+
+"This way." Patty held up a bit of the skirt of her gown, took a step
+forward with one foot, and made a graceful inclination. "Now try. Surely
+you knew before you fell into the hands of that strait sect who consider
+respectable manners a vanity. Try--now again. That does fairly well, my
+lady."
+
+Primrose was so used to obeying that, although her face turned red, she
+went through the evolution in a rather shy but not ungraceful manner.
+
+"Thou has done well with the frock, Patty, and it is becoming. My! but
+she looks another child. Now I am going to lead thee downstairs and thou
+must not be silly, nor frighted of folks. They knew thy dear mother."
+
+Madame Wetherill took her by the hand and led her through another hall
+and down a wide staircase to the main hall that ran through the house. A
+great rug lay in the front square, and on one side was a mahogany settle
+with feather cushions in gay flowered chintz.
+
+Out on the porch was a girlish group laughing and jesting, sipping mead,
+and eating cake and confections. Little tables placed here and there
+held the refreshments. The sun was dropping down and the Schuylkill
+seemed a mass of molten crimson and gold commingled. The fresh wind blew
+up through the old-fashioned garden of sweet herbs and made the air
+about fragrant.
+
+"This is my little grandniece, Primrose Henry," she exclaimed,
+presenting the child. "Some of you have seen her mother, no doubt, who
+died so sadly at Trenton of that miserable smallpox."
+
+"Oh, and her father, too!" exclaimed Mrs. Pemberton, putting down her
+glass and coming forward.
+
+Primrose had made her courtesy and now half buried her face in Madame
+Wetherill's voluminous brocade.
+
+"A fine man indeed was Philemon Henry, with the air of good descent, and
+the manner of courts. And we always wondered if he would not have come
+over to us if his sweetheart had stood firm. Girls do not realize all
+their power. But it was a happy marriage, what there was of it. Alas!
+that it should have ended so soon! But I think the child favors her
+mother."
+
+"And it will not do to say all the sweet things we know about her
+mother," laughed pretty Miss Chew. "Sweet diet is bad for infants and
+had better be saved for their years of appreciation. You see we may
+never reach discretion."
+
+"Come hither, little maid," said a persuasive voice. "I have two at home
+not unlike thee, and shall be glad to bring them when Madam comes home
+to Arch Street. Primrose! What an odd name, savoring of English
+gardens."
+
+Some of the younger women pulled her hither and thither and kissed her,
+and one pinned a posy on her shoulder. Then Madam Wetherill led her down
+quite to the edge of the porch, where sat a rather thin, fretted-looking
+woman, gowned in the latest style, and a girl of ten, much more
+furbelowed than was the custom of attiring children.
+
+"This is the child I was telling thee of, Bessy Wardour's little one
+that she had to leave with such regrets. This is a relative of thy
+mother's, Primrose, and this is Anabella. I hope you two children may be
+friends."
+
+There was a certain curious suavity in Madam Wetherill's tone that was
+not quite like her every-day utterances.
+
+"A Wardour--yes; was there not something about her marriage----"
+
+"She became a Friend for love's sake," laughed Madam Wetherill. "Others
+stood ready to marry her, but she would have none of them--girls are
+willful."
+
+The lady rose with a high dignity.
+
+"It grows late," she said, "and if you will keep your promise, dear
+aunt, I should like to be sent home, since it is not well for children
+to be out in the evening dews. And I hope the little girls may indeed be
+friends."
+
+"Yes, I will order the chaise."
+
+Others had risen. Mrs. Pemberton and her daughter, and two or three
+more, had been bidden to supper. Some of the ladies had come on
+horseback, the ordinary mode of traveling. They clustered about Madam
+Wetherill and praised her cake and said how glad they would be to get
+her in the city again. Then they pinned up their pretty skirts and put
+on their safeguard petticoats and were mounted by Cato and went off,
+nodding. The chaise took in two other ladies.
+
+The little girls had simply eyed each other curiously, but neither made
+any advance, and parted formally.
+
+Then Patty came and took Primrose upstairs and gave her a supper of
+bread and milk and a dish of cut peaches and cream. Afterward she
+undressed her and put her in one of the cots, bidding her go to sleep at
+once. She was needed elsewhere.
+
+But Primrose felt desperately, disobediently wide awake. It had been
+such an afternoon of adventure after six months of the quietest routine
+that had made memory almost lethargic. The remembrances came trooping
+back--the long time it seemed to her when she had yearned and cried in
+secret for her mother, the two little girls that in some degree
+comforted her, and then the half terror and loneliness on the farm until
+she had come to love the dumb animals and her Cousin Andrew. This was
+all so different. A long, long while and then she must go back. What
+made people so unlike? What made goodness and badness? And what was God
+that she stood dreadfully in awe of, who could see her while she could
+not see Him?
+
+Thus, swinging back and forth amid unanswerable questions, she fell
+asleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+OF MANY THINGS.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill was much engrossed with visitors and overseeing the farm
+work, ordering what of the produce was to be sold, what of the flax and
+the wool sent away to be spun and woven, and the jars and boxes and
+barrels set aside to be taken into the town later on. Patty was busy
+sewing for the little girl and her mistress, and sometimes, when she was
+bothered, she was apt to be rather sharp. At others she proved
+entertaining.
+
+Primrose learned to know her way about the great house and the garden
+and orchard. Now she must go with a bonnet to protect her from the sun
+and linen gloves to keep her hands white, or to get them that color. At
+night she was anointed with cosmetics, and her hair was brushed and
+scented, but needed no help from curling tongs or pins.
+
+It was like a strange dream to her, and in the morning when she awoke
+she wondered first if she had not overslept and missed the call of Aunt
+Lois; then she would laugh, remembering. She was a very cheerful,
+tractable child, and Madam Wetherill was much drawn to her. Sometimes
+she went riding with her in the coach, which was a rather extravagant
+luxury in those days.
+
+And then they came into town and it was stranger still to the little
+girl. But now she began to be busy.
+
+There were some schools where boys and girls went together, but many of
+the best people had their daughters educated at home. It seemed quite
+desirable that they should learn French, as it was useful to have a
+language servants could not understand. They began with Latin, as that
+gave a better foundation for all else. Then there was enough of
+arithmetic to keep household accounts and to compute interest. Madam
+Wetherill had found her knowledge most useful, as she had a large estate
+to manage and had no such objections as many of the women of that
+period.
+
+There was the spinet and singing of songs, dancing and doing fine
+needlework. Anabella Morris was to come in for the accomplishments.
+
+Her mother professed to hold the weightier knowledge in slight esteem.
+
+"Anabella will no doubt have a husband to manage for her," her mother
+said with a high sort of indifference. "Women make but a poor fist at
+money affairs."
+
+"Indeed, Niece Mary, I do not see but what I have managed my affairs as
+well as most men could have done them for me. And look at Hester Morris,
+left with a handsome patrimony by an easy husband, and now dependent on
+relatives. I am glad there is talk of her second marriage."
+
+"Mere talk, it may be." With her nose in the air, Mary Morris was not a
+little jealous that her almost penniless sister-in-law should capture
+the prize she had been angling for.
+
+"Let us hope it will be something more. I hear Miss Morris hath promised
+her a wedding gown, and I will add a brocade with a satin petticoat.
+Hester is a pleasant body, if not overdowered with wisdom."
+
+Mrs. Mary Morris was not poor, though it needed much contriving to get
+along on her income. She was very fond of play, one of the vices of the
+time, and though she was often successful, at others she lost heavily.
+She was fond of being considered much richer than she really was, and
+kept her pinches to herself. One of her dreams had been the possibility
+of being asked to stay at Wetherill House for the winter, at least, but
+this had not happened. She was not as near a connection as Bessy Wardour
+had been, but she made the most of the relationship, and there were not
+a great many near heirs; so all might reasonably count on having
+something by and by.
+
+She had received a goodly supply of provisions from the farm, and the
+offer had been made for Anabella to share Primrose Henry's teachers with
+no extra charge.
+
+"You are very generous to the child," she said in a complaining tone. "I
+thought Philemon Henry was in excellent circumstances."
+
+"So he was."
+
+"And is not her guardian, the other one, a well-to-do Quaker? Why must
+you be so regardful of her?"
+
+"Yes, she will have a nice sum, doubtless. I want her brought up to fit
+her station, which the Henrys, being strict Friends, would not do. Her
+mother appointed me her guardian, you know. I do nothing beside my duty.
+But if you do not care----"
+
+"Oh, 'tis a real charity to offer it for Anabella, and I am glad to
+accept. She is well trained, I suppose, so no harm can come of the
+association."
+
+"Oh, no harm indeed," returned the elder dryly.
+
+After the simplicity of life at the Henrys' there seemed such a
+confusion of servants that Primrose was almost frightened. Mistress
+Janice Kent kept them in order, and next to Madam Wetherill ruled the
+house. Patty was a seamstress, a little higher than the maid who made
+her mistress ready for all occasions, looked after her clothes, did up
+her laces, and crimped her ruffles. But Patty wrote her invitations and
+answered the ordinary notes; and she was appointed to look after and
+care for Primrose, who was too old for a nurse and not old enough for a
+maid.
+
+Patty was a woman of some education, while Mistress Kent had been to
+France and Holland, and could both write and speak French. Patty's
+advantages had been rather limited, but she was quick and shrewd and
+made the most of them, though the feeling between her and Janice Kent
+rather amused Madam Wetherill. Janice was always trying to "set her down
+in her proper place," but what that was exactly it would have been hard
+to tell. Janice would not have had time to look after the child, and
+this responsibility rather raised her. Then she had wonderful skill with
+caps and gowns, and could imitate any imported garment, for even then
+those who could sent abroad for garments made up in the latest style,
+though it was London and not Paris style.
+
+Primrose kept her bed in Patty's room. There were plain little gowns for
+her daily wear, but white aprons instead of homespun ginghams. She came
+to breakfast with Madam Wetherill when there were no guests, or only one
+or two intimates. For the people of the town had much of the Southern
+ways of hospitality, and when on their farms in summer often invited
+their less fortunate friends. It was not always lack of money, but many
+of the merchants in trade and commerce between the home ports had no
+time to spend upon country places, and were not averse to having their
+wives and daughters enjoy some of the more trying summer weeks in the
+cooler suburban places.
+
+So Primrose sat like a mouse unless someone spoke to her, and it was
+considered not best to take too much notice of children, as it made them
+forward. Then there were two hours devoted to studying, and sewing with
+Patty until dinner, which was often taken upstairs in the sewing room.
+Twice a week the tutor came for Latin and French, the former first; and
+then Anabella came for French, and after that the little girls could
+have a play or a walk, or a ride with Madam Wetherill. Then there was a
+dancing lesson twice a week, on alternate days, and a young woman came
+to teach the spinet, which was a rather unusual thing, as women were not
+considered to know anything except housekeeping well enough to teach it.
+But this was one of Madam Wetherill's whims. For the girl's family had
+been unfortunate, and the elder woman saw in this scheme a way to assist
+them without offering charity.
+
+"Do you suppose the little girls I knew last winter will ever come
+back?" she asked of Patty one day.
+
+"Oh, la, no!" was the reply. "Five years of school lies before them--not
+like Master Dove's school, where one goes every morning, but a great
+boarding house where they are housed and fed and study, and have only
+half of Saturday for a holiday. And they study from morning to night."
+
+"It must be very hard," sighed Primrose. "And why do they learn so
+much?"
+
+"To be sure, that's the puzzle! And they say women don't need to know.
+They can't be lawyers nor doctors nor ministers, nor officers in case of
+war, nor hold offices."
+
+"But they can be queens. There was Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne. I
+read about them in a book downstairs one day. And if women can be
+queens, why can't they be something else?"
+
+Patty looked down, nonplused for a moment. "I suppose it was because the
+kings died, and all the sons were dead, if they ever had any. Well--I
+don't know why woman shouldn't be 'most anything; but she isn't, and
+that's all about it. There's more than one man wanted to marry the
+madam, but she's wise not to take a spendthrift--or one of the Friends,
+who would be obstinate and set in his ways. She's good enough at
+bargaining, and she has a great tobacco plantation at Annapolis, and is
+as smart as any man. And she can beat half of them at piquet and ombre
+and win their money, too."
+
+"What is piquet?"
+
+"Oh, Lord, child! I've always heard that little pitchers had big ears,
+and many a rill runs to the sea. Don't you carry things, now, nor ask
+questions. Little girls have no call to know such things. What were we
+talking about when I made that slip? Oh, about those girls. They'll be
+trained in fine manners. The English ladies go to court and see the King
+and the Queen and the princesses, and have gay doings."
+
+"Have we any court?"
+
+"Oh, dear, no! England governs us. But there's a good deal of
+talk--there, child, get some sewing--hemstitching or something--and
+don't talk so much."
+
+She was silent quite a while. Then she said gravely: "I think I liked
+the other girls better than I do Anabella. Is she my real cousin? She
+said so yesterday. And once, just before I came here, Andrew said I had
+no cousin but him."
+
+"That's true enough. Andrew is a real cousin, your father's brother's
+son. And your mother had no brothers or sisters. But it's a fashion to
+say cousin. It sounds more respectful. Mistress Morris is a great one to
+scrape relationship with high-up folks."
+
+Primrose suddenly wondered if anybody missed her at the farm. The little
+chickens must have grown into quite large ones, and all the other things
+she cared for so much. There was a sudden homesickness. She would like
+to see them. But--yes, she _would_ rather be here. There were so many
+things to learn. She didn't see any sense in the Latin, and she was sure
+it didn't make the French any easier. But the spinet----
+
+"Patty," she ventured timidly, "do you not think I ought to go at my
+notes? I didn't play them very well yesterday, and the mistress rapped
+me over the knuckles."
+
+She spread her small hand out on her knee and inspected it.
+
+"Yes. Dear me! you'll never get that kerchief done. But, then, run
+along. There's no one downstairs. They are all invited to Mistress
+Pean's to take tea, and pick everybody to pieces."
+
+"But they have no feathers," said the little girl with a quaint smile,
+as she folded up her work and ran her needle through it. Then she put it
+in a large silken bag that hung on a nail, and remembered with a
+half-guilty conscience that there were some stockings to darn, and she
+almost expected to hear Patty ask about them and call her back.
+
+Down over the wide steps she tripped. She was half minded to take a
+plunge amid the down cushions on the settle. She had sometimes turned
+somersaults in the grass when no one was by, being very careful not to
+let Aunt Lois surprise her. She felt like that now, but she walked along
+decorously. The great company room was always a marvel to her. It held
+so many wonderful things.
+
+There was, even then, a good deal of luxury for those who had the money
+to buy it. England did not care how much her colonists spent so that it
+passed through her hands. She brought treasures from the far East--there
+were only a very few ports allowed to the Americans.
+
+And here were Oriental rugs on the polished floor; furniture carved and
+padded in brocade, tables with massive claw feet, and others in thin
+spindles that seemed hardly stout enough to hold up the top. There was a
+great carved chimney-piece with some tiles let in, and some curious
+iridescent bulbs not unlike the "bullseyes" over the wide hall door, but
+in different phases of light they gave out varied colors. There were
+queer, beautiful, and grotesque ornaments, some ugly Chinese gods that
+had been brought hither by sea captains, but if to convert the new
+continent, the scheme certainly would prove a failure. Primrose always
+looked at them with a shudder, and instinctively thought of the Friends'
+meeting with the soft gray gowns and shawls with fine fringes, or in
+summer just a plain white kerchief crossed over the bosom. Then there
+was a great blue-and-white Chinese pagoda, ornamented with numerous
+bells, every story growing smaller. It stood on a solid clawfoot table,
+and beside it, also in china, a mandarin with flowing sleeves and a long
+pigtail in dark-blue.
+
+There were curious chairs as well, and no end of square ottomans covered
+with brocade or tapestry, sadly faded now and some of the edges worn.
+Everywhere about were candlesticks and snuffers, for sometimes the room
+was brilliantly lighted.
+
+Adjoining this, with a wide doorway between, was a room not quite so
+long, but jutting out at the side. In a sort of alcove stood the spinet.
+There were also two corner buffets, as they were called. One of them had
+drawers at the bottom, and the shelves above held various heirlooms, and
+quaint old silver, with the punch bowl over two hundred years old,
+bearing the Crown mark.
+
+The other contained a good many books, for the descendants of the
+cavaliers were not averse to something lighter than the "Book of
+Martyrs." An old brown leather-covered Shakspere, and some of his
+compeers, and Bacon, Lord Verulam, reposing peacefully on the shelf
+underneath. Mr. Benjamin Franklin had given an impetus to knowledge and
+ventured upon the writing of books himself.
+
+Primrose wandered among them now and then, not understanding, and having
+a greater fondness for the versifying part than the prose. But she did
+pore over "Rasselas," and an odd collection of adventures in Eastern
+lands, very like the "Arabian Nights."
+
+But now she went straight at her spinet. She was thrilled through and
+through with the sound of the notes, and often before she was aware her
+little fingers would wander off in some melody, recalling how a bird
+sang or how a streamlet rippled over the stones. Then she would stop in
+affright and go carefully over her lesson.
+
+Anabella really succeeded better than she did. There was no singing bird
+in her brain that tempted her to stray. But sometimes the music master
+was quite angry with her, and said she "might as well be a boy driving
+nails or facing stone."
+
+But now she went over and over and would not be seduced by "wonderful
+melodies." It was quite dark when Mistress Janice called her to supper
+in the tea room, with Patty. The two women had a great deal of sparring,
+it would seem. At the farm there was never any bickering. Once in a
+while Uncle James scolded some of the laborers. Yet it seemed curious to
+Primrose that they should talk so sharply to each other and the next
+minute join in gay laughter.
+
+The very next day she had a visitor. Uncle James had been in once and
+had a long talk with Madam Wetherill. After he had given her a somewhat
+serious scrutiny and asked a few questions she was dismissed. But Aunt
+Wetherill was out now and Andrew Henry asked for her.
+
+"Promise me you won't run off with him," exclaimed Patty. "I must finish
+this gown, as madam goes to Mrs. Chew's this afternoon, and all these
+furbelows have to be sewed on. Folks can't be content with a plain gown
+any more, but must have it laced and ruffled and bows stuck on it as if
+it was Fair time!"
+
+"When is Fair time?" asked Primrose, as she was putting on a clean
+pinafore.
+
+"How you take one up, child! There are fairs and fairs. They started in
+England, where all things do. For all we put on such mighty independent
+airs we do but follow like a flock of sheep. There, child, run and don't
+stand gaping! And mind that you don't attempt to run off with friend
+Broadbrim."
+
+She was glad to be clasped in the strong arms and have the hearty kiss
+on her forehead.
+
+"It is like a different place without thee," he exclaimed. "I cannot
+make the days go fast enough until spring opens and thou come back with
+the birds. We are such quiet folk. And here all is gayety. Wilt thou
+ever be content again?"
+
+"Is gayety so very wrong, Andrew? It seems quite delightful to me," she
+returned wistfully. "And when the ladies move about in their pretty
+gowns it is like great flocks of birds, or the meadows with lilies and
+daisies and red clover-heads. Why do they have all the bright colors?"
+
+A hint of perplexity crossed her brow.
+
+"Surely I cannot tell. And the woods have been robed in scarlet and
+yellow, and such tints of red brown that one could study them by the
+hour. And the corn has turned a russet yellow and looks like the tents
+of an army. Yes, there are divers colors in the world."
+
+"And sometimes I have wished to be a butterfly. They were so beautiful,
+skimming along. God made them surely."
+
+"Yes. But He put no soul in them. Perhaps that was to show His estimate
+of fine gear."
+
+Primrose sighed.
+
+"They would make heaven more beautiful. And the singing birds! Oh,
+surely, Cousin Andrew, they must be saved."
+
+"Nay, child, such talk is not seemly. What should a thing without a soul
+do in heaven where all is praise and worship?"
+
+"And the worship at Christ Church is very nice, with the singing of
+psalms and hymns and the people praying together. Why do we not sing,
+Andrew?"
+
+He hugged her closer. The soft "we" went to his heart. She had not
+identified herself with these people of forms and ceremonies then, nor
+quite accepted their "vain repetitions."
+
+"Thou wilt understand better in the course of a few years. There is much
+mummery in all of these things. They who worship God truly do it in
+spirit and in truth. But tell me what else thou art doing on week-days?"
+
+She told him of her studies. The Latin and French seemed quite useless
+to him, although he knew it was taught at the Friends' school, and many
+of the persuasion he knew did not disdain education. But his father was
+quite as rigorous as the Church Catechism about the duties pertaining to
+one's station in life, and as his son was to be a farmer and inherit
+broad acres, he cared for him to know nothing outside of his business.
+
+But the bits of history, of men and women, interested him very much.
+
+"I hear them talk sometimes," she said. "And some of them do not want a
+king. Why is he not content to govern England and let us alone?"
+
+"I am not clear in my own mind about that," he answered thoughtfully.
+"So many of us came over here to escape the rigors of a hard rule and to
+worship God as we chose. And methinks we ought to have the right to live
+and do business as we choose. I should like to hear able men talk on
+both sides. I heard some things in the market place this morning that
+startled me strangely."
+
+"They will not have the tea," she said tentatively. "It is queer, bitter
+stuff, so I do not wonder."
+
+He laughed at that.
+
+"Yes, I heard we were like to be as famous as Boston."
+
+"Patty knows about Boston," she said. "She was a little girl there. But
+she doesn't like it very much."
+
+Mistress Kent came in with some cake and a home brew of beer, and asked
+politely after Mrs. Henry. Then Andrew rose to go.
+
+"I cannot take thee just yet," he said, twining the little fingers about
+one of his. "But the time will soon pass. And I shall be likely to come
+in on market day once in a while, if I do not make bad bargains!" with a
+grave sort of smile. "Then I shall see thee, and take home a good
+account."
+
+"Thou mayst indeed do that," said Mistress Janice, with high dignity.
+"She learns many things in this great house."
+
+He stooped and kissed her, and she somehow felt sorry to say good-by.
+
+"I suppose," exclaimed his father that evening, "that the child has been
+tutored out of her simple ways, and is aping the great lady with fine
+feathers and all that!"
+
+"She is not much changed and plainly dressed, and seems not easily to
+forget her old life, asking about many things."
+
+"My brother Philemon's intentions will be sorely thwarted. He was called
+upon to give up his son, but I am not sure I should have done it for
+worldly gain. It was going back to the bondage we were glad to escape.
+And he had counted on other sons to uphold the faith. But the mother was
+only half-hearted, and the child will always be in peril."
+
+Andrew Henry wondered a little about this question of faith. He had
+heard strange talk in the market place to-day. The Puritans of Boston
+had persecuted and banished the Friends, and the Friends here could
+hardly tolerate the royalist proclivities of the Episcopalians. If war
+should come, would one have to choose between his country and his
+faith?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A BOULEVERSEMENT.
+
+
+It was a winter of much perturbation. Grave questions were being
+discussed--indeed, there had been overt acts of rebellion. And while the
+Friends counseled peace and preached largely non-resistance, those in
+trade found they were being sadly interfered with, and this led them to
+look more closely into the matter and frequent some of the meetings
+where discussions were not always of the moderate sort.
+
+There had been a congress held at Smith's Tavern after Captain Ayres,
+with his ship _Polly_, had thought it wisdom to turn about upon reaching
+Gloucester Point and hearing that the town had resolved he should not
+land his cargo of tea. Boston and New York had destroyed it, and he
+thought it wiser not to risk a loss.
+
+They went, afterward, to Carpenter's Hall, where the Reverend Mr. Duche
+made a prayer and read the collect for the day. The discussion was
+rather informal, if spirited, and the general disuse of English goods
+was enjoined.
+
+A sentiment was given afterward:
+
+"May the sword of the parent never be stained with the blood of his
+children."
+
+There were a number of Friends present at the table. One, who had
+protested vigorously against the possibilities of war, said heartily:
+
+"This is not a toast, but a prayer. Come, let us join it."
+
+Christmas was kept with much jollity on the part of many who had no fear
+of the Scarlet Lady before their eyes, and whose affiliations with
+Virginia and Maryland were of the tenderer sort. There was great
+merrymaking at Madam Wetherill's, visitors having been invited for a
+week's stay. And just at this time the widow Hester Morris married
+again, and Anabella assumed a great deal of consequence.
+
+Wedding festivities lasted several days. Primrose, in a flowered silken
+gown, was permitted to go and have a taste of the bride cake, with
+strict injunctions to refuse the wine. There were several children, and
+they danced the minuet, to the great admiration of the grown people.
+
+There were some other pleasures as well. The creeks were frozen over and
+there were fascinating slides,--long, slippery places like a sheet of
+glass,--and the triumph was to slide the whole length and keep one's
+head well up. You could spread your arms out like a windmill, only you
+might come in contact with some other arms, and the great thing was to
+preserve a correct and elegant balance. Sometimes there were parties of
+large girls, and then the little ones had to retire elsewhere lest they
+might get run over and have a bad fall.
+
+One of the pretty ways was to gather up one's skirt by an adroit
+movement, and suddenly squat down and sail along like a ball. There was
+a great art in going down, for you could lurch over so easily, and you
+were almost sure to come down on your nose.
+
+Primrose and Bella went out together after the former learned her way
+about a little. And though Anabella seemed a rather precise body and
+easily shocked over some things, she was quite fond of the boys, and
+often timed their play hour so as to meet the boys coming home from
+school, and have a laughing chat with them.
+
+Primrose had a scarlet coat edged with fur and a hood to match. She
+looked very charming in it, and even a stranger could see the glances of
+admiration bestowed upon her. She was very shy with strangers, though
+she did make friends with two or three girls.
+
+"You must be very careful," declared the pretentious Bella. "I wouldn't
+take so much notice of that Hannah Lee. They are very common people. Her
+father is a blacksmith and her mother was a servant before she was
+married. And they are Quakers."
+
+"So was my own father and my dear mother."
+
+"But your mother wasn't really, you know, and she had all those English
+Wardour relations, and was well connected. But the Lees are very common
+people, and poor. You see such people hang to you when you are grown up.
+My mother says one cannot be too careful. Then I think Aunt Wetherill
+would not approve."
+
+She did like the fresh, rosy, brown-eyed Hannah Lee, though her dress,
+from crown almost to toe, was drab, and somewhat faded at that. Her gray
+beaver hat was tied snugly under her chin, and her yarn stockings were
+gray. Her shoes had plain black buckles on them. But there were other
+little gray birds as well, and some Quaker damsels were in cloth and
+fur.
+
+Primrose thought she would ask Aunt Wetherill. One morning she was up in
+the sewing room and Patty was downstairs pressing out a gown that was
+to be made over.
+
+"You look nice and rosy, little Primrose," said the lady. "A run out of
+doors is a good thing for you. I saw a flock of children sliding
+yesterday, and I thought I knew the scarlet hood. It is more sensible
+than a hat. Did you like the fun?"
+
+"Oh, so much!" answered Primrose, her soft eyes shining like a summer
+sky. "And I can keep up a good long while. But, when I go down, I do
+often tip over."
+
+"Thou wilt learn all these things. I am glad to have thee with the
+children, too. It is not good for little ones to live too much with
+grown people and get their ways."
+
+"I know some of the girls," said Primrose. "I like Hannah Lee very much.
+She goes to Master Dove's school, but Bella said she was poor."
+
+"Fie! fie! Children should put on no such airs! Bella hath altogether
+too many of them, and her mother is not an overwise woman! Let me hear
+no more about whether one is poor or rich."
+
+Primrose was not at all hurt by the chiding tone. She was so glad that
+she might keep her friend with a clean conscience that she looked up and
+smiled.
+
+"Thou art a wholesome little thing, and the training of the Friends has
+some good points. Let me see--I think thou canst have a white beaver
+this winter, and a cloak with swansdown. And I will give Bella one of
+blue, so she shall not ape thee. I do not like one to copy the other
+when one purse is long and the other short."
+
+"Oh, a white beaver! That would be beautiful!" and the eager eyes were
+alight more with pleasure than vanity.
+
+"She is like her mother," Madam Wetherill thought. Primrose was really
+happy not to give up Hannah Lee. They could find so many subjects of
+interchange--what the children were doing at Master Dove's school, and
+the plays they had. The snowballing, although as yet there had been only
+one snow, had been almost a battle between two parties of boys.
+
+"But Master Dove said no one should dip the balls in water and then let
+them freeze, or he would get birched soundly. The soft ones are more
+fun, methinks; they often go to pieces in a shower. My brothers and I
+snowball after the night work is done. We can keep no servant, so we all
+have to help."
+
+That was being poor, Primrose supposed. Yet Hannah seemed a great deal
+kinder and merrier than Bella, and never said sharp things, or was
+haughty to a playmate.
+
+What Primrose had to tell seemed like wonderland to the little girl
+whose only story was "Pilgrim's Progress"--the great house, with rugs
+and silken curtains, the Chinese mandarin and the pagoda, the real
+pictures that had come from England, and a beautiful, full-length
+portrait of her own mother, the books in the library, and the gay
+companies, the silver and fine dishes, and all the servants.
+
+Not that Primrose boasted. She was very free from such a fault. It was
+not hers, either, and she had no sense of possession. She spoke of her
+life at her uncle's as well, of the quiet at the farm, of the sewing and
+spinning.
+
+"I shall learn to spin another year," said Hannah with interest. "I like
+the merry, buzzing sound. And when I am tall enough for the big wheel I
+shall enjoy running to and fro. I have an uncle at Germantown who
+weaves. Mother lets us visit him now and then, and I delight in that."
+
+Hannah had so many aunts and cousins that the little girl quite envied
+her.
+
+Bella Morris had a great deal to say about her newly married aunt, who,
+after all, was no real relation, but her father's sister-in-law. She had
+married a Mr. Mathews, a well-to-do widower with two growing-up sons who
+were among the mischievous lads of the day, for even then signs were
+reversed and gates carried off and front stoops barricaded; even windows
+were broken in sport, the sport seeming to be chiefly in the adroitness
+with which one could parry suspicion. They had a house on Spruce Street,
+set in the midst of a considerable garden, while not a few respectable
+business men lived over their stores and offices. Polly Morris really
+grudged her sister-in-law the good fortune, for Hester had been left
+much worse off than she, but Hester had no incumbrances, and was
+younger.
+
+In January another congress met, and there was a warm discussion about
+home manufactures. Underneath was a seething mass ready to bubble over
+at another turn of the screws. England had utterly refused to listen to
+the colonists or accede to their wishes. Franklin returned home
+heavy-hearted indeed, and though he counseled prudence and moderation,
+and could not believe there would be what he foresaw, if it came to an
+open issue, would prove a long and bitter struggle. But the gun was
+fired at Lexington, and the State of Massachusetts stood forth an
+undisguised rebel.
+
+One market day Andrew came in again. Primrose had wondered at his long
+absence. There had been many things to disturb the serenity of the
+peaceful farmhouse. A sister of Aunt Lois' who had cared for the mother
+during years of widowhood was taken down, and died after a short
+illness. The mother, old and feeble, and wandering in her mind, needed
+constant care. There were three children also, a lad of sixteen and two
+younger girls, one of whom was devoted to the poor old grandmother.
+There was nothing to do but to offer them a home, James Henry felt, for
+Lois would want to make her mother's declining years as comfortable as
+possible. They were not penniless, but the income was small, and the
+farm in debt, so it was judged best to sell it and invest the money for
+the children. Penn Morgan was a stout young fellow and would be of much
+assistance to Uncle James, while he was learning to do for himself.
+Rachel, at fourteen, was very womanly, and little Faith was ten.
+
+All this had happened during March. James Henry paid little attention to
+outside matters. He was prosperous enough under the King's rule, he
+thought, and he was not a man to take up the larger questions.
+
+"We can hardly have thy brother's child here this season," Lois Henry
+said to her husband one evening as she sat in her straight-backed chair,
+too tired even to knit when the cares of the day were over, and the
+poor, half-demented mother safely asleep.
+
+He looked up in anger. "Not have her here?" he repeated vaguely.
+
+"There is so much more care for me. Rachel is a great help and a
+comforting maiden. I never thought anyone could come so near to the
+place of the lost ones, the daughters I had hoped would care for my old
+age. Faith is gentle and tractable, but two children so nearly of an
+age, yet with such a different training, would lead to no end of
+argument and do each other no good. I dare say Madam Wetherill has used
+her best efforts to uproot our ways and methods."
+
+"That would be a small and unjust thing, remembering her father's
+faith."
+
+There was something not quite a smile crossed Lois' face, so tired now
+that a few of the placid lines had lost their sweetness.
+
+"Yet it was what we did, James." Lois had a great sense of fair-dealing
+and truth-telling. So far she had had no bargains to make with the
+world, nor temptations to get the better of anyone. "We thought it our
+duty to instruct her in her father's faith and keep her from the
+frivolities that were a snare to her mother. I dare say Madam Wetherill
+looks at the reverse side for her duty. They go to Christ Church, Andrew
+said, and though christening signifieth nothing to us, she may impress
+the child with a sense of its importance. Then the Wetherill House has
+been very gay this winter. Friend Lane said there was gaming and
+festivities going on every night, and that it was a meeting place for
+disaffected minds."
+
+"But Madam Wetherill is a fine royalist. Still there are many ungodly
+things and temptations there, and this is why I requested Andrew not to
+go there on market days. He was roused in a way I could not approve and
+talked of the books in the house. Indiscreet reading is surely a snare.
+I am not at all sure the ever-wise Franklin, while no doubt he hath much
+good sense and counseleth patience and peace, hath done a wise thing in
+advocating a public library where may be found all kinds of heresy. Yet
+it is true that James Logan was learned in foreign tongues and gave to
+the town his collection. It was better while they were kept in the
+family, but now they have been taken to Carpenter's Hall, and some other
+books added, I hear, and it is a sort of lounging place where the young
+may imbibe dangerous doctrines. I am glad Penn is such a sensible
+fellow, though Andrew hath been obedient, but he will soon be of age."
+
+"The child has been subject to little restraint then, if she is allowed
+to read everything. And it would be better for Faith not to have the
+companionship. Then I do not feel able to undertake the training out of
+these ideas, as I should feel it my duty to do."
+
+James Henry gave a sigh. He could recall his brother's anxiety that the
+child should not stray from the faith of the Friends.
+
+"I will go in next week myself and have an interview with Madam
+Wetherill and see the child. I shall be better able to decide what is my
+duty."
+
+Then they lapsed into silent meditation. If the prayers, since they are
+only fervent desires, could have been uttered aloud, they would have
+been found quite at variance.
+
+Providence, which is supposed to have a hand in these matters, was
+certainly on Lois Henry's side, though she never took comfort in the
+fact; indeed, accepted the accident with the sweet patience of her sect
+and never disturbed her mind studying why it should have been sent at
+this particular time. For James Henry had a fall from the upper floor of
+his barn and broke his hip, which meant a long siege in bed at the
+busiest season.
+
+Penn Morgan, a nice, strong fellow, was a great comfort. He had managed
+his mother's smaller farm and was not afraid of work.
+
+There was yet considerable farm produce, and much demand for the nicer
+qualities. Andrew was instructed to call at Arch Street and request a
+visit from Madam Wetherill.
+
+The news had not yet come of the great battle at Lexington, but all was
+stir and ferment and activity. For six weeks Andrew had not seen the
+town. Now on nearly every corner was a group in eager discussion. There
+had been Patrick Henry's incendiary speech, there was Mr. Adams from
+Massachusetts, and Benjamin Franklin, so lately returned from England,
+and many another one from whom the world was to hear before the struggle
+ended.
+
+Madam Wetherill was out, but would surely be in at dinner time, and
+though society functions were sometimes as late as two, the ordinary
+dinner was in the middle of the day. He would have almost an hour to
+wait, but he had sold very rapidly this morning and made good bargains.
+
+"It is thy cousin," said Mistress Kent. "I have no time to spare, and if
+thou art not needed at lessons----"
+
+"Oh, let me go to him!" cried Primrose, her face alight with joyous
+eagerness. "It is so long since I have seen him. I can study this
+afternoon, as there are no more dancing lessons."
+
+"Well, run along, child. Don't be too forward in thy behavior."
+
+Patty had gone out with her mistress to do a little trading, since she
+was excellent authority and had many gossiping friends who were much
+interested in the latest fashions. And now, in the disturbed state of
+imports, it would not be so easy to have orders filled abroad.
+
+Primrose danced down the stairs and through the hall. "Oh, Andrew!" she
+cried, as she was clasped in the fond arms.
+
+Then he held her off a bit. No, Faith could not compare with her. Yet
+Faith had blue eyes, a fair skin, and light hair, straight and rather
+stringy and cut short in her neck. But these eyes were like a glint of
+heaven on a most radiant day, these curving red lips were full of smiles
+and sweetness, and this lovely hair, this becoming and graceful
+attire----
+
+"Oh, why do you sigh!" in a pretty, imperious fashion. "Are you not glad
+to see me? I thought you had forgotten me. It is such a long, long
+while."
+
+"Did I sigh? I was surprised. Thou art like a sweet, blossomy rose with
+the morning dew upon it."
+
+"Prim Rose." She drew her face down a little, drooped her eyes, and let
+her arms hang at her side in a demure fashion, and though Andrew's
+vocabulary had few descriptive adjectives in it, he felt she was
+distractingly pretty. He wanted to kiss her again and again, but
+refrained with Quaker self-restraint.
+
+She laughed softly. "Madam Shippen was here one day with big Miss Peggy,
+who can laugh and be gay like any little girl, and who is so pretty--not
+like my dear mother in the frame, but--oh, I can't find a word, and I am
+learning so many new ones, too. But one would just like to kneel at her
+feet, and draw a long breath. And she took hold of my hands and we
+skipped about in the hall with the new step Master Bagett taught me. And
+Madam Shippen said I was 'most like a rose, and that if I became a
+Friend I should be called Prim alone, since the name would be suitable.
+And Madam Wetherill said I was divided, like my name. When will it be
+time to go to the farm?"
+
+"Would it be a great disappointment if thou didst not go?" he asked
+gravely.
+
+"What has happened, cousin?"
+
+Her sweet face took instant alarm. The smiles shaped themselves to a
+sudden unspoken sympathy.
+
+"A great many things have happened." He would have liked to draw her
+down to his knee as he had seen Penn hold his sister Faith and comfort
+her for the loss of their mother. But Primrose did not need comforting.
+He kept his arm about her and drew her nearer to him.
+
+"Yes, a great many things. Mother's sister, Aunt Rachel Morgan, died in
+March, and grandmother and the three children have come to live with us.
+Grandmother is old and has mostly lost her mind. Penn is a large fellow
+of his age, almost grown up, and is of great service. Rachel is fourteen
+and is wise in the management of grandmother, who cannot tell one from
+another and thinks my mother the elder Rachel who died. And then there
+is little Faith."
+
+"Faith? What is she like? Would you rather have her than--than me? Do
+you love her most?"
+
+A sudden jealousy flamed up in the child's heart. Since her mother had
+gone she had really loved no one until she had met Andrew. Perhaps it
+was largely due to the fact that he was the only sympathetic one in a
+lonely life.
+
+Andrew laughed, stirred by a sweet joy.
+
+"I would a dozen times rather have thee, but Faith is nice and obedient
+and my mother has grown fond of her. But there is something about thee,
+Primrose--canst thou remember how the chickens followed thee, and the
+birds and the squirrels never seemed afraid? Thou didst talk to the
+robins as if thou didst understand their song. And the beady-eyed
+squirrels--how they would stop and listen."
+
+"I made a robin's song on the spinet quite by myself, one afternoon. And
+the dainty Phoebe bird, and the wren with her few small notes. Do you
+know, I think the wren a Quaker bird, only her gown is not quite gray
+enough. We went out to great-aunt's farm one day, and oh, the birds!
+Some had on such dazzling plumage and flew so swiftly. We went to the
+woods and found trailing arbutus, that is so sweet, and hepatica, and
+oh! many another thing. I can't recall half the names. There was a tall,
+grave gentleman who talked much about them and said they were families.
+Are the little birds the babies, and are there cousins and aunts and
+grandmothers all faded and shriveled up? And can they talk to each other
+with those little nods and swinging back and forth?"
+
+"Thou art a strange child, Primrose," and he smiled. "What were we
+talking of? Oh, the coming of the children. And then father hath had a
+bad fall and has to be kept in bed for weeks. So we seem full of
+trouble."
+
+"Oh, I am so sorry, Andrew!" Her head was up by his shoulder and she
+leaned over and kissed him, and then he held her in a very close embrace
+and felt in some mysterious way that she belonged to him, rather than to
+his father or to her grand aunt.
+
+"And you will hardly want me," with a slow half question answering
+itself.
+
+"That is one of my errands. Father desires to see Madam Wetherill. He
+did not say--he wishes to follow out my uncle's will concerning you."
+
+Then he looked her all over. Her eyes were cast down on the polished
+floor that had lately come in. Many people had them sanded; indeed, the
+large dining room here was freshly sanded every morning and drawn in
+waves and diamonds and figures of various sorts. The Friends used the
+sand, but condemned the figures as savoring of the world.
+
+As Primrose stood there she was grace itself. Her head was full of loose
+curls that glinted of silver in the high lights and a touch of gold in
+the shade, deepening to a soft brown. Her skin was fine and clear, her
+brows and the long lashes were quite dark, the latter just tipped with
+gold that often gave the eyes a dazzling appearance. Her ear was like a
+bit of pinkish shell or a half crumpled rose leaf. And where her chin
+melted into her neck, and the neck sloped to the shoulder, there were
+exquisite lines. After the fashion of the day her bodice was cut square,
+and the sleeves had a puff at the shoulder and a pretty bow that had
+done duty in various places before. He did not understand that it was
+beauty that moved him so, for he had always been deeply sympathetic over
+the loss of her parents.
+
+She was not studying the floor, or thinking whether she looked winsome
+or no, though Bella Morris would have done for an instructor on poses
+already, and was often saying, "Primrose, you must stand that way and
+turn your face so, and look as if you were listening to something," or
+"Bend your head a little."
+
+"But I'm not listening, and I can't have my head bent over, it tires my
+neck," she would reply with a kind of gay decision.
+
+She was wondering whether she wanted to go out to the farm or not. Would
+she be allowed to take her books along, or must she go on with the
+spinning and sewing? And she did love her pretty gowns and the ribbons,
+and the silver buckles on her shoes, and several times she had worn the
+gold beads that her mother had left behind for her. And there was the
+spinet, with its mysterious music, the drives about, and she was
+learning to ride on a pillion; and Patty knew so many stories about
+everything, merry and sad and awesome, for her grandmother's sister had
+been thrust into prison at Salem for being a witch. And Patty also knew
+some fairy stories, chief among them a version of "Cinderella," and that
+fascinating "Little Red Riding Hood."
+
+"I think I shall want thee always," he began, breaking the silence. "I
+have missed thee so much, and counted on thy coming back to us. But you
+might find it dull after all the pleasure and diversion. There would be
+Faith----"
+
+"Should I like her?"
+
+"That I cannot tell," and he smiled gravely.
+
+She did not altogether like Bella, but she did not want to say so. It
+was queer, but she was learning that you could not like everybody to
+order. There was something about kind, gentle Aunt Lois that held one at
+a distance, and she was always afraid of her Uncle James.
+
+"Do you like her very much?" with a lingering intonation.
+
+"We are commanded to love everyone, chiefly those of the household of
+faith."
+
+"Cousin Andrew," very seriously, "I go to Christ Church now. I like the
+singing. And it says--in the Scriptures, I think--'Let everything that
+hath breath praise the Lord!'"
+
+"One can praise in the heart."
+
+"How should another know it? One might be thinking very naughty things
+in the heart, and keep silence."
+
+"But the naughty and evil heart would not be likely to do good works."
+
+Primrose was silent. The spiritual part of theology was quite beyond
+her.
+
+Then there was a clang at the knocker and the small black boy in a
+bright turban went to answer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+Primrose was dismissed, though she saw her Cousin Andrew again at
+dinner. Madam Wetherill had quite settled the question. She was going
+out to her own country estate, and Primrose would have a change of air
+and much more liberty, and under the circumstances it was altogether
+better that she should not go to her uncle's, and Madam Wetherill
+considered the matter as settled, though she promised to come out the
+next day.
+
+The dream of William Penn had been a fair, roomy city, with houses set
+in gardens of greenery. There were to be straight, long streets reaching
+out to the suburbs and the one to front the river was to have a great
+public thoroughfare along the bank. Red pines grew abundantly, and many
+another noble tree was left standing wherever it could be allowed, and
+new ones planted. Broad Street cut the city in two from north to south,
+High Street divided it in the opposite direction.
+
+But even now "The greene country towne" was showing changes. To be sure
+the house in Letitia Court was still standing and the slate-roof house
+into which Mr. Penn moved later on. But market houses came in High
+Street, the green river banks were needed for commerce, and little
+hamlets were growing up on the outskirts. There were neighborly rows of
+houses that had wide porches where the heads of families received their
+neighbors, the men discussing the state of the country or their own
+business, the women comparing household perplexities, complaining of
+servants, who, when too refractory, were sent to the jail to be whipped,
+and the complaints or the praises of apprentices who boarded in their
+master's houses, or rather, were given their board and a moderate yearly
+stipend to purchase clothes, where they were not made at home. Young
+people strolled up and down under the great trees of elm and sycamore,
+or lingered under the drooping willows where sharp eyes could not follow
+them so closely, and many a demure maiden tried her hand on her father's
+favorite apprentice, meaning to aim higher later on unless he had some
+unusual success.
+
+Up to this time there had been a reign of quiet prosperity. The old
+Swedes had brought in their own faith; the church, so small at first as
+to be almost unnoticed, was winning its way. And though Whitfield had
+preached the terrors of the law, religious life was more tolerant.
+Natural aspects were more conciliatory. The Friends were peace-loving
+and not easily roused from placid methods of money-getting. There was
+nothing of the Puritan environment or the strenuous conscience that
+keeps up fanatics and martyrs. Witchcraft could not prosper here, there
+being only one trial on record, and that easily dismissed. The mantle of
+charity and peace still hovered over the place, and prosperity had
+brought about easy habits. Perhaps, too, the luxuriant growth and
+abundance of everything assisted. Nature smiled, springs were early,
+autumns full of tender glory.
+
+And though the city was not crowded, according to modern terms, there
+were many who migrated up the Schuylkill every summer, who owned
+handsome farms and wide-spreading country houses. Chestnut Hill and
+Mount Airy, Stenton and the Chew House at Germantown, were the scene of
+many a summer festivity where Friends and world's people mingled in
+social enjoyment; pretty Quakeresses practiced the fine art of pleasing
+and making the most of demure ways and eyes that could be so seductively
+downcast, phraseology that admitted of more intimacy when prefaced by
+the term "Friend," or lingered in dulcet tones over the "thee and thou."
+
+Madam Wetherill always made a summer flitting to her fine and profitable
+farm, and surrounded herself with guests. She was very fond of company
+and asked people of different minds, having a great liking for argument,
+though it was difficult to find just where she stood on many subjects,
+except the Church and her decided objection to many of the tenets of the
+Friends, though she counted several of her most intimate acquaintances
+among them. She had a certain graceful suavity and took no delight in
+offending anyone.
+
+But she was moved to the heart by Lois Henry's misfortunes. The old
+mother sat under a great walnut tree on a high-backed bench, with some
+knitting in her hand, in which she merely run the needles in and out and
+wound the yarn around any fashion, while she babbled softly or asked a
+question and forgot it as soon as asked. Rather spare in figure and much
+wrinkled in face, she still had a placid look and smiled with a
+meaningless softness as anyone drew near.
+
+For a moment Madam Wetherill thought of William Penn, whom her father
+had visited at Ruscombe in those last years of a useful life when
+dreams were his only reality, still gentle and serene, and fond of
+children. Faith was sitting at her knee and answering her aimless talk,
+and Rachel had her spinning wheel on the porch.
+
+Madam Wetherill alighted from her horse, and Rachel came out to her. She
+sometimes took her servant, but she was a fearless and capable rider.
+
+"I will call my aunt," the young woman said with a courtesy of respect
+such as girls gave to elders.
+
+"Tell her it is Madam Wetherill. Nay, I will sit here," as the girl
+invited her within; and she took the porch bench.
+
+Lois Henry showed her added cares in the thinness of her face and
+certain drawn lines about the mouth, but it had not lost its grave
+sweetness.
+
+"I hear you are full of trouble," began Madam Wetherill in her well-bred
+tones. What with education on the one side, and equable temperament on
+the other, perhaps too, the softness of the climate and the easier modes
+of life, voices and manners both had a refinement for which they are
+seldom given credit. The intercourse between England and the colonies
+had been more frequent and kindly, though the dawning love of liberty
+was quite as strong as in the Eastern settlements.
+
+"Yes, there is heaviness and burthens laid upon me, but if we are glad
+to receive good at the hands of the Lord we must not murmur against
+evil. The spring is a bad time for the head of the house to be laid
+aside."
+
+"And you have added family cares. I have come to see if you are willing
+to be relieved in some measure. Everyone counts at such a time, while in
+a family like ours, with the going and coming, one more never adds to
+the work."
+
+"I should be quite willing if we could be assured it was our duty to
+shift burthens in times of trouble. James is somewhat disquieted about
+the child. Will you come in and talk with him?"
+
+The bed had been brought out to the best room, as it was so much larger
+than the sleeping chamber adjoining it. James Henry lay stretched upon a
+pallet, his ruddy face somewhat paler than its wont.
+
+"I am pleased to see thee," he said gravely.
+
+"And I am sorry for thy misfortune."
+
+The use of the pronoun "thou" had its old English manner and was not
+confined to the Friends alone. The more rigid, who sought to despise all
+things that savored of worldliness, used their objective in season and
+out. And among the younger of the citified Friends, "you" was not
+infrequently heard.
+
+"It is the Lord's will. We are not allowed our choice of times. Though I
+must say I have been prospered heretofore, and give thanks for it. I
+hear there are other troubles abroad and that those pestilent Puritans,
+who were never able to live in peace for any length of time, have
+rebelled against the King. I am sorry it hath come to open blows. But
+they will soon have the punishment they deserve. We are enjoined to live
+at peace with all men."
+
+"The news is extremely meager. There is a great ferment," Madam
+Wetherill replied suavely.
+
+"And in town they are holding congresses! The Lord direct them in the
+right way. But we have many rebels among us, I think. This was to be a
+town of peace. William Penn conciliated his enemies and had no use for
+the sword."
+
+"True--true! We shall need much wisdom. But I must not weary thee
+talking of uncertainties. There is another matter that concerns us both,
+our little ward. As affairs stand I think she had better remain with me
+through the summer. She will be on a farm and have plenty of air and
+take up some of the arts of country life. She is in good health and is,
+I think, a very easily governed child."
+
+"It is not following out her father's wishes. He hoped she would be of
+his faith. And the influence here might serve to counteract some
+follies. I would rather she came. But Lois is heavily weighted and two
+children of the same age----"
+
+"Primrose would have many strange things for her little cousin's ears.
+Nay, they are hardly cousins." And Madam Wetherill smiled. A keen
+observer might have observed a touch of disdain.
+
+"Except as to faith. She would be forbidden to talk over her worldly
+life. We discountenanced it before. It is a sad thing that a child
+should be so torn and distracted before she can hardly know good or
+evil. I do not think my brother meant this course should be followed."
+
+"Yet he could not deprive the mother of her child. And he gave away his
+son for worldly advancement. It was merely that Mistress Henry and her
+child should live here half the year. The court decided she could
+transfer her rights to another guardian, and I was nearest of kin. And I
+shall have to seek heirs somewhere. But one summer cannot matter much,
+and it will be a relief to thy overtired wife."
+
+James Henry started to raise himself on his elbow and then remembered
+that he was bandaged and strapped, and was but a helpless log. Two
+months, the doctor had said, even if all went well, before he could
+make any exertion. He glanced at his wife. He must be waited on hand and
+foot, and now the child had been filled with worldliness and would need
+strong governing. Andrew was overindulgent to her.
+
+"It hath caused me much thought. This time we might make it a year for
+good reasons. Mr. Northfield would no doubt consent. Then she would come
+in the fall and remain."
+
+"Nay, I will not promise that. Her winters in town are important for
+education. It was for that partly that I preferred the winters. She hath
+no farm to go to afterward and will lead a town life."
+
+"But so much worldly education does not befit a woman or improve her."
+
+"Yet we must admit that the earlier Friends were men of sound education.
+They read Greek and Latin, and now at the Friends' school there are many
+high branches pursued. And it is becoming a question whether spelling
+correctly, and being able to write a letter and cast up accounts, will
+harm any woman. Widows often have a sorry time when they know nothing of
+affairs, and become the prey of designing people. I have had large
+matters to manage and should have had a troublesome time had I been
+ignorant."
+
+James Henry sighed. He had wished before that this woman had not been
+quite so shrewd. And though he was a stanch Friend and would have
+suffered persecution for the cause, wealth had a curious charm for him,
+and he was not quite certain it would be right to deprive Primrose Henry
+of any chance. She had seemed easily influenced last year. If Faith
+could gain some ascendency over her! But Faith was more likely to be
+swayed than to sway, he was afraid.
+
+"Then let the case stand this way," said Madam Wetherill. "After a month
+or so matters may be improved with you, and she can come then, being a
+month or two later in town."
+
+"Yes, that may do," he answered reluctantly, but he did long for a whole
+year in which to influence his brother's child. For surely she was born
+in the faith. He would not have gone outside for a convert; the Friends
+were not given to the making of proselytes. Everyone must be convinced
+of his own conscience.
+
+"Then we will agree upon this for the present. Thou hast my warmest
+sympathy, and I shall be glad to hear of thy improvement. I hope Friend
+Lois will not get quite worn out. Good-day to thee. If there is anything
+a friend can do, command me at once."
+
+"My own patience is the greatest requisite," said the master of the
+house, while Lois raised her eyes with a certain grateful light.
+
+She paused a moment for a word with Rachel, a nice, wholesome-looking
+girl with the freshness of youth, and who responded quietly but made no
+effort for conversation. Faith was still chatting with the grandmother.
+Madam Wetherill stepped on the block and mounted her horse as deftly as
+a young person might.
+
+"The youth Andrew is not so straitlaced," she ruminated. "And he seemed
+much interested in the talk of war. If it comes to that, what will the
+Quakers do, I wonder? They can hardly go among the Indians to escape the
+strife, and if home and country is worth anything they ought to take
+their share in defending it. As Mr. Adams says, it would come sooner or
+later. The colonists are of English blood and cannot stand so much
+oppression. It is queer they cannot think of us as their own children.
+And we of the more southern lands have felt tenderly toward the mother
+country, especially we of the church."
+
+Philadelphia believed herself on the eve of great changes, as well as
+Boston. Virginia had her heroes that felt quite as keenly the injustice
+of the mother country. Patrick Henry had fired many hearts with his
+patriotic eloquence. When Governor Dunmore had seized a quantity of
+gunpowder belonging to the colonies and had it shipped on board a man of
+war, Henry went at the head of a party of armed citizens and demanded
+restitution, which was made with much show of ill feeling. Not long
+after the exasperated people had driven the Governor from his house,
+shorn him of power, and compelled him to seek safety. In North Carolina
+there had been a declaration of independence read aloud to a convention
+at Charlotte. "An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts, is all that is
+left us," said Patrick Henry. And Joseph Hawley said, "We must fight."
+
+The battle of Lexington was the match that started the blaze. The other
+colonies were ready. Philadelphia prepared herself for the struggle. At
+another meeting it was resolved, "That the United Colonies are of right
+or ought to be free and independent states, and that they are absolved
+from all duties to the British crown."
+
+Jefferson wrote this declaration, submitting it to Franklin and John
+Adams, and many discussions followed before it was adopted. And the
+Continental Congress had been much encouraged by the enthusiasm of
+Virginia. Washington had said publicly, "I will raise a thousand men,
+subsist them at my own expense, and march with them, at their head, for
+the relief of Boston."
+
+Mrs. Washington had not been less patriotic, though her love of peaceful
+domestic affairs was well known. To a friend she had written, "Yes, I
+foresee serious consequences, dark days and darker nights, domestic
+happiness suspended, social enjoyments abandoned, property of every kind
+put in jeopardy by war, neighbors and friends at variance, and eternal
+separations possible."
+
+There had come news of the seizure of fortresses at Ticonderoga and
+Crown Point. Ammunition, stores, and fifty pieces of cannon had been
+taken. General Gage had announced his intentions of sending "those arch
+offenders Samuel Adams and John Hancock" to England to be hanged. The
+latter brave rebel had laughed the threat to scorn. But the Declaration
+was considered a bold step.
+
+There was a gathering of friends at Madam Wetherill's that very evening,
+for it was known that she would soon be out on the farm, and since she
+had much at stake in trade and property, many were curious to see which
+side she would really espouse.
+
+"The idea of a horde of common people running a government with no head
+but their own wills is preposterous!" cried the proud old Tory Ralph
+Jeffries, as he settled his wig with a shake of the head and pulled out
+his lace ruffles. "Are these canting Puritans going to rule us with
+their quarrels?"
+
+"The whole country seems pretty well ablaze. It is like a Latimer and
+Ridley fire," was the retort.
+
+"We will put it out, sir! We will put it out! Where would be the dignity
+or security of any such government? A pack of braggarts over a little
+skirmish. King George is good enough for us."
+
+"Then you may have to emigrate again presently," suggested portly John
+Logan. "The storm has been long gathering. Little by little we have seen
+our rights abridged, while we have been growing up to the full size of
+manhood. We have tried our wit and ability. To-day we could enter the
+lists of trade with foreign nations, but our ports have been closed.
+England dictates how much and how little we shall do. We are not a
+nation of slaves, but brethren with them over the seas. We are not to be
+kept in the swaddling clothes of infancy.
+
+"It hath been a sorry hardship not to trade where we will when the
+country groweth steadily. It is a great and wonderful land and needeth
+only wise rulers to make it the garden of the world. But the taxes are
+grievous, and no one knows where this will end. I am a man of peace as
+thou all knowest, but when the iron is at white heat and has been struck
+one blow it is best to keep on."
+
+"And you believe," returned Jeffries scornfully, "that a handful of men
+can conquer the flower of Britain? How many, think you, will come to the
+fore if there is a call to arms? A few of these noisy brawlers like
+Henry and Jefferson and Adams, and those pestilent Puritans who have
+been ever stirring up strife, and a few foolish men easily turned with
+every wind that blows. Good Lord, what an army to cope with trained
+men!"
+
+"These same brawlers have done England some good service against the
+French. They have fighting blood, and when it is roused on the side of
+right will be a match for the redcoats at Champlain."
+
+Some of the women were gathered in the hall where there was tea and
+cakes, or mead if one liked better.
+
+"But, if there is war, we shall not be able to get anything," said vain
+and pretty Madam Jeffries, who was a second wife, and strong of will as
+her husband seemed, twisted him around her finger. "And I have just sent
+abroad for finery."
+
+"We must come to linsey-woolsey, though the weavers of Germantown make
+fine goods, and there is silk already made in our own town. Instead of
+so much gossiping and sitting with idle hands we must make our own
+laces. It is taught largely, I hear, at Boston, and my mother was an
+expert at it. Then there are fringes and loops--and, oh, I think we
+shall manage."
+
+"But will there really be war?--Madam Wetherill, it will begin in the
+room there," laughing and nodding her head. "They will come to blows
+soon. And Hugh Mifflin, methinks, has forgotten his Quaker blood. How
+well he talks! And hear--he quotes from the Farmers' letters. I thought
+the Friends were resolved not to bear arms."
+
+"Do they always turn the other cheek to the smiter?" asked someone, and
+a laugh followed.
+
+In the upper hall Primrose stood by the end window, listening and
+wondering. Patty found her there, large-eyed.
+
+"What will there be war about?" she asked. "And will they come here and
+take us all prisoners?"
+
+"Nonsense, child! This is no talk for thee. Come to bed at once."
+
+"Patty, did you hear my great-aunt say if I was to go out to the farm?
+What if they make Cousin Andrew fight? I should be so sorry."
+
+"Quakers do not fight."
+
+"But brave men do. I have read about them. And I am sure Andrew is
+brave."
+
+"Do not be sure of any man. Thou wilt get a sight of wisdom between this
+and twenty years. And I believe thou art not to go out to Cherry Hill.
+There is too much illness. And we are to move to our own farm."
+
+"And will there be chickens and birds and squirrels, and little lambs
+playing about, and----"
+
+"Do not string any more things together with an 'and,' like beads on a
+chain, but get to bed. Yes, they seem to be having a fine noisy time
+downstairs. I know on which side the madam will be."
+
+"For the King?"
+
+"Not strongly, I think," with an ironical laugh Primrose did not
+understand.
+
+"And you, Patty?"
+
+"The King would have poor luck if he depended on me to fight for him.
+There, good-night, and good sleep."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+AT SOME CROSSROADS.
+
+
+There was much confusion in the old house, putting fine things and
+ornaments away and packing family heirlooms and silver. There was also
+much going to and fro, and after a few days Primrose, with her
+attendant, Patty, went out to the farm, then in all its beauty of
+greenness, though the fruit blooms were over. But there were countless
+roses and garden flowers of all the old-fashioned sorts, and sweet herbs
+and herbs for all kinds of medicinal brews. For though Dr. Shippen and
+Dr. Rush had begun to protest against "old women's doses," many still
+had faith in them and kept to feverfew and dittany and golden rod and
+various other simples, and made cough balsams and salves.
+
+The house was large and plain, with uncarpeted floors that were mopped
+up in the morning for coolness and cleanliness, quite a Virginian
+fashion. The kitchen and dining room were sanded, the chairs were plain
+splint or rather coarse rush or willow. There were a wide wooden settle
+and some curious old chests used for seats, as well as hiding places for
+commoner things.
+
+But it was the garden that attracted Primrose. She had never seen so
+many flowers nor such lovely ones, for in the woods there was not this
+variety. Life had been too busy, and wants too pressing, to indulge in
+much luxury where gardening was concerned. John Bartram had many
+remarkable trees and plants, but they were things of families and
+pedigrees, and his house was the resort of curious and scientific men.
+Although a Friend, he had a tender heart for beauty, as well as many
+other things. But in general the Friends cultivated simple and useful
+herbs. At the Henry farm there was no pretense of a flower garden.
+
+Primrose ran up and down the wide, smooth walk, made of dirt and small
+stones with much labor, where, through the summer at least, not a tuft
+of grass was permitted to grow. How lovely it was! The house stood on
+quite an elevation. One could see Mount Airy and Clieveden and other
+summer homes, and the Schuylkill winding placidly about, peeping through
+its embowered banks here and there.
+
+But the quiet, romantic stream was to witness many a tragedy and many an
+act of heroism that no one dreamed of that summer. The real alarms of
+war scarcely penetrated it. Young people went sailing and rowing and had
+picnics and teas along its banks, and the air was gay with jests and
+laughter.
+
+The town was much divided in spirit and did not really pull together.
+There were rampant Tories, who declared boldly for the King; there were
+more faint-hearted ones who had much business at stake and cared only
+for making money, and many of the Friends who counseled peace at any
+price. But events marched on rapidly and in June Congress declared for a
+Continental Army, and the host of patriots at Cambridge called Colonel
+Washington from Philadelphia, where he had been in consultation with
+some of the important citizens, and made him commander in chief of the
+American forces.
+
+The city had been prosperous and stretched out its borders in many
+directions. There were flourishing Friends' meeting houses, there was
+Christ Church and St. Peter's on the hill. For the hills had not been
+leveled, and there were many pretty altitudes crowned with brick
+residences that were considered fine at that time and certainly were
+roomy. The Swedes had their church and all the denominations were well
+represented, for at this period religious, interest was strong. There
+were not many outside amusements. Plays were considered rather
+reprehensible.
+
+There were a few bridges over the creeks where boys waded, and girls
+were not always averse to the enjoyment on a summer afternoon. There
+were flocks of geese and ducks disporting themselves. And along the
+shore front docks had been built, there were business warehouses and
+shipping plying to and fro, for the trade with more southern ports was
+brisk. There were some noted taverns where one might see foreign
+sailors, and shops that displayed curious goods. There was damask
+Floreells silk, brocades and lutestrings done up in fair boxes, as you
+found when you entered. There were gold and silver laces and gold
+buttons and brocades of every variety and cost.
+
+The young damsels were sometimes allowed to go out with their elders and
+have a peep at the fine things and express their likings. Some of the
+storekeepers who had laid in abundant stocks chuckled to themselves at
+the thought that now, when all importations on private account must be
+stopped, they would stand a better chance.
+
+In the early part of the century there had been an eloquent divine, a
+Mr. Evans, who had succeeded Mr. Clayton and who somehow had proved very
+attractive to the Friends. They had flocked to church to hear him, they
+had even taken off their broadbrims with a timid desire to conform to
+the ways of the world's people. This had gone on until it awakened a
+sense of alarm, and at the evening meeting where business might be
+considered, they had been forbidden to attend the services. So there had
+grown up a broader feeling, and numbers, while they did not quite like
+to break with their own communion, were more tolerant, read disapproved
+books, thought more of education, and began to look with different eyes
+on the great world, while others, almost horror-stricken at the
+latitude, drew their lines tighter.
+
+From Christ Church, as an offshoot, had sprung up St. Peter's. Governor
+Penn had his pew in the south gallery. Benjamin Franklin and many of the
+elite thronged the stone aisles with pattering footsteps, in laced
+coats, queues, and ruffles; the women with their big hats tied under the
+chin with an enormous bow, a fashion that sent the top up with a great
+flare where puffs of hair were piled one upon another, or little curls,
+and stiff brocades that rustled along, little heels that clicked, lace
+or lawn scarfs coquettishly arranged for summer use, and great fans
+carried by a ribbon on the arm. In winter there were silk pelisses edged
+with fur, or a fur or velvet coat. The great distinction was the young
+girls in much more simple material, with pretty demureness and sometimes
+longing looks cast at the attire of the young wives or older matrons,
+and a thought of the time when this glory should be theirs.
+
+Now that one must be for or against, Madam Wetherill, though not
+aggressive in her opinions, plainly showed on which side her sympathies
+were ranged.
+
+Wiseacres shook their heads; even among those who came to drink tea in
+the summer house, made primarily by four large, over-arching trees and a
+latticework about, against which there was a bench all around, and a
+great table sufficiently rustic not to mind the summer showers.
+
+There was no spinet to practice on. There were no tutors, but Primrose
+said a few lessons to Patty, sewed a little, and ran about, her hands
+and arms encased in long linen mitts that left the fingers free, and a
+widebrimmed straw hat tied well down, or a Quaker sun bonnet made of
+reeds and cambric. But there were so many visitors that she was often
+dressed up, and made much of by the young ladies.
+
+Polly Morris complained that "Bella was in a very poor state and pining
+for country air. If her purse were long enough she would take her up to
+Martha Woolcot's, but boarding was high. The Matthews had gone over to
+the Jerseys. They had been very kind in giving her a fortnight's visit,
+but now the house would be shut up, and there was only her small
+cottage, that had been so built around by reason of business that one
+could hardly find a mouthful of fresh air."
+
+"I did say I would not ask her here again in the summer. Bella is
+troublesome and forward amid company. But, poor thing! she has only part
+of her house, as below it is a shop and rented out, and her purse is a
+slim one at best," said good-hearted Madam Wetherill. "Patty, suppose
+you write for me, and ask her for a fortnight. She will stay a full
+month. The children may play about and amuse themselves. 'Tis not that I
+grudge what she eats and drinks, but I like not to have people take so
+much by right, and feel that your best is hardly good enough for them,
+and that you owe them something."
+
+"Yes, madam," replied Patty respectfully, though she set about it rather
+reluctantly. She was not over fond of Bella.
+
+A week later they came with a chest of attire that did indeed presage a
+good long stay. Bella was glad enough to meet her compeer.
+
+"For it has been utterly wretched since Aunt Matthews went away," she
+confessed to Primrose. "We went there so often. And Jonas, the younger
+boy, has so much drollness in him and tells about pranks at school. And
+one night he crept out of the window on a shed and slid down and went to
+a merrymaking at some tavern, where they had rare fun. He did not come
+in until nearly morning, and his head ached so he was ill the next day.
+Aunt Matthews made him a posset."
+
+"And did he confess this wrong to her?" asked Primrose in grave
+solicitude.
+
+"Confess! What a silly you are, Primrose! That would have spoiled all
+the fun."
+
+"But it was not right."
+
+"Well--his father would have been severe with him, and when one is sharp
+it is a pleasure to outwit him. The boys had carried off some gates
+shortly before, and they had changed the sign of the Jolly Fisherman to
+Friend Reed's coffin shop, and he never knew it the whole morning and
+wondered why people stared. Both boys were soundly caned for it, and
+after all it was only a bit of fun. So then they kept their own counsel.
+Jonas knows such pages of funny verses, and there are some in Latin."
+
+"How did you come to know?"
+
+"Oh, he told me!" Bella bridled her head and half shut one eye that gave
+her an unpleasant look of cunning. "He swore me not to tell and said
+little girls were often better than big girls."
+
+"And did you swear?" Primrose was horror-stricken.
+
+"Well, I didn't say any wicked words. Some of the great ladies say, 'I
+swear,' and the men often do, but it doesn't really mean anything when
+you say it in French."
+
+Primrose asked Patty about it.
+
+"Swearing is swearing, whether you do it in French or Dutch. What put
+such nonsense in thy head? I think the French a wicked language anyhow,
+and I don't see why madam wants thee to jabber any such gibberish."
+
+"It's very hard and I don't believe I ever shall," said the child with a
+sigh.
+
+"The better grace for thee then."
+
+Bella was quite wise and precocious and learning ways of fashion
+rapidly. She stood a little in awe of Madam Wetherill and could be very
+demure when she saw that it was the part of wisdom. Occasionally she
+made Primrose a tacit partner in some reprehensible matter in a way that
+the child could not protest against. And then Bella laughed at her love
+for birds and flowers and was always talking about finery and repeating
+the flattering things that were said to her. And she much preferred
+listening to the ladies and the gallants to gathering flowers or hearing
+the birds singing in the trees.
+
+One day Andrew came. Everything was better at Cherry Hill, and her uncle
+thought now it was time for her to come.
+
+"Why, is your father getting about so soon?" asked Madam Wetherill in
+surprise.
+
+"Oh, no, indeed! He mends but slowly. Still he wishes to do his duty,
+and I think he broods over it more than is good for him. So my mother
+proposed to him that the little maid should be sent for, and he was
+eager at once. And he wished me to say if it was not too inconvenient to
+thee I would bring her back. I have a pillion."
+
+"Nay, the child knows so little about riding. I meant to have her
+instructed this summer. And there would be some garments to take. I
+cannot get them ready so soon. And I am afraid she will bother thy
+people sadly. Thou hadst better return and explain this. I will drive
+over in a few days and bring her. Meanwhile thou art warm and tired.
+Rest and refresh thyself a little. I think the children are roaming in
+the woods, but, like the chickens, they are sure to come home to
+supper."
+
+Andrew Henry washed his face and hands at the rustic out-of-doors
+toilette, and little Casper, the black boy, brought him a thick linen
+towel, with velvet-like softness and smelling of lavender. Then he must
+have some home-brewed beer to refresh himself, and a plate of Janice
+Kent's wafers, that were spicy and not over sweet and went excellently
+well with the beer.
+
+"Dost thou go often to the city?" Madam Wetherill asked. She was
+thinking how finely this young Quaker was filling out in the shoulders,
+how well set and soft his brown eyes were, and his cherry lips had fine
+curves with resolution, yet a certain winning tenderness.
+
+"I go in on market days, twice a week. These are stirring times. There
+are arguments on every corner of the street, and men almost come to
+blows."
+
+"The blows may be needed later on. Thou art a peace man, I dare say."
+
+"That is the belief in which I have been brought up," he answered
+respectfully.
+
+"And I was brought up to honor the King. But if a king listens to evil
+rather than good counselors--kings were cut off in old times for not
+dealing justly. I am sure Mr. Pitt hath given excellent advice, but it
+has not been followed."
+
+"I know so little about it," Andrew returned. "I went once to John
+Bartram's for some rare cuttings my father desired, and met there the
+great Franklin, who counseled peace and leniency in England. And they
+all think now that nothing can stop the war."
+
+"It hath begun already. We must decide which side we shall be on, even
+if we do not fight. But come down here where smiling peace sits
+gossiping with fair plenty. I wonder if next summer will give us such a
+scene?"
+
+She made a gracious little movement, and she took his arm as they began
+to descend the sloping path. She was a very fascinating woman and now
+she had resolved to do her best to win over those who stood in
+uncertainty if she could not move the uncompromising Friend.
+
+It was a pretty scene. After the slope was a level of beautiful sward,
+with a circle of magnificent trees. Then another varying decline that
+ended at the river's edge, where rocked two or three gayly painted
+boats. There were two young fellows in the attire of the gallant of the
+day lolling on the grass, and a young man in Quaker garb of the finest
+sort, sporting silver buckles at his knee and on his low shoes.
+
+The ladies were some of the beauties of Philadelphia, to be famous long
+afterward. There was the pretty Miss Shippen and Becky Franks, noted for
+her wit and vivacity; Miss Wharton and Miss Mifflin and the gay Mrs.
+Penn.
+
+"I have brought thee a new recruit, Friend Norris," she began smilingly,
+"since thou art of the same faith and texture. Thy father knew Philemon
+Henry well, and this is his nephew. Ladies, let me present Friend Henry,
+since the Quakers will have no handle to their names. Perhaps many of
+you know Cherry Hill, from whence some of our finest fruit is brought."
+
+The ladies courtesied. Mrs. Penn stepped nearer.
+
+"Yes, I knew thy uncle somewhat and had met his lovely wife, who lives
+again in the little fairy she left behind. It must have broken her heart
+to go."
+
+Young Norris came around. Andrew Henry had blushed furiously under the
+scrutiny of so many lovely eyes, and then, recovering, stood his ground
+manfully. The scene affected him something as if he had been drinking
+wine, and yet the impression was delightful.
+
+"He has come to take our little moppet away. She belongs part of the
+time to her uncle."
+
+"Oh, Madam Wetherill," exclaimed Miss Franks, "put her best gown on Miss
+Bella and send her by mistake. Wait until dusk and no one will ever
+know."
+
+"Not even in the morning?" asked Andrew with a touch of merriment, while
+the others laughed.
+
+"Nay, the best gown is not needed if you want to pass off someone in
+her stead," said Norris. "That would be suspected at once. Plan again."
+
+"Oh, I forgot! Little Miss Bella hath so much pretty attire. I do
+suppose she would be astray in a Quaker frock. Well, what can we do? Mr.
+Henry, we shall outwit thee, never fear."
+
+"Madam Wetherill hath refused me already," he answered. "But she was
+merciful."
+
+"And I brought him hither for consolation. An old woman's refusal cannot
+be so heart-breaking as that of a young lass."
+
+"But we have had no chance to refuse," said saucy Miss Mifflin, raising
+her coquettish eyes.
+
+"Cherry hill is a large estate, but somewhat out of the way. I have
+ridden by it," said Norris. "We of the town get spoiled by neighbors. It
+must be dreary in the winter."
+
+"The evenings are lonesome. In summer, what with being up at sunrise and
+busy all day, the nights are welcome, but in winter the city hath a
+deeper interest. Although I have so far been content."
+
+"We are in a curious heat now. Our staid town never saw such a ferment.
+Every day we wait for news from some of the provinces, north or south. I
+suppose thou wilt take little heed to it. Yet we number many of the
+Friends on our side."
+
+"I have not paid much attention to what has gone before, I must admit,
+but one day I heard some speeches at Carpenter's."
+
+"Nay, you are not to talk war to Friend Henry. He will take us for a
+party of savages. Is there no more inviting topic?"
+
+They found one that was full of light, harmless jest, and an hour
+passed so quickly that Andrew Henry was startled.
+
+He rode home alone without seeing Primrose, who could not be found in
+the nearby haunts. And for the first time strange visions, strange
+longings filled his mind, as if he had suddenly come to manhood and
+outgrown the bands that had made his way so strait.
+
+Was it some suggestion of the tempter? All the strong virile blood
+rushed through his veins, and he only made a feeble fight to subdue it.
+He did not really want to put it aside.
+
+It was much later than usual when he reached home. In fact the sun had
+gone down, Julius with the great market wagon had been home hours
+before.
+
+"Son, what delayed thee so? And the child--where is she?" asked his
+mother.
+
+He explained that she had gone off with her companion and that he had
+waited; that Madam Wetherill would bring her up in a day or two. Rachel
+sat on the doorstep knitting, and some supper was spread in the living
+room. But he went in to his father first, and, after a few words about
+Primrose, gave an account of his day's doings, except a little loitering
+to hear the talk. And he took from his pocket the leathern pouch tied
+tightly with a string, pouring the money on the bed and counting it over
+for his father. Then he brought out a curious box much ornamented with
+copper, now black by age except at the sides where it had been handled,
+and, unlocking it, put in the money, giving the key back to his father.
+
+"You think Friend Wetherill is quite honest about the child?" he asked
+feverishly.
+
+"She is not one to place a light value on her own word. The child could
+hardly have been gotten ready in that brief while."
+
+"There was nothing to get," rather fretfully. "We do not want the vain
+clothing of the world. The child will be ruined by vanity."
+
+"She keeps very sweet, methinks."
+
+"How canst thou judge? Thy mother hath more wisdom and may tell another
+story. There, get to supper. It is weary lying here, but the Lord's ways
+are not as ours."
+
+Andrew ate a little supper in the plain, bare room. On the green where
+the ladies had sat was a strong cherry table, containing some plates and
+glasses and a great stone pitcher curiously molded. How the trees had
+waved overhead and sifted golden gleams and shadows through! There had
+been a bit of peerless blue sky, the sweetness of the grass, the soft
+lap of the river that one could hear only when the talk stopped. How
+beautiful it all was! That was God's world. And the long ride home, the
+woods in solemn grandeur, the bits of river now and then. He was stirred
+mysteriously. He was a new man.
+
+Rachel still sat on the doorstep. Sometimes he came out, and, though
+they said little, there was a pleasure in the nearness.
+
+Penn Morgan returned from the great barn, where he and the hired man had
+left things comfortable for the night. Anything was safe enough. No need
+to lock or bolt in this Arcadian simplicity, except to keep cattle from
+straying.
+
+Penn told over his day's work and the morrow's plans and went to bed.
+Rachel had not been knitting for some time, but she folded up her work
+and passed in without a word. Friends of the stricter sort were as
+careful of vain and idle words as the most rigid Puritan.
+
+He missed something sorely to-night. It was the little girl who had
+kissed him.
+
+Two days later Madam Wetherill brought her over in the neatest attire,
+with no furbelows or laces. Primrose had demurred somewhat. "Nay," said
+Madam Wetherill with a consoling sound in her voice, "they would not
+like it, and it is only for a few months. All the articles will be here
+on thy return or in the city," smiling. "It will not be long and thou
+must be a brave, good girl, and happy, too. Sometime thou wilt choose. A
+hundred things may happen."
+
+She ran down the path and said good-by to the nodding flowers. She was
+sorry to part with Bella and Patty, and Casper and the great dog, and
+the mother cat with the two kittens, and she was loath to leave the gay
+chatter and the visions of the radiant young women who petted her now
+and then. She was not afraid of Mistress Kent, though her tongue was
+still sharp, and she kept her riding whip handy to give Casper and Joe,
+the black boys, who were very full of frolic, a cut now and then.
+
+The ride in the clumsy chaise was a silent one. Madam Wetherill was
+surprised to find how the little one had crept into her heart. And she
+was growing ever so much prettier, more like her mother. It was the
+care, no doubt. They would let her get tanned and try to subdue the curl
+in her lovely silken hair. The lady smiled oddly to herself, thinking a
+mightier power than Quaker rule had put it there. But it would be bad
+for the child, this continual changing. However, it could not be helped
+now. One consolation was that she was much too young to give anything
+but a child's love to her cousin. And he would be married to some
+thrifty woman before she was grown up.
+
+It was Rachel who came to take the budget done up in a stout hempen
+cloth, and lifted out the little girl, then holding the horse while
+Madam descended, and fastening it to the hitching post. The old lady sat
+under the same tree, but the little girl was weeding in the garden and
+stood up to look, covered with her widebrimmed hat.
+
+"They have been wondering," said Rachel. "Uncle is not so well. The
+fever hath been troublesome. Wilt thou come in? And this is the little
+cousin? Thou and Faith will make nice companions."
+
+Friend Lois came to the door and received her guest with grave courtesy,
+saying to Primrose, "We have been looking for thee, child," as they
+walked in.
+
+There was a pitcher of mead standing in a stone jar of cold spring water
+and both travelers were thirsty. Friend Lois had the name of making it
+in a most excellent fashion.
+
+"I am afraid Primrose will be a care to thee this summer," Madam
+Wetherill said with kindly solicitude. "And thy husband is not so well,
+the young girl tells me."
+
+"My niece, Rachel Morgan. And though the loss of my sister was great and
+unexpected, her health being robust, and it hath added much to my cares,
+Rachel is to me as a daughter and a great comfort."
+
+The young girl made a courtesy and stood undecided.
+
+"Does not the broken limb mend?"
+
+"It is doing well. But he hath thought of his duty concerning the child
+overmuch. I assured him he might let it go for this summer, but he was
+not minded to."
+
+"It would have been quite as well."
+
+"He did not think so. And since it was on his mind I sent." She gave a
+soft sigh. "Wilt thou come in and see him? He would rather."
+
+Madam Wetherill walked into the room and greeted the invalid. There was
+a flush on his cheek and a brightness in the eye that betokened feverish
+disarrangement. He began to explain in a quick, excited tone.
+
+"Of course it is thy time. We shall not dispute about the law's
+decision, though Mr. Chew did think it would not be so good for the
+child, seeing that our lines are cast in such different places. I hope
+all will go well with you and she will not add to your cares. I will
+send over to hear now and then."
+
+"Where is she?" in a half-suspicious manner.
+
+"Primrose!" the lady called.
+
+The child came in reluctantly.
+
+"Yes, yes. James Henry has never shirked a duty. And one is entitled to
+make a fair fight for the soul that belongs to the faith. It was her
+father's wish."
+
+"I hope thou wilt mend rapidly. The warm weather is trying." There was
+no use of argument as to faiths.
+
+He nodded languidly.
+
+"And now I will return. I have a long ride before me, and guests at
+home. Farewell."
+
+No one made any effort to detain her. There was little persuasion among
+the Friends, who despised what they considered the insincere usages of
+society.
+
+Primrose caught at Madam Wetherill's gown. Her eyes were lustrous with
+tears that now brimmed over, and her slight figure all a-tremble.
+
+"Oh, take me back with you; take me back!" she cried with sudden
+passion. "I cannot like it here, I cannot!"
+
+"Child, it is only for a little while. Remember. Be brave. One's word
+must always be kept."
+
+"Oh, I cannot!" The small body was in a quiver of anguish, pitiful to
+see.
+
+Bessy Wardour had loved, too, and then gone away to the man of her
+choice, if not the life of her choice. But she was much moved by the
+passionate entreaty, and stooped to kiss her, then put her away, saying,
+"It must be, my child. But thou wilt come back to us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A LITTLE REBEL.
+
+
+As the carriage-wheels rolled away Primrose burst into a violent
+paroxysm of weeping. Rachel came forward and took her hand, but it was
+jerked away rudely.
+
+"Primrose, this is most unseemly," said Lois Henry, looking at her in
+surprise. "If thou art indulged in such tempers at Madam Wetherill's, it
+is high time thou went where there is some decent discipline. I am
+ashamed of thee. And yet it is more the fault of those who have been set
+over thee."
+
+Primrose Henry straightened up and seemed an inch or two taller for the
+ebullition of anger. She looked directly at her aunt and the blue eyes
+flashed a sort of steely gleam. The mouth took on determined curves.
+
+"There is nothing to put me in tempers at home. I like it. I like
+everybody. And it is the being torn away----"
+
+"But wert thou not torn away from this house last year?"
+
+Primrose was silent a moment. "I hate this being tossed to and fro! And
+I have learned to love them all at Aunt Wetherill's. I go to Christ
+Church. I shall never, never be a Quaker. And I am a--a rebel! If I were
+a man I would go and help them fight against the King."
+
+Lois Henry looked horrified.
+
+"Child, thou art silly and ignorant, and wicked, too. What dost thou
+know about the King? We do not believe in kings, but we obey those set
+over us until it comes to a matter of conscience. We leave all these
+turbulent discussions alone and strive to be at peace with all men. Thou
+canst not be saucy nor show thy hot temper here."
+
+"Then send me home. Do send me home," said the child with spirited
+eagerness.
+
+"This is thy home for six months. Rachel, take the bundle up to the
+little chamber next to that of Faith and put away the things in the
+cupboard--and take the child with you. Primrose, thou wilt remain there
+until thou art in a better frame of mind. I am ashamed of thee."
+
+Primrose did not mind where she went. She knew her way up the winding
+stairs put in a corner off the living room. The house had a double pitch
+to the roof, the first giving some flat headway to the chambers, the
+second a steep slant, though there were many houses with nearly flat
+roofs. This was of rough, gray stone, and the windows small. There was
+but one, and a somewhat worn chair beside it, the splints sorely needing
+replacement. A kind of closet built up against the wall, and a cot bed
+with a blue and gray blanket were all the furnishing.
+
+The child glanced at it in dismay, not remembering that she had been
+happy here only such a little while ago. But it seemed ages now, just as
+she had almost forgotten what had passed before. There had been no one
+to talk over the past with her, and she had missed her tender mother
+sorely. Children were not considered of much importance then except as
+regarded their physical welfare and a certain amount of training to
+make them obedient to their elders. That serious, awesome spiritual life
+that shadowed so much of childhood under Puritan auspices was not a
+feature of the more southern colonies. They were supposed to imbibe
+religious impressions from example. Early in the history of the town
+there had been some excellent Quaker schools, that of Friend Keith, who
+sowed some good seed even if he did afterward become a scorn to the
+profane and contentious, because he started to found a sect of
+"Christian Quakers," and finally found a home in England and the
+Anglican Church. But the school flourished without him, and to the
+Friends belongs the credit of the early free schools. The subtle
+analysis of later times found no inquiring minds except among a few of
+the higher scholars. It was not considered food for babes.
+
+Rachel untied the bundle that had been bound up with a stout cord.
+
+"Thou canst put them in the closet in an orderly manner. Then, if thou
+hast returned to thy right mind, come downstairs."
+
+Primrose looked out of the window without stirring. The great walnut
+trees were waving their arms and making golden figures on the grass that
+ran about everywhere. Patty had told her stories of "little people" who
+lived in the north of England and Scotland, but they only came out in
+the moonlight. Ah, these were birds or squirrels--oh! there was a
+squirrel up in the tree, with his great bushy tail thrown over his back.
+And Primrose laughed with tears still shining on her lashes. Over at a
+distance was a hen with a brood of chickens, clucking her way along. And
+there were two pretty calves in an inclosure.
+
+But then there was everything at Aunt Wetherill's, and such rows and
+rows of flowers. Patty brought them into the rooms in bowls, and the
+young ladies wore them. What was that? Oh, the little old lady under the
+tree was walking away----
+
+"Faith," said the clear, calm voice, "leave off thy gardening.
+Grandmother is growing restless."
+
+Primrose watched with strange interest. Presently a girl of about her
+own size walked quietly out to the old lady and took her by the arm,
+turning her around, and led her back to the house. After that--nothing.
+She was almost frightened at the stillness and began to cry again as a
+sense of loneliness oppressed her. Oh, she must go back! There was
+something in her throat that choked her. Then a tall figure came across
+the field in his shirt-sleeves, and with a great swinging stride.
+
+Suddenly her heart bounded within her body. Like a bird she flew down
+the stairs, almost running over Chloe, out of the door, skimming along
+the grassy way, and never taking breath until two strong arms lifted her
+from the ground and kissed her, not once, but dozens of times.
+
+"Child, when did you come?"
+
+"Oh, such a long time ago! It must be years, I think. And I hate it, the
+old house and everything! I cannot stay. Andrew, take me back. If you do
+not I shall run away. I want Patty and Aunt Wetherill, and little Joe,
+who is always doing such funny things, and Mistress Kent whips him, but
+he does them over when she is not there, only she comes suddenly--and
+the pretty ladies who laugh and talk. It is so dreary here."
+
+She raised her lovely eyes that were to conquer many a heart later on,
+and the lips quivered in entreaty like an opening rose in the breeze.
+
+"Nay--I am here," he said. "And I love you. I want you."
+
+She looked as if she was studying. A little crease came between her
+eyes, but it seemed to him it made her prettier than before.
+
+"But why must I come? Why must I stay?"
+
+How could he make her understand?
+
+"And there are some other girls--Faith and the big one. I do not like
+her."
+
+"But you will. I like her very much."
+
+"Then you shall not like me." She struggled to free herself.
+
+"Thou art a briery little Rose," and he smiled into her eyes and kissed
+her. "I shall hold thee here until thou dost repent and want to stay
+with me. Faith is not as sweet as thou and Rachel is too old for
+caresses. Then I am not sure they are proper."
+
+"When I get as old as Rachel--how old is that? shalt thou cease to care
+whether I come or not?"
+
+"I shall never cease to care. If I could change places with Madam
+Wetherill I would never let thee go. But what folly am I talking! It is
+the law that thou shalt do so."
+
+"Who makes the law? Put me down, Andrew; I feel as if part of my body
+would be drawn from the other part. Oh," laughing in a rippling, merry
+fashion, "if such a thing _did_ happen! If there could be two of me!
+Rose should be the part with the pink cheeks and the red, red lips, and
+the bright eyes, and the other, Prim, might stay here."
+
+"Thou naughty little midget! I am glad there cannot be two, if that is
+thy division. I will take part of the time instead. Little Primrose, it
+is a sad thing to part with those we love, even for a brief while. The
+place was not the same when thou went away. And surely, then, thou wert
+sorry to go."
+
+Primrose was silent so long that he glanced into her eyes. There was
+such a difference in eyes the young Quaker had learned. The pretty,
+laughing women on the green at Wetherill farm had said so much with
+theirs when they had not uttered a word. Rachel's were a dullish-blue,
+sometimes a kind of lead color, Faith's light, with curious greenish
+shadows in them. But these were like a bit out of the most beautiful
+sky.
+
+"It seemed quite terrible to me then," she made answer slowly. "Are
+people very queer, Andrew? For then I was afraid of Mistress Kent and
+Aunt Wetherill and everybody, and I wanted to stay here. And now it is
+so merry and pleasant in Arch Street, and there is the spinet that I
+sing to, and the lessons I learn, and some books with verses in and
+tales of strange places and people, and going out to the shops with
+Patty and watching the boys snowballing, and learning to slide."
+
+"But thou art not in Arch Street, and there is a farm here. Come, let us
+find the early sweet apples. I think there are some ripe ones, and thou
+art so fond of them."
+
+They walked along together. "Still, I do not understand why a thing
+should be so dear and pleasant and then change and look--look hateful to
+you!"
+
+There was a pang in the great fellow's tender heart.
+
+"Nay, not hateful!" he said pleadingly.
+
+"But I did not want to stay. Aunt Lois looked stern and spoke crossly.
+And I am not a Quaker any more. I told her so. And I am a--a rebel! I
+will have no English King."
+
+Her tone accented it all with capitals.
+
+"Thou art a rebel, sure enough." Yet he smiled tenderly on her. Whatever
+she was was sweet.
+
+"And I said I would fight against the King."
+
+"Heaven send there may not be much fighting! Even now it is hoped the
+colonists will give way a little and the King yield them some liberties,
+and we shall be at peace again."
+
+"But we will have a king of our very own," she said willfully,
+forgetting her protest of a moment agone. "The old one in England shall
+not rule over us. And why do not the people who like him go back to that
+country?"
+
+"They cannot very well. They have their land and their business here."
+
+"Then they should try to agree."
+
+"Dost thou try to agree when things are not to thy liking?"
+
+She glanced up with a beseeching, irresistible softness in her eyes, and
+then hung her dainty head.
+
+"But you have the other girl Faith. And Aunt Lois thinks what I learn is
+wrong. And--and----"
+
+They paused under the wide-spreading tree. What a fine orchard it was!
+Andrew pulled down a branch and felt of several apples, then found one
+with a soft side.
+
+"There is a good half to that. I will cut it with my knife and the
+chickens may find the rest. There are plenty more."
+
+"Oh, how delicious! I had almost forgotten the apples. Things ought to
+be sewn up in one's mind and never drop out. We have had none save some
+green ones to be gathered for sauce and pies."
+
+"And there will be many other things. The peaches hang full. And there
+are pears, but the cherries are all gone save the bitter wild ones. Then
+thou canst find the squirrels again, and there is a pretty, shy little
+colt in the west field, with a white star in his forehead."
+
+"Madam Wetherill has three little colts," she returned rather
+triumphantly. "And calves, and oh! such a lot of pretty, little
+pinky-white pigs."
+
+He cut another apple and fed it to her.
+
+"We shall have walks and thou shalt ride on a pillion. And I have found
+some books up in the old garret that have verses in them. Oh, wilt thou
+not try to be content?"
+
+She felt it was naughty, yet she cast about her for other protestations.
+
+"But I am not a Quaker. I say the Lord's Prayer aloud when I go to bed,
+over and over again."
+
+"I like it myself," he returned reverently. "But one needs to
+desire--various matters."
+
+There had been serious questions among the Friends; some insisting all
+forms were hampering, and that spiritual life was a law unto itself and
+could be moved only by divine guidance, as even the Apostles were
+ordered to take no heed as to what they should say. Yet, amid the many
+shades of opinion, there had not been much dissension. Of late years not
+a few had been scandalized by the defection of the Penns and several
+others from the ways of their fathers, and drawn the cords a little
+tighter, making the dress plainer and marking a difference between them
+and the world's people.
+
+"Thou couldst take me to the farm some day when I have learned to ride
+on a pillion--just for a visit."
+
+How coaxing the tone was! How bewitchingly the eyes smiled up into his!
+
+"Thou wilt stay and be content?" he said persuasively.
+
+"I will think. Content? That is a great thing."
+
+"Yes. And now let us return."
+
+"If there were no one but thou I should be quite happy," she said
+innocently.
+
+So they walked on. Rachel was standing down at the end of the path with
+the horn in her hand.
+
+"It is nigh supper time," she said, "and thy father wishes to see thee.
+To-morrow is market day. Primrose, didst thou put away thy things
+neatly?"
+
+"I will do it now."
+
+The child ran upstairs.
+
+"A self-willed little thing," commented Rachel, "and she has much
+temper."
+
+"But a great deal of sweetness withal. And she hath been much petted.
+She will feel strange for a few days. Be kindly affectioned toward her."
+
+Rachel made no reply. She went to the kitchen where Chloe had her
+master's supper prepared, a very simple one to-night on account of the
+fever, and carried it in. Then she blew a long blast on the horn, which
+she had forgotten in her surprise at seeing Primrose clinging to
+Andrew's hand.
+
+When Primrose reached the little room her old feelings returned. She
+frowned on the parcel lying on the floor, as if it were an alien thing
+that she would like to hide away. There were several shelves in the
+closet and some hooks at one end. Oh, here were some frocks she had worn
+last summer, homespun goods! A pair of clumsy shoes, larger than those
+she had on, and she gave them a little kick.
+
+Grandmother was in the living room, sitting by the window. Very pale and
+frail she looked.
+
+"Faith," she said. "Faith," in a tremulous voice.
+
+"I am not Faith. My name is Primrose Henry," and the child came nearer
+with a vague curiosity.
+
+"No, thou art not a true Henry with that trifling name. The Henrys were
+sober, discreet people, fearing the Lord and serving Him. What didst
+thou say?" lapsing in memory and looking up with frightened eyes. "Thou
+art a strange girl and I want Faith."
+
+She began to cry with a soft, sad whine.
+
+"Grandmother, yes; Faith will be here in a minute. This is Andrew's
+cousin, his dead uncle's child, Philemon Henry."
+
+"And she said her name was--a posy of some sort; I forget. They used to
+take posies to meetings, sweet marjoram and rosemary. And there was
+fennel. It was a long while ago. Why did Philemon Henry die?"
+
+Primrose looked at her curiously.
+
+"That was my own father," she said with a feeling that these people had
+no right of real ownership in him, except Andrew.
+
+Aunt Lois came out, and taking her mother's hand, said, "Come and have
+some supper." Then, turning to Primrose, "I hope thou art in a better
+humor, child. It does not speak well for town training that thou
+shouldst fly in such a passion with thy elders."
+
+"Who was in a passion?" repeated grandmother with a parrot-like
+intonation. "Not one of the Lord's people I hope?"
+
+"Silence, mother!"
+
+Lois Henry spoke in a low tone but with a certain decision. She was like
+a child and had to be governed in that manner. They were all taking
+their places at the table, Lois at the head and Rachel next to
+grandmother on the other side, then Faith and Primrose. Opposite the
+workmen were ranged, Andrew with one on either hand. The colored help
+had a table in the kitchen. This was the only distinction the Henrys
+made.
+
+Lois Henry accepted the burthen of a half demented mother with a quiet
+resignation. In her serene faith she never inquired why a capable and
+devoted Christian woman should have her mind darkened and be made
+comparatively helpless while physical strength remained, though it was a
+matter of some perplexity why her sister should have been taken and her
+mother left.
+
+The master's seat at the foot of the table was vacant. Lois would have
+it so. It seemed as if they were only waiting for him.
+
+Primrose had turned scarlet at her aunt's rebuke and Faith's scrutiny.
+After the silent blessing the supper was eaten quietly, Chloe coming in
+now and then to bring some dish or take away an empty one. And when they
+rose Faith led her grandmother out under the tree where she spent her
+half hour before bedtime, unless it rained. Rachel went in to Uncle
+Henry, and Lois took a careful supervision of the kitchen department,
+that did miss her steady oversight, though Rachel was very womanly.
+
+Primrose sauntered out and sat down on the doorstep, feeling very
+strange and lonely, and resenting a little the knowledge of having been
+crowded out. Penn Morgan gave her a sharp look as he went out with the
+milking pail. There was still considerable work to do before bedtime.
+
+When Rachel was released she took grandmother to bed. The window had
+been made secure with some slats nailed across, for she had been known
+to roam about in the night. Her room opened into that of Rachel's
+instead of the little hall, and the girl closed the door and put a small
+wedge above the latch so that it could not be opened.
+
+James Henry had asked in a vague, feverish way if they had allowed
+Primrose to go back with her aunt.
+
+"Why, no," answered Lois. "Wilt thou see her?"
+
+"No, no! I cannot be disturbed. It is but right that she should come.
+Thou wilt no doubt find her head full of vagaries and worldliness. What
+can one do when the enemy sows tares? I cannot resign myself to letting
+them grow together."
+
+"Yet so the Lord has bidden."
+
+"Nay, we are to do our duty in the Lord's vineyard as well as in the
+fields. I uproot noxious weeds, or I should have fields overrun. And now
+that haying has begun I must lie here like a log and not even look out
+to see what is going on," and he groaned.
+
+"But Andrew is almost like thyself, and Penn this two year hath managed
+for his mother. We must submit to the Lord's will. Think if I had lost
+thee, James, and men have been killed by a less mishap!"
+
+James Henry sighed, unresigned.
+
+Faith came out timidly to the doorstep, and looked askance at Primrose.
+She was not robust and ruddy like Penn and Rachel, and yet she did not
+look delicate, and though fair by nature was a little tanned by sun and
+wind. Not that the Friends were indifferent to the grace of
+complexions, but children were often careless. But even among the
+straitest there was a vague appreciation of beauty, as if it were a
+delusion and a snare. And the Quaker child glanced at the shining hair,
+the clear, pearly skin, the large lustrous eyes, the dainty hand, and
+the frock that, though plain, had a certain air like Lord's Day attire,
+and was not faded as an every-day garb would be. Then she glanced at
+hers, where a tuck had been pulled out to lengthen it, and left a band
+of much deeper blue, and the new half sleeves shamed the old tops. Her
+heart was filled with sudden envy.
+
+"Thou art not to live here always," she began. "It is only for a brief
+while. And I am to stay years, until I am married. Mother's bedding and
+linen hath been put in two parcels, one for Rachel, who will be married
+first, as she is the eldest, and the other will be mine."
+
+Primrose stared. Bella talked of marriage, but it seemed a great mystery
+to Primrose. There was no one she liked but Cousin Andrew, but she liked
+liberty better, she thought. Why should one want to get married? The
+pretty young girls who came out to the farm had no husbands. Patty had
+none and she was talking forever about the trouble they were, and
+Mistress Janice and Madam Wetherill----
+
+"But if he should be ill in bed and thou had to sit by him like Aunt
+Lois----"
+
+"Uncle is not ill. He hath a broken leg, and that will mend," was the
+almost rebuking reply.
+
+"I like the town better. I did not want to come nor to stay, and I am
+glad I am not to live here always," Primrose said spiritedly. "I like my
+Cousin Andrew----"
+
+"How comes it that he is _thy_ cousin? My mother was own sister to Aunt
+Lois, and so _we_ are cousins. Had thy mother any sisters?"
+
+Primrose had not thought much about relationships. Now she was puzzled.
+
+"Our names are alike," after some consideration. "And I was here the
+first, a long while ago--last summer."
+
+"But I have been here many times. And now I am to live here. Besides
+thou--thou art hardly a Friend any more--I heard Chloe tell Rachel. Thou
+art with the vain and frivolous world's people, and Andrew cannot like
+thee."
+
+That was too much. The dark eyes turned black with indignation and the
+cheeks were scarlet.
+
+"He does like me! Thou art a bad, wicked girl and tellest falsehoods!"
+
+Primrose sprang up and the belligerents faced each other. Then Andrew
+came up the path, and she flew out with such force that the milk
+scattered on the ground, and he had to steady himself.
+
+"Primrose----"
+
+"She said thou didst not like me, and that I am no relation. What didst
+thou say down in the orchard? And if no one likes me why can I not go
+back to Aunt Wetherill?"
+
+The usually gay voice was full of anger, just as he had heard it before.
+Truly the child had a temper, for all her sweetness.
+
+"Children--wait until I carry in the milk, and then I will come out and
+hear thee."
+
+Chloe took the pail and Penn followed with his.
+
+Andrew came out, and looked at the girls with grave amusement. Primrose
+was the most spirited. Really, was he being caught with the world's
+snare, beauty?
+
+"She said you--you did not like me." Primrose's lip quivered in an
+appealing fashion, and her bosom swelled with renewed indignation.
+
+"I did not say that," interposed Faith. "Not _just_ that. It was about
+vain and frivolous world's people, and Chloe said she was not a Quaker
+any more, and I--how canst thou like her, Cousin Andrew?"
+
+"Children, there must be no quarreling. There are many families where
+there are friends and members of various beliefs. And if we cannot love
+one another, how shall we love God?"
+
+Faith made a sudden dart to Andrew and caught his hand.
+
+"Thou art not her cousin, truly," she exclaimed with triumph.
+
+"As much as I am thine. Our mothers were sisters. Primrose's father and
+mine were brothers. That is why our names are alike. And if you are good
+I shall like you both, but I cannot like naughty children."
+
+"You see!" Primrose said in high disdain to her crestfallen compeer. "I
+was right. If Uncle James had not been my uncle I should not have had to
+come here. And I should not care for Andrew."
+
+There was something superb in the defiance visible in every feature and
+the proud poise of the shoulders. A woman grown could hardly have done
+better. Andrew Henry was curiously amused, and not a little puzzled as
+to how he should restore peace between them. Faith's face had settled
+into sullen lines.
+
+"I shall love best whichever one is best and readiest in obedience and
+kindliness," he said slowly.
+
+"I do not care." Primrose turned away with the air of a small queen. "I
+shall go back to town and you may have Faith and--and everybody." But
+the voice which began so resolutely in her renunciation broke and ended
+with a sob.
+
+"Oh, my dear child!" Andrew's arm was about her and his lips pressed
+tenderly to her forehead, and the relenting lines gave him an exquisite
+thrill of pleasure he did not understand.
+
+"What is all this discussion and high voices about?" demanded Lois
+Henry. "I will not have the night disturbed by brawls. Both children
+shall be whipped soundly and sent to bed."
+
+"Nay, mother, listen." Andrew straightened himself up but still kept his
+arm protectingly about Primrose, glad that the falling twilight did not
+betray the scarlet heat in his face. "It came from a misunderstanding.
+Faith did not know we were cousins by the father's side, as she and I
+are on the mother's. It is hard for little ones to get all the lines of
+relationship, and this being Faith's true home it seemed as if her right
+must be best. But now they are at peace and will be pleasant enough on
+the morrow. They did nothing worthy of punishment."
+
+Faith was glad enough of the chance to escape, for she had already
+smarted from the rod in the resolute hands of her aunt. She came toward
+her now and said humbly:
+
+"I did not understand, truly. I will be wiser and never again think it
+untrue. And now--shall I go up to bed?"
+
+Lois Henry was not satisfied, but she did not want to have open words
+with her son before the children.
+
+"Both go to bed at once," she said sharply. "Rachel?"
+
+"I am here," said the elder girl quietly.
+
+"Take Primrose upstairs and see that she is fixed for the night, though,
+hereafter, she will wait upon herself. I like not to have children
+brought up helpless."
+
+"Go, my little dear," Andrew whispered caressingly. "To-morrow----"
+
+Primrose was awed by Aunt Lois and followed with no further word or
+sign.
+
+Rachel found her nightdress and half envied the daintiness.
+
+"What were thy words with Faith about," she inquired in a somewhat
+peremptory tone.
+
+"Thou art Faith's sister, ask her," was the resentful reply. She must
+tell the truth if she spoke at all, and she did not want to run another
+risk of being blamed. Andrew believed in her, that was the comfort she
+held to her throbbing heart.
+
+"Thou art a froward child and hast been overindulged. But, I warn thee,
+Aunt Lois will train naughty girls sharply."
+
+Rachel stood in a sort of expectant attitude and Primrose leaned against
+the window.
+
+"Get to bed," the elder said quickly.
+
+"Go! go!" Primrose stamped her rosy bare foot on the floor. "I want you
+away. I cannot say my prayer with you here."
+
+"Thou needst prayer certainly. Among other things pray for a better
+temper."
+
+Rachel went slowly, and shut the door. Primrose threw herself on the bed
+and gave way to a paroxysm of sobs and tears. Once she thought she would
+creep downstairs and fly to the woods--anywhere to be out of reach of
+them all. Oh, how could she endure it! Patty scolded sometimes, and
+Madam Wetherill reproved and had on an occasion or two sent her out of
+the room, but to be threatened with a whipping was too terrible!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FATE TO THE FORE.
+
+
+They were early astir at the farm. Rachel in going downstairs called
+Primrose and Faith. The latter rubbed her sleepy eyes--it was always so
+hard to get up, but there were many things to do. Grandmother was the
+only one allowed to sleep in quiet, and sometimes she would lie as late
+as nine o'clock, to the great relief of everyone.
+
+"Come, thou sluggard!" and the child's shoulder was roughly shaken.
+"This is twice I have called thee, and what will happen a third time I
+cannot undertake to say."
+
+"Patty!" Primrose opened her eyes and then gave a little shriek of
+affright. "Oh, where am I?"
+
+She had cried herself to sleep and forgotten all about her prayer.
+
+"I am not Patty, and thou wilt find no servant here to wait upon thee.
+We are not fine Arch Street people. Come, if thou dost want any
+breakfast."
+
+Slowly memory returned to Primrose. She leaned out of the little window.
+Oh, what joyous sound was that! She smiled as the birds caroled in the
+trees and followed them with her soft, sweet voice that could not reach
+the high notes. Then she began to dress, eager to be out of the small
+room that would have seemed a prison to her if she had known anything
+about a prison. But the wonderful melody filled her soul and lifted her
+up to the very blue heavens. So she loitered sadly about her dressing,
+and when she came down the table had been cleared away.
+
+Chloe had received instructions to give her a bite out in the kitchen
+presently, but with a sense of injustice, growing stronger every moment,
+she almost flew from the house. Rachel was working butter in the milk
+room and Faith weeding in the garden. Aunt Lois had had a very disturbed
+night and was suffering with a severe headache. Her husband's fever had
+abated toward morning, and now he had fallen into a quiet sleep.
+
+Primrose made her way to the old orchard. Ah, how enchantingly the birds
+sang! Then there was a long, melodious whistle that she tried to imitate
+and failed, and laughed gleefully at her non-success. Where was the old
+tree blown almost over by wind and storm that she used to run up, and
+fancy herself a squirrel? Ah, here it was! bent over so much more that
+its branches touched the ground. She walked up the trunk, holding out
+both arms to keep her balance, and then sitting down where three
+branches crossed and made a seat. The apples were hard and sour, she
+remembered, regular winter apples. She rocked to and fro, singing with
+the birds and watching the white boats go sailing across the sky. She
+laughed in her lightness of heart, though there was no malice in it. She
+did not even give the household a thought.
+
+And then she was suddenly hungry. She sighed a little. Were there any
+more ripe, sweet apples, she wondered! Oh, how long would she have to
+stay at Uncle Henry's? It was early July now, six months. What a long,
+long while as she counted them up! And there would be winter when she
+could not run out of doors, and no lessons, no books to pore over, no
+music, no great parlor full of strange things that she never tired of
+inspecting, no pretty ladies in silk and satin gowns, chattering and
+laughing.
+
+What with the soft wind and the swaying motion she began to feel sleepy
+again. She crawled down and looked for the tree they had found
+yesterday. Alas! its branches were too high for her conquest. She threw
+herself down on the grass and leaned against the trunk, and in five
+minutes was soundly asleep.
+
+Rachel had gone about her duties in a quiet, rather resentful manner.
+Once Chloe had asked about the child.
+
+"I have called her twice," was the brief answer.
+
+Then she heard grandmother stirring and went up to dress her and gave
+her some breakfast. She would not even look in the small chamber where
+she supposed Primrose was lazily sleeping. Afterward she called in
+Faith, who washed her hands and changed her frock, as the dew and dirt
+had made it unsightly.
+
+"If thou wouldst only be careful and tuck it up around thy knees," said
+Rachel in a fretted tone. "There is no sense in getting so draggled, and
+it makes overmuch washing."
+
+"Shall I take the towels out to hem?" asked Faith.
+
+"Yes. Thee should get them done this morning. Aunt Lois spoke of thy
+dilatoriness."
+
+Faith longed to ask about the newcomer. It was sinful indulgence for her
+to be lying abed. And why was she not sent to weed in the garden or put
+at other unpleasant work?
+
+Rachel heard the rap on the tin cup that answered the purpose of a bell
+to summon one. Aunt Lois was still in her short bedgown and nightcap.
+
+"Thou must wait upon thy uncle this morning," she began feebly. "I have
+tried, but I cannot get about. There is a dizziness in my head every
+time I stir, and strange pains go shooting about me. It is an ill time
+to be laid by with the summer work pressing, and two people needing
+constant care."
+
+She looked very feeble, and there was an unwholesome red spot upon each
+cheek. Her usually calm and steady voice was tremulous.
+
+"But I feel better. The fever is gone," said Uncle James. "There will be
+only two weeks more and then I can begin to get about. When there is no
+head matters go loosely enough."
+
+"But I am sure Andrew is capable. He hath been trained under thine own
+eye. And Penn is steady and trusty."
+
+"But a dozen young things cannot supply the master's place," he returned
+testily. "And one almost feels as if the evil one hath gotten in his
+handiwork as he did on Job."
+
+Lois sighed. Rachel washed her uncle's face and hands and brought him
+some breakfast.
+
+"Shall I not bring thee some, too?"
+
+"Nay, the thought goes against me. I will have some boneset tea steeped.
+And presently I will get out to the kitchen. Perhaps I shall mend by
+stirring about."
+
+Grandmother sat under the tree or wandered about, babbling of old times
+and asking questions that she forgot the next moment. There was a ham
+boiling in the great kettle over the kitchen fire, and a big basket of
+vegetables for the dinner. There were two neighboring men working, who
+were to have their midday meal.
+
+James Henry would have enjoyed Job's disputatious friends. There were
+several knotty points in doctrine that he had gone over while lying
+here, and he longed to argue them with someone. The days were very long
+and tedious to him, for he had never been ill a whole week in his life.
+
+Lois crept out to the living room, then to the great shady doorstep. How
+fine and fresh and reviving the waft of summer air, with its breath of
+new-mown hay, was to her fevered brow.
+
+"Where is the child?" she asked.
+
+"I called her twice. What with packing the butter and various duties she
+hath quite gone out of my mind. Surely she sleeps like the young man in
+the Apostles' time."
+
+"Go summon her again. She must be broken of such an evil habit."
+
+Rachel primed herself for some well-deserved severity. There was no one
+in the room. She searched the closet, the other rooms, then the "tuck
+place" as it was called, and went through Chloe's room, over the
+kitchen.
+
+"She is not anywhere to be seen. Chloe, hast thou observed her stealing
+out?"
+
+"Nay," and the colored servitor shook her head.
+
+"Strange where she can be."
+
+"The child was tractable and well trained through the past summer, but
+she hath grown lawless and saucy. When she comes I shall give her a good
+switching, if I am able. I will not have these mischievous pranks," said
+Aunt Lois feebly.
+
+"She deserves it," rejoined Rachel with unwonted zest. She longed to see
+the child conquered.
+
+Still Primrose did not appear. Lois Henry took her herb tea, and after
+a severe fit of nausea felt somewhat relieved, but very weak and shaky.
+She was just thinking of retiring when Andrew came across the field. But
+he was alone.
+
+"Hast thou seen aught of that willful child?" she inquired.
+
+"Primrose? No." He looked from one to the other. "What hast thou been
+doing with her?"
+
+Rachel sullenly recapitulated the morning's experience.
+
+"And she had no breakfast? Where can she have gone? Surely she hath not
+thought to find her way to Wetherill farm! We should not have insisted
+upon her coming at this time. Mother, you look very ill," and the kindly
+face was full of solicitude.
+
+"I am, my son. And it was not my will to have her, but your father's
+mind was set upon it."
+
+"And then she is so different," began Rachel. "What if we had allowed
+Faith in such tantrums!"
+
+"She needs a sharp hand to cure her evil temper."
+
+"Mother," said Andrew with a sense of the injustice, and a rising
+tenderness in his heart for Primrose, "we must consider. She is not to
+have our lives, nor to be brought up in our way. She hath her own
+fortune, and her mother was a lady----"
+
+"There are no ladies, but all are women in the sight of God. And as for
+such foolish, sinful lives as the townfolk lead, playing cards and
+dancing, and all manner of frivolous conversation, it were a mercy to
+snatch one from the burning. She was a nice little child last year. I
+must reduce her to obedience again, and some sense of a useful, godly
+life."
+
+"To have thy training upset by the next hand! It is neither wise nor
+wholesome for the child, and she will come to have ill will towards us.
+I can remember how bright and cheerful and easily pleased her mother
+was----"
+
+"She was never grounded in the faith. She had a worldly and carnal love
+for Philemon Henry, and it was but lip service. If he had lived----"
+Lois Henry had interrupted with an energetic protest in her voice, but
+now she leaned her head on the door post and looked as if she might
+collapse utterly.
+
+"Mother, thou art too ill to be sitting up. Let me help thee to bed, and
+then I must go look for the child."
+
+He lifted her in his strong young arms and, carrying her through, laid
+her on the bed beside her husband.
+
+"I am very ill," she moaned, and indeed she looked so. All her strength
+seemed to have gone out of her.
+
+"I heard high words about the child. Hath she proved refractory? Madam
+Wetherill and the houseful of servants have no doubt spoiled her. It is
+God's mercy that there may be seasons of bringing her back to reasonable
+life."
+
+"Do not trouble about the little girl. To-day I think the doctor will be
+here to examine thy leg, and I am sure my mother needs him. I am afraid
+it is a grave matter."
+
+"My poor wife! And I am a helpless burden on thee! I am afraid I have
+demanded too much."
+
+"The Lord will care for us," she made answer brokenly.
+
+After giving some charges to Rachel, Andrew walked down the path that
+led to the road. Was Primrose afraid of punishment, and had Rachel said
+more to her than she was willing to own? This was no place for her,
+Andrew said to himself manfully. And if his mother was to be ill----
+
+He changed his steps and went to the barn. Would Rover remember the
+little girl of last summer? He raised the clumsy wooden latch.
+
+"Come, Rover," he said cheerily. "Come, we must go and find Primrose. I
+wonder if thou hast forgotten her?"
+
+Rover sprang out and made a wide, frolicsome detour. Then he came back
+to his master and listened attentively, looked puzzled, and started off
+again down the road, but returned with a sort of dissatisfaction in his
+big brown eyes.
+
+"The orchard, perhaps. We might look there first. She was such a
+venturesome, climbing little thing last year."
+
+Rover ran about snuffling, and started off at a rapid rate, giving a
+series of short, exultant barks as he bounded to his master.
+
+"Good Rover!" patting the shaggy creature, who sprang up to his shoulder
+in joy.
+
+Primrose was still asleep. The winds had kissed with fragrant touches,
+the birds had sung to her, the bees had crooned, and the early summer
+insects ventured upon faint chirps, as if they hardly knew whether they
+might be allowed to mar the radiant summer day. How divinely beautiful
+it was!
+
+Her head had fallen on her shoulder and the old tree rose gray and
+protecting. The long fringe of lashes swept her cheek, her hair was
+tumbled about in shining rings, her dewy lips slightly apart, almost as
+if she smiled.
+
+She had been worn out with her crying last night, but now was rested
+and fresh. The dog's bark roused her, and she opened her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Andrew! Where have I been? Why----"
+
+"Little runaway!" but his tone was tender, his eyes soft and shining.
+
+"Oh, Andrew!" she exclaimed again. Then she clasped her arms about his
+body with a kind of vehemence and buried her face for a moment. "Take me
+back, won't you? I can't stay here. I can't! I don't like anyone. Even
+Aunt Lois is cross and Rachel hates me."
+
+"Oh, no, no! But thou shalt go back. This is no real home for thee."
+
+"Oh, come, too!" she cried eagerly. "There is a great farm, and Madam
+Wetherill will be glad to have thee."
+
+"Nay, my father is ill and I could not leave him. And there is so much
+work to do. But I will see thee now and then to freshen thy memory."
+
+"I should not be likely to forget thee."
+
+"Didst thou have any breakfast?"
+
+"No, I didn't. I was very sleepy when Rachel called. I think I must have
+run straight to the land of Nod again," laughingly. "And when I came
+down the table was cleared. There was someone in the kitchen, but I was
+afraid. I do not know why it is," and her plaintive voice touched him,
+"only now I am afraid of everybody--oh, no! not afraid of you, for I
+like you so much. And then I wanted to run away, but I did not know how
+to go. I climbed the crooked apple tree and swung to and fro until I was
+sleepy and afraid I might fall out. Then I came down here. Oh, can I go
+back? Truly, truly?"
+
+"Truly." Yet he said it with a pang. How sweet and dainty she was! He
+would not have used the words, they were strange to him, but they sent a
+thrill through his body, as music sometimes does.
+
+"Come, dinner will be ready."
+
+"Will anyone scold me?" fearfully.
+
+"No one shall scold thee."
+
+They walked together to the house. Rachel was just blowing the horn.
+Faith looked curiously at her and rather exulted in the punishment she
+would get.
+
+Andrew went straight to the sick room.
+
+"I am afraid thy mother is ill beyond the power of herb teas," said
+James Henry. "What a godsend that we should have Rachel! And oh, Heaven
+grant that it may not be as it was before! the strong and helpful one
+taken, and the helpless left."
+
+Lois Henry was deeply flushed now and lay with her eyes half open,
+muttering to herself.
+
+"Mother?" he said, but she did not notice him.
+
+He went out to dinner in a thoughtful mood, but he had no appetite.
+Primrose was hungry enough, but looked up smilingly now and then. Dr.
+Reed came in earlier than his wont and accepted the invitation to dine,
+asking questions occasionally as to how Friend Lois had been last week,
+and if she had shown any tendency to be flurried.
+
+"She hath not been quite herself, now that I come to recall it,"
+answered Rachel, "and complaining of being tired and not sleeping well.
+Oh, I hope----" She was about to add, "it will not be with her as it was
+with my poor mother," but tears stopped her.
+
+It was a fever sure enough. It would be better to have her in a separate
+chamber, and if some old nurse would come in. "There was Mistress
+Fanshaw, only come home last week."
+
+"I will go for her," responded Andrew.
+
+"I shall be in on the second day," the doctor announced, as he mounted
+his horse and settled his saddlebags.
+
+"A sad thing for all of us." Rachel wiped her eyes with the end of her
+stout linen apron.
+
+"I shall take Primrose back to Wetherill farm."
+
+"Oh, that will indeed be a relief. She and Faith, I foresee, would not
+get along together, and I could not manage such a froward child."
+
+Andrew made no reply. There was a little more work devolving upon him,
+and he deputed the rest of the day's management to Penn.
+
+He had fortified himself with many arguments as to why Primrose should
+return to her great aunt, but to his surprise, his father assented at
+once. He was much worried about his wife, who had never been ill before.
+
+Primrose was glad with a great delight. She sat under the tree with
+Faith and roused the child's envy with accounts of her life in town, and
+the time for pleasure.
+
+"But dost thou not sew or knit?"
+
+"Nay, except lacework and hemstitching, but I shall as I grow older.
+There is Patty to sew, and as for stockings, I do not know how they
+come, for no one knits them, and they are fine and nice, with gay clocks
+in them, and oftentimes silken. I like the pretty things. But all
+Friends are not so plain. Some come to us with silken petticoats and
+such gay, pretty aprons, just like a garden bed."
+
+Faith sighed. And now she wished Primrose might say, there was such
+witchery in her words.
+
+Madam Wetherill was much surprised to have Primrose return so soon, but
+not sorry, she frankly admitted. She was greatly concerned about Friend
+Henry and hoped the fever would not be over troublesome.
+
+"Good-by, little one," Andrew said, holding her hand. "I hope thou wilt
+be very happy; and I shall come to hear how it fares with thee."
+
+Did she pull the stalwart figure down with her small hands? He bent over
+and kissed her and then blushed like a girl.
+
+"Fie, Primrose! Thou art a little coquette, and learning thy lesson
+young!"
+
+"But I like him very much," she replied with brave seriousness.
+"Only--it's pleasanter to live with thee," and she hid her face in Madam
+Wetherill's gown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+TO TURN AND FIGHT.
+
+
+James Henry mended slowly, and Lois' fever lasted a month before she
+could leave her bed, and then she could only totter about. Rachel had
+proved herself a daughter of the house, efficient, thoughtful, and
+capable, and although a few weak protests had been made, it was an
+undeniable relief not to have Primrose to consider.
+
+The town had been stirred to the utmost by conflicting views and
+parties. Washington had gone to Boston to take command of the troops,
+and now sent for his family from their quiet retreat at Mount Vernon.
+
+Most of the people had shut up their country houses and come into town,
+and now that it was announced that Mrs. Washington would make a brief
+stop on her way to Cambridge, there was a curious feeling pervading the
+community in spite of a very pardonable interest. What if the war should
+be a failure?
+
+"But we have committed ourselves too deeply to draw back now," said some
+of the loyal women. "Let us pay her all courtesy."
+
+The rebel party resolved to give a ball in her honor at New Tavern. Mrs.
+Hancock was also in the city, and some fine preparations were made.
+There was a heated discussion. Some of the more sedate people, who never
+took part in gayeties, represented that this would be a most inopportune
+time for such a revel when the country was in the throes of a mighty
+struggle.
+
+Christopher Marshall, who was a Quaker by birth, but had espoused the
+side of the colonies warmly, went to John Hancock, who was then
+President of the Congress, and requested him to lay the matter seriously
+before Mrs. Washington and beg her to decline the invitation, "while her
+brave husband was exposed in the field of battle." She assented most
+cheerfully, and was in no wise offended.
+
+There was a bevy of women discussing this at Madam Wetherill's; the
+young ones loud in their disappointment, as gayeties had not been very
+frequent so far.
+
+"And I like Colonel Harrison's spunk in chiding Mr. Samuel Adams," said
+someone. "He agreed there would be no impropriety in it, but rather an
+honor. And we should all have seen Lady Washington."
+
+"_Lady_ forsooth! I did not know the widow Custis had put on such airs
+with her second marriage. Presently we shall hear of Mount Vernon palace
+if Dunmore does not make short work of it. And some of the rebels sneer
+at good English titles, or think it heroic to drop them."
+
+Mrs. Ferguson was well known for her Tory proclivities. She ran her
+cards over as she held her hand up, and the excellence of it pleased
+her.
+
+"But I am desperately disappointed," declared Kitty Ross. "And if we are
+to go in sackcloth all winter I shall die of the megrims. There is my
+new petticoat of brocaded satin, and my blue gown worked with white and
+silver roses down the sides, and across the bosom, with such realness
+you would declare they were fresh picked. And lace in the sleeves that
+my great-grandmother wore at the French Court. And surely there would be
+many gallants ready to dance. I am just dying for some merriment."
+
+"Not much will you see until this folly is over."
+
+"It does not seem to end rapidly. I hear the men at Boston are very
+stanch and in earnest since the murder of their brethren."
+
+"Murder indeed! Truly we have grown very fine and sensitive. They had no
+more than they deserved. And Massachusetts hath ever been one of the
+most turbulent provinces."
+
+"And Virginia a firebrand! As for us, we have the Congress, and I hear
+they are talking of putting some sort of declaration in shape. And it is
+said General Washington hath a very soldierly and honorable mind. He
+will do nothing for pay, it seems, and only agreed that his expenses
+should be met. At this rate he will not beggar the country."
+
+"And you will see how General Howe will make mincemeat of his straggling
+army. Madam Washington will hardly be recompensed for her journey,
+methinks," said Mrs. Ferguson.
+
+"Yet it would be good to have a sight of her," cried Sally Stuart. "And
+it is said she dances elegantly, as do all Virginians. Like Kitty, I am
+out of conceit with the wisdom of these fearsome men who want to suit
+everybody and end by suiting none. And it seems there hath been a
+division of opinion about calling. Who hath gone?" and Sally glanced at
+Mrs. Ferguson with a merry sort of malice in her laughing eyes.
+
+"Not I, indeed, you may be certain, but I will not be backward on her
+return, I assure you."
+
+"I have been," announced Madam Wetherill quietly. "I thought it but a
+duty, having met Colonel Hancock and wishing to be presented to his
+wife."
+
+"Oh, tell us!" cried half a dozen voices. "What is she like--very grand?
+For he is fine and commanding."
+
+"We shall never finish our game with so much talk about everybody,"
+declared one of the Tory ladies in vexation.
+
+"She is not commanding." Madam Wetherill laid down her card as she
+smiled, and trumped her adversary. "But she hath a certain dignity and
+intelligence that makes up for inches, and a face that is winning and
+expressive, with fine, dark eyes and fair skin showing just a natural
+blossom on her cheek. And her manners are most agreeable. I am sorry we
+could not have given her some sort of welcome. Well, moppet?" as
+Primrose entered shyly with a written message to her great aunt, "make
+your best courtesy, child, and tell the ladies how you liked Madam
+Washington."
+
+Primrose obeyed with a pretty flush on her cheek, and an irresistibly
+shy manner.
+
+"I liked her very much. And she said she once had a little girl of her
+own, and then her eyes looked almost as if they had tears in them, they
+were so soft and sweet. Her face was beautiful."
+
+"Well, well, we all feel disposed to envy thee," said Sally. "Some of us
+should have the courtesy to go to-morrow."
+
+Mrs. Ferguson rapped on the table. "If no one means to pay attention to
+the game we may as well give up and devote ourselves to laudation," she
+said shortly.
+
+Madam Wetherill looked at the note and said, "Yes," and Primrose,
+courtesying, stole out softly. But afterwards the game was ended with a
+good deal of curtness on Mrs. Ferguson's part, who had lost; for, while
+people were strenuous enough on some points, no one disdained to play
+for money.
+
+The girls stopped for a cup of chocolate that Mistress Janice sent in,
+and renewed the talk of their disappointment, bewailing the prospect of
+a dull enough season.
+
+But there were much excitement and high and bitter discussions to mark
+the winter. The breach between the war party and the peace party of
+Quakers widened greatly, and the outcome was the Free Quakers, or
+Fighting Quakers, as they came to be called. The departure of the
+British from Boston was hailed as a sign of hope. Thomas Paine's "Common
+Sense" was widely read, and disputed the palm with Dickinson's "Farmer's
+Letters" that had been so popular. Adams and James Allen, who disagreed
+with Paine, issued pamphlets, and many writers aired their opinions
+under various assumed names.
+
+Andrew Henry came in regularly to market. His father had not regained
+his full strength, and his leg was rather untrustworthy in slippery
+weather. Now and then he paused at some tavern, as they were considered
+respectable meeting places, to hear the discussions, for he was much
+perturbed in these days. He was made a welcome guest at Madam
+Wetherill's also, and met from time to time some notable person, and
+became much interested in Mr. Benjamin Franklin.
+
+Very little had been said about Primrose at home. Rachel was growing
+into daughterhood, and though Lois Henry would have denied the
+slightest suggestion of matchmaking, she saw with no disfavor that
+Rachel was much drawn toward Andrew.
+
+When spring opened grandmother failed rapidly and took to her bed a
+great part of the time, so that it was necessary to bring her downstairs
+for convenience' sake. It would be rather troublesome to have a
+discordant element, and the Henrys felt that Primrose was more firmly
+established in her willful ways, no doubt, and they did not care for a
+continual struggle like that which had begun and ended so disastrously
+the preceding summer.
+
+The spirit of revolt had gained ground in all the Colonies; still it had
+been hard work to persuade them to act together. But, in May, Congress
+passed resolutions leading to the better equipment of the Colonies for
+the struggle. At dinners--the only sources of amusement now--the King's
+health was no longer drunk, but "The free and independent States of
+America" were toasted with acclaim. With the old Assembly the political
+power of the Friends waned, and Philadelphia was taking upon herself a
+great and serious change. If Bunker Hill had electrified the country,
+the Declaration of Independence, read to the few people who gathered to
+hear it at the State House, was to be the imperishable crown of the
+city, although it was not signed until August.
+
+The King's arms were taken down and burned, the church bells rang, and
+the young people caught the enthusiasm from a few bonfires on the square
+and lighted them elsewhere, little thinking they were kindling a flame
+in men's souls that was to be handed down to posterity for ages. A very
+small beginning then, but among the hearers was Andrew Henry, who
+wondered mightily at the boldness of such a step, though the glory of it
+thrilled every pulse, and he was amazed at the fighting blood within
+him.
+
+At the yearly meeting he and his father had attended, the Friends had
+counseled against open rebellion and shown each other the futility of
+such a step. All acts of violence and bloodshed were deprecated, and
+Lexington and Concord pronounced a useless sacrifice, and displeasing to
+God. But in the little knots that had gathered afterward there had been
+more than one low, dissentient voice concerning a man's duty, and the
+impossibility of a government so far away knowing what was best for the
+Colonies.
+
+He was to meet Madam Wetherill, who had come in to her city home on some
+business.
+
+"I am glad thy father agrees about Primrose," she began in her cordial
+tone, that invariably charmed the young Quaker. "Her attire, too, had an
+appropriate aspect in his eyes, as it gave her a fine dignity. He was
+secretly pleased that she was not of his persuasion. The changes are
+hard on the child even if all other matters were in accord. I think she
+will never be of her father's faith, but she is sweet and attractive and
+good at heart. I am afraid we sometimes lay too much stress on outward
+appearances. Is thy mother well this summer?"
+
+"She is not as strong as she was, and we should not know how to manage
+without my cousin Rachel. Poor grandmother is nearing the close of her
+earthly pilgrimage. She may go at any time. Dr. Reed hath given us
+notice, and death is a sad and awesome matter even for little ones. So
+mother said she would rather have no added cares, though she would not
+shirk any duty."
+
+"Set her heart quite at rest. Tell her for me that the duties of God's
+sending are first. I have been consulting the other trustees, and they
+think the child is as well with me."
+
+"I think, now, better," returned Andrew gravely. "She is fitted for a
+wider life and knowledge than my father thinks necessary. And we have
+two girls now to comfort my mother, and they are of the same faith. But
+I find there is a wide line of opinion even among Friends. And the
+coming struggle will make it greater still. The town hath done a daring
+thing to-day. Will the great and wise men sign the document?"
+
+"I think all but a few. They are not certain of Mr. Dickinson, although
+he hath been writing so boldly. But Mr. Richard Penn advises that they
+all hang together, lest they may have to hang separately!" and she
+smiled.
+
+Andrew Henry drew a long breath.
+
+"But it hardly seems possible they can win. England can put such armies
+in the field."
+
+"Yet I think we have shown that patriotism can make good soldiers. There
+will be much suffering and Heaven only can foresee the end. Still it is
+a glorious thing, and we shall strive hard for freedom."
+
+"Thou art a patriot surely. The little girl must inherit some of thy
+blood, for she boldly declared herself a rebel."
+
+"She is an odd, spirited child, with a good deal of her mother's
+charming manner. I have grown very fond of her, though I thought myself
+too old to take up new loves. Thou must come down to the farm sometime
+and see her."
+
+"That I will gladly," was the quick reply.
+
+"And thou must study this matter thou hast heard to-day. It is a great
+thing to make a country, and a trust above all others to keep it intact.
+And, though thy people are averse to fighting, I see some of them have
+ranged themselves already on the side of liberty and the colonies."
+
+"I have a great interest----" Then he paused and flushed. "But it grows
+late, and I must bid thee farewell. Give my respects to the little girl
+and say I do not forget her."
+
+Every effort was now made to strengthen the defenses, and a bounty was
+issued for volunteers. Gun-boats were ordered for the river front and
+the manufacture of gunpowder was hurried along. There was much
+watchfulness over those suspected of Toryism, or caught carrying away
+stores. Occasionally one saw a cart packed with Tories, seated backward
+and being driven along to the tune of the Rogue's March, and jeered by
+the populace.
+
+Late in the autumn they buried Lois Henry's mother. James Henry gave up
+more of the severe work and going about to the young men. Penn Morgan
+was large and strong, and grown very fond of his uncle in an admiring
+fashion. Andrew puzzled him oftentimes.
+
+Pinches were beginning to be felt and a great part of the commerce
+languished. Salt, one of the importations, became very scarce. Stores
+and shops were dull enough, and men hung about the streets with nothing
+to do.
+
+In November came the news of Howe's successful march and the taking of
+Fort Washington. Then he swept onward, dismaying the towns, and when he
+reached Trenton he issued a proclamation that won over many who still
+hoped in their hearts that by some miracle the colonists would win.
+
+But Philadelphia celebrated the anniversary of her heroic Declaration of
+Independence with much firing of guns all day and a great civic banquet
+in the evening. The streets wore quite a holiday aspect. Many people
+came in from the farms and residences at a distance, and flags, made
+after the pattern that Betsy Ross had designed for the army when General
+Washington went to Boston, were shown in some houses.
+
+There was also a smashing of Quaker windows, and much hooting at the
+peace men, who were bidden to come out of the shelter of their
+broadbrims.
+
+A new oath of allegiance had been exacted from the citizens of the whole
+State that created great consternation among the Friends. Many now
+openly espoused the cause of freedom, being convinced it was a duty, and
+their expulsion from the ranks followed. Even among the women there were
+enthusiastic souls who gave aid and comfort in the years of trial that
+were to follow.
+
+James Henry had ranged himself strongly on the peace side. Indeed the
+household were a unit with the exception of Andrew, who held his temper
+bravely when the talk was of the condemnatory order.
+
+There had been no open rupture on the little girl's account. In a way
+James Henry resigned some of his powers, though he kept the trusteeship,
+and was sharp to see to the accounting of money matters. Madam Wetherill
+and Primrose made journeys to the Quaker farmhouse, and the Henrys were
+cordially invited to the city to test the Wetherill hospitality.
+
+Primrose had listened to Andrew's persuasion, and in the summer gone for
+several days. How queer it all seemed to her! The plain, homely rooms,
+the absence of the many little courtesies to which she had become
+accustomed, the routine of work that left no leisure for reading or
+enjoyment. For already in the city there was a great deal of
+intelligence.
+
+She had grown tall, but was very slim and full of grace in every
+movement. Her hair still held its sunny tint, and even if combed as
+straight as possible, soon fell into waves and curling tendrils, and her
+complexion was radiant in pearl and rose.
+
+Rachel was quite a young woman, with a thin, muslin Quaker cap over her
+brown hair, and not the slightest attempt at ornament; a great worker
+and very thrifty in her methods. In her opinion idleness was a sin.
+Faith had grown tall, but was not as robust.
+
+Primrose was like a sudden sunbeam in the old house. Her merry laugh
+rippled everywhere. As of old, every animal on the place made friends
+with her. And though Uncle James looked stern and sour at times, she
+would not heed his frowns.
+
+Not only Andrew, but Penn, acknowledged her witching sway. She could
+ride finely now on horseback or with a pillion, and the cunning little
+beauty persuaded one or the other to take her out on numerous
+excursions.
+
+"One could envy thee heartily," declared Faith. "For when Rachel and I
+desire any recreation or to go of some errand, there are a thousand
+excuses. What coaxing art hast thou? And how dost thou come by so much
+prettiness? Was it on thy mother's side?"
+
+"Am I so pretty?" She laughed in a gay, amused fashion. "Sometimes Patty
+says I shall grow old and yellow and wrinkled, but though Aunt
+Wetherill's hair is snowy-white, and there are tiny marks and creases
+in her skin, she is not yellow nor cross, and looks like the most
+beautiful of queens in her brocades and satins."
+
+"But what is a queen if there are no thrones here in America?"
+
+"Oh, how dull thou art! It is because we call anyone a queen who is a
+beautiful and dignified woman, and can receive with graciousness, and
+hold a little court about her."
+
+"But the fine clothes are vain and wicked. And--and plaiting of the
+hair, and the much pleasuring--and the giddy talk----"
+
+The small Quakeress paused with a sort of longing and envy that she
+could think of no more sins.
+
+"But my hair is not plaited. I think the good God curled it just as he
+makes the pretty vine creep up and twine about. And He makes a gay,
+beautiful world, where birds go flying and dazzle the air with their
+bright colors. Dost thou know the firebird, with his coat of red, and
+the yellow finches and the bluebirds? The little brown wren greets them
+in her pert way, and I dare say takes pleasure in them. And how many
+flowers you find in the woods and the meadows."
+
+"I never go for flowers. It is a sinful waste of time, and we have no
+use for them, since they do but litter everything. And thou wilt some
+day be called to account for these idle, frivolous moments."
+
+"I do not know. I think God means us to be happy. And I cannot help
+being gay and pleased with all the things He has made. It is very
+naughty and unkind to despise them."
+
+Faith knew in her heart there were many things she would be glad to
+have, and that she hated to sit in the house and spin and sew, when
+Primrose was roaming around with Penn and Andrew, and riding on the hay
+cart amid the fragrant dried grass.
+
+"Andrew, wilt thou always be a Quaker?" Primrose asked one evening when
+she found him sitting under the tree where poor old grandmother had
+spent so many of her days.
+
+"Always? Why, I suppose so. Children generally follow in the footsteps
+of their fathers."
+
+"Is that because you are a man?"
+
+"I like _thou_ better," smiling and putting his arm about her.
+
+"But I am only half a Quaker. Do you think my father truly meant me to
+be? There is a fine picture of him at Mr. Northfield's that is said to
+be worth a great deal of money, and was made in England by a great man,
+and is sometime to go over again. Did you know I had a brother, Andrew?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It seems very unreal. A letter came one day from him, and he asked if
+there were any other children alive. A brother! How strange it sounds!
+Why, it would be like Penn and Faith."
+
+"I hope he may never want thee," with a little hug that made her head
+droop on his shoulder.
+
+"Oh, no; and if he does, he must come here. I should be afraid of the
+great ocean that it takes days and days to cross. And I might be
+drowned," plaintively.
+
+"Then thou shalt never cross it."
+
+"Thou wilt not let him take me away? Though I think Aunt Wetherill would
+not consent."
+
+"Nay, I would fight for thee."
+
+"Then thou must fight for the country. It is _my_ country."
+
+"If any need comes in thy behalf I will fight," he returned solemnly.
+
+"And thou wilt put on some fine soldier clothes. The men all look so
+handsome in their blue coats and buff breeches, and the hats turned up
+in a three-cornered way."
+
+She only saw the glory in it. He hoped she might never know the other
+side.
+
+"What art thou studying about so gravely?" when Primrose lapsed into
+silence and let her small white hand lie in his brown one.
+
+"I was thinking. Penn is here, and does your father need two sons? Aunt
+Wetherill said, one day, that you were wasted on the farm, and that some
+of the generals ought to have you for your cool clear head, and your
+strength, and oh! I do not remember what else. And if you would come
+into town----"
+
+"If thou were older, Primrose, thou couldst tempt a man to his undoing.
+But thou art a sweet, simple child. And when my country needs me she
+will not ask about my faith. Already there is more than one Quaker
+soldier in her ranks."
+
+"Primrose!" Rachel had been sitting on the old stone step until there
+seemed a curious fire kindled all through her body at the sight of the
+golden head on the broad shoulder. "Primrose, come in. The dew is
+falling."
+
+"There is no dew here under the tree," returned Andrew.
+
+"It is high bedtime. Faith is going. Come!"--peremptorily.
+
+There were times when Primrose was fond of teasing Rachel, but she rose
+now. When she had gone a step or two she turned around for a kiss.
+
+"I am ashamed of thee!" Rachel said sharply. "Thou art a bold child to
+hang around after men. Didst thou kiss him? That was shameful."
+
+"It was not shameful. I will ask him----"
+
+Rachel caught her arm. "Aunt Lois will be shocked! No nice little girl
+does such a thing! Faith would be whipped for it. Go straight along."
+
+She blocked the way, and Primrose, in her sweet hopefulness, thought of
+to-morrow.
+
+Aunt Lois had overheard the talk. When Rachel had mixed the bread, for
+Chloe had a sore finger, the elder said gravely:
+
+"Thy uncle goes over to Chew House to morrow, and I think Primrose had
+better return home. She is too forward and light to have with Faith. I
+like not city manners and freedoms. Her mother was not to my fancy. Men
+are weak sometimes, but I hope ere long, Rachel, my son's fancy will be
+fixed where it will afford me great satisfaction."
+
+Rachel colored with a secret joy. She could have clasped the mother to
+her heart for the admission, but she would not spoil the commendation by
+any lack of discretion.
+
+While Primrose was waiting for Uncle James in the morning she ran out to
+the barn.
+
+"Andrew, I am going. It hath been very pleasant, and I hoped thou would
+have taken me. Andrew"--with a strange, new hesitation--"is it--is it
+wrong to kiss thee?"
+
+She looked up out of such clear honest eyes in all their sweet
+guilelessness that he took the fair face between his hands and kissed it
+again.
+
+"Nay, there could never be a wrong thought in thy sweet young heart. And
+thou art my cousin."
+
+She wondered, as she was retracing her steps, if he kissed Faith and
+Rachel, since they were cousins.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A RIFT OF SUSPICION.
+
+
+Lois Henry had no especial fear of any serious matter with such a mere
+child as Primrose, as she was far too young. But she had been trained in
+a repressed, decorous fashion, and many of the Friends were as rigorous
+as the Puritans. Young men were better off without caresses, even from
+mother or sister. And she was compelled to acknowledge within herself
+that Primrose had a large share of what she set down as carnal beauty,
+the loveliness of physical coloring and symmetry. Neither of the Morgan
+girls would ever be temptingly pretty, and she gave thanks for it.
+Rachel would make a thrifty and admirable housewife. She could not wish
+her son a better mate. Andrew would be needed on the farm, which would
+be his eventually, and she would have no difficulty in living with such
+a daughter-in-law.
+
+But she resolved that the old arrangement, whereby Philemon Henry's
+daughter was to spend the summers with them, should remain no longer in
+force. She did not ask that her husband should view the matter at once
+through her eyes; she knew a quiet, steady influence would better gain
+her point than an outspoken opposition.
+
+James Henry was rather surprised when she proposed that he should take
+Primrose home, as they had begun to call Madam Wetherill's.
+
+"There is no great haste," he replied.
+
+"But thou art going at least half-way there, and it was to be merely a
+visit. Thou must see, James, that all her ways and habits are very
+different, and our good seed would be sown on sandy ground. When the
+child comes to be a year or so older we may have more influence, and
+presently, I think, Madam Wetherill may tire of her. She distracts Faith
+with her idle habits and light talk, and just now we are very busy with
+the drying of fruit and preserving, the spinning, and the bleaching of
+white cloth, as well as the dyeing of the other. It takes too much of my
+time to look after her. And, since my illness, I have not felt equal to
+the care of doing my duty to her."
+
+"Certainly; as thou wilt, wife. I foresee that we shall gain no great
+influence over her, since every season our work must be undone. And I
+will discuss the matter with Friend Chew. If he considers that some part
+of the duty may be abrogated, we will not push our claim at present."
+
+Friend Chew thought there was nothing really binding in the agreement.
+Philemon had requested that his wife and daughter should spend a part of
+the year with his brother, but here had been the mother's fortune and
+the appointment of a new guardian. And since Madam Wetherill had a
+fortune and so few relatives, perhaps it would be as well to allow her
+some leeway.
+
+The good lady was surprised at the speedy return. She ordered some
+refreshments for James Henry and begged that the horses might have a
+rest. Then they talked of farming matters and the state of the country,
+hoping hostilities might be confined where they had their first
+outbreak, mostly to the Eastern Colonies and New York.
+
+"Thou dost know that I am bitterly opposed to war," he said. "It is
+unchristian, inhuman, and we cannot think to conquer the British armies,
+therefore it is folly. I was sorry enough to see the town William Penn
+reared on peaceful foundations with the service of God, turn traitor and
+range herself on the side of the King's enemies. Many a Friend, I hear,
+had his windows destroyed in that ungodly rejoicing a short time ago,
+and men of peace have been persecuted and ridiculed. We know little of
+it on our far-away farm, but Friend Chew hath kept account of both
+sides. And the rebel lines seem to have fallen in hard places."
+
+"We must give thanks that it hath come no nearer." She would not argue
+nor offend him, for the sake of Primrose.
+
+"There is another matter," he began, after a few moments of silence,
+occupied in sipping his ale and munching some particularly nice wafer
+biscuits that Janice Kent had made quite famous around the country side,
+and though she willingly gave the recipe, no one could imitate them
+exactly. "It is about the child. It hath been a matter of conscience
+with me whether I ought to expose her to the temptations of the world,
+but since I cannot by law keep her altogether----" And he hesitated a
+moment.
+
+"We have not quarreled about her since the judges made the decision,
+though thou knowest I would like to have her altogether," and Madam
+Wetherill smiled amicably, sipping her ale to keep him company. "It
+seems folly, like the man's two wives who plucked at his hair, the first
+to take out the white ones and the other the black."
+
+"There was the illness last summer, and I think my wife hath not been
+so strong since, and we have two girls----"
+
+"And since good fortune brought them to thee and I have none, I shall
+beseech thee to waive thy claim, and let me keep the child. I know our
+ways are different, but if presently she should choose thy faith,--and
+we have many of thy persuasion dropping in,--and desire to return to
+thee, I will be quite as generous and kindly as thou hast been, and not
+oppose her."
+
+"That is as fair as one can expect," the man said with a sigh. "I would
+my brother had lived and managed the matter. Friend Chew thinks there
+will be hard times before us all, especially those who have laid up
+treasure in perishable money."
+
+"But, whatever comes, I shall care for her to my last penny."
+
+"And if thou shouldst die, as we are but mortal, the best of us, wilt
+thou transfer her back to us?"
+
+"Her guardians will do that. I promise no will of mine shall be left to
+oppose it."
+
+"And that she shall visit us now and then."
+
+"I agree to that."
+
+"We are busy now--thou knowest the many things that press in the
+summer--and two children of an age are troublesome unless brought up
+together. So we thought it best to return her just now."
+
+"And I am glad to have her. There is so much help here that a child's
+trouble is scarcely noted."
+
+But on his way home James Henry wondered if he had not given in too
+easily to the worldly and pleasing way of Madam Wetherill.
+
+She smiled a little to herself as she called Primrose from the summer
+house to say good-by, and to receive some sage advice.
+
+"Thou naughty little moppet," she said when the stout Quaker had ridden
+away, as she caught the little girl's hand in hers and gave her a swing,
+"what didst thou do that thou wert sent home in disgrace?"
+
+"Was it disgrace?" The color deepened on the rose-leaf cheek. "Aunt Lois
+found no fault, only to call me an idle girl. Faith is busy from morning
+to night and cannot even take a walk nor haunt the woods for flowers.
+Rachel is very stern and hath sharp eyes----"
+
+Should she confess last night's misdemeanor? But what right had Rachel
+to condemn it? Cousin Andrew had kissed her in this house. Oh, was so
+sweet a thing as a kiss wrong?
+
+"Truly thou must be set about some task. I think I will have thee taught
+to work flowers in thy new silk petticoat, for we shall have no more
+fine things from England in a long while. And that would be vanity in
+the eyes of thy Uncle James."
+
+"I should not like to work every moment."
+
+"Thou art a spoiled and lazy little girl. Does Faith read and spell and
+repeat Latin verses, and write a fair hand?"
+
+Primrose laughed. "She reads in the Bible slowly. And the Latin Uncle
+James thinks wicked. I have half a mind to think so myself, it is so
+bothersome. And the French----"
+
+"Thou mayst marry a great man some time and go to the French Court.
+Perhaps thou wouldst rather spin and churn, and make cheese and soap.
+But when there are so many glad to live by doing these things it seems
+kindness to pay them money for it. And so thy Aunt Lois did not really
+take thee to task?"
+
+"She did not set me about anything. And Rachel would not let me go to
+feed the chickens, nor gather up eggs, which is such fun."
+
+"And what didst thou do?"
+
+"Nothing but sit under the tree as the old grandmother used. It was very
+tiresome. And a walk in the orchard. Then I found a cornfield where Penn
+was plowing, and I waited to see him come out of the rows and get lost
+in them again."
+
+"And did you like this Master Penn?"
+
+"He was very pleasant. He showed me a nest with tiny birds in it that
+were naked and ugly, but they grow beautiful presently. And he picked a
+great dock leaf of berries, so that I should not get my hands scratched,
+and we sat down on a stone to eat them. But I like my own cousin Andrew
+better. Penn is not my cousin--Rachel said so."
+
+Madam Wetherill nodded with piquant amusement. Perhaps there had been a
+little jealousy.
+
+"Well, I am glad to get thee back. I am afraid I spoil thee; Mistress
+Kent insists that I do. But there will be time enough to learn to work.
+And if this dreadful war should sweep away all our fortunes, we shall
+have to buckle to, and, maybe, plant our own corn and husk it, and dig
+our potatoes as our fore-mothers helped to when they lived in the cave
+houses by the river's edge, before they built the real ones."
+
+"Caves by the river's edge? Did the river never overflow them? And is
+that where the Penny Pot stands----"
+
+"Who told thee about that?"
+
+"I walked there once with Patty. She knows a great many things about the
+town. And she said I ought to learn them as I was born here, lest the
+British come and destroy them."
+
+Madam Wetherill smiled at the sweet, earnest face.
+
+"They did not destroy New York, but I should be sorry to see them here.
+And I will tell thee: in that cave was born the first child to the
+colonists. He was named John Key, and good Master Penn presented him
+with a lot of ground. But I think he should have been called William
+Penn Key, to perpetuate the incident and the great founder. There are
+many queer old landmarks fading away."
+
+"And where were you born?" asked Primrose, deeply interested.
+
+"Not here at all, but in England. And I grew up and was married there.
+Then my husband put a good deal of money in the new colony and came
+over, not meaning to stay. But I had some relatives here, and no near
+ones at home, being an only child. The Wardours did not run to large
+families. My husband was much older than I, and when his health began to
+fail, instructed me in many things about the estate. So, when I lost
+him, I was interested to go on and see what a woman could do. There was
+a cousin who was a sea captain and had been to strange places, the
+Indies it was called then, and the curious ports on the Mediterranean,
+and brought home many queer things."
+
+"Oh, that is the portrait hanging in the big room at Arch Street, and is
+Captain Wardour?" exclaimed Primrose. "And where did he go at last?"
+
+"To a very far country, across the great sky. He was lost at sea."
+
+Madam Wetherill sighed a little. How long ago it seemed, and yet,
+strange contradiction, it might have been not more than a month since
+Captain Wardour bade her good-by with the promise that it should be his
+last voyage and then he would come home for good and they would marry.
+This love and waiting had bound her to the New World. She had made many
+friends and prospered, and there had been a sweet, merry young girl
+growing up under her eye, which had been a rather indulgent one, and who
+had fallen in love with Philemon Henry, and perhaps coquetted a little
+until she had the Quaker heart in her net he did not care to break if
+she could come over to his faith. It had disappointed Madam Wetherill at
+first, but having had business dealings with him, she had learned to
+respect his integrity.
+
+But as if there seemed a cruel fate following her loves, just as it was
+settled for Bessy to come back with her little Primrose, death claimed
+her. And Madam Wetherill had tried to keep a fair indifference toward
+the child since she could not have her altogether, but the little one
+had somehow crept into her heart. And now that there were two girls at
+James Henry's farm, the wife's own nieces, she could see they would the
+more readily relinquish her. The sending back of the child seemed to
+indicate that, though she had only gone for a visit.
+
+"Art thou sad about Captain Wardour?" And the little maid looked up with
+lustrous and sympathetic eyes, wondering at the long silence. "And do
+you think he could find my mother and my father? It must be a beautiful
+world, that heaven, if it is so much finer and better than this, and
+flowers bloom all the time and the trees never get stripped by the cruel
+autumn winds and the birds go on singing. I shall love to listen to
+them. But, aunt, what will people do who are like Rachel and think
+listening idle and sinful, and that flowers are fripperies that spoil
+the hay and prevent the grass from growing in that space?"
+
+"I am not sure myself." Madam Wetherill laughed at the quaint conceit.
+
+There were many gay Friends in town whose consciences were not so
+exigent, who believed in education and leisure and certainly wore fine
+clothes, if one can trust the old diaries of the time. But the other
+branch, the people who thought society worldly and carnal, reduced life
+to the plainest of needs, except where eating was concerned. There they
+could not rail at their brethren.
+
+"Do not bother thy small brain about this," the elder went on after a
+pause. "It is better to learn kindness to one's neighbor, and
+truth-telling that is not made a cloak for malicious temper. I am glad
+to have thee back, little one, and they will not be likely to need thee
+at the farm, nor perhaps care so much about thy faith."
+
+The whole household rejoiced. They had grown very fond of Primrose.
+Often now in the late afternoon Madam Wetherill would mount her horse
+with the pillion securely fastened at the back, and Primrose quite as
+secure, and with a black attendant go cantering over the country roads,
+rough as they were, to Belmont Mansion with its long avenue of great
+branching hemlocks; or to Mount Pleasant, embedded in trees, that was to
+be famous many a long year for the tragedy that befell its young wife;
+and Fairhill, with English graveled walks and curious exotics brought
+from foreign lands where Debby Norris planted the willow wand given her
+by Franklin, from which sprang a numerous progeny before that unknown in
+the New World.
+
+They would stop and take a cup of tea on the tables set under a tree. Or
+there would be ale or mead, or a kind of fragrant posset, with cloves
+and raisins and coriander seed, with enough brandy to flavor it, and a
+peculiar kind of little cakes to be eaten with it. Discussions ran high
+at times, and there was card-playing, or, if water was near, the young
+people went out rowing with songs and laughter. A lovely summer, and no
+one dreamed, amid the half fears, that from the town to Valley Forge was
+always to be historic ground.
+
+"Madam Wetherill has grown wonderfully fond of that child," said Miss
+Logan. "And what eyes she hath! They begin to look at you in a shy way,
+as if begging your pardon for looking at all; then they go on like a
+sunrise until you are quite amazed, when the lids droop down like a
+network and veil the sweetness. And a skin like a rose leaf. It is said
+her mother had many charms."
+
+"And her father looked courtly enough for a cavalier. There is a
+portrait of him that Mr. Northfield hath stored away, that is to be sent
+to England to the son by a former wife. Though I believe the great hall
+the boy was to inherit hath a new heir, the old lord having married a
+young wife, 'tis said. The lad sent word that he would come over, but
+nothing hath been heard, and now there are such troublous times upon the
+ocean."
+
+"Nay, England is mistress of the seas. And a new recruit of troops is
+being sent over. Some think Virginia will be the point of attack."
+
+There was but little news except that by private hands. No telegram
+could warn of an approaching foe. In July Washington, leaving a body of
+troops on the Hudson, pushed forward to Philadelphia, where he met, for
+the first time, the young Marquis Lafayette, who had been so fired with
+admiration at an account of the daring and intrepidity of the Americans
+in confronting a foe like England, and declaring for freedom, that he
+crossed the ocean to offer his services to the Continental Congress.
+
+The British fleet under Sir William Howe did not ascend the Delaware, as
+was anticipated, but landed at the Chesapeake Bay and were met by
+Washington on their march up, and after a day's hard fighting, at Chad's
+Ford, Washington was compelled to retreat with many killed and wounded,
+among the latter the brave young Frenchman. And then the city had its
+first bitter taste of war, and all was consternation. Many packed up
+their valuables and fled, others shut up their country houses and came
+into town. General Howe crossed the Schuylkill, intending to winter at
+Germantown, but, after the battle there, in which he was victorious,
+resolved to place his army in winter quarters at Philadelphia.
+
+Promise was given that all neutrals should be respected in property and
+person. The advent of the English was regarded with conflicting
+emotions. There were stately Tories, who held out a hand of welcome;
+there was a large and influential body of Friends who had resolutely
+kept to business, having, perhaps, little faith in the ultimate triumph
+of the colonists.
+
+And now the aspect of the town was changed, in a night, it seemed.
+Officers were sent to the wealthier households, and General Howe finally
+established himself in the house of Richard Penn. Barracks were hastily
+thrown up for the soldiers who could not find refuge elsewhere.
+
+Madam Wetherill was summoned to her parlor one morning, though, thus
+far, she had not been molested.
+
+"There are two redcoats, full of gold lace and frippery," said Janice
+Kent severely. "In God's mercy they have let us alone, but such fortune
+cannot last forever. Still they are more mannerly than those who invaded
+Mrs. Wray's, for one of them, a very good-looking officer, asked to see
+you with an air of seeking a favor. But we have hardly chambers enough
+to accommodate even a company, so heaven send they do not billet a whole
+regiment upon us!"
+
+Madam Wetherill gave a little frown.
+
+"No, we cannot hope to be let entirely alone. Let me see thy work,
+child," to Primrose. "Yes, do this part of the rose; it requires less
+shading, and keep at it industriously."
+
+Then she went down the broad staircase in stately dignity. The wide door
+space made her visible to the young man, who had been examining the
+Chinese pagoda standing on a table in the corner.
+
+"I must beg your pardon for coming unceremoniously upon you," he began
+in a well-trained voice that showed his breeding. "I reached the city
+only yesterday after a variety of adventures, and as it would have taken
+a long epistle to explain my history, I resolved to come in person.
+There was a connection of yours who married a Mr. Philemon Henry. I
+bethink me that the Quakers disapprove of any title beyond mere names,"
+and he smiled.
+
+"Yes," the lady answered gravely, eying the young man with a peculiar
+impression of having seen him before. "I knew Friend Henry very well."
+
+"And you have quite forgotten me? I hoped there would be some
+resemblance. I have been in this house as a little lad with my
+stepmother----"
+
+"It is not--oh, yes! it must be Philemon Henry's son!"
+
+"That was my father, truly. I had thought some day to come over, when I
+heard there was a little girl still living, my half-sister. And I
+remember I was very much in love with my pretty, winsome stepmother. I
+took it rather hard that I should be sent to England. And, as events
+turned out, I might have been as well off here in the city of my birth."
+
+"Pray be seated," rejoined Madam Wetherill. "This is singular indeed."
+
+"Allow me to present to you my friend, Lieutenant Vane, who is in
+General Howe's army, where I expect soon to have a position myself. I
+hope, madam, you are not too bitter against us?"
+
+"There will be time to discuss that later on," she answered in a guarded
+tone. "Yet I am almost surprised to find thee in arms against thy
+father's country."
+
+"I suppose he would have been a peace man. I have memories of a tall,
+rather austere person, yet of great kindliness, but it was the pretty,
+playful stepmother that made the most vivid impression. And now tell me
+of the little girl. Where is she?"
+
+"In this house. In my care partly. She has two trustees, or guardians,
+besides. One is your father's brother, James Henry, who lives not far
+from Germantown. But I forget--you know nothing of our localities."
+
+"An uncle! Really that had slipped my mind. And has he any family?"
+
+"One son of his own. A youth and two girls, orphans, whose mother was
+his wife's sister, have a home there. They are Friends of the quite
+strict order."
+
+"I must find them. My remembrance of him had faded, but I think I do
+recall his coming in to dinner at my father's. So my little sister is
+here? I have said the name over many times. Primrose. Is she as pleasing
+as the name? If she favors her mother she must be pretty enough."
+
+"She is very well looking," was the quiet answer.
+
+"And somewhat of an heiress."
+
+"No one can tell about property in such times as these. I am sorry thou
+shouldst have been disappointed in this respect."
+
+The young fellow shrugged his shoulders and smiled with a kind of gay
+indifference.
+
+"A young woman when Sir Wyndham was up at London captured him. He had
+gone many a time and had his yearly carouse with no danger, but she made
+him fast before he could fairly escape. She pays him much outward
+devotion. There was a great family of girls and they were glad to get
+homes, having little fortune, but being well connected. Then her child,
+being a boy, knocked me out altogether; the estate and title going in
+the male line. Still, he was generous to me. And being of a somewhat
+adventurous disposition I thought to enlist in the King's Guard, but
+there being a call for men to subdue the rebelling colonies, I decided
+to come hither."
+
+"Thy philosophic acceptance speaks well for thee. Few young men could
+take a disappointment so calmly."
+
+"I raved a little at first," laughingly. "But I was given a journey on
+the Continent, and there are chances still. It is said old men's
+children are seldom robust, while I can frolic for a week and remain
+sound as a nut."
+
+Now that she saw more of him he did resemble his father somewhat, though
+not so tall and of a more slender build.
+
+"Well," he said presently, veiling his impatience, "am I to see the
+little girl?"
+
+"Julius," to the hall boy, who was shooting up into a tall lad, "go
+upstairs and ask Mistress Primrose to come down to me."
+
+The child entered shyly, Julius having announced "two Britisher
+redcoats" with bated breath and wide-open eyes. She walked swiftly to
+Madam Wetherill's side.
+
+"This is little Mistress Henry. Primrose, thou hast inquired about thy
+brother. This is he. Hast thou taken thy father's name?"
+
+"I have added Nevitt to it. In a certain way I am still an appanage of
+Nevitt Grange--next of kin and in the succession. My sweet little
+maiden, I am your half-brother from England, and I knew and loved your
+mother."
+
+He crossed over to Primrose and would have taken her hand, but she clung
+closer to Madam Wetherill, looking at him with half-frightened eyes.
+
+"Nay, do not be so doubtful, my pretty child. If I have convinced your
+protectress, and I think General Howe has sufficient credentials to
+vouch for me, you may safely acknowledge me. At least, shake hands. I
+will prove the kindest of brothers if you do but give me a chance."
+
+She glanced questioningly at her aunt and then ventured one small hand,
+while her cheeks flushed in a delicate pink.
+
+He bent over and carried the hand to his lips.
+
+"We must be friends, little Primrose, for now we shall see a good deal
+of each other, I hope. Will you not give me one smile? As I remember
+your mother, she was most generous of her sweetness."
+
+"The child is strange of course. And she hath not heard much about you."
+
+"Is it truly my brother?" She glanced up at Madam Wetherill as if not
+convinced.
+
+"I have no doubt. I think I had an impression at once," smiling. "And
+when she is better acquainted----"
+
+"But I do not like General Howe to take possession of our city. Patty
+says the streets are full of redcoats and I cannot go out."
+
+She stiffened herself with great dignity, and now she looked squarely at
+him out of beautiful eyes.
+
+"Who may Patty be? And you will see that General Howe has a right to be
+here. He will soon settle the rebels if he keeps on as he has begun."
+
+"I am a rebel. And your general shall not conquer me. He is cruel and
+wicked!"
+
+"Primrose!" said her aunt, though much amused.
+
+"You have found a foe already," laughed Gilbert Vane. "One you cannot
+fight, but must persuade."
+
+"But my Cousin Andrew has promised to fight for me. He is larger than
+you, and I like him very much."
+
+She looked so spirited and daring that he wanted to clasp her in his
+arms and conquer her with kisses. He would soon oust this Cousin Andrew
+in her affections.
+
+"Little girls must not be so fierce," reproved Madam Wetherill. "We have
+talked on all sides and the child hears it. Then some of my old servants
+are strong patriots, 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
+ran high, and no end of dice and card-playing. There was among many of
+the lower classes an insolent revolt against an established order of
+things that had not brought them prosperity, and tradesmen had felt the
+pinch of hard times severely. The influx of British gold was hailed with
+delight, and some timorous souls that had longed for the larger liberty,
+yet feared the Colonies could never win independence, went over to the
+other side with sudden fervor.
+
+Those of royalist proclivities opened their houses to the gayeties that
+swept over the town like sudden intoxication. There were private balls
+and dinners and tea-drinking, with no end of scarlet-coated young
+officers, and card-playing was rampant. The shabby little theater on
+South Street was no longer relegated to opprobrium, but put in some
+repair and made a place of fashionable entertainment; the versatile
+Englishmen turning their hands and their wits to almost anything in that
+line, from scene-painting to acting in comedy, farce, or tragedy.
+
+It was soon noised about that Madam Wetherill's grand niece and protege
+had a brother among the English officers. Many people could recall the
+fine old Quaker Philemon Henry, and his pretty second wife Bessy
+Wardour.
+
+"Surely you are in luck, Madam Wetherill," said bright, inconsequent
+Sally Stuart. "Will you not be generous enough to give us a peep at
+this handsome captain? My mother remembers his father well. And what
+does the child say to this fine surprise?"
+
+"She is not as enthusiastic as one might suppose."
+
+"Ah! I remember; she is quite a little rebel, and her patriotism becomes
+her well, since she is but a child, but she will mend of that."
+
+"Thou shalt see the young man, with pleasure. I shall choose some of the
+young people who have a hankering for scarlet."
+
+"Well, they are going to give us a gay winter, and, Heaven knows, we
+have been dull as ditch water. The theater has been refitted. And there
+is talk of racing again and no end of diversion."
+
+So Madam Wetherill gave a dancing party and asked the favorite young
+women of the day, since Captain Nevitt had proposed to bring some
+brother officers. Miss Franks and Miss Kitty Ross and Betty Randolph
+were to be among the belles of the evening, and many were pleading for
+invitations.
+
+"I hardly know how to manage," the Mistress said with a sigh to Janice
+Kent. "Many have had soldiers quartered upon them with hardly a moment's
+notice. Mrs. Norris was relieved, it is true, and Lord Cornwallis proved
+himself a gentleman. Elizabeth Drinker protested since her husband was
+from home, but it was not regarded. And we have been favored, whether
+from the influence of this young Nevitt or not, I cannot decide. I like
+not to be so identified with the Tory party, but I cannot be ungracious
+to my little girl's half-brother and the child Bessy Henry loved. I
+think he must favor his mother's people; he has not much of the old
+Henry blood in him."
+
+"I am not sure it is so bad a thing, madam, for we shall be less
+suspected of kindliness to the poor fellows who need it so much. And we
+may hear news to their benefit occasionally."
+
+"Ah, if a turn could be brought about for our brave men! I hear that
+Mrs. Washington is to join her husband and share his hardships. It will
+put courage into many a loyal fellow that misfortunes have well-nigh
+disheartened."
+
+So the great apartment was cleared of some of its ornaments that there
+might be more room for dancing, in that and the spacious hall.
+
+Primrose had been curiously distant and wary. It had amused her brother
+very much, and he teased her about being a little rebel and said he
+should take her to England to cure her of such folly and that she should
+be presented at Court. For certainly the Continentals could not hold out
+when all the principal cities were taken and trade stopped.
+
+He was proud of her beauty, and his flattery might have turned the head
+of almost any child.
+
+"I shall insist upon taking her back to England with me," he announced
+to his friend. "And this fine old lady, Madam Wetherill, can be induced
+to go along, I think, when she realizes the hopelessness of the cause,
+for she is, by birth, an Englishwoman. And Primrose, it is true, will be
+quite an heiress. What a pretty name her mother gave her, and it seems
+that in it she outwitted my father. He was one of the strait sort as I
+remember him, and my pretty stepmother planned many a bit of indulgence
+for me, and hid some childish pranks from his eyes that would have
+brought severe punishment."
+
+"You have good reason, then, to care for her and love the child. It
+seems to me a curious thing that your father should let you go
+abroad--his only son."
+
+"But, if he had lived, he might have had half a dozen sons. He was a
+hale, hearty man, much too fine looking for a Friend. You must go with
+me to see the portrait of him, which, with some other keepsakes, belongs
+to me."
+
+"And these cousins they talk about?"
+
+"Yes, I must pay my respects to them. The days go so rapidly that one
+does not get through half one's plans. I had no idea there was so much
+interest in this old town of William Penn's. The winter will be a merry
+one."
+
+"It seems not much like war," returned Gilbert Vane thoughtfully.
+
+The party at Madam Wetherill's was a most brilliant affair. It seemed as
+if every conclave except the Continentals were represented. There were
+staid Friends in the rich attire of the better class; some in drab,
+others in coat and breeches of brown velveteen and silk stockings, and
+the younger men with various touches of worldly gauds. There were other
+citizens in the picturesque attire of the day, with embroidered satin
+waistcoats, powdered hair, and side rolls beside the queue, lace ruffles
+and gold lace and gold buttons.
+
+And the belles were not to be outdone by the beaux. There were gowns of
+almost every degree of elegance, in brocades and glistening satins,
+wrought with roses or silver thread, turned back over beautiful
+petticoats. Gowns of Venise silk and velvet, with elbow sleeves and
+ruffles of rich lace, and square corsages filled in with stiffened lace
+called a modesty fence, through which the younger girls ran a narrow
+ribbon that was tied in a cluster of bows.
+
+The hair was worn high on the head, with puffs and rolls held in place
+with great gilt or silver pins, and an aigrette nodding saucily from the
+top. The elder women had large caps of fine and costly material. Few
+were brave enough to go without, lest they might be accused of aping
+youthfulness. There were fans of white, gray, and lavender silk,
+bordered with peacocks' eyes, and their fair owners needed no Japanese
+training to flirt with them.
+
+There had been numerous discussions about Primrose. Her brother longed
+to see her attired quite as a young lady.
+
+"Nay, they grow up fast enough," protested Madam Wetherill. "And there
+will be a host of town beauties to whom you must pay court, who would be
+jealous of such a chit and think her forward."
+
+"But she dances so beautifully. I can never be grateful enough that you
+have had her so well instructed, and brought up a churchwoman. And
+really she must dance. Lieutenant Vane is almost as much smitten with
+her as I am."
+
+"The more need for me to be careful, then."
+
+"Nay, I shall guard her well, for I want to take her to England
+fancy-free, so that she may have her pick among titles. She is fast
+outgrowing childhood. And there is nothing so sweet as an opening bud."
+
+"Mine shall not be pulled open before the time. Remember she has
+guardians, and thou art not one. Her Quaker uncle may have a word. He
+hath only lent her to me."
+
+"We will settle that with other questions," the young man replied
+laughingly.
+
+That very morning he had brought her in a pair of pretty bracelets that
+had delighted her mightily. He clasped them on her slender wrists.
+
+"Now you are my prisoner," he said. "I will not let you go until I have
+a sweet kiss from your rosy lips."
+
+She turned her cheek to him gravely.
+
+"Nay, that will not do. Truly thou art stingy of kisses. And I am thy
+own brother!"
+
+"I am not thy prisoner!" turning her eyes full upon him with a spirit of
+resistance.
+
+"Yes, indeed. I will get a requisition from General Howe that you shall
+be delivered over to my keeping."
+
+"But I will not go. Americans are born free."
+
+"Yes, I have heard that they so declared. And equal, which is very
+amusing, seeing there are slaves and work people of all sorts, with no
+more manners than a plowboy at home. And elegant women like your Madam
+Wetherill and that charming Miss Franks and the handsome Shippens.
+Still, I adore thy spirit."
+
+"Thou mayst take back thy gifts. I shall never go to London with thee."
+
+"Oh, Primrose! What does possess thee to be so cruel! I am half a Friend
+for thy sake, and our soldiers laugh at my thee and thou. What else
+shall I do to win thee?"
+
+"Thou shalt fight on the side of my country instead of against it. I
+cannot love a traitor."
+
+"Nay, I am no traitor. There was no question of this war when I was sent
+to England. There are many Friends siding with us and longing for peace
+and prosperity. It is these in arms against us who have forgotten their
+fealty to their King. They are the ones to be called traitors."
+
+"Nay, there is no king here. And many of them came hither to be free and
+away from the King's rule, and they have the right to choose."
+
+"What a saucy little rebel! And yet thou art so daintily sweet! Love me
+just a little bit because thy mother did. Many a time she kissed me. And
+hast thou no word of praise for the bracelets?"
+
+"They are pretty, but I will not be a prisoner for their sake," and her
+eyes sparkled with resolution and a spice of mischief.
+
+"Thou shalt be quite free if thou wilt wear them for my sake and give me
+a tender thought. Come, can I not be liked a little? 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 tie it with a ribbon. And her white muslin dress was
+short and scant, just coming to her ankles and showing the instep of her
+pretty clocked stockings. There were lace frills to her puffed sleeves,
+and a lace tucker, with a pretty bow on one shoulder. But it seemed as
+if she looked more beautiful than ever before.
+
+Everybody made much of her. It appeared to be an easy road to Captain
+Nevitt's heart. Even the handsome Major Andre, who had come because
+Nevitt had talked so much about his little sister and Madam Wetherill,
+and also because he was likely to meet some of the attractive young
+women of the town, and "Primrose was like a little fairy for beauty, and
+that her smiles were bewitching."
+
+A very great time it was indeed. There were ombre and quadrille tables,
+piquet and guinea points for the elders, while the black fiddlers in the
+end of the hall inspired the feet of the younger portion. With the
+dancing there were jest and laughter and compliments enough to give a
+novice vertigo. Primrose was daintily shy and clung close to her
+brother, of which he was very proud, as she had never shown him quite
+such favor before.
+
+Anabella Morris was setting up for a young lady, being nearly two years
+older than Primrose. Mrs. Morris had taken a certain Captain Decker in
+her house to lodge, who seemed very devoted to her daughter. She had not
+succeeded in capturing a husband yet, but it seemed quite possible with
+all this influx of masculines. The glowing and attractive description of
+"Fairemount" given before, as a place "where no woman need go without a
+husband," had not held good of late years.
+
+The supper was in keeping with all the rest. There were solids in the
+way of cold meats served up in various fashions, there were wines of all
+kinds, and lighter refreshments of cake, floating islands, jellies,
+whipped sillabubs, curds and cream, and all the delicacies in vogue.
+There were healths drunk, toasts and witty replies, and, after a
+complimentary mention of the hostess, someone asked whether that
+pestilent old Quaker Samuel Wetherill was any relative, expressing
+ironical regret that he was not present.
+
+Madam Wetherill rose tall and stately, with the most courteous
+self-possession.
+
+"My husband and Mr. Samuel Wetherill's grandfather came from different
+towns in old England, but there may have been some of the same blood in
+their veins. And I think if my husband had espoused a cause he believed
+right, and gave of his means and influence courageously, fought, and
+should, perhaps, die for it, I should honor him as a brave man. For
+there will many brave men die on both sides."
+
+There was a moment's silence, then hearty applause without a dissentient
+sound.
+
+And when, toward morning, the servants were carrying away dishes and
+putting out lights, Madam Wetherill came and jingled three guineas in
+her hands, close to Janice Kent.
+
+"I was thinking of our poor fellows and the sick and wounded to-night,
+and resolved that when they return to the city they shall have a greater
+welcome than this. And that rampant old Tory Ralph Jeffries, whom I
+should not have asked but for his daughter's sake, insisted upon playing
+when he was half fuddled. He is shrewd enough when sober, but to-night I
+won his guineas. And now I tell thee, Janice, what I will do. These new
+people are ready enough with their play and have plenty of money.
+Whatever I win I shall lay aside for our poor fellows."
+
+"That is a fine scheme," and Janice Kent laughed.
+
+"We must get out to the farm some day and see if we cannot send
+provisions before these British troops lay hands on it. For it will take
+a great deal to feed eighteen thousand men, and I doubt if they suffer
+at any time from honest scruples."
+
+"It was a grand time. There are many handsome young men among them. But
+I think that Major Andre bears off the palm. There is music in his
+laugh, and his handsome face is enough to turn a girl's head. They are
+to act a play, I believe. Miss Becky Franks was talking of it to the
+Shippens."
+
+Madam Wetherill sighed a little.
+
+Already the quiet streets of the town had taken on a new aspect. There
+were fiddling and singing in many of the decorous old taverns. Men were
+shouting Tory broadsides of ridiculous verse; selling places for the
+races, when Tarleton was to ride, as that was sure to draw crowds, or
+hawking tickets for plays. Women were careful about going in the streets
+unattended, and cavaliers became general.
+
+A few days later Captain Nevitt came in to escort the ladies out to
+Cherry Farm, as, somehow, many duties and engagements had intervened
+since his arrival until, as he admitted, he was quite ashamed of the
+lack of respect due his uncle. It was a bright, clear winter day, with a
+sky of wonderful blue, against which the distant trees stood out
+distinctly, the hemlocks looking almost black against it. The soldiers'
+barracks stretched out, giving a strange appearance to the once peaceful
+city. Groups of men were lounging idly about, and confusion seemed to
+predominate. But they soon left the city behind them, and rode along the
+Schuylkill, where the wintry landscape, leafless trees, and denuded
+cornfields met their glance, dreary now, but to be ruinous by and by.
+
+Primrose had a pony of her own and rode beside her aunt, with her
+brother as her guard, while Lieutenant Vane was her aunt's escort.
+Primrose wore a blue cloth coat and skirt, trimmed with fur, and her
+white beaver hat was tied under her chin. Many women used a thin, silken
+sort of mask to protect their complexion from wind and dust, but Madam
+Wetherill had discarded it and did not always insist upon Primrose
+wearing one.
+
+Many of the beautiful houses destroyed later on were standing now. A few
+had been taken as outposts for the army, others looked lonely enough
+closed for the season, as it had not been considered prudent to leave
+even the farmer in charge, after the battle of Germantown.
+
+"Primrose does credit to someone's training," Captain Nevitt remarked.
+"Is it a long ride?"
+
+"We are used to this fashion of getting about and hardly think of
+fatigue. It would be a poor weakling who could not stand a few miles.
+The roads are rough for the chaise."
+
+How pretty she looked in her white and blue. She smiled at him. They had
+been quite good friends since the night of the dance, though there had
+been no opportunity of teasing each other.
+
+But she was not thinking of his regard nor his pleasure just now. She
+seemed to have changed mysteriously, to have grown out of careless
+childhood, and taken a great deal of thought about the country. When
+she remembered that General Howe had come with his army to subdue it and
+that her brother was in the soldiery she shrank from him. How could she
+love him? He had pleaded for her sweet mother's sake, and that touched
+her inmost soul.
+
+She had listened with frightened eyes and a breathless throbbing of the
+heart to the account of the battle of Germantown, and her fears for her
+beloved country often outran her hopes when she had a quiet time to
+think. The servants had been forbidden to tell her the more awesome part
+of it, only she knew General Washington had been beaten and forced to
+retreat, and the British hailed it as a great victory.
+
+The young lieutenant and the stately dame found many things to talk
+about, as well-bred people often do, skirting over the thin places, for
+by this time he understood that madam's heart was not on the English
+side. But he was confident when it was all over that she would accept
+defeat gracefully.
+
+The ascent from the city was gradual. In the distance they noted the
+small gray stone houses, looking frosty in the wintry air, with here and
+there a larger one, like the Chew House, to be famous long afterward in
+history. Then they turned aside and lost sight of it. Captain Nevitt
+thought he would like to have been in the fray, but he did not say so.
+
+"Thou art very quiet, little one. I have heard people offer a penny for
+one's thoughts, a big English penny," smilingly.
+
+"Mine do not go as cheap as that," answered the maiden.
+
+"A crown, then?"
+
+"I do not think I will sell them."
+
+"Thou art not very much in love with the cousins?" he said presently.
+
+She colored quickly and turned her face to him, quite unaware of
+betrayal until he laughed.
+
+"Ah, I have thy thoughts without the penny! Is it the tall Quaker cousin
+madam talks about, or the other--William Penn?"
+
+"His name is simply Penn, Penn Morgan. And he is not an own cousin.
+Surely it is not strange if I did think about them."
+
+"Do not be offended. I shall like them if they have thy affection."
+
+"Thou hast small mind of thy own if thou takest a girl's whims for thy
+pattern," she answered with a show of disdain. "Whether I like them or
+not is my own affair. And Patty declares I change about with every puff
+of wind."
+
+"Nay, I shall not believe that until I follow the changes, or they are
+made in my behalf."
+
+"Oh, you know why I am cross to you! I cannot like a redcoat! But
+because my own mamma loved you----"
+
+"Primrose, thou art quite too peppery in temper with thy brother,"
+interrupted Madam Wetherill gently. "The Henrys will think I have
+indulged thee ruinously."
+
+She looked up laughingly. The soft yellow hair was blown about her like
+a cloud, and the great bow under her chin gave her a coquettish air.
+What a changeful little sprite she was!
+
+They were coming in sight of the great barns and outhouses for the
+cattle, and nestled down among them was the house, looking really
+smaller. A line of blue smoke from the chimney was floating over to the
+west, betokening a storm wind not far off. Someone was coming from the
+barn, a stoutish man who walked with a cane, and paused to wonder at the
+party.
+
+"That is your uncle, your father's brother," said Madam Wetherill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+UNDER THE ROSE.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill made her brief explanation to show why she had ventured
+to bring two dashing redcoats, in their military trappings, to the home
+of the plain Quaker. James Henry looked at his nephew with many lines of
+doubt in his face and evident disapprobation.
+
+"I have planned for the last two years to come over," said the winsome
+voice with the sound of glad, merry youth in it that jarred on the
+sedateness of his listener. "I was waiting for a promotion, and then had
+permission from the King to join General Howe. So I found him in
+possession of my native city, and in short order I discovered my little
+sister."
+
+"We are men of peace," returned his uncle gravely. "William Penn founded
+his colony on the cornerstones of peace and equity, and all we ask is to
+live undisturbed and away from carnal pleasures and the wanton
+fripperies of the world. And it pains me to see Philemon Henry's son
+come among us in the habiliments of war. Still I suppose thou must do
+thy duty to thy Master, the King, since thou hast strayed from thy
+father's faith. There is no discipline now for children, and they follow
+evil counsel as they will."
+
+"It was my father's will rather than mine. I remember, big boy that I
+was, crying many a night on shipboard for my stepmother's affection and
+kisses."
+
+"It was an error of judgment, and he hath no doubt bewailed his mistake
+if it is given us to sorrow in the next world. But come in. And though
+thou art of the world, worldly, there is much in kindred blood. Come in
+and take welcome among us."
+
+The keeping room was cheerful with a great fire of logs in the wide
+stone chimney-place. There was a spicy fragrance of pine knots and
+hemlock. In one corner Rachel Morgan sat at her spinning wheel, with a
+woman's cap upon her head, and a bit of thin white muslin crossed inside
+her frock at the neck; a full-fledged Quaker girl, with certain lines of
+severity hardly meet for so young a face. Mother Lois sat beside the
+fire knitting. She had never been quite so strong since her fever, and
+Faith had a basket of woolen pieces out of which she was patching some
+shapely blocks for a bed comfort.
+
+She sprang up with a face full of joy. The summers were not so bad, but
+she dreaded the long, dreary winters when she had to stay indoors and
+sew and spin, with none of her own years to speak with.
+
+"Oh, Primrose! And is it really thy brother? What a pretty habit thou
+hast with all the fur, and the hat makes a picture of thee! There is one
+upstairs of a great-grandmother, and thou lookest like it, but it
+belongs to Andrew and not to our side, and," lowering her voice, "Uncle
+Henry thinks it vain. Andrew wanted it in his room, but uncle would not
+listen. Oh, I am so glad to see thee. I am so lonely," piteously.
+
+The little Quaker girl in her sudden delight had forgotten her superior
+virtue. Her eyes fairly danced as they devoured Primrose. All the others
+seemed talking and explaining, so she had dared to step over the traces
+in the din.
+
+"We have some odd old portraits in Arch Street. If thou couldst visit
+me, Faith!"
+
+"Faith," said her uncle, "go and call Andrew. I left him threshing in
+the farther barn."
+
+Faith rose with sober gravity, running her needle through the patch, and
+walked placidly through the room, though she had telegraphed to Primrose
+with her eye. And just as she opened the door Primrose gathered up her
+skirts and, saying, "I will go, too," flashed along before anyone could
+frame a remonstrance.
+
+"I wish thou wert here--nay, not that, for thou would be kept straitly,
+and there would be no pleasure. Rachel has grown severe, and works so
+much at her outfitting, for she means to be married sometime."
+
+"Who will she marry?" There seemed no one besides Andrew, and the
+child's heart made a sudden fierce protest.
+
+"Oh, I do not know. William Frost hath walked home with her when the
+meetings were at Friend Lester's. All girls marry, I think, and I shall
+be glad enough when my time comes. If it were not for Andrew I hardly
+know what would become of me. He is so good. He reads curious books and
+tells them to me. And sometimes there are verses that I want to sing,
+they are so sweet--but such things are wrong. Andrew! Nay, hide here,
+Primrose," pushing her in a corner. "Andrew, guess what has happened,
+and who hath come! An elegant soldier in scarlet and gold,
+and--and--someone thou lovest. I was mad one day when I said I hated
+her----"
+
+"Not Primrose!" in a surprised but gladsome tone.
+
+There was a swift rush and Primrose was in his arms. He did not kiss
+her, but held her so tightly that she could feel his strong heart beat.
+
+"Truly, Faith, thou didst not hate me?" she said when released, turning
+to the girl.
+
+The maiden's face was scarlet.
+
+"She does not hate thee now, dear," said Andrew softly.
+
+"It was most wicked and hateful! Thou hadst so many joys and pretty
+things and lessons, and a beautiful face, and then Andrew said thou
+didst have the sweetest big heart in all the world and could love me and
+would be glad to share thy joys with me. Is it so, Primrose?"
+
+Primrose clasped her in her arms and kissed her many times.
+
+"I wish thou could come. There are so many things, and it makes no one
+poorer by sharing them."
+
+"And then I learned to love thee. We talk of thee until at night, when I
+shut my eyes and draw the coverlid about me, I can see thee like a star
+coming out in the blue. And Andrew thinks sometime he may take me in on
+market day, when the spring opens, for I would like to see the great
+city. And thou might come to meet us. I think Aunt Lois and Rachel would
+be angry if I went to Madam Wetherill's. But I am forgetting. Thou hast
+a soldier cousin, Andrew."
+
+"He is my brother," explained Primrose with curious dignity. "And--I do
+not like him to be a King's soldier."
+
+Andrew gave a long whistle of amazement, and studied Primrose so keenly
+that she flushed.
+
+"Thy brother? Of course, then, being Uncle Philemon's son he is my
+cousin. Is he not Lord somebody?"
+
+"He is Captain Nevitt. And at times I love him, but he teases and
+threatens to take me to England, and--and he is to fight our soldiers.
+It does not seem right, then, to love him at all. Andrew," looking up
+out of the softly radiant eyes, "I wish thou wert in his stead."
+
+Andrew Henry was satisfied then. For an instant his soul had been wrung
+with jealousy. But his look of tender regard answered hers and both
+understood.
+
+"And I must go see this British cousin. Faith, hand me that brush, even
+if it does get used at times on Dobbin's sleek coat."
+
+He brushed the dust of the grain out of his clothes and gave his hair a
+stir with his fingers.
+
+"And Primrose hath a pony!" cried Faith. "It is pretty, with great, soft
+eyes! Next summer I shall learn to ride."
+
+She caught the hand of her visitor and pressed it with pervading
+rapture. Primrose wondered how she could have grown so different.
+
+"Thou hast stayed finely!" said Rachel reprovingly. "It is ever the way
+when two do an errand. And Madam Wetherill will take dinner with us, it
+is so near noon. The horses must be put out, and Penn and Jonas are down
+in the wood lot. Go to the kitchen and help Chloe."
+
+There were tears in Faith's eyes, but she dared not even loiter, for
+Rachel's hand was not light when it came with a box on the ear. There
+were so few visitors at the house that this was a great treat, and Faith
+hated to be shut out.
+
+Philemon Nevitt surveyed his cousin with some curiosity and decided
+that the plain young Quaker farmer was no great rival after all in his
+young sister's favor. For he was not likely to fight for his country,
+the great test Primrose seemed to require. But when Andrew went out to
+care for the horses the two young men asked permission to leave the
+ladies and take a look around.
+
+"The country surprises me," declared Captain Nevitt. "We have heard much
+talk about the wilderness and the forests, and the few towns such as
+Penn's Colony, which is a much greater city than one could imagine. And
+there is the town the Dutch started, New York, and the Puritan Boston,
+beside many lesser places that must show wonderful capacity for settling
+the New World. There are industries, too, that have amazed me. 'Tis a
+great pity a people doing so well should rebel against all law and
+order, and be willing to have their country destroyed rather than yield
+while they have something to save."
+
+"We shall not agree upon this matter," Andrew Henry replied with quiet
+dignity. "And since we are of blood kin, we will not dispute. There are
+other subjects of talk."
+
+"But my uncle is strong for peace," in a tone of surprise.
+
+"Yes. I, too, am for peace, unless manliness and honor goes not with it.
+And when one has seen wrongs and usurpations creep in gradually, and
+privileges taken away--but," checking himself, "I was not to discuss
+such points. We are plain people but we may have some stock, and
+browsing for it, that will interest thee."
+
+The cattle were certainly fine and well fed. There were stacks of hay
+and piles of Indian corn, great pits of vegetables, and potatoes enough
+to feed an army, it seemed. Everything was so well kept, and there was a
+great sheepfold with shelter for the flock in storm.
+
+"And, now, which way retreated the rebels after their defeat?" asked
+Captain Nevitt.
+
+"They went on up the Schuylkill, on the other side, to Whitemarsh first,
+and then to Valley Forge."
+
+"A blacksmithy town?"
+
+"There was once an old forge there. It is not a town."
+
+"There seems many comfortable country houses about, as if there might be
+gentry."
+
+"Some of them now are filled with the wounded and the ill. They were
+worth seeing in the summer."
+
+Then they discussed horses and found the young Quaker no mean authority.
+The horn blew to summon them within, where a bountiful feast was spread,
+to which they all did ample justice and talked of family affairs.
+Captain Nevitt had another view of his father from his brother's
+comprehension of him, and though it was much narrower, not less
+complimentary than that of Madam Wetherill. Certainly there was nothing
+to regret on the Henry side. He was beginning to feel proud of these
+clean, wholesome people of strong character.
+
+When they had risen Madam Wetherill said they must leave presently. The
+sky was getting to be rather lowering, with a grayish cloud in the south
+that betokened snow, Friend Henry said.
+
+"I will go out with thee, Andrew, and see about the horses," said the
+lady.
+
+"Nay," interposed Captain Nevitt smilingly. "It is hardly a lady's
+business----"
+
+"I have some privacy with Andrew," she returned. "I have had some useful
+hints from him, young as he is, and you must know if women are not
+equipped for soldiering, they make excellent farmers at times. But you
+may all come, though if I extract any grand secret from Andrew as to how
+to double the value of a crop next year, I shall not bruit it abroad, I
+promise you."
+
+Faith looked up wistfully.
+
+"Child," she said, "thou and Primrose go take a little run in the keen
+air. Thou art not very rosy for a farmer's maid, and Primrose hath been
+housed overmuch of late, our streets are so full of roysterers."
+
+"Faith hath some work----"
+
+"Nay," interposed Madam Wetherill, "ten minutes' run will make her all
+the brisker for work. Run along, children; and have a little visit with
+each other."
+
+There was something in Madam Wetherill not easily gainsaid. Rachel saved
+up her displeasure for a scolding presently.
+
+Andrew attended the lady to the stalls where the horses had been led.
+
+"Thou hast not been in to market of late?"
+
+"There had been so much disorder, and I believe a permit is needed. Then
+there have been people about, buying up produce of all kinds."
+
+"Dost thou know anything of the other army?" Her voice was very low.
+
+"Somewhat," in a hesitating tone.
+
+"They are likely to need many things. Howe's purpose to attack them was
+frustrated by a timely warning. There may be other warnings as well, for
+the army contains many braggarts. And their winter of dissipation, of
+gambling and betting and carousing, will not fit them for a spring
+campaign. I heard it said that Philadelphia was capturing them by
+allurements, and it may be a poor victory for General Howe. I have a
+faith--I cannot tell thee of any tangible groundwork, but I feel assured
+we shall win."
+
+"It is dark enough now."
+
+"But there was the splendid capture of Burgoyne, and our army made much
+richer by stores sorely needed. Canst thou get things to Valley Forge?"
+
+"I know of someone who can," and he studied her eyes.
+
+"Even if it is gold--British gold? It will not stick to anyone's
+fingers?"
+
+"I will warrant that," and the delight encouraged her.
+
+"I have a small fund that will come in from time to time. Here is a
+little bag. It is not much, but it will help. And if I could get needful
+things to them, clothes and blankets? If thou wilt sell provisions to me
+for them--thy father keeps a sharp lookout?"
+
+"He hath a shrewd mind and far sight. And I would not render him liable
+to trouble. I think I could manage that way. Oh, madam, I ought to be
+with those brave fellows whom nothing disheartens. The general's wife
+hath left her pleasant, peaceful home to share his hardships. It is _my_
+country."
+
+"Wait a little and be patient. It is a pity this fine cousin is on the
+wrong side. It would amuse thee to hear Primrose dispute with him. Now I
+trust thee to get this gold thither."
+
+"Thank thee a hundred times for them. There are many loyal hearts in
+town, as I well know."
+
+"And many disloyal ones. It angers me. Come in some time. Primrose will
+be overjoyed to see thee. She is growing tall fast, too fast for my
+pleasure. I would fain keep her a little girl."
+
+"I am jealous of my cousin," declared Captain Nevitt coming out to them
+with the air of a spoiled boy. "When wilt thou give me a confidence?"
+
+"All the way home," she answered readily. "And I have so many good
+points I think I shall bet on the next race. How many of you will ride?"
+
+"Why do we not have some hunts?" he asked eagerly. "If there is no
+fighting there must be diversion."
+
+They mounted the ladies and rode up to the door of the cottage to say
+good-by.
+
+"I shall dream of thee to-night," Faith whispered to Primrose.
+
+The wind blew up colder and sharper. They were glad to get home. There
+was a slight fall of snow and everything was frozen up hard enough to
+last all winter.
+
+The streets seemed merrier than ever. All the creeks were frozen solid,
+it seemed, and the Schuylkill was a sparkling white band, winding about.
+Skating had broken out into fashion, and the prettiest belles of the day
+were out with trains of military men at their beck. The river banks
+would be lined with spectators, who envied, criticised, and carped.
+Women were muffled up in furs and carried huge muffs, their wide hats
+tied down under their chins with great bows, some wearing the silken
+mask, in much the fashion of a veil, to protect their skins from frosty
+touches. The skaters, in skirts that betrayed trim and slender ankles,
+spun along like a whirl of the wind, or with hands crossed with a
+partner, went through graceful rocking evolutions, almost like a waltz.
+
+The scarlet uniforms of the officers made a brilliant pageant. It was
+indeed a winter long to be remembered, and recalled with keen relish
+when the British, with lovers and friends, had flown.
+
+Captain Nevitt had insisted upon taking his sister out, as Primrose was
+a very fair skater, and, under his tuition, improved wonderfully. She
+looked so pretty in her skating dress with her soft, yellow hair flying
+in the wind, and her lovely face half hidden in her hat, to be revealed
+like a vision at the various turns.
+
+Nevitt had been taken on General Howe's staff for the present. Foiled in
+his endeavor to call out Washington by any maneuver, and feeling that
+another battle was quite impossible and useless in the extreme cold,
+which was more bitter than for years, he too, gave himself over to
+diversion, and looked leniently on the frivolities of his officers and
+the ruder dissipations of his men.
+
+The most fascinating game on the ice was skating after a ball. A man
+called the hurlie propelled half a dozen balls along with a long,
+sharp-pointed stick, between two given points, often far enough apart to
+make a trial of speed and endurance. The fortunate one was he or she who
+caught a ball before it reached the goal, and then the merriest shout
+would ring out on the air.
+
+A tall, fine-looking young fellow in civilian attire had captured two of
+the balls one afternoon and was flying at his most vigorous speed for
+another. Primrose had paused for a moment while her brother stopped to
+chaff a companion. The ball rolled swiftly along, and from some slight
+inequality in the ice deflected. The arm was outstretched to catch it,
+and she could not quite remember afterward whether she had stooped, but
+he came against her with sufficient force to knock her over. He caught
+the ball and held it up in triumph, with a joyous hurrah, and then
+turned to see what the oath and the exclamation meant.
+
+"Good Heavens! you have killed her, you brute!" Captain Nevitt cried
+angrily.
+
+"I was under such headway and I had no thought the ball would go in that
+direction. Let us see at once. Is she unconscious? Dr. Shippen is here.
+I passed him not ten seconds ago. I will find him."
+
+Nevitt took Primrose in his arms, limp and white as a lily. There was a
+little circle about them, but the others went on with their gayety. A
+fall was no such uncommon thing.
+
+Dr. Shippen had been out for a little exercise, and withal had some
+curiosity to see the mad carnival that had broken out in the staid city.
+
+"Ah, it is Madam Wetherill's little girl!" looking sharply at Nevitt.
+
+"I thought I had seen the child somewhere," said the young man who had
+caused the accident. "Can we not take her home at once?"
+
+"I am her brother," was Nevitt's stiff reply. "You have done enough
+mischief with your awkwardness. I hope your silly victory repays you.
+Let me pass, with no further parley on your part."
+
+"What do you think, Dr. Shippen?"
+
+"It is a faint, of course. Whether she is more severely injured I cannot
+tell. Let us take her home, for she will be chilled through, and I have
+an errand in Second Street."
+
+The doctor sat down on a stump to unbuckle his skates. Nevitt had taken
+his off a few moments before, but Primrose had begged that they might
+skate all the way down.
+
+"Can I do nothing to assist?" asked the other.
+
+"Go on with your prize-winning," said the captain haughtily. "You may
+run over someone else if you have good luck."
+
+"You British think you own the town and can order us about like slaves!"
+was the fiery reply.
+
+"Tut! tut! Wharton! Don't get into a fight. You are hotheaded."
+
+"I will not be insulted by any interloper, even if he wears a red coat."
+Wharton's face was flushed with anger, and his eyes sparkled with
+passion.
+
+"Where will a note reach you?" Captain Nevitt was in a flame of anger as
+well.
+
+"Come along at once! Allin Wharton, go over yonder and cool your temper
+talking to the pretty women. And if you are the child's brother, get
+along as fast as you can with her, and let us see what it amounts to. A
+fall like that is enough to knock the breath out of anyone."
+
+Wharton did not attempt to follow them. They hurried on, Nevitt's anger
+giving him strength. He pressed his face against the cold, white one.
+
+"Who was that boor?" he cried passionately. "If my sister is injured I
+shall half murder him!"
+
+"If you are her brother then you are Philemon Henry's son, and he was a
+man of peace. I have had a great desire to see you, since your father
+was a good friend of mine. I heard you had come over, I must say on bad
+business. Here, this turn cuts off some distance, though we have been
+squared according to plummet and line; and then down here. Let me take
+the child. Is there no sign of returning animation?"
+
+They reached the Wetherill house, and its mistress caught sight of them
+from the window.
+
+"Oh, Dr. Shippen!" she cried in alarm.
+
+"The child has had a fall. Take off her hat and coat. Now let me see!"
+
+He laid her on the settle in the hall and began chafing her hands, and
+ordering some restoratives.
+
+"Are you sure there are no bones broken?"
+
+"Not quite. It really was not that kind of a fall. There, she is coming
+around. Now, Madam Wetherill, here is a pepper-pot of a young soldier
+that you must cool down with some soothing potions, and I will find the
+other firebrand. We won't have them shooting each other unless in up and
+down warfare."
+
+"I think you will bear witness that I was insulted," declared Nevitt.
+
+"And gave an insult. It is about even. No fighting, therefore. Dueling
+for trifles is cold-blooded murder. I ask it for your father's sake. My
+little dear, wake up from your nap."
+
+"What is it?" Primrose said in a faint voice. "I feel queer." Then she
+lapsed into insensibility again.
+
+"Take her upstairs if you will, please. And, doctor, what mystery is
+there about this mishap? How did it occur? Patty, come hither."
+
+The child opened her eyes again and half smiled.
+
+"She will do now, I think; her pulse is stronger. Here is a small
+injury; nothing worse than a sprain, I think. She was run down on the
+ice. Our town goes crazy over a trifle now. The wrist is bruised and
+sprained. Patty, if you are the owner of so useful a name, undress the
+child, but I think she hath no broken bones."
+
+The men retired to the adjoining room while Patty alternately scolded
+and petted her young charge.
+
+"I hope you will reconsider your threat," said the doctor. "There are
+too many good uses for life to throw it away foolishly. If you are a
+King's man your life belongs to him, and is not to be wasted in a fit of
+temper."
+
+Philemon Nevitt flushed with a sense of shame. He had been hotheaded,
+unreasonable.
+
+There was no serious injury, they found. The bruised wrist was to be
+bound up with the old-fashioned remedy of wormwood and hot vinegar. And
+to-morrow Primrose would be all right again.
+
+"Do you know this Allin Wharton?" Nevitt asked of Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I know his family well, only young people have such a way of growing up
+that one loses track of them. He cannot be more than twenty. And words
+between you ought not to lead to any serious matter. You should have
+kept better watch of Primrose in such a crowd."
+
+"I think I ought," he admitted frankly. "And I was hasty." He recalled
+the fact that he had given the insult, and that the other had the right
+to seek satisfaction. In London duels were common enough.
+
+But by great good fortune young Wharton called on Madam Wetherill the
+next morning to inquire about the mishap to Primrose and found her none
+the worse except a bandaged wrist.
+
+"Is it really true that this fire-eating young captain is--what shall I
+say? A relative, since this pretty flower is your niece, is she not? And
+Polly was so taken with him, but for his red coat, that when I began to
+talk of him I found I had fallen into a hornets' nest. And now, Madam
+Wetherill, what shall I do? Some hot and hasty words passed between us.
+Can I safely show the white feather? For no doubt your captain is a fine
+shot, and, truth to tell, I have some other plans for my life. Since he
+is even half-brother to Miss Primrose I should not want to shoot him."
+
+Primrose looked up with languid sweetness. She felt rather sore and
+inert from the shock.
+
+"Why, were you going to shoot him?" she asked.
+
+"We had some words. You know I ran over you. It was very rude and
+careless. And it might have been much worse, and then I should really
+have been guilty."
+
+"But you caught the ball! I saw it as I went down. I should not have
+been so intent and moved a little. But I had not taken off my skates.
+Brother Phil wanted me to, but I was quite determined to have my own
+way. And so I went over more easily. It would be very cruel and wicked
+to shoot each other on account of me."
+
+"And silly, too," said Madam Wetherill sharply. "I shall take the case
+in my own hands, and arrange matters," laughingly. "I think Captain
+Nevitt was unmindful for a moment. And there is no great harm done but a
+sprained wrist."
+
+"And if you had shot Phil----"
+
+"Well, what would you have done?"
+
+"I should never, never want to see you or to think of you again!"
+
+"And if he had shot me?"
+
+"Then, I think, I should send him away and never see him again."
+
+Allin Wharton wondered how it would be in the future if they should meet
+on the field of battle. For he had just wrung a reluctant consent from
+his father that he should respond to his country's call, whose need
+would never be more urgent than now.
+
+"I wonder if you are on the side of the King? It would seem so natural
+with a brother in the ranks," and he recalled the entertainment in his
+honor at Madam Wetherill's hands. Polly, his sister, had thought the
+captain charming.
+
+"I am a rebel," she said proudly. "And I shall never be content until he
+comes over to the side of the country, to the buff and blue instead of
+the red."
+
+"Surely, surely; you are a brave, patriotic girl. Wish me success in
+case I want to join the rebel army," with a half-embarrassed smile. It
+was not wisdom to confess all one's plans.
+
+She put out her right hand. It was the other that had been hurt. "I wish
+thee success. That means victory and a safe return," she replied with
+sweet solemnity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+FOR NATIVE LAND AND LOYALTY.
+
+
+They all made so light of the occurrence that a note of apology from Mr.
+Wharton settled the matter. Captain Nevitt felt in his cooler moments
+that he had been a little to blame, also hasty and unreasonable. And
+when, a few evenings after, he met pretty and vivacious Polly Wharton
+and danced with her, he was very glad the matter had gone no farther.
+
+Primrose was soon well again, but Madam Wetherill would not consent to
+her going out on the river among the gay crowd, though she felt it a
+great deprivation. There were two or three quiet spots on the creeks
+where children could go without harm, and Patty used to take her when
+Phil was engaged, though Lieutenant Vane was always inquiring if he
+could not accompany them. He seemed younger and more boyish than the
+captain, and proved quite delightful to the groups of children, though
+he admitted laughingly that he found a great many rebels among them.
+
+And so the days went on, one and another indignant over the "rollicking
+winter" as Mr. Allen termed it, and others storming at General Howe for
+the wanton destruction everywhere visible. Groves of trees were cut down
+for firewood, gardens despoiled, and some of the houses taken possession
+of by the troops were cut and hacked with insulting boasts, and really
+ruined. Others, Continentals confessedly, railed at Washington for his
+inaction and supineness.
+
+Howe had planned one surprise and possible capture of the troops, but
+heroic Lydia Darragh, having overheard the plot, walked to Washington's
+camp while it was at Whitemarsh, and forewarned them. Finding the rebels
+prepared with a warm welcome the British retraced their steps. There
+were small skirmishes outside the lines, and once the impetuous
+Lafayette advanced, hoping to surprise the enemy, but nothing came of
+this. Baron Steuben was training the Continentals, as many of them were
+raw recruits, but, used to hunting as they were, most of the young men
+had a quick eye and correct aim.
+
+But stories crept in concerning their hardships and sufferings. Every
+avenue was closely watched that no supplies should be sent directly from
+the city, but more than once keen wit evaded them. There were passes for
+the farmers to come in on market days, and many were glad even to supply
+their enemies for British gold. James Henry thought this no sin, and was
+given a pass for his son and nephew. Penn had imbibed many of his
+uncle's beliefs, and took home rather rose-colored accounts of the
+prosperity of the city. He kept, too, a watchful eye over Andrew, who
+was more than half suspected of being quite as willing to deal with the
+rebels, and Madam Wetherill's was considered a rather tempting and
+unsafe place for sober-going Friends.
+
+But one day he came alone, and made his way to Arch Street, leaving his
+empty wagon at a nearby tavern that he knew he could trust.
+
+"It is thy cousin," whispered Madam Wetherill, who had some callers.
+"Take him upstairs in Patty's sewing room."
+
+Primrose ran out with delight in her eyes, but she had grown wise, and,
+instead of a cry of joy, placed her finger archly on her lips and
+motioned him through the hall.
+
+"I saw a glimpse of a red coat," he said in a low tone. "I have no
+desire to run into a hornets' nest. Oh, Primrose, thou hast grown taller
+since the day thou wert at the farm. Thou wilt soon be a young lady. And
+the sweetness of childhood will be ended."
+
+"Is girlhood sharp, then, and--and sour?"
+
+Her eyes danced with a merry, mischievous light.
+
+"Nay, sweeter than ever; but it's sweetness is more sacred. And
+presently comes the time of lovers."
+
+"I shall not have any lovers. They say pert things and talk about pretty
+faces, or else are silly like Anabella's lover, and forever kissing
+one's hand. And what think you Lieutenant Vane did when we were going to
+ride a few days since? There was pretty Mistress Wharton here, and my
+brother is much taken with her, though she is such a rebel. But I was
+not allowed to mount the stepping stone, and his hand was placed under
+my foot. So I pressed down hard, wishing I could squeeze the British
+blood out of him. They do nothing but run about and have pleasure. But
+if I were a hundred years old I would have none of them for lovers. I
+want no one but my brother and my cousin, and sometimes I think thou art
+dearer, because thou would fight for thy country. And I am ashamed when
+I think it is his country as well."
+
+"What preachment is the little maid making, Andrew?" said the older
+voice as the ample figure entered the doorway. "I sometimes think I
+shall have to keep her shut up in one room, people talk to her so much
+and spoil her."
+
+"Nay, she is not spoiled," protested Andrew.
+
+"She is a wise little thing, and saucy, too, and often amuses the
+company by bits of patriotism that are shrewd and wholesome. I think
+people in this mad revel are forgetting they are Americans and have a
+country to fight for. And, now, what is the news? There is much
+dissatisfaction, I hear, with General Washington. It cannot be that they
+will give up the rallying point, the wisest man of them all, and break
+up into factions."
+
+"They will not give him up, madam. It is a bitter winter, and the stores
+at York are sadly depleted. They are watched on every hand. While the
+town is dancing to British music, and giving aid and comfort to the
+enemy, our men are living in rude huts that hardly shelter them from the
+storms and are glad for crusts. But the men will stand by him to the
+last. It is only idle talk about superseding him. And the men worship
+Madam Washington and Madam Knox. If you could see them! They minister to
+the sick, they patch the worn-out clothes and blankets. There is so much
+need of these things, stockings, and shoes."
+
+"My heart aches for them. I have been gathering a store----" She paused
+and eyed Primrose.
+
+"You need not be afraid," cried Primrose eagerly. "Is it not _my_
+country? And, Cousin Andrew, I have saved some money that my brother
+gave me to buy frippery and sweetmeats with. And I am knitting socks."
+
+"Thou art a brave girl, and quite able to keep thy own counsel. I have
+known that aforetime," and he smiled. "Indeed, madam, we could trust her
+to the uttermost."
+
+"There is quite a store of some things----"
+
+"I will tell thee--there is a false bottom to the wagon that I can
+raise up after the load is sold. That is my secret. And I can trust him
+at the Pewter Platter. I have carried more than one lot."
+
+"There is a bagful," pulling it out of the cupboard.
+
+"It will look like a sack of potatoes."
+
+They all laughed.
+
+"There is a blanket in my room. Come thither. Then thou hast little
+fear? It is a great relief to hear this."
+
+"Madam, such courage must be rewarded. I should want to be with them,
+but that I think I can be of more service here. When the spring
+opens----"
+
+He paused and looked from one to the other.
+
+"Wilt thou go, then?" Primrose slipped her hand in his, and though her
+voice was just above a whisper it was an inspiration to him.
+
+"I shall go, then. Penn can fill my place at home. The country's need
+will never be greater."
+
+There was another half fear that the loyal soul barely breathed to
+itself. He must be away before it came to anything beyond the half fear.
+
+The beautiful eyes were grave, and the face had a new solemnity. Her
+faith inspired him.
+
+"We have not much time to lose," he said. "You see, I must go up the
+rough Perkiomen road to meet the friend in waiting. We have safe
+points," and he smiled gravely.
+
+Madam Wetherill pulled out the stout sack and held the top open.
+
+"That will be a godsend. Madam, many a poor fellow's heart will be glad
+and his toes warm. Heaven reward thee!"
+
+"Heaven has rewarded me in many things. If I could see the end more
+clearly!"
+
+Primrose brought her little purse with its gilt clasps, and poured out
+her money. Madam Wetherill added her store to it.
+
+"Art thou sure there is no risk?" she said.
+
+"I shall be careful. One learns much shrewdness."
+
+He shouldered the bag.
+
+"Let me out the side way like any other servant," he said, as he bade
+them farewell.
+
+"And now, little Primrose," cautioned her Aunt, "thou must keep guard
+over thy tongue as if with a steel chain, for thy cousin's sake."
+
+"It will never be a traitor tongue," returned the maiden proudly.
+
+Patty had been down in the kitchen helping with some ironing, and now
+she came up with an armful of stiff skirts. For many women on state
+occasions wore a big hoop, and others swelled out with starched
+petticoats.
+
+"I have to go among the stores to find some things that have grown
+scarce as hen's teeth. And thou hast not been out these two days,
+Primrose. Thy gallants have deserted thee. What sayest thou to a little
+run in the brisk air. We shall not go in public places, madam, and she
+will be safe by my side."
+
+"As she likes. There are plenty of pretty girls in town, perhaps better
+worth being looked at. And it is early yet."
+
+Primrose enjoyed these small shopping expeditions. There were some very
+nice places kept by Friends who had been famous in merchandise a few
+years before, but stocks had sadly diminished and prices gone up.
+Patty's Yankee blood came to the fore in such times as these, and she
+had become rather a dread to clerks and shopmen. This part of it amused
+Primrose very much, as Patty was sure to make a good bargain.
+
+"There seems nothing at all to buy now," she cried in disdain, finding
+some difficulty in getting what she wanted.
+
+"There will be less yet unless the war ends presently," was the reply of
+the shopkeeper.
+
+"Then we must turn our old gowns, though in truth there seems no lack of
+fine attire if one looks at the gay maidens on the street. They seem
+turned into butterflies. And it must take a mint of money for their
+wings."
+
+The clerk smiled.
+
+"Let us go round by the creek," pleaded Primrose. "The skaters are so
+merry."
+
+"If thou wilt not coax to stay more than a moment."
+
+The child promised.
+
+As they were turning a corner a young man eyed them sharply. Primrose
+did not see him, and Patty hurried on, for he was a stranger.
+
+But he took some long strides and caught up to them.
+
+"It is Mistress Primrose Henry----"
+
+The little girl turned.
+
+"Oh, Patty, it is Miss Polly Wharton's brother," she said, holding out
+her hand.
+
+"Who runs over thee again," said Patty sharply, for she had heard the
+story.
+
+"Nay, but it is quite a godsend, as I have been to thy aunt's to say
+good-by. In an hour's time I shall be on my way to Valley Forge to cast
+in my lot with the brave fellows there, and I wanted to take thy
+godspeed with me. I have great faith in it."
+
+"Oh!" Primrose gave a little cry.
+
+"I want thee to be both sorrowful and joyful. Glad that thou hast a
+patriot friend, and sorry that there should be war. I could not wait any
+longer and wrung my father's consent from him, though he thinks we are
+right. And I believe we shall have a great and grand country some day
+that soldiers will be proud of defending. I go this very night with a
+party of young men who have planned to elude observation. And
+so--good-by."
+
+"I wish thee--a safe return."
+
+"Thanks. Keep me in mind when thou prayest for soldiers and victory."
+
+Then he was gone like a flash.
+
+"I have no heart for the skaters now," Primrose said with a sigh. "Let
+us go home."
+
+The Whartons kept the news very quiet, for it would have made them a
+marked family to have it bruited abroad just now. But Polly was less
+gay, and Primrose watched her wonderingly.
+
+And now the long cold winter was drawing to a close. In March came
+gleams of warmth, welcome sunny days that softened the ice and spoiled
+skating, and the great Delaware sent floating cakes down to the sea.
+Buds began to swell and grass to spring up, and there was a great deal
+of drilling among the troops, and sickness as well.
+
+England began to think that Howe might have captured Washington, cooped
+up in a desolate wild as they considered it from their imperfect news.
+The capture of Burgoyne had been an unexpected blow and led to eloquent
+arguments in Parliament. Mr. Pitt's great speech had reached America,
+and thrilled every patriotic heart. Leaning on his crutches he had
+denounced the purchase of German hirelings and brutal savages.
+
+"If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, while a foreign troop was
+landed in my country, I never would lay down my arms, never! never!
+never!" he had exclaimed.
+
+Then King Louis of France acceded to the treaty of alliance and informed
+the American commissioners "that it was decided to acknowledge the
+independence of the United States."
+
+Howe was to be recalled and succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton. Even this
+news inspired the camp at Valley Forge, where the word from France had
+not yet been received.
+
+At the Henry farm there had been an undercurrent of dissatisfaction.
+Lois Henry had set her heart on Rachel Morgan as a daughter-in-law, and
+her husband was nothing loath, since she was a good housekeeper and
+strong in the faith. It was feared that Andrew was wavering. He never
+spoke at the meetings, and absented himself from home now and then with
+no explanations. It was well known that his sympathies were with the
+army at Valley Forge, and it was surmised in some way that he had a hand
+in sending supplies. Several of the young men about had joined the army.
+
+"Andrew," his father began one morning when they were sorting seeds of
+various kinds for planting, "Andrew, I have somewhat to say to thee.
+Thou art of age, and a good marriage is the best ballast for the journey
+of life. I am elderly and shall never entirely recover from my accident,
+but the farm is large, and some day it will all be thine. A wife that we
+should agree with would pleasure us both fervently. It is true thou
+wilt be able to marry well in a worldly point of view, but we do not
+care so much for that. Thy mother and I have decided it would gratify us
+greatly in the Lord, if thou shouldst see thy way clear to take thy
+cousin Rachel."
+
+"Rachel!" He had more than half suspected this and dreaded it. There was
+also a feeling that Rachel cared for him. He could not imagine himself
+in love with her. Love was something more than a cool, friendly regard,
+meals properly cooked, and a house well kept; thriftiness and laying
+farm to farm.
+
+"Well, does it take thee so by surprise? Moreover, we both know she has
+a deep regard for thee."
+
+"I have not thought of it in that way. I am in no haste to marry," the
+young man replied hesitatingly, casting about for a more forcible
+rejoinder.
+
+"A good wife is a good thing, and thou mayst look far and wide and not
+find thy cousin's equal. She is well grounded in the faith, and I have
+observed with sorrow thy tendency to stray from the old landmarks, but
+youth hath such seasons until the carnal will is subdued. Then it will
+need to make no change in our living. Thy mother and I can grow old in
+this, the home of our youth, and see our children, and our children's
+children, mayhap, growing up, well trained in the faith."
+
+"I will consider it," Andrew said gravely.
+
+"Lay my counsel to heart for thy mother's sake."
+
+Andrew Henry went on with his work, but he knew a crisis had come in his
+life. Like many another Friend trained in the ways of peace he had a
+horror of the cruelties of war, of which he had heard and seen much
+since the battle of Germantown, and shrank from the thought of taking
+any human life. On the other hand was the brave and boundless
+aspiration for liberty and a country of one's own, that had thrilled him
+when he heard the Declaration of Independence read. And now that France
+had held out a helping hand, and the English Parliament was divided, the
+aspect looked more hopeful to him. But for his parents he would go at
+once and cast in his lot with the heroes at Valley Forge, to whom
+patriotism was as brave a religion as that of Roger Williams.
+
+And Rachel! No, he could not marry her. All his soul rose up in revolt.
+Not but what such marriages often occurred among Friends and were
+reasonably happy. Very few sons or daughters went contrary to the advice
+of their parents in such matters. And he knew to refuse would be giving
+up his home.
+
+If Rachel was soft-tongued and attractive like his mother, for Lois
+Henry was still fair of face, visions of the pretty, graceful maidens in
+town danced before his eyes. He had seen them on the streets chatting
+merrily, on the ice flying swiftly like so many gay birds. He had
+listened to Primrose playing on her spinet and singing pretty old love
+songs that she did not understand aught of but the rare melody. And he
+enjoyed Madam Wetherill's house--he had borrowed a few books from the
+old case, and, plain as he was, he had been charmed by some volumes of
+verse.
+
+Surely this Master Quarles must have been a man of deep feeling and
+godliness. And there was one Ben Jonson, and a Master Suckling, though
+he was not quite sure about his dainty conceits. Queer old books in
+stained leather covers and print hard to read. Volumes of one John
+Milton who, he learned, had stood out bravely for liberty.
+
+Madam Wetherill had come upon him one morning browsing deeply in the
+case of books. "Take anything that pleaseth thee," she said kindly.
+"They are old things in the Wardour family that came to my father, and
+he knew many of the scholars of his day. They had not such a fear of
+learning then. And he knew this Mr. Pope and Addison and many another.
+And even our master Franklin, with all his many businesses, found time
+to write verses for his wife, it seems, and with James Logan, has been
+much in earnest that the town should have some sort of library."
+
+He had carried home a thin, old book and kept it closely in his
+waistcoat pocket that no one should surprise it, and read it by odd
+spells. And a volume of John Milton's tracts stirred him mightily.
+
+All these things he would have to give up if he was Rachel Morgan's
+husband. He felt that he had grown out of the narrow bounds and could
+never get back into them.
+
+James Henry went into the house. His wife sat alone, knitting.
+
+"I have spoken to Andrew," he said, "and he will take time to consider.
+But he did not say aught against Rachel, and he certainly hath no other
+fancy. I am thankful my brother's daughter is a mere child, since he
+shows such fondness for her, and thou wert wise, wife, in not having her
+here. She would have been an unmanageable firebrand, since we could not
+control her wholly. And I have good hopes for Rachel. We will not delay
+when the matter is settled, but have them man and wife speedily.
+Marriage is a cure for many wayward notions."
+
+Rachel had come downstairs in her list boots, that she was fond of
+wearing indoors, and could make herself. The door was ajar and she had
+heard all her uncle said. Her heart beat exultantly, and she crept back
+again softly, with a flush on her face and a pleased light in her eye.
+For she was very much in love with Andrew, though she did not call her
+preference by that name. She would give him decorous opportunities to
+speak.
+
+But he went away and left her sitting alone by the fireside, and poured
+over John Milton in his cold room. And if she went out to the barn at
+meal time he made some excuse for not walking back with her.
+
+"Dost thou know," she asked of Penn one day, "where Andrew goes in these
+curious absences? His father is troubled, but he will not say a word."
+
+"He went, one day, across the river to Swede's Ford. It was about some
+wood," he said. "And he hath a friend on the Lancaster road. Now that I
+think, I am afraid there is mischief in it. He hath a soft spot for the
+rebels at Valley Forge. But he always brings home money for what he hath
+sold."
+
+"Uncle James hath spoken to him about marrying."
+
+"Marrying! Whom, pray?"
+
+Rachel flushed swarthily.
+
+"If thy eyes were keen thou couldst have seen what they both desire. I
+shall marry him ere long. It will be a good thing for all of us, and no
+change of home."
+
+Penn simply stared his amazement.
+
+"He is an obstinate fellow in many things. Well--if thou canst manage
+him," doubtfully. "He hath no plans for marriage at present, I know
+that."
+
+"He will heed his father, I think. And, Penn, it will be to thy interest
+to help me. Thou canst put in a word here and there."
+
+Penn Morgan soon learned some things that astonished him. His cousin was
+giving aid to the rebels. Yet it was odd that these starving men could
+pay in gold and silver when the Congress had issued so much paper money.
+
+Penn half suggested the marriage one day when they were working
+together.
+
+Andrew glanced at him with resolute eyes.
+
+"It is a fancy of my father's," he answered, "but I have no mind toward
+it, as I shall tell him presently."
+
+"Is anything displeasing to thee about Rachel?" was the rather nettled
+response.
+
+"Rachel is a good girl and my parents are fond of her. But I have other
+plans for my life," was the quiet reply.
+
+Rachel was vexed at his coldness and studious avoidance of her. She
+boldly walked by his side on Sunday to meeting, but, coming home, there
+was always someone to talk with, until they passed the cross-roads, and
+then he would take Faith by the hand.
+
+Penn Morgan was never quite sure that he had meant to betray his cousin,
+but, finding that several others were trafficking with the rebels,
+fancied he might mention their names as men on whom a sharp eye might be
+kept. Andrew went unsuspiciously into town one day, eager to learn
+something about the British army, and if it were true they were
+preparing for an active campaign. As he stood in Market Square with his
+load nearly disposed of a whisper caught his ear.
+
+"The tall Quaker. He will go to the Pewter Platter. Jonas Evans has been
+suspected for some time. When he has loaded up afresh and is about
+starting will be the time to seize him."
+
+Andrew Henry did not move a muscle while two men scrutinized him
+closely. Afterward one of them approached with a half-insolent air.
+
+"Is trade fair to-day, Friend Broadbrim? The winter seems quite broken
+up. And round about country places they are plowing, no doubt. If thou
+hast made a good bargain thou mightst stand treat. We have drained the
+King's men pretty dry."
+
+"Nay, I am busy just now with some bills to collect, but if thou wilt
+meet me an hour hence at the Pewter Platter, thou shalt have thy fill of
+meat and drink. And since my start was early this morning I shall bring
+a hearty appetite myself."
+
+"Thou art a good fellow, truly," nodding with a slight leer.
+
+"And since thou hast to wait, here is a shilling for ale. There are pot
+houses near by," returned Andrew.
+
+He watched the man enter one. Then he summoned one of the idle boys
+about.
+
+"Keep my horses for five minutes," he said, "and thou shalt be well
+paid." Then he dashed among the crowd, and could not have been told from
+a dozen other men in drab coats and wide hats.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+PARTING.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill sat deep in her account books. Primrose was studying
+arithmetic, and the tough rules were not at all to her taste.
+
+Janice Kent paused at the door. "Madam," she said, "Friend Henry is here
+on urgent business. And he begs that he may come up to you."
+
+Primrose's pretty face was in a glow, and she sprang from her seat.
+
+"It may not concern thee, moppet. Go to Patty. Thou canst not be in
+everything."
+
+The child rose reluctantly, but obeyed.
+
+"I am in trouble," Andrew began briefly. "We have been informed
+about--how much I know not. I thought it best to come and warn thee.
+Still I do not see how thou can be brought in, and thy shrewd wit will,
+I think, save thee. But I must get out of the town some way. I may be
+accused of spying about, and I am not over anxious for a hempen
+necklace, nor lodgings in Walnut Street. So I have little time to
+spare."
+
+With that he related his morning's adventure and how he had left his
+team.
+
+"Canst thou send a blind message to the Pewter Platter at once? Jonas
+Evans will understand."
+
+"Yes. Patty will be best. We can trust her, and she will hardly be
+noted. And thou?"
+
+"I must get out of the town in some sort of disguise. There is much
+behind this that I do not know."
+
+Patty was dispatched on her errand. "Sit still, child, with thy book,
+and presently thou shalt know what is meet," said she.
+
+Andrew Henry went briefly over his inner life for the last two months,
+his desire to enlist in the Continental army, his shrinking from the
+pain it would be to his parents.
+
+"But now, madam, it would bring greater trouble on them for me to go
+home. The British would likely arrest me."
+
+"Yes, I see. And thou hast resolved to be a soldier lad? Not from the
+teasing of little Primrose, I hope."
+
+"No, madam, though I shall be her soldier as well. But those brave men
+at Valley Forge have been before my eyes night and day. I should have
+done this a little later, anyhow. My father and mother are in good
+hands."
+
+"Heaven keep thee! But better a hundred times perish on the field of
+battle than be thrust into that vile den, the Walnut Street Jail, where
+that fiend in human shape, Cunningham, works his cruel will on helpless
+men. Not a day but dead bodies are carried out, some of them bruised and
+beaten and vermin-covered. Faugh! The thought sickens me! Yes, thou must
+escape. Primrose, child, come in."
+
+She ran eagerly to Andrew, who greeted her with a smile. Then Patty
+returned breathless.
+
+"It is all right. They will find nothing from cellar to the top layer of
+the chimney. But Master Evans says get out of the town as fast as you
+can."
+
+Madam Wetherill was considering. "A disguise," she said. "A suit of
+Captain Nevitt's is here, but thou couldst hardly squeeze into it. At
+thirty thou wilt be the counterpart of thy uncle Philemon. Thou wilt go
+to Valley Forge?"
+
+"Yes. After I have struck into the old Perkiomen road no one will look
+for me. It is getting through the city. And the time is brief. I would
+not for worlds raise any suspicion for thee."
+
+"Patty, exercise thy quick wit. If we could dress him up as a young man
+of fashion--or make him into Ralph Jeffries, who is more barrel-shaped.
+But there, the pass!"
+
+"I have it," cried Patty with a merry laugh. "Order up gray Bess, and
+dress him to personate thee. He can put on a mask and drop his
+shoulders. Thy plaided camlet cape will do well. And put Moppet on a
+pillion behind. Someone else must go. Ah, Madam Kent! who will enjoy it
+mightily and sit up like a brigadier. Then, when he is out of harm's
+way, she can bring Primrose home."
+
+"But the mare--how shall I get her back?"
+
+"Thou mayst need her; if not, present her to Madam Washington. Patty,
+thy brain has served us as well as in the matter of making gowns. Come,
+we must make ready."
+
+Janice Kent was summoned, and ready enough for the adventure; and the
+horses were ordered up. Then came a great deal of amusement in attiring
+Andrew.
+
+"Since it is quite muddy put my linen safeguard petticoat on him, Patty,
+the better to conceal his long legs, for it will be somewhat awkward
+riding woman-fashion, but my saddle is broad. Now my bedgown of
+paduasoy. Alack! how short the sleeves are! Here are the long cuffs.
+That will do. Now the camlet cape and my black beaver hat. A mercy it
+is, Andrew, that thou hast no beard. Patty, tie the bow. Upon my word,
+thou art so good-looking, with the coquettish bow under thy chin, that I
+am half afraid some saucy redcoat may stop thee. Janice, guard him well.
+And you must wear my silken mask. April wind is bad for complexions and
+might freckle thee."
+
+Primrose had been dancing about, not comprehending the gravity of the
+case.
+
+"Oh, Aunt Wetherill, how queer it all is! He is like and unlike thee."
+
+"And if thou shouldst meet a friend, be careful and remember that 'tis
+thy aunt. And now, Janice, make thyself ready. Meanwhile I will go into
+retirement under Patty's wing."
+
+Patty went down to see that all was ready. Old Cato stood with the
+horses. Luckily sharper-eyed Julius had gone to market.
+
+Janice helped her mistress, who was rather awkward, it was true. The
+skirts were adjusted, the mask dropped over the face, and then Primrose
+was put in her seat.
+
+"Not a word out of thee for thy very life," said Patty. "Look as demure
+as if on the road to church."
+
+Mistress Janice sprang into her saddle. As they were going out of the
+courtyard, she exclaimed: "Let us take Fairemount, Madam Wetherill, and
+find some wild flowers. The spring is late, to be sure, but they must be
+in bloom."
+
+"There will be no danger, I think," said Patty softly, as she re-entered
+the room.
+
+"I will have my netting and sit here by the child's bed. What a queer
+caper, and so quickly managed! But it is what I thought would come
+presently. Not the suspicion, but Andrew Henry's going over to the
+rebels. He is more like his uncle than Phil Nevitt. Ah, if it could be
+true that the British would decamp before they have quite ruined our
+city we should all give thanks."
+
+There was an imperious knock presently that made the great door rattle.
+The small black factotum, in his Barbadoes suit and red turban, opened
+the top door and glanced at the caller.
+
+"Madam Wetherill----"
+
+"Madam and Missy and Mistress Janice have gone out ridin' som'er."
+
+"Out riding, hey! with mud a foot deep! Tell your mistress that I came
+to have my revenge for her beating me last night at piquet. The young
+people made such a rumpus with their talk I lost my head," and Ralph
+Jeffries looked vexed.
+
+The youngster nodded and grinned. Later on came Polly Wharton and Miss
+Stuart, to meet with the same reply.
+
+At the corner of the street they encountered Captain Nevitt and Vane,
+and an elderly officer.
+
+"It is a fine day save for the mud!" exclaimed Sally. "Fine overhead,
+but few are going that way."
+
+"We did not set out for that," returned Vane, smiling.
+
+"And if you have set out for Madam Wetherill's it will be quite as
+useless. She and the young one have gone off larking, for wild flowers,
+I believe. Mistress Kent went with them for dragon."
+
+Then the men looked at each other.
+
+"How long have they been gone, I wonder."
+
+"Oh, since about high noon!"
+
+Patty had looked up from her sewing at the second knock.
+
+"Thy ride will get noised about and throw suspicion off guard, which
+will be so much the better," she exclaimed.
+
+They waited impatiently for the return of the guard, laughing over
+another call or two. It was almost dusk when Janice and Primrose
+returned.
+
+"Friend Henry escaped safely, though, madam, if thou shouldst be taxed
+with rudeness in not bowing at the proper time, pray apologize. We met
+some old friends, but he was somewhat stiff. And the saddle is left with
+one Master Winter at Fairemount. I ripped it that he might have the job
+of sewing and earn a few pence. Friend Henry was glad enough to doff
+petticoats and jump on astride; 'tis about the only thing I envy in a
+man. And then I put on thy skirt, and we slunk into town quietly. Quite
+an adventure, truly! If one could only hear the end of it!"
+
+James Henry heard the next day that there was a warrant out for his son,
+who was suspected of carrying messages and other matters to the rebel
+headquarters at Valley Forge. He had left his horses and the wagon in
+the market place, and disappeared. No one remembered letting him out on
+his pass. It might be that he was still hiding in the town.
+
+"There has been too much of this carrying back and forth," declared the
+sergeant. "It is time there was a sterner hand at the helm, and not so
+much pleasuring."
+
+There were reasons why Captain Nevitt said nothing to his little sister
+about the matter, and she was strictly forbidden to suggest it. The
+Wetherill household had not seen Andrew, as he had watched his
+opportunity to slip in unaware; consequently, nothing was gained by
+questioning them.
+
+"They would certainly have known if he had come in our absence," said
+Madam Wetherill with an air of interest. "Of course we must be sorry to
+have him in danger, but we will not lay the matter before Primrose."
+
+There were stirring events on both sides. On the 7th of May the news
+reached the Continental army of the recognition of France. The warmer
+weather and the replenishment of food and clothing had inspirited the
+men. Many new enlistments from the country around had come in. On this
+morning they were assembled for prayers and thanksgiving. General
+Steuben had drilled them until they presented a really soldierly
+appearance. But their enthusiasm broke bounds when the salutes were
+fired.
+
+"Long live the King of France!" ran through the army with a shout.
+Another salute was fired. "Long live the friendly European powers." And
+the third, "The American States," was received with the wildest joy.
+They all forgot the suffering of the long, dreary winter.
+
+After a discourse by one of the chaplains, there was a collation. When
+the General and Mrs. Washington retired the soldiers lined the way with
+the cry of "Long live General Washington!" "Long live Lady Washington!"
+a title that seemed to follow her, and that had been given her before by
+Colonel Hancock.
+
+It was supposed the campaign would open almost at once. But General
+Howe's army had been demoralized more by dissipation than the
+Continentals by hardships, and weakened by numerous desertions. The
+officers had been in one round of gayety, and the city recalled their
+charms long afterward. They had made the theater a reputable place of
+amusement, and the higher-class balls had been well patronized by the
+Tory ladies.
+
+But the farewell to General Howe was to excel all other gayeties, and to
+be an event long remembered, including a regatta, a tournament, and a
+dance. Decorated barges left Knight's Wharf in the afternoon, full of
+handsomely attired guests, who were carried to Old Fort, and escorted by
+troops to the beautiful and spacious lawn of Walnut Grove. The English
+fleet lay at anchor, flying their colors, and the transport ships were
+crowded with spectators.
+
+The tournament, with its two sets of knights ready to do battle for
+their favorite ladies, sounds like a chapter out of the Middle Ages. New
+York had abounded in gayeties, but this eclipsed anything yet attempted.
+The apartment had been decorated by the British officers, foremost among
+them young Andre, little dreaming then what fate had in store for him,
+and how his life would end.
+
+After the tournament, with its stilted magnificence, came a dance, a
+display of fireworks, a supper with twenty-four slaves in Oriental
+costumes, with silver collars and gilt armlets. The walls were hung with
+mirrors, and thousands of wax tapers reflected the brilliance of silken
+gowns and jewels, of scarlet and gold uniforms, of fair women and brave
+men that made the Mischianza a glittering page of history.
+
+It was true that many beside the Tory ladies graced the occasion. There
+had been an undeniable friendliness between both Americans and British,
+and many a heart won and lost, as it was said six hundred or more
+deserters from Clinton's army found their way back to Philadelphia and
+made worthy citizens, some of them indeed entering the American army.
+
+Captain Nevitt had importuned Madam Wetherill to attend, for he was
+resolved Primrose should see the pageant. Polly Wharton had, as she
+admitted, nine minds out of the ten to go, as Thomas Wharton, the owner
+of Walnut Grove, was her uncle. But her brother was in the American
+army, and her heart really went with her country.
+
+"As if a little dancing could matter!" said Phil Nevitt. "Nay, Miss
+Polly, I doubt not but that some day I shall see you at the court of our
+King, and perhaps dance with you in a palace. And I want Primrose to go,
+but Madam Wetherill will not, though Major Andre himself sent the
+invitation. He is such a charming, generous fellow that he can do more
+with his winning air than many with their swords. But Primrose I must
+take. She is such a pretty, saucy, captivating rebel that it is charming
+to tease her. And, if you will go, her aunt will give in, I know."
+
+"I'm not sure," Primrose declared with dainty hesitation, "whether I
+want to go or not. I am certain, Phil, I shall be a worse rebel than
+ever, afterward."
+
+"Nay, Primrose, when you see the gallant gentlemen who have come over to
+help the King restore peace and order, and punish some of the
+ringleaders, you will be convinced of the great mistake the Americans
+have made. And then we shall be friends again."
+
+"I wish you were all going back to England with General Howe!"
+
+"And you give me up so easily--your own brother?" with a pathetic
+upbraiding in his tone.
+
+"Only a half-brother! And the Tory half I can't like. The other, the
+Henry half----"
+
+"Well----" studying her mischievous, dancing eyes.
+
+"I like that--a little," demurely.
+
+"I shall be patient, sweet darling. I have come to love you dearly--your
+mother's half, and your father's half."
+
+She glanced up with her warm, frank heart shining in her eyes, and he
+kissed her fondly.
+
+"When thou lovest me well I shall know it by one sign: thou wilt kiss me
+of thy own accord."
+
+She had to steel her heart hard when he adopted the old phraseology, and
+smiled in that beseeching manner.
+
+"We shall not be converted, little Primrose," said Polly Wharton. "I
+shall think of Allin at Valley Forge, and thou of thy splendid Quaker
+cousin that so adroitly escaped the snare set for him. And we shall
+twist the festivities about. When they drink to the King and the redcoat
+army, we shall say to ourselves, 'Washington and the buff and blue.' And
+when we dance, for there will be your brother and young Vane and Captain
+Fordham, so we are sure of three partners, and as we whirl around we
+shall say to ourselves 'Hurrah for the flag of the thirteen colonies!'"
+
+"It looks quite patriotic that way," answered Primrose archly.
+
+It ended by their going. Mrs. Stuart and Sally, who were hardly Whig or
+Tory, promised to keep watch of them. And though Miss Auchmuty had been
+crowned Queen of Beauty at the tournament, and there were the fair
+Shippen women and the Chews, men paused to look at the sweet,
+golden-haired child who was so simply gowned that her dress did not
+detract from her beauty. And long afterward, when she was an old lady,
+she could recount the famous scene that ended, as one might say, the
+British possession of Philadelphia. For even as they danced amid the
+gleaming lights and fragrant flowers, a premonition of what was to come,
+although unexpected, and a bloodless victory, 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 sobbing heap at the foot of the broad stairway.
+
+"Come, dear," said Madam Wetherill, much moved. "Thou shalt sleep in my
+bed and I will comfort thee."
+
+It was true enough that the Continentals, marching down, found an empty
+city. General Charles Lee had held back some information and acted in an
+unpatriotic manner when his commander had reposed unlimited trust in
+him. And a few days later his indecision was made manifest at the battle
+of Monmouth, when he was courtmartialed and disgraced.
+
+But another tall soldier came in buff and blue, and so amazed Primrose
+that she hardly knew him. With him was Allin Wharton, who had much to
+say about Andrew's work through the winter, and that no gift had ever
+been more timely than Madam Wetherill's great bag of stockings that was
+still talked about; and Lady Washington had esteemed it as one of the
+most providential happenings.
+
+"I have much to tell thee, sometime," Andrew said. "There is only a
+moment now, for we are after the runaways." And then he gave her a long,
+fond kiss.
+
+Madam Wetherill glanced at them. Would it be the old story over again?
+
+The battle of Monmouth was hard fought, but a victory for neither side,
+since Sir Henry saved his stores at the sacrifice of many lives, and
+escaped. Washington came back to the city for a brief stay and new
+plans.
+
+Lovely old Philadelphia, that had been William Penn's dream, was no
+more. British occupation had overthrown its quaint charm. Gardens had
+been destroyed, houses ruined, streets were a mass of filth and rubbish,
+the country roads were full of lawless gangs who plundered inoffensive
+people.
+
+"Oh, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, freed from the anxious and
+troublesome solicitations, hurries, and perplexities of woeful Europe,"
+Penn had exclaimed, on his return from his first visit back to England.
+But the quiet had disappeared; even the old Quaker homes, that had held
+out alike from blaming foe and encouraging friend, were full of
+apprehension.
+
+Washington at once placed General Arnold in command. His marriage with
+Mistress Margaret Shippen, and his beautiful home at Mount Pleasant,
+where elegance and extravagance reigned, had rendered him an object of
+disapprobation with the sober-thoughted and solid part of the community.
+Joseph Ross, the president of the executive council, brought many
+charges against him, which though angrily repelled at the time were
+proved sadly true later on.
+
+There were some trials of Tories, and two men were hanged for high
+treason, both Quakers, one of whom had enlisted in Howe's army, and the
+other was accused of numerous crimes. Many had to choose between exile,
+or contempt that was ostracism at home. Dr. Duche had in the darkest
+period written a letter to General Washington beseeching him to submit
+to any proffer of peace that England might hold out, having lost his
+ardent patriotism, and he went to his old home to meet with charges of
+disloyalty there.
+
+But people began to take heart a little, to clear up their wasted
+gardens and fields and repair their houses. Some of the pleasure haunts
+were opened again, and women ventured on their afternoon walks on the
+streets, well protected, to be sure. There was, too, a certain amount of
+gayety, tea-drinking and cards, and excursions up the river were well
+patronized.
+
+Andrew Henry, now sergeant, was detailed for a while among the troops to
+remain in Philadelphia. Now that he had embarked in the war he preferred
+a more active life, and it was too near his old home to be satisfactory.
+But as soon as possible he reported to Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I can never thank thee sufficiently for thy assistance and quick wit,"
+he said to her. "Through it I escaped without harm, but I found
+afterward they had more proof than I could have safely met. And when I
+arrived at camp I dispatched a messenger to my father, telling him of my
+changed mind and plans for the future."
+
+"And he was angry enough!" interposed Madam Wetherill.
+
+"It was worse than that. Mere anger is, perhaps, outlived. He had some
+other plans," and the young Quaker flushed. "He gave me a fortnight to
+return, and, if not, would put Penn in my place and I need expect
+nothing more."
+
+"See what thy talk hath led to, Primrose! For I was afraid thy patriotic
+rebellion was contagious."
+
+Andrew smiled down on the child. "She hath been a wise little one, and I
+am not sorry to be her soldier. With women like you, madam, to bring up
+girls, and Lady Washington to care for disheartened soldiers, there will
+be still greater victories, and there can be but one end."
+
+Primrose looked up with an enchanting smile. "I am proud of thee," she
+made answer with an exultant ring in her voice. "And there is Polly
+Wharton's brother who ran over me on the ice, and--my own brother that I
+pray may come around."
+
+"I feel very much as if I had been on both sides of the fence," remarked
+Madam Wetherill. "Still I could not have helped so much if I had been
+outspoken on the rebel side. I heard many a little thing that could be
+passed on, and found how a few supplies could be forwarded without
+suspicion. But, Andrew, wilt thou never regret this step?"
+
+"I considered well for many weeks. There were some other conditions I
+could not wisely accept. And Penn will be a good son to my father.
+Otherwise I could hardly have left him. But 'tis done now, and though I
+shall long many times to see my dear mother's face, I shall fight none
+the less bravely for our land. I hope to follow our intrepid Washington,
+and may soon be transferred."
+
+"And leave the city?" cried Primrose in dismay.
+
+"I do not quite like our new general. I am afraid the coming winter will
+be like the last, and I, for one, would have no heart for pleasure until
+we have won our independence."
+
+Andrew promised to come in again when he was off duty, and Primrose
+reluctantly let him go. Yet she watched him with glistening eyes, and
+could hardly decide how much was glory and how much tears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+LOVE AND TRUE LOVE.
+
+
+"A very plain stiff Quaker downstairs, Primrose, who demands to see thee
+alone. There is a sharp air about her. I think she must be one of those
+the madam spoke of who are importuning about repairs and want rents for
+nothing."
+
+"To see me?" asked Primrose in surprise. "I have nothing to do with the
+houses."
+
+"She would not allow her business was with anyone else. She does not
+look like one of the begging women with whom the city is overrun."
+
+Primrose walked slowly down the wide staircase full of curiosity. Polly
+Wharton asked for her sometimes, and Anabella Morris.
+
+The visitor had on the close hat with the big round crown that but few
+of the younger women wore, and rarely in black. Her gown was straight
+and plain, the long sleeves coming down over her ungloved hands, and a
+square of gray twilled silk crossed over her bosom. She did not stir
+until Primrose was well into the room and then she turned.
+
+"Oh, Rachel!" was the surprised exclamation.
+
+Rachel Morgan stared at the vision before her. An unwonted envy stirred
+her. It seemed as if Faith grew plainer every day, and this girl took
+all the beauty!
+
+"How are they all at the farm?" Primrose inquired with pretty
+graciousness. "Is Uncle James quite well and strong?"
+
+"How could one be well with such a great sorrow?" the visitor asked
+sternly, fixing her eyes on Primrose, who shrank from the hard gaze, and
+felt her heart beat in strange protest.
+
+"But--Andrew is well--is here----"
+
+"We heard a part of the army had been retained, and a neighbor hath seen
+Andrew Henry in the attire of the sons of cruelty and worldliness, and
+that bitter spirit toward the law that Mr. Penn besought his brethren
+not to use. But no one seems to heed duty or obedience any more."
+
+Primrose stood gazing as if the voice held her in a half-frightened
+thrall.
+
+"He hath been here, in this house?"
+
+"Yes, yesterday," with some hesitation.
+
+"And he will come again?"
+
+"Oh, yes!" There was a confident ring in her voice that angered the
+other.
+
+"The world and its sins hath grown greatly upon him. I will venture to
+say he feels more at home amid these gauds and giddy flowered damasks
+and soft cushions and numerous things the elect would term idols of the
+carnal sort," glancing around. "And the vain women who frequent houses
+like these. I see thou art tricked out with much worldly vanity, and thy
+father was one of the straitest Friends. How canst thou do it?"
+
+Primrose opened her eyes wide at this tirade and shook back the curly,
+glistening hair that she did not yet wear high on her head, for Madam
+Wetherill hated to have her leave the cloisters of girlhood. And her
+frock was white muslin, lengthened down a little and the piece covered
+with an artful ruffle. There was a silver buckle at her belt, and on
+each shoulder a knot of blue ribbon.
+
+She hardly knew what to say, but presently she ventured--"Truly, Cousin
+Rachel, I do not feel vain. I seldom think of my gowns."
+
+"I am in no mood to discuss attire," as if Primrose had begun it. "I
+come to thee on an urgent errand. Thou knowest, perhaps, that Andrew
+hath angered his father beyond everything. Instead of heeding the
+admonition to come out from the world and have no part in its
+wickedness, he hath all winter been a go-between, encouraging rebellion
+by carrying supplies to the camp at Valley Forge----"
+
+"It was noble and kindly to take a great danger upon himself, to feed
+sick and starving men, and to clothe their poor bodies. It surely made
+one's heart bleed to hear of their sufferings. Nay, thou shalt not say
+hard and bitter things against him!" cried Primrose spiritedly.
+
+"The truth is wholesome, if it hath a bitter tang. We surmised that he
+found encouragement in this house, and had beforetime listened to thy
+childish and unreasoning folly. And he made himself a criminal in the
+eyes of the law. His father's house was searched, and a man of Belial
+abode with us to see if he would not come back. And the two fine animals
+and the market wagon were carried off. If they had found him it would
+have gone hard with him."
+
+"But they did not," Primrose said triumphantly.
+
+"Thou didst see him then?"
+
+"Yes. And we knew--we saw him safely on the old Perkiomen road. Then
+someone came the next day to inquire about him, so we know he had
+eluded them. And now they have marched in and Philadelphia is free!"
+
+"There were anxious days and nights about him until the word came that
+he had joined the camp of rebels under Washington."
+
+"But long ago he said if the country needed him he would go. And there
+was Penn to take his place."
+
+"Penn will be a good son to my uncle. But, after all, it is Andrew's
+place. He is needed. His mother's heart is sore for him, and I can see
+that Uncle James is not at rest. So I have put my pride in my pocket as
+a sinful thing, and come to thee. Perhaps thou mayest have some
+influence over him. Wilt thou try to persuade him?"
+
+Primrose looked down on the floor as she laced her slim hands together.
+
+"I will tell thee the whole story. He was to marry me. Aunt Lois wished
+it and said I was a daughter after her own heart. I should have cared
+for them as if I had been an own child. Uncle James had spoken to him
+and he had promised to consider. At the meeting it had been talked of as
+most proper and suitable. I had not much money, for our small farm hath
+to be divided among three. But Uncle James thought a good wife better
+than wealth."
+
+Primrose stared in blank amazement. Had not Andrew said there was a
+condition he could not fulfill? Was it this?
+
+"I should have made him a good wife and roused him out of that
+dreaminess he allowed to hang about him. And because it was to be so, I
+plead with Uncle James until he relented. He hath promised me to take
+him back----"
+
+"But he will not leave the army until they have driven the English
+across the seas again. And if thou couldst see him so straight and tall
+and proud, holding up his head as he never did before! And all his heart
+is in it."
+
+"But the Lord made him a son and not a soldier. It is against our
+belief. We have come out from the world, and are not to fight its sinful
+battles. He hath a higher duty. Thou hast a smooth and persuasive
+tongue, and if thou wouldst use it to restore peace between a sad father
+and wayward son, and assure him he hath only to come back and fulfill
+his promise and all will be peace--if thou carest to do a good work,
+this will be one."
+
+Rachel Morgan rose, and looked so steadily, so sternly at Primrose Henry
+that she felt a shrinking all over her.
+
+"Thou wilt do this," she said. "It seems as if thou hadst cared a little
+for Aunt Lois and thy dead father's brother, and if thou hast any love
+thou wilt try to restore peace."
+
+"I will tell him what thou sayest," in a weak tone as if she was hardly
+persuaded.
+
+Rachel caught her hand, which was soft as a rose leaf, and wrung it in
+hers until she could have cried with pain.
+
+"Nay, not in that cold way. Thou hast the eyes and the tongue to move
+whomever thou wilt, and he set strange store by thee. Men often yield to
+a honeyed voice. Coax him, convince him it is his duty. Otherwise their
+sorrow and, perhaps, their death may be on his hands, and neither wilt
+thou be altogether free. That was my errand and the Lord gave me
+strength to come, though women do not generally plead for their
+lovers."
+
+"I will try," Primrose said, much moved.
+
+But she sat by herself after Rachel had left her, thinking the matter
+over with a curious protest that she did not understand. Why should she
+shrink from his marrying Rachel? She had seen many lovers through the
+winter, and Anabella had poured into her ears a great deal of
+foolish-sounding flattery, and delight on her part, that had caused
+Primrose much wonder. And now her gay captain had followed the fortunes
+of Sir Henry Clinton, and she was in despair, though he had promised to
+return.
+
+But she asked Madam Wetherill what she ought to do. The lady gave an odd
+little smile.
+
+"You must tell him, since you have consented. But it will not change his
+intentions. His enlisting was no sudden notion, if he was forced into it
+by circumstances. I wonder at Mistress Rachel making this appeal."
+
+"Do you think he ought to marry her?" Primrose asked timidly.
+
+"That is a question for him to answer, my child."
+
+But Madam Wetherill knew if he had been in love with Rachel he would
+have made some overtures himself.
+
+Primrose studied the subject within her heart and was quite grave over
+it. For two days they did not see him and on the third a messenger came
+with a note.
+
+The permission to join Washington had arrived suddenly and they were to
+march at once. It was the present plan of the Commander in Chief to
+invest New York and pen up the British there. "I would rather fight than
+see the gayety of the last winter repeated," Andrew wrote. "And I am
+much afraid our officers have not learned wisdom by the experience of
+their enemies. For surely so much pleasure will demoralize them. And
+though I am sorry not to see thee, partings are sad at the best, and I
+have a strong belief that I shall return well and sound. Dear Primrose,
+if so be thou could get word to my mother without too great an effort,
+tell her I keep her in my heart day and night. She will know it was not
+possible for me to accede to my father's request, pleasant as it might
+have been for others. I send him a son's respect, whether he considers
+me in the light of a son or no, and am sorry that at the last I should
+have brought trouble and suspicion upon them. It is my present hope that
+Penn will be a good son to them. I wish little Faith could have some of
+thy joy, for I am afraid it is a dreary life for the child. Heaven be
+watchful of thee, little Primrose."
+
+It was true that several companies were not needed for the city's
+protection, and were dispatched in the hasty mood that not infrequently
+ruled General Arnold.
+
+And now new defenses were erected for the city, and there was a general
+clearing up. The barricade around the old Treaty Elm was taken down, the
+squares were freed from rubbish and the grass restored, the houses
+repaired and new ones planned. True, landlords groaned about unpaid
+rents, and money-lenders almost wept over the sums the British had
+despoiled them of. The country estates were in a sad plight, many of
+them, but others had escaped.
+
+Madam Wetherill thanked Heaven that it was no worse with her. Mount
+Pleasant was a scene of great gayety during the summer, and the Arnolds
+and the Shippens held grand court, almost like royalty. She had much to
+do minding her estate and looking out for some of her southern
+interests, and took less heed to gay parties.
+
+Twice a year the trustees met to consider the estate of Mistress
+Primrose Henry. Just before this Madam Wetherill took her charge over to
+the old Quaker farm, that was so peaceful and thrifty one would hardly
+dream there had been war in the land. Primrose had sent a message to
+Rachel Morgan to explain why she had not undertaken her trust.
+
+Aunt Lois was rather feeble, but Rachel seemed to carry the house on her
+shoulders, and was noticeably sharp with the men and Chloe, who was
+growing old as well as her mistress. Certainly she looked after all
+things in a thrifty fashion that had already brought a crease between
+her eyes, young as she was.
+
+Faith was thin and fearful-looking, as if she expected some chiding in
+nearly everything, and it rarely missed coming. For Rachel had been
+sorely disappointed in her marriage plans, and liked to make others
+suffer for her unhappiness.
+
+Primrose was like a butterfly in the plain old house, and seemed to make
+a swift dazzle. Aunt Lois warmed curiously toward her, feeling as if the
+sun was shining after a spell of lowering weather.
+
+She rose from her chair and laid aside her knitting.
+
+"Thee used to love the chickens so much," she said gently. "We have some
+pretty ones. While thy aunt talks business let us get out and see them.
+I sit in doors so much thinking, and though I try not to question the
+will of Providence, life does not seem quite as it used. It may be that
+I am getting old. Poor mother used to sit under the tree yonder, but
+when it comes my time, Faith will be too womanly and too busy to look
+after me, and perhaps married."
+
+They walked down the well-trodden path. There were chicken mothers in
+little coops, and yellow, downy balls, others with tiny wings and
+patches of feathers here and there.
+
+"Thou didst see Andrew before he went away?"
+
+The mother's eyes had a soft, wistful, far-off look.
+
+"Yes. And a lovely letter that I have read again and again. Oh, why did
+I not bring it--but indeed I did not know"--pausing in a tone that
+indicated what might be meant.
+
+"A mother is a mother always. A father may feel hard when his plans are
+traversed. Tell me about my son; for I cannot shut my heart upon him."
+
+"He makes a handsome soldier and a good one. He will have a large heart
+and a wise head."
+
+"But a soldier! And to kill his fellow-creatures. We are to live in
+peace."
+
+"But I was to say when I could, that he kept thee in his heart day and
+night, and that he would never forget thee. Dear Aunt Lois, he is brave
+and good and tender of soul, and I know God loves him for his work to
+the poor and needy last winter."
+
+"I have wondered many times how he escaped. We only knew that he was
+safe."
+
+"Someone betrayed him. He had taken great care. Wilt thou hear how he
+left the town?"
+
+"Dost thou know?" raising her soft eyes.
+
+Primrose told gleefully how they had disguised him and seen him safe on
+the road where he was not likely to meet the soldiery.
+
+"And thou didst do this for him, dear child!"
+
+She took the soft hands in hers, that were soft again now that she did
+little coarse labor.
+
+"It was not much to do, surely. And it was rare fun when the guards
+passed us."
+
+"I owe much to thee and Madam Wetherill. And did he speak of any
+return?"
+
+"Nay, his is a soldier's life."
+
+"I sometimes think it is not wisdom to plan children's lives. Perhaps if
+we had let him be," and she gave a gentle sigh. "But we had hopes he
+would fancy Rachel, and she somehow had set her heart upon it. He seemed
+not inclined to marry, and so we should have waited until the spirit
+guided him. Child, I thank thee for thy care and interest in him. We
+should have been glad if thou couldst have kept thy father's faith and
+been content to stay here, but I can see thou didst need a larger life.
+Perhaps we narrow ours too much. It may not always be the Lord's will as
+we think. I have strange ideas as I sit and knit or sew. And I remember
+that good Mr. Penn and his wife took much pleasure of a kind we hardly
+approve of now. It is hard to tell which is right."
+
+"Dear Aunt Lois, whatever leads people to be sweet and joyful and
+thankful and kind to all who suffer cannot be far wrong. And were there
+no good men before the time of Mr. Fox and Mr. Penn?"
+
+"Thou wert always finding prettiness of speech and ways that have a
+charm in them. And if thou shouldst send word to Andrew at any time,
+tell him his mother's heart is tender towards him and that no one can
+fill his place. Thou hast given me much joy. But I can see thou art not
+fitted for the grave life here, and if our ancestors crossed the sea
+that they might have liberty of belief, why should we not grant it to
+others?"
+
+James Henry no longer insisted upon what he called his rights in his
+brother's child. She was too gay and worldly for his taste, which, where
+women were concerned, could have been comprised in the old advice "To
+avoid Papishers and learn to knit." And when he looked on the industry
+and thrift of Rachel his heart hardened toward his son for his
+blindness.
+
+For Primrose went steadily now to Christ Church, but England would not
+send over a bishop while people were so contumacious, and so some rites
+were held in abeyance.
+
+But she was very happy and growing tall rapidly, and Friend Henry turned
+her over altogether to Madam Wetherill, who after all was not forgotten
+by the fashionables, even if they did run after the Arnolds.
+
+And in the autumn there were some changes, although the Continentals had
+not swept their enemies across the sea. Society Hill put on a brisk
+aspect, and gardens opened again where they sold beer and cakes, and
+young people chatted merrily, while older people gossiped. There were
+shops trying to turn out much-needed goods that gave the town an aspect
+of industry. Indeed employment was provided for the poor classes in
+putting streets in order. All manner of homespun cloth was made. Even
+Mrs. Washington had ordered that her spinning wheels at Mount Vernon
+should fly as briskly as if she were there, and sixteen were kept going
+all the time.
+
+Franklin and John Adams were in France cementing the alliance that was
+so slow in doing its promised work. At home, political leaders were
+quarreling fiercely among themselves. Joseph Reed and Arnold were at
+swords' points. A charge of dishonesty and malpractice in office was
+preferred against Arnold before the Continental Congress, but, though
+convicted, he was sentenced to a reprimand only. He had been a brave
+soldier, and Washington, with a heart full of anxiety for other
+undertakings, unfortunately dealt leniently with him, but it made no
+appeal to better feelings or conduct, for he began almost at once his
+treasonable practices with the British, that were to bring about a
+lasting shame.
+
+There were other troubles as well. The Quakers could not and would not
+serve in the army nor pay taxes for its support. Franklin had known how
+to gain by diplomacy what they would not openly concede, but they were
+unpopular with those in power, and the mob openly rejoiced when goods
+were levied upon. Indeed many of the poorer and plainer brethren had
+little sympathy when such articles as "a looking glass in wide gilt and
+mahogany frame, with ornamental corners" and "handsome walnut chairs
+deeply carven and with silken cushions" and "mahogany tea table with
+carved legs and crow feet" were sold for a quarter of their value. It
+shows that many of the Friends were not stinted in their household
+appointments, and must indeed have had sturdy consciences to part with
+their cherished belongings rather than pay away a little money in what
+was considered an unjust cause.
+
+New York was full of gayety and dissipation under the British, as
+Philadelphia had been. And Primrose was sent for by her brother, who was
+now Colonel Nevitt and in a pleasant position.
+
+"There is much to see and enjoy," he wrote. "And there are fine manners
+and customs that will fit you for London when we go. For it is most
+certain, by the looks of things, that the rebellion will soon be
+brought to an end. The winter in Philadelphia was a great mistake,
+though pleasant enough to me. And you must be now a pretty young woman
+that I should be proud to have. If Madam Wetherill feels that she is not
+young enough for gayety, I have some friends here who will be glad to
+take charge of a fair young girl, and I shall be most happy with my
+charming sister. There are parties coming almost every week, and I can
+find safe escort. Do not disappoint me."
+
+"What wilt thou do?" asked Madam Wetherill. "Thou art no longer a little
+girl, Primrose, though it grieves me to say it. Patty scolds about
+lengthening thy gowns all the time, and Anabella is sure I will keep
+thee an old maid. Though between two stools she is like to come to the
+floor for aught I see. Her British lover never so much as wrote her a
+line, and young Matthews, that she made quite certain of, hath married
+Kitty Strong. She need not worry about thee, since thou hast nearly two
+years' grace behind her. But her mother was so foolishly hasty to have
+her married."
+
+"But I want to stay a little girl," cried Primrose eagerly. "I hate a
+big hoop and a monstrous topknot that pulls my hair, and a bunch of
+feathers that makes one look like an Indian sachem."
+
+She made such a pretty pouting mouth, like a rose half-blown, that madam
+laughed.
+
+"And then one can run around with Patty and tease the boys who sell pink
+calamus buds, and buy 'Peppery pot, smoking hot.'" She was such a good
+mimic it sounded exactly like the venders.
+
+"I am afraid I have spoiled thee. But it is thy brother whom we must
+consider. He may have some rights."
+
+"What rights, indeed, to a rebel maiden who would hate the sight of so
+many red coats together?"
+
+"Still thou dost love him a little. Surely he is thy nearest kin."
+
+"I can never think whether I love him dearly or only a little. When I
+pull a daisy out it says only a little. And when I blew a puffy
+dandelion out to tell me where my true love dwelt, it went south instead
+of north."
+
+"But the great city. I was there once, years ago. It hath many queer
+things and reminders of the old Dutch people who settled it. And it has
+a beautiful river and an island south of it, and a short way out to the
+ocean."
+
+"As if we did not have our fine and noble Delaware that runs on and up
+past the Jerseys to the State of New York. And there is our Schuylkill
+with its peaceful shores and green and flowery banks, now that the
+British are away, and our beautiful Wissahickon. Nay, I want nothing
+beyond my own home town, and no one but you and the friends that come
+here. I will write to Phil and tell him that neither his tongue nor his
+pen can charm me. And he never says 'thou' latterly."
+
+"But the young people here leave it off, I notice. And thou must not
+write saucily."
+
+Primrose laughed and tossed her golden head.
+
+She wrote to her brother and put in some rhymes, a fashion quite
+affected then, for many of the young ladies wrote sentimental and
+would-be satiric verses. Hannah Griffiths, who was cousin to Deborah
+Logan, had satirized the famous Mischianza, and there were songs for
+various occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
+
+Primrose wrote also to Andrew Henry. It was difficult to get letters
+from the Federal soldiers unless some messenger came direct, but she
+guessed how much pleasure the bit of news would be to him. She rode out
+to the farm occasionally and took a message from Aunt Lois to Andrew.
+Uncle James was growing quite deaf and irritable in temper, but Aunt
+Lois softened perceptibly and was always glad to see Primrose.
+
+Rachel had a new vexation that did not improve her temper. Chloe
+grumbled at the sharpness, but she was too old to think of another home.
+Faith was now a tall, thin girl, looking careworn and sallow.
+
+"I must walk a little with thee even if I should get beaten for it
+afterward," she said in one of the visits, as she intercepted Primrose
+and Patty at the group of great sycamores that shut off the view of the
+road. "For I feel sometimes as if the strings of my heart would burst
+when there is no one to talk to but old Chloe, and Rachel watches us as
+a cat does a mouse."
+
+"She would not beat thee, surely." Primrose's face was one indignant
+flame.
+
+"She did when I was smaller, until one day Aunt Lois interfered. Now she
+slaps, and her hand is hard as a board; or she boxes my ears until bells
+ring in them. I know not what made her so cross at first, except that
+she tried to be sweet and pleasant to Andrew, and when he was gone all
+was different. Now Penn walks home from meeting with Clarissa Lane and
+finds excuses for going over there. But Rachel says he is needed here on
+the farm since uncle cannot work as he used, and that he shall neither
+go away to marry, nor bring a wife home here. They had a bitter quarrel
+one day. I was gathering sassafras and birch buds for her and they did
+not know I was there. And Rachel said if he married Clarissa, she would
+persuade uncle not to leave him any part of the farm. Ought not the farm
+belong to Andrew?"
+
+Primrose shook her head doubtfully.
+
+"If I were a man I would run away and fight too. I would find Andrew and
+march and fight beside him. Oh, Primrose, thou canst never know how good
+and sweet he was to me and what wise counsel he gave. And now I am so
+wretched!"
+
+"Poor girl, poor Faith!" Primrose cried, deeply moved. "If you could
+come into town----"
+
+"I can go nowhere, she says, until I am of age; if I did, that the
+constable could bring me back, or I could be put in jail. And that if I
+do not please her I shall have none of Uncle James' money."
+
+"It is not honest to count on the money, and James Henry may live many
+years!" exclaimed Patty sharply.
+
+"If I had it I should give it back to Andrew. I feel as if we had
+crowded him out of his home. No one speaks of him but Aunt Lois and old
+Chloe, and Rachel frowns at her. Oh, if I dared come to thee, I would be
+a servant, or anything! Oh, Primrose, God hast set thee in a blessed
+garden! Bend over and kiss me. And come again. It is like a bit of
+heaven to see thee."
+
+Then Faith vanished, and the tears ran down the pink cheeks of the
+child.
+
+"Oh, what can we do?" she sobbed.
+
+"Nothing, dear," returned Patty, much moved, and feeling that some
+comfort was needed, even if it was only the sound of a human voice.
+"Friend Rachel hath grown hard through disappointment. Grace does not
+always wrap itself in a plain garb, and a red rose is sweet and pretty
+in its redness. There is much selfishness in the world under all colors,
+methinks, and when it is gray; it grows grayer by the wearing."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+MID WAR'S ALARMS.
+
+
+Madam Wetherill sighed over the affair and was sorry to hear of the
+failing health of James Henry. But nothing could be done to ease up
+Faith's hard lines. She understood much more than she could explain to
+the innocent Primrose; more indeed than she cared to have her know at
+present about the emotions the human soul. For she had the sweet
+unconsciousness of a flower that had yet to open, and she did not want
+it rudely forced.
+
+Rachel's desire and disappointment must have soured her greatly, she
+thought. In spite of her training in resignation, human nature seemed as
+strong in her as in any woman of the world who maneuvered for a lover.
+Yet Madam Wetherill was truly glad Andrew had escaped the snare.
+
+And now the country was in great disquiet again. Arnold's treason and
+its sad outcome in the death of the handsome and accomplished Major
+Andre fell like a thunderbolt on the town where he had been the leader
+of the gay life under Howe. Many women wept over his sad end. Washington
+had been doubtful of Arnold's integrity for some time, but thought
+giving him the command at West Point would surely attach him to his
+country's fortunes. Washington being called to a conference with the
+French officers at Hartford, Arnold chose this opportunity to surrender
+West Point and its dependencies, after some show of resistance, into
+the hands of the British for a certain sum of money.
+
+But Arnold had roused suspicions in the heart of more than one brave
+soldier; among them Andrew Henry, who had been promoted to a lieutenancy
+for brave conduct and foresight.
+
+Clinton was to sail up the river. Andre went up the Hudson in the sloop
+of war _Vulture_, which anchored off Teller's Point. Fearing they knew
+not what, the Continentals dragged an old six-pound cannon to the end of
+Teller's Point. That galled the _Vulture_ and drove her from her
+anchorage, so that she drifted down the river. Andre, therefore, was
+compelled to make his way by land. Being arrested at Haverstraw, the
+commander unwisely allowed him to send a letter to Arnold, who at once
+fled down the river in a barge and met the _Vulture_, leaving behind his
+wife, the beautiful Philadelphian, Margaret Shippen, and their infant
+son, and thus the chief traitor escaped.
+
+England had spent a vast amount of treasure and thousands of lives in
+battles, hardships, and disease, and had not conquered the
+revolutionists. She had now involved herself in war with both France and
+Spain. Holland, too, was secretly negotiating a treaty with the United
+Colonies.
+
+While the town was in consternation over these events, late in November
+Mrs. Washington, then on her way to join her husband, stopped a brief
+while with President Reed of the Congress. Again the soldiers were in
+great distress, needing everything and winter coming on. The ladies had
+formed a society for work, and were making clothing and gathering what
+funds they could.
+
+"Mrs. Washington is to come," said Polly Wharton, dropping in at Arch
+Street, full of eagerness. "The Marquis de Lafayette has given five
+hundred dollars in his wife's name, and the Countess de Luzerne gives
+one hundred. When we count it up in our depreciated money it sounds much
+greater," and Polly laughed with a gay nod. "Mrs. Washington has begged
+to contribute also. It is said the commander in chief was almost
+heart-broken about that handsome young Andre, and would have saved him
+if he could. And Margaret Shippen comes home next to a deserted wife, at
+all events deserted in her most trying hour. Of course, Primrose, you
+will join us. You can do something more useful than embroider roses on a
+petticoat, or needlework a stomacher."
+
+"Indeed I can. Patty has seen to it that I shall know something besides
+strumming on the spinet and reading French verse. But the French are our
+very good friends."
+
+"And I am crazy to see Mrs. Washington. There is devotion for you!"
+
+"If thou wert a commander's wife thou wouldst be doing the same thing,
+Polly. 'For,' she said in the beginning, 'George is right; he is always
+right. And though I foresee dark days and many discouragements, my heart
+will always be with him and the country.' If we had more such patriots
+instead of pleasure-loving women!" And Madam Wetherill sighed, though
+her face was in a glow of enthusiasm.
+
+"But there are many brave women who give up husbands and sons. And
+though my mother consented about Allin, it wrung her heart sorely. We
+have not heard in so long. That is the hardest. But we seem to get word
+easily of the gay doings in New York. And so thou wilt not go,
+Primrose?"
+
+"Indeed, I will not. What pleasure would it be to me to dance and be gay
+with my country's enemies? I shall make shirts and knit socks."
+
+"Yes, Primrose is old enough, but she somehow clings to childhood," said
+Madam. "We have spoiled her with much indulgence."
+
+"Indeed, I am not spoiled. And if the British should take away all we
+had, dear aunt, I would work for thee. I do know many things."
+
+"Dear heart!" and Madam Wetherill kissed her.
+
+There was much interest to see Mrs. Washington, though some of the
+ladies had met her on a previous visit. Madam Wetherill had been among
+those brave enough to ally herself with the cause by calling then, and
+Mrs. Washington gracefully remembered it.
+
+"And this is the little girl, grown to womanhood almost," she said, as
+Primrose courtesied to her. "You are not a Friend, I see by your attire;
+but the name suggested someone----"
+
+"But my father was, madam, and well known in the town. And I have a
+brave Quaker cousin who joined the army at Valley Forge, Andrew Henry."
+
+"Yes, I think that is the name. Did he not bring some supplies while we
+were in so much want, and come near to getting in trouble? You must be
+proud of him indeed, for he was among those who suspected Arnold's
+treachery, and were so on the alert that they set some of his plans at
+naught, for which we can never be thankful enough. Henry, that is the
+name! A tall fine young fellow with a martial bearing, one of the
+fighting Quakers, and Philadelphia hath done nobly in raising such men.
+The General never forgets good service, and he is marked for promotion."
+
+Primrose courtesied again, her eyes shining with lustrousness that was
+near to tears.
+
+"I should almost have danced up and down and clapped my hands, or else
+fallen at her feet and kissed her pretty hands if she had said that
+about Allin," declared Polly afterward. "Oh, it was soul-stirring, and
+the belles stood envying you, but some of them have blown hot and blown
+cold, and were ready to dance with Whig and Tory alike. And I wanted to
+say that you were too patriotic to go up to New York and be merry with
+your brother. Then I bethought me he was on the wrong side. Such a
+splendid fellow, too, Primrose; skating like the wind, and such a
+dancer, and with so many endearing ways. Child, how can you resist him?"
+
+"I cannot be a turncoat for the dearest love."
+
+"Andrew Henry should have been your brother. He looks more like that
+grand old portrait of your father than his own son does," declared
+Polly, and some inexplicable feeling sent the scarlet waves to the fair
+face of Primrose.
+
+Busy enough the women were, and on many of the shirts was the name of
+the maker. Primrose begged that Patty's name might be put on their
+dozen, and Janice Kent consented hers should be used.
+
+"For Primrose is such an odd, fanciful name, and it seems as if it
+belonged just to my own self and my dear mother," the child said, and
+Madam Wetherill respected the delicacy.
+
+Mrs. Bache, Franklin's daughter, wrote to Washington that there were
+twenty-five hundred shirts, the result of nimble and patriotic fingers;
+and, she added, "we wish them to be worn with as much pleasure as they
+were made."
+
+Philemon Nevitt was indeed angry at his sister's refusal, but as he was
+in no sense her guardian, he could not compel her. Some weeks elapsed
+before he wrote again. It was a hard, cold winter, and if full of
+discouragements for the Continentals was not especially inspiriting for
+the British.
+
+There had been something of a revolt among the Philadelphia troops at
+Morristown, who thought, having served their three years' enlistment,
+they should be allowed to return to their homes. Sir Henry Clinton,
+mistaking the spirit of the trouble, at once offered to take them under
+the protection of the British government, clothe and feed them and
+require no service of them, unless it was voluntarily proffered.
+
+"See, comrades," exclaimed one of the leaders; "we have been taken for
+traitors! Let us show General Clinton that the American Army can furnish
+but one Arnold, and that America has no truer patriots than we. But if
+we fight, we should not be compelled to starve on the field, nor have
+our wives and children starving at home."
+
+This protest aroused Congress. Taxes were imposed and submitted to
+cheerfully, and Robert Morris, an ardent patriot, with Thomas Mifflin,
+labored to bring about a better state of finances, and the Bank of
+Pennsylvania was due to the ability and munificence of the former.
+
+And though, as Thomas Reed admitted, "the bulk of the people were weary
+of war," and the different parties in the city were almost at swords'
+points, they had all joined in fierce denunciation of Arnold's treason.
+His handsome estate was confiscated, not so much for its value, as it
+was deeply in debt, but as an example of the detestation in which the
+citizens held his crime. His wife pleaded to stay in her father's house
+with her young son, but the executive council decided that she must
+leave the State at once.
+
+The mob made a two-faced effigy, which was dragged in a cart through the
+streets, a band of rough music playing the Rogue's March. Afterward it
+was hanged and burned, and no Tory voice was raised in his behalf,
+though universal sympathy was expressed for the unfortunate young Andre.
+
+Philemon Henry was intensely bitter about it. "But you have not all the
+traitors," he wrote. "My heart has been rent by the defection of some of
+our bravest men, and most trusted; and one who has seemed almost a
+brother to me, as we played together in boyhood, and have kept step in
+many things. I had cherished a curious hope that he might disarm thy
+girlish bitterness, Primrose, and that sometime his true worth would be
+apparent to you. And from the first, though he never confessed any
+further than that he envied me my pretty little sister, I knew he was
+more than common interested. These things are best left to work
+themselves out, and you were both young, so I held my peace. Six months
+ago Sir Gilbert Vane, the uncle, died, and, as title and estates were
+entailed, Vane Priory came to him. At first he was minded to return, and
+I wish now that I had bundled him off. Then he had queer, dispirited
+fits about the cause we were serving. I regret we have not been more in
+earnest and not so much given to pleasure. The city has been very gay,
+but I think many of the women whose feet twinkled merrily in the dance
+talked treason with rosy lips in the pauses.
+
+"I was angry when I read your letter and tossed it over to him, wishing
+that I had been your guardian and had some right to order your life. He
+held it a long while, then he rose and began to pace the floor.
+
+"'I tell you, Phil,' he said with strange earnestness, 'we are on the
+wrong side. Nothing can ever conquer these people while the love of
+their own country outweighs everything else. If the women feel this way,
+and cannot be tempted, no wonder the men are steadfast and go in rags
+and half starve and take any hardship. We forget that they are our own
+kin, of our own brave English blood, and would we tolerate an invader?
+Would we not fight to the last man? It would be nobler to go home and
+let them rule themselves, for we can never conquer them.'
+
+"'You talk treason,' I said angrily. 'You had better be careful.'
+
+"'They are talking the same thing in the House of Parliament. I have
+been paying more attention to these things of late, and I feel that in
+the end we shall be worsted. Better make brothers of them now while we
+can. If this were my country, my birthplace----'
+
+"'Hold!' I cried in a passion. 'I am an Englishman. That is the country
+of my mother's birth, and my father had good English blood in his veins.
+My Uncle Henry thinks the rebels all in the wrong, and I know well my
+father would never have sided with them. My sister would have been
+brought up to love the King.'
+
+"He made no answer, but went out presently. Then for some days he was
+moody and kept himself quite busy, and I thought was planning to return
+to England to look after his estates. Our colonel thought so, too. And
+then five others beside him suddenly disappeared. Shortly after we
+learned they had gone South to enter the army under General Greene. I
+only hope they will fall into Tarleton's hands, and he will make short
+work of them. But my heart is sore for the loss of my boyhood's friend,
+and the shame of his turning traitor. I hear that Benedict Arnold has
+joined the King's forces, and of a surety he and they would be well
+matched in any fight.
+
+"I have a presentiment I shall never see my pretty darling again.
+Primrose, I love thee more than thou canst imagine. I would that I had
+thee and that we two were going to England out of this terrible strife.
+Farewell.
+
+                    "Thine own dear brother,
+
+                                "PHIL."
+
+Primrose ran weeping to her aunt and gave her the long epistle. Madam
+Wetherill tried to comfort her, and presently she dried her tears a
+little.
+
+"We can hardly call him a traitor,--Gilbert Vane, I mean,--for he has
+not really betrayed his country, but changed his mind. And I think it
+very brave of him when he might go to England and live in luxury," said
+Primrose in a broken voice.
+
+"Thou art quick to see the heroic side. Of course, if he should be taken
+prisoner, he would be put to death without mercy."
+
+"But he does not sell his country!" with emphasis. "Oh, poor, dear Phil!
+My heart aches for him. And yet, if the British soldiers begin to see
+the doubtfulness of a final conquest, I think there must be hope. But
+what can I say to Philemon? I seem destined to be always divided in
+opposite directions."
+
+"That is very true," and Madam Wetherill smiled rather sadly. For it
+seemed hard indeed that brother and sister should have such opposing
+interests. Many a girl would have been won at once by the proffer of
+pleasure.
+
+But Primrose did not have very long to consider. Another note came from
+New York. Tired of inaction, Philemon Nevitt had asked that some more
+stirring duty should be allotted to him, and he was transferred to
+another body of troops, who were watching the Americans and harassing
+them in the vicinity of Morristown. It was said deserters from the
+British army had transferred their allegiance, and Colonel Nevitt
+determined to put a stop to this, and capture some of them to make an
+example the soldiers would dread in future.
+
+"When he writes like this I hate him!" and Primrose stamped her dainty
+foot upon the floor, while her eyes flashed with curious steely gleams
+that seemed to have black points. "It does not seem as if the same blood
+could run in our veins, but then he hath none of my own dear mother's
+sweetness. If he were related to her my heart would break. And I think
+he must have some of the characteristics of uncle James, who keeps his
+hard heart against Cousin Andrew. Was my father of that stamp, dear
+madam?"
+
+"He had a much broader life. He was brought into contact with various
+people, and possessed a certain suavity that one finds in many of the
+old families here in town. Good Mr. Penn did not insist that men should
+be all of one mind."
+
+"'Twould be a queer world indeed," and Primrose half smiled, for her
+moods were like an April day.
+
+"Then thy mother was a wise, winsome woman," said Madam Wetherill in
+fond remembrance.
+
+"That is what wins me to Phil," returned the girl. "When he talked of
+her and all her pretty ways, and the dainty verses and tales she told
+him, and how she shielded him from his father's displeasure when he
+would have been whipped, then he seems like a vision of her come back.
+But, now that he is going to fight against my country----" and the rosy
+lips curled in scorn. "He might have remained a fine, pleasure-loving
+soldier, doing no real harm, fit to dance with pretty women or march in
+a fine parade."
+
+She discussed this with Polly Wharton, who was now her dearest friend,
+although she was two years older.
+
+"Art thou not unduly bitter, Primrose?" Polly always chided in grave
+Quaker phraseology, but, like many of the younger generation, fell into
+worldly pronouns in seasons of haste or merriment. "We should be ashamed
+of him if he saw his duty and weakly shirked it. I am sorry such a fine
+fellow, with good American blood in his veins, should be a Tory. In
+truth I cannot see at present how the quarrel can be mended, and I am
+desperately sorry."
+
+Polly's cheeks were pink as a rose.
+
+"It never will be mended now. Times are hard with us, to be sure, and
+there is much discouragement, but the French army and a great navy have
+reached Newport, and Aunt Wetherill was reading of a French loan. That
+wise Mr. Adams is in Paris with our dear Mr. Franklin----"
+
+"Who plays chess with French beauties and writes them skits and
+bagatelles, and, no doubt dances the grave minuet with them. And then we
+blame our young lads for having a little pleasure! But 'tis darkest
+just before dawn, and maybe we have come to the darkest times."
+
+"And I am certain the dawn will come. God will not let such a good cause
+and so great an effort in behalf of human liberty go by default."
+
+So they worked on and hoped. There was great interest in the Southern
+campaign now.
+
+And then Polly came one morning, full of tears and trouble. There had
+been sad news from the highlands of the Hudson. A troop of British had
+made their way almost to one of the camps, expecting to surprise and
+capture the Federal soldiers. There had been a sharp skirmish, spirited
+and fateful enough to be called a battle. The Federals had won in the
+end and taken a number of prisoners, while many British soldiers were
+among the killed and wounded.
+
+"Andrew Henry sent the word to my father, who means to apply for passes
+and go at once," and there Polly broke down.
+
+"But that is not the worst of it. Something has happened to Allin! Oh,
+Polly!" and the soft arms were about Polly's neck, while she was kissing
+the tear-wet cheek, her own eyes overflowing.
+
+"Yes, it is Allin!" sobbed the girl. "They thought when they first
+brought him in that he was dead. But it seems now he is badly wounded
+and may live. They wanted to take his leg off, but Lieutenant Henry
+would not let them. Oh, poor Allin! And he begged that father would come
+or send, for the regiment may go on to Virginia."
+
+"Oh, if he could be brought home!"
+
+"It comes so near now." Polly wiped her eyes. "But oh, Primrose! I had
+nigh forgotten. Forgive me that I put my own sorrow first. Colonel--I
+believe he is that now--Colonel Nevitt led the men and was wounded also,
+and is captured."
+
+Primrose stood up very straight, and contradictory emotions struggled in
+her fair face. Her rosy lips faded and quivered, and she swallowed over
+a great lump in her throat.
+
+"It seems strange," said Polly, "that the cousins should have been
+pitted against each other. And, though I am desperately sorry about
+Colonel Nevitt, I am proud of Andrew Henry. Oh, dear Primrose!"
+
+"I am always torn in two. I wonder if there was ever such a girl!" and
+the slow tears beaded the bronze lashes of Primrose Henry's eyes.
+
+"Think of poor Peggy Shippen being banished from her family and forced
+to follow a traitor! For, after all, it was the fortune of war, and
+Colonel Nevitt was doing his duty as he saw it in all good faith."
+
+"Thou art so generous, Polly. He should have been some connection to
+thee; oh! what am I saying? Surely thou wouldst not want a redcoat
+Britisher tacked to thy family! I hope he is not sorely wounded, but
+just enough to keep him from fighting against my country until we have
+won our independence."
+
+"Thou dost make cunning wishes, Primrose," and in spite of her sorrow,
+Polly Wharton smiled.
+
+Madam Wetherill came home from her marketing, which was no light
+undertaking with all the trouble about paper money, and gold and silver
+so scarce. She still rode her horse well, and time dealt very leniently
+with her.
+
+"I heard some strange news in the market place," she began, and then
+she caught sight of Polly. "Oh, dear child! is it true that some of the
+flower of our town have perished? It was a great surprise, to capture
+some deserters, it was said, and went hard with our brave men."
+
+"Nay, Lieutenant Henry won in the end, and our loss was nothing compared
+to the enemy. But poor Allin----"
+
+"He is not dead," added Primrose, when Polly's voice failed. "And,
+madam, Cousin Andrew hath taken our heroic Colonel Nevitt a prisoner in
+his first battle. I know not whether to rejoice or cry."
+
+"Primrose, thou art a naughty girl!"
+
+"If it had been the other way, I should have had no difficulty. Yes, I
+am a hard-hearted little wretch and do not deserve any brother! But
+Andrew will see that he is not treated as the poor fellows were in the
+Walnut Street Jail; and if he should lose an arm or a leg I will devote
+my life to him. Oh!" with a sudden burst of tenderness, "I hope it is
+nothing serious. The mortification will be hard enough."
+
+There were numbers of the wounded sent as soon as possible to the larger
+cities where they could be cared for. Rough journeying it was, with none
+of the modern appliances of travel, and many a poor fellow died on the
+way.
+
+For various reasons Madam Wetherill had not gone out to the farm as
+usual. The news was troublesome from Virginia and Maryland, where Arnold
+was destroying stores and laying waste plantations. The seat of war
+seemed to be changing in this direction, and some of the most famous
+battles were to be fought here. Cornwallis was fortifying, and everybody
+dreaded the news.
+
+Pleasure in town had slipped back to a more decorous aspect. There were
+simple tea-drinkings and parties of young people going out on the river
+in the early evening singing pretty songs. Or there were afternoon
+rambles to the charming green nook called Bethsheba's Bath and Bower,
+where wild flowers bloomed in profusion, and the copses were fragrant
+with sweet herbs, growing wild; or the newly cut hay in the fields still
+about. Sometimes they took along a luncheon and some sewing. There were
+still windmills to grind the grain, and Windmill Island had been
+repaired and was busy again.
+
+Primrose seemed just beginning life. Hitherto she had been a child, and
+now she was finding friends of her own age, with whom it was a pleasure
+to chat and to compare needlework and various knowledges.
+
+She sympathized tenderly with Polly Wharton in her sorrow, and began to
+go frequently to the house. Next in age to Polly were two boys, and then
+a lovely little girl.
+
+Another incident had made the summer quite notable to Primrose. This was
+the marriage of Anabella Morris, which took place in Christ Church.
+Anabella's husband was a widower with two quite large children, but of
+considerable means. Madam Wetherill was very generous with her outfit,
+though she began to feel the pinch of straitened means. So much property
+was paying very poorly and some not rented at all.
+
+Primrose was one of the maids, and consented to have her hair done high
+on her head and wear a train, and to be powdered, though Madam Wetherill
+disapproved of it for young people who had pretty natural complexions.
+Some young women wore a tiny bit of a black patch near their smiling
+lips, or a dimple, as if to call attention to it.
+
+"And, if it grew there, they would move heaven and earth to have it
+taken off," said that lady with a little scorn.
+
+The bride's train was held up by a page dressed in blue and silver, and
+then followed the pretty maids, and the relatives. It was quite a brave
+show, and a proud day for Anabella, who had been dreaming of it since
+she was a dozen years old.
+
+Madam Wetherill gave her a wedding dinner, which now would be called a
+breakfast, so much have things changed, and then a coach took the newly
+married pair to their own home. Though Anabella would rather not have
+had another woman's children to manage, she was truly glad that all her
+anxieties in husband-hunting were over.
+
+Then Mr. Wharton came home with his son, who was still in a quite
+uncertain state, and it had been a question whether his shattered leg
+could be saved. But Dr. Benjamin Rush took it in hand and said it would
+be a shame indeed if such a fine young fellow would have to stump around
+all the rest of his life on a wooden leg.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+WHOM SHALL SHE PITY?
+
+
+September came in with all the glory of ripening fruit and the late
+rich-colored flowers, with here and there a yellow leaf on the
+sycamores, a brown one on the hickories, and a scarlet one on the
+maples. There were stirring events, too. A French vessel had arrived
+with stores and four hundred thousand crowns in specie, besides an
+accession of enthusiastic men to the army. General Washington had
+determined to attempt the capture of New York, but hearing there were
+large re-enforcements on the way to Sir Henry Clinton, allowed the
+British to believe this was his plan and turned his army southward.
+
+A gala time indeed it was for the Quaker city. For the Continentals were
+no longer ragged, but proudly marched in the glory of new shoes and
+unpatched breeches and newly burnished accouterments. The French
+regiment of DeSoissonnais, in rose-color and white, with rose-colored
+plumes, was especially handsome and quite distanced our own army
+trappings, that had never been fine. General Washington, Count
+Rochambeau, and M. de Luzerne, the French minister, with Chief Justice
+McKean reviewed the troops. The sober citizens were stirred to unwonted
+enthusiasm. Houses were decorated, windows filled with pretty girls
+waved handkerchiefs, and the mob shouted itself hoarse with joy; going
+at night to the residence of the French minister and shouting lustily
+amid the cheering for the King, Louis XVI.
+
+The hall boy ushered in a fine martial-looking man in officer's dress at
+Madam Wetherill's. A number of guests were in the parlor, and he
+hesitated a moment before he said: "Summon Miss Primrose Henry."
+
+"Grand sojer man in buff and blue," he whispered. "'Spect it General
+Washington hisself."
+
+Primrose flashed out. For a moment she stood amazed. It was not her
+brother.
+
+"Primrose, hast thou forgotten me?"
+
+"Oh!" with a glad cry of joy. "Oh, Andrew," and she was clasped in the
+strong arms and greeted with a kiss.
+
+"Yes," joyfully. "All the march I have counted on this moment. I could
+not wait until to-morrow. Primrose, how are they--my dear mother?"
+
+"She is quite well, but Uncle Henry fails and has grown very deaf. And I
+think Rachel and Penn do not agree well, and are not happy. But things
+go on the same."
+
+"And is there--any longing for me?"
+
+Oh, how cruel it was to feel that only the poor mother cared. For
+Primrose was not old enough nor suspicious enough to imagine the hundred
+little ways Rachel found to blame Andrew and widen the breach between
+him and his father.
+
+"Thy mother is always asking for thee. I learn thy infrequent letters by
+heart, and repeat them to her as I get opportunity."
+
+"Thank thee a thousand times."
+
+"And my brother?"
+
+"Hast thou not heard?"
+
+"Not since the return of Allin Wharton. He is still ill and no one sees
+him, but Polly tells me now and then. Only he is not allowed to excite
+himself by talking, and it is such little dribbles that I cannot glean
+much. And you met face to face?"
+
+"We were both doing our duty like brave men, I trust. I'm not sure but
+in the melee that Allin saved my life, and then----"
+
+"Thou couldst have taken his! Oh, Andrew, thank God it was not so," and
+her voice was tremulous with the joy of thanksgiving.
+
+"A soldier fired and wounded his right shoulder." Andrew did not say
+that it was only a hair's-breadth escape of his own life. "Neither knew
+he should meet the other."
+
+"And what hath happened since?"
+
+"He was paroled and exchanged. Since then I have heard nothing. And now
+I must go. First to see Allin, and then our Commander. The bulk of the
+troops are still to follow in the steps of these noble Frenchmen. And
+to-morrow night I must start south on an important mission. In the
+morning I shall see thee again. My respects to Madam Wetherill."
+
+Her arms were about his neck. How tall she had grown! He remembered when
+she had first come to Cherry farm he had carried her about in his arms.
+
+"Dear----" He unclasped the clinging hands softly. And then he turned
+the door knob and was gone.
+
+She ran to her room, a pretty chamber next to Madam Wetherill's, now,
+and burying her face in the pillow, cried for ever so many causes, it
+seemed to her. Sorrow that her brother should not have cared enough to
+write, grief that they two should have met in strife, thanksgiving that
+neither should be guilty of the awful weight of the other's blood, joy
+that she should have seen Andrew, and pain and grief that he could not
+go home as a brave and well-loved son.
+
+It was quite late when Madam Wetherill came up, when the last guest had
+gone.
+
+"I thought it was thy cousin, and I knew thou would not feel like
+further gayety, though all the town seems wild, as if we had gained a
+victory. These French soldiers in their fine attire have turned
+everyone's head. After all, methinks gay clothes have their uses and
+help to preserve the spirits. And Andrew--Major Henry, do we call him?"
+
+Primrose smiled then. "He is my own dear cousin and never forgets me.
+And he wished his respects to thee, and will come to-morrow morning. And
+Colonel Nevitt has been paroled and is in New York."
+
+"Go to bed now. It is full midnight. The rest will keep," and she patted
+the soft cheek, warm with flushes of satisfaction.
+
+Major Henry came the next morning. Madam Wetherill was struck with the
+likeness he bore his uncle, and certainly be made a grand-looking
+soldier. Then he had to tell all about the affray, but Primrose came to
+know afterward that he made light of his part in it, and but for his
+suspicions and presence of mind there would have been great slaughter.
+
+"I can hardly venture to predict, but it does seem to me that we are
+nearing the end of the brunt of the fighting. It will be no secret in a
+few days, but I can trust thee, I know. The French fleet may be in the
+Chesapeake even now, and though Cornwallis hath fortified Yorktown and
+Gloucester, we shall have the British between two fires, and all aid cut
+off, even escape. I think we shall capture them, and if so, it will be
+a blow they cannot recover from. War is cruel enough. I do not wonder
+Christian people oppose it. But slavery of the free spirit is worse
+still, and if one must strike, let it be in earnest. But we have gone
+against fearful odds."
+
+"Heaven knows how thankful we shall be to see it ended. And yet there
+are nations that have fought longer still," subjoined Madam Wetherill
+thoughtfully.
+
+"And I hope, when we are through with the enemy, we shall not quarrel
+among ourselves as to the making of a great country and nation. It is
+not given to many men to have breadth and wisdom and foresight."
+
+"And there have been disputes enough here. I sometimes wonder if men
+have any good sense."
+
+"Thou hast not a wonderfully high opinion of them," and Andrew smiled.
+
+"A party of women could be but little worse, and sometimes I think would
+do better."
+
+They talked about young Wharton, and Andrew instanced many brave acts on
+his part.
+
+"If thou hadst seen them patient in hunger and cold, with poor
+frost-bitten feet, and hardly a place to shelter them from the storm,
+thou wouldst not rail at them."
+
+"It is the stay-at-home soldiers who fight battles over the council
+board and always win, and know just what every general and every private
+could do, that provoke me! I wish sometimes they could be put in the
+forefront of the battle."
+
+"They would learn wisdom, doubtless. An enemy on paper is easily
+managed."
+
+Then Andrew had to go. And though he longed to press a kiss on the sweet
+rosy lips that were fond enough last night, Primrose seemed quite a tall
+young woman, and a child no longer; so, although the leave-taking was
+very sincere, it had a delicate formality in it.
+
+They had hardly time to consider anything, for the next day brought a
+tax on their sympathies. Primrose remembered a long ago winter when Miss
+Betty Randolph had come from Virginia to get some city accomplishments,
+and flashed in and out of the great house and gone to parties, and had
+been the envy of Anabella Morris. She had married shortly after and had
+two babies. And now her father's farm had been despoiled and he rendered
+homeless, her husband had been killed in battle, and they had made their
+way northward, hoping to find a friend in Madam Wetherill.
+
+Nor were they mistaken. There were the two elderly people, Betty and her
+babies, and a younger sister. The only son was in General Greene's army.
+
+"There is plenty of room at the farm," said Madam Wetherill. "I am not
+as young as I used to be and it gets a greater care year by year, and I
+think I grow fonder of the city. It would be well to have someone there
+all the time, and Cousin Randolph understands farming."
+
+"And this is the shy little yellow-haired Primrose, grown up into a
+pretty girl," Betty said in surprise. "I remember you were full of those
+quaint Quaker 'thees and thous.' But certainly you are a Quaker no
+longer, with that becoming attire? Oh, child, be glad you have not
+supped sorrow's bitter cup."
+
+There was so much on hand getting them settled that Primrose could not
+go to Uncle Henry's with her blessed news at once. It was always pain as
+well as pleasure. Sometimes she could hardly find a free moment with
+Aunt Lois, so jealously did Rachel watch them. And though Primrose had
+planned talks with Uncle James they invariably came to nought, for she
+could never surprise him alone, and he was so hard of hearing she knew
+there would be listeners.
+
+Faith was upstairs spinning on the big wheel, and her window overlooked
+the stretch of woods that shut out the road altogether. Aunt Lois sat
+knitting, Rachel was making some stout homespun shirts for winter wear,
+and Uncle James was lying on the bed asleep.
+
+"Thou hast something else in thy face," began Aunt Lois presently, when
+Primrose had recounted the misfortunes of the Randolphs and the shelter
+that had opened before them. "Hast thou heard from----"
+
+"I have seen him!" Primrose clasped both hands and the knitting fell to
+the floor.
+
+"Seen him! Oh, child! Hath he been here?"
+
+Her voice quavered and her eyes filled with tears.
+
+Rachel picked up the knitting with a frown. The needle had slipped out
+half-way.
+
+"Thou mightst have shown a little more care, Primrose," beginning to
+pick up the stitches.
+
+"Tell me, tell me! Is he here now?"
+
+"He came with the French soldiers. Oh, how fine and gallant they were!
+He could only stay one night, for the Commander had some special
+business for him at the seat of war. All the troops are going on, and it
+is hoped that, when the Continentals win, this will lead to peace."
+
+"When they win," said Rachel with doubtful scorn. "It seems as if they
+cared for nothing but going on and on like quarrelsome children, and no
+good comes of it. No good can come of such an evil as war. And if you
+sell anything, here is all this wretched, worthless money! I had rather
+have good British gold."
+
+"So Arnold thought." Primrose's mirth-loving eyes danced with a sense of
+retaliation. "There has been some French gold quite as good, since it
+has clothed our troops and given them many comforts. And, Aunt Lois, he
+is well and splendid, the picture of my own father, Aunt Wetherill
+thinks. He sent so much love, and if the war should end he will come
+home for good. He is not fond of battle, but you may know how good a
+soldier he has proved, since he has gone from private to major."
+
+Aunt Lois looked up with tender, longing eyes. "Then I shall see him,"
+she said. "He will not stay away?"
+
+"Oh, surely, surely! If there had been time he would have come now. And
+oh, Aunt Lois, up there on the Hudson we almost lost him. There was a
+sudden surprise, and, but for young Allin Wharton, it might have gone
+hard indeed with him."
+
+She could not confess that it was a kindred hand raised against him,
+though her quick flush betrayed some deep feeling.
+
+"Heaven be thanked! And the young man?"
+
+"He was wounded then and again later on, but has been brought home and
+is mending. And surely God was watching over Andrew, for he had no hurt
+whatever. And I feel sure now he will come back safe to us."
+
+Rachel Morgan's face worked with some deep passion, and grew darker
+under the sunburn. The young girl's delight angered her. Perhaps, too,
+the beauty and grace, the cloth habit fitting her slim, elegant figure,
+the beaver hat that looked so jaunty and had in it some long cock's
+plumes, quite a new fashion. Then there was the trim foot with its fine
+shoe and steel buckle, all gauds of worldliness to be sure, but they
+would attract a man's eye.
+
+Rachel had not been beautiful in her childhood, but the tender grace
+that softens so many faces had not been allowed its perfect work on
+hers. She looked older now than her years and there were hard lines that
+some day would be avarice, uncharity, and other evil traits. Then this
+girl was an idle butterfly, frisking from one folly to another in a
+wicked and worldly fashion, even despising the plain faith her father
+had intended she should follow.
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Aunt Lois, after a blissful communing with her soul in
+very thankfulness, "thou puttest new life into me. I can feel it run
+through like the breeze in the grass. Sometimes I think with the wise
+man that few and evil have been my days, and I would not have them
+unduly prolonged, but to see my son again, my dear son!"
+
+The smile was so sweet that Primrose, leaning over, kissed into it and
+then both smiled again, while there were tender tears in the eyes of
+both.
+
+"And now I must go," Primrose said presently, "but I will try to come
+sooner again. It is such fine weather that the orchards are full of
+fruit and the wild grapes and the balsams fill the air with fragrance.
+Oh, Aunt Lois, God must have made such a beautiful world for us to
+enjoy. He cannot mean to have us frown on this, and wait until we get to
+heaven, for then the smiles and joy will not come so readily."
+
+"It is flippant for thee to talk of heaven this way. We do not go
+dancing into it. We must fashion our lives on more godly things," said
+Rachel rebukingly.
+
+Primrose made no reply, but drew on her glove.
+
+"Then I shall not see Faith," she said rather disappointedly as she
+rose.
+
+"Where is Faith?" Aunt Lois looked up.
+
+"She idled so much yesterday that she did not finish her stent, and she
+has a larger share this afternoon."
+
+Rachel followed the girl out. The horses stood in the shade and Jerry
+had been lounging on the grass, but he sprang up and doffed his hat to
+his young mistress.
+
+"I have something to say to thee." Rachel took her arm and turned her
+away from the house and Jerry as well. "Dost thou truly think Andrew
+will return?"
+
+"He will return." There was an exultant ring of hope and youth in the
+sweet voice that smote the listener.
+
+"And then," very deliberately, as if her words meant to cut something,
+they were so sharp and cold, "then you will marry him."
+
+"Marry him? I?"
+
+There was indignation in every line of the face and Rachel noted it with
+secret joy, though her countenance remained unmoved.
+
+"Yes," persistently. "Thou hast always been fondling about him and
+kissing him, and such foolishness wins a man when plain common sense
+gets flouted."
+
+"I have never thought of such a thing," and her face was full of
+surprise, though the lovely color kept coming and going, and her eyes
+flashed a little. "I do not want any lovers, and as for husbands,
+nothing would tempt me to change with Mistress Anabella. And there is
+poor Betty Randolph, full of sorrow. No, I mean to be like Madam
+Wetherill, who can always do as she pleases."
+
+"Silly child! I should be sorry indeed for the man who took thee. But
+Madam Wetherill was married once."
+
+"And her husband died. No, I cannot bear death and sorrow," and she gave
+a quick shiver.
+
+"Thou hast made trouble enough for Andrew. First it was getting away and
+mooning over books and strange things, instead of useful ones. Then it
+was passing food and clothing out to Valley Forge, and running his neck
+in a noose. Then it was going to war, for which his father disowned
+him."
+
+"Nay, not that altogether." She looked steadily at Rachel, whose eyes
+fell a little.
+
+"Yes, if he had not gone he would not have been disowned. It was through
+thy preachment. Thou hast cost him trouble everywhere. And now, if he
+should return, thou canst make or mar again."
+
+"I shall not mar," proudly.
+
+"It stands this way. Thy mother was one of the smiling, tempting,
+deceitful women, who can twist a man about her finger. She spoiled thy
+father's life and would have won him from the faith----"
+
+Primrose's slim form trembled with indignation and Rachel cowered
+beneath the flashing eye.
+
+"That is a falsehood, Mistress Rachel, and God will surely mark thee for
+it! There is an old journal of my father's that, beside business dates
+and comments, has bits of sweetness about her, and how he thanks God for
+her, and that she is the sunshine of his life, and if he were to lose
+her, all would be darkness. Madam Wetherill is to give it to me when I
+am quite grown."
+
+"I but repeat what I have heard Uncle James say. And if thou wert to
+marry Andrew he would forbid him the house as much as he did when Andrew
+became a soldier. He does not approve of thee nor thy tribe."
+
+The hot blood stained the girl's cheeks. Yes, she had long mistrusted
+that her uncle did not like her, and that he fancied in some way Madam
+Wetherill had gotten the better of him.
+
+"I am not going to marry Andrew--nor anyone. I love him very much, but I
+know it is not in that way. And my own life is growing exceeding sweet,
+day by day. It is like a garden full of wonderful flowers that no one
+can guess until they bloom."
+
+"Then thou wilt not hinder him again? His father's heart hath grown
+tender toward him, and I can persuade if I have this surety to go upon."
+
+"And then--dost thou hope to marry him?"
+
+"I hope for nothing, Miss Impertinence. I only want that Andrew shall be
+restored."
+
+A willful mood came over Primrose. What if she did not promise?
+
+"There is little dependence on thee, I see. I was a fool to think it.
+Girls like thee play with men's hearts."
+
+Rachel turned away with a bitter curl of the lip, and held her head up
+determinedly.
+
+"Oh, Rachel, if that will help, I promise. If thou wilt do thy best to
+soften Uncle James. I care not so much that he shall regard me with
+favor. I have many to love me."
+
+Rachel turned back a step, caught the round arm and held it up.
+
+"Promise," she cried, almost fiercely.
+
+"I promise," Primrose said solemnly.
+
+"That is in the sight of God. Thou wilt be a very wicked girl to break
+it."
+
+"I shall not break it. Oh, Rachel, do thy best to restore peace. For to
+Andrew it would be great joy."
+
+Then she went over to Jerry, who helped her into the saddle. The girls
+curiously enough had not said good-by to each other. Rachel had gone
+into the house.
+
+"I did it for the best," she was thinking to herself. "There should be
+peace between them, for Uncle James acts strangely sometimes. And then
+if Andrew hath any gratitude--perhaps soft measures may conquer. His
+mother wishes for the marriage as well."
+
+Primrose seemed in no haste and the ride was long. She was annoyed that
+Rachel should talk of her marrying. And her brother, she remembered, had
+confessed a half-formed plan of wedding her to Gilbert Vane. Why could
+not everybody let her alone? Madam Wetherill never spoke of it, and she
+was glad.
+
+Where was Gilbert Vane? And oh, where was her poor brother? The soft
+wind cooled her cheeks and the longing brought tears to her eyes.
+
+"How late thou hast stayed," said Madam Wetherill with tender chiding.
+"I hope nothing was amiss?"
+
+"Oh, no, dear madam. The air was so fine that I loitered. And the dark
+seems to fall suddenly when it does come."
+
+"Thou must change thy habit and come to supper. Put on a jacket and
+petticoat, and afterward one of thy best gowns, for there is to be some
+young company. Pamela Trumbull sent word 'That she would come with a
+host of cousins, and thou must have in thy best singing teeth.' The maid
+is always full of merry conceits. And over our teacups thou shalt tell
+me about the Henrys."
+
+Primrose repeated all but her last interview with Rachel. Delicacy
+forbade that. And then Patty helped her into a furbelowed gown of china
+silk that had been made from Madam Wetherill's long-ago treasures and
+had a curious fragrance about it.
+
+The young people came, a merry company, and first they had a game of
+forfeits and some guessing puzzles. Then Pamela, who had quite bewitched
+her cousin with tales of Primrose's singing, insisted that she should go
+to the spinet. She found a song.
+
+"Oh, not that foolish one," cried Primrose, blushing scarlet.
+
+"It is so dainty and no one sings it as you do. And in the print store
+on Second Street there was a laughable picture of such a pretty, doleful
+Cupid shut out of doors in the cold, that I said to Harry, 'Mistress
+Primrose Henry sings the most cunning plaint I know, and you shall hear
+it.'"
+
+Mr. Henry Beall joined his persuasion and they found the music. Primrose
+had a lovely voice and sang with a deliciously simple manner.
+
+    "As little Cupid play-ed,
+      The sweet blooming flowers among,
+    A bee that lay concealed
+      Under the leaf his finger stung.
+    Tears down his pretty cheeks did stream
+      From smart of such a cruel wound,
+    And crying, through the grove he ran,
+      Until he his mammy found.
+
+    "'Mammy, I'm sorely wounded,
+      A bee has stung me on the plain,
+    My anguish is unbounded,
+      Assist me or I die with pain.'
+    She smil-ed then, replying,
+      Said, 'O my son, how can it be?
+    That by a bee you're dying,--
+      What must she feel who's stung by thee?'"
+
+There was a burst of eager applause.
+
+"It was a quaint old song when I was young," said Madam Wetherill. "Then
+there are some pretty ones of Will Shakespere's."
+
+"This is what I like," began Primrose.
+
+    "Tell me not, sweet, I am unkinde."
+
+She sang it with deep and true feeling, Lovelace's immortal song. And
+she moved them all by her rendering of the last two lines in her proud
+young voice--
+
+    "I could not love thee, dear, so much,
+      Loved I not honor more."
+
+Then Mistress Kent would have them come out for curds and cream and
+floating islands, and they planned a chestnutting after the first frost
+came. They were merry and happy, even if the world was full of sorrow.
+
+Yet it seemed so mysterious to Primrose that the songs should be so much
+about love, and that stories were written and wars made and kingdoms
+lost for its sake. What was it? No, she did not want to know, either.
+And just now she felt infinitely sorry for Rachel. Come what might,
+Andrew would not marry her. How she could tell she did not know, but she
+felt the certainty.
+
+"Do not sit there by the window, Primrose, or thou wilt get moon-struck
+and silly. And young girls should get beauty sleep. Come to bed at
+once," said Madam Wetherill.
+
+But after all she admitted to herself that Primrose was not urgently in
+need of beauty sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE MIDNIGHT TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
+
+
+Old Philadelphia had fallen into her midnight nap. Since Howe's time
+there had been a more decorous rule, and the taverns closed early. There
+were no roystering soldiers flinging their money about and singing songs
+in King George's honor, or ribald squibs about the rebels, and braggart
+rhymes as to what they would do with them by and by. Everything, this
+October night, was soft and silent. Even party people had gone home long
+ago, and heard the watchman sing out, "Twelve o'clock and all is well!"
+Only the stars were keeping watch, and the winds made now and then a
+rustle.
+
+Someone rode into the town tired and exhausted, but joyful, and with
+joyful news. The German watchman, who caught it first, went on his
+rounds with, "Past two o'clock and Lord Cornwallis is taken."
+
+He came down Arch Street. Madam Wetherill had been rather wakeful. What
+was it? She threw up the window and the sonorous voice sang out again,
+"Past two o'clock and Lord Cornwallis is taken!"
+
+"Oh, what is it, madam?" cried Patty, coming in in her nightgown and
+cap.
+
+"It is enough to make one faint with joy! Patty, wake Joe at once and
+send him down the street. It can't be true!"
+
+"But what is it?" in alarm.
+
+"If I was not dreaming it is that Lord Cornwallis is taken. But I am
+afraid. Patty, it is a great victory for our side. Run quick!"
+
+Joe, rolled up in his warm blanket, had to be thumped soundly before he
+would wake.
+
+"Put on your clothes this instant," and Patty stood over him, giving him
+a cuff on one ear, then on the other to balance him. "Run down the
+street, and if you don't find Lord Cornwallis taken don't pretend to
+show your face here again in this good rebel household. For now we dare
+sail under true colors!"
+
+But others had heard. In early morning before the day was awake there
+was such a stir that the old town scarcely knew itself. One cried to
+another. There were a thousand doubts and fears until the messenger was
+found, quite gone with fatigue, on a bench at a tavern, with a great
+crowd around him.
+
+"Yes," he said, "on the nineteenth, four days ago. They were between the
+devil and the deep sea. They tried to escape on the York River, but a
+storm set in and they were driven back. And there was the French
+squadron to swallow them up, and the French and American troops posted
+about in a big half circle! 'Twas a splendid sight as one would wish to
+see! And there was nothing but surrender, or they would all have been
+cut to pieces. And such a sight when my lord sent General O'Hara with
+his sword and the message, not having courage to come himself. Then we
+were hustled off with the news. There's the posts of Yorktown and
+Gloucester and seven thousand or so soldiers, and stores and arms and
+colors and seamen and ships. By the Lord Harry! we're set up for life!
+And now let me eat and drink in peace. By night there'll be someone else
+to tell his story."
+
+Surely never had there been such an early rising. Neighbors and friends
+wrung each other's hands in great joy and talked in broken sentences,
+though there were some Tories who said the thing was simply impossible,
+and rested in serene satisfaction.
+
+Primrose had roused, and was so wild with joy that there could be no
+thought of a second nap. And after breakfast she was crazy to go over to
+Walnut Street to Polly Wharton's.
+
+The servant sent her into the small anteroom, for she wasn't quite sure
+Mistress Polly was in. And there, in a long easy-chair Dr. Rush had
+planned and a skilled carpenter made, that could be lowered into a bed
+at will, reclined a pale young fellow with a mop of chestnut hair, and
+temples that were full of blue veins, as well as the long, thin hands.
+
+"Oh--it is Mistress Primrose Henry--but I was hardly sure! You are so
+tall, and you were such a little girl. Oh, do you remember when I ran
+over you on the Schuylkill and quarreled with your brother and wanted to
+fight a duel? I can just see how you looked as you lay there in his
+arms, pale as death, with your pretty yellow hair floating about. Well,
+I had a monstrous bad hour, I assure you. And you were such a gay, saucy
+little rebel, and so full of enthusiasm! By George! I believe you sent
+us all to war. And now this glorious news, and Andrew Henry in the midst
+of it all! It makes a fellow mad, and red-hot all over longing to be
+there! Was there ever anything so splendid! But, I beg your pardon! Will
+you not be seated? Polly went out with father, but will soon be back."
+
+The servant brought the same message. Mrs. Wharton would be down as soon
+as the children were off to school.
+
+"Tell her not to hurry," said the audacious young man. "It is such a
+treat to have company all to myself. And to-day is my first coming
+downstairs. Father has been so afraid all along lest I should do
+something that would undo all the good doctor's work. Between him and
+Andrew they have saved my leg, and I shan't be lame. I'll come and dance
+at your birthday party. It is in the spring, isn't it, and that is why
+you were named Primrose?"
+
+"I don't know for certain," and the girl smiled; "my mother was fond of
+flowers."
+
+"And it's the prettiest name under the sun." He wanted to say that it
+belonged to the prettiest girl under the sun, but he did not quite dare.
+For he thought this blessed October morning she was the loveliest vision
+he had ever beheld.
+
+"Oh, won't you take off your hat and that big cape, for Polly _will_ be
+in soon, and I have such a heap of things to tell you. Polly said she
+would ask you to come around as soon as I was allowed downstairs, and
+Dr. Rush said I must wait until I could walk well. Wasn't it grand to
+see Andrew in his new uniform? We've all gone in rags and patches,
+and--well, when we're old fellows, we shall all be proud enough that we
+fought for the country. I want to live to be a full hundred, if the
+world stands so long. When have you heard from your brother?"
+
+The young girl's face was scarlet. "Not since--since he went to New
+York."
+
+"Wasn't it queer we should all have had a hand in the fight, and Andrew
+never got scratched?"
+
+"And you saved them both! Andrew told me! Oh, I can't give you thanks
+enough! My brother is very dear to me if he is on the wrong side, and I
+have been angry with him."
+
+He always remembered with a mysterious sort of gladness that she did not
+say Andrew was dear to her. Of course he was, but he would rather not
+have it set in words.
+
+"Yes--that we should meet just that way! He and I had quarreled, and he
+and Andrew were cousins, whose duty it was to disable each other, at
+least, though the encounter was so sudden that at the first moment I
+think they did not know each other. I gave a push to Andrew and that
+deflected his aim, for somehow I did not want him to kill Nevitt. And
+before he could recover, though the next shot was aimed at me, someone
+had struck your brother in the shoulder, and he fell. It was all done in
+a moment, but there are so many near escapes. He was pretty badly hurt,
+but Andrew managed that he should have the best of care. And they gained
+nothing by their daring and we made a lot of prisoners. Before it was
+over I was wounded, and that has put an end to my fun. But I am glad
+Andrew was in at this great victory."
+
+Primrose's eyes were shining with a kind of radiant joy. And yet, down
+deep in her heart, there was a pang for her brother. Sometimes she was
+vexed that he had not cared enough to write.
+
+"But it seems--incredible!"
+
+"It is a sort of miracle of foresight. The man at the head of it all is
+wise and far-sighted and not easily discouraged. And Lady Washington, as
+the men call her, is not afraid to follow the camp and speak a word of
+cheer to the soldiers. We have been through many a hard time, some of
+the others much more than I. But, if I could have chosen, I'd rather
+been on the march and in the fight than lying here."
+
+Primrose could not doubt it. A faint color had warmed up the face and
+it looked less thin, and the eyes were full of enthusiasm. Something in
+their glance made hers droop and an unexpected glow steal up in her
+face.
+
+"Andrew said he was your soldier, that you were so full of loyalty and
+duty it inspired him. And don't you remember that you talked to me as
+well? I don't see why I shouldn't be your soldier."
+
+"Why--yes. You are." Then she blushed ever so much more deeply.
+
+"And how brave you were that day when you assisted him to escape! Oh,
+you can't think how delightful it was to talk of you when we were cold
+and hungry and so far away from home! And all the shrewdness of Madam
+Wetherill! How she won British gold and sent it or its equivalent out to
+Valley Forge! Next summer we ought to make a picnic out there, and climb
+up Mount Pleasant and go down Mount Misery with jest and laughter."
+
+There was a whirl and a gentle stamping of some light feet on the
+bearskin rug in the hall.
+
+"Oh, Primrose! It is the most glorious morning the world ever saw! And
+'tis a delight to see you here. It is Allin's first day downstairs, and
+he thinks he has been defrauded, selfish fellow! He insists I shall tell
+him everywhere I go and everybody I see, and, when I get it all related
+minutely, he sighs like a wheezy bellows and thinks I have all the fun.
+And just now I want to dance and shout, don't you, Primrose? Such news
+stirs one from finger tips to toes."
+
+"Get up and dance, then. I'll whistle a gay Irish jig, such as the men
+used in Howe's time at the King of Prussia Inn, while their betters were
+footing it to good British music. Think of the solemn drumbeat there
+will be at Yorktown! No gay Mischianza there! What a march it will be to
+the haughty prisoners!"
+
+They all laughed at the idea of dancing, and then they talked until
+Primrose said she must go home, but Polly would send a messenger to say
+that she meant to keep her to dinner, and then they would take a nice
+walk along Chestnut Street, and go to Market Street and see the new,
+homespun goods Mr. Whitesides had in his store.
+
+"For they say the weaver cunningly put in flocks of silk from old silken
+rags and has made a beautiful, glistening surface that catches the light
+in various colors. A man in Germantown, 'tis said. We shall be so wise
+presently that we shall not hanker after England's goods."
+
+What a merry time they had! And then Primrose must sing some songs.
+Allin thought he had never heard anything so beautiful as the one of
+Lovelace's. And he was so sorry to have them go that he looked at
+Primrose with wistful eyes.
+
+"When I am quite strong I am coming around to Madam Wetherill's for half
+a day."
+
+She blushed and nodded. He was very tired and turned over in his chair,
+and in his half sleepiness could still see Primrose Henry.
+
+The news was true enough. And though the Earl of Cornwallis received
+back his sword, the twenty-eight battle flags were delivered to the
+Americans, with all the other trophies.
+
+Congress assembled and Secretary Thompson read the cheering news. Bells
+were rung, and it was such a gala day as the city had never seen.
+Impromptu processions thronged the streets, salutes were fired, and far
+into the night rockets were sent up. The little old house in Arch
+Street where Betsy Ross lived, who had made the first flag with the
+thirteen stars, that could wave proudly over the other twenty-eight
+captured ones, had her house illuminated by enthusiastic citizens.
+
+Hundreds of Tories accepted the offer of pardon. Clinton reached the
+Chesapeake too late for any assistance and returned disheartened and
+dismayed, for it was felt that this was indeed a signal victory, and the
+renown of English arms at an end.
+
+The troops were not disbanded for more than a year afterward, but many
+of the soldiers and officers were furloughed, and it was announced that
+Washington would be in Philadelphia shortly, so every preparation was
+made to receive the great commander.
+
+Primrose had a tardy note from her brother that brought tears to her
+eyes and much contrition of spirit.
+
+His wound had been troublesome, but never very serious. Then a fever had
+set in. For weeks he could not decide what to do. Being a paroled
+prisoner, he had no right to take up arms. He was beginning to be very
+much discouraged as to the outcome of the war. Whether to go back to
+England or not was the question he studied without arriving at any
+decision.
+
+There had been a second heir born to his great-uncle, so there was
+little likelihood of his succeeding to the estate. Whether they were of
+the true Nevitt blood, considering the low ebb of morals and the many
+temptations of court life for a gay young wife, he sometimes doubted,
+but he had to accept the fact. His uncle had given him a handsome income
+at first, but he could see now that it was paid at longer intervals and
+with much pleading of hard times. Indeed, from these very complaints of
+exorbitant taxes, he gleaned that the war was becoming more unpopular at
+home.
+
+And now had come this crushing defeat. What should he do? A return to
+England did not look inviting. The dearest tie on earth was in
+Philadelphia. And that was his home, his father's home. Sometimes he
+half desired to go there and begin a new life.
+
+"I long for you greatly, little Primrose," he wrote. "I seem like a boat
+with no rudder, that is adrift on an ocean. Do you think good Madam
+Wetherill, who has been so much to you, would let you ask a guest for a
+few days? A Henry who has dared to lift his hand against the country of
+his birth, and regrets it now in his better understanding of events?
+For, if England had listened to her wisest counselors, the war had never
+been. I am ill and discouraged, and have a weak longing for a little
+love from my dear rebel sister, a rebel no longer, but a victor. Will
+she be generous? And then I will decide upon what I must do, for I
+cannot waste any more of life."
+
+"Oh, dear aunt, read it, for I could not without crying. Dear Phil! What
+shall I do?" and she raised her tear-wet face.
+
+"Why, ask him here, of course," smilingly. "I am not an ogre, and, being
+victors, we can afford to be generous. It will be a new amusement for
+thee, and keep thee from getting dull!"
+
+"Dull?" Then she threw her arms about the elder's neck and kissed her
+many times.
+
+"Child, thou wilt make me almost as silly as thyself. In my day a maiden
+stood with downcast eyes and made her simple courtesy for favors, and
+thou comest like a whirlwind. Sure, there is not a drop of Quaker blood
+in thy veins, thou art so fond of kissing. Thou art Bessy Wardour all
+over."
+
+"See, madam--dost thou like me better this way?"
+
+She stood before her in great timidity with clasped hands and eyes down
+to the ground. And she was so irresistible that Madam Wetherill caught
+her in her arms.
+
+"I am quite as bad as thou," she declared. "We are a couple of silly
+children together. If thou should ever marry----"
+
+"But I shall not marry. I shall be gay and frisky all my first years;
+then I shall take to some solid employment, perhaps write a volume of
+letters or chatty journal and say sharp things about my neighbors, wear
+a high cap and spectacles, and keep a cat who will scratch every guest.
+There, is it not a delightful picture?"
+
+"Go and write thy letters, saucy girl. All the men will fear thy tongue,
+that is hung so it swings both ways."
+
+"Like the bells on the old woman's fingers and toes, 'It makes music
+wherever I go.' Is not that a pretty compliment? Polly Wharton's brother
+gave it to me. Ah, if my brother had been like that!"
+
+"Do not say hard or naughty things to him, moppet. What is past is
+past."
+
+Primrose Henry's brother was greatly moved by some traces of tears he
+found in the epistle, and he was so hungering for the comforts of a
+little affection that he started at once.
+
+She was much troubled now about her cousin's return. For Friend Henry
+had fallen into a strange way and the doctor said he would never be any
+better. The fall had numbed his spine and gradually affected his limbs.
+He gave up going out, and could hardly hobble about the two rooms. Some
+days he lay in bed all the time, and scarcely spoke, sleeping and
+seeming dazed. Lois watched over him and waited on him with the utmost
+devotion.
+
+"Is that the voice of the child Primrose?" he asked sharply one morning
+as she was cheerfully bidding Chloe and Rachel good-day.
+
+"Yes. Wouldst thou like to see her?"
+
+He nodded. But when Primrose came in he stared and shook his head.
+
+"That is Bessy Wardour. I want the child Primrose," he mumbled slowly.
+
+"I am Primrose, uncle. Mamma hath been dead this long time. But I have
+grown to a big girl, as children do."
+
+He seemed to consider. "And thou dost know Andrew. Where is my son, and
+why does he stay so? I want him at home."
+
+"He is coming soon; any day, perhaps."
+
+"Tell him to hasten. There is something--I seem to forget, but Mr. Chew
+will know. It must be cast into the fire. It is a tare among the wheat.
+Go quick and tell him. My son Andrew! My only and well-beloved son!"
+
+Then he shut his eyes and drowsed off.
+
+"He hath not talked so much in days. Oh, will Andrew ever come? What is
+it thou must do?"
+
+"He has started by this time. There are to be some officers in
+Philadelphia, and General Washington is to come to consult with
+Congress. They have had a sad bereavement in Madam Washington's only
+son, who was ill but a short time and leaves a young family. And I will
+not let Andrew lose a moment."
+
+"Thank you, dear child," clasping her hands.
+
+Faith was coming up from the barn with a basket of eggs.
+
+"Oh, dear Primrose!" she cried, "I know Uncle James is dying. They will
+not let me see him alone, and there is a great thing on my conscience.
+Oh, if Andrew were only here!"
+
+"He will be here shortly. Oh, Faith, not really dying!" in alarm.
+
+"Yes, yes! Grandmother was something that way. To be sure it is little
+comfort living. But I want to tell thee--Rachel has softened strangely,
+and sometimes has a frightened, far-away look in her eyes and she
+listens so when her uncle frets. Oh, if I were but twenty-one, and could
+get away from it all! It is as if I might see a ghost."
+
+"He wants to see Andrew. Something is to be cast into the fire. I wish I
+knew."
+
+"It was so quiet and no one was afraid when grandmother died. But this
+is awesome. Oh, Primrose, I hate to have thee go."
+
+"Faith! Faith!" called the elder sister.
+
+Primrose went her way in a strange state of mind. Was there anything she
+could do? She would ask Aunt Wetherill.
+
+"Something is on his mind, surely. But whether one ought to take the
+responsibility to see Mr. Chew, I cannot decide."
+
+How long the hours appeared! Twice the next day she sent fleet-footed
+Joe down to see if any soldiers had come in. And Madam Wetherill called
+at the Attorney General's office to find that he was in deep
+consultation with the Congress.
+
+Just at the edge of the next evening there was a voice at the great
+hall door that sent a thrill to her very soul. She sped out.
+
+"Oh, Primrose--dear child----"
+
+But she did not fly to his arms. Some deep inward consciousness
+restrained her and the words of Rachel, that just now rang in her ears.
+
+How tall and sweet and strange withal she was. He stood for a moment
+electrified. She was a child no longer.
+
+Then she found her tongue, though there was a distraught expression in
+her face as if she could cry.
+
+"Oh, Andrew, it is a great relief to greet thee, but there is not a
+moment to lose. Thy poor father is dying and longs to see thee. And
+there is sorrel Jack in the stable, fresh and fleet as the wind. Madam
+Wetherill has gone out to a tea-drinking, but she said thou wert to take
+him at once, and we were so afraid thou would not come in time. Joe"--to
+the black hall boy--"see that Jack is made ready. Meanwhile, wilt thou
+have a glass of wine, or ale, or even a cup of tea?"
+
+"Nothing, dear child. When did thou see them last?" His voice sounded
+hollow to himself.
+
+"Three days ago."
+
+"And my mother?"
+
+"She is well. She grows sweeter and more angel-like every day."
+
+Then they stood and looked at each other. How fine and brave he was, and
+he held his head with such spirit.
+
+"Oh," she could not resist this, "was it not glorious there at
+Yorktown?"
+
+"It was worth half a man's life! It gave us a country. And there hath a
+friend of thine come up with me, a brave young fellow--one Gilbert
+Vane."
+
+"Oh!" was all she answered.
+
+Then the horse came, giving a joyful whinny as he felt the fresh air,
+and Andrew Henry went out into the night as if a beautiful vision were
+guiding him. Was it Primrose in all that strange, sweet glory?
+
+He had ridden fast and far many a time. Up by the river here, under this
+stretch of woods, then a great level of meadows, here and there a tiny
+light gleaming in a house, hills, a valley, then more woods, and he drew
+a long breath.
+
+Someone came to meet him. He took his mother in his arms and kissed her,
+but neither spoke, for the rapture was beyond words.
+
+There was a candle burning on each end of the high mantelshelf. There
+was Friend Browne, bent and white-haired, who looked sourly at the
+soldier trappings and gave him a nerveless hand. There was Friend
+Preston. On the cot lay the tall, wasted frame of James Henry, as if
+already prepared for sepulture, so straight and still and composed. His
+mother took her seat at the foot of the bed. Andrew knelt down and
+prayed.
+
+It was in the gray of the dawning when James Henry stirred and opened
+his eyes wide. They seemed at first fixed on vacancy, then they moved
+slowly around.
+
+"Andrew, my son, my only son," and he stretched out his hands. "Tell
+Primrose--tell her to burn the ungodly thing. I am glad thou hast come.
+Now I shall get strong and well. I was waiting for thee."
+
+Andrew Henry held his father's hand. It was very cool, and the pulse
+was gone. That was the end of life, of what might have been love.
+
+Rachel met her cousin in the morning with a strange gleam of fear in her
+eyes. He was very gentle. After breakfast he had to go into town and
+report, and get leave of absence, and inform some of the friends, Madam
+Wetherill among the rest.
+
+He had seen much of men and the world in the last few years, and learned
+many things, among others that a life of repression was not religion.
+And he knew now it was the love of God, and not the estimate of one's
+fellowmen, that did the great work of the world and smoothed the way of
+the dying. From henceforth he should live a true man's life. But his
+mother would be his first care always.
+
+Some days afterward Mr. Chew sent for him and gave him the will.
+
+"I did not make it," he explained. "I refused to write out one that I
+considered unjust, and later on he brought this to me for safe keeping.
+I sincerely hope it is not the same. Take it home and read it, and then
+come to me."
+
+It was made shortly after Andrew had joined the army, and the reasons
+were given straightforwardly why he left his son Andrew Henry the sum of
+only one hundred dollars. In consideration of the sonlike conduct and
+attention to the farm, and respect shown to himself, and Lois, his wife,
+the two great barns and one hundred acres of land, meadow and orchard,
+west of the barns, to Penn Morgan, the son of his wife's sister. To
+Rachel Morgan, for similar care and respect, the dwelling house and one
+barn and one hundred acres, and this to be chargable with Lois Henry's
+home and support. Another hundred and twenty acres to Faith Morgan, and
+the stock equally divided among the three. The moneys out at interest to
+be his wife's share.
+
+Lois Henry went to her son.
+
+"I am sorry," she said. "He repented of something, and I think he meant
+to have the will destroyed. He was very stern after thou didst leave,
+and sometimes hard to Penn, who had much patience. I think his mind was
+not quite right, and occasionally it drowsed away strangely."
+
+"He was glad to see me. That was like a blessing. And we came to look at
+matters in such different lights. He was home here with the few people
+who could not see or know the events going on in the great world. I do
+not think Mr. William Penn ever expected that we should narrow our lives
+so much and take no interest in things outside of our own affairs. And
+when one has been with General Washington and seen his broad, clear
+mind, and such men as General Knox, and Greene and Lee and Marion, and
+our own Robert Morris, the world grows a larger and grander place. I
+shall be content with that last manifestation, and I have thee and thy
+love. Sometime later on we will have a home together," and the soldier
+son kissed his mother tenderly.
+
+Penn stopped him as he was walking by the barns and looking at the
+crops.
+
+"Andrew," he began huskily, "of a truth I knew nothing about the will. I
+had no plan of stepping into thy place. I had meant, when I came of age,
+to take my little money and buy a plot of ground. But thy father made me
+welcome, and when thou wert gone stood sorely in need of me."
+
+"Yes, yes, thou hadst been faithful to him and it was only just to be
+rewarded. I have no hard feelings toward thee, Penn, and I acquit thee
+of any unjust motive."
+
+Penn Morgan winced a little and let his eyes drop down on the path, for
+an expression in the clear, frank ones bent upon him stung him a little.
+How much had the suggestion he had given had to do with his cousin's
+almost capture and enlistment? He knew his uncle would grudge the
+service done to the rebels, and he considered it his duty to stop it. He
+fancied he took this way so as not to make hard feelings between Andrew
+and his father. He did not exactly wish it undone, but there was a sense
+of discomfort about it.
+
+"There were many hard times for me thou knowest nothing about," said
+Penn, with an accent of justification. "He grew very unreasonable and
+sharp--Aunt Lois thinks his mind was impaired longer than we knew. I
+worked like a slave and held my peace. It is owing to me that the farm
+is in so good a condition to-day, while many about us have been suffered
+to go to waste. I have set out new fruit. I have cared for everything as
+if it had been mine, not knowing whether I should get any reward in the
+end. And though Rachel hath grown rather dispirited at times and crossed
+my wishes, she had much to bear also. I should have some amends besides
+mere farm wages."
+
+"I find no fault. It must please thee to know thou didst fill a son's
+place to him. And a life like this is satisfactory to thee." The tone
+was calm.
+
+"I could not endure soldiering and vain and worldly trappings," casting
+his eye over his cousin's attire. "And I care not for the world's
+foolish praise. A short time ago it was Howe and the King, now it is
+Washington, and Heaven only knows what is to come. I have this two
+years been spoken to Clarissa Lane and shall take my own little money
+and build a house for her, and live plainly in God's sight."
+
+"I wish thee much happiness. And never think I shall grudge thee
+anything."
+
+"And I suppose thou wilt become a great military man! Thou wert hardly
+meant for a Quaker."
+
+"I shall serve my country while she needs me," was the grave reply.
+
+As for Rachel, she had no mind to give up all for lost. Even now she
+could depend upon Primrose to keep her promise. She had the old house
+that was dear to Andrew, and she had his mother in her care. When the
+war was really ended and the soldiers disbanded, he must settle
+somewhere, and so she took new courage. If she did not marry him there
+were others who would consider her a prize. But she knew she should
+never love any man as she could love Andrew Henry.
+
+There were times when she hated herself for it. And now that he had
+come, gracious, tender, and with that air of strength and authority that
+always wins a woman, fine-looking withal, and clinging to some Quaker
+ways and speech, her heart went out to him again in a burst of
+fondness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+WHEN THE WORLD WENT WELL.
+
+
+About the country farms, with their narrow ways, opinion was divided.
+Andrew had shocked the Friends by wearing his uniform to his father's
+burial, but he felt he was the son of his country, as well, and had her
+dignity to uphold. Penn Morgan was very much respected and certainly had
+done his duty to his dead uncle.
+
+But at Arch Street indignation ran high, and the Whartons were also very
+outspoken. Primrose was lovelier than ever in her vehemence, and Polly
+declared it was the greatest shame she had ever known. Even Mr. Chew
+said it was an unjust will, and he thought something might be done in
+the end with Primrose Henry's testimony.
+
+"But for my sake thou wilt not give it. Family quarrels are sore and
+disgraceful things, and it is true Penn was a good son to him. My mother
+is well provided for, and I shall find something to do when peace is
+declared, for it is said when Lord North heard of the surrender, he beat
+his breast and paced the floor, crying out: 'Oh, God, it is all over, it
+is all over, and we have lost the colonies!' So that means the end of
+the war."
+
+"And will you not stay a soldier? You are so brave and handsome,
+Andrew."
+
+She meant it from her full heart, and the admiration shone in her eyes.
+But she was thinking that Rachel would never marry a soldier.
+
+"Nay, little one," smiling with manly tenderness. "I have no love for
+soldiering without a cause. When all is gained you will see even our
+great commander come back to private life. I think to-day he would
+rather be at Mount Vernon with his wife and the little Custis children
+than all the show and trappings of high military honors. And there
+should never be any love or lust of conquest except for the larger
+liberty."
+
+Madam Wetherill comforted him with great kindliness.
+
+"I think thou wilt lose nothing in the end," she said gravely. For
+though she was somewhat set against cousins marrying, and Andrew seemed
+too grave a man for butterfly Primrose, she remembered Bessy Wardour had
+been very happy.
+
+Allin Wharton could walk out with a cane, and found his way often down
+to Arch Street. He was sitting there one morning, making Primrose sing
+no end of dainty songs for him, when a chaise drove up to the door.
+
+"Now there is a caller and I will sing no more for you," she exclaimed
+with laughing grace. "Some day these things will be worn threadbare with
+words falling out and leaving holes."
+
+"And you can sing la, la, as you do sometimes when you pretend to
+forget, and so patch it up."
+
+"Then my voice will get hoarse like a crow. Ah, someone asks for Miss
+Henry. How queer! I hardly know my own name."
+
+She ran out heedlessly. Allin was no longer pale, and gaining flesh, but
+this man was ghostly, and for a moment she stared.
+
+"Oh, Phil! Phil!" she cried, and went to his arms with a great throb of
+sisterly love.
+
+"Oh, Primrose! Surely you have grown beautiful by the hour. And such a
+tall girl--why, a very woman!"
+
+"But how have you come? We have been waiting and waiting for word. Oh,
+sit down, for you look as if you would faint."
+
+He took the big splint armchair in the hall, and she stood by him
+caressing his hand, while tears glittered on her lashes.
+
+"I reached the town yesterday. I had not the courage to come, and was
+very tired with my journey, so I went to Mrs. Grayson's, on Second
+Street. I knew her during Howe's winter; some of our officers were
+there."
+
+"'Our.' Oh, Phil! now that all is over I want to hear you say 'my
+country.' For it is your birthplace. There must be no mine or thine."
+
+"I am a poor wretch without a country, Primrose," he said falteringly.
+
+"Nay, nay! You must have a share in your father's country. I shall not
+let you go back to England."
+
+"I have thought the best place to go would be one's grave. Everything
+has failed. Friends are dead or strayed away. The cause is lost. For I
+know now no armies can make a stand against such men as these patriots.
+And if I had never gone across the sea, I suppose I should be one of
+them. But it is ill coming in at the eleventh hour, when you have lost
+all and must beg charity."
+
+"But we have abundant charity and love."
+
+"You are on the winning side."
+
+Her beautiful, tender eyes smiled on him, and the tremulous lips tried
+not to follow, but she was proud of it, her country's side.
+
+"Oh, forgive me!" she cried in a burst of pity.
+
+"Nay, Primrose, I am not so much of a coward but that I can stand being
+beaten and endure the stigma of a lost cause--an unjust cause, we shall
+have to admit sooner or later. But I seem to have been shilly-shallying,
+a sort of gold-lace soldier, and the only time I was ever roused--oh,
+Primrose! believe that I did not know who I should attack until it was
+too late."
+
+"And, Phil, you will take it all back now. Come hither in the parlor.
+There is one soldier who will shake hands heartily without malice, and
+my Cousin Andrew is often dropping in--_your_ cousin," in a sweet,
+unsteady voice, that was half a laugh and half a cry. "And we shall all
+be friends. Allin!"
+
+He thought the name had never sounded so sweet and he would have gone up
+to the cannon's mouth if she had summoned him that way. She had caught
+it from Polly saying it so much.
+
+But he hesitated a little, too. Besides the morning of the skirmish
+there had been the other encounter of hard words.
+
+She took a hand of each and clasped them together, though she felt the
+resistance to the very finger ends. She smiled at one and at the other,
+and the sweetness of the rosy lips and dimpled chin was enough to
+conquer the most bitter enemies.
+
+"Now you are to be friends, honest and true. This is what women will
+have to do: gather up the ends and tie them together, and make cunning
+chains that you cannot escape. Oh, there comes Madam Wetherill. See,
+dear aunt, I have reconciled Tory and Rebel!" and she laughed
+bewitchingly.
+
+Allin said he must go, but he did wish Philemon Nevitt had not come
+quite so soon. How queer it was to meet thus, but then, could any man
+resist Primrose Henry?
+
+Afterward they had a long talk. It seemed true now that Philemon Nevitt
+stood very much alone in the world, and certainly whatever dreams he had
+entertained of greatness were at an end. They had not been so very
+ambitious, to be sure, but he was young yet and could begin a new life.
+
+But first of all he was to get sound and in good spirits, and Madam
+Wetherill quite insisted that he should spend the winter in Philadelphia
+and really study the country he knew so little about.
+
+Dinner-time came, and she would have him stay. Every moment he thought
+Primrose more bewitching. For when one decided she was all froth and
+gayety, the serious side would come out and a tenderness that suggested
+her mother. It was not all frivolity, and he found she was wonderfully
+well-read for a girl of that day.
+
+Philemon Nevitt was more than surprised when his cousin made his
+appearance. There was something in the hearty clasp and full, rich voice
+that went to his lonely heart. Once he recalled that he had met the
+quiet Quaker in his farm attire in this very house, and the bareness of
+his uncle's home, at his call, had rather displeased his fashionable and
+luxurious tastes.
+
+They could not help thinking of the time when they had met in what might
+have been deadly affray if Providence had not overruled. And now Andrew
+Henry was many steps up the ladder of success; and he was down to the
+very bottom. He felt almost envious.
+
+"But Andrew does not mean to be a soldier for life," Primrose declared
+afterward.
+
+"What, not with this splendid prospect? And that martial air seems born
+with him. Why, it would be sinful to throw so much away when it is in
+his very grasp. I cannot believe it!"
+
+"There is good Quaker blood in his veins as well," said Madam Wetherill
+with a smile. "And the fighting Quakers have been the noblest of all
+soldiers because they went from the highest sense of patriotism, not for
+any glory. And you will find them going back to the peaceful walks of
+life with as much zest as ever."
+
+"Yet you are not a Quaker, though you use so much of the speech. And I
+miss the pretty quaintness in Primrose. How dainty it was!"
+
+Primrose ran away and in five minutes came back in a soft, gray silken
+gown, narrow and quite short in the skirt, a kerchief of sheer mull
+muslin crossed on her bosom, and all her hair gathered under a plain
+cap. Madam Wetherill was hardly through explaining that she had always
+been a Church of England woman, and one thing she had admired in Mr.
+Penn more than all his other wisdom, was his insistence that everyone
+should be free to worship as he chose.
+
+"Oh, Primrose!" he cried in delight. "What queer gift do you possess of
+metamorphosis? For one would declare you had never known aught outside
+of a gray gown. And each change brings out new loveliness. Madam
+Wetherill, how do you keep such a sprite in order?"
+
+"She lets me do as I like, and I love to do as she likes," was the quick
+reply, as she laid her pretty hand on the elder woman's shoulder, and
+smiled into her eyes.
+
+"She is a spoiled child," returned madam fondly. "But since I have
+spoiled her myself, I must e'en put up with it."
+
+"But Mrs. Wharton spoils me too, and thinks the best of the house must
+be brought out for me. And even Aunt Lois has grown strangely
+indulgent."
+
+"I believe I should soon get well in this atmosphere. And of course,
+Primrose," with a certain amused meaning, "you will never rest until I
+am of your way of thinking and have forsworn the king. Must I become a
+Quaker as well?"
+
+"Nay, that is as thou pleasest," she said with a kind of gay
+sententiousness.
+
+All of life was not quite over for him, Philemon Nevitt decided when he
+went back to Mrs. Grayson's house. It had been quite a famous house when
+the Declaration of Independence was pending, and held Washington, and
+Hancock, and many another rebel worthy. Then it had been a great place
+again in the Howe winter. Madam Wetherill had generously invited him to
+make her house his home, but he had a delicacy about such a step.
+
+Early in December hostilities at the south ceased and the British
+evacuated Charleston. Preparations were made for a discussion of the
+preliminaries of peace. John Adams, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin,
+Jefferson, and Laurens were, after some discussion, named commissioners
+and empowered to act. General and Mrs. Washington came up to
+Philadelphia.
+
+There was not a little wrangling in the old State House, for it was not
+possible that everyone should agree. And if the men bickered the women
+had arguments as well. Some were for having an American King and
+degrees of royalty that would keep out commoners, but these were mostly
+Tory women.
+
+There was not a little longing for gayety and gladness after the long
+and weary strife, the deaths, the wounded soldiers, and all the
+privations. The elder people might solace themselves with card-playing,
+but the younger ones wanted a different kind of diversion.
+
+The old Southwark Theater was opened under the attractive title of
+"Academy of Polite Science." Here a grand ovation was given to General
+Washington, "Eugenie," a play of Beaumarchais, being acted, with a fine
+patriotic prologue. The young women were furbishing up their neglected
+French, or studying it anew, and the French minister was paid all the
+honors of the town. The affection and gratitude shown the French allies
+were one of the features of the winter.
+
+Philemon Henry was proud enough of his pretty sister, and the still
+fine-looking grand dame Mrs. Wetherill. Then there was piquant Polly
+Wharton with her smiles and ready tongue, and even Andrew Henry was
+recreant enough to grace the occasion, which seemed to restore an
+atmosphere of amity and friendly alliance.
+
+There was more than one who recalled the gay young Andre and his
+personations during the liveliest winter Philadelphia had ever known.
+
+Dancing classes were started again, and the assemblies reopened. Many of
+the belles of that older period were married; not a few of them, like
+Miss Becky Franks, had married English officers, and were now departing
+for England since there was no more glory to be gained at war, and these
+heroes were somewhat at a discount.
+
+There were many young patriots and not a few Southerners who had come up
+with the army, for Philadelphia, though she had been buffeted and
+traduced, had proved the focus of the country, since Congress had been
+held here most of the time; here the mighty Declaration had been born
+and read, when the substance was treason, and here the flag had been
+made; here indeed the first glad announcement of the great victory had
+been shouted out in the silent night. So the old town roused herself to
+a new brightness. Grave as General Washington could be when seriousness
+was requisite, he had the pleasant Virginian side to his nature, and was
+not averse to entertainments.
+
+Gilbert Vane had returned with the soldiers, and ere long he knew his
+friend was in the city; for Major Henry said the brother of Primrose was
+almost a daily visitor at Madam Wetherill's.
+
+"And still a stout Tory, I suppose, regarding me as a renegade?" Vane
+ventured with a half smile.
+
+"He has changed a great deal. Primrose, I think, lops off a bit of
+self-conceit and belief in the divine right of kings, at every
+interview. And he is her shadow."
+
+"Then I should have no chance of seeing her," the young man said
+disappointedly.
+
+"Nay. I think Cousin Phil nobler than to hold a grudge when so many
+grudges have been swept away. I find him companionable in many respects.
+He was in quite ill-health when he first came, but improves daily."
+
+"He was like an elder brother to me always, and it was a sore pang to
+offend him. But I came to see matters in a new light. And I wonder how
+it was his sweet little sister did not convert him? She was always so
+courageous and charming, a most fascinating little rebel in her
+childhood. I should have adored such a sister. Indeed, if I had
+possessed one at home I should never have crossed the ocean."
+
+Andrew repeated part of this conversation to Primrose. He had been
+impressed with the young man's patriotism.
+
+"Oh, you know, in a certain way, he was _my_ soldier," she said with her
+sunniest smile. "And now I must see him. How will we plan it? For Phil
+is a little proud and a good deal obstinate. Polly would know how to
+bring it about, she has such a keen wit. And Allin would like him, I
+know. Polly shall give you an invitation for him at her next dance. And
+you must come, even if you do not dance."
+
+Andrew gave an odd, half-assenting look. It was as Rachel had said long
+ago; in most things she wound him around her finger.
+
+But at the first opportunity she put the subject cunningly to Philemon.
+
+"What became of that old friend of yours, who changed your colors for
+mine, and went to fight my battles?" she asked gayly, one day, when they
+had stopped reading a thin old book of poems by one George Herbert.
+
+"My friend? Oh, do you mean young Vane? I have often wondered. He went
+to Virginia--I think I told you. It was a great piece of folly, when
+there was a home for him in England."
+
+"But if his heart was with us!" she remarked prettily with her soft
+winsomeness. "Art thou very angry with him?" and her beautiful eyes wore
+an appealing glance.
+
+"Primrose, when you want to subdue the enemy utterly, use 'thee' and
+'thou.' No man's heart could stand against such witchery. Thou wilt be a
+sad coquette later on."
+
+She laughed then at his attempt. There was always a little dimple in her
+chin, and when she laughed one deepened in her cheek.
+
+"Surely I am spoiled with flattery. I should be vainer than a peacock.
+But that is not answering my question. I wonder how much thou hast of
+the Henry malice."
+
+"Was I angry? Why, the defection seemed traitorous then. I counted
+loyalty only on the King's side. But I have learned that a man can
+change when he is serving a bad side and still be honest. He was a fine
+fellow, but I think he was tired of idleness and frivolity, and he fell
+in with some women who were of your way of believing, and their glowing
+talk fascinated him. One of them I know had a brother in the southern
+army."
+
+"Then it was not _I_ who converted him." She gave a pretty pout, in mock
+disappointment.
+
+"I think you started it. Though New York had many rebels."
+
+"And perhaps he will come back and marry one of them."
+
+"He may be at that now. Nay," seriously, "more likely he is in some
+unknown grave. And he was very dear to me," with a manly sigh.
+
+"Then you could forgive him?" softly.
+
+"In his grave, yes. Alive, the question would be whether, being the
+victor, he would not crow over me. Oh, little Primrose, war is a very
+bitter thing after all. To think I came near to killing Cousin Andrew,
+and yet he holds no malice. What a big heart he has! I do not believe
+in Henry malice."
+
+"And _you_ will hold no malice?"
+
+"It is hardly likely I shall see him."
+
+She turned around and pretended to be busy with the curtain so that he
+might not see the glad light shining in her eyes. But he was thinking of
+the old days when they were lads together and talked of what they would
+do when they were lords of Vane Priory and Nevitt Grange.
+
+And when they met they simply looked into each other's eyes and clasped
+hands; the new disquiet being forgotten and the old affection leaping to
+its place. Just a moment. They were forming a little dance, and
+Lieutenant Vane was to lead with Miss Polly Wharton, while Primrose had
+Allin for a partner.
+
+"You little mischief," and Phil gave Primrose a soft pinch afterward,
+"how did you dare? What if we had both been foes to the teeth?"
+
+"Ah, I knew better. Andrew said he was longing to be friends, but would
+not dare make the first advances. And if you had refused to speak with
+him at this house you would not be gentlemanly."
+
+"I should like to kiss you before everybody."
+
+"It is not good manners."
+
+"You will have a rival."
+
+"I shall not like that. Whatever you do, no one shall be loved better
+than I."
+
+"Not even a wife, if I should get one? Oh, you jealous little Primrose!"
+
+"Let me see--if I should choose her----" And she glanced up archly.
+
+"Then you would have me here forever. She would be a maiden of this
+quaint old town."
+
+"Then I shall choose her," triumphantly.
+
+"Primrose, come and sing," said half a dozen voices.
+
+And though Gilbert Vane listened entranced to the singing, he also had
+an ear for his friend. It was so good to be at peace with him, and they
+promised to meet the next day.
+
+Madam Wetherill was glad to see the young lieutenant again. Her house
+seemed to be headquarters, as before, and nothing interested her more
+than to hear the story of the southern campaign from such an
+enthusiastic talker as Vane, for Andrew was rather reticent about his
+own share in these grand doings.
+
+It was not a cold winter, and the spring opened early. Philadelphia
+seemed to rise from her depression and there were signs of business once
+more, although the finances of the nation were in a most troubled state.
+Shops were opening, stores put on their best and bravest attire, and
+suddenly there was a tremor in the very air, a flutter and song of
+birds, and a hazy, grayish-blue look about the trees that were swelling
+with buds, soon to turn into crimson maple blooms, and tender birch
+tassels and all beautiful greenery, such as moves the very soul, and
+informs it with new life.
+
+In March the cessation of hostilities was agreed upon, and plans looking
+toward peace.
+
+"Now, little rebel!" exclaimed Philemon Henry, "you must lay down your
+arms. Surely you should meet us half-way?"
+
+"What arms?" archly, smiling out of mischievous eyes.
+
+"A sharp and saucy tongue. Sometimes you are hardly just to Vane, and in
+your eyes he should be a patriot."
+
+"He is. But surely I do not talk half as bad as Mrs. Ferguson and Miss
+Jeffries. One would think, listening to them, that the Americans had no
+sense, and could not govern the country they fought for. Why do not
+people like these go back to England?"
+
+"Shall I go?" in a voice of sad indecision.
+
+"If you talked like that I should bid you a joyous send off! What a pity
+Miss Jeffries had not married one of Howe's officers; then she would
+have to go when they are all sent out of the country. And poor old Mr.
+Jeffries hath quite lost his head. Aunt hates to play with him any more,
+for he loses incessantly."
+
+"But do not the soldiers need something out of the fund?"
+
+They both laughed at that.
+
+"No doubt we could still find some with well-worn shoes. But the need
+not being urgent, she hates to impoverish the old man who hath lost so
+much. For it seems he made some heavy bets upon Lord Cornwallis reducing
+the southern Colonies and entering Philadelphia in triumph. And even now
+he is sure the King will never consent to the separation."
+
+"Which shows how much the King loved the Colonies."
+
+"A queer love, that would deprive them of any kind of freedom. No, my
+kind of love is broad and generous, and not thinking how much profit one
+can squeeze out," and her lovely eyes were deep with intense feeling.
+
+"When wilt thou give me a little of this measure?"
+
+"Oh, Phil, am I very naughty and cross?" and her sweet voice would have
+disarmed anyone. "But I think sometimes you are only half converted. You
+talk of returning to England, and it grieves me."
+
+"But if I stay here I must find some business. I am not very lucky at
+cards. I have resigned my position, and now that poor old Sir Wyndham is
+dead and the income shrunk sadly, I can count on no more from that
+quarter. There is only the interest on what my dear father invested for
+me, and that may pay but poorly. They will hardly want to make a rebel
+officer of me, since if peace comes they will disband many of the
+regiments. To beg I am ashamed. I hardly know how to work. If I went
+home and re-enlisted--England always hath some wars on hand."
+
+"They are a naughty, quarrelsome nation, and then they wonder how we
+come to have so much spunk and bravery! No, thou shalt not go back.
+Business here will stir up. Then men talk to Madam Wetherill about it.
+And I think thou hast wit enough to learn. Thou shalt get settled here,
+and--and marry some pretty rebel wife----"
+
+"And quarrel with her?" mirthfully.
+
+"Nay, she shall be better tempered than I. Everybody hath spoiled me,
+and I am a shrew. No man will ever want to marry me, and I am glad of
+that."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+AN APRIL GIRL.
+
+
+"On Thursday next I shall have a birthday," said Primrose Henry. "And I
+shall be seventeen. Yet I never can catch up with Polly, who is
+nineteen."
+
+"Well--some day thou wilt be nineteen. And what shall we do for thee?
+Wilt thou have a party?"
+
+"I am tired of parties, and it is growing warm to dance. I believe in a
+fortnight or so the army is to leave. Andrew is going with the commander
+at first, but, if he is not needed, will come back. He makes such a
+handsome soldier."
+
+"Thou art a vain little moppet, always thinking whether people look fine
+or not."
+
+"But Andrew is handsome of himself. I wish Phil came up to six feet and
+past. I think the Nevitts could not have been overstocked with beauty."
+
+"How thou dost flout the poor lad! I wonder that he loves thee at all!"
+
+"But I love him," with charming serenity.
+
+"And show it queerly."
+
+Primrose gave her light, rippling laugh.
+
+"I think"--after a pause, twirling her sewing around by the thread--"I
+think we will all take a walk about the dear old town. Then we will come
+home and have tea, and rest ourselves."
+
+"But why not ride? I am too old and too stout to be trotting about, and
+Patty is hardly----"
+
+"Patty will flirt with my fine cousin. Oh, I have caught her at it. You
+would be amazed to know the secrets they have with each other, and the
+low-toned talk that goes on. I have to be severe, and to be severe on
+one's birthday would be hard indeed."
+
+Madam Wetherill laughed.
+
+"Betty Mason was complaining of being so mewed up all winter. And now
+her baby is old enough to leave, and she might come down and see the
+changes planned for the town, and the other changes since the winter she
+had her gay fling. What a little girl I was! And she being a widow can
+watch us, but Phil has such sharp eyes that he might be a veritable
+dragon. He will not let me buy a bit of candied calamus unless the boy
+is under ten, he is so afraid I shall be looked at. And there will be
+Polly's brother to watch her. But Betty will have two attendants, which
+is hardly fair, and she thinks Gilbert Vane quite a hero."
+
+"And Andrew Henry?"
+
+"Oh, she is soft-hearted about him because he has lost his fortune. And
+Gilbert Vane is like to lose his in the general settling up. So she can
+administer the same kind of consolation to both."
+
+"Thou hast a shrewd way of allotting matters. Poor Betty! It will be
+nice to ask her since you both have brothers to watch over you. And you
+will not stray very far? Then what delicacies will you have for supper?"
+
+"Oh, we shall be hungry as wolves. I must see what Mistress Kent can
+give us. She thinks soldiers have grown hollow by much tramping and
+cannot be filled up."
+
+Madam Wetherill smiled indulgently.
+
+They all promised to come. Julius went out on Wednesday and brought in
+Betty, who was delighted with the outing.
+
+But when Primrose opened her eyes at six in the morning there was a
+gentle patter everywhere, and dashes on the window pane. But, oh! how
+sweet all the air was, and the clouds were having a carnival in the sky,
+chasing each other about in the vain endeavor to cover up the bits of
+laughing blue.
+
+"Patty," in a most doleful voice, "it rains!"
+
+"To be sure, child," cheerfully. "What would you have on an April day?
+And if it rains before seven 'twill clear before eleven. There will be
+no dust for your walk."
+
+"You are a great comforter, Patty. Are you sure it will stop by noon?"
+
+"Oh, la, yes! April days can never keep a whole mind."
+
+"That must be the reason I am so changeable."
+
+"I dare say. But I was born in November, and I like to change my mind.
+'Twould be a queer world if people were like candles, all run in one
+mold."
+
+"But there are fat candles and thin candles."
+
+"And they are always round. Folks have corners. They're queer-like and
+pleasant by spells, and you can't see everything about them at a glance.
+We must have candles, but I have a hankering for folks as well."
+
+Primrose laughed and ran to Betty, who was not as philosophical, and was
+afraid that the day was spoiled.
+
+"The wind is west," said Madam Wetherill.
+
+Sure enough, by nine it was a radiant day. The two girls chattered, for
+Betty was only three-and-twenty, and the news from Virginia had put new
+heart in her.
+
+"You must talk to Lieutenant Vane as much as you can. You see, he was
+there so much longer than Andrew, and knew more about everything. And he
+is such a splendid American! But he may have to give up Vane Priory,
+which Phil says was beautiful. Or, rather, it will be confiscated.
+General Howe sent over word when he joined our army. It is hard to be
+called a traitor and a deserter when you are doing a noble deed. But he
+doesn't seem very disheartened over it."
+
+"It is very brave of him."
+
+Primrose brought out her pretty frocks and her buckles and some of her
+mother's trinkets she was allowed to wear, and Betty told over various
+Virginian gayeties, and the sun went on shining. So, quite early Polly
+and Allin came. Allin had decided to study law, for his ambition had
+been roused by the appointment of really learned men to discuss the
+points of coming peace. And there would always be legal troubles to
+settle, property boundaries to define, wills to make, and Allin admitted
+he had seen quite enough of war, though, if the country needed him, he
+should go again. But Gilbert Vane was a truly enthusiastic soldier.
+
+When Andrew came he announced that the company was to be ready to start
+next week. General Washington would have his quarters for some time up
+the Hudson, so as to be ready for a descent on New York if England
+should start the war afresh on any pretext.
+
+Certainly the afternoon was beautiful. People were beginning with
+gardens, and climbing roses were showing green stems. And the tall box
+alleys were full of new sprouts, betraying a great contrast to the deep
+green that had withstood the frosts of many winters.
+
+There was a ferry over Dock Creek; indeed, there were but few bridges,
+but being ferried over was more to their taste. Then they walked up
+Society Hill, where some fine, substantial houses were being put up.
+There were the city squares, and, far over, a great ragged waste, with
+tree stumps everywhere.
+
+"That is what you did in Howe's winter--cut down all the beautiful
+woods--Governor's woods," Primrose said resentfully. "There are traces
+of you everywhere. It will take years and years for us to forget it or
+remedy it."
+
+"But do you not suppose the soldiers around Valley Forge cut down the
+woods as well? You would not have them freeze. And the poor men here
+wanted a little warmth," said Phil.
+
+"There was plenty of waste land where you could have gone," in her
+severest tone.
+
+"I thought myself there were many acts of vandalism," commented Vane.
+"But I believe it is the rule of warfare to damage your enemy all you
+can. Think of the magnificent cities the old Greeks and Romans destroyed
+utterly."
+
+"They were half savages, idolaters, believing in all sorts of gods. And
+you pretended to be Christians!"
+
+"You were so sweet a moment ago, Primrose," said her brother.
+
+"Unalloyed sweetness is cloying. You need salt and spice as well. And I
+always feel afraid I shall forgive you too easily when I look at those
+poor stumps and pass the jail."
+
+"You can remember all one's sins easily," Phil retorted rather
+gloomily.
+
+"And one's virtues, too, behind one's back. Never fear her loyalty, Mr.
+Nevitt." Phil had insisted everyone should drop his military cognomen.
+"You should have heard her solicitude when no word came from you, and
+was there not some joy in her face when you appeared that could not have
+put itself into words?" cried Allin Wharton eagerly, for he always
+resented the least suspicion of a non-perfection in Primrose.
+
+"Now I will cross thee off my books," blushing and trying to look stern.
+"Allin Wharton! To betray a friend in that manner!"
+
+"To recount her virtues," and Betty Mason laughed over to the pretty
+child. "She has a right to be like an April day."
+
+"And I found this pretty conceit in some reading," interposed Vane. "We
+should have tried our pens in your behalf, Mistress Primrose, but I knew
+nothing of this birthday except just as we met, so I can only offer
+second-hand, but then 'tis by a famous fellow:
+
+    "'May never was the month of love,
+      For May is full of flowers,--
+    But rather April wet by kind,
+      For love is full of showers.'"
+
+"Am I such a crying girl?" Primrose's face was a study in its struggle
+not to smile.
+
+"And here is another." Andrew Henry half turned:
+
+    "'When April nods, with lightsome smiles
+      And Violets all a-flower;
+    Her willful mood may turn to tears
+      Full twice within an hour.'"
+
+"Then I am very fickle--and bad tempered, and--and----" There was deep
+despair in the voice.
+
+"And Primrose, an April girl who can have whatever mood she chooses,"
+said Wharton. "I wish I had known one was to bring posies of thought and
+I would have looked up one. How I envy those people who can write
+acrostics or sudden verses, and all I know seem to have gone from me."
+
+Primrose made a mocking courtesy. "Thank you. We can all go and gather
+violets. I know a stretch of woods the British left standing, where the
+grass is full of them. And a bit of stream that runs into the
+Schuylkill. Oh, and a clean, well-behaved mead-house where one can get
+delightful cheesecake. Now that we have reached the summit, look about
+the town. A square, ugly little town, is it not?"
+
+"It is not ugly," Polly protested resentfully.
+
+The rivers on either side, the angle with docks jutting out, and
+creeping up along the Delaware, Windmill Island and the Forts; the two
+long, straight streets crossing at right angles, and even then rows of
+red-brick cottages, but finer ones as well, with gardens, some seeming
+set in a veritable park; and Master Shippen's pretty herd of deer had
+been brought back. There were Christ Church and St. Peter's with their
+steeples, there were more modest ones, and the Friends' meeting house
+that had held many a worthy.
+
+"It is well worth seeing," said Betty Mason. "Some of the places about
+make me think of my own State and the broad, hospitable dwellings."
+
+"Oh, but you should see Stenton and Clieveden! and the Chew House at
+Germantown is already historical. There is to be a history writ of the
+town, I believe, and all it has gone through!" exclaimed Polly.
+
+Then they begin to come down in a kind of winding fashion. Women are out
+making gardens and tying up vines, some of them in the quaint, short
+gown and petticoat, relegated mostly to servants. Then Friends, in cap
+and kerchief; children in the fashion of their parents, with an odd
+made-over appearance.
+
+"It will be a grand city if it stretches out according to Mr. Penn's
+ideas. And oh, Betty! you must see the old house in Letitia Street, with
+its dormer windows and odd little front door with its overhanging roof.
+And the house on Second Street that is more pretentious, with its slated
+roof. If the talk is true about peace there are great plans for the
+advancement of the town. They are going to cut down some of the hills
+and drain the meadows that the British flooded," and Primrose glanced
+sidewise at her brother's face with a half-teasing delight. "So, if the
+dreams of the big men who govern the city come true, there will
+presently be no old Philadelphia. I hear them talking of it with Aunt
+Wetherill."
+
+They wander on, now and then changing places and partners, having a
+little merry badinage. Polly keeps coming to the rescue where Philemon
+Nevitt is concerned.
+
+There are other gay parties out rambling; some with hands full of wild
+flowers, laughing and chatting, occasionally bestowing a nod on the
+Whartons and Primrose, and staring perhaps unduly at the tall fine
+soldier with his martial air and uniform, hardly suspecting the Quaker
+heart underneath.
+
+"Now that we have come so near I bethink me of an errand for Mistress
+Janice Kent," exclaimed Primrose. "And you will like to see the row of
+small, cheerful houses where some poor women come, some poor married
+folks when life has gone hard with them. See here is Walnut Street. Let
+us turn in. It is an old, old place that somebody left some money to
+build."
+
+"Old John Martin," said Andrew. "Yes, I have been here. It is a snug,
+pretty place, not an alms-house."
+
+"My old lady is not in this long, plain house, but around in Fourth
+Street, in her own little cottage. See how quaint they are?"
+
+A narrow passage like a green lane ran through the center. Small,
+one-storied cottages, with a doorway and a white-curtained window; a
+steep roof with a window in the end to light the garret. There was a
+garden with each. There were fruit trees ready to burst into bloom, so
+sheltered were they. There were grape arbors, where old men were smoking
+and old ladies knitting.
+
+One old lady had half a dozen little children in her room, teaching a
+school. One was preparing dried herbs in small cardboard boxes. There
+were sweet flavors as of someone distilling; there was a scent of
+molasses candy being made, or a cake baked, even new, warm biscuit.
+
+Everybody seemed happy and well employed.
+
+"It is something like the Church Charities at home," said Vane, "only
+much more tidy and beautiful."
+
+"It is where I shall come some day," announced Primrose with a plaintive
+accent, as if she were at the end of life.
+
+"You!" Polly glanced at her with surprised eyes, hardly knowing whether
+to laugh or not.
+
+"As if you would ever have need!" declared Betty Mason.
+
+"But they are not very poor, you see. They have to be worthy people and
+nice people, who have been unfortunate. And when I am old I shall beg
+one of the little houses to live in. I think I shall make sweet flavors
+and raise herbs."
+
+She looked so utterly grave and in earnest that both Wharton and
+Lieutenant Vane stared as if transfixed.
+
+"What nonsense!" exclaimed her brother. "As if there would not always be
+someone----"
+
+"But I shall live to be very old, I know. Aunt Wetherill tells of one of
+the Wardour women who lived to be a hundred and two years old, ever so
+long ago, in England. And it is hardly probable, Phil, that you can live
+to be one hundred and ten or more, and, if you did, you would most
+likely be helpless," in an extremely assured tone.
+
+"Well, you would not be poor," he subjoined quickly, indignantly.
+
+"How do you know? Some of the people here have been in comfortable
+circumstances. And, two days ago, when Mr. Northfield was over he was
+talking about some of papa's property that had nearly gone to ruin--been
+destroyed, I think, and would take a good deal to repair it. And--eighty
+or ninety years is a long time to live. There may be another war--people
+are so quarrelsome--and everything will go then! Betty's house was
+burned, and her father's fine plantation laid waste. And Betty is not
+very much older than I, and all these misfortunes have happened to her."
+
+The whole four men are resolved in their secret hearts that no sorrow or
+want will ever come to her, even if she should outlive them all.
+
+They reached Mrs. Preston's cottage and Primrose delivered her message.
+Then they lingered about, and Betty concluded it would be no great
+hardship to come here when one was done with other pleasures and things,
+and had little to live upon.
+
+"It is a delightful spot," said Vane, "and I never dreamed of it before.
+That it should have been here all through that winter----"
+
+"But you were dancing and acting plays!"
+
+"Don't call up any more of my bad, mistaken deeds! Have I not convinced
+you that I repented of them, and am doing my best to make amends?"
+
+The fire in Vane's eyes awed Primrose, conquered her curiously, and a
+treacherous softening of the lines about her sweet mouth almost made a
+smile.
+
+"And now what next?" commented Polly. "Do you know how we are loitering?
+Has the place charmed us? I never thought it so fascinating before."
+
+It was to charm many a one, later on, like a little oasis in the great
+walls of brick that were to grow about it, of traffic and noise and
+disputations that were never to enter here, and to have a romance,
+whether rightly or wrongly, that was to call many a one thither at the
+thought of Evangeline. And so a poet puts an imperishable sign on a
+place, or a historian a golden seal.
+
+"We were to go somewhere else. And see where the sun is dropping to. It
+always slides so fast on that round part of the sky."
+
+"Yes, the most beautiful little place, and to get our violets. Betty,
+when they are all gone we will have long days hunting up queer corners
+and things. And somewhere--out at Dunk's Ferry--there is a strange sort
+of body who tells fortunes occasionally--when she is in _just_ the
+humor. And that makes it the more exciting, because you can never quite
+know. We will take Patty; we can find all the strange corners."
+
+"Why couldn't we all go? To have one's fortune told--not that I believe
+in it," and Vane laughed.
+
+"Then you have no business to have it told. And Miss Jeffries runs over
+the cards and tells ever so many things, and they _are_ really true. You
+will meet her again some evening."
+
+Gilbert Vane blushed. The fortune he wanted to hear was not one with
+which he would like a whole roomful entertained.
+
+"It is this way."
+
+Primrose walked on ahead with Andrew Henry.
+
+"There is a suspicious-looking cloud, bigger than a man's hand."
+
+"Oh, then let us hurry! Nonsense, Phil, why do you alarm a body? See how
+the sun shines. It is going past. Now--down at the end of this lane----"
+
+Just then some great drops fell. Primrose ran like a sprite and turned a
+triumphant face to the others when she was under shelter.
+
+It was indeed a fairy nook with a strip of woods back of it. A little
+thread of a stream ran by on one side. In summer, when the trees were in
+full leaf, it would be a bower of greenery. A low, story-and-a-half
+house, with a porch running all across the front, roofed over with
+weather-worn shingles. The hall doors, back and front, stand wide open,
+and there is a long vista reaching down to the clump of woods made up of
+a much-patched-up trellis with several kinds of vines growing over it to
+furnish a delightful shade in summer. Some benches in the shining glory
+of new green paint stand along the edge. There was a small table with
+three people about it, and the stout, easy-going hostess, who
+pronounced them "lucky," as there comes a three-minutes' fierce downpour
+of rain while the sun is still shining, then stops, and everything is
+beaded with iridescent gems. The very sky seems laughing, and the round
+sun fairly winks with an amused joviality.
+
+In the small front yard the grass is green and thickly sown with tulips
+that have two sheath-like leaves of bluish-green enfolding the bud. "It
+will be a sight presently," exclaimed Polly, "but so will most of the
+gardens. Why, we might be Hollanders, such a hold has this tulip mania
+taken of us!"
+
+By craning their necks a little they can look out on the Delaware and
+see the ambitious little creek rushing into it. The glint of the sun
+upon the changing water is magnificent.
+
+"What a beautiful spot! Why, Polly, have we ever been here before?"
+asked Allin.
+
+"No, I think not. There are some places very like it on the Schuylkill.
+But I do not remember this."
+
+Then the hostess comes to inquire what she can serve them with. There is
+fresh birch beer, there is a sassafras metheglin made with honey, there
+is mead, and she looks doubtfully at the two soldiers as if her simple
+list might not come up to their desires.
+
+"And cheesecake?" ventured Primrose.
+
+"Oh, yes! and wafers and gingerbread, and real Dutch doughnuts."
+
+Primrose glanced around, elated. Her birthday treat was to be a success.
+
+So they sat and refreshed themselves and jested, with Primrose in her
+sunniest mood, while the sun dropped lower and lower and burnished the
+river.
+
+"I wonder if there are many violets in the woods."
+
+"Oh, yes, indeed!" answered the woman. "It's rather early for many
+people to come and I am out of the way until they begin to sail up and
+down the river; that's when it is warmer, though to-day has been fine
+enough."
+
+"Suppose we go and gather the violets," suggested Philemon.
+
+"Of course we expect you to go, don't we, Polly? But then we are going
+also."
+
+"Won't it be wet?"
+
+"Not with that little sprinkle!" cried Primrose disdainfully.
+
+There were dozens of pretty spring things in the woods, but violets were
+enough. Large bluish-purple ones, down to almost every gradation. Then
+Betty thought of an old-time verse and Lieutenant Vane of another.
+
+"But it should be primroses," he said. "If we were at home in English
+haunts we should find them. I don't know why I say at home, for I doubt
+if it is ever my home again."
+
+"I am a more hopeful exile than you," commented Betty Mason. "My country
+will be restored to me, and I shall never forget that you helped."
+
+What large, soft, dark eyes she had, and a voice with a peculiar
+lingering cadence; but it did not go to one's heart like that of
+Primrose.
+
+The sun was speeding downward. It was a long walk home. Andrew Henry
+headed the procession with his cousin, and Vane followed with Betty, so
+it was Polly who had the two attendants, and Allin was rather out of
+humor.
+
+Janice Kent had a birthday supper for them, but with the treat at Larch
+Alley, and, perhaps, some fatigue, they were not ravenous. Primrose sang
+for them and was bewilderingly sweet--Andrew thought, just as the day
+had been, full of caprices but ending in tender beauty. And then they
+drank her health and wished her many happy returns, bidding her a very
+fervent good-night.
+
+There had been a good deal of enthusiasm about General Washington, and
+many very warm friends had sympathized deeply with Mrs. Washington in
+her sorrow. Plans of a new campaign had also been discussed. The city
+was sorry to relinquish its noble guests. Society had taken on an aspect
+of dignified courtesy; contending parties had ceased to rail at each
+other, and there was a greater air of punctilious refinement, that was
+to settle into a grace less formal than that of the old-time Quaker
+breeding, but more elegant and harmonious. A new ambition woke in the
+heart of the citizens to beautify, adorn, and improve. There was a stir
+in educational circles, and the library that had languished so long was
+making its voice heard. Peace was about to have her victory.
+
+Andrew Henry was closeted a long while one morning with Madam Wetherill.
+
+"I shall go to Newburgh with the General," he said, "but if there is to
+be no more war I shall resign my commission. That sounds almost like a
+martial declaration in favor of war, but it is not so. I was not meant
+for a soldier except in necessity. There are those whom the life really
+inspires, and who would be only too glad to fill my place. I could not
+step out with such a clear conscience if I were a private. And since you
+have been good enough, madam, to ask me about plans, I must confess
+that I have not gone very far in any. There are, no doubt, farms around
+that I could hire and make profitable, but my mother no longer has the
+strength and energy to be at the head of such a place. I have thought
+something might open here in the city that would enable me to make a
+home for her and myself; that is my ambition now. I do not feel that I
+ought to leave her to the care of my Cousin Rachel while she has a son
+of her own. True, her home is left to her there, but she is not
+compelled to stay in it."
+
+"And Rachel may marry."
+
+"I think she will. She is a smart and capable woman, but it is hard
+doing all things and managing alone; though now she and Penn have made
+up over a little coldness. He will till Faith's land for the present.
+The greatest profit, the cherries, and one good orchard belongs to
+Rachel, so she is well to do. However, I want my dear mother with me,
+and by mid-summer I may return."
+
+"I have been thinking somewhat about thee. There will be great changes
+in the town. Trade already is stirring up, and commerce will begin again
+when the restrictions are removed. But it is in the very heart of things
+where we may look for the greatest changes. There have been many years
+of doubt and hesitation, but now there is a great expanding of
+enterprise. James Logan and Mr. Chew were discussing it not many
+mornings since. The city must almost be made over, as one may say. I own
+a great deal of waste property, and plantations in Maryland. There is
+also considerable belonging to Primrose."
+
+"But there is her brother, madam. The more I see of Philemon Henry the
+better I like him. He hath had a hard year, a year of great
+disappointment and mortification, and he comes out of it with more
+bravery than I supposed possible for one whose opinions have been so
+strongly the other way. Why not give him a helping hand?"
+
+"You are very honorable, Friend Henry, and I respect you for it. Then,"
+laughingly, "do you think you two could ever come to an agreement and be
+friendly as brothers if your interests were identical?"
+
+"I could answer for myself," he said with respectful gravity.
+
+"For many years the old house of Henry & Co. had an excellent standing.
+Mr. Northfield was much the elder and it seemed as if he might go years
+the first, but he did not. Now he wishes to be relieved of all the
+affairs of our dear Primrose. And I have thought, with some assistance
+and a good deal of energy on the part of two young people if they should
+agree, there might be a new house of Henry & Co., with its reputation
+half made to begin with. I know Philemon will agree. He hath already
+proposed to take a position under Mr. Morris, and seems only anxious now
+to earn a living in some respectable way. But I wanted to consult thee
+first."
+
+"I thank thee a thousand times, dear madam. Am I losing Quaker
+simplicity?" and he smiled gravely. "I am afraid I have acquired a good
+many worldly ways."
+
+"A little worldliness will not hurt thee. In sooth my plan would call
+for a large share of it, but I want the old-fashioned trustiness and
+integrity. When times change men and women, too, must change with them.
+I should like to see thee a solid and respected citizen of the town--of
+the new town that is to be."
+
+"Thou dost honor me greatly. And I must confess to thee, since seeing
+larger men and larger issues, a higher ambition has stirred within me.
+If it had so fallen out that I had gone back to the farm, I could not
+have been content with the old plodding round. And when it was taken
+from me it seemed in some degree the work of Providence that I should
+have been pushed out of the old nest and made to think on new lines."
+
+"Then wilt thou carry my idea with thee and consider it well? There need
+be no haste. Thy return will do."
+
+Much moved, he pressed her hand warmly. Then he carried it to his lips
+with the grace of a courtier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+POLLY AND PHIL.
+
+
+The city seemed quite dull when the Commander-in-Chief and his staff had
+departed for Newburgh. The feeling of peace grew stronger every day. The
+country mansions along the Schuylkill began to take on new life, and the
+town to bestir itself. True, finances were in the worst possible shape
+from the over issue of paper money, and in many instances people went
+back to simple barter.
+
+The Randolphs were very much at home on the farm. Betty's two babies
+were cunning little midgets, the elder a boy, the younger a girl.
+Primrose fell very much in love with them. Here was something she need
+not be afraid of loving with all her might.
+
+"Only I wish I had not been seventeen," she cried pettishly. "I can't
+see how Polly gets along with so many admirers. I do not want any. There
+is something in their eyes when they look at you that sends a shiver
+over me."
+
+"Has Polly so many?" asked madam, rather amused.
+
+"Why, yes. Just a few evenings ago young Mr. Norris came in and then Mr.
+Ridgway. I thought they quite glowered at each other. And what one said
+the other sniffed about as if it was hardly worth saying. And Mr.
+Ridgway thought cards stupid, and Phil grew quite cross and said we
+would come home. It is very pleasant when there is no one there, we
+four can agree so well."
+
+"At card-playing?" in a rather diverted manner.
+
+"Not always, not often indeed. We sing and talk and say over verses.
+There are so many in that old ballad book. But lovers seem always to
+break one's heart and to love the wrong one. I shall never have a lover.
+I shall never marry," and her sweet voice has a delightful severity.
+
+Madam Wetherill really laughs then.
+
+"Oh, I am in earnest. You shall see. For when I called on Anabella
+yesterday she flung her arms around my neck and cried out--'Oh,
+Primrose, never, never marry! I wish I could undo my marriage. Men are
+so selfish and care so little for one after they get them. And they all
+say the same thing as lovers. Captain Decker was going to die if he
+could not have me, and he marched off, never writing a word afterward.
+And so said Mr. Parker, and now he thinks of nothing but his dinner and
+his pipe afterward, and his nap, and having his clothes all laid out in
+the morning and brushed, and does not want to go out anywhere, nor have
+company at home. And the two hateful children brawl all the time, and
+their father scolds because I cannot keep them in order. 'Tis a wretched
+life and I hate it!' What think you of that, dear madam?"
+
+"It was not a wise marriage, but I am sorry Anabella is so unhappy.
+There is plenty of time yet for thee to have lovers, so do not trouble
+thy golden head."
+
+"Phil has grown so good to take me out everywhere. And we are all going
+up to the farm some day to get Betty, and then on up the Schuylkill.
+There are so many beautiful places, and now that May has brought
+everything out in bloom, all the roads and by-ways are like pictures.
+And Betty wants to see Valley Forge; so, for that matter, do I. But Phil
+is worrying about some work Mr. Morris promised him."
+
+"Yes. There are some other things to see to. Mr. Northfield wants to
+instruct him about the estate, for he is very poorly."
+
+"It seems a shame for me to have so much and Phil nothing," she said
+tentatively.
+
+"Perhaps there will not be so very much when things come to be settled.
+Do not be disturbed about Phil. A true man would scorn to take from a
+woman."
+
+There were many delightful rides in the country about, many historical
+places on both sides of the river, queer interests at Germantown, where
+people had gone back to their old employments, and were spinning and
+weaving and making furniture and carving. There were no lack of
+reminders of the great battle in some ruins that had never been rebuilt,
+and men still working cheerfully who had lost an arm or a leg. There was
+the brave old Chew house that had proved indestructible.
+
+And there was another old house, quite dilapidated now and in charge of
+an old couple, who, for any trifle people chose to give, would exhibit a
+curious arrangement of cogs and wheels and mysterious wires that a great
+many years before a man, named Redhefer, claimed possessed the secret of
+perpetual motion. It always went day and night, as the neighbors could
+testify. Men of curious or scientific leanings paid to see the wonderful
+machine. And one day the secret was found out. There was a curious crank
+in the loft connected by wires in the wall, and a kind of clock
+arrangement, that kept it going. This part of the loft being roughly
+boarded up, and the loft itself kept for mere rubbish, no one suspected
+it.
+
+There were School Lane, and the Schuylkill falls, really beautiful then,
+and the lovely Wissahickon, famous for its abundant supply of fish, and
+places one could ramble about forever. Betty Mason was a charming
+companion. Philemon often had them all, for Allin was busy with his
+studies and some plans he nursed in secret, now that Andrew Henry and
+Vane were both away.
+
+Penn Morgan and Clarissa Lane stood up in meeting one evening and
+plighted their marriage vows. Rather unwillingly Rachel offered them
+accommodation in her house, but Penn had fixed up a room in the barn
+that would do very well until two rooms in the new house were finished,
+and Clarissa was very happy, and was also very respectful to Aunt Lois.
+But the great interest had gone out of the old house, and she did not
+feel at home any more. However, she rested serenely in Andrew's promise
+that before very long he would have a home to take her to.
+
+Rachel had hoped and despaired alternately. She had a strong, stubborn
+will under her plain exterior and quiet manner. And she hated not to
+succeed in anything she undertook. It seemed to her one of the most
+natural and most reasonable things in the world that Andrew should marry
+her when his parents strongly desired it. In her estimation it was an
+absolute sin for him to go against the opinion of the brethren and
+become a soldier. Yet she was willing to forgive it all and help lead
+him back in the right way.
+
+It was but justice that Penn should be rewarded for his care and
+patience. She had not expected so much, but Aunt Lois, left to her
+charge, would surely have some influence over him, and now that peace
+was likely to be declared he would return, and his old home might be
+dear to him. So she would not give up hope, but she did give up her
+foolish jealousy of Primrose. She had the girl's solemn promise, but
+what comforted her more than all was the rumor of young Wharton being
+quite devoted to the girl.
+
+What a summer it was to Primrose! They were out at the farm, but matters
+were much more quiet. The young women who had been so gay and
+entertaining were mostly married, and Madam Wetherill was very much
+engrossed with business matters. She found Philemon Henry very
+clear-headed. And as he came to know more about the Colonies, and the
+causes that led to the rebellion, he found there was more injustice on
+the side of England, but that even there they had not all been of one
+mind.
+
+So he was being gradually Americanized, though he and Primrose still had
+disputes. But Polly had such a fascinating fashion of sometimes turning
+an argument against Primrose, or picking a weak place in hers until one
+could not help seeing it. And then Primrose would fly into a pretty
+ruffle of temper with both of them, and presently suffer herself to be
+coaxed around.
+
+"I suppose I am like April," she said ruefully one morning, when she and
+Polly had had a disagreement. They were staying at the farm, and the day
+before they had all been up to Valley Forge, and climbed up the hill and
+down again. In the early morning both of the young men had gone down to
+the city.
+
+"Do you think it really can influence anyone?" she inquires with
+charming gravity. "Then I should suppose a person born in July, under
+scorching suns, would be fiery-tempered."
+
+"Do you know of anyone born in July?"
+
+"Why, yes," laughing in a dainty fashion. "Betty for one, and she is
+sweet and good-humored; and there is Cousin Andrew."
+
+"Then the sign does not hold good."
+
+"I don't know where I could have gotten all my temper from. Mamma was
+lovely, Phil says, and Aunt Wetherill gives her credit for all the
+virtues."
+
+"I do not think it is real temper. It is love of tormenting--poor Phil."
+
+"And, Polly, you always take his part."
+
+"Yes." Polly's face turned scarlet to the very tips of her ears. Even
+her fingers showed pink against the white ruffle she was hemming.
+
+"Oh, you don't mean--Polly, I never thought of _that_!" in great
+surprise.
+
+"You may think of it now," in a soft, quivering tone. "Though it is
+almost--nothing."
+
+Primrose threw herself down beside Polly and clasped her knees.
+
+"And he never so much as suggested it to me. He might have----" in a
+plaintively aggrieved tone.
+
+"Don't be angry. It was just a word, this morning. But I think we both
+knew. And I loved him long ago, when he was a King's man, and you
+flouted him so and delighted in being untender, when he loved you so."
+
+"And you would have--do you mean to marry him? and would you have
+married a--a----"
+
+"No, I shouldn't have married anyone who was fighting against my
+country. But you really did not do him any justice." Now that Polly was
+started she rushed along like a torrent in a storm. "He was brought up
+to think England right, and he knew nothing about the Colonies or the
+temper and the courage of the people. If you were taken to Russia when
+you were very little, and everybody was charming to you, you might think
+what they did was right and nice, and we know they are awfully
+barbarous! And I thought it real fine and manly in him to prefer the
+hardships of war to the pleasures in New York. And he never raised his
+hand but once, and wasn't it queer that he and Allin and Andrew should
+have been in the melee, and now be such good friends? But when he saw
+that it was Andrew, he was quite horrified. And I think it is very manly
+of him just to renounce the King for good and all, while there are ever
+so many Tories right around us sighing again for his rule, and making
+all sorts of evil predictions. The broadest and finest man I know is
+Andrew Henry."
+
+"And why did you not fall in love with him?" asked Primrose in great
+amaze.
+
+"Because, silly child, my heart went out to the other when you tormented
+him so and gave him such little credit, and could not see the earnest
+side to him. I should hate a man that could be lightly won over. I like
+him to look on both sides."
+
+"Was I very cruel?" Primrose was appalled by the charges. "But truly,
+Polly, when he first came and the British were so lordly, thinking they
+owned the whole earth, I could not bear to have him claim me and talk of
+taking me to England and have me go to court and all that;" and Primrose
+shook her shining curly head defiantly, while her oval cheeks bloomed.
+
+"Surely, Primrose, thou didst not have a Quaker temper either," rejoined
+Polly laughingly. "I doubt if thou wouldst turn the other cheek even
+for a kiss, much less a blow."
+
+"The man would get the blow back in short order."
+
+The beautiful blue eyes turned almost black with indignation at the
+thought, and sent out rays that might have blinded an unfortunate
+culprit.
+
+The girls looked at each other as fiercely as two hearts brimming over
+with love, and eyes in an April shower could look, and then they fell on
+each other's neck and cried in honest girl-fashion for just nothing at
+all, as girls did a hundred or so years ago.
+
+"And you are quite sure you will never quarrel with me?" besought
+Primrose. "It must be lovely to have a sister, though Rachel and Faith
+were not happy. Poor Faith! She hath grown strangely loving, and I know
+not what she would do if it were not for Aunt Lois."
+
+"Thou art the dearest and sweetest little thing in all the world, and
+though I may sometimes scold thee for thy naughtiness, I shall always
+love thee. And now I must sew, for my mother declares I never do
+anything out here at the farm. And Betty is so industrious, making
+clothes for the babies."
+
+Then they were still a moment or two while the sunshine rippled all
+about, for they were sitting out under a tree, and the wind made a
+pretty dance in the tall grass, and seemed to whisper among the boughs,
+and push the heads of the shrubs toward each other as if they might be
+kissing. Overhead the birds sang with wild bursts of melody or went
+dazzling through the air, cleaving the sunshine with swift wings.
+
+"Perhaps I ought not have told you so soon," said Polly with a sigh. "It
+was just a word, the sweetest word a man can say, but then I had half
+guessed it before, and I knew he was waiting to have something to offer
+me. Mr. Norris does not seem very ready in finding him a place, and old
+Mr. Northfield takes so much of his time and has to tell him what a fine
+business man your father was, and how he did this and that, and people
+entrusted him with their estates and money to buy and sell, and no one
+ever lost a penny by him. So I suppose we will not be really promised
+until something is settled, and thou must keep my secret, little
+Primrose. For I know now that my father would look askance at it.
+Strange that people years ago could marry without thinking of money, but
+they are not willing their children shall. And there are men like the
+great Mr. Franklin, who sometimes hardly knew where to turn for bread,
+and come up to very luxurious living. But I am young, and Phil is not
+very old."
+
+"It all seems very strange and sweet," and Primrose threw herself down
+on the grass and leaned her arms on Polly's knee, while the wind tossed
+her pretty shining hair about. There was always so much short around the
+edge of her forehead, and such dainty, mischievous little curls on her
+white neck when she did it up high on her head. And whatever she did
+made a picture, she was so full of grace. When Gilbert Stuart painted
+her as a lovely matron with her baby beside her knee, he said: "What a
+pity there is no picture of you in your girlhood." He would have been
+justly proud if he could have painted her in all that grace and
+loveliness.
+
+"And how can one tell?" she went on dreamily when Polly made no answer.
+"There are so many things in different ones to like, and you cannot put
+them all in one man. I love Andrew dearly. He was so good and tender
+when I first went out to his father's farm, and I was so frightened of
+Uncle James, and Aunt Lois was so grave and particular. But then Andrew
+will never dance--fancy the tall soldier! though the great generals do.
+And he is not over fond of pleasure."
+
+She threw up her pretty head, while a stray sunbeam through the trees
+danced over it in golden ripples, and her eyes laughed as well as her
+rosy, dimpled mouth.
+
+There was a sudden start through Polly's nerves, but the gay, light,
+merry voice went on:
+
+"And he will always be a Quaker, though he went to Christ Church with
+madam and me. But--don't you know, you can tell with some people, Polly,
+that things do not quite suit. And he is too grave to frolic, and oh, I
+do love dancing and frolicking and saucy speeches. A grave life would
+never suit me. And there is Mr. Hunter with his pink-and-white skin and
+his ruffles and his velvet clothes, and his clocked silk stockings and
+shoe buckles that he has polished with a peculiar kind of powder that
+comes over from France--he told me so," laughing with dainty mirth and
+mischief. "When he comes to spend the evening I feel as if I should like
+to tear his finery to pieces as the old strutting cock sometimes gets
+torn when the others can no longer endure his overbearing ways. And
+there is Mr. Rittenhouse, who does nothing but talk of the Junta and the
+learned men of the Philadelphia Society, and the grand new hall they
+mean to build, and chemistry, as if one was so anxious to know what was
+in one's body and one's food and the air one breathed. Why, it would
+make life a burthen. To be sure, Betty says Mr. Franklin's stove is a
+most excellent thing, ever so much better than a fireplace, and that she
+will take one to Virginia with her. She had better take Mr. Rittenhouse
+as well!" and Primrose sent a host of delighted ripples on the sunny
+air. "Oh, there is Tot!"
+
+Tot was Betty Mason's three-year-old baby boy, and the next instant
+Primrose had forgotten her admirers and was tumbling in the grass with
+him.
+
+There were two she had not mentioned: Allin Wharton and Gilbert Vane.
+But Polly said to her brother shortly after--growing very wise, as young
+women in love are apt to:
+
+"Be careful not to go too fast, Allin, or you will stumble over a
+decided no. Primrose has no more idea of love than a two-year-old baby
+who answers everybody that smiles at him."
+
+"But they haunt Madam Wetherill's in droves," flung out the over anxious
+young man.
+
+"With the droves one has nothing to fear," counsels the wise young
+woman. "It is when there are only one or two, and much sitting around in
+corners and behind curtains and whispering that plots are hatched. And
+Primrose is fond of having ever so many enjoy her good time and
+mirthfulness. And, Allin, there is a great deal for you to do before
+lovemaking begins."
+
+"I'm not so much worse off than Phil Henry."
+
+"But Phil Henry is not dreaming of marrying," returned Allin's sister
+with dignified composure.
+
+Meanwhile affairs dragged slowly on, but it was evident there were many
+things to discuss before a treaty of peace would be signed. There were
+various apprehensions of coming internal trouble. The public treasury
+was empty, officers and soldiers were clamoring for pay. There were
+endless discussions as to whether a republican form of government would
+be best and strongest. Of these Philadelphia had her full share, but
+there was a strong undercurrent. Had not the famous Declaration of
+Independence been born here and the State House bell pealed out the
+first tocsin of freedom? And here Congress had met year after year.
+
+Many of the soldiers had been discharged for wounds and ill health, and
+on their own earnest appeal. Some officers resigned; among them Andrew
+Henry, much to the regret of several of the generals.
+
+"If the country needs me again I am hers to command," he said with much
+earnestness. "But I feel that I am needed at home and there are others
+who will be glad to fill my place. There are many brave privates who
+would be made happy by the reward of promotion."
+
+"He is a brave man," said Mrs. Washington, "which is sometimes better
+than being a brave soldier. If the country had hundreds of such citizens
+her prosperity would be assured. I am sorry to part with many of them,
+but we shall all be glad of peaceful times and our own homes."
+
+And so in the early autumn Andrew Henry came home and went back to his
+Quaker costume.
+
+"Really," declared Mr. Logan, "one might think the elder Philemon Henry
+had come back to life. The nephew is more like him than the son, though
+the son is a fine intelligent man and will make an excellent citizen.
+Then he is a great favorite with Madam Wetherill, who has much in her
+hands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+PRIMROSE.
+
+
+With all the disquiet it had been an unusually gay summer for
+Philadelphia, even after the General and Mrs. Washington had bidden it
+adieu. For in June there had been a great fete given by the French
+minister in honor of the birth of the Dauphin, the heir to the throne of
+France. M. de Luzerne's residence was brilliantly illuminated, and a
+great open-air pavilion, with arches and colonnades, bowers, and halls
+with nymphs and statues, even Mars leaning on his shield, and Hebe
+holding Jove's cup. It was seldom indeed that the old Carpenter mansion
+had seen such a sight.
+
+There were elegant women and brave men, though the Mischianza crowd had
+been widely scattered. The girls had danced, and chatted in French as
+far as they knew how, and enjoyed themselves to the full, and the elders
+had sat down to an almost royal banquet. Polly and Primrose had been
+among the belles.
+
+Then there had been a grand Fourth of July celebration. A civic banquet,
+with Morris, Dickinson, Mifflin, and many another. Bells were rung and
+cannons fired, the Schuylkill was gay with pleasure parties and
+fluttering flags and picnic dinners along its winding and pleasant
+banks. And then in August they had most loyally kept the French King's
+birthday with banquets and balls. And though financial ruin was largely
+talked of, a writer of the times declares "No other city was so rich, so
+extravagant, and so fashionable."
+
+And yet withal there was a serious and sensible element. There had
+before the war been many years of unexampled prosperity; and though
+there might be a whirl, people soon came back to reasonable living.
+
+Truth to tell, Philemon Henry was becoming quite captivated with the
+city of his birth and his later adoption. And as he began to understand
+Madam Wetherill's views for his own future as well as that of his
+cousin, he was amazed at her generosity. "Nay, it is not simple
+generosity," she declared with great vigor. "There is no reason why you
+two should not make a place for yourselves in the new city, such as your
+father held in the old. Perhaps wider, for your father would have
+nothing to do with government, and a man ought to take some interest in
+the civic prosperity of his city as well as money-getting. Mr.
+Wetherill, whether wisely or not, put much money in property, and it has
+been a dead weight mostly. But now the time has come to improve it, and
+with peace there will be many changes and much work to do. I have grown
+too old, and a woman cannot well attend to it. Younger blood and
+strength must take it up. Then--if we make some mistakes, there is no
+one to suffer, though I did not expect to give even two well-trained
+colts their heads altogether."
+
+He smiled, but there was a soft mistiness in his eyes.
+
+"I can never thank you," he said unsteadily.
+
+"I must trust someone, you see. Mr. Northfield is too old, Mr. Morris
+has his hands full; indeed, I can think of no one better. I have some of
+the Wardour willfulness, and take my own way about things. I do not
+often make mistakes. This is no sudden notion of mine."
+
+"There is one thing, madam, I must explain before we go farther. I am--I
+have"--he paused and flushed in embarrassment--"there is an
+understanding between myself and Miss Polly Wharton, not an engagement,
+for as yet I have had no certainty to offer. But we care very much for
+each other."
+
+Madam Wetherill gave a quick nod or two and there was a smile in her
+bright eyes.
+
+"Polly will make a good wife. Thou couldst hardly have chosen better. I
+would speak to Mr. Wharton and have the matter settled now. If he had
+not been of a consenting mind, thou wouldst hardly have found a welcome
+entrance for so long in his home."
+
+"Madam--I never dreamed of being so happy."
+
+"Oh, no doubt thou wilt be much happier on thy wedding day," and she
+laughed with a bright sparkle of amusement. "I am fond of young people,
+though they do many foolish things."
+
+"But my sister?" he said suddenly. "We have forgotten about her. All
+these years of thy kind care----"
+
+"Well--what of her? I loved her mother. I never had a child of my own,
+though a hen rarely runs after another hen's chicks. The little moppet
+stole into my heart, and by just raising her eyes inveigled me into
+fighting for her. Miss Primrose Henry has all the fortune it is good for
+a girl to have, and she is a gay butterfly to go dancing about for the
+next few years. Indeed, I believe she has quite made up her mind to stay
+single, to have many admirers, but no husband. It may not be a good
+plan, but there have been some famous old maids,--Queen Elizabeth, for
+instance,--while poor Marie Stuart began with husbands early and lost
+her head. We can dismiss Miss Primrose to her pleasures."
+
+Then they talked long and earnestly. Andrew Henry was coming home, and
+the matter would be settled.
+
+And settled it was speedily. Andrew, having been consulted before, was
+not so much taken by surprise, but his gratitude was none the less
+fervent. And one Sunday morning Polly walked very proudly up the aisle
+in Christ Church, with her brother on one side, and her lover on the
+other, right behind her parents, and when they were seated in Mr.
+Wharton's pew, Polly was in the middle with her lover beside her, and he
+found the places in her prayer book and made responses with her and sang
+joyfully in the hymns. Coming out she took his arm, and blushed a good
+deal as people smiled at her. It was a fashion then, and everybody knew
+it was a sign of engagement.
+
+"The young Englishman is very good-looking," said Miss Morris, "but I
+shall set my cap for the Quaker cousin. What a pity he gives up war and
+discards soldier clothes, for there is scarcely such a fine-appearing
+general!"
+
+The young Quaker, mature and manly for his years, took hold of business
+as if it had been his birthright. Perhaps it had come to him with the
+resemblance to his uncle. And when Philemon Nevitt decided to take back
+his father's name, Polly and Primrose rejoiced wildly.
+
+Primrose threw her arms around his neck and gave him many of the kisses
+she had used to be so chary about.
+
+"Now you are my own dear brother!" she exclaimed, and the satisfaction
+rang through her voice like a bell. "No king can ever claim you again."
+
+"Unless _we_ have a king."
+
+"But we are not going to have a king. We are all born free and equal."
+
+"Julius and Joe and the old Pepper Pot woman, and the Calamus boys?"
+with a mischievous smile.
+
+"The slaves are all going to be free. We cannot do everything in a
+moment. And the equality----" Primrose was rather nonplused.
+
+"Yes, the equality," with a triumphant lifting of the brows.
+
+"I think the equality means this: that everyone shall have a right to
+try for the best places, and no one shall push him down. To try for
+education and happiness, and if he is full up to the brim and content,
+even if he has not as much as the other, isn't there a certain
+equalization?"
+
+"Primrose, I fear thou wilt be a sophist before thy hundred years are
+ended," said her brother with a soft pinch of her rosy cheek.
+
+The Randolphs had considered the feasibility of returning south, but
+Madam Wetherill begged them not to try homelessness with winter coming
+on. And at Cherry Farm there was one supremely happy woman, Lois Henry.
+
+"Madam Wetherill is more than good to thee," she said to her son with a
+thankfulness that trembled in her voice. "How one can be mistaken in
+souls under gay garbs. Indeed it is as the child used to say, 'God made
+all beautiful things, and nothing is to be called common or unclean, or
+high and lofty and wasteful.' I am more glad than I can say that thou
+hast returned to the fashion of the Friends again, but thou art a man
+to look well in nice attire, and truly one serveth God with the heart
+and not with the clothes, except that neatness should be observed. The
+Lord hath given Madam Wetherill a large heart, and she holds no rancor."
+
+"She is one in a thousand," was the fervent reply.
+
+And then Andrew described one of several cottages on Chestnut Street
+that belonged to the estate of Miss Primrose Henry, and was to rent.
+There was a small court in front, a grassy space at the side with a
+cherry tree and a pear tree, and a garden at the back for vegetables.
+
+"For I must have thee in the city near by," he said, "so I can come in
+to dinner at noon, and spend most of my evenings with thee. Mr.
+Franklin's old paper, the _Gazette_, is to be brought out again, and we
+shall know what is going on. And we will find a meeting house near by,
+and take great comfort with each other after our seasons of sorrow and
+separation."
+
+"My son, my dear son! I bless the Lord for thee every day. He hath given
+me the oil of joy for mourning."
+
+Andrew had greeted Rachel with great cordiality. He was grateful that
+she had cared so kindly for his mother, though Faith had been the more
+tender. Penn was settled in part of his new house and very content.
+Indeed his love for Clarissa was something of a thorn in Rachel's side,
+but she paid small attention to it outwardly. When Andrew laid his plan
+before her, however, her very heart sank within her.
+
+"She is to have her living here. I am sure, Andrew, as God is my
+witness, that I have been like a daughter to her. She hath said so
+herself. My own mother is dead, let her remain in the place. And
+thou--thou wilt marry sometime----"
+
+"A long while yet. I am her son and want her, and she is ready and
+pleased to come. It is but right and natural. As for the living, make no
+account of that. When we want a holiday it may be pleasant to come out
+to the farm."
+
+That was a straw and she caught quickly at it. But in any event she saw
+that she could not help nor hinder.
+
+Primrose took Polly with her to see what should be put in the cottage.
+
+"There are many new things to make work handy, and comforts. Andrew must
+have a settle here in the living room and it shall be my pleasure to
+make cushions for it. And oh, Polly, he has learned to smoke while he
+was soldiering! Of course Aunt Lois will want some of the old things,
+and she has chests of bed and table linen. But we can buy some plates
+and cups. Aunt Lois had some pretty Delft ware that I used to dry on
+nice soft towels when I was a little girl. We will hunt the city over to
+find Delft."
+
+They were delightfully engrossed with shopping. The stores were
+displaying tempting aspects again and merchants were considering foreign
+trade. But it was quite ridiculous, though no one saw it in just that
+light then, that one should take with them a thousand or so dollars to
+do a morning's buying. But when a frying pan cost sixty dollars and
+three cups and saucers one hundred and fifty, and a table two hundred,
+money soon went. There was plenty of it, to be sure. Congress ordered
+new issues when it fell short.
+
+People still watched out for Quaker sales: that is, Quakers who refused
+to pay certain taxes had their belongings seized and sold, and women
+were as ready for bargains then as now.
+
+Faith took counsel of the trustees who had been appointed for her, and
+found that she could get away from her sister's home. So she begged Aunt
+Lois to take her, as they would need some help. Andrew opposed this at
+first, fearing it would lead to trouble, and Rachel was very angry. But
+on second thought she decided it would be wiser. For by this means she
+would still have some hold over them all. On condition that Faith would
+come home every fortnight for a little visit she consented, and though
+Faith, trained long in repression, said but little, her heart beat with
+great joy. Rachel had kept a Swedish woman nearly all summer for
+out-of-door work, and now engaged her for the winter. By spring,
+certainly, she would know what lay before her.
+
+William Frost, who had once been in the habit of walking home with her,
+was married. A well-to-do farmer living up the Wissahickon had called a
+number of times, but he had four children, and Rachel had no mind to
+give up her home for hard work and little thanks. She was still young,
+and with her good marriage portion would not go begging. But the choice
+of her heart, the best love of her heart all her life, would be Andrew
+Henry, and she felt the child and the girl, Primrose, had always stood
+in her way. If she would only marry!
+
+But Primrose was having a lovely winter. True, there were times when
+Allin Wharton grew a little too tender, and she would tease him in her
+willful fashion, or be very cool to him, or sometimes treat him in an
+indifferent and sisterly fashion, so difficult to surmount. There were
+so many others, though Primrose adroitly evaded steady admirers. When
+they grew too urgent she fled out to the farm and Betty.
+
+There was great fun, too, in planning for wedding gear. Polly's sister,
+Margaret, was grown up now, and Polly was to be married in the late
+spring, and go out to the farm all summer, as the Randolphs had fully
+decided to return to Virginia in April. Mr. Randolph would go a month or
+two earlier to see about a home to shelter them. For although the treaty
+of peace had not been signed it was an accepted fact, and everybody
+settled to it.
+
+Old Philadelphia woke up to the fact that she must make herself nearly
+all over. Low places were drained, bridges built, new docks constructed,
+and rows of houses went up. The wildernesses about, that had grown to
+brushwood, were cleared away. Hills were to be lowered, and there was a
+famous one in Arch Street.
+
+"Nay, I should not know the place without it," declared Madam Wetherill.
+"It will answer for my time, and after that do as you like."
+
+But she was to go out of Arch Street years before her death, though she
+did not live to be one hundred and two.
+
+The taverns made themselves more decorous and respectable, the coffee
+houses were really attractive, the theater ventured to offer quite a
+variety of plays, and the assemblies began in a very select fashion.
+There was also a more general desire for intelligence, and the days of
+"avoiding Papishers and learning to knit" as the whole duty of women
+were at an end.
+
+There were grace and ease and refinement and wit, and a peaceable sort
+of air since Congress had gone to Princeton.
+
+Midwinter brought out-of-door amusements, though the season seemed
+short, for spring came early, and in March parties were out hunting for
+trailing arbutus and hardy spring flowers, exchanging tulip bulbs and
+dividing rose bushes, as well as putting out trees and fine shrubbery
+that was to make the city a garden for many a long year.
+
+Primrose danced and was merry, and skated with Allin Wharton when Polly
+and Phil could go, but she was very wary of confining herself to one.
+She dropped in and cheered Aunt Lois and fascinated Faith with her
+bright talk and her bright gowns and the great bow under her chin, for
+even if it was gray it seemed the softest and most bewildering color
+that ever was worn. Then she rode out and spent two or three days
+frolicking with Betty's babies, and came home more utterly fascinating
+than before.
+
+"Oh, Primrose!" said Madam Wetherill, "I cannot think what to do with
+thee. Thou wilt presently be the talk of the town."
+
+"Oh, I think I will go to Virginia with Betty and bury myself in a great
+southern forest where no one can find me. And I will take along pounds
+of silk and knit some long Quaker stockings for Andrew, with beautiful
+clocks in them. Hast thou not remarked, dear aunt, that he betrays a
+tendency toward worldliness?"
+
+"Thou art too naughty, Primrose."
+
+It was fortunate for women's purses that one did not need so many gowns
+as at the present day, even if they did take out with them marvelous
+sums. But thinking men were beginning to see the evil of the old
+Continental money and trying to devise something better, with that able
+financier, Robert Morris, at their head.
+
+The wedding finery was bought, and the looms at Germantown supplied webs
+of cloth to be made up in table napery and bedding. There were old laces
+handed down, and some brocade petticoats, and two trained gowns that had
+come from England long before. Primrose and Margaret Wharton were
+bridesmaids, and, oddly enough, Captain Vane, for he had arrived at that
+dignity, came from Newburgh on a furlough and stood with Margaret, so
+the foes and the friends were all together. It was a very fine wedding,
+and at three in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Philemon Nevitt Henry were
+put in a coach, a great luxury then, and went off in splendid state,
+with a supply of old slippers thrown after them for good luck.
+
+Captain Vane had lost his estate, that was a foregone conclusion. The
+next of kin had acted and proved the estates forfeited.
+
+"And now I am a true buff-and-blue American," he said proudly to Madam
+Wetherill. "I shall remain a military man, for the spirit and stir of
+the life inspire me, and there seems nothing else for me to do. Phil, I
+think, was only a half-hearted soldier, and business suits him much
+better. After all, one can see that he is at home among his kinsfolk.
+Perhaps there was a little of the old Quaker leaven in him that England
+could not quite work out. He has a charming wife, and a friend such as
+few men find;" bowing low and kissing the lady's hand.
+
+A party of guests went out to the farm to have a gay time with the young
+couple. It was Primrose's birthday, but it never rained a drop. And it
+would have been hard to tell which was the heroine of the occasion,
+Primrose or Polly. And, oh, the verses that were made! some halting and
+some having altogether too many feet. There were dancing and jollity and
+every room was crowded. They had coaxed Betty to stay and she was very
+charming; quite too young, everybody said, to be a widow with two
+babies.
+
+Philemon Henry held his pretty sister to his heart and gave her eighteen
+kisses for her birthday.
+
+"Dear, thou hast so many gifts on all occasions," he said, "that a
+brother's best love is all I can bestow upon thee now. When I am a rich
+man it may be otherwise. Polly and thee will always be the dearest of
+sisters, and I hope to be a faithful son to Madam Wetherill."
+
+Primrose wiped some tears from her lovely eyes.
+
+"That is the best any man can be," she made answer.
+
+It was a very gay fortnight, and Allin Wharton was so angry and so
+wretched that he scarce knew how to live. Captain Vane was handsome and
+fascinating, and a hero from having lost his estates, and there were a
+full hundred reasons why he should be attractive to a woman. He believed
+Andrew Henry was no sort of rival beside him. Of course Primrose
+would--what a fool he had been to take Polly's advice and wait!
+
+But Primrose had been very wise and very careful for such a pretty,
+pleasure-loving girl. There had been something in Gilbert Vane's eyes
+that told the story, and she understood now what it was: the sweetest
+and noblest story a man can tell a woman, but a woman may not always be
+ready to hear it, and now some curious knowledge had come to
+Primrose--she would never be ready to hear this.
+
+She had threaded her way skillfully through every turning, she had
+jested and parried until she was amazed at her own resources. The last
+morning Madam Wetherill was suddenly called down to the office about the
+transfer of some property, and she had not been gone ten minutes when
+Captain Vane was announced.
+
+He was very disappointed not to see madam--of course. Primrose was shy
+and looked like a bird about to fly somewhere, but so utterly bewitching
+that his whole heart went out to her.
+
+"Oh, you sweetest, dearest Primrose!" he cried, and caught her hand in
+such a clasp that she could not pull it away. "I love you, love you! and
+yet I have no business to say it, a soldier of fortune, who has nothing
+now but his sword, and his patriotism for the country of his
+adoption--all his fortune yet to make. But it will not hurt you, dear,
+to know that a man loves you with his whole soul and hopes
+for--nothing."
+
+But his wistful eyes told another story.
+
+"Oh, why did you say it?" she cried, full of regret.
+
+"Because I could not help it. Oh, I know it is useless, and yet I would
+give half a lifetime--nay, all of it--for a year or two of such bliss as
+Phil is having, to hold you in my arms, to call you my wife, my dear
+wife," and his tone thrilled her with exquisite pain, but something akin
+to pleasure as well. "Primrose, you are the sweetest flower of the
+world, but it could never be--never; tell me so, darling. Much as it
+pains you, say 'no.' For if you do not I shall always dream. And I am a
+soldier and can meet my fate."
+
+He dropped her hand and stood before her straight, strong, and proud;
+entreaty written in every line of his face. She covered hers with her
+hands to shut out the sight and tried vainly to find her voice.
+
+"Nay, dear," he took the hands down tenderly and saw tears and blushes,
+but not the look he wanted. "That was cruel, unmanly. If it were 'yes'
+there would be no tears, and so I am answered. It is not your fault. You
+have a grander, nobler lover than I. But it has been sweet to love you.
+From almost the first I have loved you, when you were a little girl and
+I longed to have you for my sister. It will not hurt you, as the years
+go on, to know you won a soldier for your country and a lifelong
+patriot. And I know Andrew Henry will not grudge me one kiss. God give
+thee all happiness. Good-by."
+
+He pressed his lips to her forehead and turned.
+
+"God bless thee," she said, and he bowed reverently as he went out of
+the room.
+
+She stood quite still, never heeding the tears that dropped on the front
+of her gown. Andrew Henry! Her dear, dear cousin, who was like a
+brother. Did he love her that way? Did she love him? And if she did
+there was her solemn promise to Rachel.
+
+She ran upstairs and had a good cry.
+
+"Whatever is the matter?" asked Patty. "You are fuller of whims than an
+egg is of meat, for the egg has a breathing space if the chick wants it.
+Not an hour ago you were laughing like a mocking bird. You had better
+have a pitcher of sweet balm for your nerves. You have dissipated too
+much, but thank Heaven there are no more weddings near by."
+
+Primrose dried her eyes and laughed again presently. It was noon when
+Madam Wetherill returned. Attorney Chew had been in with some new plans
+that were quite wonderful.
+
+"And Captain Vane to say good-by. What friends he and Phil are! But he
+is a soldier born, if ever there was one. And he looked so fine and
+spirited. He said he had been here."
+
+"For a few minutes, yes. And now, dear madam, when you are rested, can
+we have a better afternoon to ride out to the Pembertons'? I have
+promised some books to Julia, and that new sleeve pattern, and to-morrow
+Polly comes in."
+
+"Well, child--yes, after my nap. 'Tis a lovely day, and every day is so
+busy. Yes, we will go."
+
+She hath escaped that danger, Madam Wetherill thought. And in her heart
+she honored the brave soldier; how brave, she was never quite to know.
+
+Was there ever a summer without diversions? There was a new interest in
+plants and flowers. Parties went out to John Bartram's, the quaint old
+house with its wide doorway and the great vines that had climbed over it
+for years, until they had grown thick as a man's wrist, almost hiding
+the names cut in the stone long ago, of John and Elizabeth Bartram. The
+old garden of flowers and the ferns were worth some study. And there
+were rambles in the lanes, going after wild strawberries, and even the
+venturesome ones went on the sly to Dunk's Ferry and had their fortune
+told by Old Alice. There were many little shrieks and giggles, and
+joyous or protesting confidences afterward.
+
+And now Primrose thought, as she had years before, that she was quite
+torn in two. Did she love Andrew Henry with an absorbing love, such as
+Polly had for her brother? Another face and another voice haunted her.
+She dreamed of Allin Wharton. This night they were sailing up the lovely
+Schuylkill and pausing under the overhanging trees to hear the birds
+who were saying, "Sweet, sweet, I love you," and then Allin would look
+up at her.
+
+Then they were at the farm. Betty and the babies were gone now, and she
+missed them sorely. But Allin came out with Phil, and Phil walked off
+with Polly. Would they never get talked out? Then Allin would draw her
+out in some fragrant nook and look at her with upbraiding eyes. Or, it
+was vivacious Peggy who would drag her in to tea, and then some girl
+would come and she and Allin be left alone again.
+
+Then, by day and in real life, she was cross and tormenting to him.
+Desperately sorry afterward, for now she had no ambition to be
+bad-tempered. Everything had come out to her satisfaction. Phil was the
+dearest of brothers, and prospering, and Madam Wetherill was elated with
+her successful firm. The prestige of the elder Henry dropped its mantle
+over them. And as for Polly, there could not be a wiser, sweeter wife.
+Then Aunt Lois was so tranquilly happy, and Faith growing brighter, yes,
+prettier, and buying grays with a peachy or lavender tint instead of
+that snuffy yellow, or dismally cold stone color, and coaxing Andrew,
+sometimes, to go to Christ Church to hear the singing or the tender
+prayers where the people could all say "Amen."
+
+Oh, what was the matter that she was not happy and satisfied!
+
+Allin was studying hard and well, and growing more manly every day. And
+at last he made up his mind there should be no more shilly-shallying.
+For when Primrose was tender and sweet he knew she loved him. She
+was--yes, a little bit jealous when he wandered too far in a half
+angry, half desperate moment.
+
+So one evening he came upon her all alone. Miss Jeffries had begged
+madam so to come in to a little card party, for now her father was quite
+lame and could not get out much, and rather deaf, and altogether
+disheartened about England conquering America. Therefore it was a
+charity to visit him.
+
+"And lose _my_ money now," she said with a good-natured laugh.
+
+Now Primrose could not shelter herself behind Polly nor Phil. She was
+sweet and startled, and a dozen things that made her lovelier than ever,
+with a betraying color coming and going in her charming face. And the
+lover took sudden heart. How many times he had planned the scene. There
+was a lover in an old novel that won an obdurate lady, and he had
+rehearsed the arguments numberless times, they were so fine and
+convincing. Oh, how did they begin?
+
+He reached over suddenly and took her in his arms and kissed the
+fragrant lips again and again.
+
+"Primrose," just above his breath, "you know I love you. You must have
+seen it ages ago, that morning you came,--do you remember,--when I had
+been wounded, and how we talked and talked, and you sung. I couldn't
+bear to have you go. You were the sweetest and dearest and most lovely
+thing in the whole wide world. Polly had talked so much about you. And
+ever since that you have been a part of my very life. I've been jealous,
+and angry when you smiled on others, and you do it so much, Primrose;
+and when that handsome young Vane was here I remembered how you loved
+soldiers and was--well I could have waylaid him and done anything to
+him, but that wouldn't have won you. I've waited so long. And now,
+Primrose, you must give me a little hope. Just say you will love me
+sometime. Oh, no! I can't wait, either. Primrose, my darling, the
+sweetness and glory of my life, love me now, now."
+
+The words came out like a torrent and carried her along. The kisses had
+gone down to her very soul. The clasp of his hands thrilled her.
+
+"Primrose, my sweetest darling----"
+
+It seemed as if she was under a spell. She tried to free herself, but
+she had no strength. Other men had said silly things, but this was like
+a swift rush of music, and she was sure no one had ever uttered Primrose
+in such an exquisitely delicious tone before.
+
+"Oh, Allin!" in a half sigh.
+
+All the answer was kisses.
+
+"Allin, Allin! Oh, let me--yes, let me free. I must tell you----"
+
+"You must tell me nothing, save that you love me. I will listen to
+nothing else. Primrose, sweetest, dearest----"
+
+"Oh, hush, Allin, let me think----"
+
+If she did not mean to love him he would know it by some sure sign. The
+hesitation, the half yielding tells its own story.
+
+And the very foolishness of love went to her heart. The vehemence, the
+ownership in its fearlessness, the persuasive certainty. Of course she
+had known it all along, she had feared now on the side of distance, now
+that he might speak too soon, then wondered if he would ever speak at
+all, while she was all the while putting him off, strange contradiction.
+
+"Say that you love me. Just say it once and I will live on it for
+weeks."
+
+"Oh, Allin, you would grow thin!" She gave a little half-hysterical
+laugh. And then something stole over her, an impression vague,
+inexplicable, that she did not quite belong to herself. Was there
+someone who had a better right than Allin? Before she gave herself
+irrevocably to this delightful young lover, she must be sure, quite
+sure.
+
+"What is it, Primrose?" for he had noted the change, the almost paleness
+that drowned out the beautiful, radiant flush that was happiness,
+satisfaction.
+
+"Oh, Primrose, surely you did not, do not love Captain Vane?"
+
+There was a struggle in her soul, in her pulses, an unseen power that
+grasped her and for a moment almost rendered her breathless.
+
+"No, I did not--love him--but he----"
+
+"Oh, I know. It is hard winning what everyone wants," he answered
+moodily. "But tell me one good reason why you cannot love me."
+
+As if there was no good reason she was silent.
+
+"I really couldn't stand the uncertainty. I couldn't study. Oh, what
+would it all be worth--life, fame, fortune, or anything if I did not
+have you!"
+
+"Do you love me as much as that. Would it make a great difference?"
+
+"It would ruin all my life. It is in your hands. Oh, my darling!" For it
+was so delightful to be necessary.
+
+It was not foolish to the ears of eighteen when the heart of eighteen
+had sometimes longed for the words. Good, sound sense is much amiss in
+lovemaking.
+
+"And you do love me--a little?"
+
+If he could make her admit that he would coax a great deal more.
+
+"I--I can't tell in a moment."
+
+"But you know you do? Will you deny utterly that you do?"
+
+She could evade with pretty turnings and windings, but this, so simple,
+so to the point.
+
+"Oh, wait," she cried. "I must think. Allin it is a lifelong thing. I
+want to be sure----"
+
+"And then you will smile on someone else, and walk with someone else and
+dance and all that, and I shall be utterly miserable and never sure
+until you do promise."
+
+She put her hand over his, her soft dimpled hand that thrilled and
+comforted him, and said in a beseeching tone, as if it was his to grant
+or not:
+
+"Give me a month, Allin. I will not smile on anyone, since you think it
+so dangerous," with a touch of her old witchery.
+
+"A month! As if you could not tell in a moment whether you loved or
+hated!"
+
+"But I don't hate. I like you ever so much. I want to think it over. One
+must consider----"
+
+"A week then. And after that we can be engaged for ever so long. It
+shall all be as you like then."
+
+It proved very difficult to settle the point. He was so urgent, she so
+hesitating. The big old English clock in the hall struck ten, and
+gentlemen expected to keep good hours.
+
+"Do not come in a whole week. No, do not kiss me again," and she held
+her dainty head up haughtily. "It was all very wrong. I should not have
+allowed such a thing until I was quite sure. Allin, perhaps I am a
+coquette."
+
+"You may be anything if you are only mine."
+
+"And then of course I should be steady and devoted, and--like Polly."
+
+That was a maddening picture to hold out. But she would be a hundred
+times sweeter than Polly, than anyone's sister could possibly be, he
+thought as he went his way.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Was there a ghost in the room? Primrose shivered as she looked at her
+bed with the white curtains and her dressing table that all the girls
+were trimming up now with ruffling and bows. She was so glad to hear the
+chaise stop and to have the warm, ample presence in the room, to hear
+the cheerful voice.
+
+"Poor old Mr. Jeffries fails fast," said madam. "It would be a sin to
+win his money now. And I grew so dull and sleepy that I wished myself
+home twenty times. Suppose one had an old husband like that? And years
+ago, about fifteen, I think, Mr. Ralph Jeffries asked for my hand."
+
+She laughed softly and began to take out her pins and stick them
+carefully in the cushion. Pins were very precious then.
+
+There were two rainy days, an autumnal storm. Then Sunday. Allin Wharton
+looked at Primrose across the church and spoke coming out. There were
+laces to mend and gowns to consider and poor to visit. And all the time
+Primrose Henry was thinking if--if a man who was nobleness and goodness
+and tenderness itself, loved her, and would never love anyone else, what
+ought she to do?
+
+Thursday noon Phil came in to dinner. Polly was not very well and he was
+going out at three. Wouldn't Primrose come with him?
+
+Primrose colored and looked oddly embarrassed, and said, in a confused
+sort of way, there was something she must do this afternoon, but
+to-morrow she would come out and spend two or three days with Polly. She
+sent her best and dearest love.
+
+Yes, she must know once for all. If duty was demanded of her--if she
+loved Andrew less, or more, when it came to that. What was this romance
+and mystery, and incomprehensible thrill! She _did_ experience it for
+Allin, and alone by herself her face flushed and every pulse trembled.
+His foolish words were so sweet. His kisses--ah, _had_ she any right to
+offer the cup of joy and delight to another when someone had drained the
+first sweetness?
+
+But if Andrew loved her with the best and holiest love. Could she follow
+in her mother's steps? But her mother had singled Philemon Henry out of
+a world of lovers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE OLD AND THE NEW.
+
+
+Primrose Henry put on her camlet cloak and took several skeins of yarn
+to one of the old ladies in the almshouses, to knit some stockings for
+some other poor. Afterward she sauntered round with a guilty feeling.
+She often ran in to see Phil and Andrew, and the one clerk always stared
+at the radiant vision. She hesitated on the broad sill, then she opened
+the door. There was a sort of counting room first, and that was vacant
+now. Andrew was in the apartment beyond.
+
+There was her promise to Rachel. Oh, what must she do!
+
+"Philemon has gone," and Andrew glanced up with tender gravity as he
+espied Primrose.
+
+"Yes. I saw him. How is Aunt Lois, and Faith?"
+
+"Very well." There was a different smile, now, a sense of amusement, and
+a peculiar light in the eyes like relief.
+
+"What is it?" Her heart-beat almost strangled her.
+
+"Rachel was in this morning. And you cannot guess--she is to be married
+presently."
+
+"Married! And she cared so much for you," cried Primrose in
+consternation.
+
+Andrew colored and moved his head with a slow negative.
+
+"No, it could not have been. Andrew--I wonder what kind of a wife you
+would like?" turning her eyes away.
+
+He could have reached out his hand and answered her with a clasp. But
+there was another who loved her very much, who was young and gay and
+full of ardent hopes. That would be better for the child.
+
+"I shall not marry for years to come." His voice was very tranquil.
+"There is my mother, and now we are so much to each other."
+
+"And _she_ ought to be a Friend. You would like a Friend best, Andrew?
+And no flighty young thing."
+
+Was _she_ thinking of anything? Oh, she was too young and sweet. It
+would be putting a butterfly in a cage.
+
+"That would be better, certainly. When two people elect to spend their
+lives together, it is best that they should have similar tastes and
+desires."
+
+"But a sweet and pretty one, Andrew. One like Miss Whiting, who is
+intelligent and noble and reads a great many things and has a lovely
+garden of flowers. I want you to be very, very happy, Andrew."
+
+"Thank you, little one. Let me wish the same for you. A gallant young
+lover with ambition, who can take his place in society and who will
+enjoy with you the youthful pleasures that are so much to you, and then
+grow older with you and come to ripe middle life and serene old age. I
+think I could put my finger on someone----"
+
+Primrose's sweet face was scarlet, and her eyes suddenly fluttered down
+with tremulous lids.
+
+"Thou hast been a dear little sister," going back to the Quaker speech.
+"Thy happiness will be much to me; thy pain, if any happened to thee,
+would be my pain. Thy prosperity will always be my prayer, for I think
+thou wert born for sunniness and clear sailing and joy, with someone
+bright and young like thyself."
+
+"A little sister," she repeated softly. If it was that and only that,
+her conscience would be clear.
+
+"Yes. Didst thou ever doubt it?"
+
+He raised his serene brown eyes and smiled. He was not one to carry all
+his soul in his eyes.
+
+"Nay, and I never shall." She pressed her lips to his forehead, which
+was as fair as any girl's. How long it had been since he kissed her! He
+might trust himself again on her wedding day.
+
+"And now tell me about Rachel. We have queer talk of loves and such."
+
+"He is a young man, a neighbor, the eldest of several sons. And Rachel
+hath a nice dower. I hope all will go well."
+
+She was infinitely sorry for Rachel at that moment.
+
+"You will come soon and see us. I send love to Aunt Lois," and Primrose
+turned.
+
+"Fare thee well. Blessings attend thee, little one."
+
+He sat there a long while, thinking how her mother had given up many
+worldly things for the man she loved. Primrose would do it, too, he said
+stoutly to himself, if she had loved. It was best this way. The sunshine
+did not rise up from the brown earth, but shone down out of the radiant
+blue sky.
+
+Primrose Henry went home with a light heart. And that evening Allin
+Wharton had his answer.
+
+Madam Wetherill shook her head, but said smilingly, "If you take the
+young woman you must take the old one, too. I will never give up
+Primrose."
+
+The girl's soft arms were around her neck and the sweet young voice,
+with a rapture of emotion, cried, "Oh, madam, am I indeed so dear to
+you?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The world goes on and the stories of life are repeated, but to each one
+comes that supreme taste of personal joy and rapture that is alone for
+itself; that is new, no matter how many times it may have been lived
+over.
+
+There was a long, delightful engagement of the young people, who waited
+for Allin to take his degree, and his father felt justly proud of his
+standing. There was all the reckless happiness of two young people in
+that wonderful joyousness of youth when one apes sorrows for the sake of
+being comforted, indulges in dainty disagreements so that they can
+repent with fascinating sweetness, and are inconsequent, unreasonable,
+entrancing, and delightful, and gayety of any kind seems good, so that
+it goes hand and hand with love. Primrose danced and laughed through her
+April years, and then came May with bloom and more steadiness, and then
+peerless, magnificent June.
+
+"I am but a sad trifler, after all," she would say to Madam Wetherill.
+"Shall I ever be like my dear mother or have any of the sober Henry
+blood in me?"
+
+"Nay," was the answer. "We never find fault with the rose because it
+does not bear an ear of corn or a stalk of grain. And yet so great a
+thing as an oak tree is content to bear a small acorn."
+
+And while they were being married and rejoicing in Phil's sturdy little
+boy and dainty, golden-haired baby girl called Primrose, old
+Philadelphia was making rapid strides. Indeed, in Washington's language,
+the United Colonies had now "the opportunity to become a respectable
+nation," and it came back to the city where it had first uttered its
+lusty young cry and protest. In May of 1787, in the old State House,
+assembled the delegates who were to frame a Constitution that would
+stand the wear and tear of time. Their four months' work has come down
+to us written in letters of imperishable glory, that were not to be too
+large for the Thirteen Colonies, and large enough for any multiple the
+nation might come to use in the course of its existence.
+
+For the tardy treaty of peace had been signed, and though there were
+much discussion and various opinions, such as children of one family
+often have, it was all settled. And the next Fourth of July had a grand
+procession, for the times, and a ship of state was dragged proudly
+through the streets on a float, with some pretty boys for midshipmen;
+the great judges in their official robes, soldiers, and civilians, and,
+side by side, walked Andrew Henry and Philemon Henry, brothers indeed in
+all the wide and varied interests that go to make up brotherhood and not
+a little human love. The bells of Christ Church, that had once been
+taken down and hidden from vandal hands, were rehung, and rung at
+intervals all day long, while flags floated and bonfires blazed at
+night, and a grand supper was eaten by the dignitaries at Bush Hill.
+
+While other and larger matters were being discussed, a President
+nominated, elected, and inaugurated, Philadelphia, like a prudent
+householder, was attending to her own affairs. When Washington passed
+through the city on his way to New York to receive the grandest
+compliment of the nation, she again paid him all honor in his reception.
+
+The beautiful city with its greenery and quiet, of which William Penn
+had dreamed, and in many of whose footsteps the renowned Franklin had
+followed, had gone through curious changes, and was putting on new
+aspects with every year. But "Fairemount," with its homes that were to
+be handed down in story a hundred years later; Stenton, with its grand
+aspects; Lansdowne, with its woods and waters; the Logan House, the
+Shippens', and old Mount Pleasant, and so on stretching up the banks of
+the Schuylkill were to be left beautiful and tranquil and free from the
+thought of business invasion. For Old Philadelphia is like a dream, and
+there will always linger about it the youthful tenderness of William
+Penn's plan and his life story.
+
+And then, to the chagrin of New York, came the transference of the
+Capital to Philadelphia. She had perked up and brightened up, stretched
+out her wharves, filled up her low places, cleared her streets of
+rubbish, and built rows of houses, had her library and her university,
+and it seemed as if she had been getting ready for this accession within
+her borders, the "Republican Court," as it was to be called.
+
+A plain enough house, on High Street, it was, with a few fine old trees
+about, where many famous decisions were shaped by wisdom that seems
+wonderful to us now. When Congress was in session there were many
+gayeties, dinners, private balls, suppers, and dances for the young
+people, and then, to its ruler, the retirement of Mount Vernon.
+
+With it all a sort of serene steadiness and refinement that never
+allowed pleasures to degenerate into a maddening whirl. A thrift and
+prudence, too, that had become a solid, underlying strand in the
+character of the city.
+
+The bell still rang out on market mornings and mistresses were not above
+visiting the long, clean spaces, though there was much fault-finding
+about the dearness of things, and Mrs. Adams complained of the
+loneliness of Bush Hill, though she was afterward to be comforted by
+being the first lady of the land at Washington, the final Capital.
+
+Primrose Wharton was a pretty young wife and the mother of a
+golden-haired little girl when she next saw "Lady Washington," as she
+was often called. She had settled into a gracious, but still piquant,
+matron, and she and Allin enjoyed the theater and still dearly loved a
+dance. Madam Wetherill was yet a handsome and stately dame, and "foolish
+over the little one," she said.
+
+There were many memories of the dismal winter of Valley Forge renewed
+when Mrs. Washington met some of the brave soldiers. And among them all
+there was no finer nor more attractive figure than that of Andrew Henry,
+now arrived at its full manliness. The Quaker costume became him as no
+other would, though the Continental attire was distinctive and well
+calculated to show off a man. Fair and fresh and strong, yet with
+well-bred gentleness and a cultivated mind, he was often singled out at
+the receptions, and more than one admiring girl would have gladly
+enacted Bessy Wardour's romance.
+
+Was there any story in the eyes that gave a glimpse of the great heart
+back of them? tender, sweet, brave eyes? Sometimes Primrose Wharton
+thought so, and all her pulses stood still in awesome silence. She was
+very happy. She and Allin had had an April fling and had settled into
+May bloom, but--could anything have been different--better? Not for her,
+but for him. A little sister! Is she that?
+
+He was very happy, now, in a larger house, with a study and book
+shelves, his mother a tender and tranquil woman, Faith a contented
+housekeeper with a servant, and hardly knowing which to adore the most,
+Polly Henry's merry madcap household, or Primrose Wharton's sunny-haired
+daughter.
+
+The only thing Philemon Henry would undo are those years that he was
+hardly answerable for.
+
+"Of course it was not your fault," Polly declares in her impetuous,
+fond, and justifying way. "I think it really braver, for it requires
+more courage to own that a man has been wrong, than to go along in a
+straight path already made for him. And I fell in love with you as a
+redcoat, I really did, and fought with myself in the nights when I was
+alone. For, of course, I couldn't have told Prim; she would have crossed
+me quite out of her books. And I wouldn't have dared hint such a thing
+to anybody. Now, truly, was I not a silly girl?"
+
+A fond kiss is her answer.
+
+If the war made enemies it also made brothers, informed with larger
+wisdom.
+
+A hundred and more years ago! Yet there are storied places that will
+never die out and the old bell of freedom has clanged many a peal, and
+the State House had many a Pilgrim. Truly there are numberless worthies
+in the great beyond, who have left behind imperishable memories even in
+a city that has grown anew more than once, and added beauty to beauty.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Girl Chum's Series
+
+ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS.
+
+ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES.
+
+
+A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
+authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and full
+of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting motives,
+vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS.
+
+BENHURST, CLUB, THE. By Howe Benning.
+
+BERTHA'S SUMMER BOARDERS. By Linnie S. Harris.
+
+BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West. By Joy Allison.
+
+DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story. By Caroline B. Le Row.
+
+FUSSBUDGET'S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls. By Anna F. Burnham.
+
+HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A. By Elizabeth Cummings.
+
+JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories. By Agnes Carr Sage.
+
+KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl's Story of Factory Life. By M. E. Winslow.
+
+LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls. By M. L. Thornton-Wilder.
+
+MAJORIBANKS. A Girl's Story. By Elvirton Wright.
+
+MISS CHARITY'S HOUSE. By Howe Benning.
+
+MISS ELLIOT'S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls. By Mary Spring Corning.
+
+MISS MALCOLM'S TEN. A Story For Girls. By Margaret E. Winslow.
+
+ONE GIRL'S WAY OUT. By Howe Benning.
+
+PEN'S VENTURE. By Elvirton Wright.
+
+RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls. By Marion Thorne.
+
+THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life. By M. E. Winslow.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers. A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York.
+
+
+The Girl Comrade's Series
+
+ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES.
+
+
+A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
+authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and full
+of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting motives,
+vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl readers.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS.
+
+A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER. By I. T. Thurston.
+
+ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls. By Fanny E. Newberry.
+
+ALMOST A GENIUS. A Story For Girls. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+BUBBLES. A Girl's Story. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+COMRADES. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+HELEN BEATON, COLLEGE WOMAN. By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+JOYCE'S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+MELLICENT RAYMOND. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+MISS ASHTON'S NEW PUPIL. A School Girl's Story. By Mrs. S. S. Robbins.
+
+NOT FOR PROFIT. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+ODD ONE, THE. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+SARA, A PRINCESS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers. A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York.
+
+
+The Blue Grass Seminary Girls Series
+
+By CAROLYN JUDSON BURNETT
+
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding Price, 40c. per Volume
+
+_Splendid Stories of the Adventures of a Group of Charming Girls_
+
+THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' VACATION ADVENTURES; or, Shirley Willing
+to the Rescue.
+
+THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS' CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS; or, A Four Weeks'
+Tour with the Glee Club.
+
+THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS IN THE MOUNTAINS; or, Shirley Willing on a
+Mission of Peace.
+
+THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE WATER; or, Exciting Adventures on a
+Summer's Cruise Through the Panama Canal.
+
+
+The Mildred Series
+
+By MARTHA FINLEY
+
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding Price, 40c. per Volume
+
+_A Companion Series to the Famous "Elsie" Books by the Same Author_
+
+MILDRED KEITH
+
+MILDRED'S MARRIED LIFE
+
+MILDRED AT ROSELANDS
+
+MILDRED AT HOME
+
+MILDRED AND ELSIE
+
+MILDRED'S BOYS AND GIRLS
+
+MILDRED'S NEW DAUGHTER
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street. New York.
+
+
+The Camp Fire Girls Series
+
+By HILDEGARD G. FREY. The only series of stories for Camp Fire Girls
+endorsed by the officials of the Camp Fire Girls Organization. PRICE, 40
+CENTS PER VOLUME
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The Winnebagos go Camping.
+
+     This lively Camp Fire group and their Guardian go back to
+     Nature in a camp in the wilds of Maine and pile up more
+     adventures in one summer than they have had in all their
+     previous vacations put together. Before the summer is over they
+     have transformed Gladys, the frivolous boarding school girl,
+     into a genuine Winnebago.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo Weavers.
+
+     It is the custom of the Winnebagos to weave the events of their
+     lives into symbolic bead bands, instead of keeping a diary. All
+     commendatory doings are worked out in bright colors, but every
+     time the Law of of the Camp Fire is broken it must be recorded
+     is black. How these seven live wire girls strive to infuse into
+     their school life the spirit of Work, Health and Love and yet
+     manage to get into more than their share of mischief, is told
+     in this story.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic Garden.
+
+     Migwan is determined to go to college, and not being strong
+     enough to work indoors earns the money by raising fruits and
+     vegetables. The Winnebagos all turn a hand to help the cause
+     along and the "goings-on" at Onoway House that summer make the
+     foundations shake with laughter.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road That Leads the Way.
+
+     The Winnebagos take a thousand mile auto trip. The "pinching"
+     of Nyoda, the fire in the country inn, the runaway girl and the
+     dead-earnest hare and hound chase combine to make these three
+     weeks the most exciting the Winnebagos have ever experienced.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publishers
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street. New York.
+
+
+The "Little Girl" Series
+
+By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS
+
+In Handsome Cloth Binding
+
+Price, per Volume 60 Cents
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    A Little Girl in Old New York
+
+    A Little Girl of Long Ago
+      A sequel to "A Little Girl in Old New York"
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Boston
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Washington
+
+    A Little Girl in Old New Orleans
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Detroit
+
+    A Little Girl in Old St. Louis
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Chicago
+
+    A Little Girl in Old San Francisco
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Quebec
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Baltimore
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Salem
+
+    A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For Sale by all Booksellers or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS
+
+New York
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA***
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