The Glenwood post., 1912-10-19


ture without protest. am a woman
now; l have been out in the world;
the war has taken all girlhood from
me. If this We're not true the way
Captain Grant has watched nv every
action in Philadelphia would have dis
gusted me with the thought Of ever
intrusting my happiness to him. He
mas openly quarreled with every man
| have spoken to, or danced with, He
has made me the sport of all the CITY
sailants by jealous wrangling. Now
It is done with. 'Tis in shame that l
am driven to say all this here in pres
ence OF these gentlemen, but will not
stand in silence while Major Lawrence
Is being condemned as spy. He was
at the dance to meet again with me,
and Tor no other purpose"
Colonel Mortimers face had ex-
pressed many emotions, while she was
speaking, but now it hardened into
military severity, his hand clinched
on the arm of the chair.
do l understand, then, that this
omcer was there at your request?"
Il think" hesitating slightly, "he
knew he was not unwelcome."
And" his voice breaking slightly,
he came here also to meet you?"
Certainly not" her head lifting in.
dlgnantly. Il am your daughter, and
am guilty of nothing unworthy our
family name. have no shame to con.
Tess. Major Lawrence is an officer
and a gentleman, the friend of Wash.
1ngton, and my friend also. At any
other time he would be a welcome
guest at our table. If he risked his
life to meet with me in Philadelphia
1t was done openly and honorably in
the midst of acquaintances. There
has been nothing hidden or clandes,
tine. He was brought to Elmhurst
prisoner, bound to his horse, guarded
by armed men. In the morning ]
learned his identity, and at once had
him released. That is ALL" and she
gave a gesture with her hands, "and
l trust, gentlemeR my explanation will
be sufficient"
And you warned him of my suspi.
cions in Philadelphia" exclaimed
Grant, fcausng him to attack me, and
then released him from arrest here"
That is partially true; you endeav.
ored to provoke quarrel the moment
you met. had no desire he should
fall into your hands as a prisoner.
When you appeared at this house
assisted his escape"
But, Claire, how came you here?
Why did you leave Philadelphia?
Because | have a brother, sir, whom
l can only meet in secret" she replied
quietly. Il came without thought of
danger, for war has not cost us friends
IN this country; our home has re-
ma1ned until now Untouched by van.
dals, and l felt amply protected by
those who accompanied me upon the
rlde-our old houss servants" She
knelt at the side of his chair, her
head bowed upon his arm, and his
hand stroked her hair 81 regret if |
have seemed unmaidenly, or done
what YOU may deem wrong, father, for
it has.sl, seemed right to me-"
The colonel looked at US silently for
what seemed long while, his fingers
fondlinS the tresses of the girls hair.
This situation leaves me in an EN-.
barrassing predicament," he admitted
at last slowly. 81 hardly know what is
my duty either as a father, or an off.
Ger of the king. No matter what his
purpose may have been this man pen.
etrated our lines in disguise; he ad.
mittedly exercised command of those
irregulars who attacked and routed
Deavan's column, and has since been
proving about disguised as a coun-
tryman. Merely because my daughter
confesses to friendship between
them can hardly Justify me in setting
him at liberty"
He paused, rising to his feet, his eyes
on my face. The girl lifted her head,
looking up at him.
Major Lawrence, l shall hold you
prisoner of war, referring your case
to Sir Henry Clinton In the mean
while you shall receive every consid.
GRAFTON possible in accordance with
your rank. l am now going join my
men in pursuit of Fagin. Captain
Grant, you will accompany me, and,
Mr.. Seldom, shall leave you in charge
of the prisoner until we return"
He took step toward the door;
then turned to his daughter.
81 shall expect you to be ready to
ride with us on our return to Philadel.
phia, Claire" he said kindly. ut is
evidently not safe for you to remain
here Alone"
very well, father"
Come, Grant, we shall have to ride
hard to overtake our men,"
The captain started reluctantly,
ocowling at me as he passed.
Il should enjoy having the privilege
for my benefit.
"No doubt, sir" returned Mortimer
co1dly. But l have already selected