Page:Mistress Madcap Surrenders (1926).pdf/140

 have known him at once—though he was placed in the care of another aunt in New York Town. The New York aunt was wealthy and a Tory. Tabbie and I had been hoping against hope that her brother would remain true to his own country; but it seems he has not—mayhap, because too imbued with his aunt's viewpoint!"

"Then it be not his fault an he is a Tory!" retorted Mehitable generously.

But Tabitha shook her head. "He hath reached the age o' wisdom. He is no babe, despite his youthful face. He t-told me, though, he was a patriot." She sighed. "I must have known he was not—I have had my suspicions. And now I be convinced he is an enemy. Oh, the wretches who will not help their own in time o' need! But what chance, think you"—she fixed burning eyes upon the other's face—"hath a person like my brother when stern justice would try such a man as General Arnold! I shudder to think what may be his end!" And with another gesture of despair, poor Tabitha escaped from the room.

She had no sooner gone than a cheerful knock sounded upon the door and John Condit entered.

"Hitty," he said, greetings over, "how would ye like to go home to Orange for the day?"

"Alone with you—without Cherry, I mean?" answered Mehitable, longing to accept, yet not wishing to be selfish.