My Lady of Doubt

ht, given up to revelry, afforded the best possible opportunity for my safely passing the British guard-lines. To-morrow discipline would be resumed, the soldiers would return to their posts and the

id. My thoughts dwelt upon the arch face, the red lips, smiling to reveal the white teeth, the flushing cheeks, the mass of soft brown hair revealed beneath the turban, the mocking laughter in the depths of the blue eyes, and the straight, lithe figure, as she moved swiftly away to rejoin her friends. Who was she, this lady of the Blended Rose? this girl with the dignity of rank, and the carelessness of youth? I must know the answer; it was not in young blood to run away. Certain facts regarding her were at least clear already-she must be the daughter of a loyalist, or else related to som

fficers at the ball who would gladly present me to the lady. I should be compelled to attend in field uniform, yet circumstances would excuse that, and what little I had seen of her convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality. The duty

e, each room opening from it possessing a distinct color scheme, and how, under the gleaming clusters of lights, and sparkling of glass chandeliers, the gay uniforms of the officers and the brilliant gowns of the ladies appeared resplendent. The vista of those great rooms, reflected by numerous mirrors, was a scene of confusing beauty, with flowers everywhere, soft, glowing carpets underfoot, and the surging crowds passing back and forth. Ther

blue, panelled with a small, gold bead, the interior filled with drooping festoons of flowers in their natural colors. Below the surface the ground was of rose pink, the drapery festooned with blue. The effect of these decorations was vastly increased by nearly a hundred mirrors, decked out with

enty, and more than once my heart leaped, only to discover its mistake. There were so many ladies of the Blended Rose on the floor as to be confusing, and with their similarity of dress, and powdered hair, I was never sure until they turned their faces toward me that my patient search was still unrewarded. Yet if she was indeed upon the floor I saw her not, and my heart grew heavy with delay. But in this survey I discovered others-of both sexes-whose names had been mentioned that afternoon, and recognized the face

ts shot up into the black sky, illuminating everything with a glare of fire. This was followed by the lighting up of the triumphal arch, and t

even one soldier pre

with a bit of mocking laughter in their depths, th

y. "I can be as gorgeous as these o

oppery in war times. See how they play to-night, like children, the city practically unguarded from attack," she waved an ungl

eeks

Washington

t pretty to look at; some tattered and hungry, but they fight hard. Mr. Conway was telling us yesterday of how they suffered all winter long, while we danced and feasted here, Washington hi

an Americ

ly. "We are of those loyal to

n-spoken girl with the truth. She respected the men, sympathized with the sacrifices of Washington's little army, contrasted all they endur

your re

d Britis

et been in acti

t crossed the Jerse

head, her ch

ed to Philadelphia for our lives, and have almost forgotten we ever had a home. We loyalists are paying a price almos

the gay spirit of the occasion,"

woman in me condemns it all. You are a soldier-a fighting s

tation, but for which I

ha

aid boldly. "But for what I read there I sh

ly at ease, the long lash

ould you do without my se

stake? Did I read

rom me, sir," demurely. "I h

as all your lips gave; it wa

med; perhaps you re

altogether averse to meeting me again thr

have found s

"I cannot even guess from what place of mystery you appe

"But, perhaps, the risk is equally great

altz; how better could we cement

sure, and there are many

swiftly, "for I claim first

mine provokingly. "And I had forgott

ith you

y pledge," and her glance swept the room hastily. "But I advise that you accept my surre