V.
A GARDEN TEA-PARTY.
The king's commissioner of imposts, Theodore Newville, had authorityto collect for the crown three shillings per ton on all vessels of notmore than two hundred tons burden, and four shillings per ton onvessels of larger dimensions. He also had authority to reserve thetallest, straightest, and largest pine-trees growing in the forestsfor the use of the royal navy. When the king's arrow was blazed upon atree,[24] no man, not even the owner of the soil, could fell it to theground. Every year, and at times as often as every six months, a shiparrived upon the New England coast for masts and spars.
[Footnote 24: The arrow was the sign of royal authority andownership.]
Mr. Newville was provided with an office in the Custom House, but hishome was on the sunny slope of Beacon Hill, a commodious mansion, withspacious rooms and ample hall. The fluted pilasters with Corinthianscapitals, the modillions along the cornice, the semicircular balcony,were fitting adornments. The surrounding lawn was smoothly shaven. Inthe orchard were apples, pears, and melocotoons;[25] in the garden,roses, pinks, primroses, daffodils, bachelor's-buttons, and asters ofevery hue. The morning sun streaming into the dining-room illuminedthe richly cut decanters upon the shelves of the buffet. Veryattractive, suggestive of ease, comfort, and culture, was the library,with its books and several portraits in gilded frames. The sun of theafternoon filled the richly furnished parlor with its mellow light.The front door opened to a wide hall and stairway, with carvedbaluster and polished mahogany rail. A clock stood upon the landingsoberly counting the hours. Having inherited wealth, with a yearlystipend and many perquisites of office, Mr. Newville was abundantlyable to live in a style befitting an officer of the crown. The knockeron the front door was so bright that Pompey could see his own whiteteeth and rolling eyeballs reflected from the shining brass. Whenthrough with the knocker he rubbed the fender, andirons, shovels,tongs, nozzle of the bellows, the hooks by the jams, candlesticks,snuffer, extinguisher, trays, and tinder-box, and wiped the dust fromthe glazed tiles of the hearth. It was the routine of every morning.Equally bright were the brass pots and pans in Phillis's realm. Pompeyand Phillis were bondservants under the mild existing paternal form ofslavery.
[Footnote 25: The melocotoon was a variety of peach. The fruit wasvery large, beautifully colored, and of rich flavor.]
The king's commissioner of imposts perhaps would not have admitted hewas passing the prime of life, but the crow's-feet were gathering inthe corners of his eyes. His gray tie wig was in keeping with thewhite hairs upon his brow. He had a mild, blue eye, amiablecountenance, and dignified deportment, as became an officer of thecrown.
Time was in like manner beginning to turn its furrows upon the brow ofthe lady who sat opposite him at the table, but she was still veryfair, as many a visitor had noticed while partaking of herhospitality.
When breakfast was finished Mr. Newville took his gold-headed canefrom its place in the hall, adjusted his wig at the mirror under thesconce, put on his gold-laced hat and walked leisurely, as became hismajesty's commissioner of imposts, along Tremont Street to Queen,thence past the jail, the Town House, the pillory and the stocks, tohis office in the Custom House.
Mrs. Newville modeled her housekeeping on the last chapter of the Bookof Proverbs. She began each morning with instructions to Phillis andPompey. After breakfast, she walked to the market followed by Pompeyat a respectful distance, with a basket to bring home the marketing.She was fastidious in her selection of meats; it must be a loin ofbeef, very tender, a chicken or duck, plump and fat; the freshest ofeggs, and choicest butter. She found great pleasure in dispensinggracious hospitality, inviting the governor and lieutenant-governor ofthe Province, the justices, councilors, officers of the army and navy,strangers of distinction from other Provinces or from the other sideof the sea; reverend doctors of divinity, lawyers, physicians,citizens of standing. She gave garden parties on summer afternoons,the guests sipping tea amid the flowers.
To such an entertainment Berinthia Brandon desired Robert's company.The barber on the corner of the street trimmed and powdered his hair,Mark Antony smoothed the wrinkles from his coat, and Berinthia fixednew ribbons in his knee-buckles.
"I am afraid I shall be so stiff and awkward you will be ashamed ofme," he said, as she adjusted his ruffles.
"Oh no, I am sure your common sense will come to your aid."
"I shall not know anybody, and shall feel like a cat in a strangegarret."
"But I will introduce you to some charming people."
"I shall make a fool of myself. I have never been in such society, andshall not know what to talk about. If it was like a quilting, such aswe have at Rumford, I might get on, but I know I shall be thelaughing-stock of the ladies."
"I am not afraid of it. Just be yourself, that's all."
The clock on the Old Brick Meetinghouse was striking three when theypassed it on their way to the Newville mansion.
"You will find Mr. Newville a courtly, well-informed gentleman," saidBerinthia. "Perhaps I ought to tell you that he is a Tory, which isquite natural, when we consider that he holds an office under thecrown. He is very discreet, however, and is careful not to say or doanything offensive to the Sons of Liberty. Of course, politicalquestions are not mentioned at these enjoyable gatherings. We saynothing about the Stamp Act: give all like topics the go-by, and justenjoy ourselves socially. You will find Mrs. Newville a delightfullady, and I know you will be charmed by Miss Ruth, a lovely girl, withgracious ways and a character all her own. I cannot describe her. Onlyintimate friends can know her goodness. Few young ladies in Bostonare more accomplished. Master Lovell[26] is her tutor, visiting herafter school hours, to direct her course of study. She has beenthrough the arithmetic, while most of us never have been beyondproportion. Having finished the accidence she has begun Latin; she cantambour, make embroidery, draw, paint, play the harpsichord, and singso charmingly that people passing along the street stop to listen tothe enchanting music."
[Footnote 26: John Lovell was master of the Latin School, in SchoolStreet, from 1717 to 1776. He gave his sympathies to the crown, andbecame an exile upon the evacuation of Boston. His house was near theschoolhouse.]
Master Lovell.]
"You awaken my curiosity. But what will one who knows so much think ofthe awkward fellow keeping you company? Will she not regard me as asimpleton?"
"No, indeed; that would not be like Ruth Newville. Be assured, shewill do what she can to make it a pleasant occasion to you."
"What can I say that will interest her, what talk about?"
"She will enable you to find your tongue. The chances are that youwill fall in love with her just as everybody else does,--colonels,majors, captains, lieutenants of the army and navy, besides widowersand bachelors; but Ruth is too sensible a girl to throw herself away.Her mother would like her to marry some nobleman, or lord of ancientfamily. Ruth does not care much for coats-of-arms or titles, but wouldrather be sure of what a man is, rather than who were his ancestors.But we are almost there."
Many guests had already arrived. Ladies and gentlemen were strollingbeneath the trees in the orchard, and along the garden paths. Pompeyshowing his white teeth, his dusky countenance beaming with pleasure,bowed very courteously as they entered the mansion.
"Massa and Missus Newville will welcome de ladies and genmens in degarding," he said.
Berinthia led the way and introduced Robert as her relative from NewHampshire.
"And so you are from that dependency of the crown? What news do youbring from that Province?" Mr. Newville asked.
"I do not know that there is anything particularly new or interesting.Not much is going on there. We have had a good crop of hay, the cornlooks middling well; the rye is not much rusted. I think we shall notwant for bread," Robert replied.
"It is excellent news. Bread is the staff of life, and I trust thepeople will be grateful for the bounties of Providence, and rest inpeace and quiet under the rule of our gracious sovereign, KingGeo
rge."
"I hope we shall be truly thankful for all that is good," Robertreplied.
"It is very kind in you to accompany our friend Miss Brandon to ourentertainment this afternoon; we gladly welcome you, Mr. Walden," saidMrs. Newville, who ran her eyes over him, and, so far as Robert couldjudge, rather liking his stalwart form and figure, while saying toherself that he was no hawk or eagle to bear off her chicken.
"Ruth, daughter, this way, please," said Mrs. Newville.
Robert saw a young lady wearing a white muslin dress turn towards themfrom a group of ladies and gentlemen; but it was not the snowywhiteness of the garment, neither her dark brown unpowdered hair incontrast to that of the ladies around her, that attracted hisattention, but the hazel eyes and the lips that had said, "I nevershall forget your kindness, sir."
"Mr. Walden, allow me to introduce my daughter," said Mrs. Newville.
There was a startled, wondering look in the hazel eyes. Shecourtesied, with the fresh blood suffusing her cheeks.
"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Walden," she said.
"I took the liberty of bringing him," said Berinthia. "I was sure youwould extend to him the same cordial welcome you give to everybody."
"Certainly, anybody whom you may invite will always be welcome. Mr.Walden, shall I serve you with a cup of tea? What kind will youtake--shall it be Old Hyson, Bohea, or Twankey?"
She stood with a salver ready to serve him.
"I will take Old Hyson, if you please," he said.
The pink slippers tripped across the lawn to a table where Phillis inwhite apron and cap, with smiling countenance, was pouring tea fromsilver urns into dainty cups. So this was the young lady whom he hadrescued from the clutches of the villains. What should he say to her?By no word or look must she know that he was conscious of havingbefriended her.
The sun was shining through the branches of the melocotoon treebeneath which she was standing. It seemed to him that the rich bloomof the ripening fruit by some subtle process of nature was beingtransmuted to her face. He recalled the description of thepure-hearted damsel that welcomed the Pilgrim of Bunyan's allegory tothe beautiful palace in the land of Beulah. She soon returned bringingwith steady hand the salver with the tea, sugar-bowl, and pitcher ofcream.
"Shall I serve you with the sugar and cream, Mr. Walden?"
He could but notice the graceful movement of her deft fingers as shepicked the sugar from the bowl with the silver tongs, and poured thecream.
"I will bring you some confections," she said, and tripped away oncemore, returning with a plate of cake and bonbons.
"I hope you find the tea to your taste?" she said.
"It could not be better," he replied.
He could see she was scanning his face with an inquiring look, as ifendeavoring to solve a perplexing question--whether the stranger inworking clothes who rescued her from the arms of the assaultingsoldiers and this gentleman in fitting costume for genteel societywere one and the same. "Can it be he?" was the question revolving inher thoughts. The countryman was tall, stout, and broad-shouldered; sowas Mr. Walden. She saw resolution and indignation in the face of thestranger. Could not the face before her exhibit like qualities underlike provocation? She must find out during the afternoon, if possible,whether or not Mr. Walden was her benefactor. If so, what should shesay to him--how make known her gratitude?
"And so you are from New Hampshire, Mr. Walden?" she said inquiringly.
"Yes, and this is my first visit to Boston."
"I dare say you find things somewhat different here from what they arethere."
"Oh yes. In Rumford the houses are scattered; but here they are asthick as spatter. There isn't near so many things going on there ashere."
"I think it must be delightful to live in the country, among the greenfields and pastures, and have chickens and goslins, and see the lambsplay."
"Yes; but we have to look sharp, to see that the foxes, and hawks, andweasels don't get 'em."
Their conversation was interrupted by Berinthia, who introduced him toMiss Lucy Flucker[27], daughter of the secretary of the Province, MissDorothy Quincy, Miss Mary Shrimpton, and to Isaac and John Coffin[28],sons of his majesty's receiver-general.
[Footnote 27: Miss Flucker received the attentions of Henry Knox thebookseller, and became his wife. While her father remained loyal tothe king, she became an ardent patriot, and married the man of herchoice. Soon after the battle of Lexington and Concord, Mr. Knoxescaped from Boston. Mrs. Knox received a permit to join him, fromGeneral Gage, who had issued an order prohibiting any one from takingarms from the town. The patriotic wife concealed her husband's swordin her underskirts, and successfully eluded the vigilance of thesentinels.]
[Footnote 28: Isaac Coffin obtained an appointment in his majesty'snavy in 1773. Upon the outbreak of the war he proffered hisresignation, not being willing to fight against his countrymen, butbeing assured he would not be sent to North America remained in theservice of the king, rising by merit to the position of rear-admiral.He retained through life a deep affection for his countrymen, andendowed a school on the island of Nantucket.
His younger brother John, from the outset, sided with the king. Hejoined the British forces, became captain of a company of loyalists,served under Colonel Tarleton in South Carolina, becoming major,colonel, and after the war a major-general. He received a grant ofseveral thousand acres of land in Nova Scotia. Though maintainingallegiance to the king, he had great respect and admiration for thosewho espoused the patriotic cause.]
"Do you have garden tea-parties in Rumford?" Miss Flucker asked.
"No, not garden parties, but the ladies get together in a parlor, siptheir tea, take pinches of snuff from each other's boxes, talk aboutthe number of cheeses they have made, how much salt they put into thecurd, how much yarn they have spun, how many yards of linen they havewoven."
"Such a party must be very enjoyable," said Miss Quincy.
"Yes, I think they like to find out what everybody else is doing, andhow they do it. Their tongues wag lively when they get to talkingabout what has happened and what they expect will happen; who wascried the Sunday before, and who probably will be the next Sunday."
The ladies smiled at Robert's vivacious conversation.
"Does the town clerk cry the proposed marriages?" Miss Shrimptonasked.
"Yes. The moment the minister finishes the benediction Sundayafternoon, Squire Fellows breaks in, shouting that marriage isintended between Hezekiah and Mehitable. Of course there are blusheson Mehitable's face, while Hezekiah looks kinder sheepish."
Again the ladies laughed.
"Do all the ladies take snuff?"
Miss Flucker asked the question.
"Nearly all the old ladies carry their snuff-boxes in their pockets orwork-bags. There's one lady, however, who does not--Aunt HipsyJenkins. Perhaps I ought to say she is well along in years, and thatthe town clerk never has cried her. She carries her nose as shepleases. She says if the Lord had intended it for a dust-hole, hewould have put it on the other end up."
A merry peal of laughter rang through the garden--so joyful thatseveral ladies and gentlemen joined the group, to hear what the youngman from the country was saying.
"Her name," said Robert, by way of explanation, "is Hepsibah, buteverybody calls her Hipsy."
"Evidently," said Isaac Coffin, "she is a lady who is up to snuff."
Again the company laughed.
"You may be sure she never minces things, but speaks her mind, whetheranybody likes it or not," Robert replied.
"Are the gentlemen invited to the tea-parties?" John Coffin asked.
"Not to the afternoon parties, neither are the young ladies; the oldladies like to be by themselves while sipping their tea. Perhaps theythink it would not be dignified on the part of the gentlemen to devotethe afternoons to gossip," Robert replied.
"Do not the young ladies meet?" Miss Shrimpton asked.
"Not as do our mothers, but they have their own good
times,--theirquilting parties. In the country every girl as soon as she can sewbegins to make patchwork. When they get enough for a quilt, theyinvite their acquaintances to the quilting, and spend the afternoon intalking about--well, I can't exactly say what they do talk about.Perhaps you ladies can tell better than I."
The ladies smiled at his pleasant way of indicating what was uppermostin the thoughts of young maidens on such delightful occasions.
"Do not the gentlemen participate in some way?" Miss Quincy inquired.
"Oh yes; we join them in the evening, after they are through with thequilting, and try to make things lively. We play blindman's-buff,hide the handkerchief, roast beef behind your back, come Philander,stage-coach, and other games, and have a jolly time. The ladies serveus with bread and butter, doughnuts, cookies, tarts, gingerbread, andtea. We guess riddles and tell ghost stories."
"How delightful!" Miss Newville exclaimed.
"A little later than this we have huskings in the barns, seated arounda heap of corn. Husking over, we eat pudding, baked beans, mince,apple, and pumpkin pie, and top off with pop-corn, apples, and cider.After supper the girls clear away the dishes; then we push the tableinto one corner of the kitchen, Julius Caesar mounts it with hisfiddle, and we dance jigs and quicksteps. The girl who first found ared ear while husking, and was kissed before she could throw it intothe basket, is privileged to lead the dance."
"How I should enjoy it," said Miss Shrimpton.
"Finding the red ear?" queried Isaac Coffin.
"Oh no,--you know I didn't mean that; but having such a jolly timewith nobody saying it isn't proper," Miss Shrimpton replied with ablush mantling her cheek.
"Ruth, daughter,"--it was Mrs. Newville calling her to meet otherguests, and Miss Newville turned regretfully away, for it was apleasure to talk with Mr. Walden, and she hoped he would drop a wordwhich would enable her to make sure it was he who had befriended her.
Robert, with Berinthia and the ladies whose acquaintance he had made,sauntered along the garden walks. The midsummer flowers were gone, butthose of autumn were in bloom,--marigolds, asters, and sunflowers.Picturesque the scene: ladies in paduasoys, taffetas, and brocades,gentlemen in purple, russet, and crimson coats, white satinwaistcoats, buff breeches, and silk stockings. Officers of the king'sregiments in scarlet with silver-starred epaulets, clergymen in suitsof black, lawyers and doctors in white wigs, loitering along thepaths, gathered in groups beneath the trees, young ladies serving themwith syllabubs. From the vine-clad arbor the music of the orchestrafloated upon the air.
Robert saw a gentleman and lady shaking hands with Mr. and Mrs.Newville.
"That is John Adams, one of the smartest lawyers in town," saidBerinthia. "That is his wife Abigail; she is the daughter of ReverendMr. Smith, the minister of Braintree. She knows Latin and Greek, andis one of the nicest women in town. She writes beautiful letters, andknows--oh, so much! I'll introduce you to them. I know you will becharmed with her."
Mr. Adams courteously greeted Robert, and very gracious was therecognition by Mrs. Adams. She asked him if he had ever been in Bostonbefore; who was the minister in Rumford; if he had many books to read.So pleasant and agreeable was her conversation, she seemed to Robertto be an old friend.
Robert was pleased to meet Doctor Warren, and received a cordialgreeting.
"And are you acquainted?" Miss Newville inquired wonderingly.
"I am happy to claim Mr. Walden as my friend. I have long known hisfather," the doctor replied.
ABIGAIL SMITH ADAMS]
Robert was pleased, also, to meet Mr. Knox, the bookseller, who waspolite and affable to all, particularly to Miss Flucker.
When Berinthia and Robert were by themselves she informed him that Mr.Knox was attentive to Miss Flucker; that her parents opposed thematch, Mr. Knox being a Whig and her father a Tory. Berinthia was surethat the more her father opposed the bookseller, the better Miss Lucyliked him.
Mr. Hancock's House.]
Mr. John Hancock, though living but a short distance from Mr.Newville, came in his coach with driver and footmen in blue livery. Hebowed politely to Mr. and Mrs. Newville, took a pinch of snuff fromMr. Newville's gold box, and graciously greeted Miss Dorothy Quincy.Berinthia whispered to Robert that they were engaged to bemarried.[29]
[Footnote 29: The Dorothy Quincy who married John Hancock is not to beconfounded with the Dorothy Q. of Holmes's poem:--
"Grandmother's mother, her age I guess, Thirteen summers, or something less."]
"If Miss Newville and Miss Brandon will excuse us, Mr. Walden andmyself will take a turn through the grounds," said Doctor Warren,locking arms with Robert.
"I am glad to meet you once more, Mr. Walden. I want to thank you forthe good work you did yesterday afternoon. I have heard of it severaltimes; the people are chuckling over it. But the soldiers of theTwenty-Ninth Regiment are as mad as hornets and threaten retaliation.They are anxious to get hold of that fellow from the country who didit. I thought I would put you on your guard. I wish I knew who theyoung lady was, but no one can find out. Neither she nor her friendshave made complaint to the selectmen, and of course you could notknow."
Robert thanked him. He said he did not anticipate any trouble; ifattacked he would try and give a good account of himself.
DOROTHY QUINCY]
They had strolled to the farthest part of the grounds. Returning, theysaw Miss Newville surrounded by ladies and gentlemen; young and oldalike were finding pleasure in her society. Major Evelyn, to whomRobert had been introduced, was telling how jolly it was in oldEngland to follow the hounds in a fox hunt, leaping ditches, walls,and hedges, running Reynard to cover. Although courteouslylistening, her eyes glanced towards Robert and Doctor Warren.
"Pardon me, Major, but I must have a word with my good doctor whogives me pills and powders when I am sick," she said graciously,tripping across the lawn.
"I have not served you with tea, doctor; what kind would you prefer?"she said.
"Well, let it be Old Hyson, if you please."
"And yours, Mr. Walden: it was the Old you had before. Will you nottry a cup of Young Hyson for variety?"
"If you please, Miss Newville."
A few moments and she was with them again.
"Old Hyson for old friendship, Young, for new acquaintance," said thedoctor, as he took the cup from her hand. "You see, Mr. Walden, MissNewville and I are old friends, and our relations at times are quiteintimate. I am privileged to hold her hand, feel her pulse, and lookat her tongue."
"Do you not think, Mr. Walden, that the doctor is very rude to take ayoung lady's hand when she cannot help herself?"
"Of course it is rude, but I apprehend you do not object, under thecircumstances," Robert replied.
"Oh no, she likes it so well that she often asks when I will comeagain," said the doctor.
Merry was the laughter.
"This is delicious tea," he said, sipping the beverage.
"I am glad you like it."
"It is all the more delicious, Miss Ruth, because I have it from yourown gracious hand, and because it is probably the last I shall drinkfor many months."
She gazed at him wonderingly.
"You know I am firm in my convictions as to what is right and just,and I have decided to quit drinking tea as a protest against what theking and Lord North are preparing to do. So this will be a memorialday for me. Pardon me, I did not mean to allude to it."
"One need not beg pardon for having a conviction of what is right andjust. If it is to be your last cup I'm glad I have the privilege ofserving it," she said.
One by one guests joined them, charmed by her presence, Major Evelynhovering around her. More than once the eyes of Robert and MissNewville met. Would she not think him rude? But how could he helplooking at her?
While Miss Newville was serving other guests, with Berinthia and MissShrimpton Robert walked the garden once more, the great shaggywatch-dog trotting in advance, as if they were guests to be honored byan escor
t.
The afternoon was waning. Guests were leaving, and it was time forBerinthia and Robert to take their departure.
"Oh, you are not going now. I have not had an opportunity to speak adozen words with you, Berinthia, and I have shamefully neglected Mr.Walden. I have not had a chance to drink a cup of tea with him. I amsure you will excuse me, Major Evelyn, while I redeem myself. You willfind Miss Brandon delightful company," said Miss Newville.
Major Evelyn, being thus politely waved one side, could but acquiesce.
"Shall we sit, Mr. Walden?" she asked, leading the way to seats andbringing tea and cake.
"I enjoyed your description of life in the country, and the youngladies were delighted," she said.
"We have pretty good times with the quiltings, huskings, and sleighingparties, when we pile into a double pung, ride in the moonlight, havesupper, and a dance."
"How delightful! Have you brothers and sisters?"
"Only a sister, Rachel, two years younger than I."
"Does she love flowers?"
"Yes, she is very fond of them. I make up beds in the garden for herand she sows bachelor's-buttons, flytraps, pansies, marigolds,hollyhocks, and has morning-glories running over strings around thesitting-room window."
"They must make your home very pleasant in summer."
"Yes, and she has asters and sweet peas. I try to keep the weeds downfor her as she has so many things to look after,--the chickens,goslins, young turkeys, besides washing dishes, spinning, and wettingthe cloth bleaching on the grass. I help a little by drawing thewater."
"It must be very beautiful in the country these September days."
"It is not quite late enough for the woods to put on their brightestcolors; that will be in October."
"Which season do you like best?"
"I hardly know. Sometimes, when the country is covered with snow andthe air is fresh and keen and healthful, I think there is no part ofthe year more enjoyable than winter; then when spring comes, and thebuds start and the leaves are growing, I feel like a young colt readyto caper and kick up my heels. When the flowers are in bloom and thebirds are singing I think there is no season like summer. At this timeof the year, when we are gathering the harvests and the woods are morebeautiful than our Queen Charlotte in her coronation robes, I thinkthere is no period of the year so delightful as autumn."
"Living in the town." Miss Newville said, "I lose much that I shouldenjoy in the country. Sometimes I ride with my father to Roxbury,Dorchester, and Cambridge. He sits in his chaise while I pick theflowers by the roadside. A few weeks ago we went sailing down theharbor, and saw the waves rolling on the beach at Nantasket andbreaking on the rocks around the lighthouse. Oh, it was beautiful!"
"I do not doubt it. As you love the country so much, I am sure youwould be charmed with the view from our home, Miss Newville,especially at this season of the year."
"Please tell me about it. I am sure from your description I shall beable to picture the scene."
"You would see a broad valley, fields, pastures, meadows, uplands, theriver flowing between banks fringed with elms and willows, hillsfarther away, and in the distance blue mountains; the forest allscarlet, russet, yellow, and crimson. That would be the view. Youwould hear the crickets chirping, crows cawing, and squirrels barkingin the woods."
"How delightful! I know I should revel in such beauty."
"You asked me, Miss Newville, which season I liked best. I think, allthings considered, I enjoy autumn more than any other portion of theyear."
"May I ask why you like it best?"
"Because it is the harvest-time, when we gather the gifts ofProvidence; and it sets me to thinking I ought to be doing somethingfor somebody in return for what Providence is doing for me."
Her eyes were watching his lips.
"Oh, go on, please, Mr. Walden, and tell me what the seasons say toyou."
"I hardly know what they say, but the change from the brightness ofsummer to the russet of autumn, the falling leaves, ripening fruits,fading flowers, shortening days, the going of the birds are like asermon to me."
"And why are they like a sermon?" she asked.
"Because the birds will come, the flowers bloom again, but the summerthat has gone never will return; the opportunities of to-day will notbe here to-morrow. I must make the most of the present, not only formyself but for others. Providence bestows rich gifts; I must give toothers."
"Thank you, Mr. Walden."
She was silent. None of the officers, not Major Evelyn or any of thecaptains of his majesty's troops, ever had uttered such words in herpresence. Oh, could she but know if he were the one who rescued herfrom the hands of the miscreants! She must know.
"Mr. Walden, may I ask if we have not met before?"
"I think we have, Miss Newville."
"I thought so, but was not sure. May I say I cannot tell you howgrateful I am for the service you rendered me yesterday. I never shallforget it. I have not mentioned it, not even to my parents, for Iwould not have them concerned in the future for my welfare."
"I can understand how anxious they might be, and I appreciate yourprudence. The incident, I understand, is making some stir in town,especially among the soldiers. Doctor Warren has just informed me ofit, and was kind enough to say it would be well for me to be on myguard, as the soldiers threaten retaliation. I learn, also, that noone as yet has been able to discover who the young lady was. Peopleare wondering that no complaint has been made to the properauthorities by her or her friends."
"Oh, I am so glad that no one knows it except ourselves. May I not askthat it shall be our secret, and ours only?"
"Most certainly, Miss Newville."
"I cannot express my obligation to you, Mr. Walden. It is veryhonorable in you, and you will not let the soldiers injure you?" shesaid inquiringly.
"I do not think they will molest me. I shall not put myself in theirway, neither shall I avoid them. I am a free citizen; this is mycountry. I know my rights, and I trust I shall ever be enough of a manto resent an insult to myself, and most certainly to a lady."
"Do you remain long in town?" she asked.
"No; only a day or two--over Sunday. I shall start from the GreenDragon for home next Monday morning."
"Do you have melocotoons in Rumford?" she asked, looking up to theluscious fruit, ripening above them.
"Not yet; we have some young trees, but they are not in bearing."
"I should like to send a basket of fruit to your sister, if agreeableto you. Pompey will take it to the tavern Monday morning."
"You are very kind. I will take it with pleasure, and you may be sureRachel will appreciate your goodness."
He comprehended her proposition,--that it was her delicate way ofgiving emphasis to her thanks for what he had done.
"Mr. Walden, I shall always be pleased to see you. I would like tohear more about what you see in nature, and the sermons that arepreached to you."
Berinthia and Major Evelyn joined them. The band had ceased playing,and the last of the guests were departing.
"I hope you have had an enjoyable afternoon," said Mr. Newville.
"I have enjoyed myself very much, and cannot express my thanks foryour hospitality," Robert replied.
"It was very kind in you to honor us with your company," said Mrs.Newville with a charming grace and dignity.
Miss Newville went with them to the gate, Major Evelyn improving theopportunity to walk by her side. Robert thought there was a shade ofvexation on her face.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, while I talk with Miss Brandon a moment," shesaid, dropping behind. Robert walked on a few steps and waited forBerinthia. Major Evelyn lingered a moment as if to have a last wordwith Miss Newville, but politeness would not admit his furthertarrying; he lifted his hat and walked away.
"Oh, Mr. Walden, what do you think your good cousin has been saying?"said Miss Newville, calling him once more to the gate.
"Possibly that she has had an agreeable chat with one of his majesty
'sbrilliant officers," Robert replied.
"Instead of being brilliant, he was positively stupid. I don't likeepaulets," said Berinthia.
"Not those sent to protect us?" Miss Newville asked.
"No."
"Neither do I."
The words were spoken firmly, with an emphasis which Robert alonecould understand.
Miss Newville locked her arm in Berinthia's as if loath to have hergo. They lingered by the gate, how long Robert could not say. Justwhat was said he could not recall. He only knew it was delightful tostand there, to hear her voice, to see the smiles rippling upon herface, and the loving eyes that turned towards him at times. When atlast the good-night was spoken, when himself and Berinthia were quitea distance, looking backward he saw her white handkerchief waving themfarewell.
Daughters of the Revolution and Their Times Page 8