CHAPTER VI--TEA AT HEADQUARTERS
"Give Betsy a brush of horse hair and wool, Of paste and pomatum a pound, Ten yards of gay ribbon to deck her sweet skull, And gauze to encompass it round. Her cap flies behind, for a yard at the least, And her curls meet just under her chin, And those curls are supported, to keep up the jest, By a hundred, instead of one pin."
--A Verse of the Day.
"Will I do, mother?" asked Peggy, taking up the old fan with the sandalwood sticks, and turning about slowly for the lady's inspection.
It was the night of General Arnold's tea, and the maiden had just putthe finishing touch to her toilet, and was all aglow with excitement.The creamy folds of the silken gown well became her dark hair and eyes.The bodice, cut square, revealed her white throat so young and girlish.Her white silk mitts, long and without fingers, were held to the sleeveby "tightens." A gauze cap with wings and streamers perched saucily uponher dark locks which were simply drawn back from her low, broadforehead, braided with a ribbon, and powdered but little. The primlittle frock fell just to her ankles, revealing the clocked whitestockings and dainty high heeled slippers with pearls glistening uponthe buckles.
"Didst ever behold a more bewitching damsel than thy daughter, MistressPeggy Owen?" she cried, sweeping her mother a deep curtsey.
Her eyes were shining. She was for the nonce a happy maiden concernedwith naught save the pleasures of girlhood, and possessed of a mood thatwould have been habitual had not the mighty sweep of public eventstinged her girlish gaiety with an untoward gravity.
Some such thought flitted through Mrs. Owen's mind as she surveyed herdaughter with tender eyes, and she sighed. A look of anxiety flittedover Peggy's face.
"Is thee not well?" she queried. "Or is it wrong, mother, for me to beso happy when father is in the field?"
"Neither, my daughter. I was but wishing that thou couldst be as carefree all the time as thou art to-night. But there! we will partake ofthe fruit that is offered leaving the bitter until the morrow. Thy gownwell becomes thee, child. I make no doubt but that thou wilt look aswell as any."
"Mother," exclaimed the girl, a soft flush dyeing her face, "thee willmake me vain."
"I trust not, my daughter. Others will, no doubt, tell thee so, and 'tisas well that thou shouldst hear it first from me. Let it not spoil thee,Peggy. Ah! here is Sukey to tell us that Robert and his uncle have comefor us."
Peggy gave a backward look at her reflection in the mirror, and wellpleased with what she saw there followed her mother sedately to thedrawing-room where Robert Dale and his uncle, Mr. Jacob Deering, awaitedthem.
The latter, stately in an olive-colored silk velvet with knee buckles,silk stockings, bright silver shoe-buckles and the usual three loopedhat held in his hand, hastened to greet them as they entered.
"Zounds! Miss Peggy," he cried. "'Tis well that I am not a young buck,else you should look no further for a gallant. Bless me, but you havegrown pretty! Bob, you rascal! why did you not prepare me for what Ishould see? Upon my word, child, you must not mind a kiss from an oldman."
So saying he held her at arm's length in admiration, and then kissed heron both her cheeks. Whereat Peggy blushed right prettily.
"Thee will make me vain," she protested. "And mother hath but ceasedwarning me against such vanity. In truth, Friend Deering, I believe thatno girl was ever so happy as I am to-night."
"'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may: Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles to-day, To-morrow may be dying,'"
he quoted gaily. "Have your fling, child. The morrow may bring graveproblems to be solved, so be happy while you can. 'Tis youth'sprerogative. Bob, do you follow with Mrs. Owen. I shall take an oldman's privilege and lead the princess to the coach myself. I' faith,there will be no opportunity for a word with her once she reachesheadquarters."
Peggy gave Robert Dale an arch glance over her shoulder as the oldgentleman led her to the coach, where she settled herself to await withwhat patience she could their arrival at Major-General Arnold's.
At this time there was no suspicion whispered against the patriotism ofBenedict Arnold. Scarcely any soldier had done so much to sustain theliberties of his country, and tales of his prowess, his daring andcourage were rife in the city. Upon being placed in charge ofPhiladelphia by the commander-in-chief, General Washington, he had takenpossession of the mansion in High Street, once the home of Richard Penn,and recently occupied by Sir William Howe. It was regarded as one of thefinest houses in the city, was built of brick, and stood on thesoutheast corner of Front and High Streets.
Peggy and her mother knew that the affair was to be more than theordinary tea, but they were scarcely prepared for the sumptuousness ofthe occasion.
"Is it a ball, Robert?" whispered the girl as they stood for a moment inthe crush about the door.
"No," answered the youth a frown contracting his brow. "'Tis elaborateenough for one, and that is truth, Peggy. But when one is given it seemsto be the general's purpose to outvie all that rumor hath spoken of theMischianza. All his entertainments are given on a most magnificentscale; as though he were a man of unbounded wealth and high socialposition. I like it not."
Peggy opened her lips to reply, but before she could do so the way wascleared for them to approach the general. The girl looked with intenseinterest at the gallant soldier of whose prowess she had heard so much.He was a dark, well-made man, still young, not having reached themeridian of life; his face, bronzed and darkened by fatigue andexposure, indicated that he had seen the severest hardships of asoldier's life. Unable to accept a command in the field because of thewounds received at Saratoga the preceding fall he had been madecommandant of the city. He was still on crutches, being thin and wornfrom the effects of his hurt.
Some of the stories of his great courage upon that occasion came toPeggy's mind, and brought a glow of admiration to her eyes. She flushedrosily as he said in greeting:
"I am pleased to welcome you, Mistress Peggy. A certain aide of minehath talked of naught else but your return for a week past. You are toreport him to me if he does not give you an enjoyable time. Ah, Dale!look to't that you distinguish yourself in the matter."
"Are there none but Tories?" questioned Peggy, as General Arnold turnedto greet other arrivals, and Mrs. Owen paused to converse with someacquaintances.
"Well," the lad hesitated a moment and then continued, "they seemremarkably fond of him, Peggy, and he of them. I would it were not so,but many of the staff have thought that they flocked to hisentertainments in mischievous numbers."
"But are there no others?" asked the girl again, for on every side wereTories and Neutrals to such an extent that scarce a Whig was to be seen.
"Oh, yes, the gentlemen of Congress are here somewhere, for there is Mr.Charles Lee, who is always to be found where they are. He pays court tothem upon every occasion in the endeavor to convince them what greatmerit he showed at the battle of Monmouth." And the youth laughed.
"And the head-dresses," exclaimed the girl in astonishment. "How highthey are. And the pomade! And the powder! Why, Robert, all the fashionof the city is here!"
"And what did the general say to thee, Peggy?" cried Sally's voice, andRobert and Peggy turned to find Sally and Betty directly behind them."Did he compliment thee upon thy name? 'Tis his favorite, thee knows.There comes Miss Margaret Shippen now, and look at thy general, Robert.One could tell that he was paying court to her."
"They are to be married soon, I hear," announced Betty, when the laughthat had followed Sally's remark died away.
"How beautiful she is," exclaimed Peggy admiringly as she gazed at thestately Miss Shippen.
"She is indeed," assented Robert, "though I would she were not a Tory."
"Fie, fie, Robert," laughed Peggy. "Is not thy Cousin Kitty a Tory? Inever heard thee object to her."
"Oh, Kitty! that's different.
" Robert was plainly embarrassed.
"Is it?" The three girls laughed again, enjoying his confusion.
"I but voice the objections of the army," explained he when theirmerriment had subsided. "Of the Congress also, who fear the effect uponthe people, there is so much feeling anent the Tories."
"Congress!" exclaimed Sally with a scornful toss of her head. "I shouldnot mind what Congress said if I were General Arnold. They wouldn't evengive him his proper rank until after Saratoga, though His Excellency,General Washington, did his utmost to make them. I wouldn't ask the oldCongress anything anent the matter. So there!"
"Hoity-toity, my young lady! Have a care to your words. Know you notthat the gentlemen of that same Congress are present? It seems to methat I have heard that some of those same gentlemen are the very men whoare on the board of a certain institution----"
"Oh, hush, hush, Mr. Deering," cried Sally turning with some excitementto the old gentleman. "'Tis a secret known to but few."
"Now what did I say?" he demanded as the others looked at the two insurprise. "Miss Peggy, won't you defend me?"
"Let him say it over, Sally," said Peggy roguishly. "Perhaps we can tellthen."
"No, no," uttered Sally with a questioning glance at him. "Thee doesknow," she burst forth as she met his twinkling eyes. "How did thee findit out, Mr. Deering?"
"If you will glad an old man by treading this measure with him, I'lltell you," he answered. "Or perhaps you prefer a younger squire?"
"Oh, thee! Thee every time," cried she, linking her arm in his.
"Won't you follow them, Peggy?" asked Robert.
"Why, no," she answered in surprise. "Thee knows that I am a Quaker,Robert."
"But not now, Peggy," interposed Betty. "Since thee has become a Whig,and have been read out of meeting thee is an apostate. Sally and I bothhave learned to languish and glide at the new academy in Third Street.They are taught there in the politest manner. Thee must attend."
Peggy looked troubled.
"I do not think we should give up everything of our religion because weare led to differ from the Society in the matter of politics," she said."At least that is the way mother looks at it, though I should like tolearn to dance. Oh, dear! I am getting worldly, I fear. Now, Betty, theeand Robert run along while I stand here and watch you. It hath been longsince I saw so bright a scene."
Thus urged, Robert and Betty glided out upon the floor, and Peggy lookedabout her.
The extravagance of the costumes was beyond anything hitherto seen inthe quiet city of Penn, and Peggy's eyes opened wide at the gorgeousbrocades and wide hooped skirts. But most of all did she marvel at theheaddresses of the ladies. These, built of feathers, aigrets andribbands, topped the hair already piled high upon steel frames andpowdered excessively. The air was full of powder from wig andhead-dress. Happy laughter mingled with the music of the fiddles, andthe rustle of brocades. All made up a scene the luxury of which stoleover the little maid's senses and troubled her. Unconsciously shesighed.
"Why not treading a measure, my little maid?" queried General Arnold'spleasant voice, and Peggy looked up to find him smiling down upon her.
"I am a Quaker," she told him simply.
"Then mayhap we can console each other; although I do not refrain fromreligious scruples."
"No; thee does it because of thy wound," uttered the girl a glow of suchintense admiration coming into her eyes that the general smiledinvoluntarily. "Does it pain thee much, Friend--I should say--GeneralArnold?"
"FRIEND--I SHOULD SAY--GENERAL ARNOLD"]
"Nay; call me friend, Miss Peggy. I like the name, and no man hath toomany. At times I suffer much. At first I was in a very fever ofdiscontent, 'twas so long in healing. I chafed under the confinement,for it kept me from the field. Of late, however, I have come to bear itstardiness in healing with some degree of patience."
"Mother thinks that as much bravery may be shown in endurance as inaction," she observed shyly.
"More, more," he declared. "Action is putting into execution the resolveof the moment, and may be spurred by excitement or peril to deeds ofdaring. One forgets everything under its stimulus. But to be compelledto sit supinely when the liberties of the country are in danger----Ah!that is what takes the heart out of a man. It irks me."
"Thee should not fret," she said with such sweet gravity that his worndark face lighted up. "Thou hast already given so much for thy countrythat 'tis well that thou shouldst take thy ease for a time. Thee hasbeen very brave."
"Thank you," he returned, his pleasure at her naive admiration beingvery apparent. Already there had been detractions whispered against hisadministration of the city, and the genuine appreciation of this littlemaid for his military exploits was soothing to him. "I know not how ourtalk hath become so serious," he said, "but I am a poor host to permitit. 'Tis not befitting a scene of pleasure. Wilt take tea with me, MissPeggy?"
Peggy looked up quickly, thinking she had not heard aright. What! she, asimple young girl, to be taken to tea by so great a general! Mr. Arnoldstood courteously awaiting her assent, and realizing that he had indeedbestowed the honor upon her, she arose, swept a profound curtsey, andmurmured an almost inaudible acceptance.
There were little gasps of surprise from Sally and Betty, as she sweptby them, but pride had succeeded to Peggy's confusion, and she did notturn her head. Assured that never again would she be filled with suchfelicity Peggy held her head high, and walked proudly down the greatdrawing-room by Benedict Arnold's side.
'Twas customary in Philadelphia for the mistress of a household todisperse tea to guests, but the general having no wife pressed hismilitary attaches into this duty. So overwhelmed was Peggy with thehonor conferred upon her that she did not notice that her cup was filledagain and again by the obliging servitor. She was recalled to herself,however, by an audible aside from Sally:
"And hath thy general plenty of Bohea in the house, Robert? 'Tis to behoped so, else there will be none for the rest of us. That is Peggy'ssixth cup, is it not?"
"Oh, dear!" gasped Peggy flushing scarlet, and hastily placing her spoonacross the top of her cup, for this was the proper mode of procedurewhen one had been served sufficiently. "I did not know, I did notthink--in fact, the tea was most excellent, and did beguile me. Nay," shebroke off looking at him bravely. "'Twas because I was so beset withpride to think that it was thou who served me that I forgot my manners.In truth, the incident is so notable that I shall never forget it."
"Now, by my life, you should drink all there is for that speech thoughno one else were served," declared he laughing. "What! No more? Then wewill see to 't that your friend hath cause for no further complaint. Doyou read, Miss Peggy?"
From a small spindle-legged table that stood near, he selected a bookfrom several which lay on its polished surface, and handed it to her.
"Pleasure me by accepting this," he said. "'Tis Brooke's 'Lady JulietGrenville.' Most young ladies like it, and it hath more endurance than acup of tea."
"Oh, thank thee! Thank thee!" cried she delightedly. "I have heard muchof the tale, and have longed to read it. I shall truly treasure it."
"Would that my name were Margaret," cried Sally as General Arnold lefther with her friends. "And what did thee do to merit all this honor,Miss Peggy?"
"I know not," answered Peggy regarding the book almost with awe. "Oh,girls! hath he not indeed been kind to me? 'Tis most wonderful howeverything hath happened. How vastly delightsome town life is! I hopemother will go to every tea to which we are asked."
"And has thee had so much excitement that thee does not care for mysecret?" asked Sally. "'Twas my purpose to declare it at this time."
"Do tell it, Sally," pleaded Peggy aroused by Sally's earnest tone."Thee promised."
"Yes, yes, Sally," urged Betty. "Do tell us."
"Then come close," said Sally motioning to Robert and Mr. Deering todraw nearer. "Know then, all of you, that to-morrow I am to begin toprepare for being a nurse in the General Hospital."
/> "Oh, Sally!" cried Betty and Peggy in a chorus.
"Yes," said she, enjoying their surprise. "Mr. Deering seems to haveknown it, and Robert here, but 'tis known to no others. I have beenminded for some time to do something more than make socks and shirts,though they are badly needed, too, I hear."
"'Tis just splendid, Sally," declared Peggy. "But Betty and I must dosomething too. It will never do for thee to be the only one of us girlsto do so well. What shall we do, Betty?"
"I fancy that my hands at least will be full," said Betty. "Motherthinks it advisable for me to take the smallpox as soon as she can spareme."
"La!" giggled Sally. "How will that help the country, Betty?"
"By preventing it from spreading," answered Betty, at which they alllaughed.
The music struck up at this moment, and the talk which had threatened tobecome serious was interrupted. About eleven a genteel supper wasserved, and General Arnold's tea had come to an end.
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