back, and we are obliged to shield them from the light. Step this way, sir, it will please her to go over old times. Mother, this gentleman wants to ask you about the old truce ground—he is travelling that way, and would like to hear what you can tell him about Gen. Marion and his men."

The old woman raised her head, and revealed a visage in which the outlines of deep thought and masculine beauty were still discernible. The sunken eye seemed to kindle at the moment with some sudden recollections, that came athwart the mind, and lighted up her countenance with animation.

"A traveller, Maggie, did you say? Do I dream, or has Constance Norwood's son come at last? Sir, I have kept the papers, as I promised the angel on her dying bed; and many a weary year has my life been spun out, waiting your coming; for God has spared my life to fulfil her last request."

"Do, sir, do-my heart will answer to every word of it."

The memoir was prefaced with a short letter to her son, concluding with these words:

"Feeling that the days of my earthly pilgrimage must be few, and that I must be denied the only blessing I desire in this world, that of embracing my dear and only child, I have solaced my heart, and employed the failing moments, by writing a faithful account of the events of my life, as it has been connected with the interesting and perilous times in which I have lived. Receive it, as the last and most precious memorial of a mother, whose latest breath expires in prayer for the eternal happiness of her beloved son.

CONSTANCE NORWOOD."

My mother was the celebrated Constance Geraldine, the rose of Camden, and the beauty of the south. Envied, admired and courted, with fantastic singularity she disdained all the trappings of splendor and gifts of fortune, profusely scattered in her path, and bestowed her heart and hand on the unaspiring George Marion, the playmate of her childhood, and earliest lover of her youth. Though he was not formed to figure in the ranks of fashion, or bow at the shrine of mammon, my father was fitted to adorn the circle of private life in refined society, or to serve his country with undaunted bravery, had not death's sudden and untimely call summoned him from the bower of love, and the hopes of

"Madam," I replied, "I am sorry you must be disappointed-I am not the person you suppose me, but only a passing visiter of these regions; and I may say, an enthusiastic admirer of the heroes of our revolution; but pray go on, and tell me who the gentleman is, you expect ;" for at the moment the thought struck me, that I had heard the name of Constance Norwood before. "Who should it be, but the son of my dear lady, whom I nursed at my breast, and dandled on my knee? Sydney Norwood, is his name, and a bright boy he was for the eye to look on, and the heart to love. Woe is me that they sent him back to the old country, to toil" thick coming joys," to the awful realities of eternity. in their school, when he drank in learning like water. Though my existence was then hid in darkness, well My dear lady never saw him more-she lived but two can I picture the grief of her, who scarce a bride, was years after he was gone; but I heard years ago, that now the widow of the dead. But her widowhood was he was come back and settled a great man in New of short duration: sorrow had sowed the seeds of disease York. Why he has never sent or come for my lady's in a constitution naturally delicate; and in three short papers, I can't tell; maybe, he never got Sweeney's let-years, was my infancy deprived of the care of both ter about it." parents. There existed between my father and his "My dear woman," I said, "is it possible that you elder brother, Gen. Francis Marion, the most devoted speak of my deceased friend Sydney Norwood? Yes, attachment, which was extended in all its warmth to it must be the same. I have heard him mention his my mother and her helpless babe. He left the pleasing mother as a southern lady, and dying while he was yet toils of agriculture to watch at her dying pillow, and young and abroad. I am sure he never received any soothed her departing spirit with the solemn promise intelligence from you respecting her. I was with him of being a father to her orphan child. A faithful defrequently, and often heard him regret knowing so little pendant of the Marion family was selected as a nurse, of his own early history." by my uncle, who, being at that time a bachelor, "Then, sir, it is all over, and I must die with a bur- thought it best to place me in the family of my materden still on my heart." nal relative, Sir John Heywood, then residing in the

"Would you have any objection," I said, "as the per-vicinity of Charleston. His household consisted of son nearest concerned is gone, to my looking over these manuscripts in your presence? Perhaps they may contain something important, which it may be necessary to keep no longer concealed."

"Certainly, sir, it will be a great relief to my mind. I hope the fear of God will be before your eyes. Bring the portmanteau, Maggie, and put it before the gentleman. Here are the keys,” (drawing out of her pocket a leathern pouch.)

The trunk contained several packets; the private correspondence of the lady with the distinguished officers of the southern army. Besides these, there was a roll inscribed, "a brief memoir of my own life, as it has been connected with the eventful era in which I have lived, dedicated to my son, Sydney Norwood."

"Ah, that is the paper!" exclaimed the old woman. "Shall I break the seal, madam ?"

himself, his maiden sister Rachel, and an only son, now abroad for the completion of his studies. My arrival was greeted with something like pleasure in the old, family residence; the old gentleman, pleased at having a new subject for the exercise of his quaint humor and stale conceits, and my aunt Rachel at the prospect of rearing a young scion, according to her own ideas of female propriety.

The first ten years of my life were passed in so quiet happiness, as scarcely to leave any impression of their flight. Aunt Rachel thought me too young to be put into leading-strings, and Sir John was generally too much absorbed in the musty volumes of the old school, to check my gambols, while the arms and heart of my good nurse, Kate Sweeney, were always open to protect and comfort me. It is not with a feeling of vanity, that I say I possessed, even at that early age, a pene

fide person, but is so bedizened and transformed by folly, as to make it doubtful whether he be a canine brute, or an evil spirit. I tell thee, child, if it were not for those blue eyes, and that arch smile, which make it doubtful whether Venus or Minerva presided at thy birth, I would abjure the sex."

tration of mind and a decision of character far beyond | Oh tempora! Oh mores! Oh nature! how art thou outmy years. The weak and ridiculous points of aunt raged! when not even a dog can walk in his own bona Rachel's character afforded me infinite amusement, and gave rise to many ingenious tricks of annoyance. Though already rather passée, she assumed all the airs of girlhood, and her vanity was flattered by the very persons who elicited, and then ridiculed her folly. She wished to be thought altogether exclusive in her preference of everything British, and her utter abhorrence of American manufacture. This extended to even the smallest articles of comfort or traffic, and was a constant vexation to my amor patriæ. I remember one occasion, in which I felt a good deal of exultation, in seeing this spirit of haughty predominance checked in a ludicrous manner. The excellence of various wines was debated at table, and Sir John, having extolled the cup, in his usual classic vein, from the time of Ganymede to the present, my maiden aunt took occasion to express her surprise, that the culture of the grape had hitherto been neglected in England, when it was so evident that in the manufacture of wines, as in everything else, they might excel every other nation. "Only think," she continued, "of the perfection to which the single matter of snuff-making has been car ried. Positively, nothing would tempt me to take a pinch of that article, which had not the signature of 'Fintalaton Cushaw, snuff-maker to his sacred majesty.' Have you a box at hand, Colonel?" she said, addressing a British officer next her.

"No ma'am," he replied, with a sarcastic smile, "I have given up the use of it since poor Cushaw was hung."

แ Hung!" shrieked aunt Rachel.

These incidents will give you some idea of the pecu. liarities of my maternal relatives, Sir John and his sister. I was not neglected by my uncle Marion he frequently called to see me, and to direct my education, which was conducted under the best teachers in the city-so that by the time I had attained my fifteenth year, I was said to have arrived at great proficiency in the accomplishments of the day, to which were added in set form, the graces, as practised by my maiden aunt. A great change was now to come over my future prospects. The disastrous fall of Savannah, was soon followed by the capture of Charleston. This seemed to prepare the way for the subjugation of the whole southern country, and it was only a few bold spirits who dared to think of resistance. Marion was one of them. Joining several other zealous patriots, they travelled northward, beating up for recruits to oppose the enemy. But while our heroes were mourning over the state of things, and some of them gone to petition assistance from the sister states, our city was invested by the British army, and converted into the theatre of fashion and gaiety. The whig officers, nearly all prisoners of war, were sent out of the town, to the prison ships, or to St. Augustine, while the British officers, now masters of the surrounding country, spared no expense in the splendor and luxury of their entertainments. The loy alists, of which there were numbers in the place, joined in these festivities; but the noble feelings of the whig ladies, revolted at this degradation, and even foreign splendor and arrogance were often obliged to cower Sir John was a loyalist, more from habit and affection beneath the frown of indignant beauty. I do not mean than principle. The fountains of ancient lore, the to include all the British officers in the charge of prePyrean springs of Oxford and Cambridge, were in old sumption; there were some noble exceptions-some England-a galaxy of ancient authors adorned her lite- gentlemen of feeling and delicacy, who would have rary horizon; his heart throbbed with joy in claiming spurned the idea of wounding the national pride of even citizenship with them. The old gentleman would some- a lady. Among these, several visited at Sir John's; times unbend from his stern mood, and indulge his for aunt Rachel literally worshipped whoever wore the natural turn for witty conceits and satirical innuendo. trappings of loyalty, and Sir John allowed all to enjoy These he bestowed lavishly on aunt Rachel, whose the hospitalities of his mansion, who did not cross his outrè decorations and fantastic manners afforded too prejudices or opinions; but he was pre-eminently a man good a mark to be missed; but me he encouraged to of peace, at war with whatever interrupted the pure speak with all the artless freedom of childhood, without stream of Helicon. I was the only discordant string in censure or rebuke. I often fled from the starched for- the general harmony; I did not disguise my sentiments, mality of female domination, to the library, where I which were warmly enlisted on the side of my oppressed was always welcomed by a smile from the old antiqua- country, and my earnestness in the cause gained me the ry, whose harshest words were, "Have you come title of the little rebel. Aunt Rachel endeavored to again, my blue eyed maid, to spread confusion in the satirize my fervor, by throwing contempt on the military ranks," looking at his books overthrown by my heed-resources of the rebels; while Sir John, teazed with an less movements. "But I suppose it must be so-your argument which ran not in his own vein, would exsex have ruled the world, from the time that Juno claim-"Child, child, your head is turned with that raised a din about old Jupiter's ears, to the present. phantom-honor. What saith that prince of poets, the But where is that thing compounded of pomatum, ingenious Cowley, addressing this illusion of the brain: starch and loyalty, that you are so soon let off from the 'Noisy nothing, stalking shade, attitudes ?"

"Yes, by one act of disloyalty he lost his office, and his life; he suffered under the game law, poor fellow; he was suspected of shooting deer in Windsor forest." "To be sure!" exclaimed she, affecting the sublime, "how inflexible is justice in England!"

“Puff, do you mean, uncle? He is lying in Mr. Posey's lap, who is fanning aunt Rachel."

By what witchcraft wert thou made, 'Empty cause of solid harms?'

And then again, how admirably he changes the meta

"Not the dog, child, but the woman, I alluded to- phor:

'Should I fame's trumpet hear,
'I'd march the muses' Hannibal.'"

And striding in dramatic style, he would disappear be-
hind the curtains of his library.

I said there were some generous and noble sons of Britain engaged in this direful contest; but entering as I did into the warmest feelings of the whig party, I regarded with prejudice, amounting to aversion, every one who espoused the other side. Such was the cold and haughty spirit with which I first met Col. Webster. I had heard of his noble bearing and courage in the field, and thinking of him as one of my country's dreaded foes, I saw him with the flush of resentment on my cheek. I shall never forget the moment, for it was one of complete triumph on his part-the triumph of the calm and generous feelings of our nature, over the proud and vindictive. Instead of the arrogant victor, I beheld a countenance full of benignity and grace, accompanied with a courtesy of manner so sincere, that even my disdain was softened, and I was compelled to regard him, though a British officer, as a gentleman of worth and feeling. That he did not ever afterwards view me as a supercilious and narrow-minded being, is a proof of his amiable and forgiving disposition. Soon after our introduction, I expressed my sentiments without the least reserve, and expected to meet fully as much warmth on the side of loyalty. On the contrary, he spoke with deep sympathy of the evils of war, and lamented that the spirit of discord and hatred should be kindled between kindred nations, whose sons were born to be brethren by blood and friendship; "and while this," he smiling said, (touching the bright steel that hung at his side,) "forbids me to say that my king's rebellious subjects have justice on their side, I sincerely wish them a happy issue out of this disastrous contest."

a tear, "would both be content to relinquish any honors in your gift, Capt. Dawkins."

"Certainly ma'am, certainly I wouldn't wish toHe was interrupted by Colonel Webster-"Forgive me, Miss Marion, nothing was farther from my thoughts than offering the slightest injury to your feelings. I would die sooner; but I had imagined that our acquaintance, our friendship, may I say, if it is not too late, would have allowed an innocent jest. But I see that I have offended you, and wounded those sensibilities which though the charm of your sex, are too delicate to be appreciated as they deserve by ours."

Before he was done speaking, I felt the impropriety of my resentment; and, covered with confusion, hid my face in my handkerchief, while tears of unaffected remorse flowed down my cheeks. Capt. Dawkins had retreated at the first flash of my temper I suppose, for when I had gained sufficient courage to look up, I found myself alone with Col. Webster. I was attempting to apologize for my conduct, when he seized my hand, and pressing it to his lips, said, "Let us both forget what has just passed, or remember it only as the time when a mutual fault and mutual forgiveness cemented the bonds of a friendship as enduring as life."

I could only reply, "Your generosity is heaping coals of fire on my head; I had much rather you should resent, even defy my unpardonable petulance."

"Who could fail to admire that ardor of disposition that knows no cold medium? and how happy must he be, who wins the first place in such a heart, too proud to stoop, too noble to disguise-too true even to deceive, and may I not add, too generous not to forgive ?" "Add whatever is necessary to complete the climax, and make me perfect, however foreign to the truth."

"Then let me utter what my heart has long confessed, that there is an irresistible charm around you, and that by those bright pearls which strive vainly to dim the sweet azure of your eyes, I do confess its power over this heart of mine."

"Who would ever suspect Col. Webster of speaking nonsense to a girl of sixteen, and she too a rebel, and the niece of the arch-rebel, Marion ?" I said, endeavoring to turn what he had said into jest.

"My dear Miss Marion, the heart seeks not its conquests in the battle field, but in the bower of love. However, you speak truly; it is nonsense for a soldier, an adventurer whose life hangs on the fortunes of war, to aspire to the smiles of beauty, or the return of affection. Accident has betrayed me into the confession of a passion which I have vainly striven to smother in my own bosom, until a more propitious hour should arrivea time when even Constance Marion might hear with honor the fervent expressions of my love."

Not long afterwards, the king's birthday was to be celebrated in Charleston, with great pomp. I suppose the design was to charm the loyalists, and dazzle the whigs, by this pageant. Aunt Rachel was more than a month busily engaged in rearing a triple crown with which to decorate her temples on the occasion. I could not help being amused at her folly, while I despised the spirit she evinced in the affair. Having completed the head-dress, the ultimatum of her wishes was to surmount it with some loyal device. She first applied to Col. Webster to confer the honor, but he, casting a furtive glance at me, declared there were so many rebels among the ladies of Charleston, that he feared not only the crown, but the wearer, would be torn to pieces, if it appeared at the ball. Nothing daunted, she turned to Capt. Dawkins, who after much circumlocution, produced what he called a lion rampant trampling the eagle. She was charmed with the execution, and walked off in triumph, while Col. Webster and myself were nearly choked with laughter at the ridiculous effeet. To conceal his diversion from the company, he turned to me and asked, if I was waiting to see the eagle Here I was relieved from the embarrassment of fintriumphant before I engaged the services of Capt. Dawishing the sentence, by the fortunate return of aunt kins in the same line. In a moment I experienced a complete revolution of feeling, and my cheeks burned with resentment, to be put in comparison with such a compound of folly and presumption, but worst of all, to have the true American eagle so vilified and degraded. "The eagle and myself,” I replied, trying to suppress

"The time will come," I replied, "when Col. Webster will find what he so richly deserves, a heart as warm and true as his own, which will respond to those feelings which it is impossible I ever can▬▬▬

Rachel with the tiara on her head. I hoped to escape observation, and retreated behind her, not without her remarking as I passed, that my cheeks were this evening what she should call “vulgarly red." I made no reply, or even looked up, until I reached my chamber, where I threw myself down, heartily vexed with my.

self for having forced Col. Webster to the declaration | never met Heyward afterwards without shrinking. of a passion in which I could feel no interest, except that of being the cause of unhappiness to a mind so noble and disinterested. I had never thought of love as associated with Col. Webster, though his society afforded a feast of the highest intellectual entertainment, which fascinated my mental taste, yet it moved not the spell which, long ere I saw him, had been spun around my youthful heart and fancy.

From this time he practised less freedom, but more assiduity, to make himself agreeable. I tried to conduct myself so as to keep up the appearance of friendship, while I kept as little of Heyward's company as possible in the position I then occupied. Kate Sweeney was my only confidential friend; to her I communicated the disagreeable circumstances in which I was placedobliged to bear the attentions of a man whose prin. ciples and manners I began to detest. She prudently

The grand birthnight ball passed, and none of the whig ladies attended. I heard, through my aunt's gos-advised me not to irritate the passions of one who, she sip, that Col. Webster, though the "observed of all observers," was not in his element, and retired early. From this time his calls were less frequent, and his manner towards me reserved, and almost cold.

"This is too good news to be true," I exelaimed. "My uncle Marion, from whom I have not heard for six months, coming with an army to deliver me from a thraldom worse than death! I am transported, Kate, at the very thought. I will seek his protection, even in the embattled field."

"Not so fast, my little mistress; he'll do his bestbut God only knows, whether our little handful of men can prevail against these dare devils, helped on as they are by the tories. Bless you, child, Sweeney was off as soon as he got wind of it. I think as how the General has work for him; but you know he's no blabtongue-so I never says a word, because I know he's doing his best for the General and the country, for a poor man as he is. He'll likely be home in a day or two, and then I'll step round and bring you down to see him."

believed, would revenge, if it were possible, every slight offered him. She then told me that Sweeney had heard from Gen. Marion, who had joined the northern army coming to the assistance of their southern breI have dwelt thus long on the conduct of Col. Web-thren, and that they were marching to the defence of ster towards me, to contrast it with that of another Georgetown. person, who was destined to be the persecutor and bane of my life. This was Thomas Heyward, the only son of Sir John-who being sated with the pleasures of foreign courts, returned to America; and obtaining a commission in the British army, sought excitement in the stirring scenes of a camp. His conversation was brilliant and entertaining, though interlarded with too much of the court slang; but making due allowance for the fashionable extravagance of the continent, the gallantry of his manners might pass for the height of bon ton. His knowledge of the world, and insight into character, amused me; and attributing the freedom of his deportment to his having mixed much with the world, I gave him credit for that artlessness and sincerity in his intentions, which experience had not yet taught me to suspect. I pitied him too, for it was evident his society was the aversion of both Sir John and aunt Rachel so that I was his only refuge in the family, and regarded him, perhaps on that account, with a more favorable eye. While awaiting his commission, he mixed in the gaieties of the city, and was the beau ideal of the loyalist ladies. He affected perfect indifference towards the flattering tokens with which his presence was greeted in the halls of beauty and festivity; and declared, on returning from these gay resorts, that simplicity was now his beau ideal of all that was lovely in woman; and this he would say in a way to make me suppose he was contrasting my manners with the heartless beings, whose life was spent in weaving attractions for the other sex. I remember the first time I believed Heyward in earnest in the flattering expressions he used towards me. We were looking at some prints, in which love and pleasure are represented under the same figure.

"I once wooed them as the same," he said, "but now I feel the deception. Do you know why, Constance ?" "No, I cannot imagine."

"Mammy, a thought has struck me, that under Sweeney's protection, I might reach my uncle's quarters. I do not believe the soldiery would molest me; indeed nothing could terrify me more than the thought of being in Heyward's power."

"God send you, my sweet mistress, speedy help; but don't be too rash: your uncle an't ignorant of the snare set for you, and he'll consider of the matter, and I'm pretty sure, send some word by Sweeney. He has enough friends in the country to take care of you and keep you out of harm's way, if he does but speak the word, and so Sweeney said when I was a grieving over your situation."

"Well, mammy, your words have both reason and comfort; would that I could listen to them longer-but the evening shadows warn me to my prison again."

"Not with that tear in your eye, sweet one; I will go with you, if you will dash away that drop, that almost makes one come into my own, and think only of the pleasure in store for you, when you have the free country to bound over, and all the General's men to do you reverence. I'll tell you there's one of them an't forgot the blue eyes that shone on him that even. "I had not then seen love and innocence combined in ing he met you and Miss Edith stroaming out on the my own dear cousin."

His glance was directed as if to search my inmost soul; even that impassioned look did not reveal to me the secret, until pressing my hand, he exclaimed:

"Oh! hush, Heyward," I replied, "I have never listened to the voice of flattery, and never will," tearing away and running up stairs.

I felt a chill of horror come over me, at the idea of being loved by him, that almost petrified me. It was an undefinable feeling, which seemed to forbode evil.

sands. Ah! I see that tell-tale blush; so you remem. ber it too, do you?"

“Ah! mammy!" I replied with emotion, "it was only past happiness returning for a moment that brightened my cheek." At the instant, I was carried back to other days, when hope scattered her roses in my path. "But, as you say, I will think of the future, and hope

it may be as bright as your love for me would picture | Charleston and come to me at my quarters, near it."

Georgetown. I confide you to the care and safe conduct of Sweeney, who understands, better than any one else, eluding the enemy. He and Kate will accompany you to our lines, where I will await you. I rejoice

A fortnight elapsed, and still Sweeney did not return. I began to fear that in some fatal encounter he had fallen. I felt lonely and desolate, and the wanness of my soul was painted on my countenance. Col. Web-to hear that you spurned a man who is notorious for ster came-he had not called for sometime. He asked for me; and though I was too unhappy to enjoy society, I could not slight a friend such as he was, so I constrained my feelings and went down. After a few minutes' conversation, he came up to me, and inquired if I had been really ill, that the bloom had faded from my cheeks.

his gallantry; you will soon be freed from his presence, and the embarrassing situation in which you are placed. I am retreating towards the Pedee, where we hope to lie covertly secure from the enemy, and ready to seize any advantage that may be in our reach. Fear not to trust yourself to the courtesies of my brigade; there is not a man in it that would treat a lady with rudeness. I have many warm friends between the Pedee rivers,

"I should say," he continued, "that your looks mock the happiness that report says you are shortly to real-who will do you every hospitality until we see better ize, in an union with Lieut. Heyward."

"Good heavens!" I exclaimed, trembling at the idea, "could you believe it possible, from his knowledge of my character? It is only as a victim that I can ever stand at the altar with Heyward."

times. I wish you to observe secrecy in your movements, until you are out of Heyward's vicinity: I have no confidence in a man of his principles.”

I considered a moment, whether I should accept Col. Webster's offer, or abide by my uncle's directions, and "I see, Miss Marion, that this is a painful subject. give myself up entirely to Sweeney's guidance. I apGod forbid that I should ever add to anything that dis-pealed to him to tell me sincerely, whether he thought I tresses you; on the contrary, what is there that I might venture to undertake the expedition with no dewould not attempt to relieve you from any embarrass-fence but such as he could render me. ment or cause of uneasiness? Hesitate not to tell me, if in any way I can aid your wishes." "There is one wish, in the execution of which your goodness might possibly assist me."

"Speak! only speak, and it shall be done," he said, with great warmth.

“I hear that Gen. Marion is approaching Georgetown; could I procure safe conduct to his quarters, my only wish on earth would be gratified. I see your astonishment, but think not that I resolve rashly. There, and there alone, can I look for repose and happiness."

"Have you any attendants, in whose fidelity you can trust, in the expedition?"

He answered, "You know I am not a man of many words; but, God willing, I'll see you safe into your uncle's arms. I've laid my plan,—we must get the pass of the British officer Webster; he'll do anything for you, Miss Constance; for his very eye dances at the sight of you. But my pretty bird, you must cover up that snow y face, that the blood seems to sparkle through, and dye them glistening brown curls, so as to look more like a blackamoor than a lady born as you are, for I tell you, my queen, beauty is a dangerous thing to fall among these English dogs."

"Would to Heaven, foster father, I had been gifted with something less annoying-less fatal to my happi

"Ah! yes, my foster parents, Sweeney and his wife, ness." who love me as their own souls."

"Then at such time as you may appoint, a sufficient escort from my own troop, shall conduct you safely into the American lines. In the meantime I will use every effort to ascertain the exact position of Marion."

"Thank you," I replied, "your kindness surpasses words."

He made no answer, but pressing my hand to his lips, departed. With a lighter heart than usual I walked down to my nurse, Kate Sweeney's. She met me with a smile, telling me Sweeney had come, and brought me a letter from the General.

"A letter! where is he?"

"Jest making himself decent like, to see you; he's had rowdy work, poor soul, dodging through the swamps to keep out the way of the enemy; not for that he is afraid of one of the insolent rogues, when he's free, as you may say, to hold his own; but you know he's business on hand that requires him to keep clear of interruption." Sweeney now came with the letter in his hand. I pressed it to my bosom, and then opening it, read its contents.

"Don't discomfort yourself, child; I can manage it very well. Kate must take it upon her to play old Molly Drugget, the doctress, who is free to put her foot where she pleases; for the folks all believe she carries a God-send with her; and you, I ask pardon, must for the time go for her daughter,—both travelling to the help of the sick in Georgetown hospital. But as Molly and her gal Peg are both smartly colored with mulatta blood, you must "take part of the same," as the blessed scripture says, and I think I have the thing that will do it, having been driven to these shifts before this day."

"And you, Sweeney, what will you do to escape detection? I shall fear most for you, as you must be well known in these parts."

"La, an't I tricked 'em before to-day, I reckon? Why I can put on the devil's cloak, and not be hurt by it, if there's a need be? And why not pass for a raal red coat? It an't the first time I've slipped in and out of it as slick as an eel in its skin. Kate, show Miss Constance the raal thing there, none the worse for coming off the back of a deserter. And now let's set too, and fix by to-morrow evening, for remember we "My dearest Constance, I hear by John Sweeney of are night strollers. I've three as nice footed tackers as the painful circumstances in which you are placed. No-ever trod turf. Kate and I must both swing a wallet thing but the city's being invested by the enemy, pre- of necessaries on our beasts, not for that we shall want vents my hastening to your relief. I have considered much, but you must keep up the state to which you the matter, and think it best that you should leave was born, Miss Constance, its not fitting for the like of