Bitterness of feeling between the Tories and Whigs was mollified in Philadelphia by the gayety and social qualities of the French Minister. M. de la Luzerne had rare social tact. He flattered the Tories and dazzled the Whigs by fine dinners and balls to which all factions were invited. The _salon_ of his residence was a favorite meeting-place. Political feuds and family jars were settled by the benign smiles and courtesy of the host and hostess. Times were stirring; the checker-board of war held sway in the drawing-room; the social ills of the body politic were cured by this representative of the French monarch, and the Revolution prospered. As the guests arrived, the liveried butler announced their names in stentorian tones and Mollie Greydon and her father, Dr. Greydon, entered when the music was starting for the cotillion. Roderick Barclugh met Mollie as she came down the staircase, and announced to her that she was to be his partner since her name by lot fell to him. “May I have the pleasure of dancing with you this evening, Miss Greydon?” Barclugh asked her. She had taken a parting glance in the mirror. Her reflected _pompadour_, ribbons, and the lace handkerchief around her sloping white shoulders satisfied her. Her bodice was square-cut and her head, which was stately, poised on a well-rounded neck, added dignity to her well-formed figure. When she appeared on the staircase and approached Roderick Barclugh with a firm but elastic step she felt perfectly calm and comfortably gowned. “Certainly, Mr. Barclugh,” replied Mollie when asked to dance the cotillion, “I shall deem it an honor.” She took her partner’s arm and bowed to Alexander Hamilton, General Washington’s aide. He was waiting to invite Mrs. Arnold for the cotillion. Roderick Barclugh’s pulse beat fast with delight, when he stepped into the ball-room, filled with America’s choicest spirits. They swiftly passed among the couples, seated in a semicircle, waiting for the leader to start the dancing; then they sat down, and he began to talk to his beautiful partner. Anne Milling, herself a belle, ran over to Mollie and whispered, “You are fortunate in your lot for a partner. He is simply grand.” Comte de Noailles was the leader of the cotillion, and his selection of figures and favors was both bold and unique. His art had been learned at the French Court, and the Colonists went into ecstacies over his innovations. Both Mollie and Mrs. Arnold were dancing in the first figure which was a complicated affair requiring eight couples. Mrs. Arnold was standing with her partner, Colonel Hamilton, watching the others when she said: “Just look at those eyes of Mr. Barclugh,”--and she gave her head a saucy toss,--“he is simply devouring that young Quakeress.”