“But you know, my dear Madam,” said the Colonel, “Miss Greydon has had a beautiful life at Dorminghurst. She has cultivated the classics and is gifted as a linguist. Those accomplishments along with her personal charms are reflected in every movement of her form, which is beautiful.” “Now, Colonel, I am surprised to have you express yourself so enthusiastically over that young prodigy. She is too ordinary for me. She makes a companion of a young Indian maiden who lives on her father’s estate. I believe her name is _Segwuna_ and she has much influence over Mollie. She also has ideas about the rights of the people. So there! What can you expect? She knits for the soldiers, and attends the dairy at Dorminghurst for her mother!” “Now! Now! Madam Arnold, you do not feel ungrateful--” Hamilton began. “For my life, I can not see what Mr. Barclugh can see in a girl of her tastes!” interrupted the General’s wife. “But,” argued the Colonel, “Mr. Barclugh has seen the jaded life of rouge and power and _effete ennui_ in Paris and this young, beautiful and surprising belle of our Colonies appeals to him.” “Oh, Colonel, you must be in love yourself,” said Mrs. Arnold archly; “men are such untutored creatures.” She laughed heartily. “_Salut de la Court!_” called Comte de Noailles, the leader. The dancers began the merry round which wound up with Mrs. Arnold being in the _promenade_ with Roderick Barclugh, and Colonel Hamilton with Mollie Greydon. “You have a fine partner, Miss Greydon,” remarked Hamilton. “Really, do you think so?” asked Mollie. “All the ladies are in ecstacies over him. It is a new face and a title that attract.” “You misunderstand me then,” said Mollie. “But you are the exception that proves the rule,” enjoined the Colonel, who was handsome in his gay uniform. “Are men the infallible judges?” parried Mollie. “When it comes to beauty,” replied the Colonel gayly. The figure changed and Mollie found herself swinging in the arms of Roderick Barclugh and out of breath she sat down with a swirl of satin skirts that showed a dainty slipper. Now Colonel Hamilton and Mrs. Arnold had a chance for a _tete-a-tete_ as she sat down with a heaving breast which gave effect to her low-cut corsage of black velvet. Her white hand held a dainty fan which she used vigorously as she said: “I must tell you something about Roderick Barclugh. He will some day have a title, and he is seeking his fortune in privateering. He is engaged in this business along with FitzMaurice and Milling, and has twenty thousand pounds sterling to his credit with them.” “Why, how do you happen to know so much about him,” asked the Colonel. “General Arnold told me. They have some business ventures in privateering together. You know, we do not get enough from Congress for our station.” “Very true, Madam, but your lot is cast with a man of arms and he must take the fortunes of war,” said Alexander Hamilton sternly.