"I like it not," he repeated. "And now, Harriet, what will you do? It doth not seem wise to me, or right for you to return to New York." "I shall stay with Peggy for a time," she told him easily. "We shall be pleased to have her with us, my cousin," spoke Peggy instantly, noting his troubled glance. "But she may have to remain until peace, which may be long in coming, Peggy." "I think not, Clifford," spoke Harriet, before Peggy could make any response. "If we enforce the new policy which Sir Guy Carleton hath inaugurated, America will be glad to have peace on any terms." "I have heard of no new policy," he said somewhat curtly. "What is it?" "You have scarcely been in the way of hearing new things, my brother. Know then that the colonies are to be so harassed from all sides that they will sue for peace. On the frontiers," she exulted, seemingly unmindful of Peggy's presence, "and on the coasts." "There hath been too much of that already," he said grimly. "It hath brought us into disfavor with the entire world. Take the death of Fairfax Johnson, for instance, which was the direct result of such a policy. 'Twas a base and ignoble act to murder him; for it was murder." "Englishmen did not do that, Clifford. 'Twas the loyalists." "Englishmen sanction the act while they retain Lippencott, the murderer," he answered. "Have they given him up yet?" "No, of course not," she responded. "The court-martial exonerated him. You would not feel about the matter as you do, Cliff, if you had not known Fairfax. Sir Guy hath also another plan of which I am not at liberty to speak. And, Cliff, I wish you would have Major Gordon come in here. I have something to say to him." "Why, Harriet, you do not know him," exclaimed Clifford, turning a startled glance upon her. "What could you possibly have to say to him?" "I want to tell him about the goods that I brought, my brother," she made answer. "I did not understand that you brought them," he said. "I thought you merely took advantage of the fact that they were being sent to come with them." "Why, so I did, Cliff." "Then there is no need to send for the major," he said firmly. "The goods pass through Cousin David's hands, and are then turned over to Major Gordon for distribution among us. He will get them without you troubling about them." "Very well," she said. "Then let us talk about ourselves. Madam our cousin wishes you to take dinner with her to-day. Cousin David was called away by some matter pertaining to his work just as we were coming in, but he said that he would join us presently to insist upon your going. You must not refuse, Clifford. 'Twould be churlish." "Clifford, do come," pleaded Peggy. "There is so much to talk about that we cannot begin to say half of it here. And Sally. I have somewhat to tell thee of Sally." "I do not care to hear anything concerning Mistress Sally," he said loftily. "Naught that you can say anent the lady interests me."