"Yes; it does seem strange, doesn't it? You see he served with the militia in Virginia during the last few years, and I presume would have stayed with it; but his uncle, my sister's husband, persuaded him to enlist with the regular army. He said that if he would enroll himself among the New Jersey troops he would get him a commission as captain, which he did. That is one of the reasons we are going to New Jersey." "Thou wilt find it very comfortable here on the settle, Captain Johnson," spoke Betty sweetly, drawing her skirts aside with such an unmistakable gesture that Fairfax, flushing hotly, was obliged to seat himself beside her. Peggy's glance met Sally's with quick understanding. "I will help thee, Peggy," said Sally, rising. "Nay; we do not need thee, Mrs. Owen. Didst ever see Betty's equal?" she questioned as they reached the kitchen. Peggy laughed. "Sally, she will never make him talk in the world," she declared. "Thou and I will have a good laugh at her when 'tis over. 'Twill give a fine chance to tease." "'Tis just like a party," cried Betty as, a little later, they were gathered about the table. "'Tis charming to meet old friends! And everybody is here save thy cousins, Clifford and Harriet, Peggy. Oh, yes! and Captain Drayton." "Captain Drayton is to go to Lancaster too, I understand," remarked Mr. Owen. "Did thee know, lass?" "No, father. I thought he was still with General Greene. He returned to him after Yorktown." "Yes, I know. This is but a recent arrangement. I shall be glad to have him at Lancaster. He is good help in a matter of the nature we shall find there." "And the cousins?" inquired Nurse Johnson. "Did they go to New York from Yorktown? I have wondered anent it." "Harriet went with Cousin William to New York; but Clifford was sent somewhere into the interior with the men. Thee remembers that all the majors and captains accompanied the men, to look after their welfare and to maintain discipline," explained Peggy. "I rather liked Clifford," remarked the nurse. "He certainly earned our gratitude, Peggy, by protecting us when the British came to Williamsburgh. Did Peggy tell you about it, Mrs. Owen?" "Yes; and so much else concerning the lad that I find myself quite anxious to see him," answered Mrs. Owen. "Peggy declares that he should have been her brother instead of Harriet's. He looks so much like David." "I think I agree with her. The resemblance is remarkable. But why did he go under the name of Captain Williams? I never did understand it." "'Twas because he went into the army without his father's permission," Peggy told her. "He feared that if he came to America under his own name Cousin William might use his influence to have him returned to England. 'Tis generally known, however, that he is Colonel William Owen's son, though he is called Captain Williams."