A long cloak of dark-gray superfine cloth enveloped her form completely. A small bonnet of gray taffeta silk was tied primly with a demure bow under her chin. It left not a wisp of hair visible. A riding mask covered her face so that only a finely turned chin was to be seen. So suddenly did she appear that both Robert and Peggy were guilty of staring. The youth was the first to recover himself. "I cry you pardon, mistress," he said springing from the saddle, and approaching the newcomer. "If this be your wagon, you are in trouble. Are you all alone?" "And if I am, friend, what is it to thee?" The words as well as the manner of the questioner caused the young man to flush, but he answered promptly: "A great deal. You are in trouble, and alone upon the highway. I repeat, 'tis a great deal to me, as it would be to any man to find a woman so situated." "Thee must give me thy pardon, friend. Methought the query was prompted by idle curiosity. By a great oversight my driver forgot to put his box of tools in the wagon, so that when the accident occurred he was obliged to ride on to the next tavern for help. I doubt not but that he will return soon." "But the distance to the next tavern is six miles. It was unwise to leave you here alone upon the road. Do you not know that these highways are not safe?" "I have seen no one; nor hath any spoke with me before this. I fear naught." "But it should not be," he said with decision. "Peggy, do you think that your mother----" "Mother would be pleased to offer the friend a seat in the calash, Robert." Peggy unfastened her riding mask as she spoke, and turned toward the Quakeress warmly. "I am Margaret Owen," she said. "And this is Major Dale, of the army. My mother is just beyond yon bend of the road in her coach. She will be charmed to have thy company to the next inn, and farther if thee wishes." "And I am Truelove Davis," returned the other, acknowledging the introductions with the briefest of bows. She did not remove her mask, Peggy noted with surprise, but she was conscious that the girl was regarding her intently. "Perchance," continued the newcomer, "perchance it would not be agreeable to thy mother to do this charity." "Nay, it is thou, friend, that dost lack charity, to suppose any one unwilling to do so simple a kindness." Peggy's voice reflected her pained amazement. Friends usually accepted such favors with the same simplicity of spirit in which they were offered. "Nay, I meant no offense, Margaret, I think thee called thyself so. I make no doubt but that thy mother is most gracious." "Indeed she is," said Robert Dale warmly. "I will ride back and explain the matter to her. The wagons should be hurried up a bit, also. I will see to the mending of this wheel, mistress, and send the wagon along with ours. It is most unwise to leave it here with its contents unprotected. Will you come, Peggy?" "Nay, let the damsel abide with me until thy return," spoke Truelove Davis quickly.