"Say they so indeed!" Margaret answered without attempt at disclaimer and with a smile which showed her strong white teeth, "I am glad of that, for I may need the repute in the near future. Sorry was I to hear that you had thoughts of taking up land in this part of the country and deserting Kent Fort. I count you the strongest man we have among us, and since Claiborne's rebellious efforts we need all the help we can claim. 'Tis in regard to this that I have followed my brother hither." "I am sorry; but I fear you must meet disappointment. He has been called to St. Mary's by troubles over Dick Ingle. He may return to-morrow." "Nay, if he comes not back to-day I must turn out the trainband on my own responsibility. The matter will not keep." "You should be made a captain." "Not I! I am too wise for that. The captain must give place to the colonel, and the colonel to the general; but the woman is above them all, and what men would never yield of their obstinacy to equality, they will oft give up of their courtesy to her weakness. Besides, men never forget the obedience to women they learn at their mother's knee--or over it-- "Is it not so, Father?" she went on, turning to Father White, who had joined them. "Have I not heard thee say any one might have the training of a child after seven if thou couldst have the teaching of him till then?" "Ay, 'tis so--though this boy may not do so much credit to my teaching as I could wish;" and he pinched Cecil's ear, laughing. "He is too busy keeping his body a-growing, I fancy, to pay much heed to his soul. How say you, Cecil,--wilt thou lend me those cheeks of thine for cushions?" "No," answered the child, gravely, "elthe how could I keep my food in when I eat? Let me go! I mutht tell Couthin Mary thou art come. I dearly love to be the firtht to tell newth." But this time he was too late, for Mary had caught sight of the group, and came running down the path. "Oh, Margaret, but I am glad to see thee! Bless thine heart, how thou art blown! I have great need of thy counsel. I must have thee tell me if the pickles want sweetening, and if the stockade be high enough, and how many cattle I should order out of England--" "Why hast not asked Giles all these things?" "Why, Giles is so great a man he will give no heed to small things, but puts them off with a 'Presently--presently--'" "Ay, and if he have not a care, this 'Presently, presently' will cost him dear. In a new land least of all can we afford to despise the day of small things.--Ah! there is my Cousin Elinor!" She broke off, seeing Mistress Calvert in the doorway.