"You know that the mother country had already offered conciliation. The colonies shall have an American Parliament composed of two chambers; all the members to be Americans by birth, and those of the upper chamber to have the same title, the same rank, as those of the House of Lords in England." "What? A Marquis of Pennsylvania, a Duke of Massachusetts Bay?" he laughed aloud at this. "No less fitting than the Duke of Albemarle." "Why do you mention him?" Arnold inquired immediately. A thought flashed before his mind. Had Peggy and this man conversed on that point? "He simply came into my mind. Why?" "Oh! Nothing. Continue." "As I was saying, all laws, and especially tax laws, shall be the work of this legislature, with the signature of the Viceroy. They shall enjoy in every relation the advantage of the best government. They shall, if necessary, be supported by all the naval and military force of England, without being exposed to the dangers or subjected to the taxes from which such a military state is inseparable." "But how? What can I do that I have not already done?" "You have the courage, you have the ingenuity to render that important service. Why allow your countrymen to shed more blood when the enemy is willing to grant all you are fighting for? You can save them from anarchy. You can save them from the factions of Congress." "God knows how ardently I desire such a consummation," breathed the Governor. "I am confident that he would perform any act, however heroic or signal, to benefit the cause of his country," remarked Peggy with deliberate emphasis. "Name it. What shall I do?" he asked. "Act the part of General Monk in history," announced Anderson. Arnold recoiled. He could not believe his ears. Then the awful truth dawned upon him. "Is this your work?" he turned to Peggy fiercely. "On my honor, I never thought of it." His wife was frightened at his sudden change of manner. There was silence. The trio sat in thought, one awaiting the other to speak the first word. "Never," blurted Arnold. "Never, so long as I wear this uniform." "And yet the world resounds with his praises, for he performed a disinterested and humane act." "A treacherous and cowardly act!" "Listen, I shall confide in you. If you would but exert your influence in favor of an amicable adjustment of the difficulties between the colonies and the mother country, you might command ten thousand guineas and the best post in the service of the government." "Would that mean a peerage?" asked Peggy suddenly. "Assuredly," was the reply. She stood up and strutted in a pompous and stately manner before them; then she turned and courtesied before her husband. "Your Grace, the carriage waits without. The Duchess is already in waiting," she announced with a sweeping gesture. He scowled at her but did not answer. "Clive saved the British Empire in India and you can save the colonies," insisted Anderson.