And then he told her that his father and mother and only sister lived there and that when the war broke out he determined to enlist in company with a number of his friends, the younger men of the neighborhood. How he took part in the campaign about New York and his "contribution to our defeat," as he styled it. Of the severe winter at Valley Forge and his appointment by Washington to his staff. She listened with keen interest but remained silent until the end. "And now you are in the city on detailed duty?" "Yes. Work of a private nature for the Commander-in-chief." "It must be a source of satisfaction to be responsive to duty," observed Marjorie. "It is God's medicine to detach us from the things of this world. For, after all has been said and done, it is love alone which elevates one's service above the domain of abject slavery. In such a manner do the commands of heaven afford the richest consolations to the soul." "And still, a certain routine must manifest itself at times." "Not when the habit is turned to pleasure." "You are a philosopher, then?" "No. Just a mere observer of men and their destinies." "Have you included the duration of the war in your legitimate conclusions?" "It is not over yet, and it will not terminate, I think, without an improvement in the present condition of affairs. The proposed help from France must become a reality of no ordinary proportion, else the discordant factions will achieve dire results. Tell me," he said, suddenly changing the topic of conversation, "were you in attendance at the Mischienza?" "No, I did not care to attend." "I would I had been present." "You would have been expelled in your present capacity." "Ah, yes! But I would have affected a disguise." "You would expect to obtain important information?" She fingered her gown of pink satin as she spoke, oblivious of everything save the interest of the conversation. "I might possibly have stumbled across some items of value." "None were there save the British Officers and their Tory friends, you know." "A still greater reason for my desire to be present. And why did you not dance attendance?" This question was frank. "Do you really want to know my sole reason?" She looked at him somewhat suspicious, somewhat reliant, awaiting her womanly instinct to reveal to her the rectitude of her judgment. "I should not have asked, otherwise," Stephen gravely replied. "Well, it was for the simple reason that my soul would burn within me if I permitted myself to indulge in such extravagance and gayety the while our own poor boys were bleeding to death at Valley Forge." Stephen grasped her hand and pressed it warmly. "You are a true patriot," was all he could say.