Nor was any advantage to be derived from the possession of the American capital. Washington's position at Valley Forge had held the British in check all winter. And whatever of work the Congress was required to do could as well be done at York as at Philadelphia. As a basis for military operation the city was without value, for it was difficult to defend and hard to supply with foodstuffs. But it was rich, extravagant, fashionable, a "place of crucifying expenses," and its fine houses, good pavements, and regular arrangement of streets, impressed Howe as the most fitting place for the British Army to establish winter quarters. And so they sat down to wait for spring. III "We shall never forget the splendor of it all; it was wonderful!" exclaimed Peggy with a deep sigh. "A farewell party!" said Marjorie. "Undoubtedly the gallant Britishers outdid themselves. Howe leaves soon, does he not?" "Yes. Next week." "Which means that the period of entertaining is about to come to an end." "I suppose. But wasn't the winter glorious? I shall never forget it." A smile covered her face, dotting her cheeks with two tiny dimples. She held her hands together over her knees while she sat quite motionless, her eyes looking out into the darkness of the room. Presently she bethought herself. "Let us light the tapers!" she announced, jumping up from the sofa. "It is late," Marjorie remarked, as she, too, prepared to arise. "I must leave for home." "Stay! It is still early. Soon we shall be obliged to settle into quietude. Dark days are before us." "Why!" Marjorie exclaimed. "I should think that the future augurs well. I do wish the soldiers would evacuate the city." "When General Howe leaves, all may as well leave with him." "When does he leave, did you say?" impatiently asked her true American friend. "Next week, I understand. The great Mischienza, you know, was arranged in his honor as a farewell celebration." "General Clinton, I presume, will succeed. He seems the most logical choice." "Yes. He already has been appointed to the supreme command." "I hope he decides to evacuate." "I do not know. Perhaps," was the sole response. But it already had been decided. Upon the departure of General Howe, instructions were forwarded from the ministry to Sir Henry Clinton, the new Commander-in-chief, to evacuate the city at once. The imminent arrival of the French fleet, together with the increasing menace of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, constituted a grave peril to the isolated army of the British. Hence it was determined that the capital city must be abandoned.