But there are others here who would recognize you just as I have. There
is no mystery about it. I was in Philadelphia when the Continental troops
were here, and you were pointed out to me then. No, we have never met,
yet I was sure I recognized you this afternoon."

"I was pointed out to you by whom?"

"My brother--my twin brother on the staff of General Lee."

"Did you not inform me your family were loyalists?"

"Yes; it is true," earnestly, her foot tapping the floor, as though
annoyed at such persistent questioning. "I have a father and brother in
the King's service--but one is a renegade, and I--I--"

"You are what?"

"I am merely a woman, sir, unable to determine whether to finally become
loyalist or rebel."

I looked gravely into her eyes until they fell, veiling their revelation
of truth behind long lashes.

"Mistress Mortimer," I murmured, bending so close to her pink ear, I felt
the soft touch of her hair on my lips, "you dissemble so charmingly as to
even puzzle me. But if I leave you now, as you request, I must first have
promise of welcome again."

"Then you mean to return--a prisoner? I am always merciful to the
suffering."