"No; we are coming back to Philadelphia victors, and soon. I am not
afraid to tell you. I have learned much to-day, and go back to report to
Washington that the exchange of British commanders means the early
evacuation of this city. When we meet again you will not be a lady of the
Blended Rose, nor will I be wearing this uniform."

Her eyes sparkled brightly into mine, then dropped demurely.

"I--I rather like the colors you are wearing now, and am sure this dress
is most becoming. I--I have a passion for masquerade."

"I recognize that, but have already discovered where I can read the truth
beyond the masque--what is occurring now?"

She turned to look, attracted as I had been by the change and bustle
about us. A few feet from where we stood conversing, large folding doors,
previously concealed by draperies, were suddenly flung wide open,
revealing a magnificent dining-hall. Before the crowd could recover from
its first surprise, and surge that way, my eyes had taken in the full
effect of the disclosure. It was a vast saloon, as I have since been
informed, measuring two hundred and ten feet by forty, with a height of
twenty-two feet, having three large alcoves on each side. The ceiling was
the segment of a circle, the sides painted a light straw color, with vine
leaves and festoons of flowers, some in bright, others in dark green.
More than fifty large pier-glasses extended from floor to ceiling,
reflecting the glitter of the tables, while a hundred branches of three
lights each, and eighteen clusters of twenty-four, illumined the immense
apartment, aided by three hundred wax tapers upon the snowy tables. These
were already prepared for service, set with nearly five hundred covers, a