underlying meaning was forgotten. So let me add that in manner,
physical equipoise, and even in the mere details of dress, this
figure indicated a certain aristocratic exclusiveness. It was the
presentment of a king,--a king who by the irony of circumstances
was just then waging war against all kingship; a ruler of men, who
just then was fighting for the right of these men to govern
themselves, but whom by his own inherent right he dominated. From
the crown of his powdered head to the silver buckle of his shoe he
was so royal that it was not strange that his brother George of
England and Hanover--ruling by accident, otherwise impiously known
as the "grace of God"--could find no better way of resisting his
power than by calling him "Mr. Washington."

The sound of horses' hoofs, the formal challenge of sentry, the
grave questioning of the officer of the guard, followed by
footsteps upon the porch, did not apparently disturb his
meditation. Nor did the opening of the outer door, and a charge of
cold air into the hall that invaded even the privacy of the
reception-room, and brightened the dying embers on the hearth, stir
his calm pre-occupation. But an instant later there was the
distinct rustle of a feminine skirt in the hall, a hurried
whispering of men's voices, and then the sudden apparition of a
smooth, fresh-faced young officer over the shoulder of the
unconscious figure.

"I beg your pardon, general," said the officer doubtingly, "but--"

"You are not intruding, Col. Hamilton," said the general quietly.

"There is a young lady without who wishes an audience of your