which Capt. Brewster, for reasons best known to yourself, was
unable to give?"

Mistress Thankful hesitated for a moment, and then, with one of her
truthful glances at the commander-in-chief, began a detailed
account of the outward semblance of the count. Why she began with
him, I am unable to say; but possibly it was because it was easier,
for when she came to describe the baron, she was, I regret to say,
somewhat vague and figurative. Not so vague, however, but that
Col. Hamilton suddenly started up with a look at his chief, who
instantly checked it with a gesture of his ruffled hand.

"I thank you. Mistress Thankful," he said quite impassively, "but
did this other gentleman, this baron--"

"Pomposo," said Thankful proudly. A titter originated in the group
of ladies by the window, and became visible on the fresh face of
Col. Hamilton; but the dignified color of Washington's countenance
was unmoved.

"May I ask if the baron made an honorable tender of his affections
to you," he continued, with respectful gravity,--"if his attentions
were known to your father, and were such as honest Mistress Blossom
could receive?"

"Father introduced him to me, and wanted me to be kind to him, He--
he kissed me, and I slapped his face," said Thankful quickly, with
cheeks as red, I warrant, as the baron's might have been.

The moment the words had escaped her truthful lips, she would have