"I should run," he cried, laughing. And thus pleasantly ended a talk which
was becoming bitter to many of this gay company.

Destiny was already sharpening the sword we were soon to draw, and of those
who met and laughed that day there were sons who were to be set against
fathers, and brothers whom war was to find in hostile ranks. A young fellow
of my age, the son of Mr. Macpherson, sat below us on the steps with the
girls. He was to leave his young life on the bastion at Quebec, and, for
myself, how little did I dream of what I should get out of the devil-pot of
war which was beginning to simmer!

Very soon I was sent with Rebecca Franks and Miss Chew to gather flowers.
Miss Franks evidently despised my youth, and between the two little maids
I, being unused to girls, had not a pleasant time, and was glad to get back
to the porch, where we stood silent until bidden to be seated, upon which
the girls curtseyed and I bowed, and then sat down to eat cakes and drink
syllabub.

At last my aunt put on her safeguard petticoat, the horses came, and we
rode away. For a while she was silent, answering the captain in
monosyllables; but just beyond the ferry his horse cast a shoe, and went so
lame that the officer must needs return to Woodlands leading him, there to
ask a new mount.

For yet a while my aunt rode on without a word, but presently began to
rally me as to Miss Chew. I had to confess I cared not for her or the
other, or, indeed, for maids at all.

"It will come," said she. "Oh, it will come soon enough. Peggy Chew has the