TO TURN AND FIGHT.
James Henry mended slowly, and Lois' fever lasted a month before she
could leave her bed, and then she could only totter about. Rachel had
proved herself a daughter of the house, efficient, thoughtful, and
capable, and although a few weak protests had been made, it was an
undeniable relief not to have Primrose to consider.
The town had been stirred to the utmost by conflicting views and
parties. Washington had gone to Boston to take command of the troops,
and now sent for his family from their quiet retreat at Mount Vernon.
Most of the people had shut up their country houses and come into town,
and now that it was announced that Mrs. Washington would make a brief
stop on her way to Cambridge, there was a curious feeling pervading the
community in spite of a very pardonable interest. What if the war should
be a failure?
"But we have committed ourselves too deeply to draw back now," said some
of the loyal women. "Let us pay her all courtesy."
The rebel party resolved to give a ball in her honor at New Tavern. Mrs.
Hancock was also in the city, and some fine preparations were made.
There was a heated discussion. Some of the more sedate people, who never
took part in gayeties, represented that this would be a most inopportune
time for such a revel when the country was in the throes of a mighty
struggle.
Christopher Marshall, who was a Quaker by birth, but had espoused the
side of the colonies warmly, went to John Hancock, who was then
President of the Congress, and requested him to lay the matter seriously
before Mrs. Washington and beg her to decline the invitation, "while her
brave husband was exposed in the field of battle." She assented most
cheerfully, and was in no wise offended.
There was a bevy of women discussing this at Madam Wetherill's; the
young ones loud in their disappointment, as gayeties had not been very
frequent so far.
"And I like Colonel Harrison's spunk in chiding Mr. Samuel Adams," said
someone. "He agreed there would be no impropriety in it, but rather an
honor. And we should all have seen Lady Washington."
"_Lady_ forsooth! I did not know the widow Custis had put on such airs
with her second marriage. Presently we shall hear of Mount Vernon palace
if Dunmore does not make short work of it. And some of the rebels sneer
at good English titles, or think it heroic to drop them."
Mrs. Ferguson was well known for her Tory proclivities. She ran her
cards over as she held her hand up, and the excellence of it pleased
her.
"But I am desperately disappointed," declared Kitty Ross. "And if we are
to go in sackcloth all winter I shall die of the megrims. There is my
new petticoat of brocaded satin, and my blue gown worked with white and
silver roses down the sides, and across the bosom, with such realness
you would declare they were fresh picked. And lace in the sleeves that
my great-grandmother wore at the French Court. And surely there would be
many gallants ready to dance. I am just dying for some merriment."
"Not much will you see until this folly is over."
"It does not seem to end rapidly. I hear the men at Boston are very
stanch and in earnest since the murder of their brethren."
"Murder indeed! Truly we have grown very fine and sensitive. They had no
more than they deserved. And Massachusetts hath ever been one of the
most turbulent provinces."
"And Virginia a firebrand! As for us, we have the Congress, and I hear
they are talking of putting some sort of declaration in shape. And it is
said General Washington hath a very soldierly and honorable mind. He
will do nothing for pay, it seems, and only agreed that his expenses
should be met. At this rate he will not beggar the country."
"And you will see how General Howe will make mincemeat of his straggling
army. Madam Washington will hardly be recompensed for her journey,
methinks," said Mrs. Ferguson.
"Yet it would be good to have a sight of her," cried Sally Stuart. "And
it is said she dances elegantly, as do all Virginians. Like Kitty, I am
out of conceit with the wisdom of these fearsome men who want to suit
everybody and end by suiting none. And it seems there hath been a
division of opinion about calling. Who hath gone?" and Sally glanced at
Mrs. Ferguson with a merry sort of malice in her laughing eyes.
"Not I, indeed, you may be certain, but I will not be backward on her
return, I assure you."
"I have been," announced Madam Wetherill quietly. "I thought it but a
duty, having met Colonel Hancock and wishing to be presented to his
wife."
"Oh, tell us!" cried half a dozen voices. "What is she like--very grand?
For he is fine and commanding."
"We shall never finish our game with so much talk about everybody,"
declared one of the Tory ladies in vexation.
"She is not commanding." Madam Wetherill laid down her card as she
smiled, and trumped her adversary. "But she hath a certain dignity and
intelligence that makes up for inches, and a face that is winning and
expressive, with fine, dark eyes and fair skin showing just a natural
blossom on her cheek. And her manners are most agreeable. I am sorry we
could not have given her some sort of welcome. Well, moppet?" as
Primrose entered shyly with a written message to her great aunt, "make
your best courtesy, child, and tell the ladies how you liked Madam
Washington."
Primrose obeyed with a pretty flush on her cheek, and an irresistibly
shy manner.
"I liked her very much. And she said she once had a little girl of her
own, and then her eyes looked almost as if they had tears in them, they
were so soft and sweet. Her face was beautiful."
"Well, well, we all feel disposed to envy thee," said Sally. "Some of us
should have the courtesy to go to-morrow."
Mrs. Ferguson rapped on the table. "If no one means to pay attention to
the game we may as well give up and devote ourselves to laudation," she
said shortly.
Madam Wetherill looked at the note and said, "Yes," and Primrose,
courtesying, stole out softly. But afterwards the game was ended with a
good deal of curtness on Mrs. Ferguson's part, who had lost; for, while
people were strenuous enough on some points, no one disdained to play
for money.
The girls stopped for a cup of chocolate that Mistress Janice sent in,
and renewed the talk of their disappointment, bewailing the prospect of
a dull enough season.
But there were much excitement and high and bitter discussions to mark
the winter. The breach between the war party and the peace party of
Quakers widened greatly, and the outcome was the Free Quakers, or
Fighting Quakers, as they came to be called. The departure of the
British from Boston was hailed as a sign of hope. Thomas Paine's "Common
Sense" was widely read, and disputed the palm with Dickinson's "Farmer's
Letters" that had been so popular. Adams and James Allen, who disagreed
with Paine, issued pamphlets, and many writers aired their opinions
under various assumed names.
Andrew Henry came in regularly to market. His father had not regained
his full strength, and his leg was rather untrustworthy in slippery
weather. Now and then he paused at some tavern, as they were considered
respectable meeting places, to hear the discussions, for he was much
perturbed in these days. He was made a welcome guest at Madam
Wetherill's also, and met from time to time some notable person, and
became much interested in Mr. Benjamin Franklin.
Very little had been said about Primrose at home. Rachel was growing
into daughterhood, and though Lois Henry would have denied the
slightest suggestion of matchmaking, she saw with no disfavor that
Rachel was much drawn toward Andrew.
When spring opened grandmother failed rapidly and took to her bed a
great part of the time, so that it was necessary to bring her downstairs
for convenience' sake. It would be rather troublesome to have a
discordant element, and the Henrys felt that Primrose was more firmly
established in her willful ways, no doubt, and they did not care for a
continual struggle like that which had begun and ended so disastrously
the preceding summer.
The spirit of revolt had gained ground in all the Colonies; still it had
been hard work to persuade them to act together. But, in May, Congress
passed resolutions leading to the better equipment of the Colonies for
the struggle. At dinners--the only sources of amusement now--the King's
health was no longer drunk, but "The free and independent States of
America" were toasted with acclaim. With the old Assembly the political
power of the Friends waned, and Philadelphia was taking upon herself a
great and serious change. If Bunker Hill had electrified the country,
the Declaration of Independence, read to the few people who gathered to
hear it at the State House, was to be the imperishable crown of the
city, although it was not signed until August.
The King's arms were taken down and burned, the church bells rang, and
the young people caught the enthusiasm from a few bonfires on the square
and lighted them elsewhere, little thinking they were kindling a flame
in men's souls that was to be handed down to posterity for ages. A very
small beginning then, but among the hearers was Andrew Henry, who
wondered mightily at the boldness of such a step, though the glory of it
thrilled every pulse, and he was amazed at the fighting blood within
him.
At the yearly meeting he and his father had attended, the Friends had
counseled against open rebellion and shown each other the futility of
such a step. All acts of violence and bloodshed were deprecated, and
Lexington and Concord pronounced a useless sacrifice, and displeasing to
God. But in the little knots that had gathered afterward there had been
more than one low, dissentient voice concerning a man's duty, and the
impossibility of a government so far away knowing what was best for the
Colonies.
He was to meet Madam Wetherill, who had come in to her city home on some
business.
"I am glad thy father agrees about Primrose," she began in her cordial
tone, that invariably charmed the young Quaker. "Her attire, too, had an
appropriate aspect in his eyes, as it gave her a fine dignity. He was
secretly pleased that she was not of his persuasion. The changes are
hard on the child even if all other matters were in accord. I think she
will never be of her father's faith, but she is sweet and attractive and
good at heart. I am afraid we sometimes lay too much stress on outward
appearances. Is thy mother well this summer?"
"She is not as strong as she was, and we should not know how to manage
without my cousin Rachel. Poor grandmother is nearing the close of her
earthly pilgrimage. She may go at any time. Dr. Reed hath given us
notice, and death is a sad and awesome matter even for little ones. So
mother said she would rather have no added cares, though she would not
shirk any duty."
"Set her heart quite at rest. Tell her for me that the duties of God's
sending are first. I have been consulting the other trustees, and they
think the child is as well with me."
"I think, now, better," returned Andrew gravely. "She is fitted for a
wider life and knowledge than my father thinks necessary. And we have
two girls now to comfort my mother, and they are of the same faith. But
I find there is a wide line of opinion even among Friends. And the
coming struggle will make it greater still. The town hath done a daring
thing to-day. Will the great and wise men sign the document?"
"I think all but a few. They are not certain of Mr. Dickinson, although
he hath been writing so boldly. But Mr. Richard Penn advises that they
all hang together, lest they may have to hang separately!" and she
smiled.
Andrew Henry drew a long breath.
"But it hardly seems possible they can win. England can put such armies
in the field."
"Yet I think we have shown that patriotism can make good soldiers. There
will be much suffering and Heaven only can foresee the end. Still it is
a glorious thing, and we shall strive hard for freedom."
"Thou art a patriot surely. The little girl must inherit some of thy
blood, for she boldly declared herself a rebel."
"She is an odd, spirited child, with a good deal of her mother's
charming manner. I have grown very fond of her, though I thought myself
too old to take up new loves. Thou must come down to the farm sometime
and see her."
"That I will gladly," was the quick reply.
"And thou must study this matter thou hast heard to-day. It is a great
thing to make a country, and a trust above all others to keep it intact.
And, though thy people are averse to fighting, I see some of them have
ranged themselves already on the side of liberty and the colonies."
"I have a great interest----" Then he paused and flushed. "But it grows
late, and I must bid thee farewell. Give my respects to the little girl
and say I do not forget her."
Every effort was now made to strengthen the defenses, and a bounty was
issued for volunteers. Gun-boats were ordered for the river front and
the manufacture of gunpowder was hurried along. There was much
watchfulness over those suspected of Toryism, or caught carrying away
stores. Occasionally one saw a cart packed with Tories, seated backward
and being driven along to the tune of the Rogue's March, and jeered by
the populace.
Late in the autumn they buried Lois Henry's mother. James Henry gave up
more of the severe work and going about to the young men. Penn Morgan
was large and strong, and grown very fond of his uncle in an admiring
fashion. Andrew puzzled him oftentimes.
Pinches were beginning to be felt and a great part of the commerce
languished. Salt, one of the importations, became very scarce. Stores
and shops were dull enough, and men hung about the streets with nothing
to do.
In November came the news of Howe's successful march and the taking of
Fort Washington. Then he swept onward, dismaying the towns, and when he
reached Trenton he issued a proclamation that won over many who still
hoped in their hearts that by some miracle the colonists would win.
But Philadelphia celebrated the anniversary of her heroic Declaration of
Independence with much firing of guns all day and a great civic banquet
in the evening. The streets wore quite a holiday aspect. Many people
came in from the farms and residences at a distance, and flags, made
after the pattern that Betsy Ross had designed for the army when General
Washington went to Boston, were shown in some houses.
There was also a smashing of Quaker windows, and much hooting at the
peace men, who were bidden to come out of the shelter of their
broadbrims.
A new oath of allegiance had been exacted from the citizens of the whole
State that created great consternation among the Friends. Many now
openly espoused the cause of freedom, being convinced it was a duty, and
their expulsion from the ranks followed. Even among the women there were
enthusiastic souls who gave aid and comfort in the years of trial that
were to follow.
James Henry had ranged himself strongly on the peace side. Indeed the
household were a unit with the exception of Andrew, who held his temper
bravely when the talk was of the condemnatory order.
There had been no open rupture on the little girl's account. In a way
James Henry resigned some of his powers, though he kept the trusteeship,
and was sharp to see to the accounting of money matters. Madam Wetherill
and Primrose made journeys to the Quaker farmhouse, and the Henrys were
cordially invited to the city to test the Wetherill hospitality.
Primrose had listened to Andrew's persuasion, and in the summer gone for
several days. How queer it all seemed to her! The plain, homely rooms,
the absence of the many little courtesies to which she had become
accustomed, the routine of work that left no leisure for reading or
enjoyment. For already in the city there was a great deal of
intelligence.
She had grown tall, but was very slim and full of grace in every
movement. Her hair still held its sunny tint, and even if combed as
straight as possible, soon fell into waves and curling tendrils, and her
complexion was radiant in pearl and rose.
Rachel was quite a young woman, with a thin, muslin Quaker cap over her
brown hair, and not the slightest attempt at ornament; a great worker
and very thrifty in her methods. In her opinion idleness was a sin.
Faith had grown tall, but was not as robust.
Primrose was like a sudden sunbeam in the old house. Her merry laugh
rippled everywhere. As of old, every animal on the place made friends
with her. And though Uncle James looked stern and sour at times, she
would not heed his frowns.
Not only Andrew, but Penn, acknowledged her witching sway. She could
ride finely now on horseback or with a pillion, and the cunning little
beauty persuaded one or the other to take her out on numerous
excursions.
"One could envy thee heartily," declared Faith. "For when Rachel and I
desire any recreation or to go of some errand, there are a thousand
excuses. What coaxing art hast thou? And how dost thou come by so much
prettiness? Was it on thy mother's side?"
"Am I so pretty?" She laughed in a gay, amused fashion. "Sometimes Patty
says I shall grow old and yellow and wrinkled, but though Aunt
Wetherill's hair is snowy-white, and there are tiny marks and creases
in her skin, she is not yellow nor cross, and looks like the most
beautiful of queens in her brocades and satins."
"But what is a queen if there are no thrones here in America?"
"Oh, how dull thou art! It is because we call anyone a queen who is a
beautiful and dignified woman, and can receive with graciousness, and
hold a little court about her."
"But the fine clothes are vain and wicked. And--and plaiting of the
hair, and the much pleasuring--and the giddy talk----"
The small Quakeress paused with a sort of longing and envy that she
could think of no more sins.
"But my hair is not plaited. I think the good God curled it just as he
makes the pretty vine creep up and twine about. And He makes a gay,
beautiful world, where birds go flying and dazzle the air with their
bright colors. Dost thou know the firebird, with his coat of red, and
the yellow finches and the bluebirds? The little brown wren greets them
in her pert way, and I dare say takes pleasure in them. And how many
flowers you find in the woods and the meadows."
"I never go for flowers. It is a sinful waste of time, and we have no
use for them, since they do but litter everything. And thou wilt some
day be called to account for these idle, frivolous moments."
"I do not know. I think God means us to be happy. And I cannot help
being gay and pleased with all the things He has made. It is very
naughty and unkind to despise them."
Faith knew in her heart there were many things she would be glad to
have, and that she hated to sit in the house and spin and sew, when
Primrose was roaming around with Penn and Andrew, and riding on the hay
cart amid the fragrant dried grass.
"Andrew, wilt thou always be a Quaker?" Primrose asked one evening when
she found him sitting under the tree where poor old grandmother had
spent so many of her days.
"Always? Why, I suppose so. Children generally follow in the footsteps
of their fathers."
"Is that because you are a man?"
"I like _thou_ better," smiling and putting his arm about her.
"But I am only half a Quaker. Do you think my father truly meant me to
be? There is a fine picture of him at Mr. Northfield's that is said to
be worth a great deal of money, and was made in England by a great man,
and is sometime to go over again. Did you know I had a brother, Andrew?"
"Yes."
"It seems very unreal. A letter came one day from him, and he asked if
there were any other children alive. A brother! How strange it sounds!
Why, it would be like Penn and Faith."
"I hope he may never want thee," with a little hug that made her head
droop on his shoulder.
"Oh, no; and if he does, he must come here. I should be afraid of the
great ocean that it takes days and days to cross. And I might be
drowned," plaintively.
"Then thou shalt never cross it."
"Thou wilt not let him take me away? Though I think Aunt Wetherill would
not consent."
"Nay, I would fight for thee."
"Then thou must fight for the country. It is _my_ country."
"If any need comes in thy behalf I will fight," he returned solemnly.
"And thou wilt put on some fine soldier clothes. The men all look so
handsome in their blue coats and buff breeches, and the hats turned up
in a three-cornered way."
She only saw the glory in it. He hoped she might never know the other
side.
"What art thou studying about so gravely?" when Primrose lapsed into
silence and let her small white hand lie in his brown one.
"I was thinking. Penn is here, and does your father need two sons? Aunt
Wetherill said, one day, that you were wasted on the farm, and that some
of the generals ought to have you for your cool clear head, and your
strength, and oh! I do not remember what else. And if you would come
into town----"
"If thou were older, Primrose, thou couldst tempt a man to his undoing.
But thou art a sweet, simple child. And when my country needs me she
will not ask about my faith. Already there is more than one Quaker
soldier in her ranks."
"Primrose!" Rachel had been sitting on the old stone step until there
seemed a curious fire kindled all through her body at the sight of the
golden head on the broad shoulder. "Primrose, come in. The dew is
falling."
"There is no dew here under the tree," returned Andrew.
"It is high bedtime. Faith is going. Come!"--peremptorily.
There were times when Primrose was fond of teasing Rachel, but she rose
now. When she had gone a step or two she turned around for a kiss.
"I am ashamed of thee!" Rachel said sharply. "Thou art a bold child to
hang around after men. Didst thou kiss him? That was shameful."
"It was not shameful. I will ask him----"
Rachel caught her arm. "Aunt Lois will be shocked! No nice little girl
does such a thing! Faith would be whipped for it. Go straight along."
She blocked the way, and Primrose, in her sweet hopefulness, thought of
to-morrow.
Aunt Lois had overheard the talk. When Rachel had mixed the bread, for
Chloe had a sore finger, the elder said gravely:
"Thy uncle goes over to Chew House to morrow, and I think Primrose had
better return home. She is too forward and light to have with Faith. I
like not city manners and freedoms. Her mother was not to my fancy. Men
are weak sometimes, but I hope ere long, Rachel, my son's fancy will be
fixed where it will afford me great satisfaction."
Rachel colored with a secret joy. She could have clasped the mother to
her heart for the admission, but she would not spoil the commendation by
any lack of discretion.
While Primrose was waiting for Uncle James in the morning she ran out to
the barn.
"Andrew, I am going. It hath been very pleasant, and I hoped thou would
have taken me. Andrew"--with a strange, new hesitation--"is it--is it
wrong to kiss thee?"
She looked up out of such clear honest eyes in all their sweet
guilelessness that he took the fair face between his hands and kissed it
again.
"Nay, there could never be a wrong thought in thy sweet young heart. And
thou art my cousin."
She wondered, as she was retracing her steps, if he kissed Faith and
Rachel, since they were cousins.