"
"There is yet time to see Washington again," said Miss Peyton, moving
towards the door; and then, speaking with extreme dignity, she
continued, "I will go myself; surely he must listen to a woman from his
own colony!--and we are in some degree connected with his family."
"Why not apply to Mr. Harper?" said Frances, recollecting the parting
words of their guest for the first time.
"Harper!" echoed Dunwoodie, turning towards her with the swiftness of
lightning; "what of him? Do you know him?"
"It is in vain," said Henry, drawing him aside; "Frances clings to hope
with the fondness of a sister. Retire, my love, and leave me with
my friend."
But Frances read an expression in the eye of Dunwoodie that chained her
to the spot. After struggling to command her feelings, she continued,--
"He stayed with us for two days--he was with us when Henry was
arrested."
"And--and--did you know him?"
"Nay," continued Frances, catching her breath as she witnessed the
intense interest of her lover, "we knew him not; he came to us in the
night, a stranger, and remained with us during the severe storm; but he
seemed to take an interest in Henry, and promised him his friendship,"
"What!" exclaimed the youth in astonishment. "Did he know your brother?"
"Certainly; it was at his request that Henry threw aside his disguise.
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