She took her partner’s arm and bowed to Alexander Hamilton, General Washington’s aide. He was waiting to invite Mrs. Arnold for the cotillion. Roderick Barclugh’s pulse beat fast with delight, when he stepped into the ball-room, filled with America’s choicest spirits. They swiftly passed among the couples, seated in a semicircle, waiting for the leader to start the dancing; then they sat down, and he began to talk to his beautiful partner.
Anne Milling, herself a belle, ran over to Mollie and whispered,
“You are fortunate in your lot for a partner. He is simply grand.”
Comte de Noailles was the leader of the cotillion, and his selection of figures and favors was both bold and unique. His art had been learned at the French Court, and the Colonists went into ecstacies over his innovations.
Both Mollie and Mrs. Arnold were dancing in the first figure which was a complicated affair requiring eight couples. Mrs. Arnold was standing with her partner, Colonel Hamilton, watching the others when she said:
“Just look at those eyes of Mr. Barclugh,”—and she gave her head a saucy toss,—“he is simply devouring that young Quakeress.”
“But you know, my dear Madam,” said the Colonel, “Miss Greydon has had a beautiful life at Dorminghurst. She has cultivated the classics and is gifted as a linguist. Those accomplishments along with her personal charms are reflected in every movement of her form, which is beautiful.”
“Now, Colonel, I am surprised to have you express yourself so enthusiastically over that young prodigy. She is too ordinary for me. She makes a companion of a young Indian maiden who lives on her father’s estate. I believe her name is Segwuna and she has much influence over Mollie. She also has ideas about the rights of the people. So there! What can you expect? She knits for the soldiers, and attends the dairy at Dorminghurst for her mother!”
“Now! Now! Madam Arnold, you do not feel ungrateful—” Hamilton began.
“For my life, I can not see what Mr. Barclugh can see in a girl of her tastes!” interrupted the General’s wife.