“When it comes to beauty,” replied the Colonel gayly.
The figure changed and Mollie found herself swinging in the arms of Roderick Barclugh and out of breath she sat down with a swirl of satin skirts that showed a dainty slipper.
Now Colonel Hamilton and Mrs. Arnold had a chance for a tete-a-tete as she sat down with a heaving breast which gave effect to her low-cut corsage of black velvet. Her white hand held a dainty fan which she used vigorously as she said:
“I must tell you something about Roderick Barclugh. He will some day have a title, and he is seeking his fortune in privateering. He is engaged in this business along with FitzMaurice and Milling, and has twenty thousand pounds sterling to his credit with them.”
“Why, how do you happen to know so much about him,” asked the Colonel.
“General Arnold told me. They have some business ventures in privateering together. You know, we do not get enough from Congress for our station.”
“Very true, Madam, but your lot is cast with a man of arms and he must take the fortunes of war,” said Alexander Hamilton sternly.
“Oh, Colonel, you are so severe!” exclaimed the General’s wife as John Milling came up and favored her with the next figure in the cotillion.
Little did Mollie and Barclugh know that they were the observed of all observers in the ball-room. The French Minister came up to them and shook his finger slyly at Barclugh and said: “Une fille par excellence de la belle France.”
Barclugh colored slightly and rose to give the host a chance to speak to Mollie and bowed very low. He then made his way to the side of Madam Arnold.