Mollie was talking to Barclugh and Mrs. White, the Rector’s wife, when Sally Milling came up to the group and exclaimed:
“Have you heard the news that has just reached the city?”
“No, what is it?” asked the other three, almost in unison.
“Why, General Arnold has gone over to the enemy, and Major Andre is a prisoner in the hands of General Washington, and a plot has been unearthed to surrender West Point to the British!”
Roderick Barclugh stood as though stricken with paralysis. His face became ashen white. He tried to speak but his voice failed him.
Mollie Greydon and the other two ladies looked at Barclugh for an instant and then Mollie stepped toward him as she asked:
“What is the matter, Mr. Barclugh? Are you ill?”
“No, no. It is nothing,” muttered Barclugh. “You will excuse me, ladies. I had better retire.”
Roderick Barclugh went to the table where refreshments were served and after partaking of a glass of punch, he sought his hostess and Miss Mollie, then left in his carriage for his lodgings.
As soon as the Shippens heard the news they retired precipitately, for the information was too crushing to wait for any formalities.