Nothing could exceed the excitement that ran through the large and brilliant assemblage at the Greydons’. Even the music and the minuet could not keep the guests from a discussion of all the Arnold family troubles for the past two years. Everybody was so astounded that a gloom was cast over the social pleasures of the evening. At last a general leave-taking was in order and the last carriage rolled down the avenue of hemlocks at half past twelve o’clock.
CHAPTER XXXIX
When the party was over, Dr. Greydon went up to Mollie and taking her by the hands, said:
“Mollie, my child, you looked your best to-night. I felt very proud. Now, you must take your rest. The excitement of this evening has been very hard for you.”
“Very true, papa dear, but can you not let us talk over a few of the events of the evening? That is the best part of an evening affair,—to talk over what people said and what happened,” contended Mollie, when she sat down to rehearse the evening’s events in girlish fashion.
“What a pity it was that the news arrived about General Arnold just in the midst of the gayest part of the evening,” continued Mollie bubbling over with the animation of youth. “What a fine minuet Mr. Barclugh can dance! I was more than delighted! But did you see how pale he became when he heard about General Arnold? And did you see how the Shippens took the news? It was awful! Well, everybody will remember this party from the tragic episodes caused by the Arnold treason!”
“Now, there, there, Mollie, you are too much worked up. You must give yourself rest and repose for we can not tell what the morrow will bring forth in these stirring times,” insisted Dr. Greydon, as he went up to Mollie and took her by both hands and kissed her.
“Yes, Mollie, you must have rest,” reiterated her mother, as Mollie went to her and kissed her good-night.