“Ruth, daughter,” said the father, when they were alone, “did you keep that to yourself because you thought it would trouble us to hear that the soldiers of King George were vile ruffians?”
“Yes, father; I knew your loyalty to the king, and I would not disturb it. I did not want to pain you. And do you wonder I have hated the sight of a redcoat ever since? But, father dear, it was not the assault of the villains that led me to sympathize with the provincials, as you know I have done, but the conviction that they were in the right and the king and his ministers in the wrong. I can understand why you and mother do not see the conflict as I see it. Your high sense of honor, your oath of allegiance to the king, your position as an official, have made you loyal and true to King George, and you cannot see the side espoused by the people. This attempt of the ministry and king to subdue them by force of arms, by burning their houses, by treating them as felons, as they have Robert Walden, thrusting them into jail, allowing them to die uncared for, will fail; justice and right are on their side. I know it pains you, father dear, to have me say this, but I could not, even for the sake of pleasing you, be false to myself.”
“I would not have you be false to yourself, my child, but always true to your convictions, no matter what may happen.” He drew her to him and tenderly caressed her.
“I see it now, daughter. For a long while I have not been able to comprehend you, but it is plain at last.”
They sat in silence, her head pillowed on his breast, his arm around her.
“Ruth, daughter, I suspect you have not told me all; you need not unfold anything you may choose to keep to yourself, but I can understand that a very tender feeling may have sprung up between Mr. Walden and yourself.”
“He never has said that he loved me. You would not have me ask him if he does, would you, father dear?” she said playfully, patting his lips with her fingers.
“I understand, daughter. Things of the heart are sacred and not to be talked about,” he replied, kissing her once more and feeling as never before the greatness and richness of the treasure he had in her.
“Ah! I see,” he said to himself as he paced the room. “It is all clear, now, why Lord Upperton and the rest of them have had no chance.”