“I will write a full explanation, Debby,” he said, “we can trust General Washington’s good heart. After you have seen him, come back to me. I am going to take you to my mother, she is expecting you; and then we will write to England.”
CHAPTER X.
DEBBY COMES INTO HER OWN AT LAST.
Never while life lasted did Debby forget how she felt, when weak from recent illness and present fear, she was shown into the presence of Washington.
She wore—for the last time—her continental uniform. It was mud stained, blood stained and ragged, but even so it was dear to her heart.
In her hand she bore Doctor Bell’s letter. The contents she did not know, but she trusted the man who had befriended her—and she was ready to take the consequences of her wrong act. Tremblingly she raised her eyes to the calm, clear ones searchingly gazing into her face.
“You have been ill, my boy?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Your bravery is greater than your strength. Before I tell you what I wish to do for you in return for your services, I will read the message you bring. In the meantime go outside, my servant will give you wine.”
Thankful for this respite, Debby stumbled from the room. The minutes seemed hours, and the wine choked her; at last the summons came. With down cast head she entered the room to hear her doom.
Washington was standing with a folded paper in his hand.