“Yes,” returned Mrs. Wynne, calmly, and turning to Hugh, “your father thinks him a dangerous man, my son.”
“But, but, can we see him?” stuttered Rose.
Hugh’s mother laughed. “Are you so fond of the soldiers, Rose? But ’tis long since the colonel served. He is a married man now, very much settled and with a big estate to take care of in Virginia. Of course you shall see him, if you wish to. The meeting will be over in half an hour, and he and his friends will pass here on the way to take a boat down the river.”
“It isn’t only that we love soldiers, it’s because, because....” Rose couldn’t remember just why it was so important to see Washington, though she felt her heart thumping at the thought, and saw in Ruth’s eyes the same puzzled excitement.
Mrs. Wynne turned to Darthea.
“I hear thy mother is better, child, which is good news. And you make school a far pleasanter place for Hugh, for which I thank you. Now come and help me with the tea and cakes.”
“Thank you, Mistress Wynne,” replied Darthea, smiling shyly. “Hugh and Jack and I have grown good friends at school, even though they be Quakers and I of Christ Church. May I fill these cups?” And very prettily she set about helping the others to the refreshments, while Mistress Wynne cut the cakes and served the preserves, luscious as can be imagined. Rose and Ruth and the two boys fell to in high delight, presently joined by Darthea. Then came the games, and none more joyous at these than Hugh’s sweet mother herself. They were all laughing and racing like wild things when Ruth, hiding behind a clump of Rose of Sharon, saw a group of gentlemen appearing down the street.
Instantly she rushed across the lawn, calling out, “Here comes Washington, here comes Washington,” and waving her arms. Rose was beside her in a moment, and the rest came laughing, Mrs. Wynne greatly amused at the two girls’ excitement over the Colonel.
“One would think him a hero to hear you two,” she declared. “But be quiet or Mr. Wynne will not be pleased. Softly now, we will walk down to the gate and speak to the gentlemen.”
A demure little crowd they were, standing primly, hand in hand, the three maids in front and Mrs. Wynne, with the boys either side of her, looking uncommonly pretty, behind them. Rose and Ruth saw some four or five men, two of unusual height, one of these in Quaker clothes, the other in a blue coat and cocked hat, with his hair in a queue ... the great Washington beyond a doubt!