"And the Misses Shippen, the belles of the Mischienza!"
Stephen bowed profoundly.
"I was just remarking, Captain, that General Washington has honored you with a special mission, and that you have run away from your duties tonight to mingle with the social life of the city."
"Or rather, Your Excellency, to acquaint myself with their society," Stephen replied good-naturedly.
"Then you do not relax, even for an evening," inquired Peggy, with a coquettish turn of the head.
"It is the duty of a soldier never to relax." Stephen's reply was more naïve than usual.
"And yet one's hours are shortened by pleasure and action," continued Peggy.
"As a recreation it is far sweeter than as a business. It soon exhausts us, however, and it is the greatest incentive to evil."
"But you dance?" interrupted the General.
"Oh, yes! Your Excellency," replied Stephen, "after a fashion."