“I think father ought to have the right to ask whom he chooses to his own house,” declared Harriet, who was in one of her moods. “He says that when one of these misguided rebels realizes his error and strives to rectify it we should encourage him, so that others may follow his example. I expect rare sport when you meet.”
Peggy said no more, knowing how useless it would be to plead with either Colonel Owen or Harriet once either had determined upon any course. So, nerving herself for the ordeal, she went down to dinner the next day in anything but a happy frame of mind.
To her surprise only Colonel Owen and Harriet were in the drawing-room. There was no sign either of Clifford, or of John Drayton.
“Are you disappointed, Peggy?” asked Harriet with some sarcasm, catching the girl’s involuntary glance about the apartment. “So are we, and father thinks it unpardonable in a guest to keep us waiting so. I always said that Captain Drayton lacked manners.”
Before Peggy could reply the door was flung open, and Clifford dashed into the room.
“What in the world is the matter?” queried Harriet startled by his manner of entrance. “One would think that you had affairs of state to communicate that would brook no delay.”
“And so I have,” cried the lad with exultation. “Do not all of you remember that I was not taken with that Yankee captain? Did I not say from the beginning that he was not to be trusted? I was right, but no one would heed me. I knew after the way he boasted the day we met with the sword in Hanover that he was an unregenerate rebel, but my suspicions were laughed at. I was right, I say.”
“Clifford, what do you mean?” cried his sister. Peggy did not speak, but stood waiting his next words with feverish eagerness, her breath coming quickly, her eyes dilated, her hands clasped tightly.
“Go on, my son,” spoke Colonel Owen with some impatience. “We all know your feelings on the subject. What hath happened to verify such suspicions?”
“Just this,” answered he with triumph: “last night the fellow stole out and met one of the enemy. In company with another officer I followed after him as he stole through the lines. Beyond Wormeley’s Creek the meeting took place, and we apprehended him on his return. His spying mission is over. He will do no more harm.”