"I trust that my orders were properly carried out for your comfort," continued Washington, still addressing Dorothy, as he motioned them all to be seated.
She courtesied, and managed to make a fitting reply. But she felt quite uncomfortable, and somewhat alarmed, to find her small self an object of so much consideration.
The Commander-in-Chief now seated himself, and turned a graver face to the young Englishman.
"May I ask, Captain Southorn, if the plans of which you told Lieutenant Devereux and myself are to be carried out?"
The young man bowed respectfully.
"I am most happy, sir, to assure you that they are, and at the speediest possible moment after I return to Boston."
Washington was silent a moment, and his eyes turned to Lieutenant Devereux, who, seemingly regardless of all else, was watching his sister.
"And you, Lieutenant, do you give your consent to all this?"
"Yes, sir." But the young man sighed.
"And now, little Mistress Southorn," Washington said, smiling once more, "tell me, have you consented to leave America and go with your husband?"