“That is a bright dye which you have there, mistress,� he remarked. “Are you fond of so high a color?�
“In good truth, sir, and why not?� replied Polly. “Have you fault to find with it?�
“I would be but a churl, an I did,� answered the guest gallantly, “since it is scarcely more pink than the cheeks of my fair hostess.
“The redcoats must feel flattered at your preference,� he added.
“And is it not the hue that all loyal subjects should prefer?� queried Polly demurely.
“Nay, but I will not gainsay you, mistress,� replied the young man. “And yet,� he added, “it is a color soon to fade under our American sun.�
“But not from the hearts of the king’s loyal subjects,� retorted Polly. “This is no rebel household, sir. My kinsmen, who were here but yesterday, wear the scarlet and are the king’s loyal servants.� And saying this she observed her guest closely and saw that he winced.
“Beyond doubt he is one of the patriots,� she thought. “But such a handsome youth! Moreover, he is most courteous, and his voice and ways are more gentle and respectful than those of Cousin Charles.�
As for the stranger, his heart sank afresh. “I will pay for my supper and get on,� he thought. “I shall be safer abroad in the darkness than here.� And he rose to take leave as gently as he might, but at that moment the tramp of horses was again heard; and this time they did not pass, but pulled up before the house door.
“My kinsmen, it is very like,� said Polly, smiling. “They wear sharp swords, sir.� Then, as she noted the hunted look which the young man cast about the room, her light and taunting manner changed. “Is it that you would not like to meet them, sir?� she asked, in a low tone.