"I thank you with all my heart, my dear sir, but my business at Williamsburg demands haste, and you must excuse me to-day," was Washington's reply.
"Business relating to the expedition against Fort Duquesne, I suppose?"
"Yes; and its importance admits of no delay."
"Nevertheless, I must press my invitation," continued Mr. Chamberlain, "for surely you must dine somewhere, and it will detain you no longer here than elsewhere. We will not detain you a moment after you have swallowed your dinner. I am too much interested in the capture of Duquesne to delay your business."
"Your patriotism is equal to your hospitality," replied Washington, "and I am quite disposed to accept both, in the circumstances."
"In that case you will accept my hearty thanks, also," added Mr. Chamberlain.
"Do I understand that I may be excused immediately after dinner?" said Washington, still hesitating.
"Immediately, with all the promptness of military discipline."
"Then, sir, I accept your generous hospitality;" and Washington alighted from his horse immediately, saying to his servant Bishop, "Be sure and have the horses at the door by the time we rise from the dinner-table."
"Is this the charger and this the servant presented to you by General Braddock?" Mr. Chamberlain inquired as they turned towards the house.