"And now you will go?" she questioned eagerly.
"Yes; you said once to-night, that but for me you would be riding yonder. I realized all you meant, and you must not remain. The guard-lines are slack to-night, and you can get through, but if you wait until to-morrow it may be too late. Believe me, I am your friend, a friend of your cause."
"I do believe you; I could not connect you with deceit, but I am bewildered at this sudden exposure. Does Captain Grant also suspect my identity?"
"I think not--not yet, at least, for if he did you would be under arrest. But there are others here who would recognize you just as I have. There is no mystery about it. I was in Philadelphia when the Continental troops were here, and you were pointed out to me then. No, we have never met, yet I was sure I recognized you this afternoon."
"My brother--my twin brother on the staff of General Lee."
"Did you not inform me your family were loyalists?"
"Yes; it is true," earnestly, her foot tapping the floor, as though annoyed at such persistent questioning. "I have a father and brother in the King's service--but one is a renegade, and I--I--"
"I am merely a woman, sir, unable to determine whether to finally become loyalist or rebel."
I looked gravely into her eyes until they fell, veiling their revelation of truth behind long lashes.
"Mistress Mortimer," I murmured, bending so close to her pink ear, I felt the soft touch of her hair on my lips, "you dissemble so charmingly as to even puzzle me. But if I leave you now, as you request, I must first have promise of welcome again."
"Then you mean to return--a prisoner? I am always merciful to the suffering."
"No; we are coming back to Philadelphia victors, and soon. I am not afraid to tell you. I have learned much to-day, and go back to report to Washington that the exchange of British commanders means the early evacuation of this city. When we meet again you will not be a lady of the Blended Rose, nor will I be wearing this uniform."
Her eyes sparkled brightly into mine, then dropped demurely.
"I--I rather like the colors you are wearing now, and am sure this dress is most becoming. I--I have a passion for masquerade."
"I recognize that, but have already discovered where I can read the truth beyond the masque--what is occurring now?"