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So this afternoon when Mrs. Pernell brought in a tray with the little silver pitcher and sugar bowl, the luster teapot, and the treasured Canton cups and saucers, together with a plate of round frosted cakes, and Ruth had the pleasure of giving Betty and Winifred a cup of "real tea" she felt herself the most fortunate little girl in Philadelphia. "'Tis not a taxed tea," Mrs.
"I shall tell them that Ruth had nothing to do with it, and that I am the only one to blame," Gilbert said to Mrs. Pernell. "Of course they won't punish any one but me." Before Mrs. Pernell could reply the young officer appeared at the door, and came slowly down the steps. "Come with me, young sir," he said, resting his hand on Gilbert's shoulder.
Pernell declared smilingly; for Americans had refused to receive any tea on which the Government of Great Britain demanded an unlawful tax. "I came to ask you and Winifred to a May party," said Betty, when she was ready to start for home.
"But this is different; I'm sure she will come," Ruth had responded eagerly; and had been greatly pleased when Aunt Deborah agreed, saying that, "'Twas surely a patriotic lesson that she would like well to see." Mrs. Pernell also praised Gilbert's cleverness, and promised to be ready in good season. "Perhaps I had best wear my brown silk to do credit to Mrs.
You know he brings in butter and cheese from his farm every Thursday, and Aunt Deborah will ride home in his wagon. I wish I were going with her." "Oh, Ruth Pernell!" said Winifred reproachfully. "Well, I do. Barren Hill is half-way to Valley Forge, and perhaps I could see my father. And, Winifred! One day Lafayette stopped at Aunt Deborah's door!
Pernell drew her little girl down beside her on the broad window-seat; and leaning her head against her mother's shoulder Ruth told of the day she had stayed up-stairs as a punishment for her thoughtlessness. "Mother, you haven't said a word!" Ruth finally exclaimed, looking up anxiously. "Are you ashamed of me?" "Why, I think I am rather proud of my little daughter," was the smiling response.
The hot broth, toast and damson preserves were very welcome to Winifred and her mother. The little group around the table were all too tired to talk much, but they smiled happily at one another, rejoicing that they were all safe and at home. It was decided that Mrs. Pernell and Ruth should stay the remainder of the night with the Merrill's.
Pernell listened without a word until Ruth, breathless and almost in tears, finished by saying: "I didn't think it would hurt the dress, Mother! I'm so sorry. And I am sorry I didn't tell you the moment you got home." Ruth felt her hand clasped a little more closely at this; but her mother made no response until they were in Ruth's pleasant chamber. Then Mrs.
As Ruth listened she resolved that nothing should prevent her from visiting Aunt Deborah. Perhaps she might see Lafayette as well as her dear father. Perhaps the young Frenchman might again call at Aunt Deborah's door, and she, Ruth Pernell, hand him the pink luster cup filled with milk. Aunt Deborah's voice interrupted these pleasant day-dreams.
Pernell smiled and nodded her consent, thinking that Ruth would be safely back in an hour at the longest, and waving her good-byes as Farmer Withal climbed to his seat and the brown horse trotted off, closely followed by Fluff.
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