A Little Maid of Old Philadelphia

								

swung open the big door and ushered Ruth into the hall, and then led the
way toward the dining-room.
"What nonsense is this, Dick? We are not rehearsing any play just now,"
called a gay voice; and Ruth and the young soldier were confronted by a
tall officer whom Ruth instantly recognized as the same who had called
her a "rebel" that very afternoon on Second Street.
She became really frightened. Suppose he should remember her, and tell
General Howe what she had said about Washington driving the English from
the city? It might be that, just as Winifred had said, and they would
put her in prison. She wished she were safely at home with Aunt
Deborah. But "Dick" was speaking to the handsome young officer.
"Ah, now, Major André, 'twill be as good as any comedy you have seen in
South Street," he declared, "and the General will be well pleased. No
harm shall come to the child."
"Well, I'll not interfere. This is a dull town at best," responded the
young officer laughingly, and without another glance at Ruth, he entered
the dining-room, with a word to the soldier who stood at the door. The
big door was now swung wide open by two servants in the livery of the
English General. Just beyond them stood Major André, who bowed very low
as Ruth entered, and said:
"General Howe, a lady who greatly desires to ask a favor of you," and
Ruth found herself on the threshold of the beautiful room whose paneled
walls were brilliantly lighted by many wax candles in silver sconces.
The table was handsomely spread with fine china, glass and silver; and
about it were seated a number of English officers.
"More comedy, André!" called a pleasant voice; "kindly bring the lady
this way," and General Howe rose from his seat at the head of the
table, and instantly all his guests were on their feet.
Major André held out his hand to Ruth. She well knew that this was the
proper moment to make her best curtsy, and in spite of the clumsy skirt,
the bonnet which kept nodding over her face, and the long sleeves that
had slipped down over her hands, she managed to make a not ungraceful
curtsy.
There was a little murmur of applause, and Major André smiled kindly
upon her, and taking her hand led her toward the head of the table with
as much grace and courtesy as if he were handing Miss Peggy Ship pen
herself, one of the beauties of the town, to a seat at General Howe's
dinner table.
"You are a most welcome guest," declared the English General smilingly,
as Ruth stood before him. "I understand you have a favor to ask of me.
Whatever it is you may be very sure I will be most happy to grant it,"
and he smiled down at the queer little figure, quite sure that his young
officer Major André had planned the whole affair for his amusement.
"If you please, sir, I want my dog," said Ruth falteringly.

CHAPTER IV
AUNT DEBORAH IS SURPRISED

Years after, when Ruth was really "grown up," she often recalled the
wonderful night when she sat at General Howe's dinner-table. For Major