Colonel Mortimer is a genial, pleasant gentleman, an' a loyal friend, although we are in arms against each other.

To tell the truth I half believe his heart is with the Colonies, although he cast his fortunes with the King.

He even has a son in the Continental Army." "On Lee's staff," I interrupted.

"The daughter told me he was a twin brother." "Yes, an' as great a rogue as the girl, with the same laughing blue eyes." "And Mistress Claire," I questioned, "on which side is she ?" "Can you ask that after having met her as a Lady of the Blended Rose?
Pshaw, man, I could almost give you a list of the loyalist dames who make sport for the British garrison, an' Mistress Claire is not least in rank or beauty among them.

What else could you expect of a young girl when her father wears the green an' white, while her lover has made a reputation hereabout with his hireling raiders ?" "You mean Grant ?" "Certainly; they have been engaged from childhood, though God pity the poor girl if they ever marry.