“Madame Carr evidently thinks her guests are in need of refreshment after these wearying musical performances,” replied Calvert, laughing, “and as we are too numerous to be entertained in the dining-room, supper is to be served here.  ’Tis frequently Mr. Jefferson’s fashion when his company is large.”

With little formality the guests took their places at table, the ladies all being seated and many of the older gentlemen.  The younger ones stood about and waited upon the ladies, contenting themselves by eating after they were served, as they hung over their chairs and conversed with them.

Calvert with Beaufort and d’Azay were busily occupied, the French officers devoting themselves to the wants of the beautiful Miss Peggy Gary and Miss Molly Crenshawe, Calvert gravely seeing that the elderly Mrs. Mason, mother of Mr. Jefferson’s great friend, Mr. George Mason, Mrs. Wythe, and other dowagers were bountifully supplied.  It was like him to pass by the young beauties to attend upon those who had greater needs and less attractions.  From his position behind the dowagers’ chairs he could catch bits of conversation from both ends of the table.  Now it was Mr. Jefferson’s voice, rising above the noise, talk, and laughter, offering some excellent Madeira to his abstemious friend, Mr. Arkwright.

“I insist,” urged Mr. Jefferson, “for upon my word ’tis true, as someone has said, that water has tasted of sinners ever since the Flood!”

Now it was Mr. Madison who arose, glass in hand, to propose a toast to Mr. Jefferson.

It was not a very eloquent farewell, but, as he said, “the message comes from all hearts present, and the burden of it is a safe journey, great achievement, and a speedy return.”

When Mr. Jefferson rose to respond, then, indeed, was heard eloquence.  Toward the close of his brief reply there was a note of sadness in it.

“I have ever held it the first duty of a patriot to submit himself to the commands of his country.  My command has been to leave my country.  I would that it had been otherwise—­but my country before all!  And should I be able to serve her in ever so little by going, no separation from all I love best, no loss of ease and quiet pleasures, will be too costly for me not to bear with resignation, nay, even with cheerfulness!  I shall take with me one hostage to happiness—­my daughter—­and should my splendid exile to the greatest court of Europe be prolonged and my duties become too arduous, I shall send to these shores for one to aid me—­one on whose fidelity and zeal I can rely—­for my dear young friend—­Calvert of Strathore.”

At this unexpected announcement Calvert started with surprise and pleasure, having heard nothing of Mr. Jefferson’s intention.  “But why should I speak of my exile?” continued Mr. Jefferson.  “Shall I not be among friends?” and he looked with affectionate regard toward the three young Frenchmen.  “Shall I not be among friends, the truest and noblest that any country or any individual can boast?  Your looks bespeak your answer!  Friends, I ask you to drink to Monsieur le Marquis de Lafayette and to Messieurs de Beaufort and d’Azay!”