“‘What should it do?’

“’Make concessions, sir, stop shipping tea for a time.  Don’t try to force an export with a duty on it.  I think the government should not shake the mailed fist at us.’

“‘But think of the violence and the destruction of property!’

“’All that will abate and disappear if the cause is removed.  We who keep our affection for England have done our best to hold the passions of the people in check but we get no help from this side of the ocean.’

“Sir Benjamin sat thoughtfully feeling his silvered mustache.  He had grown stouter and fuller-faced since we had parted in Albany when he had looked like a prosperous, well-bred merchant in military dress and had been limbered and soiled by knocking about in the bush.  Now he wore a white wig and ruffles and looked as dignified as a Tory magistrate.

“In the moment of silence I mustered up my courage and spoke out.

“‘Sir Benjamin,’ I said.  ’I have come to claim your daughter under the promise you gave me at Fort Stanwix.  I have not ceased to love her and if she continues to love me I am sure that our wishes will have your favor and blessing.’

“‘I have not forgotten the promise,’ he said.  ’But America has changed.  It is likely to be a hotbed of rebellion—­perhaps even the scene of a bloody war.  I must consider my daughter’s happiness.’

“‘Conditions in America, sir, are not so bad as you take them to be,’ I assured him.

“‘I hope you are right,’ he answered.  ’I am told that the whole matter rests with your Doctor Franklin.  If we are to go on from bad to worse he will be responsible.’

“’If it rests with him I can assure you, sir, that our troubles will end,’ I said, looking only at the surface of the matter and speaking confidently out of the bottomless pit of my inexperience as the young are like to do.

“‘I believe you are right,’ he declared and went on with a smile.  ’Now, my young friend, the girl has a notion that she loves you.  I am aware of that—­so are you, I happen to know.  Through Doctor Franklin’s influence we have allowed her to receive your letters and to answer them.  I have no doubt of your sincerity, or hers, but I did not foresee what has come to pass.  She is our only child and you can scarcely blame me if I balk at a marriage which promises to turn her away from us and fill our family with dissension.’

“‘May we not respect each other and disagree in politics?’ I asked.

“’In politics, yes, but not in war.  I begin to see danger of war and that is full of the bitterness of death.  If Doctor Franklin will do what he can to reestablish loyalty and order in the colonies my fear will he removed and I shall welcome you to my family.’

“I began to show a glint of intelligence and said:  ’If the ministers will cooperate it will not be difficult.’

“‘The ministers will do anything it is in their power to do.’