2

Sir Benjamin received the young man with a warm greeting and friendly words.  Their breakfast was served in a small room where they were alone together, and when they were seated the Baronet observed: 

“I have heard of the duel.  It has set some of the best tongues in England wagging in praise of ‘the Yankee boy.’  One would scarcely have expected that.”

“No, I was prepared to run for my life—­not that I planned to do any great damage,” said Jack.

“You can shoot straight—­that is evident.  They call your delivery of that bullet swift, accurate and merciful.  Your behavior has pleased some very eminent people.  The blustering talk of the General excites no sympathy here.  In London, strangers are not likely to be treated as you were.”

“If I did not believe that I should be leaving it,” said Jack.  “I should not like to take up dueling for an amusement, as some men have done in France.”

“You are a well built man inside and out,” Sir Benjamin answered.  “You might have a great future in England.  I speak advisedly.”

Their talk had taken a turn quite unexpected.  It flattered the young man.  He blushed and answered: 

“Sir Benjamin, I have no great faith in my talents.”

“On terms which I would call easy, you could have fame, honor and riches, I would say.”

“At present I want only your daughter.  As to the rest, I shall make myself content with what may naturally come to me.”

“And let me name the terms on which I should be glad to welcome you to my family.”

“What are the terms?”

“Loyalty to your King and a will to understand and assist his plans.”

“I could not follow him unless he will change his plans.”

The Baronet put down his fork and looked up at the young man.  “Do you really mean what you say?” he demanded.  “Is it so difficult for you to do your duty as a British subject?”

“Sir Benjamin, always I have been taught that it is the duty of a British subject to resist oppression.  The plans of the King are oppressive.  I can not fall in with them.  I love Margaret as I love my life, but I must keep myself worthy of her.  If I could think so well of my conduct, it is because I have principles that are inviolable.”

“At least I hope you would promise me not to take up arms against the King.”

“Please don’t ask me to do that.  It would grieve me to fight against England.  I hope it may never be, but I would rather fight than submit to tyranny.”

The Baronet made no reply to this declaration so firmly made.  A new look came into his face.  Indignation and resentment were there, but he did not forget the duty of a host.  He began to speak of other things.  The breakfast went on to its end in an atmosphere of cool politeness.

When they were out upon the street together, Sir Benjamin turned to him and said: