“Men are much what women make them; and it would almost seem that women are the chief inspiration of this mob.  The draft may have been its inciting cause, but it has degenerated into an insatiable thirst for violence, blood, and plunder.  I saw an Irishwoman to-day who fought like a wild-cat before she would give up her stolen goods.”

The German servant Riten now began to place dinner on the table, Mr. Vosburgh remarking, “We had determined to wait for you on this occasion.”

“What am I thinking of?” cried Merwyn.  “If this thing goes on I shall become uncivilized.  Mr. Vosburgh, do take me somewhere that I may bathe my hands and face, and please let me exchange this horrid blouse, redolent of the riot, for almost any kind of garment.  I could not sit at the table with Miss Vosburgh in my present guise.”

“Yes, papa, give him your white silk waistcoat and dress-coat,” added Marian, laughing.

“Come with me,” said Mr. Vosburgh, “and I’ll find you an outfit for the sake of your own comfort.”

“I meant to trespass on your kindness when I first came in, but mind and body seemed almost paralyzed.  I feel better already, however.  While we are absent may I ask if you have your weapons ready?”

“Yes, I have a revolver on my person, and my rifle is in the dining-room.”

A few moments later the gentlemen descended, Merwyn in a sack-coat that hung rather loosely on his person.  Before sitting down he scanned the street, which was quiet.

“My former advice, Merwyn,” said his host; “you must make a light meal and wait until you are more rested.”

“O papa, what counsel to give a guest!”

“Counsel easily followed,” said Merwyn.  “I crave little else than coffee.  Indeed, your kindness, Miss Vosburgh, has so heartened me, that I am rallying fast.”

“Since everything is to be in such great moderation, perhaps I have been too prodigal of that,” was the arch reply.

“I shall be grateful for much or little.”

“Oh, no, don’t put anything on the basis of gratitude.  I have too much of that to be chary of it.”

“A happy state of affairs,” said Merwyn, “since what you regard as services on my part are priceless favors to me.  I can scarcely realize it, and have thought of it all day, that I only, of all your friends, can be with you now.  Strahan will be green with envy, and so I suppose will the others.”

“I do not think any the less of them because it is impossible for them to be here,” said the young girl, blushing.

“Of course not.  It’s only my immense good fortune.  They would give their right eyes to stand in my shoes.”

“I hope I may soon hear that they are all recovering.  I fear that Mr. Lane’s and Mr. Strahan’s wounds are serious; and, although Mr. Blauvelt made light of his hurt, he may find that it is no trifle.”

“It would seem that I am doomed to have no honorable scars.”