Peggy Owen, Patriot: A Story for Girls
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CHAPTER XIII--GOOD NEWS
"To them was life a simple art Of duties to be done, A game where each one took his part, A race where all must run."
--"The Men of Old," Lord Houghton.
Life flowed along in its customary channels with little of incident forPeggy and her mother after the departure of Drayton. But if it was noteventful there was no lack of occupation.
The house and grounds were brought into order; the stores of unspun wooland unhatcheled flax were at length all spun into yarn and thread whichin turn were woven into cloth from which the two replenished theirdepleted wardrobes. But, though all patriotic women strove to supplytheir every need by domestic industry, the prices of the commonestnecessities of life advanced to such an extent that only the strictestfrugality enabled them to live.
"There is one thing, mother," said Peggy one morning in November as shefound Mrs. Owen studying accounts with a grave face. "There is one thingsure: if the war lasts much longer we shall all be ruined as to ourestates, whatever may be the state of our liberties."
"True, Peggy," answered her mother with a sigh. "Philadelphia hathbecome a place of 'crucifying expenses,' as Mr. James Lovell says. Andhow to be more frugal I know not."
"And yet there was never so much dressing and entertaining going on,"remarked Peggy.
"Times are strangely altered indeed," observed the lady with anothersigh. "The city is no longer the town that William Penn desired, buthath gone wild with luxury and dissipation."
"Many are leaving the city, mother. 'Tis not we alone who find itexpensive."
"I know, Peggy. 'Tis affecting every one. Would that a better examplewere set the citizens at headquarters. Mr. Arnold is a good soldier. Hehath shown himself to be a man of rare courage, but I fear 'twas amistake to put him in charge of our city. Would that he had less money,or else more prudence. I fear the effect on the country. But there! Ihave uttered more than was wise, but I trust to thy discretion."
"The city is rife with rumors of his extravagance, mother," Peggy madeanswer. "Thee is not alone in commenting upon it. Here was Robertyesterday looking exceedingly grave anent the reports. He says thatthere is much talk concerning the number and magnificence of theentertainments given at headquarters, and that many deem it but mereostentation."
"I feared there would be comment," was Mrs. Owen's reply. "'Tis pitythat it should happen so when he hath such a fine record as a soldier.Such things cause discontent. There is so much use for the money amongthe suffering soldiers that I wonder he does not choose to spend it so.I like not to see waste. 'Tis sinful. Ah! here is Betty, who looks fullof importance. Belike she hath news."
"I am come to say good-bye, Peggy," announced Betty Williams bustling inupon them. "Mother and family are going to Lancaster. Father hathadvised us to leave the city owing to the high price of commodities, andwhile they go there, I, with a party of friends, am going to Dr.Simpson's to take the smallpox. It hath been so prevalent that motherfeared for me to delay longer in taking it."
"Does thee not dread it, Betty?" questioned Peggy, regarding Betty'sfair skin with some anxiety.
"I like not the pittings," confessed Betty candidly. "But Dr. Simpsonadvertises that he hath acquired special skill in the Orient indistributing the marks so as to minister to feminine looks instead ofdetracting from them, and he promises to limit them to but few. Can theenot come with me, Peggy? Thee has not had it, and we shall be a merryparty."
"I fear that it would not be altogether to my liking, Betty. I know thatI should be inoculated, but I shrink from the process. I will say sofrankly."
"Thee is just like Sally," cried Betty. "She hath courage to become anurse, yet cannot pluck up heart to join a smallpox party. And thee,Peggy Owen! I am disappointed in thee. I have not half thy pluck, norSally's; yet I mind not the ordeal. It may save me from a greatercalamity. Just think how relieved the mind would be not to dread thedisease all the rest of one's life. And then to emerge fairer thanbefore, for so the doctor promises. Oh, _charmante_!" ended Betty.
"Thee is brave to feel so about it, Betty," said Peggy. "I hope that allwill result as thee wishes. I shall miss thee."
"I wish thee would come too," said Betty wistfully. "The other girls arenice, but there are none like thee and Sally. It used to be that wethree were together in everything, but since the war began all that hathchanged. What sort of times have come upon us when the only fun left toa damsel is to take the smallpox? And what does thee think, Peggy? Iwove some linen, and sent it to the ladies to make into sheets for theprisoners. They said that it was the toughest linen they had ever workedwith. It made their fingers bleed."
"Oh, Betty, Betty! was it thou who wove that linen?" laughed Peggyholding up her hands for inspection. "I've had to bind my fingers up inmutton tallow every night since I sewed on it. Never mind! thee meantwell, anyhow. Come now! Shall we have a cup of tea, and a chat anentthings other than smallpox, or tough linen?"
The two girls left the room, and Mrs. Owen turned once more to heraccounts. But as the days passed by and the complexion of the timesbecame no better her perplexity deepened.
The ferment of the city grew. Personal and political disputes of allkinds were rife at this time. Men began to refer to the capital city asan attractive scene of debauch and amusement. In compliment to thealliance French fashions and customs crept in, and the extravagance ofthe country at large in the midst of its distresses became amazing. Itwas a period of transition. The war itself was dull. The two armies laywatching each other--Clinton in New York City, with Washington's forcesextending from White Plains to Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Congress wasno longer the dignified body of seventy-six, and often sat with fewerthan a dozen members. Even the best men wearied of the war, and theirdissatisfaction communicated itself to the masses. The conditionsfavored excesses, and Philadelphia, as the chief city, was caught in avortex of extravagances.
So it was much to Mrs. Owen's relief when she received a letter from herhusband bidding her to come to him with Peggy.
"There will be no luxuries, and few conveniences," he wrote fromMiddlebrook, which was the headquarters for the winter of seventy-eight."None the less there is time for enjoyment as well as duty. Many of theofficers have their wives and families with them so that there is noreason why we should not be together also.
"Tell Peggy that she will live in the midst of military equipment, butwill not find it unpleasant. General Greene told me that he dined at atable in Philadelphia last week where one hundred and sixty dishes wereserved. Would that our soldiers had some of it! What a change hath comeover the hearts of the people! I shall be glad to have thee and mylittle Peggy out of it.
"Come as soon as thou canst make arrangements, and we will be a reunitedfamily once more, for the winter at least. God alone knows what thespring will bring forth. 'Tis now thought that Sir Henry Clinton intendsfor the South at that time. 'Twould change the complexion of affairsvery materially."
Here followed some instructions as to financial and other matters. Mrs.Owen called Peggy hastily.
"Oh, mother, mother! isn't thee glad?" cried the girl dancing aboutexcitedly. "And we will not only be with father, but with the army too.Just think! The very same soldiers that we have been making socks andshirts for so long."
"The very same, Peggy," answered her mother, her face reflecting Peggy'sdelight. "I am in truth pleased to go. I was much worried as to theoutcome of the winter here."