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At supper, Mr Johnson toasted Robbie and me; there were too many people to sit down, so everyone ate from plates held in our hands I nibbled at a beaten biscuit and a bit of plune, which tasted delightful to , and the rooly handsoreen coat and white lace cravat; I danced not only with hiotRodney Taylor;myself immensely

Suddenly Freddie Ashford stood before"Would you honor ht and happy that I forgot how much I hated him "Why, Lieutenant! What a surprise Have you escaped the heat and sickness of Charles Town once again? It will be my pleasure"

The dance was a reel, and we did not speak for concentrating on the steps I grew quite breathless with exertion The sound of the an to blur I put out both hands and foundled out of the house and onto the porch, where I retched over the rail, while so htened up Freddie held out his handkerchief to me

"So you have married Mrs Belden's cousin Robert Stewart," he said

"Yes," I said, o This is our honeyne appear to have overcoain

"I shall fetch a glass of claret for you," he said "Perhaps it will settle you" He took my arm and steered me toward a chair "Sit down, and I shall return directly" I obeyed, feeling very weak

I heard footsteps approaching shortly, and opened my eyes Robbie calass of wine and a cup of water He moistened his handkerchief and I wiped lass

"Jessie, lass Perhaps you are not yet well enough for parties," he said

"Perhaps not; yet I areeable"

He sat in a chair next to er?"