But how could I account in any reasonable way for my presence at Elmhurst, or even successfully sustain my claim to being a Continental officer.

I could not tell Colonel Mortimer that I had been taken prisoner by his daughter, masquerading as a lieutenant of dragoons.
Apparently he knew nothing of this escapade, and she would scarcely forgive me for exposure; besides, for all I knew to the contrary, the girl might have thus been attempting to serve the Colonies, and a word of betrayal might seriously injure our cause.

Of course this was merely conjecture, a wild guess, although there was one fact I could not ignore in this connection--she had twice defended me from capture, and I dare not bring any suspicion upon her.

Then Grant had barely mentioned her name, in no way involving her in my escape.

Whatever the result my lips were sealed.