“O Polly, it must be a joke!  They little know me, who could suspect me of such dishonor!  Surely the Atterburys can’t think me so base as that.  What have I ever done to justify such a stigma?”

“You wrong them there.  They hold that you are wanting in loyalty to our father’s memory in espousing the cause of men who were his enemies—­men who strove to ruin his political life.  It is in being a soldier of the Union that they look upon you as recreant to the traditions of your family and your party.”

“Well, I shall make a hard struggle for escape.  If I fail, they will at least see that I am in earnest—­that I put country before family or party, or anything else that men hold dear.  Heavens! to think of being held in such bondage!  I could stand it with more patience if I were in prison sharing the hard lines of the fellows.  But to be here; to be hand in glove with these boasting, audacious coxcombs, and forced to listen to their callow banter of us and our army, it makes me feel like a sneak and a traitor, and I’m glad that I see the end.”

“But do you see the end?  Prudence is one of the wisest counselors in war.  You are very rash, and you must take all your measures carefully.  It won’t do to rush into a trap, as you did at Manassas; and, O Jack, what is to become of Dick?  He is not in the lists.  He has no standing here, and is at the mercy of any one who chooses to accuse him of being a spy.”

“By George, you’re right!  I hadn’t thought of that.  He must go with me.  I had thought it better to leave him.  He is so happy with Rosa that I fancied he would remain contentedly until the war ends.  But he is in constant danger.  He is forever tantalizing the people that visit the house, who make slighting allusions to the Northern armies, and very likely some rebel patriot will take the trouble to inquire about him.”

“But even if this were not a peril, he would never consent to remain here if you were gone.  I think he would give up Rosa rather than be separated from you.”

“Yes, the impulsive little beggar, I believe he would,” Jack said, his eyes glistening.  “That will compel us to take him into the secret.  In fact, I don’t see how it can be managed without him; and then his testimony would convict the prisoners.  I hadn’t thought of that.  But now, Polly, about yourself.  What’s to become of you?”

“I have my plans laid.  Mrs. Myrason, the wife of one of Johnston’s generals, is going to the front next week.  I shall insist to-night on accompanying her, as some of our physicians are going to be sent through the lines at the same time.  There is really no reason for my remaining here, now that you are well.  I have already broached the subject to Mrs. Atterbury, and I shall inform her at once that I am decided.  She will not suspect anything, as she knew I was half-tempted to go North when mamma went.  The important thing for you, now, is to give your whole mind to the rescue, and have no fears for me.  If you can convince Dick to go with you, all will be well.  If he proves obstinate, hand him over to me.”  Jack laughed.