“Yes, we will go at once,” said Mr. Travilla, rising, Vi in one arm Harold in the other; and motioning to the servants to follow, he was about to leave the room, when Calhoun spoke.

“Do not go yet, Mr. Travilla:  I think grandpa and the ladies will be here directly.”

“Thanks, but I will see Mr. Dinsmore at another time.  Now my first duty is to these terrified little ones.”

“I am exceedingly sorry for what has occurred; more mortified than I can express—­”

“No need for apology, Conly; but you must see the necessity for our abrupt departure.  Good evening to you all.”

Calhoun followed to the carriage door, helped to put the children in, then addressing Mr. Travilla, “I see you doubt me, sir,” he said, “and not without reason, I own; yet I assure you I have no property in those disguises, never have worn, and never will wear such a thing:  much less take part in the violence they are meant to protect from punishment.”

“I am glad to hear you say so, Cal.  Good evening.”  And the carriage whirled away down the avenue.

The rapid motion and the feeling that the objects of their affright were being left far behind, seemed to soothe and reassure the children, yet each sought to be as near as possible to their loved protector.

Harold and the babe soon fell asleep, and on reaching home were carried directly to bed; but the older ones begged so hard to be allowed to “stay with papa till mamma came home” that he could not find it in his heart to refuse them.

The Dinsmore party found Sophie devoting herself to her sick child; the attack had been sudden and severe, and all the previous night the mother had watched by the couch of the little sufferer with an aching heart, fearing she was to be taken from her; but now the danger seemed nearly over, a favorable change having taken place during the day.

Daisy had fallen into a quiet slumber, and leaving the nurse to watch at the bedside, the mother received and conversed with her friends in an adjoining room.

Though evidently very glad to see them, she seemed, after the first few moments, so depressed and anxious, that at length her sister remarked it, and asked if there were any other cause than Daisy’s illness.

“Yes, Rose,” she said, “I must own that I am growing very timid in regard to these Ku Klux outrages.  Since they have taken to beating and shooting whites as well as blacks, women as well as men, who shall say that we are safe?  I a Northern woman too and without a protector.”

“I do not think they will molest a lady of your standing,” said Mr. Dinsmore, “the widow too of a Confederate officer.  But where is Boyd, that you say you are without a protector?”