“Bah!” cried the girl, now almost furious.  “Where’s uncle?”

“In his office, I suppose.”

Whately had preceded her thither, and had already made known to Mr. Baron the nature of his interview with his cousin, adding:  “Our best policy will be just to take our course as a matter of course, in a genial, friendly way.  We certainly are the girl’s best friends, and it won’t be long before she acknowledges the fact.  All we do is to secure her safety, welfare and happiness.  She will be as skittish as a blooded filly over it all at first—­a feature in the case which only increases my admiration and affection.  She doesn’t and can’t realize the need of the step, how it’s best for all concerned in general and herself in particular.  The thing to do, therefore, is to go right straight along.  Mother will be here this evening, and will do much toward talking her into it.  Lou’s anger and revolt will probably be well over by to-morrow, and all—­”

Further predictions were interrupted by the swift entrance of the girl.  She stood still a moment and regarded the two men in silent scorn.  “So you are plotting?” she said at last.

“Oh, dear, no, sweet coz.  Nothing is more foreign to my nature than plotting.  I am a man of action.”

“If your words have any truth or meaning, you are bent on very dishonorable action.”

“Far from it.  I shall have the sanction of both Church and State.”

“This, then, is the boasted Southern chivalry of which I have heard so much.”

“It has been knightly in all times to protect and rescue lovely woman.”

“I need no protection, except against you.  Please leave the room.  I wish to speak to uncle.”

He attempted to kiss her hand as he passed out, but she snatched it away.  “Uncle,” she said, coming directly to him, “can it be that you sanction anything so wicked as this?  It seems as if you and aunt were permitting my cousin to put upon me a cruel practical joke.”

“Ahem!  Your very words, Louise, prove how unfit you are to judge and act in accordance with this emergency.  You even dream that we are in a mood for jesting at this time, when our days and even hours may be numbered.  No, indeed.  I am resolved to unite with my protection all the power and dignity vested in a Confederate officer.”

“In other words, to shield me against some possible danger you will try to inflict on me the worst thing that could happen.”

“Hoity-toity!  Is an honorable marriage which has always been contemplated the worst that could happen?  If we are driven forth by hordes of Northern vandals, you would think it the best thing that had happened.”

“I don’t fear these Northern vandals.  I have”—­and then she checked herself in time.

“You don’t fear them!  Why, Louise, every word you speak makes it more imperative that I should act for one so utterly inexperienced and ignorant.”