“Do you actually mean to say that you will try to marry me against my will?”

“Certainly, against your present will.  Do you suppose that I can be guided in my solemn trust by your petulance, your ignorant notions of life, and your almost childish passion?  In France, the most civilized country in the world, parents and guardians arrange these affairs as a matter of course, and with the best results.  It is the general method all over the world.  Far more than mere family and pecuniary interests are concerned in this instance.  We are giving you a protector in the time of your deepest need.”

“How could Lieutenant Whately protect me if the Yankees should come in numbers?”

“In more ways than you can imagine.  Moreover, he would probably be permitted to escort you and your mother to a place of safety.  You would have his name, and the name of a Confederate officer would always entitle you to respect.”

“Oh, this is dreadful!” cried the girl, bewildered and almost paralyzed by the old man’s inexorable words and manner.  So unsophisticated was she, so accustomed to be governed, that the impression was strong that she could be controlled even in this supreme crisis.

She rushed into the parlor, where her cousin was striding up and down in a whirl of the glad excitement so congenial to his spirit.  “Cousin Madison,” she exclaimed, “I know you are hasty and impetuous, but generous impulses should go with such a nature.  You surely will not use your advantage against an orphan girl?”

“No, indeed, dear coz, not against, but for you.  I love you too well to leave you to the chances of war.”

“Oh, but this is the certainty of evil.  You know I do not love you.  If you would wait—­if you would give me time to think it all over—­”

“Why, so you shall when I’ve escorted you and mother to some place where none can molest or make you afraid.”

“Escort me, then, as I am, under your mother’s care.  Truly this would be a better way to win my heart than such hasty violence to all my feelings and wishes.”

“My dear Louise, you may think me a hasty, inconsiderate wooer to-day, but that is because you do not know all that I know.  I must, like your guardians, be guided by your best welfare.  When you learn to know me as a kind, loyal, considerate husband, you will appreciate my most friendly and decisive action at this time.  You are in great danger; you may soon be homeless.  In the case of one so young and fair as you are, those who love you, as you know I do passionately, must act, not in accordance with your passing mood, but in a way to secure your peace and honor for all time.”

“Oh, this is all a terrible dream!  You can—­you can protect me as your cousin, should I need any such protection, which I cannot believe.  Northern soldiers are not savages.  I know it!  I know it!”

“How can you know it?  Have I not seen more of them than you have?  I tell you that for the honor of our house I shall and will give you the protection of my name at once.  Your uncle and aunt feel as strongly as I do about it, and your happiness will be the only result.  We Southern people take no chances in these matters.”