Whately dropped his whip and stood with bowed head, paralyzed with shame.  There were wild cries and a swaying of the field-hands toward the house.  The mounted soldiers drew their revolvers and looked from the thronging black faces to that of their commander, but he paid no heed to them.  Perkins did not wait, however, but drawing his weapon, began to limp toward the threatening mass, with oaths and orders to disperse.  As for Mr. Baron and the ladies, they were just helpless in the whirl of events.

Although Miss Lou’s back was toward this new phase of the drama, she instantly and instinctively comprehended it.  With a fear almost hereditary, as well as one vaguely dreaded from childhood, she recognized the possible horrors of an insurrection, her own action the indirect cause.  She turned and sprang forward so swiftly to interpose that her comb fell away, and her golden hair streamed behind her.  She stood between the blacks and those who could harm them; also those whom, in their wild excitement, they were ready to attack.

“Silence!” she cried; then in the deep hush that followed she called out, in clear, ringing tones:  “Every friend of mine will go back to quarters, keep quiet, and obey orders.  I promise that no harm shall come to any of you.”

The men doffed their ragged hats, and a voice from the crowd answered, “We ‘bey you, Miss Lou, en we won’ let no harm come ter you, noder.”  Then as the dense, angry mass of a hundred or more men and women melted away toward the quarters, it was seen that many a heavy club was carried among them.  Miss Lou watched them silently two or three moments, the rest looking on in wonder and suppressed anger mingled with fear.  The girl returned, and taking her mammy by the hand, was about to lead her into the house.  Whately started as she essayed to pass him unheedingly, and seized her hand.  “Lou, Cousin Lou, forgive me!” he cried.  “You know I meant you no such indignity.”

“I know you mean me a greater one,” she replied, coldly, withdrawing her hand.

“See!  I ask your forgiveness on my knees!” he urged, passionately.

But her heart was steeled against him, for her very soul was hot with indignation.  “Come, mammy,” she said, firmly, “such shelter and protection as I still have in this house you shall share.”

“Louise, this is monstrous!” began Mrs. Baron.

“No!” cried the girl.  “This poor creature is the nearest approach I have ever known to a mother.  She doesn’t know about her grandson, and no one shall try to cut the truth out of her.  Come, mammy,” and she led the trembling old negress up to her room.  When hidden from all eyes her courage and excitement gave way, and she cried on her mammy’s breast like the child she was.

CHAPTER X

A BAFFLED DIPLOMATIST

Miss Lou left consternation, confusion and deep anxiety below stairs.  Mad Whately had his own code of ethics, and he felt as if he had committed the unpardonable sin.  His mother was shocked and pained beyond measure.  She understood the feelings of her son, and sympathized with him.  Drawing him into the parlor, she soothed and cheered him with the assurance that when his cousin’s anger passed she would explain and intercede.