“Why, Miss Baron, what a question!  Within the received limits of good taste a woman has as much right to independent action as a man.”

“Well, then, how can she ever have any independence if she is treated as a child up to one day of her life, and the next day is expected to promise she will obey a man as long as he lives?”

The angry spots in Mrs. Baron’s cheeks had been burning deeper and deeper, and now she spoke promptly and freezingly, “Mr. Scoville, I absolve you from answering one who is proving herself to be neither a child nor a refined woman.  I did not expect this additional humiliation.  If it had not occurred I would have taken no part in the conversation.  Mr. Baron, I think we have granted even more than the most quixotic idea of courtesy could demand.”

“‘Granted? demand?’ surely there is some mistake, madam,” said Scoville with dignity, as he rose instantly from the table.  “I have asked nothing whatever except that you should dismiss your fears as far as I and my men are concerned.”

Mrs. Whately was provoked equally at herself and all the others.  She now deeply regretted that she had not left the Union officer to obtain his supper where and how he could, but felt that she must smooth matters over as far as possible.  “Lieutenant Scoville,” she said hurriedly, “you must make allowances for people in the deepest stress of trouble.  We did intend all the courtesy which our first remarks defined.  Of course you cannot know our circumstances, and when words are spoken which cut to the quick it is hard to give no sign.  Perhaps our hearts are too sore and our differences too radical—­” and she hesitated.

“I understand you, madam,” said Scoville, bowing.  “I can only repeat my assurances of your safety and express my regret—­”

“Oh, shame!” cried Miss Lou, whose anger and indignation now passed all bounds.  “We are not in the deepest stress of trouble, and you, Mrs. Whately, are the last one to say it.  I saw this gentleman’s sabre poised at your son’s throat long enough to have killed him twice over, and he did not do it, even in the excitement of defending his own life.  After Mrs. Baron’s words he again assures us of safety.  What did you all predict would happen immediately when Northern soldiers came?  Whether I am refined or not, I am at least grateful.  Lieutenant, please come with me.  I will try to prove that I appreciate your courtesy and forbearance,” and she led the way from the room.

He bowed ceremoniously to Mr. Baron and the ladies, then followed the girl, leaving them, almost paralyzed by their conflicting emotions.

CHAPTER XVI

A SMILE ON WAR’S GRIM FACE

Miss Lou led the way to the broad, moonlit piazza.  As Scoville followed, he saw that the girl was trembling violently, and he was thus able to grasp in some degree the courage she was manifesting in her first half-desperate essays toward freedom.  “Poor child!” he thought, “her fright is surpassed only by her determination.  How easily they could manage her by a little tact and kindness!”