“Forgive me,” she said earnestly.  “There it is again.  You are unselfishly thinking of me, and that’s so new.  There’s no use of disguising it.  When you go there’ll not be one left except Aun’ Jinkey and Uncle Lusthah who will truly wish what’s best for me without regard to themselves.  Well, it can’t be helped.  At least I have had a warning which I won’t forget.”

“But Mrs. Whately seems so kindly—­”

“Hush!  I see uncle coming.  She would sacrifice herself utterly for her son, and do you think she would spare me?”

Mr. Baron’s fears and honest sense of responsibility led him at last to seek his niece.  In doing this he saw Perkins under guard.  Hastening to Scoville he demanded, “What does this mean?  My overseer is not a combatant, sir.”

“Mr. Baron,” replied the officer, “have you not yet learned that I am in command on this plantation?”

Poor Mr. Baron lost his temper again and exploded most unwisely in the words, “Well, sir, my niece is not under your command.  You had no right to take her from the house without my permission.  I shall report you to your superior officer to-morrow.”

“I hope you will, sir.”

“I also protest against the treatment of my overseer.”

“Very well, sir.”

“You will please release my niece’s arm and leave us to ourselves, as you promised.”

“No, sir, I shall escort Miss Baron back to Mrs. Whately, from whom I obtained the honor of her society.”

“Louise, I command”—­Mr. Baron began, almost choking with rage.

“No, uncle,” replied the girl, “you command me no more ...  Request me politely, and I will shake hands with Lieutenant Scoville, thank him for his courtesy to me and to us all, and then go with you.”

The old man turned on his heel and walked back to the house without a word.

“Bravo!” whispered Scoville, but he felt her hand tremble on his arm.  “That’s your true course,” he added.  “Insist on the treatment due your age, act like a lady, and you will be safe.”

“Well,” Mrs. Whately tried to say politely, “have not you young people taken an ell?”

“No, Mrs. Whately,” Scoville replied gravely.  “We have not taken a step out of our way between here and the quarters, although we have lingered in conversation.  We have ever been in plain sight of many of your people.  I put the overseer under arrest because I had absolute proof of his malicious hostility.  I shall inflict no injury on any one who does not threaten to be dangerous to my command, my duty requiring that I draw the line sharply there.  Mrs. Whately, I have never met a young lady who inspired in me more honest respect.  If we have trespassed on your patience, the blame is mine.  Ladies, I thank you for your courtesy and wish you good-night,” and he walked rapidly away.

“Aunty,” said Miss Lou, “you have begun to treat me in a way which would inspire my love and confidence.”