Miss Lou began to receive impressions which filled her with awe.  Heretofore she had been intensely excited by what had been mere skirmishes, but now she witnessed preparations for a battle.  That long line of dark blue on the ridge portended something more terrible than she could imagine.  The sounds of conflict died away down the main road, the ring of axes was heard in the grove which crowned the ridge near the mansion, and Mr. Baron groaned again.  Thin curls of smoke began to define the Union position—­before noon thousands of coffee-pots were simmering on the fires.

At last, a tall man, followed by a little group of officers and a squadron of cavalry, rode down the ridge toward the mansion.  These troopers surrounded the house, forming one circle near and another much further away, so that none could approach without causing prompt alarm.  The group of officers dismounted and orderlies held their horses.  As the tall man came up the veranda steps Miss Lou saw two white stars on his shoulder.  Then her uncle advanced reluctantly and this man said, “Mr. Baron, I presume?”

“Yes, sir.”

“My name is Marston, commanding officer.  This is my staff.  Will you oblige us by as good a meal as can be provided hastily?  I will pay for it.”

“No, sir, you cannot pay for it,” replied Mr. Baron indignantly.  “I keep a house of entertainment only for my friends.  At the same time I know your request is equivalent to a command, and we will do the best we can.”

“Very well, sir.  I can repay you in a way that will be satisfactory to my mind and be more advantageous to you.  Hartly, tell the officer in command to permit no depredations.  Ladies, your servant,” and the general dropped into a chair as if weary.

Some of the younger officers promptly sought to play the agreeable to Mrs. Whately and her niece, and upon the latter all eyes rested in undisguised admiration.  Cold and shy as she had appeared, she had not failed to note the fact.  The woman was sufficiently developed within her for this, and the quick, unanimous verdict of these strangers and enemies in regard to herself which she read in their eyes came with almost the force of a revelation.  For the first time, she truly became conscious of her beauty and its power.  More than ever, she exulted in her escape and freedom, thinking, “What a poor figure is Cousin Mad beside these men whose faces are so full of intelligence!”

Mrs. Whately was the perfection of dignified courtesy, but quickly excused herself and niece on the plea of hastening preparations.  She was one who could not extend even enforced hospitality bereft of its grace, and she also explained to Miss Lou, “We had much better gain their good-will than their ill-will.”

“Well, auntie, we must admit that the Yankees have not acted like monsters yet.”

The lady bit her lip, but said after a moment, “I suppose gentlemen are much the same the world over.  Thus far it has been our good-fortune to have met with such only.  There is another class, however, from which God defend us!”