"
"Now, madam, you have me at disadvantage. I do not know what we
would or could do if confronted only by implacable Southern women."
"Do not imagine that I am jesting. I cannot tell you how strange it
seems that a man of your appearance and evident character should be
among our cruel enemies."
"And yet, Mrs. Whately, you cannot dispute the fact. Pardon me for
saying it, but I think that is just where the South is in such
serious error. It shuts its eyes to so many simple facts--a course
which experience proves is never wise. I may declare, and even
believe, that there is no solid wall before me, yet if I go headlong
against it, I am bruised all the same. Positive beliefs do not
create truths. I fancy that a few hours since you were absolutely
sure that this courtesy of which I am the grateful recipient could
not be, yet you were mistaken."
"Has not the sad experience of many others inspired our fears?
Neither has the end come with us yet. You said that the main
Northern force would come this way tomorrow.
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