Can you think I would let the girl whom my son hopes to
marry do an indelicate thing? Pardon me, but I think I am competent
to judge in such matters. I will be answerable for her conduct and
that of Lieutenant Scoville also, for he is a gentleman if he is our
enemy. I tell you again that your course toward Louise will drive
her to open, reckless defiance. It is a critical time with her. She
is my niece as well as your ward, and it is the dearest wish of
myself and son that she should be bound to us by the closest ties. I
will not have her future and all our hopes endangered by a petty,
useless tyranny. If you will treat her like a young lady of eighteen
I believe she will act like one."
Mrs. Baron was speechless in her anger, but her husband began, "Oh,
well, if he were a Southern officer--"
Then the blood of her race became too hot for Mrs. Whately's
control, and she sprang up, saying, "Well, then, go and tell him to
his face that he's a vile Yankee, a Goth and Vandal, a ruthless
invader, unworthy of a moment's trust, and incapable of behaving
like a gentleman! Take no further protection at his hands.
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