As Whately entered, his mother put her hand on his arm, and warned,
"Madison, I fear you are all wrong--"
"Mother, I will be obeyed at once. The carriage is ready. My own
men, who have been paroled, will act as escort. Lou shall go if
taken by force."
"Madison, what can you hope from a wife won by such violence?"
"She will fear and obey me the rest of her life. I'd rather die ten
thousand deaths than be balked after what she has said. Come, let's
go through the form of breakfast and then I shall act."
They found Miss Lou with her uncle, aunt, and Major Brockton already
at the table. The major at once resumed his condolences. "I am very
sorry indeed," he said, "that you ladies are compelled to leave your
home."
"Do you think it wisest and best that we should?" asked Mrs. Whately
quickly, hoping that her niece would feel the force of the older
officer's decision.
"Yes, madam, I do. I think that the sooner you all are south of our
advance the better. It is possible that a battle may take place on
this very ground, although I hope not.
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