They were scarcely seated at the table again before she startled
them all by saying, "Major Brockton, I appeal to you, as a Southern
gentleman and a Southern officer, for protection."
"Why, Miss Baron!" exclaimed the major, "you fairly take away my
breath."
"Little wonder, sir. I have had mine taken away."
"Louise, you are insane!" cried Mr. Baron, starting up.
"Major, you can see for yourself that I am not insane, that I have
perfect self-control. As you are a true man I plead with you not to
let my cousin send me away. He can only do so by force, but I plead
with you not to permit it. If I must I will tell you all, but I'd
rather not. I am an orphan and so have sacred claims on every true
man, and I appeal to you. I do not fear any battle that may be
fought here, but I do fear being sent away, and with good reason."
"Oh, Louise!" cried Mrs. Whately, with scarlet face, "you place us
in a horrible position."
"Not in so horrible a one as I have been placed, and which I will
not risk again, God is my witness.
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