this is a time when to our people the example of obedience is most necessary, and you should be the first to set it in all respects.  It will only increase the trouble which your uncle and Perkins are having if our people see that you are rebellious.  There is much that you should be doing and seeing to, for your uncle says that it may be best for you to leave the plantation with Mrs. Whately and her son immediately after your marriage.”

“I am not married yet.  I shall appeal to Aunt Whately, and if she has a woman’s heart she will not sanction the marriage.”

“You will find that because she has a woman’s heart, and a Baron’s heart, she will sanction it and insist upon it.”

“We shall see,” replied the girl, turning to go to her room.

“Louise, it is my wish that you should put your things in order to be packed hastily, if need be.”

Miss Lou made no answer.

CHAPTER IX

PARALYZED WITH SHAME

So far from obeying her aunt’s injunctions, Miss Lou sat down by her window, but she did not note the smiling spring landscape over which the western sun was throwing its long, misty rays.  Tears so blurred her eyes and blinded her vision that she could scarcely see at all.  At last she was aroused by the crunching of wheels, and became aware that Mrs. Whately had arrived.  From what she knew of this aunt she had a good deal of hope from her appeal, for Mrs. Whately had always seemed a kind-hearted woman.  True, she had been over-indulgent to her son, and, in her blind idolatry of this only child, blind to his faults, always comforting herself with the belief that he was merely high-spirited and would settle down when he grew older.

Miss Lou wished to speak to the mother before the son returned, and in the hope of securing a merciful ally in the lady, went down immediately to receive her.  Mr. Baron was on the back porch calling, “Chunk, where in the mischief are you?” Where, indeed, with the start he had gained for the Union lines?

“My dear niece,” cried Mrs. Whately, effusively, “how glad I am to see you, and to take you in my arms on this deeply interesting occasion!” but the matron was troubled at the girl’s red eyes and pallid face.

“I will show you to your room at once,” said Mrs. Baron to her guest, decisively and significantly.

Miss Lou was right in believing that the situation and the unhappy appearance of the prospective bride would be explained.  She had been forestalled in her chance to make an appeal.  Mrs. Baron emphatically sustained her husband’s purpose, concluding:  “My dear sister, in this crisis you will have to take a firm stand with the rest of us.  Louise is acting like a perverse child, and no more realizes the necessity and wisdom of our course than a baby.”

Meantime the outcry for Chunk increased, and Miss Lou was troubled that he did not respond.  Taking advantage of the fact that her mistress was upstairs, Zany stole swiftly, with many a misgiving, to Aun’ Jinkey’s cabin.