"How can they help it?"

"Daisy, I am confident there is not the slightest danger to
Washington. Do you think I would have brought you into
danger?"

"Oh, I am not thinking of danger to myself!" I exclaimed. "I
am not afraid in that way."

"For the country, are you afraid?"

"Dr. Sandford, do you think there is real danger to the
country?" I asked.

"The South will do what they can."

"Do you expect the North will be able to stand against them?"

"_You_ do not," - he said smiling.

"I know nothing about it," I said; "or at least, I know very
little of what the North can do. Of course, I know _some_
Northern soldiers will fight as well as any; but, do you
think, Dr. Sandford, they can stand - the greater part of them
- do you think they can meet the bravery and skill of the
South and get the better?"

I asked anxiously. Dr. Sandford's brow grew grave.