always believe in the man who was so carried away with her that he
carried her away. My course is best, therefore, on general
principles, while in this particular instance we have every reason
for prompt action. Lou and I have been destined for each other from
childhood, and I'm not willing to leave her to the chances of the
hurly-burly which may soon begin. As my wife I can protect her in
many ways impossible now."




CHAPTER VI

THE STORM BEGINS


Of late years Aun' Jinkey's principal work had been the fine washing
and ironing of the family, in which task she had always been an
adept. For this reason she had been given the cabin near the run and
an unusually fine spring. Miss Lou felt a kindly solicitude and not
a little curiosity in regard to the man who in a sense had been
thrown at her feet for protection. So gathering up some of her
laces, she made them an excuse for another visit to Aun' Jinkey.
Mrs. Baron readily acquiesced, for she felt that if there was to be
a wedding, the whole house must be cleaned from top to bottom.
Moreover, by such occupation her mind could be diverted from the
dire misgivings inspired by the proximity of Yankees. Under the
circumstances, it would be just as well if her niece were absent.

As the girl passed down through the shrubbery, she found Chunk