in numbers?"

"In more ways than you can imagine. Moreover, he would probably be
permitted to escort you and your mother to a place of safety. You
would have his name, and the name of a Confederate officer would
always entitle you to respect."

"Oh, this is dreadful!" cried the girl, bewildered and almost
paralyzed by the old man's inexorable words and manner. So
unsophisticated was she, so accustomed to be governed, that the
impression was strong that she could be controlled even in this
supreme crisis.

She rushed into the parlor, where her cousin was striding up and
down in a whirl of the glad excitement so congenial to his spirit.
"Cousin Madison," she exclaimed, "I know you are hasty and
impetuous, but generous impulses should go with such a nature. You
surely will not use your advantage against an orphan girl?"

"No, indeed, dear coz, not against, but for you. I love you too well
to leave you to the chances of war."

"Oh, but this is the certainty of evil. You know I do not love you.
If you would wait--if you would give me time to think it all over--"

"Why, so you shall when I've escorted you and mother to some place
where none can molest or make you afraid."

"Escort me, then, as I am, under your mother's care. Truly this
would be a better way to win my heart than such hasty violence to